conscience_n be_v as_o it_o be_v bribe_v in_o their_o testimony_n by_o the_o love_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n now_o if_o we_o lie_v aside_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n those_o that_o act_n by_o no_o principle_n of_o reason_n at_o all_o and_o those_o who_o be_v manifest_o corrupt_v by_o their_o lust_n and_o smother_v and_o contradict_v their_o own_o reason_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v esteem_v fit_a man_n to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o judge_n of_o truth_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v any_o not_o reducible_a to_o one_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n be_v infinite_o a_o less_o number_n than_o those_o who_o have_v be_v constant_a witness_n to_o and_o assertor_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o that_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o they_o and_o of_o life_n itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o infer_v that_o though_o the_o father_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v consider_v only_o as_o witness_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o general_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o yet_o their_o example_n add_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o choice_n in_o be_v religious_a though_o we_o have_v no_o further_a motive_n to_o it_o than_o this_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o who_o renounce_v religion_n do_v it_o either_o without_o or_o against_o their_o reason_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o competent_a evidence_n on_o their_o side_n who_o do_v so_o but_o the_o force_n of_o their_o example_n before_o mention_v will_v be_v yet_o more_o considerable_a to_o engage_v we_o to_o imitate_v their_o patience_n if_o we_o consider_v 2._o the_o great_a difference_n between_o their_o state_n and_o we_o and_o the_o far_o great_a advantage_n we_o enjoy_v above_o they_o how_o far_o their_o knowledge_n extend_v beyond_o the_o the_o principle_n before_o mention_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a nor_o necessary_a to_o determine_v but_o thus_o much_o be_v plain_a that_o their_o condition_n be_v much_o more_o imperfect_a than_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a the_o promise_n they_o receive_v be_v mysterious_a and_o unevident_a but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o case_n be_v much_o otherwise_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n under_o which_o the_o promise_a messiah_n be_v obscure_o represent_v of_o old_a be_v now_o exchange_v for_o the_o substance_n itself_o now_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v now_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o than_o they_o have_v in_o that_o he_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o give_v he_o for_o we_o all_o we_o have_v a_o better_a prospect_n of_o the_o promise_a reward_n we_o 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degree_n of_o faith_n so_o mighty_a a_o confidence_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n as_o to_o endure_v such_o bitter_a thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o we_o read_v they_o do_v how_o strong_o shall_v this_o excite_v and_o provoke_v our_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n to_o follow_v after_o they_o in_o this_o glorious_a enterprise_n and_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v ashamed_a and_o blush_v to_o read_v the_o history_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o virtue_n if_o we_o who_o enjoy_v so_o many_o advantage_n above_o they_o do_v yet_o come_v short_a of_o their_o bravery_n and_o resolution_n and_o constant_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n aught_o to_o have_v this_o further_a influence_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o like_o cheerful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o reward_n the_o crown_n we_o seek_v for_o the_o hard_a duty_n require_v of_o we_o have_v be_v long_o since_o accomplish_v by_o they_o and_o accomplish_v with_o such_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n such_o ravish_a apprehension_n of_o the_o joy_n set_v before_o they_o as_o perfect_o over-balanced_n all_o the_o difficulty_n they_o meet_v with_o and_o make_v they_o joyful_a and_o courageous_a amid_o the_o most_o severe_a torture_n let_v no_o man_n then_o pretend_v that_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v keep_v that_o his_o law_n be_v hard_a or_o grievous_a to_o be_v do_v since_o we_o have_v see_v they_o fulfil_v in_o so_o high_a a_o manner_n and_o that_o under_o a_o more_o imperfect_a dispensation_n than_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o state_n of_o those_o manifest_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o our_o task_n which_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o their_o example_n but_o they_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v very_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a worthy_a our_o choice_n and_o constant_a embrace_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o great_a danger_n and_o persecution_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o shall_v have_v express_v so_o constant_a a_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v for_o its_o sake_n it_o be_v a_o fansiful_a supposition_n of_o tully_n that_o if_o virtue_n can_v be_v see_v by_o bodily_a eye_n it_o will_v appear_v so_o comely_a and_o amiable_a so_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a that_o man_n will_v need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o embrace_v it_o i_o will_v not_o say_v this_o supposition_n be_v altogether_o extravagant_a because_o it_o may_v fair_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o great_a example_n of_o virtue_n some_o of_o which_o have_v appear_v in_o all_o age_n to_o vindicate_v its_o practice_n from_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n under_o which_o the_o folly_n and_o slothfulness_n of_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o represent_v it_o in_o brave_a and_o heroic_a example_n virtue_n appear_v as_o it_o be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n visible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o most_o stupid_a and_o insensible_a since_o there_o be_v none_o so_o barbarous_a and_o savage_a who_o will_v not_o follow_v a_o true_o virtuous_a man_n with_o reverence_n and_o applause_n though_o they_o see_v he_o ofttimes_o cloud_v by_o affliction_n and_o oppress_v by_o the_o malicious_a and_o unjust_a the_o truth_n be_v no_o kind_n of_o argument_n have_v great_a advantage_n of_o persuasion_n and_o leave_v we_o more_o without_o excuse_n than_o good_a and_o virtuous_a example_n other_o may_v speak_v great_a thing_n in_o commendation_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o reward_v prepare_v for_o it_o but_o if_o notwithstanding_o they_o live_v not_o as_o they_o teach_v there_o be_v a_o easy_a answer_n to_o be_v make_v to_o such_o exhortation_n and_o we_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o reply_v sure_o these_o man_n do_v not_o real_o believe_v what_o they_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v we_o for_o if_o they_o do_v it_o will_v be_v their_o interest_n to_o practice_v virtue_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o why_o do_v they_o neglect_v it_o but_o when_o man_n teach_v we_o by_o example_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n than_o they_o may_v urge_v their_o precept_n with_o good_a assurance_n and_o we_o have_v no_o excuse_n or_o pretence_n leave_v why_o we_o shall_v not_o follow_v and_o imitate_v they_o the_o saint_n therefore_o and_o martyr_n who_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o such_o glorious_a memorial_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o patient_a suffering_n for_o conscience_n sake_n do_v herein_o give_v we_o the_o most_o powerful_a
the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o to_o fulfil_v they_o this_o he_o perform_v partly_o by_o do_v and_o suffer_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v concern_v he_o and_o by_o accomplish_v what_o be_v fore-shewn_a by_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o law_n partly_o by_o his_o divine_a discourse_n and_o sermon_n give_v new_a life_n and_o authority_n to_o those_o rule_n of_o good_a live_n they_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o moses_n add_v to_o and_o improve_n they_o where_o they_o be_v defective_a and_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a sense_n and_o purity_n where_o they_o be_v either_o obscure_o deliver_v or_o by_o the_o misinterpretation_n of_o their_o doctor_n be_v general_o misunderstand_v and_o this_o he_o do_v suitable_o to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o those_o command_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o moses_n law_n some_o whereof_o consist_v of_o rite_n and_o ceremonial_a observance_n which_o be_v a_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o be_v upon_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o thing_n present_o to_o have_v a_o end_n other_o contain_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n and_o be_v of_o a_o absolute_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n now_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n a_o people_n infinite_o prone_a to_o superstition_n be_v very_o nice_a and_o curious_a in_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o outward_a circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n even_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o righteousness_n judgement_n and_o mercy_n which_o they_o ought_v chief_o to_o have_v do_v though_o not_o to_o have_v leave_v the_o other_o undo_v the_o blame_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o lay_v upon_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o then_o be_v the_o great_a pretender_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o in_o truth_n the_o great_a corrupter_n of_o it_o by_o lay_v the_o chief_a stress_n upon_o the_o outward_a and_o less_o material_a circumstance_n and_o evacuate_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o it_o by_o too_o nice_a and_o narrow_a interpretation_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o design_n at_o the_o 20._o v._n he_o forewarn_v his_o hearer_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ignorant_a in_o what_o particular_n they_o ought_v to_o exceed_v what_o the_o pharisee_n teach_v in_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o sermon_n he_o give_v they_o several_a instance_n wherein_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n partly_o by_o its_o own_o obscurity_n partly_o by_o their_o misinterpretation_n be_v general_o misunderstand_v among_o other_o part_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v not_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v none_o to_o which_o they_o be_v great_a stranger_n than_o this_o in_o the_o text_n of_o love_a enemy_n they_o have_v receive_v levit._n nineteeen_o 18._o this_o precept_n thou_o shall_v not_o avenge_v nor_o bear_v any_o grudge_n against_o the_o child_n of_o thy_o people_n but_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o now_o the_o jew_n understand_v the_o word_n neighbour_n only_o of_o the_o child_n of_o their_o people_n of_o man_n of_o their_o own_o tribe_n and_o country_n of_o man_n that_o keep_v mutual_a correspondence_n and_o agreement_n with_o they_o they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o as_o for_o other_o man_n who_o be_v stranger_n and_o alien_n to_o they_o they_o be_v at_o full_a liberty_n to_o exercise_v what_o revenge_n they_o please_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n but_o this_o latter_a clause_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n be_v a_o additional_a interpretation_n no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o law_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o former_a precept_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n explication_n of_o it_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n have_v thus_o far_o show_v the_o connexion_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o forego_n and_o with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v they_o by_o themselves_o and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o set_v before_o you_o 1._o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v 2._o our_o obligation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o duty_n love_v your_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n love_n be_v of_o a_o very_a large_a signification_n and_o in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v general_o use_v to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n thus_o our_o saviour_n use_v it_o in_o the_o summary_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o teach_v the_o lawyer_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v comprise_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o 37._o matth._n 22._o 37._o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o on_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n by_o which_o use_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n include_v all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o one_o man_n can_v owe_v to_o another_o and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v when_o apply_v to_o enemy_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o connexion_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o former_a verse_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a our_o saviour_n alter_v not_o the_o comprehensive_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n only_o enlarge_v the_o object_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o whereas_o they_o have_v be_v before_o teach_v to_o confine_v their_o love_n that_o be_v the_o several_a office_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n only_o to_o their_o neighbour_n that_o be_v as_o they_o understand_v it_o only_o to_o their_o friend_n and_o countryman_n they_o shall_v now_o extend_v the_o same_o office_n to_o enemy_n likewise_o as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o not_o only_o to_o stranger_n and_o alien_n but_o to_o those_o also_o that_o profess_a hatred_n to_o they_o and_o do_v they_o injury_n this_o he_o prescribe_v first_o general_o by_o the_o name_n of_o love_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n and_o then_o leave_v they_o shall_v make_v too_o narrow_a a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n he_o further_o explain_v it_o by_o the_o most_o oblige_a instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o contrary_a practice_n of_o their_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o large_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o office_n which_o be_v peculiar_o due_a to_o our_o enemy_n as_o such_o over_z and_o above_o what_o can_v be_v due_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o those_o be_v refer_v usual_o to_o these_o three_o general_a head_n 1._o that_o we_o do_v not_o return_v those_o evil_n upon_o our_o enemy_n which_o he_o have_v do_v we_o 2._o that_o we_o forgive_v he_o from_o our_o heart_n 3._o that_o we_o recompense_v good_a to_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o assistance_n 1._o if_o we_o be_v command_v to_o love_v our_o enemy_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v that_o we_o be_v hereby_o forbid_v all_o practice_n towards_o he_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o must_v forbear_v all_o act_n of_o revenge_n and_o hostility_n towards_o he_o all_o recompense_v evil_a for_o evil_n this_o branch_n of_o our_o duty_n our_o saviour_n particular_o teach_v at_o the_o 38_o 39_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n but_o i_o say_v
