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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 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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 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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
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
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
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 have_v now_o clear_a promise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o assist_v and_o support_v we_o in_o all_o our_o trial_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o run_v our_o race_n with_o patience_n these_o and_o many_o other_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n we_o enjoy_v these_o encouragement_n to_o practice_v we_o have_v receive_v beyond_o what_o the_o father_n be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n refer_v to_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n these_o all_o have_v obtain_v a_o good_a report_n through_o say_v receive_v not_o the_o promise_n god_n have_v provide_v some_o better_a thing_n for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v perfect_a now_o the_o inference_n from_o this_o consideration_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a for_o if_o the_o father_n before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o receive_v not_o those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o exercise_v so_o great_a 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
to_o urge_v it_o to_o this_o very_a purpose_n rom._n ij_o 14._o when_o speak_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o who_o god_n have_v make_v no_o particular_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n as_o he_o have_v to_o the_o jew_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o also_o shall_v be_v judge_v as_o other_o be_v inasmuch_o as_o they_o have_v the_o law_n of_o conscience_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o have_v from_o thence_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v call_v they_o to_o account_v for_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o and_o reward_v those_o who_o do_v obey_v it_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o they_o self_n and_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a time_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o man_n 2._o beside_o the_o dictate_v and_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n together_o with_o our_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o he_o this_o will_v give_v we_o further_o assurance_n that_o there_o be_v a_o further_a judgement_n to_o be_v expect_v god_n who_o give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o do_v continual_o preserve_v and_o support_v we_o in_o it_o who_o have_v endue_v we_o with_o so_o many_o excellent_a perfection_n above_o other_o creature_n have_v certain_o the_o just_a right_n to_o our_o obedience_n and_o service_n and_o according_o he_o have_v give_v law_n to_o mankind_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n law_n agreeable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n law_n that_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a and_o that_o none_o shall_v plead_v ignorance_n of_o these_o law_n he_o have_v as_o be_v observe_v write_v they_o in_o their_o soul_n and_o stamp_v upon_o they_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n and_o obligation_n and_o can_v we_o think_v the_o alwise_a creator_n have_v do_v all_o this_o in_o vain_a can_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o these_o divine_a impression_n upon_o our_o soul_n these_o notice_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v implant_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o no_o sure_o the_o natural_a promulgation_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v alone_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o he_o expect_v and_o require_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o that_o according_a to_o our_o observance_n or_o neglect_n of_o they_o he_o will_v one_o day_n either_o reward_n or_o punish_v we_o one_o of_o the_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o the_o good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o this_o belief_n s._n paul_n require_v as_o antecedent_n to_o all_o religious_a worship_n of_o he_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v he_o a_o rewarder_n of_o the_o good_a we_o must_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o reason_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v also_o a_o punisher_n of_o the_o bad_a now_o if_o we_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v that_o the_o distribution_n of_o humane_a affair_n in_o this_o life_n have_v very_o little_a appearance_n of_o that_o universal_a and_o impartial_a justice_n which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v god_n will_v exercise_v towards_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o many_o man_n suffer_v in_o this_o world_n for_o their_o virtue_n and_o integrity_n and_o that_o other_o to_o the_o contrary_a raise_v themselves_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o prosperity_n by_o wickedness_n and_o oppression_n when_o therefore_o we_o see_v some_o man_n prosper_v in_o their_o villainy_n other_o afflict_v for_o their_o piety_n what_o can_v we_o conclude_v but_o that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n have_v appoint_v another_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o recompense_v all_o man_n according_a to_o their_o deserve_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o god_n do_v many_o time_n in_o this_o life_n exert_v his_o power_n in_o the_o punishment_n of_o some_o notorious_a villainy_n there_o be_v many_o remarkable_a revolution_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o very_a signal_n evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o power_n preside_v over_o humane_a affair_n but_o the_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v very_o few_o in_o comparison_n with_o the_o great_a wickedness_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o judgement_n that_o befall_v man_n in_o this_o life_n as_o the_o complete_a execution_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n only_o that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o remembrancer_n to_o awaken_v man_n into_o a_o sense_n of_o that_o justice_n which_o will_v one_o day_n equal_o appear_v to_o all_o god_n be_v please_v many_o time_n to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v in_o the_o exemplary_a punishment_n of_o some_o man_n in_o this_o life_n sometime_o for_o their_o own_o amendment_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v sometime_o for_o example_n to_o other_o that_o they_o may_v see_v it_o and_o fear_n and_o remember_v that_o the_o most_o high_a rule_v among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o still_o the_o full_a execution_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v reserve_v to_o another_o life_n and_o there_o we_o must_v expect_v that_o he_o will_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a 3._o a_o further_a evidence_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n and_o belief_n of_o all_o nation_n the_o many_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a though_o disagree_v infinite_o in_o other_o thing_n yet_o do_v all_o consent_n in_o this_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v another_o state_n after_o this_o when_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v reward_v or_o punish_v as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o hence_o arise_v the_o many_o fable_n of_o their_o poet_n concern_v the_o punishment_n man_n undergo_v in_o hell_n and_o their_o description_n of_o elysium_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o happy_a soul_n who_o have_v live_v here_o holy_a and_o innocent_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o good_a heathen_n who_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o have_v live_v up_o to_o the_o light_n they_o have_v be_v so_o undaunted_a and_o courageous_a at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o their_o soul_n shall_v over-live_a their_o body_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o society_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n that_o have_v go_v before_o they_o thus_o pythagoras_n teach_v his_o scholar_n that_o if_o they_o live_v virtuous_o here_o when_o they_o come_v to_o leave_v the_o body_n they_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n and_o become_v like_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o liable_a to_o death_n thus_o socrates_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o die_v that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o a_o just_a god_n and_o to_o man_n better_o than_o any_o live_n and_o that_o after_o death_n it_o be_v much_o better_o with_o good_a man_n than_o with_o the_o bad_a many_o expression_n to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n which_o be_v sufficient_a intimation_n of_o this_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o another_o life_n according_a to_o our_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a now_o that_o this_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n shall_v be_v thus_o firm_o receive_v by_o all_o the_o several_a party_n in_o religion_n by_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o sect_n though_o they_o disagree_v infinite_o in_o other_o thing_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o some_o certain_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n or_o else_o must_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o early_a revelation_n make_v by_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n before_o the_o several_a nation_n be_v disperse_v over_o the_o earth_n which_o of_o these_o may_v be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o this_o universal_a consent_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v but_o whichsoever_o it_o be_v the_o inference_n will_v be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v because_o all_o nation_n have_v agree_v in_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o agree_v in_o this_o persuasion_n from_o the_o force_n of_o natural_a principle_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o rational_a deduction_n than_o that_o all_o man_n that_o use_v their_o reason_n shall_v argue_v alike_o and_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o