once_o recommend_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o exemplar_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o justify_v and_o that_o the_o great_a commendation_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o life_n and_o then_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v not_o that_o true_a and_o genuine_a faith_n which_o justify_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v but_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n we_o must_v needs_o fall_v as_o short_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o we_o do_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n for_o to_o speak_v free_o i_o can_v understand_v what_o use_v there_o be_v of_o faith_n but_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_v his_o favour_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o only_a good_a use_n of_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o separate_v faith_n from_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n it_o lose_v all_o the_o virtue_n which_o it_o have_v to_o justify_v we_o and_o then_o if_o we_o be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n what_o do_v it_o profit_n my_o brethren_n can_v that_o faith_n save_v we_o which_o can_v procure_v our_o accptance_n with_o god_n have_v not_o all_o wicked_a man_n that_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o same_o 2.19_o jam._n 2.19_o nay_o the_o devil_n as_o st._n james_n observe_v tremble_v under_o as_o good_a a_o faith_n as_o this_o it_o be_v strange_a therefore_o that_o any_o man_n of_o competent_a reason_n shall_v think_v that_o a_o dry_a and_o barren_a faith_n a_o volatile_a notion_n in_o the_o head_n that_o never_o reach_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n shall_v put_v he_o into_o the_o happy_a state_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n or_o that_o which_o make_v he_o never_o the_o better_a man_n shall_v yet_o make_v he_o the_o favourite_n of_o god_n that_o a_o dead_a and_o useless_a faith_n shall_v do_v he_o the_o great_a kindness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o entitle_v he_o to_o life_n eternal_a now_o if_o justify_v faith_n be_v more_o than_o a_o assent_n to_o truth_n if_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v a_o vital_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n we_o see_v what_o a_o perfect_a dream_n the_o antinomian_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n from_o eternity_n be_v for_o sure_o no_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n so_o long_o ago_o as_o from_o eternity_n and_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v from_o eternity_n our_o faith_n come_v too_o late_o to_o justify_v we_o and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o justify_v faith_n and_o this_o the_o patron_n of_o this_o opinion_n do_v not_o dissemble_v in_o their_o description_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o they_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n only_o of_o manifest_v and_o apply_v to_o themselves_o their_o personal_a justification_n from_o eternity_n and_o be_v not_o this_o 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 seed_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n 4.13_o rom._n 4.13_o he_o be_v familiar_o visited_n by_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o dignify_v with_o many_o special_a revelation_n and_o glorious_a promise_n he_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o god_n secret_n 18.17_o gen._n 18.17_o one_o who_o he_o declare_v his_o confidence_n in_o yea_o be_v so_o high_o in_o his_o favour_n that_o god_n engage_v himself_o by_o a_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o his_o family_n in_o all_o future_a age_n and_o give_v he_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n 8.56_o joh._n 8.56_o at_o almost_o two_o thousand_o year_n distance_n from_o it_o and_o beside_o this_o instance_n it_o have_v be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o single_a out_o the_o best_a man_n for_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o to_o propose_v they_o as_o example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o their_o own_o and_o all_o succeed_a generation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o worthy_n of_o 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 wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o thus_o train_v they_o up_o for_o those_o excessive_a height_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v prepare_v in_o heaven_n for_o they_o 3._o the_o carriage_n of_o abraham_n in_o this_o trial_n may_v serve_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o live_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v serve_v god_n without_o respect_n to_o worldly_a advantage_n nay_o in_o view_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o disappointment_n that_o can_v be_v sustain_v by_o it_o the_o loose_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v always_o very_o apt_a to_o charge_v the_o sincere_a with_o pretend_v religion_n for_o secular_a end_n be_v willing_a to_o ease_v themselves_o of_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o wicked_a and_o impious_a life_n they_o will_v feign_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a faith_n and_o piety_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o hypocrisy_n that_o give_v some_o man_n the_o reputation_n of_o be_v better_a 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 answer_n and_o since_o abraham_n child_n have_v the_o same_o kind_a of_o faith_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v so_o renown_v for_o i_o mean_v a_o faith_n which_o carry_v they_o through_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o pursuit_n of_o a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o a_o kingdom_n which_o have_v foundation_n this_o vindicate_v all_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n from_o the_o foul_a charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o do_v their_o work_n to_o be_v see_v of_o men._n it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o their_o family_n that_o they_o believe_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a that_o they_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o ingenuity_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o perfection_n that_o abraham_n be_v