his_o good_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o though_o god_n will_v infuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o a_o miracle_n but_o that_o those_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v blessed_v by_o he_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o old_a oeconomy_n the_o jew_n be_v refer_v to_o moses_n for_o their_o instruction_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o these_o man_n and_o their_o successor_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n in_o order_n to_o instruction_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o these_o themselves_o we_o may_v have_v recourse_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o as_o a_o certain_a guide_n to_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o to_o their_o successor_n we_o have_v recourse_n in_o our_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a ministry_n who_o derive_v their_o commission_n by_o a_o continue_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v impower_v by_o christ_n to_o ordain_v other_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o office_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o these_o person_n thus_o impower_v all_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o apply_v themselves_o with_o humility_n and_o diligence_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n abovementioned_a he_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n 3._o this_o condition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n imply_v further_a that_o in_o our_o search_n after_o divine_a truth_n and_o in_o our_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v we_o we_o must_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o our_o knowledge_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v more_o particular_o express_v in_o the_o text._n many_o there_o be_v who_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a after_o truth_n but_o they_o have_v ofttimes_o very_o different_a and_o undue_a end_n in_o their_o enquiry_n sometime_o they_o do_v it_o to_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n sometime_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o maintain_v their_o party_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o with_o some_o plausible_a show_n of_o reason_n sometime_o they_o do_v it_o for_o ostentation_n and_o vainglory_n that_o they_o may_v appear_v wise_a and_o more_o learned_a than_o their_o neighbour_n and_o sometime_o they_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n as_o other_o man_n do_v their_o merchandise_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o gain_n of_o it_o and_o provide_v for_o their_o subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n now_o now_o all_o these_o several_a sort_n of_o enquirer_n may_v possible_o attain_v the_o several_a end_n they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v grow_v learned_a and_o wise_a in_o the_o ordinary_a account_n of_o man_n they_o may_v grow_v rich_a and_o gain_v esteem_n and_o applause_n among_o man_n and_o in_o this_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n but_o still_o they_o may_v want_v the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v of_o which_o be_v not_o attainable_a by_o any_o that_o do_v not_o intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n this_o alone_a make_v they_o capable_a of_o a_o full_a and_o sensible_a conviction_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v talk_v superficial_o about_o religious_a matter_n or_o that_o can_v give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v dispute_v learned_o about_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o decide_v controverfy_v not_o every_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o accomplish_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o our_o saviour_n sense_n no_o he_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n absolute_o and_o entire_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v receive_v a_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n concern_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o than_o can_v be_v gain_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n and_o most_o convince_a demonstration_n he_o shall_v find_v in_o his_o soul_n a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v such_o as_o shall_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubtfulness_n or_o dispute_v 4._o we_o must_v not_o only_o intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o this_o as_o the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o enquiry_n but_o we_o must_v actual_o endeavour_v to_o discharge_v those_o duty_n we_o already_o know_v if_o we_o hope_v to_o attaim_v to_o a_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n in_o our_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o neglect_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o he_o already_o know_v he_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o submit_v to_o those_o further_a instruction_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o in_o this_o place_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v to_o exact_v this_o qualification_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v practice_v those_o duty_n they_o already_o know_v if_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o otherwise_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a way_n of_o proceed_v to_o persuade_v man_n first_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o to_o promise_v they_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o enter_v upon_o a_o way_n of_o live_v so_o strict_a and_o severe_a as_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v without_o be_v satisfy_v before_o hand_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o that_o be_v true_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v there_o require_v and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o great_a duty_n and_o interest_n to_o obey_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o sad_a experience_n that_o many_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v yet_o very_o backward_o to_o practice_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o but_o how_o much_o more_o unwilling_o will_v they_o undertake_v this_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o they_o have_v obey_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n here_o speak_v of_o must_v in_o part_n be_v understand_v of_o those_o previous_a instruction_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v our_o saviour_n have_v before_o receive_v the_o jew_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n here_o direct_v his_o discourse_n have_v the_o instruction_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n from_o who_o they_o may_v have_v understand_v the_o principal_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n will_v doubtless_o have_v be_v a_o great_a preparation_n for_o their_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o for_o those_o enquirer_n after_o truth_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n no_o man_n can_v ordinary_o grow_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a society_n to_o a_o age_n capable_a of_o such_o inquiry_n but_o must_v have_v be_v competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n in_o the_o substantial_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n those_o three_o great_a branch_n of_o duty_n which_o s._n paul_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o themselves_o of_o so_o evident_a a_o obligation_n that_o no_o man_n who_o have_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n especial_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o live_v so_o suppose_v we_o then_o a_o man_n competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n whether_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o his_o
mind_n or_o conscience_n as_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o heathen_n or_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n or_o last_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o christian_a education_n as_o the_o state_n of_o those_o among_o ourselves_o be_v who_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o inquire_v more_o near_o into_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o suppose_v we_o a_o man_n already_o instruct_v by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n in_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o practice_n desirous_a of_o further_a knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o live_v up_o to_o those_o principle_n he_o be_v already_o instruct_v in_o resolve_v also_o to_o submit_v obedient_o to_o whatsoever_o else_o upon_o his_o further_a enquiry_n he_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n such_o a_o man_n thus_o prepare_v by_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o thus_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v belong_v 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 proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o success_n to_o those_o that_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o this_o preparation_n and_o here_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v brief_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v before_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v therefore_o that_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o universal_o as_o though_o no_o man_n who_o be_v sincere_o resolve_v to_o obey_v god_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o kind_n of_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o this_o be_v contradict_v by_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n for_o it_o will_v be_v very_o uncharitable_a to_o suppose_v that_o among_o most_o of_o the_o dissent_v party_n in_o religion_n who_o maintain_v great_a controversy_n with_o one_o another_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v some_o person_n true_o devout_a and_o sincere_a on_o both_o side_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n true_o religious_a shall_v not_o err_v at_o all_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v lead_v into_o such_o error_n as_o be_v dangerous_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o salvation_n and_o indeed_o the_o promise_n in_o this_o place_n be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o so_o general_a term_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o require_v any_o large_a interpretation_n than_o this_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o now_o beliver_v to_o you_o whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v extend_v beyond_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o he_o shall_v receive_v satisfaction_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n true_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a and_o that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o deliver_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n 2._o he_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v also_o concern_v those_o particular_a truth_n which_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n these_o two_o thing_n will_v be_v the_o undoubted_a effect_n of_o a_o religious_a frame_n of_o mind_n of_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a to_o all_o who_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o that_o preparation_n and_o this_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o natural_a influence_n that_o a_o religious_a temper_n of_o mind_n have_v upon_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v it_o fit_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o divine_a truth_n 2._o the_o peculiar_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n good_a spirit_n which_o always_o accompany_v a_o true_o religious_a man_n to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o former_a and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o religious_a duty_n have_v a_o natural_a efficacy_n upon_o the_o mind_n to_o clear_v its_o discern_a faculty_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o understanding_n and_o give_v a_o full_a assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v by_o instance_v in_o some_o particular_a duty_n which_o be_v of_o a_o natural_a obligation_n which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o each_o of_o which_o single_o consider_v have_v a_o very_a immediate_a influence_n upon_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o consideration_n of_o which_o it_o will_v also_o appear_v that_o the_o contrary_a vice_n to_o these_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n the_o duty_n i_o shall_v particular_o insist_v on_o be_v these_o 1._o simplicity_n of_o mind_n without_o prejudice_n 2._o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n 3._o humility_n 4._o calmness_n of_o temper_n 5._o prayer_n to_o god_n these_o be_v all_o duty_n of_o a_o natural_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v presume_v ignorant_a of_o nor_o unwilling_a to_o practice_v they_o if_o he_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o that_o preparation_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o 1._o he_o that_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o this_o intention_n to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n concern_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o such_o a_o one_o will_v bring_v with_o he_o a_o honest_a simplicity_n of_o mind_n not_o bias_v by_o prejudice_n or_o preconceive_a opinion_n such_o a_o one_o will_v consider_v with_o himself_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o his_o own_o fancy_n or_o petty_a reason_n that_o a_o strong_a imagination_n can_v make_v those_o thing_n article_n of_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v and_o therefore_o he_o will_v bring_v with_o he_o no_o preconceive_a opinion_n which_o he_o will_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v aside_o upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o distort_v and_o wrest_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n to_o that_o sense_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o former_o have_v but_o will_v ready_o yield_v up_o all_o his_o former_a notion_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o we_o be_v natural_o oblige_v to_o this_o simplicity_n of_o judgement_n in_o all_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n be_v evident_a because_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o dispute_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o challenge_v from_o our_o adversary_n as_o our_o undoubted_a right_n that_o he_o will_v hear_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v without_o prejudice_n and_o therefore_o we_o also_o ought_v to_o bring_v with_o we_o to_o a_o religious_a debate_n the_o same_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n which_o we_o expect_v from_o other_o and_o indeed_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n be_v high_o necessary_a and_o very_o advantageous_a to_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o truth_n for_o certain_o the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n be_v very_o great_a to_o darken_v man_n mind_n and_o to_o mould_v they_o into_o such_o apprehension_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o man_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o party_n and_o prepossess_v with_o the_o distinguish_a opinion_n of_o their_o sect_n easy_o find_v way_n to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o sense_n to_o make_v it_o agree_v with_o the_o analogy_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o their_o darling_n notion_n when_o i_o speak_v of_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n in_o the_o search_n after_o divine_a truth_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o we_o must_v call_v in_o question_n all_o kind_n of_o preconception_n we_o have_v have_v concern_v religious_a matter_n some_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o religion_n of_o so_o great_a certainty_n and_o evidence_n that_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o otherwise_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v he_o such_o be_v those_o preconception_n we_o have_v concern_v the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v most_o wise_a just_a powerful_a faithful_a
