establish_v religion_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o because_o we_o have_v thorough_o try_v and_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o because_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o by_o a_o rule_n which_o can_v fail_v we_o and_o do_v find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o very_a religion_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n now_o if_o we_o have_v take_v up_o our_o religion_n upon_o due_a confidweration_n and_o judgement_n it_o very_o high_o concern_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o excellent_a rule_n and_o precept_n and_o to_o be_v as_o steady_a in_o our_o walk_n as_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v sure_a of_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n if_o we_o go_v wide_a from_o the_o path_n we_o have_v make_v straight_o and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o doctrine_n we_o profess_v to_o believe_v upon_o clear_a and_o convince_a evidence_n we_o condemn_v ourselves_o and_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o the_o adversary_n to_o triumph_v over_o we_o and_o to_o twist_v 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signisy_n a_o change_n or_o no_o change_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o element_n to_o he_o that_o discern_v not_o the_o lord_n body_n or_o why_o may_v not_o a_o implicit_a faith_n serve_v to_o make_v a_o empty_a profession_n as_o well_o as_o any_o protestant_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o if_o that_o be_v all_o we_o design_n by_o be_v protestant_n it_o be_v hardly_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o be_v so_o for_o as_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n so_o without_o holiness_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n we_o that_o be_v protestant_n profess_v a_o great_a veneration_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o excuse_v ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o govern_v our_o life_n as_o well_o as_o our_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v those_o that_o will_v not_o 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objection_n against_o it_o by_o our_o vain_a and_o vicious_a conversation_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o happiness_n though_o a_o man_n know_v every_o foot_n of_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o crooked_a and_o deceitful_a path_n which_o other_o be_v lose_v and_o bewildred_n in_o yet_o if_o he_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o knowledge_n to_o direct_v his_o step_n and_o keep_v on_o in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v go_v he_o can_v never_o arrive_v to_o that_o bless_a place_n we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o fly_v to_o heaven_n with_o a_o wish_n or_o to_o be_v save_v by_o be_v orthodox_n or_o excuse_v from_o do_v our_o duty_n because_o we_o know_v it_o though_o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n and_o all_o faith_n without_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n i_o know_v not_o of_o what_o importance_n they_o will_v be_v to_o we_o but_o only_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o great_a damnation_n the_o sanction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o same_o to_o man_n of_o all_o persuasion_n the_o worst_a of_o which_o will_v hardly_o deny_v that_o a_o good_a life_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o good_a christian_a as_o a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n faith_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v nor_o believe_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n nor_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o salvation_n that_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n while_o we_o bid_v defiance_n to_o his_o law_n 5.9_o heb._n 5.9_o for_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o only_o that_o obey_v he_o if_o we_o be_v ill_a man_n it_o matter_n not_o what_o we_o be_v beside_o any_o religion_n will_v serve_v a_o wicked_a man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a and_o become_v he_o a_o great_a deal_n better_o than_o the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n with_o he_o and_o which_o of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n denounce_v the_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n against_o its_o own_o professor_n that_o reject_v the_o mild_a and_o reasonable_a condition_n of_o it_o 2.7.8_o rom._n 2.7.8_o to_o they_o that_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o welldoing_a seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n it_o promise_v eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n how_o zealous_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o defence_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o it_o denounce_v indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil._n so_o that_o if_o we_o live_v
to_o premise_v 1._o that_o by_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n i_o understand_v as_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v the_o way_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o gospel_n the_o same_o which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n 10.20_o mat._n 7.14.22.16_o act._n 16.17_o 2_o pet._n 2.15_o heb._n 10.20_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n the_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o right_a way_n the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o christ_n have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o that_o be_v the_o method_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o incarnation_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v put_v we_o into_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n 2._o by_o the_o sure_a find_v of_o this_o way_n upon_o a_o due_a and_o careful_a enquiry_n i_o mean_v that_o ordinary_a christian_n by_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o sacred_a record_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o honest_a intention_n by_o implore_v the_o divine_a asssistance_n and_o make_v that_o use_n they_o ought_v of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n may_v certain_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n that_o be_v sincere_o inquisitive_a after_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n can_v desire_v for_o who_o that_o be_v so_o can_v desire_v to_o be_v more_o than_o certain_a of_o his_o way_n thither_o or_o to_o have_v a_o better_a foundation_n for_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n than_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o infallibility_n in_o man_n must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o that_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o direct_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o in_o this_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v even_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o allow_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n though_o they_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o usefulness_n or_o perfection_n of_o it_o but_o still_o we_o have_v a_o great_a authority_n than_o this_o i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v write_v ult_n joh._n 10._o ult_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n i._n e._n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n and_o that_o believe_v we_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o that_o they_o teach_v we_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o