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 we_o with_o the_o great_a need_n we_o have_v of_o a_o reformation_n to_o make_v we_o worse_o than_o we_o need_v to_o have_v be_v without_o it_o we_o put_v a_o sharp_a weapon_n into_o their_o hand_n than_o any_o they_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o forge_v against_o it_o a_o witty_a man_n may_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n to_o say_v something_o for_o romish_a error_n but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n to_o be_v speak_v for_o a_o antichristian_a life_n with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o inveigh_v against_o popish_a indulgence_n while_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o as_o great_a a_o liberty_n in_o sin_v as_o they_o do_v if_o we_o be_v heedless_a and_o undevout_a in_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v blush_v to_o say_v we_o can_v dispense_v with_o latin_a service_n because_o it_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o devotion_n and_o be_v it_o not_o much_o at_o one_o whether_o he_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n eat_v or_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o do_v it_o in_o both_o kind_n or_o but_o one_o or_o what_o 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 excuse_v our_o religion_n but_o raise_v objection_n against_o it_o out_o of_o those_o very_a action_n it_o express_o condemn_v and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o it_o be_v i_o confess_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o religion_n shall_v answer_v for_o the_o fault_n which_o it_o aim_v to_o rectify_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v own_v a_o real_a and_o mighty_a prejudice_n to_o it_o to_o be_v contradict_v by_o its_o own_o professor_n and_o betray_v by_o those_o that_o pretend_v a_o hearty_n zeal_n and_o concernment_n for_o it_o and_o we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o be_v cautious_a on_o this_o hand_n because_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o full_o justify_v by_o its_o learned_a advocate_n that_o it_o require_v nothing_o more_o for_o its_o defence_n and_o vindication_n from_o it_o be_v than_o that_o we_o shall_v adorn_v it_o by_o our_o holy_a conversation_n and_o keep_v the_o enemy_n out_o of_o those_o breach_n which_o our_o division_n have_v make_v and_o our_o lust_n have_v widen_v for_o they_o and_o this_o be_v our_o proper_a post_n in_o which_o we_o may_v do_v excellent_a service_n though_o we_o may_v not_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o engage_v in_o the_o field_n of_o controversy_n mere_o by_o exercise_v ourselves_o unto_o godliness_n by_o keep_v to_o the_o plain_a rule_n and_o stand_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n this_o i_o say_v be_v our_o proper_a task_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v utter_o defeat_v our_o adversary_n and_o put_v they_o to_o the_o same_o straight_o that_o daniel_n do_v the_o chaldaean_n 6.5_o dan._n 6.5_o by_o leave_v they_o no_o occasion_n against_o we_o except_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o law_n of_o our_o god_n and_o for_o that_o we_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o try_v their_o utmost_a skill_n and_o if_o by_o fair_a reason_v and_o argument_n such_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n they_o can_v win_v the_o victory_n let_v they_o wear_v it_o i_o wish_v the_o mean_a while_n we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v our_o religion_n i_o wish_v we_o can_v all_o show_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a conversation_n that_o our_o life_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o law_n as_o our_o faith_n be_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o i_o think_v our_o adversary_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o in_o this_o respect_n but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v just_o expect_v that_o we_o who_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n shall_v live_v at_o the_o best_a rate_n that_o we_o who_o pretend_v to_o understand_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o to_o know_v who_o we_o worship_n and_o have_v renounce_v the_o error_n and_o corruption_n that_o spoil_v the_o religion_n of_o other_o man_n shall_v be_v extreme_o careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o blemish_v our_o own_o that_o we_o do_v not_o stain_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o furnish_v man_n with_o 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
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 oppose_v his_o obedience_n to_o it_o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o god_n have_v power_n to_o kill_v and_o to_o make_v alive_a to_o command_v what_o he_o please_v and_o reward_v those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o short_a amid_o all_o the_o hard_a thing_n that_o bear_v upon_o abraham_n faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o appear_v so_o incredible_a to_o he_o as_o that_o god_n shall_v lie_v or_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o suspend_v his_o obedience_n while_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n faithfulness_n to_o he_o and_o according_o he_o immediate_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o light_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o faith_n without_o any_o falter_a or_o regret_n through_o all_o the_o dark_a scene_n of_o that_o cloudy_a providence_n which_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o that_o after_o a_o most_o express_a and_o emphatical_a promise_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o to_o consider_v 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