and_o true_a etc._n etc._n such_o also_o be_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n soul_n which_o have_v so_o evident_a a_o obligation_n that_o no_o pretend_a demonstration_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o shake_v our_o belief_n of_o they_o but_o there_o be_v other_o opinion_n which_o man_n take_v up_o upon_o lesser_a evidence_n which_o they_o be_v sometime_o as_o tenacious_a of_o as_o of_o those_o first_o fundamental_a principle_n and_o these_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la be_v common_o the_o great_a hindrance_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o sect_n in_o religion_n which_o have_v not_o some_o peculiar_a tenet_n which_o they_o take_v up_o upon_o weak_a and_o incompetent_a ground_n in_o proportion_n to_o which_o they_o judge_v of_o all_o other_o doctrine_n and_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n according_a to_o which_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n must_v be_v interpret_v now_o in_o regard_n we_o all_o confess_v ourselves_o liable_a to_o infirmity_n and_o mistake_n it_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o equitable_a and_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n we_o resolve_v with_o ourselves_o always_o to_o submit_v to_o clear_a evidence_n though_o we_o have_v be_v otherwise_o persuade_v now_o that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o temper_n be_v a_o very_a great_a hindrance_n both_o to_o the_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o our_o understanding_n it_o aright_o when_o we_o have_v receive_v it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o two_o notorious_a instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n in_o either_o of_o these_o case_n the_o first_o instance_n shall_v be_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n day_n the_o great_a opposition_n which_o our_o saviour_n meet_v withal_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o great_a reason_n why_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v he_o for_o their_o messiah_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o prejudice_n that_o they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o long_o expect_a messiah_n be_v to_o have_v be_v a_o temporal_a prince_n and_o to_o have_v appear_v with_o worldly_a pomp_n and_o splendour_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o have_v reign_v glorious_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o see_v he_o appear_v in_o so_o mean_a and_o despicable_a a_o condition_n not_o all_o the_o demonstration_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n accompany_v he_o in_o all_o his_o mighty_a work_n not_o the_o great_a wisdom_n with_o which_o he_o speak_v not_o the_o most_o divine_a and_o excellent_a precept_n he_o give_v not_o all_o the_o prediction_n of_o their_o prophet_n fulfil_v by_o he_o not_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n though_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o as_o great_a evidence_n as_o they_o can_v have_v require_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o can_v prevail_v with_o they_o against_o that_o one_o prejudice_n that_o his_o power_n be_v to_o be_v temporal_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n in_o a_o literal_a sense_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o state_n of_o suffering_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n appear_v now_o that_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v take_v up_o upon_o insufficient_a ground_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o though_o there_o be_v glorious_a thing_n speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n yet_o his_o suffering_n also_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o same_o prophet_n in_o as_o plain_a word_n as_o the_o other_o nay_o it_o be_v express_o say_v by_o isaiah_n that_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v consequent_a upon_o his_o suffering_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o they_o and_o the_o jew_n themselves_o have_v be_v so_o far_o sensible_a of_o the_o force_n of_o those_o prediction_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v suffer_v that_o to_o salve_v those_o prophecy_n they_o invent_v a_o fable_n concern_v a_o twofold_n messiah_n one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o suffer_v for_o they_o and_o the_o other_o to_o redeem_v they_o and_o to_o reign_v glorious_o over_o they_o though_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n ch_n liij_o v._o 12._o express_o attribute_n both_o to_o the_o same_o person_n make_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o glory_n which_o god_n will_v afterward_o confer_v on_o he_o therefore_o will_v i_o divide_v he_o a_o portion_n with_o the_o great_a and_o he_o shall_v divide_v the_o spoil_n with_o the_o strong_a because_o he_o have_v pour_v out_o his_o soul_n unto_o death_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v strong_o affect_v with_o the_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o and_o they_o hope_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o shall_v plentiful_o enjoy_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v no_o more_o of_o the_o prophet_n than_o agree_v with_o this_o opinion_n that_o be_v so_o suitable_a to_o their_o inclination_n and_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o most_o powerful_a demonstration_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v thus_o we_o see_v how_o great_a the_o power_n of_o this_o one_o prejudice_n be_v to_o hinder_v the_o jew_n from_o receive_v the_o gospel_n at_o first_o nor_o be_v the_o power_n of_o preconceive_a opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la less_o dangerous_a to_o hinder_v our_o understanding_n the_o gospel_n when_o we_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o of_o this_o i_o may_v produce_v many_o instance_n in_o the_o several_a dissent_v party_n in_o christendom_n every_o sect_n have_v some_o peculiar_a and_o darling_a notion_n which_o they_o hold_v tenacious_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o which_o all_o other_o doctrine_n must_v be_v bow_v and_o wrest_v as_o they_o can_v best_o contrive_v it_o i_o shall_v give_v but_o one_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n as_o it_o be_v maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o be_v the_o lead_a prejudice_n of_o that_o party_n which_o be_v once_o firm_o receive_v it_o become_v the_o mother_n of_o the_o most_o absurd_a and_o contradictious_a opinion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o make_v those_o who_o believe_v it_o uncapable_a of_o conviction_n by_o any_o argument_n though_o never_o so_o clear_a and_o cogent_a for_o what_o argument_n can_v possible_o prevail_v with_o those_o who_o resolve_v to_o reject_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o sense_n though_o never_o so_o well_o qualify_v rather_o than_o call_v in_o question_n the_o infallible_a decision_n of_o their_o church_n and_o this_o the_o papist_n plain_o do_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n which_o have_v so_o many_o plain_a absurdity_n in_o it_o and_o be_v so_o clear_o contradict_v by_o our_o several_a sense_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o judge_v in_o that_o matter_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o their_o obstinate_a defend_n of_o it_o but_o that_o they_o can_v renounce_v the_o doctrine_n without_o quit_v their_o claim_n to_o infallibility_n it_o be_v beside_o my_o present_a business_n to_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o build_v that_o infallible_a power_n of_o their_o church_n in_o determine_v matter_n of_o faith_n but_o yet_o methinks_v i_o can_v persuade_v myself_o that_o they_o have_v any_o argument_n for_o it_o so_o plain_a and_o cogent_a as_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v a_o strange_a way_n of_o argue_v which_o they_o use_v to_o deny_v matter_n of_o fact_n evident_a to_o their_o several_a sense_n to_o maintain_v a_o doctrine_n for_o which_o they_o have_v infinite_o less_o evidence_n than_o that_o they_o reject_v we_o see_v then_o how_o far_o preconceive_a opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la may_v prevail_v both_o to_o make_v man_n uncapable_a of_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o understand_v it_o right_o when_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o consequent_o how_o much_o this_o simplicity_n of_o mind_n do_v contribute_v to_o our_o success_n in_o the_o inquiry_n we_o make_v after_o divine_a truth_n 2._o the_o second_o branch_n of_o duty_n which_o do_v high_o conduce_v to_o our_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o understand_v it_o aright_o be_v purity_n of_o heart_n which_o consist_v chief_o in_o the_o moderation_n of_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o pleasure_n he_o that_o intend_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n must_v not_o retain_v in_o his_o bosom_n any_o lust_n or_o habitual_a inclination_n which_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o forego_v if_o he_o find_v it_o contradictory_n to_o his_o will_n who_o he_o resolve_v to_o obey_v and_o for_o that_o reason_n must_v have_v a_o constant_a watch_n over_o his_o sensual_a desire_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o their_o due_a bound_n those_o natural_a
appetite_n which_o every_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n be_v in_o themselves_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o be_v design_v by_o he_o for_o good_a end_n and_o we_o may_v lawful_o gratify_v they_o so_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o end_n but_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o our_o prudence_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n to_o understand_v the_o true_a bound_n how_o far_o we_o may_v lawful_o indulge_v the_o low_a faculty_n and_o to_o restthere_o for_o if_o our_o reason_n which_o shall_v prefide_v over_o they_o once_o let_v go_v the_o reins_o by_o which_o she_o shall_v govern_v and_o restrain_v they_o they_o easy_o get_v the_o mastery_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o their_o just_a measure_n without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o reluctancy_n now_o the_o regulate_v these_o desire_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n recommend_v to_o we_o s._n matt._n v._n 8._o as_o a_o mean_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n of_o god_n bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n which_o blessing_n though_o it_o principal_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o blissful_a sight_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o have_v it_o part_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n in_o this_o life_n the_o pure_a in_o heart_n be_v the_o best_a qualify_v to_o judge_v of_o those_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o the_o contrary_a vice_n tend_v to_o the_o debauch_v the_o understanding_n in_o these_o matter_n the_o fume_n of_o lust_n and_o intemperance_n be_v very_o pernicious_a to_o our_o rational_a power_n they_o make_v man_n dull_a and_o of_o no_o understanding_n even_o in_o the_o ordinary_a affair_n of_o life_n and_o then_o sure_o if_o they_o make_v man_n unfit_a for_o worldly_a business_n they_o will_v render_v they_o infinite_o more_o uncapable_a of_o religious_a inquiry_n a_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o his_o impure_a desire_n will_v not_o easy_o be_v bring_v to_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n to_o inquire_v serious_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o satisfaction_n he_o be_v afraid_a he_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o something_o that_o will_v ruffle_v and_o discompose_v his_o thought_n awaken_v his_o conscience_n and_o put_v a_o check_n to_o his_o career_n of_o pleasure_n and_o therefore_o while_o he_o can_v find_v pretence_n to_o defer_v his_o enquiry_n he_o will_n but_o then_o suppose_v a_o man_n of_o this_o temper_n shall_v for_o once_o undertake_v to_o peruse_v the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v prepossess_v with_o the_o love_n of_o these_o sensual_a delight_n he_o will_v find_v out_o many_o argument_n to_o defend_v himself_o withal_o many_o art_n and_o evasion_n to_o justify_v or_o at_o least_o to_o palliate_v and_o excuse_v his_o practice_n and_o then_o withal_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o will_v not_o have_v a_o due_a relish_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o precept_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v nor_o of_o the_o reward_v it_o promise_n they_o be_v of_o a_o more_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o kind_n so_o vast_o different_a from_o what_o he_o be_v most_o delight_v with_o so_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n ij_o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v to_o this_o purity_n of_o heart_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o may_v be_v reduce_v a_o generous_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n a_o freedom_n from_o all_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a desire_n for_o he_o that_o have_v his_o heart_n set_v upon_o riches_n or_o upon_o the_o pomp_n and_o gallantry_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o