hence_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o the_o first_o general_n council_n appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o true_a standard_n of_o christianity_n and_o condemn_v the_o ancient_a heretic_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o in_o those_o day_n the_o manner_n be_v to_o set_v the_o holy_a oracle_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o council_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v consult_v in_o all_o their_o debate_n and_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n or_o decree_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v so_o determine_v by_o that_o infallible_a rule_n 2._o christ_n have_v leave_v such_o a_o rule_n to_o his_o church_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v intelligible_a i._n e._n capable_a of_o be_v understand_v and_o apply_v by_o those_o that_o be_v to_o use_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n otherwise_o it_o can_v never_o serve_v the_o great_a end_v it_o be_v give_v for_o to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o high_a reflection_n that_o can_v be_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o he_o that_o give_v it_o the_o gospel_n pretend_v to_o show_v we_o a_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n if_o we_o can_v never_o find_v it_o by_o its_o direction_n if_o we_o must_v use_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n we_o must_v learn_v from_o it_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v and_o if_o we_o must_v do_v so_o i_o think_v that_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o unanswerable_a argument_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o for_o assure_o god_n will_v never_o make_v a_o show_n of_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n by_o a_o mean_n which_o he_o certain_o know_v will_v fail_v we_o if_o we_o trust_v to_o it_o 3._o the_o institution_n of_o pastor_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o private_a person_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o rule_n undeniable_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v that_o all_o christian_n shall_v understand_v it_o themselves_o and_o then_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o may_v do_v it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v and_o be_v qualify_v to_o judge_v in_o other_o matter_n for_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o teacher_n but_o to_o assist_v and_o inform_v our_o understanding_n and_o help_v we_o to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o thing_n or_o what_o benefit_n be_v there_o of_o be_v teach_v if_o we_o may_v not_o use_v our_o judgement_n when_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o be_v permit_v to_o know_v when_o it_o be_v and_o when_o not_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o mankind_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v one_o natural_a right_n that_o our_o saviour_n by_o any_o institution_n of_o he_o deprive_v we_o of_o and_o certain_o of_o all_o other_o he_o will_v never_o bar_v we_o of_o this_o because_o his_o doctrine_n will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o we_o without_o it_o for_o what_o sway_n be_v the_o gospel_n like_v to_o bear_v upon_o our_o mind_n or_o which_o way_n can_v it_o influence_n our_o life_n till_o we_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o use_v of_o it_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v unless_o we_o may_v exercise_v our_o own_o judgement_n upon_o they_o let_v my_o guide_n be_v never_o so_o know_v or_o infallible_a it_o be_v not_o he_o without_o my_o own_o knowledge_n that_o can_v make_v i_o sure_o of_o my_o way_n and_o therefore_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o way_n to_o convey_v his_o great_a knowledge_n into_o i_o and_o if_o he_o have_v it_o be_v sure_o through_o my_o understanding_n i_o be_o but_o just_a where_o i_o be_v without_o he_o and_o never_o like_a to_o make_v any_o spiritual_a improvement_n by_o he_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n i_o confess_v of_o some_o teacher_n that_o their_o disciple_n shall_v not_o see_v which_o way_n they_o lead_v they_o but_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v ordain_v to_o this_o office_n be_v send_v to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v see_v the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n 4._o christian_n without_o distinction_n be_v express_o require_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o they_o as_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o imply_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o treasure_n in_o the_o scripture_n a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n so_o it_o may_v be_v certain_o find_v by_o those_o that_o due_o search_v for_o it_o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v 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great_a light_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o our_o foot_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o perfect_a fruition_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v we_o command_v only_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n but_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o they_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n 12.57_o 1_o thes_n 5.21_o 1_o job_n 1.4_o luk._n 12.57_o and_o to_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o what_o be_v right_o that_o be_v we_o must_v use_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o compare_v matter_n in_o controversy_n with_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o scripture_n for_o some_o rule_n we_o must_v have_v to_o prove_v and_o try_v and_o judge_n by_o and_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o scripture_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o any_o other_o rule_n but_o itself_o and_o that_o of_o modern_a and_o unwritten_a tradition_n as_o opposite_a to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v security_n enough_o against_o any_o dangerous_a error_n consider_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o much_o a_o stand_a 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cnnot_v prudent_o accept_v of_o their_o offer_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v free_o proffer_v i_o the_o indies_n i_o must_v say_v it_o be_v a_o very_a noble_a gift_n if_o he_o can_v make_v it_o good_a and_o when_o he_o have_v convince_v i_o that_o he_o can_v i_o will_v thankful_o accept_v it_o from_o he_o but_o before_o he_o can_v give_v i_o satisfaction_n about_o it_o i_o find_v there_o must_v be_v a_o few_o word_n exchange_v between_o we_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o please_v i_o desire_v he_o to_o tell_v i_o how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v the_o owner_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o treasure_n which_o be_v or_o late_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o so_o many_o great_a and_o potent_a prince_n and_o which_o way_n he_o will_v put_v i_o into_o possession_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n if_o he_o can_v answer_v these_o query_n as_o i_o believe_v he_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v never_o convey_v the_o indies_n to_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v never_o trouble_v my_o head_n more_o about_o they_o and_o thus_o i_o fear_v it_o will_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n to_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v there_o such_o a_o church_n or_o person_n as_o they_o boast_v of_o at_o rome_n