sect_n in_o his_o childhood_n and_o live_v till_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a exact_o according_a to_o they_o as_o he_o tell_v king_n agrippa_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o five_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o what_o he_o charge_v himself_o with_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o as_o his_o own_o private_a persuasion_n only_o but_o rather_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o general_a sentiment_n of_o the_o man_n of_o his_o way_n and_o indeed_o as_o the_o natural_a brood_n and_o issue_n of_o pharisaical_a superstition_n by_o superstition_n i_o mean_v a_o groundless_a apprehension_n of_o please_a god_n by_o do_v thing_n which_o he_o never_o command_v or_o forbear_v those_o which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o forbid_v and_o this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a and_o lead_a error_n of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o add_v to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v more_o duty_n and_o sin_n than_o ever_o the_o law_n have_v make_v their_o tradition_n which_o have_v nothing_o to_o recommend_v they_o but_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o father_n they_o esteem_v equal_a at_o least_o to_o the_o divine_a commandment_n nay_o our_o saviour_n express_o tell_v we_o they_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n by_o their_o tradition_n as_o if_o they_o think_v to_o please_v he_o better_o in_o their_o own_o way_n than_o in_o his_o and_o reckon_v they_o advance_v themselves_o above_o other_o by_o what_o they_o do_v over_o and_o above_o their_o duty_n as_o much_o in_o his_o asthey_v do_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o hence_o conformity_n to_o their_o traditional_a rite_n be_v their_o measure_n of_o improvement_n and_o perfection_n in_o religion_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n character_n of_o himself_o gal._n 1.14_o i_o profit_v in_o the_o jew_n religion_n above_o many_o of_o my_o equal_n in_o my_o own_o nation_n be_v more_o exceed_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o my_o father_n which_o word_n if_o we_o observe_v their_o connexion_n with_o those_o immediate_o before_o they_o seem_v to_o come_v in_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o beyond_o measure_n as_o he_o there_o tell_v we_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o waste_v it_o i.e._n his_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n of_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o his_o bitter_a and_o furious_a zeal_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v because_o it_o show_v we_o the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o that_o sect_n that_o have_v the_o chief_a hand_n in_o bring_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o cross_n and_o first_o conspire_v the_o ruin_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v the_o matter_n i_o will_v crave_v leave_n to_o propose_v to_o your_o serious_a consideration_n be_v this_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o a_o affectation_n of_o thing_n in_o which_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v as_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n to_o the_o express_a revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n or_o more_o brief_o thus_o that_o christianity_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o sharp_a opposition_n from_o man_n under_o the_o high_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o religion_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o subject_a my_o design_n be_v 1._o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o observation_n 2._o to_o show_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v thus_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o transport_v with_o this_o extravagant_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n 3._o to_o make_v some_o inference_n that_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o our_o felve_n 1._o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v thus_o misguide_v and_o their_o spirit_n inflame_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n against_o the_o truth_n may_v appear_v from_o our_o saviour_n character_n of_o he_o and_o his_o church_n enemy_n and_o from_o many_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a instance_n parallel_v to_o this_o of_o the_o confessor_n in_o the_o text._n 1._o from_o our_o saviour_n character_n of_o his_o and_o his_o church_n enemy_n our_o bless_a lord_n foreseeing_a what_o a_o zealous_a opposition_n his_o church_n and_o doctrine_n will_v assure_o meet_v withal_o after_o his_o decease_n take_v occasion_n a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n to_o forewarn_a his_o disciple_n of_o it_o he_o have_v often_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o general_n that_o they_o must_v look_v for_o troulbe_n and_o persecution_n from_o men._n now_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n draw_v on_o to_o prevent_v the_o damp_n of_o a_o surprisal_n he_o describe_v the_o temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o show_v they_o what_o hard_a measure_n they_o and_o their_o follower_n must_v expect_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n