in_o any_o capacity_n of_o receive_v or_o understand_v the_o gospel_n these_o two_o vice_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n have_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v note_v for_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o young_a man_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n go_v away_o sorrowful_a because_o he_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v a_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n without_o relinquish_a his_o large_a possession_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o demus_n apostasy_n from_o the_o religion_n he_o once_o embrace_v because_o he_o love_v the_o present_a world_n diotrephes_n be_v note_v by_o s._n john_n for_o his_o ambition_n for_o he_o withstand_v the_o apostle_n love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n s._n paul_n also_o put_v these_o two_o cause_n together_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n as_o the_o principal_a reason_n of_o heresy_n and_o false_a doctrine_n 1_o tim._n vj._n 3._o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n he_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o but_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v any_o man_n of_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o interest_n or_o ambitious_a desire_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o understand_v that_o this_o duty_n of_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o consist_v in_o regulate_v our_o worldly_a and_o sensual_a affection_n high_o conduce_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n because_o it_o take_v away_o those_o dangerous_a cause_n of_o error_n and_o apostasy_n 3._o a_o three_o branch_n of_o duty_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o as_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o all_o enquirer_n after_o divine_a truth_n be_v humility_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o divine_a impression_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o property_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o modest_a man_n 1._o he_o that_o be_v true_o humble_a and_o sensible_a of_o his_o many_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v all_o mystery_n he_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v infinite_a can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o his_o finite_a and_o narrow_a faculty_n he_o know_v that_o no_o reason_v of_o we_o can_v give_v we_o so_o true_a a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o various_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o man_n as_o god_n himself_o can_v and_o therefore_o he_o do_v with_o all_o reverence_n submit_v his_o understanding_n to_o those_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o provide_v they_o be_v there_o plain_o deliver_v he_o will_v not_o be_v discourage_v from_o his_o belief_n of_o they_o by_o any_o of_o those_o imperfect_a reason_n wherewith_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n may_v endeavour_v to_o shake_v his_o faith_n 2._o a_o true_o humble_a man_n will_v not_o be_v too_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a in_o pray_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o reveal_v much_o less_o will_v he_o be_v positive_a and_o dogmatical_a concern_v they_o this_o virtue_n of_o humility_n will_v lead_v he_o to_o consider_v that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o and_o such_o controvert_v doctrine_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o they_o will_v have_v be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n with_o the_o same_o plainness_n as_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n be_v he_o will_v satisfy_v himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o have_v interpret_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n as_o far_o as_o he_o think_v convenient_a and_o therefore_o where_o god_n have_v not_o use_v this_o plainess_n he_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a check_n to_o his_o curiosity_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o pry_v into_o it_o according_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n deut._n xxix_o 29._o the_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v belong_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n for_o ever_o 3._o a_o humble_a man_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o learn_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v instruct_v he_o will_v easy_o believe_v that_o some_o other_o man_n may_v have_v better_a ability_n to_o understand_v and_o judge_v of_o truth_n than_o himself_o especial_o he_o will_v have_v a_o great_a deference_n and_o regard_n to_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n who_o be_v set_v over_o he_o for_o his_o instruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n he_o will_v consider_v that_o these_o man_n be_v commission_v by_o god_n and_o have_v a_o peculiar_a
promise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o enable_v they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o holy_a office_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o with_o such_o reverence_n as_o be_v due_a to_o the_o ambassador_n of_o god_n to_o the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n not_o that_o the_o true_o humble_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v a_o blind_a assent_n to_o whatever_o he_o hear_v deliver_v from_o a_o pulpit_n or_o that_o he_o be_v present_o to_o renounce_v his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n whenever_o it_o be_v contradict_v by_o his_o immediate_a pastor_n no_o we_o do_v not_o claim_v this_o dominion_n over_o the_o reason_n and_o conscience_n of_o our_o brethren_n we_o do_v not_o require_v a_o absolute_a assent_n to_o all_o we_o say_v only_o thus_o much_o a_o humble_a man_n will_v and_o aught_o to_o think_v his_o duty_n not_o to_o oppose_v every_o private_a scruple_n of_o his_o own_o to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o he_o live_v much_o less_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o without_o manifest_a and_o plain_a ground_n he_o ought_v rather_o to_o distrust_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o public_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n for_o further_a information_n before_o he_o be_v positive_a in_o his_o opinion_n he_o ought_v to_o apply_v himself_o with_o all_o humility_n to_o his_o superior_n to_o desire_v satisfaction_n from_o they_o and_o he_o ought_v to_o attend_v to_o they_o with_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a lest_o any_o prejudice_n or_o self-interest_n shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o persuasion_n and_o than_o if_o after_o a_o due_a diligence_n he_o find_v himself_o still_o unconvince_v yet_o still_o humility_n will_v oblige_v he_o not_o to_o judge_v those_o who_o differ_v from_o he_o nor_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o he_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n which_o he_o be_v not_o full_o convince_v to_o be_v be_v unlawful_a now_o he_o that_o proce_v with_o this_o humility_n and_o deliberation_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o those_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n which_o seem_v doubtful_a to_o he_o this_o humble_a temper_n will_v either_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o superior_n or_o at_o least_o will_v secure_v he_o from_o the_o danger_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o error_n for_o simple_a error_n be_v not_o dangerous_a in_o itself_o unless_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o culpable_a cause_n or_o unless_o it_o lead_v to_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n and_o this_o a_o humble_a man_n will_v hardly_o be_v tempt_v to_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o private_a opinion_n 4._o a_o humble_a and_o modest_a man_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o yield_v to_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o matter_n he_o inquire_v about_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v not_o require_v great_a evidence_n for_o reveal_v truth_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v of_o and_o indeed_o the_o want_n of_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n may_v just_o be_v account_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n many_o disputer_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o wit_n and_o part_n to_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v a_o paradox_n and_o to_o stand_v their_o ground_n against_o all_o opposition_n these_o man_n seek_v not_o truth_n but_o victory_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o as_o to_o amuse_v other_o and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v a_o objection_n which_o they_o think_v their_o adversary_n can_v answer_v they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v unanswerable_a and_o think_v that_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o all_o positive_a argument_n whatsoever_o now_o this_o perverse_a and_o conceit_a way_n of_o dispute_v render_v man_n very_o unfit_a to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n in_o any_o kind_n of_o science_n but_o especial_o in_o religion_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o proof_n but_o that_o a_o perverse_a and_o unteachable_a spirit_n may_v find_v some_o kind_n of_o evasion_n to_o abate_v the_o force_n of_o they_o and_o may_v raise_v some_o kind_n of_o groundless_a suspicion_n that_o possible_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v there_o represent_v the_o evidence_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o these_o day_n do_v in_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o historical_a truth_n of_o those_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v attest_v by_o as_o credible_a witness_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n ever_o be_v and_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o or_o better_a proof_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o still_o a_o man_n that_o be_v perverse_a and_o obstinate_a may_v say_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o convince_a than_o that_o of_o witness_n that_o see_v be_v believe_v and_o if_o i_o can_v see_v some_o of_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_v wrought_v now_o which_o be_v report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n i_o will_v believe_v but_o as_o for_o these_o historical_a narration_n if_o either_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v or_o do_v intend_v to_o deceive_v or_o delude_v posterity_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o either_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v those_o relation_n be_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o now_o although_o it_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suppose_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n shall_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n so_o cheerful_o in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o be_v satisfy_v about_o it_o themselves_o or_o with_o intention_n to_o deceive_v other_o though_o this_o be_v the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o think_v so_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n what_o further_a argument_n can_v be_v use_v to_o convince_v he_o for_o what_o further_a evidence_n can_v we_o expect_v of_o any_o man_n sincerity_n in_o what_o he_o say_v than_o that_o he_o will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o attest_v it_o as_o they_o do_v and_o then_o for_o their_o knowledge_n in_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v well_o appeal_v to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n wherewith_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v that_o such_o man_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n yet_o still_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n be_v not_o so_o great_a evidence_n as_o that_o of_o sense_n though_o it_o be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o a_o man_n that_o be_v resolve_v to_o yield_v to_o nothing_o but_o sensible_a demonstration_n must_v expect_v to_o go_v away_o unsatisfied_a as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o it_o be_v not_o now_o capable_a of_o that_o kind_n of_o evidence_n but_o now_o a_o humble_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n that_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n in_o order_n to_o practice_n such_o a_o one_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o obstinate_a and_o refractory_a in_o his_o proceed_n he_o will_v content_v himself_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o the_o thing_n he_o inquire_v about_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v require_v no_o great_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o those_o perverse_a disputer_n who_o be_v not_o content_a with_o that_o rational_a evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v not_o be_v convince_v though_o they_o see_v a_o miracle_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o in_o a_o like_a case_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o believe_v though_o one_o arise_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v at_o first_o confirm_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o miracle_n but_o afterward_o they_o be_v to_o be_v content_a with_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o father_n concern_v it_o and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n upon_o that_o evidence_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o great_a miracle_n even_o the_o resurrection_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o case_n be_v now_o the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n at_o the_o