that_o can_v infallible_o solve_v all_o doubt_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n be_v rich_o worth_a both_o the_o indies_n together_o but_o before_o i_o accept_v of_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o guide_n i_o must_v desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o a_o few_o thing_n in_o reference_n to_o he_o as_o 1._o how_o i_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o guide_n or_o judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o i_o find_v there_o be_v a_o great_a controversy_n in_o the_o church_n about_o it_o and_o if_o i_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o till_o he_o have_v end_v all_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o great_a blessing_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n promise_v from_o he_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o this_o age_n of_o controversy_n to_o inquire_v any_o far_a after_o he_o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o may_v i_o or_o any_o other_o protestant_n determine_v this_o controversy_n by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o fallible_a judgement_n if_o we_o may_v than_o it_o seem_v a_o fallible_a judgement_n may_v do_v more_o sometime_o than_o a_o infallible_a judg._n however_o a_o fallible_a judgement_n be_v all_o the_o judgement_n that_o we_o have_v and_o if_o by_o it_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n which_o at_o rome_n go_v for_o a_o lead_a article_n of_o faith_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o may_v not_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n be_v certain_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o we_o may_v
upon_o his_o son_n and_o talk_v with_o he_o upon_o the_o way_n to_o moriah_n nature_n shall_v make_v a_o stand_n and_o his_o heart_n shall_v fail_v he_o to_o think_v what_o a_o sad_a uncomfortable_a errand_n he_o be_v go_v upon_o but_o we_o meet_v with_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o in_o abraham_n deportment_n during_o the_o whole_a process_n of_o his_o trial_n he_o do_v not_o make_v a_o false_a step_n in_o three_o day_n journey_n to_o moriah_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o stagger_v at_o the_o strangeness_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o go_v on_o without_o delay_n and_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o this_o great_a action_n proceed_v by_o even_o and_o constant_a step_n through_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o tedious_a duty_n 22.9_o gen._n 22.9_o even_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o mountain_n which_o god_n tell_v he_o of_o have_v build_v a_o altar_n and_o lay_v the_o wood_n in_o order_n upon_o it_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o allow_v himself_o to_o say_v must_v i_o now_o burn_v the_o staff_n of_o my_o old-age_n and_o the_o dear_a pledge_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o i_o and_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o we_o see_v he_o perfect_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n and_o surmount_v the_o discouragement_n which_o his_o way_n be_v obstruct_v with_o 2._o the_o power_n or_o principle_n by_o which_o this_o transcendent_a act_n of_o righteousness_n be_v wrought_v i._n e._n by_o which_o abraham_n prevail_v with_o himself_o and_o over_o all_o discouragement_n to_o offer_v up_o isaac_n the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o his_o faith_n now_o faith_n we_o know_v be_v sometime_o take_v for_o a_o habitual_a belief_n or_o persuasion_n of_o the_o perfection_n truth_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o sometime_o for_o a_o single_a act_n of_o this_o eminent_a grace_n and_o there_o be_v place_n of_o which_o the_o text_n be_v one_o in_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_o use_v in_o both_o sense_n 1._o first_o then_o the_o honour_n of_o this_o noble_a action_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o constant_a and_o habitual_a persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o promise_n which_o abraham_n have_v attain_v unto_o he_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o believe_v god_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n and_o concernment_n of_o all_o that_o he_o reveal_v to_o he_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o conclude_v and_o settle_v upon_o this_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o this_o persuasion_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o his_o piety_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o he_o leave_v his_o own_o country_n for_o a_o strange_a land_n and_o follow_v the_o clue_n of_o god_n providence_n whithersoever_o it_o lead_v he_o it_o direct_v his_o step_n when_o he_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o posture_n of_o undertake_v the_o hard_a trial_n and_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o his_o sincerity_n that_o god_n shall_v demand_v of_o he_o and_o according_o when_o god_n demand_v his_o son_n the_o dear_a thing_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n in_o any_o case_n but_o he_o to_o slay_v a_o innocent_a youth_n though_o it_o be_v in_o common_a esteem_n a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n which_o a_o father_n name_n carry_v in_o it_o and_o no_o less_o contrary_a to_o the_o endearment_n of_o the_o conjugal_a relation_n nay_o though_o it_o have_v all_o the_o visible_a mark_n of_o unnatural_a rage_n and_o inhumanity_n upon_o it_o and_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v a_o indelible_a blemish_n to_o religion_n though_o these_o consideration_n be_v no_o less_o obvious_a than_o weighty_a yet_o be_v abraham_n through_o the_o constancy_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n so_o naturalize_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o can_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o but_o i_o confess_v this_o do_v not_o full_o clear_v the_o main_a difficulty_n employ_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o abraham_n shall_v offer_v up_o his_o son_n by_o faith_n while_o he_o believe_v the_o promise_n concern_v his_o seed_n it_o be_v against_o common_a sense_n or_o reason_n that_o if_o isaac_n die_v without_o issue_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v bless_v after_o he_o so_o that_o abraham_n may_v be_v a_o strong_a believer_n and_o do_v great_a thing_n by_o his_o faith_n yet_o still_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v but_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o stagger_v while_o he_o shake_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n which_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n have_v rest_v upon_o as_o he_o do_v when_o he_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v the_o promise_a line_n and_o so_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o consider_v it_o as_o it_o signify_v 2._o some_o special_a and_o eminent_a act_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o such_o we_o find_v in_o the_o present_a casu_fw-la namely_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o abraham_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o this_o the_o context_n express_o ascribe_v his_o success_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n 19.1_o v._o 19.1_o etc._n etc._n account_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n by_o bring_v isaac_n to_o life_n again_o and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o rather_o than_o suffer_v the_o least_o tittle_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o die_v with_o