i.e._n excommunicate_a and_o curse_v you_o for_o heretic_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n john_n 16.2_o it_o seem_v to_o kill_v a_o disciple_n for_o his_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o man_n like_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o sacrifice_n they_o shall_v think_v by_o it_o say_v our_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o perform_v a_o grateful_a service_n or_o sacrisice_n to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o know_v no_o better_a way_n of_o please_v he_o than_o by_o take_v a_o lamb_n out_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o make_v it_o a_o oblation_n to_o he_o now_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a strange_a way_n of_o servig_a god_n and_o such_o as_o man_n will_v never_o have_v think_v of_o if_o they_o have_v not_o deify_v something_o more_o than_o he_o and_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o merciful_a god_n into_o a_o direful_a image_n of_o their_o own_o temper_n and_o complexion_n who_o they_o worship_n instead_o of_o he_o and_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o jew_n be_v primary_o intend_v in_o this_o prophecy_n so_o to_o the_o infinite_a scandal_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v unanswerable_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o many_o that_o shelter_n themselves_o under_o the_o sacred_a profession_n of_o it_o be_v very_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o all_o the_o mark_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o same_o religious_a zeal_n express_v by_o the_o same_o rage_n rancour_n and_o cruelty_n be_v very_o fresh_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v see_v upon_o they_o 2._o by_o many_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a instance_n parallel_v to_o that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o text._n the_o apostle_n confession_n be_v indeed_o a_o sinular_a thing_n but_o for_o the_o crime_n which_o he_o tax_v himself_o with_o he_o may_v as_o just_o have_v charge_v his_o nation_n with_o they_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n especial_o the_o govern_v part_n of_o it_o be_v strange_o leaven_v with_o this_o sour_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n himself_o testify_v of_o they_o but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n for_o they_o know_v not_o his_o immense_a goodness_n and_o benignity_n to_o mankind_n nor_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n when_o he_o be_v among_o they_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o law_n but_o so_o they_o presume_v to_o call_v what_o ever_o they_o have_v make_v law_n by_o their_o gloss_n and_o tradition_n and_o direct_v it_o against_o those_o that_o have_v a_o zeal_n against_o they_o and_o a_o very_a fierce_a and_o fatal_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o zeal_n that_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n that_o throw_v the_o apostle_n into_o prison_n that_o clear_v the_o synagogue_n of_o they_o and_o their_o disciple_n that_o cramp_v and_o load_v they_o with_o chain_n and_o fetter_n and_o for_o a_o good_a work_n give_v forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o a_o zeal_n that_o suborn_v witness_n and_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o man_n of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a a_o zeal_n that_o list_v man_n into_o conspiracy_n and_o bind_v they_o under_o a_o oath_n to_o kill_v a_o innocent_a person_n a_o outrageous_a zeal_n it_o be_v that_o make_v man_n exceed_o mad_a as_o one_o that_o have_v too_o much_o experience_n of_o it_o tell_v we_o v._n 11_o of_o this_o chapter_n so_o mad_a as_o to_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o d_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n nor_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o zeal_n peculiar_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v be_v think_v the_o only_a good_a christian_n who_o roundly_o excommunicate_a all_o other_o church_n for_o not_o comply_v with_o their_o
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 warrant_n from_o heaven_n to_o worry_v and_o destroy_v all_o that_o shall_v withstand_v they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n i_o may_v tire_v you_o with_o instance_n of_o both_o kind_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o zeal_n of_o christian_n against_o one_o another_o have_v in_o point_n of_o fierceness_n and_o cruelty_n far_o exceed_v the_o pattern_n in_o the_o text._n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o may_v but_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v a_o short_a review_n of_o the_o ruin_n which_o romish_n zeal_n have_v make_v in_o protestant_a country_n from_o our_o own_o to_o the_o very_a border_n of_o the_o ottoman_a empire_n to_o keep_v near_a home_n i_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o holy_a league_n of_o france_n for_o the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o more_o than_o many_o thousand_o christian_n in_o the_o unite_a province_n 1._o grot._n annal_n lib._n 1._o i_o mean_v before_o the_o quarrel_n begin_v with_o the_o civil_a government_n i_o may_v refer_v you_o to_o inquisition_n invasion_n and_o massacre_n to_o the_o burn_a zeal_n of_o the_o marian_n day_n and_o the_o powder_n conspiracy_n here_o in_o england_n that_o masterpiece_n of_o inhumanity_n design_v no_o doubt_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o long_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n we_o enjoy_v under_o the_o pious_a and_o gentle_a reign_n of_o our_o immortal_a virgin_n queen_n after_o these_o it_o be_v cold_a and_o endless_a to_o mention_v all_o the_o impious_a and_o unnatural_a artifices_fw-la of_o the_o agent_n of_o