first_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v confirm_v from_o heaven_n by_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a work_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v wrought_v but_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v once_o sufficient_o confirm_v god_n expect_v now_o that_o man_n shall_v rest_v satisfy_v with_o that_o evidence_n which_o he_o then_o give_v and_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v witness_n of_o those_o miracle_n and_o mighty_a work_n with_o which_o it_o be_v then_o attest_v nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v now_o work_v miracle_n to_o convince_v the_o obstinate_a since_o the_o evidence_n he_o have_v already_o give_v be_v sufficient_a for_o those_o who_o be_v humble_a and_o teachable_a and_o will_v render_v the_o obstinate_a inexcusable_a man_n may_v therefore_o if_o they_o please_v dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o their_o religion_n upon_o i_o know_v not_o what_o vain_a surmise_n and_o set_v up_o for_o wit_n and_o man_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a reach_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o any_o historical_a narration_n though_o never_o so_o well_o attest_v but_o in_o the_o end_n they_o will_v find_v how_o far_o this_o perverse_a and_o arrogant_a humour_n fall_v short_a of_o true_a wisdom_n when_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o they_o reject_v the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a doctrine_n which_o if_o careful_o attend_v to_o and_o obey_v be_v able_a to_o save_v their_o soul_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v how_o necessary_a a_o qualification_n humility_n be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o how_o effectual_a it_o be_v to_o make_v we_o fit_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o 4._o a_o four_o branch_n of_o duty_n very_o advantageous_a to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n be_v calmness_n of_o temper_n and_o moderation_n of_o passion_n he_o that_o come_v to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n must_v bring_v with_o he_o a_o quiet_a and_o sedate_v temper_n he_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v patient_o what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n engage_v his_o passion_n on_o either_o part_n till_o he_o have_v first_o satisfy_v his_o reason_n about_o it_o our_o passion_n be_v then_o very_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o when_o they_o promote_v our_o vigour_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v virtuous_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o when_o they_o encourage_v we_o to_o make_v a_o bold_a resistance_n against_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a and_o unworthy_a of_o we_o but_o then_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o our_o passion_n be_v due_o exercise_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o reason_n shall_v have_v first_o thorough_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o give_v in_o its_o impartial_a sentence_n before_o we_o suffer_v our_o passion_n to_o interpose_v in_o our_o examination_n of_o truth_n for_o when_o once_o our_o affection_n be_v engage_v on_o any_o side_n they_o do_v certain_o bias_n the_o judgement_n and_o make_v it_o admit_v of_o every_o small_a appearance_n or_o shadow_n of_o truth_n which_o seem_v to_o favour_v the_o opinion_n we_o have_v a_o fancy_n for_o and_o to_o reject_v with_o disdain_n the_o strong_a reason_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o what_o we_o desire_v shall_v be_v true_a man_n do_v not_o then_o sincere_o seek_v for_o truth_n but_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o true_a which_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o and_o though_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v they_o will_v not_o then_o endure_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v and_o be_v impatient_a of_o any_o contradiction_n and_o this_o be_v account_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o among_o so_o many_o writer_n of_o controversy_n so_o few_o have_v ever_o change_v the_o opinion_n they_o at_o first_o maintain_v or_o have_v yield_v the_o cause_n when_o they_o have_v be_v fair_o and_o full_o answer_v alas_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o they_o to_o renounce_v those_o belove_a notion_n which_o have_v be_v impress_v on_o their_o mind_n in_o their_o young_a year_n and_o they_o have_v rather_o take_v hold_v of_o any_o shift_n or_o evasion_n then_o grant_v they_o have_v be_v in_o a_o error_n but_o if_o they_o find_v their_o own_o reason_n begin_v to_o waver_v be_v in_o part_n convince_v by_o the_o force_n of_o contrary_a reason_n they_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o and_o fortify_v themselves_o with_o this_o consideration_n that_o such_o and_o such_o man_n be_v man_n of_o note_a learning_n and_o piety_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o of_o this_o opinion_n and_o yet_o doubtless_o they_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o those_o argument_n better_o than_o we_o do_v and_o will_v have_v yield_v to_o they_o have_v they_o think_v they_o convince_a thus_o when_o reason_n of_o itself_o will_v yield_v yet_o their_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o man_n that_o maintain_v it_o make_v they_o hold_v out_o still_o and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o glimpse_n of_o truth_n they_o dare_v not_o they_o can_v receive_v it_o but_o the_o passion_n i_o intend_v principal_o to_o speak_v of_o as_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o our_o receive_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o of_o anger_n which_o be_v a_o boisterous_a unruly_a passion_n and_o disorder_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o make_v they_o whole_o unfit_a for_o any_o impression_n of_o truth_n a_o man_n that_o be_v angry_a and_o impatient_a will_v not_o allow_v his_o adversary_n leave_v to_o speak_v out_o half_a a_o argument_n but_o present_o he_o be_v provoke_v and_o then_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v a_o reasonable_a defence_n though_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o truth_n on_o his_o side_n he_o do_v not_o then_o consider_v what_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o be_v say_v but_o cast_v out_o at_o random_n what_o his_o passion_n first_o suggest_v to_o he_o all_o his_o thought_n be_v then_o in_o commotion_n and_o like_o the_o trouble_a wave_n will_v not_o receive_v any_o perfect_a image_n of_o thing_n and_o you_o may_v as_o well_o hope_v to_o convince_v a_o mad_a man_n as_o he_o now_o this_o heat_n of_o passion_n as_o it_o make_v man_n very_o unfit_a to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o other_o so_o it_o common_o suggest_v to_o we_o very_o improper_a way_n of_o argue_v when_o we_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n produce_v those_o sharp_a and_o satirical_a treatise_n whereby_o some_o man_n endeavour_v if_o not_o to_o convince_v yet_o to_o shame_n and_o silence_v their_o adversary_n by_o expose_v their_o person_n and_o represent_v they_o to_o the_o world_n under_o odious_a character_n now_o certain_o what_o ever_o these_o man_n may_v hope_v this_o method_n of_o rail_v and_o revile_v though_o the_o person_n they_o accuse_v may_v real_o deserve_v all_o that_o be_v say_v of_o they_o yet_o i_o say_v this_o be_v not_o a_o fit_a method_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o truth_n for_o as_o the_o piety_n of_o one_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o defence_n or_o security_n for_o his_o error_n so_o neither_o aught_o it_o to_o be_v any_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v defend_v by_o a_o bad_a man_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v level_v against_o the_o person_n of_o our_o adversary_n be_v whole_o beside_o the_o purpose_n they_o tend_v only_o to_o the_o breach_n of_o charity_n not_o to_o the_o convince_a any_o man_n judgement_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o certain_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o give_v we_o so_o many_o precept_n of_o meekness_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o man_n when_o he_o so_o often_o require_v we_o not_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o brethren_n over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o jurisdiction_n when_o he_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o danger_n of_o uncharitable_a speech_n s._n matt._n v._n 22._o whosoever_o shall_v say_v to_o his_o brother_n raca_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o council_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v thou_o fool_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o hell-fire_n when_o our_o saviour_n so_o often_o inculcate_n these_o and_o the_o like_a precept_n require_v so_o humble_a and_o charitable_a demeanour_n towards_o our_o brethren_n both_o in_o thought_n &_o word_n he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o give_v the_o least_o permission_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o endeavour_v to_o propagate_v or_o defend_v any_o part_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o reproachful_a and_o contumelious_a usage_n of_o the_o person_n they_o contend_v with_o sure_o i_o be_o his_o own_o example_n be_v infinite_o different_a from_o what_o man_n practise_v in_o these_o day_n our_o saviour_n have_v certain_o more_o
and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o bear_v his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n now_o the_o hate_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n can_v then_o only_o be_v our_o duty_n when_o the_o love_n of_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n for_o otherwise_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o we_o but_o this_o be_v a_o case_n which_o very_o seldom_o happen_v the_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n therefore_o and_o deny_v ourselves_o which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o christian_n must_v be_v interpret_v of_o lay_v aside_o our_o irregular_a lust_n and_o desire_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o interpretation_n call_v crucify_a the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n and_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n by_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n nay_o possible_o if_o it_o be_v not_o beside_o my_o present_a design_n it_o will_v be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n in_o this_o sense_n i_o be_o speak_v the_o mortify_n and_o subdue_a our_o fleshly_a appetite_n the_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n and_o from_o the_o darling_n sin_n we_o have_v delight_v in_o may_v be_v a_o great_a trial_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o desire_n to_o please_v he_o than_o even_o the_o lay_n down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n many_o man_n can_v be_v prodigal_a of_o life_n and_o die_v with_o great_a bravery_n and_o resolution_n when_o they_o will_v think_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a and_o laborious_a employment_n to_o endure_v the_o severity_n of_o mortification_n and_o to_o wean_v themselves_o from_o some_o long_a accustom_a pleasure_n and_o temptation_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o particular_a lust_n and_o desire_n which_o by_o the_o force_n of_o this_o exhortation_n we_o be_v to_o forsake_v and_o lay_v aside_o the_o variety_n of_o they_o be_v infinite_a according_a to_o the_o several_a way_n of_o live_a man_n be_v engage_v in_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o temper_n and_o constitution_n and_o other_o outward_a circumstance_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o general_a rule_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o the_o text_n suggest_v to_o we_o 1._o that_o our_o care_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v universal_a and_o impartial_a that_o according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n we_o lie_v aside_o every_o weight_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o abstain_v from_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a habit_n of_o sin_n if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o wilful_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o other_o though_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o to_o say_v true_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n nor_o as_o this_o and_o that_o particular_a man_n who_o he_o may_v observe_v in_o his_o neighbourhood_n that_o be_v worse_a than_o himself_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n he_o may_v cherish_v in_o his_o bosom_n other_o darling_n lust_n and_o habitual_a practice_n which_o may_v exclude_v he_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n notwithstanding_o his_o caution_n and_o abstinence_n in_o other_o thing_n for_o alas_o a_o man_n may_v abstain_v from_o many_o kind_n of_o temptation_n which_o other_o be_v betray_v by_o and_o yet_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o great_a virtue_n in_o so_o do_v for_o not_o only_a virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o even_o several_a vice_n themselves_o be_v at_o enmity_n with_o and_o mutual_o destroy_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o virtue_n in_o a_o covetous_a man_n that_o he_o abstain_v from_o profuseness_n and_o luxury_n nor_o be_v it_o praiseworthy_a in_o the_o prodigal_a that_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o set_v upon_o riches_n if_o the_o hypocrite_n give_v alm_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n if_o the_o ambitious_a man_n be_v courteous_a and_o affable_a though_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o proper_a matter_n of_o virtue_n yet_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o from_o any_o principle_n of_o obedience_n or_o love_n to_o god_n they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n we_o owe_v he_o nor_o will_v they_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o nay_o certain_o he_o that_o abstain_v from_o some_o kind_n of_o vice_n only_o to_o indulge_v himself_o in_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a be_v so_o far_o from_o lay_v aside_o those_o weight_n which_o hinder_v he_o in_o his_o christian_a course_n that_o he_o rather_o load_v himself_o the_o heavy_a and_o be_v still_o more_o unfit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o undertake_n and_o indeed_o so_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v impartial_a in_o this_o affair_n that_o we_o shall_v lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n that_o unless_o our_o diligence_n extend_v thus_o far_o any_o single_a habit_n of_o evil_n that_o we_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o be_v sufficient_a to_o defeat_v we_o of_o our_o victory_n and_o to_o bereave_v we_o of_o our_o crown_n and_o triumph_n because_o in_o god_n account_n he_o who_o wilful_o harbour_v in_o his_o bosom_n any_o one_o habitual_a lust_n which_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o forego_v for_o god_n sake_n be_v as_o guilty_a as_o though_o he_o break_v all_o his_o law_n so_o s._n james_n tell_v we_o chap._n 2._o v._n 10._o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n because_o the_o same_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v equal_o concern_v in_o all_o his_o law_n and_o be_v therefore_o equal_a contemn_v in_o the_o wilful_a breach_n of_o one_o as_o of_o all_o or_o any_o for_o he_o that_o say_v do_v not_o commit_v adultery_n say_v also_o do_v not_o kill_v and_o certain_o he_o who_o pick_v and_o choose_v the_o sin_n he_o will_v forbear_v and_o what_o not_o be_v determine_v in_o his_o choice_n not_o by_o any_o respect_n he_o bear_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o by_o his_o own_o temper_n and_o inclination_n for_o if_o he_o abstain_v from_o any_o one_o sin_n out_o of_o pure_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o god_n do_v forbid_v it_o this_o reason_n will_v equal_o hold_v against_o all_o kind_n of_o transgression_n because_o they_o be_v all_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v we_o have_v a_o reason_n to_o forbear_v one_o more_o than_o other_o again_o further_o unless_o our_o care_n in_o this_o business_n be_v universal_a and_o impartial_a to_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n to_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o affection_n and_o desire_n that_o may_v hinder_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n we_o be_v not_o entire_o at_o our_o own_o dispose_n and_o be_v not_o therefore_o in_o a_o fit_a capacity_n to_o render_v to_o god_n that_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o which_o he_o expect_v from_o we_o he_o who_o give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o endue_v our_o soul_n with_o so_o many_o excellent_a perfection_n and_o ability_n may_v just_o expect_v and_o require_v of_o we_o that_o they_o be_v entire_o devote_v to_o his_o service_n and_o he_o have_v according_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v accept_v no_o less_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n but_o this_o can_v be_v do_v while_o we_o cherish_v in_o our_o bosom_n any_o inordinate_a desire_n any_o lust_n or_o passion_n which_o claim_v a_o interest_n in_o our_o affection_n a_o share_n in_o our_o service_n mat._n vj._n 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 we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n what_o be_v there_o particular_o say_v of_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n be_v as_o true_a of_o any_o other_o habitual_a inclination_n to_o evil_n which_o we_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o if_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n neither_o can_v we_o serve_v god_n and_o our_o lust_n we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o our_o ambition_n we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o the_o devil_n 2._o beside_o this_o universal_a care_n express_v here_o by_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n we_o have_v here_o in_o the_o text_n another_o rule_n of_o direction_n suggest_v to_o we_o which_o may_v render_v we_o yet_o