he_o and_o now_o his_o way_n though_o hard_a be_v clear_a and_o open_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o interrupt_v his_o obedience_n but_o what_o his_o almighty_a faith_n can_v deal_v withal_o he_o have_v doubtless_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v a_o better_a interest_n in_o his_o son_n and_o all_o his_o other_o possession_n than_o any_o he_o can_v lay_v claim_n unto_o and_o the_o great_a reverence_n he_o have_v for_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n hush_v his_o natural_a affection_n and_o whereas_o god_n command_n seem_v to_o oppose_v his_o promise_n he_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n too_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o and_o bring_v back_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o give_v he_o his_o first_o be_v when_o he_o spring_v from_o one_o as_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o chapter_n that_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a that_o be_v himself_o that_o have_v outlive_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o give_v life_n to_o other_o we_o see_v then_o the_o eminency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n 12._o v._o 12._o and_o the_o support_v it_o give_v he_o all_o along_o in_o his_o trial_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o it_o he_o keep_v his_o eye_n all_o the_o while_n upon_o god_n command_n and-winked_a at_o all_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n that_o 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how_o far_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o discourse_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n first_o then_o 1._o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n which_o certain_o it_o have_v never_o be_v if_o he_o have_v not_o obey_v the_o command_n which_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n if_o abraham_n then_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n which_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o lively_a and_o work_a faith_n and_o that_o no_o other_o faith_n than_o this_o can_v justify_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v more_o than_o
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a_o fair_a step_n to_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n for_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n what_o effect_n the_o great_a precept_n and_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_a to_o have_v upon_o those_o man_n that_o conceive_v they_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v round_o that_o they_o be_v so_o from_o eternity_n 2._o we_o be_v teach_v by_o this_o trial_n not_o to_o stagger_v or_o repine_v at_o any_o sharp_a or_o mysterious_a providence_n but_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o god_n to_o prove_v our_o sincerity_n and_o to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n in_o he_o of_o all_o the_o excellent_a man_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v honour_v with_o more_o eminent_a token_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n than_o abraham_n be_v he_o be_v style_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a 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this_o chapter_n and_o the_o best_a history_n of_o all_o age_n now_o shall_v we_o call_v this_o a_o error_n of_o providence_n and_o conclude_v that_o all_o these_o excellent_a man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n because_o he_o call_v they_o to_o such_o noble_a trial_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o vindication_n of_o their_o faith_n if_o not_o we_o can_v infer_v nothing_o either_o against_o ourselves_o while_o we_o study_v to_o please_v god_n or_o against_o the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n from_o the_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n how_o extraordinary_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o nature_n or_o circumstance_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v consider_v rather_o that_o good_a man_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o world_n submission_n to_o the_o appointment_n of_o it_o by_o their_o affliction_n and_o trial_n and_o this_o clear_v at_o once_o the_o 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than_o other_o and_o that_o the_o best_a love_n the_o world_n at_o their_o heart_n as_o dear_o as_o those_o that_o proclaim_v their_o passion_n for_o it_o and_o profess_o make_v their_o court_n to_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o have_v cost_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n very_o dear_a in_o their_o several_a age_n to_o undeceive_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o scoff_v and_o infidelity_n of_o men._n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o one_o special_a end_n of_o the_o trial_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o religion_n be_v a_o reality_n and_o that_o there_o be_v those_o that_o cheerful_o serve_v god_n upon_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n yea_o though_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o very_a dear_a delight_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o the_o example_n in_o the_o text_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o evasion_n or_o 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dictate_v as_o essentiael_v to_o christianity_n which_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o next_o ancient_n and_o venerable_a write_n do_v assure_v we_o be_v not_o there_o be_v those_o that_o call_v we_o heretic_n and_o have_v often_o prove_v we_o so_o as_o clear_o as_o fire_n and_o faggot_n can_v do_v it_o because_o we_o be_v so_o straitlaced_n as_o to_o believe_v but_o just_a so_o many_o truth_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v so_o nice_a and_o humorous_a as_o not_o to_o believe_v the_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o they_o there_o be_v a_o church_n that_o for_o several_a age_n and_o in_o several_a council_n have_v decree_v the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n i.e._n the_o most_o orthodox_n christian_n by_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o fair_o recommend_v it_o as_o a_o eminent_a test_n of_o catholic_n zeal_n other_o at_o least_o there_o have_v be_v who_o with_o mighty_a confidence_n pretend_v to_o secret_a motion_n and_o immediate_a 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principle_n and_o transport_v with_o this_o extravagant_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o man_n to_o be_v warm_a and_o zealous_a for_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o sentimest_n ill_o so_o much_o that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n have_v not_o always_o the_o charity_n and_o good-nature_n that_o shall_v attend_v it_o but_o that_o this_o inclination_n shall_v so_o mighty_o raise_v the_o spleen_n and_o fire_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n that_o it_o shall_v grow_v so_o violent_a quarrelsome_a and_o impetuous_a as_o to_o scorn_v the_o restraint_n of_o law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o break_v down_o all_o the_o fonce_n of_o government_n to_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n foe_fw-mi christ_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o so_o meek_a a_o master_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v and_o the_o professor_n of_o so_o charitable_a and_o oblige_a so_o holy_a and_o healing_n a_o institution_n as_o christianity_n be_v shall_v think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o