rome_n against_o the_o life_n of_o our_o prince_n the_o felicity_n of_o our_o government_n usurp_v foulis_n hist_o of_o romish_a treason_n and_o usurp_v and_o the_o vital_n of_o our_o religion_n one_o thing_n in_o the_o general_a you_o may_v observe_v that_o when_o ever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v lose_v any_o thing_n by_o dint_n of_o argument_n she_o have_v present_o betake_v herself_o to_o sharp_a and_o deadly_a weapon_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o and_o methinks_v it_o be_v the_o least_o of_o wonder_n that_o a_o churchpampered_a with_o power_n and_o wealth_n and_o honour_n that_o think_v herself_o fit_a to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v her_o unquestionable_a right_n and_o duty_n by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o do_v it_o shall_v not_o wave_v her_o principle_n and_o content_v herself_o to_o admonish_v and_o weep_v over_o obstinate_a heretic_n as_o our_o bless_a lord_n do_v over_o jerusalem_n when_o her_o design_n call_v for_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o man_n will_v not_o be_v make_v obedient_a without_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o have_v be_v another_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o under_o pretence_n of_o refine_v the_o reformation_n have_v shameful_o violate_v the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n that_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o for_o this_o i_o may_v refer_v you_o to_o the_o wicked_a outrage_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n at_o munster_n and_o the_o terrible_a battle_n which_o have_v be_v fight_v for_o little_a fancy_n and_o affect_v singularity_n in_o religion_n i_o may_v call_v to_o your_o remembrance_n the_o many_o insurrection_n and_o what_o i_o even_o tremble_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o horrid_a murder_n of_o the_o late_a archbishop_n in_o scotland_n i_o may_v desire_v you_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o fierce_a and_o bloody_a attempt_n which_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o nation_n have_v be_v manage_v upon_o the_o five_o monarchy_n principles_n in_o a_o word_n i_o may_v carry_v you_o to_o the_o tomb_n of_o king_n nobles_z and_o prelate_n of_o worthy_a patriot_n and_o minister_n of_o justice_n of_o preacher_n and_o ambassador_n of_o peace_n who_o by_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n have_v be_v offer_v to_o use_v the_o apostle_n phrase_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o service_n of_o your_o faith_n which_o some_o call_v heresy_n and_o according_a to_o which_o we_o now_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n now_o to_o apply_v these_o allusion_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o the_o chief_a actor_n and_o party_n in_o they_o have_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o confess_v that_o they_o very_o think_v they_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n many_o apology_n have_v be_v make_v and_o many_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v for_o they_o yea_o many_o have_v seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o pronounce_v it_o with_o their_o last_o breath_n that_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v and_o die_v for_o as_o ill_o as_o they_o look_v towards_o the_o world_n be_v do_v out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v they_o thonght_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v they_o as_o contrary_a and_o dishonourable_a as_o they_o real_o be_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o to_o show_v whece_n it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v thus_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a 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
common_o the_o deep_a most_o lasting_a and_o indelible_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v general_o very_o apt_a to_o stick_v to_o their_o first_o principle_n be_v they_o true_a or_o false_a and_o for_o want_v of_o due_a enquiry_n how_o they_o come_v by_o they_o to_o take_v they_o for_o divine_a impression_n and_o eternal_a truth_n and_o thus_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n usurp_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o guide_n the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o which_o be_v a_o zealous_a opposition_n against_o all_o that_o standin_fw-mi its_o way_n or_o presume_v to_o check_v and_o disturb_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o for_o what_o ever_o ought_v to_o be_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o man_n present_a thought_n and_o principle_n be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n and_o that_o the_o worse_a any_o principle_n be_v and_o the_o early_o they_o be_v instil_v into_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o more_o strong_o they_o impregnate_n their_o mind_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o pursue_v the_o tendency_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o much_o wonder_n at_o those_o who_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o religion_n contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o to_o his_o commandment_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o unity_n who_o be_v teach_v from_o their_o cradle_n to_o call_v we_o heretic_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o bitter_a thing_n against_o we_o to_o break_v their_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o to_o mark_v we_o out_o for_o destruction_n if_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o grow_v expert_a in_o all_o the_o art_n of_o confusion_n and_o with_o undaunted_a courage_n undertake_v the_o bold_a crime_n which_o their_o party_n and_o principle_n do_v countenance_n