prize_n his_o adversary_n perhaps_o who_o be_v of_o less_o ability_n and_o courage_n may_v by_o such_o a_o advantage_n easy_o get_v the_o start_n of_o he_o and_o defeat_v he_o of_o the_o crown_n and_o he_o become_v the_o derision_n and_o scorn_n of_o the_o beholder_n the_o case_n be_v not_o unlike_a in_o our_o christian_a race_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o be_v religious_a and_o devout_a by_o fit_n and_o start_v at_o some_o set_a time_n or_o upon_o some_o solemn_a occasion_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o constant_a behaviour_n the_o continue_a employment_n of_o our_o life_n the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v much_o more_o our_o business_n than_o any_o other_o employment_n whatsoever_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o constant_o and_o vigorous_o pursue_v for_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o give_v ourselves_o leisure_n to_o be_v idle_a and_o make_v any_o least_o delay_n or_o stop_v in_o our_o christian_a race_n alas_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o easy_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o our_o desire_a end_n for_o how_o fast_o soever_o we_o go_v on_o in_o our_o way_n our_o former_a lust_n and_o desire_v we_o have_v cast_v off_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o follow_v we_o close_o to_o tread_v in_o our_o step_n and_o will_v watch_v every_o opportunity_n to_o desire_v parley_n with_o we_o and_o entreat_v our_o stay_n and_o if_o we_o once_o make_v the_o least_o intermission_n to_o treat_v with_o they_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o foresee_v how_o soon_o our_o vigour_n and_o heat_n with_o which_o we_o begin_v the_o race_n will_v abate_v and_o cool_v our_o joint_n will_v then_o grow_v stiff_a and_o unactive_a and_o then_o present_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n arise_v and_o we_o be_v as_o far_o from_o our_o journey_n end_v as_o when_o we_o first_o set_v out_o so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v when_o we_o have_v begin_v well_o and_o go_v on_o for_o a_o while_n then_o to_o stay_v and_o look_v back_o and_o deliberate_a whether_o we_o shall_v go_v far_o or_o not_o nay_o in_o these_o case_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n to_o stay_v be_v to_o go_v backward_o for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n he_o can_v be_v altogether_o idle_a if_o he_o be_v not_o engage_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a he_o will_v certain_o be_v employ_v in_o somewhat_o else_o that_o be_v bad_a and_o sinful_a and_o then_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o a_o good_a habit_n be_v much_o more_o weaken_a by_o a_o little_a intermission_n than_o it_o can_v be_v strengthen_v or_o improve_v by_o many_o instance_n of_o virtue_n so_o that_o from_o these_o consideration_n it_o may_v abundant_o appear_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o our_o progress_n in_o this_o race_n before_o we_o shall_v be_v constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o this_o exhortation_n be_v that_o our_o vigour_n and_o diligence_n in_o this_o affair_n must_v be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n we_o must_v run_v with_o patience_n how_o diligent_a and_o active_a soever_o we_o may_v have_v be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n how_o far_o soever_o we_o have_v proceed_v in_o our_o christian_a race_n let_v no_o man_n yet_o flatter_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o whole_a duty_n or_o that_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o perfection_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o or_o that_o he_o be_v already_o secure_a of_o his_o reward_n and_o crown_n for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a mistake_n and_o many_o who_o do_v run_v once_o well_o may_v upon_o this_o presumption_n foolish_o miscarry_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pain_n and_o labour_n they_o have_v heretofore_o endure_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n and_o this_o very_a similitude_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o it_o for_o who_o ever_o pretend_v to_o have_v win_v the_o prize_n without_o run_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n now_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a than_o that_o our_o life_n here_o be_v the_o time_n of_o our_o trial_n wherein_o we_o must_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n and_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o and_o that_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v the_o time_n of_o reward_n or_o retribution_n as_o long_o therefore_o as_o we_o live_v here_o we_o must_v keep_v up_o our_o diligence_n in_o our_o christian_a calling_n labour_v every_o day_n to_o go_v on_o from_o strength_n to_o strength_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o improve_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n of_o live_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o imagine_v to_o themselves_o i_o know_v not_o what_o security_n of_o their_o condition_n they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v that_o god_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o have_v make_v no_o such_o irrevocable_a decree_n for_o any_o particular_a man_n salvation_n but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o if_o he_o fall_v from_o his_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n ez._n 33._o 13._o when_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o righteous_a that_o he_o shall_v sure_o live_v if_o he_o trust_v to_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n all_o his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v remember_v for_o his_o iniquity_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v he_o shall_v die_v for_o it_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o possibility_n and_o danger_n of_o this_o s._n paul_n exhort_v we_o 1_o cor._n x._o 12._o wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v where_o the_o apostle_n plain_o intimate_v that_o they_o who_o think_v themselves_o perfect_a and_o secure_a of_o their_o condition_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v than_o other_o because_o that_o very_a security_n be_v apt_a in_o its_o own_o natural_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n supine_n and_o negligent_a and_o unwilling_a to_o proceed_v further_o in_o the_o race_n set_v before_o they_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n though_o we_o have_v make_v it_o our_o endeavour_n to_o throw_v off_o every_o weight_n though_o we_o have_v use_v great_a diligence_n in_o our_o christian_a race_n yet_o still_o we_o have_v something_o more_o to_o do_v we_o have_v still_o many_o adversary_n to_o contend_v with_o many_o temptation_n to_o resist_v the_o seed_n of_o those_o desire_n which_o we_o have_v before_o do_v still_o remain_v in_o we_o which_o will_v always_o afford_v new_a matter_n for_o our_o vigilance_n and_o care_n nor_o can_v we_o ever_o be_v secure_a that_o we_o have_v earn_v our_o prize_n till_o we_o have_v finish_v our_o course_n with_o patience_n and_o god_n call_v we_o hence_o to_o receive_v our_o reward_n sure_o i_o be_o if_o any_o man_n may_v be_v secure_a before_o hand_n that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o whole_a duty_n and_o be_v now_o ascertain_v of_o his_o reward_n s._n paul_n may_v pretend_v as_o reasonable_o to_o that_o privilege_n as_o any_o other_o but_o yet_o he_o describe_v his_o own_o condition_n as_o still_o imperfect_a and_o still_o depend_v upon_o his_o future_a diligence_n phil._n iij._n 12._o not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v either_o be_v already_o perfect_a but_o i_o follow_v after_o if_o that_o i_o may_v apprehend_v that_o for_o which_o also_o i_o be_o apprehend_v of_o christ_n jesus_n brethren_n i_o count_v not_o myself_o to_o have_v apprehend_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n thus_o if_o we_o will_v follow_v s._n paul_n example_n and_o the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o text_n we_o must_v still_o continue_v press_v forward_o and_o run_v with_o patience_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o race_n have_v thus_o far_o consider_v the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o i_o may_v now_o endeavour_v to_o enforce_v it_o by_o represent_v to_o your_o thought_n the_o exceed_v great_a reward_n the_o glorious_a prize_n we_o be_v to_o run_v for_o in_o the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o blessedness_n that_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n sufficient_o to_o conceive_v of_o it_o i_o may_v also_o here_o recall_v to_o your_o remembrance_n the_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v this_o reward_n and_o will_v bestow_v it_o on_o those_o who_o have_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o run_v with_o patience_n i_o may_v far_o add_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n good_a spirit_n the_o great_a comfort_n support_v and_o
joy_n which_o it_o afford_v we_o in_o this_o spiritual_a race_n which_o infinite_o over-ballance_n all_o the_o false_a pleasure_n we_o forsake_v and_o all_o the_o difficulty_n we_o undergo_v in_o undertake_v this_o enterprise_n and_o last_o i_o may_v put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n reproach_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n which_o will_v certain_o attend_v we_o if_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o indifference_n we_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o glorious_a prize_n all_o which_o argument_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o to_o awake_v and_o excite_v our_o utmost_a industry_n and_o vigour_n to_o promote_v our_o vigilance_n and_o to_o confirm_v strengthen_v and_o maintain_v our_o courage_n constancy_n and_o resolution_n to_o go_v on_o steadfast_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o but_o the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a argument_n will_v be_v too_o large_a a_o scope_n for_o the_o time_n allot_v to_o this_o exercise_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n confine_v my_o thought_n to_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n martyr_n and_o holy_a confessor_n who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o this_o glorious_a race_n and_o have_v already_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o patience_n wherefore_o see_v we_o also_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n martyr_n or_o witness_v in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a sense_n be_v usual_o restrain_v to_o such_o only_a who_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n i_o find_v no_o such_o limitation_n of_o it_o any_o of_o these_o who_o be_v either_o great_a example_n of_o obedience_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n any_o who_o bare_a witness_n to_o divine_a truth_n though_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o suffer_v death_n for_o that_o testimony_n be_v indifferent_o style_v by_o that_o name_n the_o father_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n can_v all_o be_v account_v martyr_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n however_o they_o all_o help_n to_o make_v up_o the_o number_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v here_o call_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n now_o the_o force_n of_o their_o witness_n and_o example_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o a_o like_a diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o they_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o who_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o therefore_o that_o our_o labour_n and_o industry_n in_o our_o christian_a race_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a i_o mention_v this_o truth_n more_o particular_o because_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o only_a creed_n which_o all_o the_o saint_n recite_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n agree_v in_o some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v true_a have_v a_o great_a prospect_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o messiah_n to_o come_v abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v his_o day_n jacob_n prophecy_n of_o he_o be_v very_o punctual_a and_o particular_a the_o other_o prophet_n give_v witness_n to_o he_o but_o yet_o it_o appear_v not_o that_o all_o there_o mention_v have_v any_o knowledge_n at_o all_o either_o that_o he_o be_v to_o come_v or_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v or_o suffer_v for_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n lay_v down_o that_o viz._n that_o god_n be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o as_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o their_o belief_n in_o confidence_n of_o which_o they_o willing_o undergo_v so_o many_o trial_n and_o temptation_n with_o such_o bravery_n and_o undaunted_a resolution_n if_o therefore_o we_o look_v upon_o these_o man_n only_o as_o give_v testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n yet_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o our_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o do_v justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o choice_n in_o be_v religious_a and_o serve_v the_o same_o god_n on_o who_o they_o believe_v and_o forsake_v