promote_v every_o crude_a opinion_n with_o the_o sword_n nay_o that_o inspire_v and_o as_o they_o call_v themselves_o infallible_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n so_o exceed_o fierce_a and_o angry_a with_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o devote_v they_o to_o present_v and_o eternal_a ruin_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o extreme_o full_a of_o scandal_n and_o contradiction_n that_o without_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v scarce_o charity_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o they_o but_o let_v we_o do_v that_o right_n to_o christianity_n and_o ourselves_o as_o to_o see_v where_o the_o fault_n lie_v and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n have_v wrought_v so_o much_o misery_n and_o coufusion_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o assign_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o evil_n will_v require_v more_o time_n and_o patience_n than_o the_o present_a occasion_n will_v allow_v i_o shall_v therefore_o confine_v myself_o to_o such_o as_o i_o think_v have_v the_o great_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o be_v best_a able_a to_o answer_v for_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v bad_a education_n which_o have_v a_o strange_a influence_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o persuasion_n of_o man_n and_o be_v able_a to_o change_v the_o sweet_a natural_a disposition_n into_o the_o bitter_a and_o fierce_a temper_n the_o great_a spring_n and_o mover_n of_o humane_a action_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o information_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o business_n of_o education_n must_v have_v a_o mighty_a stroke_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o impression_n we_o receive_v of_o thing_n while_o our_o mind_n be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n and_o prejudice_n be_v
of_o the_o truth_n do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v bashful_a in_o assert_v their_o principle_n when_o they_o find_v their_o interest_n in_o they_o 6.5_o 1_o tim._n 6.5_o but_o fuppose_v gain_n to_o be_v godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n observe_v of_o they_o be_v general_o very_o forward_o to_o show_v their_o good_a affection_n to_o it_o and_o like_o demetrius_n to_o put_v the_o world_n into_o a_o uproar_n out_o of_o zeal_n to_o the_o magnificence_n of_o their_o great_a diana_n and_o their_o profit_n from_o her_o shrine_n and_o altar_n conscience_n it_o be_v true_a at_o the_o first_o have_v the_o least_o share_n in_o the_o action_n of_o these_o man_n who_o interest_n choose_v choose_v their_o principle_n for_o they_o but_o what_o they_o strong_o affect_v and_o desire_n shall_v be_v true_a in_o time_n they_o strong_o believe_v and_o have_v wilful_o reject_v the_o truth_n be_v give_v up_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o delusion_n to_o believe_v and_o defend_v the_o lye_n 4._o some_o principle_n be_v so_o bad_a in_o themselves_o as_o to_o inspire_v man_n with_o a_o furious_a and_o unchristian_a zeal_n and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o worldly_a interest_n to_o instigate_v and_o push_v they_o on_o to_o violent_a and_o unnatural_a action_n such_o be_v these_o which_o warrant_v the_o kill_v of_o man_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o promise_v they_o heaven_n for_o the_o vile_a pnactice_n in_o the_o world_n for_o assassinate_v their_o natural_a prince_n betray_v their_o country_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o foreign_a and_o insupportable_a yoke_n such_o be_v all_o those_o that_o make_v unlawful_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o eneourage_n man_n to_o think_v the_o better_a of_o themselves_o for_o their_o zeal_n against_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o nothing_o but_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o a_o decent_a way_n of_o serve_v of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n these_o principle_n do_v natural_o produce_v a_o envious_a and_o ill-natured_a zeal_n it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o guidance_n of_o they_o to_o allow_v no_o man_n a_o name_n for_o religion_n but_o themselves_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o espouse_v their_o folly_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o mark_n of_o distinction_n and_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o holy_a and_o better_a man_n for_o differ_v from_o all_o christian_n upon_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v too_o often_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o odd_a and_o peevish_a principle_n that_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n cease_v to_o be_v lawful_a when_o they_o be_v once_o command_v no_o man_n know_v the_o malignity_n of_o such_o a_o error_n as_o this_o shall_v it_o once_o get_v the_o ascendant_n which_o be_v the_o aim_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o over_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v place_v in_o the_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n do_v we_o not_o already_o find_v the_o insluence_n of_o it_o upon_o some_o of_o the_o straint_a sect_n of_o our_o religion_n who_o yet_o have_v reserve_v themselves_o a_o sufficient_a latitude_n in_o scorn_v and_o deride_v their_o brethren_n and_o be_v extreme_o lavish_a in_o their_o censure_n of_o person_n of_o the_o high_a chaeacter_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o many_o there_o be_v that_o prize_n and_o commend_v themselves_o upon_o these_o very_a account_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mark_n of_o sanctity_n to_o break_v and_o blemish_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o pretend_v no_o other_o quarrel_n with_o than_o only_o for_o interpose_v her_o authority_n in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n i.e._n make_v use_n of_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v give_v to_o every_o church_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o consecrate_v a_o schism_n into_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o to_o do_v that_o for_o religion_n sake_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o undo_n and_o subversion_n of_o it_o 5._o enthusiasm_n or_o a_o false_a pretence_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v a_o fatal_a cause_n of_o this_o extravagant_a zeal_n when_o man_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o ascribe_v their_o error_n to_o the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n when_o they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a favourite_n of_o god_n in_o who_o breast_n he_o have_v lodge_v his_o choice_a secret_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o authorize_v to_o bring_v his_o most_o glorious_a design_n to_o pass_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v long_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o these_o delusion_n sron_n that_o evil_a spirit_n that_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o belie_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v a_o far_a design_n upon_o they_o and_o as_o the_o philiftines_n deal_v with_o samson_n when_o they_o have_v put_v out_o his_o eye_n will_v sure_o employ_v they_o in_o his_o drudgery_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o most_o destructive_a attempt_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v what_o desperate_a project_n man_n will_v free_o contribute_v their_o service_n to_o when_o they_o be_v once_o possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o strike_v blind_a with_o a_o opinion_n that_o whatever_o they_o strong_o fancy_n be_v infallible_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o err_v have_v private_a instruction_n from_o god_n himself_o hitherto_o hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n to_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o exalt_v it_o to_o a_o more_o glorious_a height_n to_o which_o purpose_n a_o eminent_a divine_a of_o this_o church_n who_o have_v a_o peculiar_a sagacity_n in_o trace_v and_o detect_v the_o error_n of_o his_o time_n have_v leave_v we_o this_o memorable_a passage_n pol._n passage_n mr._n hook_n pref._n to_o eccl._n pol._n when_o man_n be_v once_o erroneous_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o have_v those_o thing_n do_v which_o they_o fancy_n than_o opinion_n be_v as_o thorn_n in_o their_o side_n never_o suffer_v they_o to_o take_v rest_n till_o they_o have_v bring_v their_o skpeculation_n into_o practice_n the_o impediment_n of_o which_o practice_n their_o restless_a desire_n and_o study_v to_o remove_v lead_v they_o every_o day_n into_o more_o dangerour_n opinion_n sometime_o quite_o and_o clean_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o pretend_a meaning_n so_o that_o what_o will_v grow_v out_o of_o such_o error_n as_o go_v mask_v under_o the_o cloak_n of_o divine_a authority_n impoffible_a it_o be_v that_o ever_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n shall_v imagine_v till_o time_n have_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n 3._o to_o make_v some_o inference_n brieef_o from_o this_o discourse_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n when_o we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o destructive_a and_o unchristian_a zeal_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o our_o religion_n or_o to_o suspect_v our_o faith_n that_o the_o best_a religion_n shall_v meet_v with_o the_o sharp_a opposition_n from_o man_n that_o the_o worst_a sction_n shall_v pretend_v to_o serve_v it_o and_o receive_v authority_n and_o encouragement_n from_o it_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n and_o of_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a zeal_n shall_v combine_v against_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n from_o her_o infancy_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v express_o foretell_v they_o on_o purpose_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v when_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v they_o 2._o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v a_o very_a unsafe_a and_o dangerous_a guide_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o because_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o dictate_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n to_o guide_v our_o practice_n and_o according_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o persecution_n which_o have_v befall_v the_o church_n be_v manifest_o owe_v to_o the_o delusion_n which_o have_v pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o conscience_n in_o several_a age_n which_o shall_v mighty_o awaken_v we_o to_o look_v well_o to_o our_o principle_n and_o to_o keep_v our_o mind_n pure_a and_o untainted_a with_o error_n if_o the_o light_n say_v christ_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o he_o darkness_n 6.23_o mat._n 6.23_o how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n a_o little_a speck_n in_o the_o eye_n feed_v by_o a_o invincible_a humour_n often_o deftroy_v the_o most_o useful_a and_o noble_a sense_n it_o be_v sad_a to_o observe_v from_o what_o small_a beginning_n the_o great_a error_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n spread_v and_o diffuse_v themselves_o to_o the_o infinite_a prejudice_n
these_o advantage_n they_o be_v so_o little_a the_o better_a for_o that_o he_o upbraid_v they_o for_o their_o unparalleled_a infidelity_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n represent_v they_o as_o more_o obstinate_a than_o the_o very_a heathen_n about_o they_o more_o averse_a to_o their_o own_o hppiness_n than_o their_o neighbour_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n who_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o weak_a light_n of_o nature_n to_o guide_v they_o to_o it_o these_o gentile_n have_v no_o prophet_n or_o scripture_n to_o instruct_v they_o no_o miracle_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n no_o promise_n of_o pardon_n or_o eternal_a life_n to_o encourage_v their_o repentance_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v in_o a_o better_a disposition_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o will_v much_o soon_o have_v repent_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o mighty_a work_n than_o the_o galileant_fw-la that_o have_v all_o the_o proper_a mean_n to_o dispose_v and_o incline_v they_o to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o impenitent_a jew_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o threaten_v here_o denounce_v against_o they_o woe_n unto_o thou_o chorazin_n woe_n unto_o thou_o bethsaida_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o you_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o have_v repent_v etc._n etc._n though_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n yet_o what_o ever_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n among_o interpreter_n about_o it_o viz_o whether_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o miracle_n upon_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n will_v have_v be_v the_o real_a conversion_n of_o those_o city_n or_o whether_o by_o their_o repent_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v no_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a external_n or_o counterfeit_n repentance_n that_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v in_o several_a respect_n the_o more_o natural_a sense_n as_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o scope_n and_o tenor_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o then_o begin_v to_o upbraid_v the_o city_n where_o most_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n be_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o repent_v not_o i._n e._n true_o and_o hearty_o as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o current_a usage_n of_o the_o original_a word_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o genuine_a importance_n of_o it_o beside_o this_o be_v the_o only_a repentance_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o and_o this_o his_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n be_v apt_a to_o produce_v in_o all_o that_o right_o weigh_v and_o observe_v they_o and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o want_n of_o any_o repentance_n it_o must_v be_v for_o want_n of_o this_o and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o when_o he_o upbraid_v they_o with_o the_o repentance_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n his_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o they_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o true_a solemn_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n for_o where_o be_v otherwise_o the_o upbraid_v which_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o if_o the_o tyrian_n have_v continue_v impenitent_a under_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o view_n of_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o will_v have_v do_v just_a as_o the_o jew_n do_v and_o if_o they_o have_v make_v a_o show_n of_o repent_v when_o they_o do_v