the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v true_a the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n be_v not_o invincible_a if_o man_n will_v take_v a_o right_a course_n to_o overcome_v they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o rare_a case_n and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o choose_v to_o enjoy_v their_o error_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v a_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o when_o our_o green_a and_o tender_a mind_n be_v once_o warp_a by_o false_a and_o pernicious_a principle_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o bring_v they_o straight_o and_o to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o right_a posture_n again_o it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o consideration_n and_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o bottom_n of_o thing_n which_o some_o man_n want_v ability_n of_o mind_n other_o leisure_n humility_n patience_n and_o integrity_n to_o carry_v they_o through_o and_o the_o want_n of_o any_o of_o these_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v for_o their_o obstinate_a persist_v in_o their_o first_o error_n and_o unreasonable_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n 2._o affect_a ignorance_n of_o the_o truth_n natural_o harden_v man_n in_o their_o evil_a principle_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o approve_v of_o any_o rugged_a and_o violent_a course_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o reputation_n of_o they_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n have_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o ever_o man_n enjoy_v of_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o chain_n and_o fetter_n of_o a_o ill_a education_n 1.18_o i_o pet._n 1.18_o or_o as_o st._n peter_n call_v it_o from_o their_o vain_a conversation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n they_o have_v the_o bright_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n that_o ever_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o those_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o their_o own_o messiah_n who_o they_o have_v long_o expect_v in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_v concern_v that_o infinite_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n be_v exact_o fulfil_v who_o wrought_v the_o great_a and_o most_o astonish_a miracle_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n behold_v who_o give_v they_o a_o perfect_a comment_n on_o the_o law_n which_o have_v be_v miserable_o corrupt_v by_o the_o gloss_n of_o their_o scribe_n and_o doctor_n and_o lay_v open_v their_o hypocrisy_n to_o themselves_o and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o so_o blind_a and_o sottish_a be_v they_o as_o to_o reject_v all_o his_o admonition_n with_o spite_n and_o scorn_n to_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n to_o admire_v their_o deluder_n and_o to_o crucify_v their_o guide_n to_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n our_o saviour_n himself_o testify_v of_o they_o in_o the_o height_n of_o their_o rage_n and_o malice_n against_o he_o 23.34_o luke_n 23.34_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v they_o have_v be_v teach_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o glorious_a king_n and_o conqueror_n and_o such_o a_o one_o they_o must_v have_v or_o none_o they_o have_v be_v long_o wont_v to_o a_o pompous_a and_o ceremonious_a service_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o bear_v the_o thought_n of_o have_v the_o stately_a fabric_n of_o their_o religion_n erect_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o support_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n take_v down_o by_o the_o carpenter_n son_n as_o they_o style_v our_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o fatal_a chain_n that_o hold_v they_o fast_o in_o that_o dungeon_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o paradise_n itself_o can_v not_o tempt_v they_o nor_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v not_o redeem_v they_o from_o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o wilful_a and_o affect_a ignorance_n still_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n some_o think_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a and_o universal_a head_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o such_o a_o one_o they_o will_v have_v what_o ever_o it_o cost_v they_o other_o that_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o christ_n personal_a reign_n upon_o earth_n think_v they_o ought_v to_o fight_v for_o king_n jesus_n against_o all_o opposer_n and_o why_o be_v ignorance_n so_o much_o cherish_v and_o applaud_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o that_o it_o give_v the_o guide_n of_o that_o church_n a_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o mislead_v the_o people_n and_o embolden_v they_o to_o act_v any_o illth_v they_o be_v please_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a use_n they_o make_v of_o it_o they_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n to_o invert_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o fix_v the_o cross_a name_n they_o can_v devise_v upon_o they_o and_o then_o prosecute_v they_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o intrinsic_a merit_n just_o as_o the_o heathen_n clothe_v the_o christian_n in_o beast_n skin_n and_o then_o expose_v they_o to_o be_v worry_v by_o wild_a beast_n to_o death_n they_o first_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v our_o religion_n on_o heresy_n which_o natural_o create_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n of_o it_o and_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o they_o easy_o persuade_v they_o they_o can_v