all_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o they_o do_v before_o we_o since_o we_o have_v the_o same_o conviction_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o have_v that_o our_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o be_v further_o confirm_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o this_o by_o their_o patience_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o same_o profession_n and_o by_o their_o cheerful_a suffer_a persecution_n for_o it_o by_o their_o suffering_n we_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n at_o least_o that_o we_o be_v not_o singular_a in_o this_o our_o persuasion_n concern_v god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v without_o his_o witness_n in_o all_o age_n who_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o this_o faith_n and_o assurance_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o it_o without_o waver_v now_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v die_v in_o this_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v here_o call_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n be_v yet_o but_o a_o very_a few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o have_v live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v despise_v and_o reject_v all_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n to_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o reply_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o testimony_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o number_n and_o noise_n of_o those_o that_o affirm_v any_o thing_n but_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o evidence_n they_o give_v now_o a_o few_o man_n who_o give_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o they_o understand_v perfect_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v other_o be_v more_o to_o be_v value_v as_o witness_n than_o ten_o thousand_o of_o the_o rude_a multitude_n who_o take_v up_o report_v upon_o trust_n and_o if_o you_o come_v to_o examine_v they_o they_o shrink_v into_o nothing_o they_o say_v something_o they_o know_v not_o what_o but_o know_v not_o whence_o they_o have_v it_o nor_o why_o they_o say_v it_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n those_o that_o have_v be_v true_o pious_a and_o religious_a have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v man_n of_o the_o clear_a and_o best_a understanding_n that_o have_v always_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n that_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v this_o for_o any_o temporal_a advantage_n they_o do_v deliberate_o and_o cheerful_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o most_o severe_a trial_n and_o persecution_n for_o their_o testimony_n of_o it_o not_o accept_v deliverance_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o heroic_a spirit_n recite_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n they_o be_v man_n of_o find_a mind_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o glorious_a thing_n they_o do_v and_o suffer_v many_o of_o which_o be_v at_o large_a record_v in_o sacred_a story_n they_o know_v the_o value_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o other_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o disgrace_n and_o pain_n and_o want_v and_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o these_o thing_n without_o a_o mighty_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o believe_v concern_v god_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o reward_v they_o after_o this_o life_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o wisdom_n that_o he_o know_v when_o and_o how_o to_o do_v it_o better_o than_o they_o can_v choose_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o but_o then_o on_o the_o contrary_a for_o those_o that_o have_v reject_v this_o belief_n or_o at_o least_o have_v not_o live_v answerable_o to_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v only_o a_o rash_a inconsiderate_a multitude_n of_o no_o understanding_n in_o these_o matter_n who_o never_o take_v time_n to_o think_v whether_o religion_n have_v any_o real_a foundation_n in_o nature_n or_o reason_n or_o not_o and_o therefore_o these_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n in_o the_o case_n and_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o witness_n for_o those_o other_o who_o have_v live_v wicked_o and_o have_v yet_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o ground_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o these_o be_v most_o of_o they_o self-condemned_n and_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o
we_o will_v preserve_v our_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n amid_o so_o many_o and_o dangerous_a temptation_n we_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n if_o we_o will_v deny_v ourselves_o all_o those_o irregular_a gratification_n to_o which_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o our_o own_o heart_n lust_n be_v apt_a to_o entice_v and_o invite_v we_o and_o therefore_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o saviour_n example_n of_o patience_n under_o suffering_n may_v still_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o we_o though_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o suffer_v persecution_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o then_o for_o persecution_n itself_o though_o it_o be_v a_o case_n very_o seldom_o happen_v yet_o such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o christianity_n that_o every_o one_o that_o undertake_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o must_v at_o least_o in_o preparation_n of_o soul_n be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n rather_o than_o renounce_v it_o now_o in_o order_n to_o confirm_v our_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n in_o our_o holy_a call_v notwithstanding_o any_o temptation_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o any_o affliction_n or_o calamity_n that_o may_v befall_v we_o the_o apostle_n recommend_v this_o as_o a_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n in_o which_o word_n the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v represent_v unto_o we_o under_o a_o twofold_a character_n each_o of_o which_o afford_v very_o proper_a and_o suitable_a argument_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o imitation_n of_o he_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o look_v unto_o he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n this_o be_v in_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o military_a term_n signify_v a_o captain_n and_o leader_n one_o who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o with_o bravery_n and_o resolution_n and_o have_v command_v we_o to_o follow_v his_o step_n this_o be_v further_a explain_v in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n if_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n under_o this_o character_n the_o apostle_n argument_n be_v very_o piain_a and_o convince_a that_o since_o the_o author_n and_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n do_v not_o refuse_v himself_o to_o undergo_v the_o most_o unsupportable_a calamity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o suffer_v a_o painful_a and_o most_o ignominious_a death_n in_o prospect_n of_o that_o exceed_a great_a reward_n which_o he_o see_v prepare_v for_o he_o neither_o ought_v we_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o soldier_n refuse_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o same_o tract_n that_o we_o may_v partake_v with_o he_o in_o the_o same_o joy_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o the_o finisher_n and_o perfect_a of_o it_o this_o be_v in_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o our_o faith_n this_o be_v further_a express_v in_o the_o latter_a clause_n of_o the_o verse_n where_o the_o apostle_n declare_v the_o issue_n and_o event_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n tell_v we_o he_o be_v set_v down_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n which_o word_n express_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v himself_o receive_v the_o full_a reward_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffering_n be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n 2._o and_o which_o be_v consequent_a from_o that_o that_o he_o be_v now_o endue_v with_o sufficient_a authority_n and_o power_n abundant_o to_o reward_v those_o who_o suffer_v with_o he_o and_o after_o his_o example_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o character_n and_o shall_v consider_v our_o saviour_n as_o author_n and_o captain_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o great_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o patience_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o to_o show_v the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n 1._o i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o suffering_n themselves_o which_o our_o saviour_n undergo_v express_v here_o by_o two_o comprehensive_a word_n the_o cross_n and_o the_o shame_n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o his_o endure_v they_o 3._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o example_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o follow_v and_o imitate_v he_o to_o begin_v with_o his_o suffering_n themselves_o though_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o shame_n here_o speak_v of_o do_v principal_o refer_v to_o the_o great_a and_o unparalleled_a instance_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n which_o be_v the_o consummation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n even_o his_o painful_a and_o ignominious_a death_n yet_o i_o conceive_v they_o may_v not_o unfit_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o they_o from_o his_o birth_n unto_o that_o very_a time_n if_o therefore_o we_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o our_o saviour_n whole_a life_n and_o action_n we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v thorough_o fulfil_v wherein_o he_o be_v represent_v as_o a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o poverty_n of_o his_o condition_n the_o early_a persecution_n raise_v against_o he_o by_o herod_n nor_o those_o other_o accident_n that_o befall_v he_o in_o his_o young_a year_n not_o to_o mention_v these_o thing_n i_o shall_v confine_v my_o discourse_n to_o those_o instance_n of_o suffer_v which_o befall_v he_o after_o he_o begin_v to_o show_v himself_o to_o israel_n and_o by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a messiah_n that_o according_a to_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o i_o shall_v represent_v they_o under_o these_o two_o head_n answerable_a to_o those_o in_o the_o text_n the_o great_a ignominy_n and_o reproach_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o his_o person_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o then_o the_o bitter_a and_o painful_a circumstance_n that_o go_v before_o and_o accompany_v his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o first_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o our_o saviour_n person_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n so_o long_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o at_o that_o very_a time_n expect_v by_o the_o jew_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o he_o give_v of_o these_o thing_n viz._n the_o fulfil_n all_o the_o prophecy_n that_o speak_v of_o he_o so_o punctual_o and_o so_o particular_o his_o deliver_v such_o a_o doctrine_n to_o they_o that_o carry_v with_o it_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n his_o do_v such_o mighty_a work_n among_o they_o which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n no_o man_n can_v do_v unless_o god_n be_v with_o he_o his_o heal_v the_o sick_a and_o cure_v disease_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n give_v eye_n to_o the_o blind_a restore_v the_o lame_a raise_v the_o dead_a all_o which_o can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o no_o lesser_a cause_n than_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v and_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o mission_n he_o that_o consider_v these_o thing_n may_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o so_o divine_a a_o person_n at_o his_o first_o appearance_n shall_v have_v be_v entertain_v with_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o joy_n and_o triumph_n and_o doubtless_o have_v the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v demand_v beforehand_o what_o honour_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v give_v to_o their_o long_o look_v for_o messiah_n when_o he_o come_v they_o can_v not_o have_v contrive_v any_o way_n of_o respect_n suitable_a to_o their_o great_a apprehension_n of_o he_o they_o will_v have_v think_v no_o kind_n of_o homage_n too_o great_a to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n have_v send_v to_o they_o so_o immediate_o and_o upon_o so_o advantageous_a a_o message_n but_o behold_v on_o the_o contrary_a when_o this_o prince_n and_o saviour_n do_v at_o length_n appear_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n though_o there_o be_v no_o testimony_n want_v to_o confirm_v he_o to_o be_v the_o very_a christ_n yet_o because_o he_o come_v not_o with_o outward_a pomp_n and_o splendour_n have_v none_o of_o the_o gild_a pageantry_n of_o the_o world_n to_o attend_v he_o in_o his_o appearance_n this_o prejudice_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a with_o they_o to_o overbalance_n the_o strong_a demonstration_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n son_n they_o think_v sufficient_a confutation_n of_o all_o the_o mighty_a thing_n he_o speak_v and_o do_v so_o that_o in_o stead_n