not_o put_v sackcloth_n upon_o their_o loin_n and_o ash_n upon_o their_o head_n when_o their_o heart_n be_v as_o hard_o and_o their_o lust_n be_v as_o rampant_a as_o ever_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a christ_n will_v never_o have_v call_v this_o repentance_n which_o be_v all_o over_o hypocrisy_n nor_o can_v this_o be_v any_o reproach_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o hear_v that_o other_o nation_n have_v they_o be_v in_o their_o circumstance_n will_v have_v prove_v as_o wicked_a or_o worse_o than_o they_o no_o man_n think_v it_o any_o shame_n to_o he_o to_o be_v tell_v that_o other_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o bad_a and_o vicious_a as_o himself_o this_o be_v not_o to_o aggravate_v and_o upbraid_v but_o rather_o to_o stroke_n and_o extenuate_v his_o crime_n by_o show_v the_o commonness_n of_o they_o and_o the_o great_a aptitude_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o fall_v into_o they_o brief_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o man_n of_o galilee_n that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o they_o plain_o refer_v to_o the_o good_a disposition_n of_o those_o city_n to_o repent_v of_o their_o lewdness_n and_o idolatry_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v 2._o that_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o very_a nation_n begin_v sudden_o after_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o visit_n st._n paul_n make_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n 5.27.3_o act_n 21.3_o 4_o 5.27.3_o shall_v we_o question_v now_o whether_o these_o be_v true_a penitent_n and_o disciple_n or_o not_o if_o not_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n own_o preach_v and_o miracle_n may_v not_o have_v wrought_v the_o same_o bless_a effect_n upon_o they_o which_o his_o apostle_n do_v or_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o repentance_n at_o any_o time_n when_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v tender_v with_o the_o same_o advantage_n to_o they_o especial_o since_o christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n than_o which_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v a_o more_o proper_a expression_n to_o signify_v at_o once_o a_o very_a solemn_a and_o serious_a repentance_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v we_o may_v observe_v one_a obser_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v better_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o some_o person_n and_o nation_n than_o to_o other_o 2d_o obser_n that_o the_o same_o mean_n which_o be_v unprofitable_a to_o some_o man_n will_v sure_o have_v be_v effectual_a to_o the_o reformation_n of_o other_o if_o they_o have_v enjoy_v they_o 3d._a obser_n that_o the_o final_a condition_n of_o those_o that_o reject_v the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v impenitent_a under_o the_o ministration_n of_o it_o will_v be_v more_o grievous_a and_o intolerable_a than_o they_o that_o be_v never_o call_v to_o repentance_n by_o it_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n 1._o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v better_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o some_o person_n and_o nation_n than_o to_o oother_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o truth_n i_o shall_v 1._o clear_v it_o by_o some_o undeniable_a instance_n and_o 2._o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o equity_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a dispensation_n of_o it_o 1._o for_o the_o first_o that_o god_n afford_v better_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o some_o person_n and_o nation_n than_o to_o other_o be_v clear_a to_o all_o that_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n when_o god_n begin_v to_o distinguish_v his_o own_o people_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n he_o give_v they_o better_a mean_n to_o improve_v and_o secure_v his_o favour_n than_o the_o rest_n enjoy_v he_o do_v not_o leave_v they_o mere_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o natural_a light_n as_o he_o leave_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n and_o prophet_n by_o vision_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n he_o write_v down_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o their_o obedience_n to_o he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o encourage_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o by_o special_a and_o ample_a promise_n when_o god_n choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n at_o first_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o make_v a_o express_a covenant_n with_o he_o to_o distinguish_v his_o seed_n by_o spiritual_a blessing_n from_o all_o the_o kindred_n of_o the_o earth_n while_o all_o the_o world_n about_o he_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o idolatry_n worship_v the_o god_n which_o their_o own_o fear_n and_o fancy_n have_v make_v abraham_n have_v the_o privilege_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o to_o behold_v the_o day_n of_o christ_n afar_o off_o 18.19_o gen._n 18.19_o he_o be_v teach_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o teach_v his_o child_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o path_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n that_o god_n may_v bring_v upon_o abraham_n the_o great_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o he_o and_o according_o he_o do_v so_o he_o give_v
any_o gratitude_n in_o we_o any_o ingenious_a sense_n of_o the_o infinite_a debt_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o will_v strong_o engage_v we_o to_o make_v the_o best_a return_v and_o acknowledgement_n we_o be_v able_a know_v that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o 17.10_o luk._n 17.10_o we_o be_v but_o vnprositable_a servant_n and_o then_o the_o danger_n of_o forfeit_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o our_o wilful_a negligence_n and_o of_o drive_v away_o his_o grieve_v spirit_n from_o we_o and_o so_o cloud_v and_o shorten_v our_o day_n of_o grace_n how_o shall_v this_o quicken_v our_o diligence_n and_o inflame_v our_o endeavour_n after_o grace_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o more_o lively_a and_o acceptable_a manner_n with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n but_o there_o will_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o enlarge_n upon_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o next_o particular_a which_o be_v this_o 5._o the_o strong_a we_o grow_v in_o grace_n the_o better_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o hold_v out_o unto_o the_o end_n without_o which_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o diligence_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v throw_v away_o a_o constant_a proficiency_n in_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o apostasy_n while_o we_o go_v on_o and_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o our_o fall_v away_o all_o the_o danger_n be_v while_o we_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o be_v strong_o tempt_v to_o return_v to_o our_o former_a course_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n by_o press_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_v we_o be_v continual_o get_v ground_n for_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o the_o more_o we_o keep_v before_o they_o the_o less_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o of_o be_v surprise_v and_o overtake_v by_o they_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o