be_v too_o zealous_a to_o suppress_v it_o the_o next_o step_n to_o which_o persuasion_n be_v to_o think_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v lawful_a that_o will_v do_v it_o or_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v it_o shall_v be_v meritorious_a and_o then_o to_o destroy_v heretic_n follow_v of_o course_n to_o be_v a_o glorious_a work_n but_o sure_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o think_v so_o when_o he_o confess_v the_o contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n nor_o do_v our_o saviour_n think_v so_o when_o he_o reprove_v the_o rash_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o will_v have_v consume_v the_o samaritan_n by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o and_o after_o this_o 9.55_o luke_n 9.55_o shall_v i_o presume_v to_o say_v that_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v manage_v with_o invincible_a strength_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o our_o side_n or_o shall_v i_o say_v that_o no_o cause_n since_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o that_o of_o our_o common_a christianity_n be_v ever_o better_a defend_v than_o our_o departure_n from_o that_o church_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o confidence_n of_o boast_v 3._o secular_a interest_n have_v great_a power_n to_o distort_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n and_o to_o inflame_v their_o passion_n against_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v they_o place_v their_o chief_a satisfaction_n in_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v for_o the_o port_n of_o gain_n or_o honour_n or_o liberty_n we_o common_o find_v they_o make_v all_o the_o sail_n that_o ever_o they_o can_v to_o come_v speedy_o to_o it_o if_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v their_o end_n be_v to_o appear_v stout_o for_o this_o or_o that_o party_n or_o persuasion_n they_o will_v ready_o do_v it_o and_o serve_v the_o cause_n to_o the_o utmost_a if_o they_o happen_v to_o thrive_v by_o it_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a
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
accept_v of_o a_o short_a repentance_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o when_o the_o gospel_n make_v they_o equal_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o we_o undertake_v for_o they_o alike_o in_o our_o baptism_n i'faith_o indeed_o and_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v we_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o when_o we_o be_v in_o a_o covenant-state_n and_o have_v solemn_o engage_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n all_o our_o day_n as_o we_o expect_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o we_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n can_v justify_v our_o pretence_n to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o we_o and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v put_v off_o with_o the_o renew_n of_o those_o vow_n at_o our_o death_n which_o our_o life_n have_v be_v a_o continual_a violation_n of_o to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v 3._o that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n can_v never_o be_v try_v and_o therefore_o to_o we_o it_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v that_o repentance_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v some_o instance_n we_o hope_v there_o be_v of_o man_n that_o have_v make_v good_a the_o vow_n which_o they_o make_v in_o their_o sickness_n but_o alas_o how_o many_o of_o those_o that_o have_v outlive_v their_o own_o fear_n of_o death_n have_v outlive_v the_o promise_v too_o which_o they_o make_v under_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o how_o often_o have_v man_n recover_v into_o a_o wickede_a life_n than_o ever_o their_o sorrow_n be_v but_o as_o a_o morning_n cloud_n and_o their_o penitent_a tear_n as_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o soon_o pass_v away_o and_o now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v upon_o this_o head_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o device_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o gospel_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o that_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o ruin_v the_o very_a design_n of_o its_o appear_v unto_o man_n to_o debauch_v the_o christian_a world_n and_o to_o make_v salvation_n cheap_a after_o the_o direful_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n than_o the_o vile_a lust_n that_o be_v practise_v in_o it_o and_o if_o this_o pass_n for_o gospel_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o to_o learn_v what_o powerful_a argument_n the_o gospel_n have_v leave_v to_o prevail_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o professor_n who_o notwithstanding_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n do_v hardly_o seem_v to_o be_v half_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n to_o close_v entire_o with_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o the_o best_a we_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o be_v that_o the_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n live_v a_o noble_a life_n and_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a state_n than_o he_o that_o drill_v off_o his_o repentance_n and_o think_v it_o time_n enough_o to_o reform_v when_o he_o be_v die_v because_o he_o may_v be_v surprise_v by_o death_n which_o be_v a_o chance_n the_o other_o be_v provide_v against_o but_o sudden_a death_n happen_v so_o very_o seldom_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v so_o little_o understand_v that_o consider_v the_o guise_n of_o this_o world_n the_o hardness_n of_o a_o impenitent_a heart_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o