appearance_n we_o must_v all_o appear_v all_o man_n that_o ever_o live_v or_o shall_v live_v upon_o the_o earth_n high_a or_o low_o rich_a or_o poor_a no_o order_n or_o degree_n of_o man_n except_v we_o must_v all_o than_o make_v our_o appearance_n 5._o there_o be_v something_o considerable_a in_o the_o appearance_n itself_o doctor_n hammond_n interpret_v the_o phrase_n we_o must_v appear_v only_o with_o analogy_n to_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n among_o man_n that_o as_o prisoner_n at_o the_o bar_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v set_v in_o a_o conspicuous_a place_n in_o order_n to_o their_o trial_n so_o we_o also_o must_v give_v our_o appearance_n before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o more_o important_a signification_n and_o must_v be_v understand_v not_o only_o of_o our_o be_v actual_o present_a at_o god_n tribunal_n but_o we_o must_v appear_v or_o be_v make_v manifest_a as_o the_o same_o word_n be_v interpret_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n and_o then_o the_o apostle_n mean_v thus_o much_o that_o all_o our_o hide_a action_n and_o secret_a design_n which_o be_v now_o undiscovered_a by_o man_n shall_v then_o at_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v manifest_a and_o lay_v open_a to_o we_o before_o god_n and_o all_o his_o holy_a angel_n we_o have_v now_o many_o way_n to_o hide_v ourselves_o and_o to_o disguise_v our_o action_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n we_o can_v now_o put_v on_o the_o mask_n and_o garb_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n and_o appear_v as_o such_o to_o the_o world_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o wickedness_n and_o deceit_n but_o at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n all_o these_o art_n will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o our_o false_a pretence_n will_v then_o be_v discover_v our_o disguise_n pull_v off_o our_o hypocrisy_n make_v visible_a and_o manifest_a inasmuch_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v 6._o here_o be_v the_o method_n that_o will_v be_v use_v at_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n every_o one_o shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a 7._o here_o be_v the_o use_n s_o paul_n make_v of_o all_o these_o consideration_n know_v therefore_o these_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v assure_v how_o dreadful_a this_o appearance_n and_o the_o event_n of_o it_o will_v be_v we_o persuade_v man_n that_o they_o will_v now_o behave_v themselves_o as_o man_n that_o must_v then_o appear_v but_o to_o insist_v particular_o on_o all_o these_o circumstance_n will_v be_v too_o large_a a_o exercise_n of_o your_o patience_n i_o shall_v therefore_o confine_v my_o discourse_n to_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o remind_v you_o of_o those_o ground_n and_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o we_o must_v appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n 2._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o method_n of_o proceed_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n every_o man_n shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a 3._o i_o shall_v draw_v some_o inference_n that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n first_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o this_o will_v appear_v upon_o these_o follow_a account_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v and_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n 3._o from_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n and_o belief_n of_o all_o nation_n 4._o from_o the_o particular_a revelation_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o holy_a scripture_n 1._o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o examine_v the_o natural_a power_n we_o be_v endue_v with_o they_o will_v afford_v we_o great_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o account_v for_o our_o action_n here_o and_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v according_a to_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o do_v one_o and_o eschew_v the_o other_o be_v natural_o write_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v wicked_a without_o violence_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o best_a faculty_n every_o man_n bear_v about_o with_o he_o a_o secret_a monitor_n in_o his_o bosom_n which_o upon_o the_o temptation_n to_o evil_n do_v faithful_o forewarn_v he_o of_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o commission_n of_o evil_n do_v afflict_v his_o soul_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o guilt_n and_o with_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o punishment_n due_a upon_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v a_o secret_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n natural_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o good_a man_n which_o be_v a_o exceed_a support_n and_o comfort_n to_o he_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o enable_v he_o to_o bear_v many_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n which_o ofttimes_o attend_v he_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n his_o conscience_n breed_v in_o he_o a_o strong_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n of_o some_o future_a recompense_n for_o his_o good_a deed_n now_o that_o conscience_n be_v thus_o active_a and_o busy_a to_o forewarn_v man_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v and_o to_o set_v before_o they_o in_o order_n the_o evil_n they_o have_v do_v and_o to_o support_v they_o in_o do_v good_a every_o man_n that_o give_v himself_o the_o leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n may_v be_v convince_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n or_o if_o we_o will_v rather_o learn_v from_o the_o experience_n of_o other_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v a_o crowd_n of_o witness_n which_o give_v we_o large_a description_n of_o the_o unsupportable_a burden_n a_o trouble_a spirit_n and_o the_o great_a comfort_n and_o security_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o now_o will_v we_o know_v the_o true_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o those_o hope_n and_o fear_n which_o the_o conscience_n natural_o suggest_v to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o they_o can_v be_v assign_v but_o this_o that_o they_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n forewarn_v we_o of_o another_o state_n after_o this_o when_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v recompense_v according_a to_o that_o they_o have_v do_v here_o for_o that_o the_o fear_n and_o disquiet_v of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n be_v indeed_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o temporal_a punishment_n or_o of_o the_o law_n of_o man_n as_o some_o vain_o suppose_v be_v sufficient_o evident_a in_o that_o those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n and_o above_o the_o fear_n of_o any_o earthly_a tribunal_n have_v yet_o be_v the_o great_a example_n of_o this_o force_n of_o conscience_n the_o story_n of_o caligula_n be_v in_o every_o body_n mouth_n and_o be_v indeed_o a_o signal_n instance_n of_o this_o truth_n he_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o so_o unlimited_a a_o sovereignty_n over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n and_o exercise_v his_o power_n with_o so_o extravagant_a a_o cruelty_n be_v yet_o upon_o every_o flash_n of_o lightning_n and_o clap_n of_o thunder_n awaken_v to_o a_o sense_n and_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o that_o god_n who_o at_o other_o time_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o defy_v but_o not_o to_o dwell_v upon_o a_o single_a instance_n a_o further_a evidence_n that_o these_o fear_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n be_v most_o remarkable_a in_o those_o action_n which_o be_v do_v in_o secret_a and_o far_o remove_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n for_o though_o we_o seek_v the_o dark_a retirement_n where_o no_o mortal_a eye_n can_v trace_v our_o step_n or_o behold_v our_o do_n yet_o there_o our_o conscience_n be_v as_o a_o thousand_o witness_n continual_o upbraid_v we_o with_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o afflict_v we_o with_o terror_n which_o can_v proceed_v from_o nothing_o else_o but_o from_o a_o secret_a conviction_n of_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o power_n and_o knowledge_n reach_v to_o all_o place_n even_o to_o our_o most_o secret_a retirement_n and_o who_o will_v one_o day_n bring_v upon_o we_o punishment_n proportionable_a to_o our_o deserve_n i_o will_v not_o insist_v long_o upon_o this_o argument_n than_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o s._n paul_n himself_o seem_v
conclusion_n and_o can_v such_o a_o argumentation_n deceive_v we_o can_v have_v little_a encouragement_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o faculty_n again_o if_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o early_a revelation_n make_v to_o man_n when_o they_o be_v yet_o few_o in_o number_n and_o retain_v in_o the_o dispersion_n of_o nation_n and_o still_o preserve_v notwithstanding_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n they_o fall_v into_o as_o to_o other_o matter_n this_o must_v be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n of_o that_o revelation_n at_o first_o and_o must_v consequent_o much_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v may_v have_v be_v confirm_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o some_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o and_o thence_o derive_v and_o propagate_v through_o all_o the_o several_a religion_n and_o superstition_n which_o afterward_o be_v entertain_v by_o the_o heathen_a world_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o noah_n understand_v this_o truth_n and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o instruct_v his_o family_n which_o be_v all_o humane_a soul_n that_o be_v leave_v alive_a in_o so_o necessary_a a_o matter_n which_o may_v have_v so_o great_a influence_n upon_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n who_o have_v so_o late_o deliver_v they_o from_o so_o universal_a a_o destruction_n nay_o there_o be_v still_o extant_a the_o remainder_n of_o a_o prophecy_n concern_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v much_o ancient_a than_o the_o flood_n this_o we_o find_v cite_v by_o saint_n judas_n 14._o and_o enoch_n also_o the_o seven_o from_o adam_n prophesy_v say_v behold_v the_o lord_n come_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o all_o and_o to_o convince_v all_o that_o be_v ungodly_a of_o all_o their_o ungodly_a deed_n which_o they_o have_v ungodly_a commit_v and_o of_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o ungodly_a sinner_n have_v speak_v against_o he_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o and_o most_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n 4._o the_o particular_a revelation_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o needless_a to_o recite_v they_o to_o you_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n must_v understand_v that_o be_v one_o chief_a article_n of_o our_o christian_a profession_n nothing_o more_o plain_o reveal_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o inculcate_v than_o that_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v the_o method_n of_o proceed_v at_o that_o day_n every_o one_o shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a that_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o man_n action_n in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n according_a to_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o they_o who_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v receive_v the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v and_o they_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a shall_v receive_v according_a to_o that_o likewise_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o full_o and_o plain_o teach_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o one_o will_v think_v man_n can_v not_o easy_o mistake_v or_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o proceed_v can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o righteous_a god_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v just_a and_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n the_o righteous_a therefore_o and_o they_o only_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o reward_n from_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a and_o they_o only_o must_v be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o so_o and_o to_o invert_v this_o method_n will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o to_o all_o the_o method_n whereby_o god_n have_v make_v himself_o know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n say_v thus_o to_o the_o almighty_a wisd_v xij_o 15._o for_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o be_v righteous_a thyself_o thou_o ordere_v all_o thing_n righteous_o think_v it_o not_o agreeable_a to_o thy_o power_n to_o condemn_v he_o who_o have_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v to_o which_o we_o may_v also_o add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o purity_n and_o justice_n to_o reward_v the_o unrighteous_a and_o disobedient_a and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o have_v all_o along_o declare_v the_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o the_o great_a severity_n against_o those_o that_o continue_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sin_n only_o that_o bring_v misery_n and_o death_n into_o the_o world_n for_o by_o one_o man_n disobedience_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o when_o god_n be_v please_v out_o of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o contrive_v the_o way_n of_o our_o recovery_n and_o to_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o our_o redemption_n he_o will_v not_o admit_v we_o to_o term_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n without_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o severity_n against_o sin_n and_o that_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o he_o be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n he_o bear_v our_o grief_n and_o carry_v our_o sorrow_n he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n by_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n in_o our_o stead_n can_v be_v available_a to_o we_o or_o free_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n while_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o for_o he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n may_v live_v unto_o righteousness_n that_o so_o be_v save_v from_o our_o sin_n here_o we_o may_v be_v save_v from_o the_o wage_n of_o they_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n to_o bring_v salvation_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n thus_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o deal_n with_o mankind_n we_o can_v but_o expect_v that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v judge_v according_a to_o righteousness_n they_o who_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o and_o they_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a shall_v receive_v a_o due_a recompense_n of_o their_o evil_a deed_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o the_o several_a promise_n and_o threaten_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v all_o along_o make_v use_n of_o as_o argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o discourage_v and_o dissuade_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o do_v if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v due_a to_o any_o but_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o obedience_n or_o if_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v can_v be_v avoid_v any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o forsake_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o it_o be_v threaten_v thus_o saint_n paul_n argue_v from_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n seven_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 flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n thus_o again_o s._n peter_n i_o 4._o tell_v that_o by_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o 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 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