two_o opposite_a term_n of_o our_o christian_a course_n so_o far_o as_o we_o advance_v towards_o the_o latter_a we_o leave_v the_o former_a behind_o we_o and_o by_o consequence_n be_v at_o so_o much_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o apostasy_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v secure_v our_o perseverance_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o get_v as_o forward_o in_o religion_n as_o we_o can_v and_o not_o rest_n in_o any_o mean_a attainment_n as_o if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o at_o any_o time_n good_a enough_o for_o heaven_n and_o be_v sure_a of_o our_o crown_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o have_v begin_v our_o race_n we_o know_v not_o what_o trial_n we_o may_v be_v exercise_v with_o or_o what_o degree_n of_o fortitude_n and_o patience_n we_o shall_v need_v to_o support_v and_o carry_v we_o through_o they_o but_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o be_v well_o prepare_v before_o hand_n and_o it_o therefore_o become_v we_o to_o be_v constant_o train_n and_o exercise_v our_o grace_n and_o daily_o reinforcing_a our_o resolution_n to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o obstruct_v our_o passage_n to_o glory_n and_o happiness_n if_o we_o faint_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n we_o shall_v very_o hardly_o recover_v ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o fall_v away_o we_o shall_v loose_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o former_a labour_n and_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v far_o worse_o than_o our_o beginning_n i_o know_v there_o be_v those_o that_o take_v sanctuary_n at_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n of_o fall_v from_o grace_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o will_v only_o remind_v those_o who_o be_v too_o flush_n and_o confident_n of_o it_o for_o sure_o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o man_n to_o venture_v his_o salvation_n upon_o it_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a it_o may_v do_v they_o no_o service_n and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n that_o many_o that_o have_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v the_o character_n of_o good_a man_n among_o those_o that_o be_v true_o so_o have_v at_o last_o yield_v to_o the_o charm_n of_o this_o tempt_v world_n and_o neglect_v to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n have_v outlive_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o good_a estate_n and_o the_o fair_a opinion_n of_o the_o most_o candid_a and_o charitable_a person_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o shall_v be_v extreme_o cautious_a of_o presume_v too_o far_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o dash_v against_o the_o rock_n which_o many_o that_o have_v have_v the_o steerage_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o seem_v to_o set_v out_o with_o all_o advantage_n for_o heaven_n have_v fatal_o strike_v upon_o for_o want_v of_o that_o diligence_n and_o circumspection_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o so_o weighty_a a_o affair_n as_o that_o of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o good_a man_n may_v grieve_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o every_o degree_n of_o resistance_n be_v a_o new_a provocation_n to_o he_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o that_o the_o often_o he_o be_v repulse_v the_o more_o danger_n there_o be_v of_o his_o forsake_v those_o that_o withstand_v his_o bless_a motition_n and_o whether_o this_o may_v or_o may_v not_o proceed_v to_o a_o utter_a dereliction_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o be_v cautious_a of_o it_o consider_v the_o dreadful_a end_n of_o some_o very_a hopeful_a beginner_n who_o if_o once_o they_o be_v not_o real_o good_a be_v deceive_v in_o themselves_o nay_o be_v so_o extreme_o like_o those_o that_o be_v good_a that_o they_o deceive_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o sincerity_n and_o goodness_n let_v he_o therefore_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v and_o let_v we_o all_o endeavour_n by_o a_o sensible_a and_o constant_a improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o piety_n to_o grow_v steadfast_a and_o vnmovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v our_o labour_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 6._o the_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n will_v daily_o lessen_v and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o increase_v the_o far_o we_o proceed_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o of_o god_n commandment_n appear_v harsh_a and_o grievous_a be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o use_v to_o obey_v it_o for_o use_v and_o diligence_n make_v any_o thing_n easy_a and_o all_o excellent_a thing_n delightful_a and_o hence_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o seldomer_n we_o do_v any_o good_a the_o unwilling_a we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o it_o again_o and_o the_o more_o faint_o we_o set_v about_o it_o the_o less_o satisfaction_n we_o have_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o now_o let_v we_o but_o inure_v ourselves_o to_o any_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o take_v care_n to_o do_v it_o but_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o we_o shall_v quick_o perceive_v that_o we_o be_v please_v with_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n and_o ourselves_o a_o good_a man_n be_v never_o weary_a of_o do_v good_a and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o he_o shall_v for_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o goodness_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o that_o deal_v in_o it_o which_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_n of_o the_o wiseman_n a_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v from_o himself_o when_o he_o pray_v 14.14_o pro._n 14.14_o or_o meditate_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n with_o due_a attention_n and_o devotion_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o while_n and_o never_o enjoy_v himself_o more_o than_o when_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n well_o which_o god_n require_v of_o he_o he_o that_o be_v hardly_o persuade_v to_o a_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o at_o last_o do_v it_o but_o with_o half_a a_o consent_n be_v fain_o to_o struggle_v with_o himself_o before_o he_o proceed_v so_o far_o and_o so_o lose_v all_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o it_o whereas_o he_o that_o give_v free_o and_o cheerful_o have_v no_o trouble_n in_o himself_o about_o it_o but_o be_v high_o please_v with_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o find_v it_o a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v and_o thus_o can_v i_o run_v through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o christian_a practice_n i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o gain_v this_o conclusion_n that_o every_o thing_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v easie_n and_o pleasant_n if_o it_o be_v but_o do_v as_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o consequent_o the_o more_o we_o improve_v and_o the_o better_a we_o discharge_v our_o duty_n the_o fast_o we_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o make_v our_o progress_n the_o more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a to_o the_o end_n this_o be_v no_o romantic_a fancy_n