great_a deceiver_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o violent_a and_o outrageous_a affection_n by_o which_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v hurry_v on_o to_o their_o several_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n no_o man_n that_o have_v any_o insight_n into_o the_o principle_n of_o human_a action_n can_v promise_v any_o competent_a success_n if_o we_o have_v no_o better_a argument_n to_o urge_v than_o these_o and_o indeed_o when_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v go_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v strike_v at_o by_o all_o the_o projector_n of_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n christianity_n must_v be_v a_o very_a precarious_a thing_n a_o matter_n of_o goodwill_n or_o at_o most_o of_o very_o ordinary_a prudence_n have_v lose_v its_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n for_o if_o the_o gospel_n will_v secure_v i_o of_o heaven_n and_o excuse_v i_o for_o not_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n all_o my_o life-long_a it_o plain_o leave_v i_o to_o my_o liberty_n to_o do_v as_o i_o listen_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n my_o unhappy_a nature_n desire_v and_o while_o i_o find_v myself_o easy_a and_o believe_v myself_o safe_a in_o this_o way_n i_o must_v be_v under_o a_o invincible_a prejudice_n against_o any_o other_o that_o can_v be_v recommend_v to_o i_o it_o be_v not_o argue_v that_o will_v reach_v i_o now_o it_o be_v not_o dry_a reason_n that_o will_v work_v upon_o i_o oh_o bless_a jesus_n how_o many_o way_n have_v man_n invent_v to_o shift_v off_o their_o obedience_n to_o thy_o commandment_n but_o how_o can_v i_o think_v that_o thou_o come_v to_o turn_v i_o from_o my_o sin_n if_o part_v sorrowful_o with_o they_o when_o i_o die_v be_v enough_o to_o bring_v i_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n but_o i_o fear_v you_o will_v hardly_o excuse_v i_o if_o i_o shall_v not_o stay_v to_o answer_v a_o question_n or_o two_o in_o behalf_n of_o poor_a die_v penitent_n 1._o first_o then_o may_v not_o god_n in_o a_o moment_n dissolve_v the_o hard_a and_o most_o impenitent_a heart_n and_o cast_v it_o into_o a_o new_a frame_n whenever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o show_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n and_o who_o he_o sanctify_v will_v he_o not_o save_v these_o i_o grant_v be_v undeniable_a truth_n but_o then_o we_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o what_o god_n can_v do_v or_o may_v have_v do_v in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n but_o the_o question_n be_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o declare_v he_o will_v judge_v we_o according_a to_o it_o whether_o he_o will_v think_v fit_a to_o vary_v from_o this_o rule_n if_o he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v sad_o evident_a that_o a_o late_a repentance_n be_v the_o most_o desperate_a adventure_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o will_v he_o have_v no_o where_o tell_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v have_v not_o reason_n to_o presume_v upon_o it_o but_o 2._o do_v not_o the_o penitent_a thief_n go_v immediate_o from_o the_o cross_n into_o paradise_n true_o but_o do_v not_o judas_n also_o repent_v and_o restore_v the_o money_n he_o have_v take_v to_o betray_v his_o master_n and_o after_o that_o go_v to_o his_o own_o place_n be_v not_o judas_n a_o profess_a disciple_n and_o the_o crucify_a thief_n a_o stranger_n to_o the_o covevant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o of_o these_o do_v most_o resemble_v the_o case_n of_o delay_v penitent_n they_o be_v i_o grant_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o judas_n his_o sin_n but_o neither_o be_v they_o in_o condition_n of_o make_v so_o glorious_a a_o confession_n as_o the_o penitent_a thief_n do_v when_o he_o see_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n both_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a case_n one_o of_o which_o may_v serve_v indeed_o to_o balance_v the_o other_o but_o then_o we_o can_v certain_o conclude_v our_o good_a or_o bad_a condition_n from_o either_o 3._o last_o if_o the_o state_n of_o die_v penitent_n be_v thus_o disconsolate_a what_o room_n be_v there_o to_o offer_v any_o advice_n or_o comfort_n to_o they_o i_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o become_v we_o to_o limit_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n or_o to_o say_v that_o he_o can_v extend_v it_o beyond_o the_o term_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o we_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a but_o break_v not_o thou_o into_o his_o secret_n he_o have_v probable_o more_o mercy_n in_o store_n than_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o bestow_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v the_o penitent_a thief_n have_v not_o exhaust_v the_o whole_a treasure_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o think_v that_o extraordinary_a grace_n be_v more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o end_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n and_o perfection_n than_o it_o be_v with_o the_o honour_n and_o good_a government_n of_o pious_a and_o merciful_a prince_n when_o they_o find_v reason_n to_o over-rule_v the_o sentence_n of_o their_o own_o just_a and_o righteous_a law_n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v some_o comfort_n that_o good_a man_n be_v general_o dispose_v to_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o who_o repentance_n at_o any_o time_n be_v signal_n and_o extraordinary_a and_o though_o all_o this_o do_v not_o mount_v to_o a_o sure_a ground_n of_o hope_n yet_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o aught_o to_o