the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v god_n shall_v send_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strength_n of_o delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thess._n 2_o 10._o the_o foremention_v particular_n do_v of_o themselves_o lead_v to_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n how_o much_o more_o than_o must_v they_o need_v so_o do_v when_o they_o be_v back_v on_o with_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n but_o if_o honesty_n and_o a_o obedient_a temper_n of_o soul_n will_v secure_v from_o the_o other_o cause_n of_o error_n and_o seduction_n it_o will_v in_o so_o do_v secure_a from_o this_o last_o so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o a_o sincere_a desire_n of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o help_v man_n to_o a_o thorow-belief_n and_o sufficient_a understanding_n of_o that_o book_n which_o be_v only_o design_v to_o endue_v they_o with_o it_o and_o that_o nothing_o can_v occasion_v the_o contrary_a but_o a_o wilful_a adhere_n to_o some_o one_o or_o other_o immorality_n and_o that_o this_o have_v a_o very_a great_a aptness_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o matter_n of_o wonder_n to_o see_v man_n of_o excellent_a wit_n and_o brave_a accomplishment_n either_o fall_n into_o gross_a error_n or_o even_o into_o a_o flat_a disbelief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o strange_a as_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o it_o appear_v from_o our_o past_a discourse_n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o real_a cause_n of_o admiration_n in_o it_o for_o other_o endowment_n of_o as_o excellent_a use_n as_o they_o may_v be_v when_o accompany_v with_o that_o of_o a_o obedient_a temper_n must_v needs_o do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v adorn_v and_o grace_v with_o they_o when_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o occasion_n those_o vice_n that_o may_v well_o make_v way_n for_o heresy_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o acute_a wit_n when_o it_o have_v not_o a_o purify_a sense_n go_v along_o with_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sufficient_a praerequisite_a to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o evangelical_n truth_n that_o it_o be_v as_o notable_a a_o engine_n as_o the_o grand_a deceiver_n can_v desire_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o order_n to_o the_o bring_n about_o his_o mischievous_a design_n upon_o the_o person_n that_o be_v master_n of_o it_o so_o that_o indeed_o it_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a rather_o matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o any_o man_n that_o have_v a_o naughty_a will_n shall_v have_v a_o good_a judgement_n in_o gospel-truth_n though_o both_o his_o natural_a and_o acquire_v part_n shall_v be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o again_o we_o may_v without_o the_o least_o breach_n of_o charity_n presume_v that_o whosoever_o to_o who_o christianity_n be_v sufficient_o make_v know_v do_v either_o disbelieve_v it_o or_o any_o of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o it_o his_o heart_n be_v much_o more_o in_o fault_n than_o be_v his_o head_n and_o that_o he_o have_v darken_v his_o discern_v faculty_n and_o great_o dim_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o soul_n by_o entertain_v some_o filthy_a lust_n that_o send_v up_o a_o thick_a sog_n and_o mist_n of_o vapour_n to_o it_o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o say_v s._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 3._o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n he_o be_v proud_a etc._n etc._n not_o he_o be_v weak_a and_o can_v but_o he_o be_v wicked_a and_o will_v not_o understand_v the_o truth_n and_o by_o the_o way_n this_o discourse_n may_v conduce_v to_o the_o no_o small_a encouragement_n of_o the_o weak_a sort_n let_v such_o be_v but_o hearty_o solicitous_a about_o do_v god_n will_n and_o have_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n effect_v in_o they_o and_o they_o need_v fear_v that_o their_o weakness_n will_v betray_v they_o into_o the_o wrong_a way_n to_o blessedness_n chap._n xxvii_o the_o last_o inference_n that_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o the_o essence_n power_n and_o life_n of_o it_o consist_v instance_n of_o what_o kind_n of_o thing_n it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o for_o what_o end_v the_o several_a exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v enjoin_v how_o god_n be_v glorify_v by_o man_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v who_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o esteem_v and_o carry_v ourselves_o towards_o as_o true_a christian_n that_o by_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v his_o life_n our_o pattern_n we_o shall_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n be_v effect_v in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o it_o last_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o the_o essence_n power_n and_o life_n of_o it_o consist_v viz._n in_o a_o good_a state_n and_o habit_n of_o mind_n in_o a_o holy_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o soul_n whereby_o it_o esteem_v god_n as_o the_o chief_a good_a prefer_v he_o and_o his_o son_n jesus_n before_o all_o the_o world_n and_o prize_v above_o all_o thing_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o divine_a perfection_n such_o as_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n universal_a charity_n goodness_n mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o purity_n from_o whence_o do_v natural_o proceed_v a_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o all_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o perform_v all_o those_o action_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o be_v necessary_a expression_n of_o those_o and_o the_o like_a virtue_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n and_o increase_n of_o they_o and_o to_o avoid_v the_o contrary_a the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o christianity_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 14._o 17._o that_o be_v it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o any_o mere_o external_a matter_n or_o bodily_a exercise_n which_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v do_v profit_n but_o little_a and_o 8_o as_o not_o in_o such_o as_o he_o there_o mean_v viz._n thing_n of_o a_o perfect_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a so_o neither_o in_o such_o as_o be_v very_o good_a and_o laudable_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o it_o be_v only_o their_o flow_n from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o denominate_v any_o whatsoever_o christian_n action_n but_o such_o as_o be_v only_o occasion_v by_o certain_a external_a inducement_n and_o motive_n and_o proceed_v not_o from_o any_o good_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n be_v they_o never_o so_o commendable_a in_o themselves_o bespeak_v not_o he_o that_o perform_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian._n he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n that_o be_v one_o outward_o neither_o be_v that_o circumcision_n that_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n that_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o circumcision_n be_v that_o of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o letter_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n rom._n 2._o 28_o 29._o that_o be_v he_o only_o be_v a_o true_a child_n of_o abraham_n who_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o heart_n obey_v those_o substantial_a law_n that_o be_v impose_v by_o god_n upon_o he_o and_o if_o no_o one_o that_o do_v not_o thus_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o jew_n or_o child_n of_o abraham_n much_o less_o can_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o disciple_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v due_a to_o he_o he_o it_o be_v evident_a be_v only_o so_o in_o who_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n accomplish_v and_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o its_o design_n be_v primary_o and_o immediate_o upon_o the_o nature_n which_o be_v rectify_v and_o renew_v will_v certain_o discover_v itself_o so_o to_o be_v throughout_o the_o whole_a life_n for_o a_o good_a tree_n will_v not_o bring_v forth_o corrupt_a fruit_n nor_o a_o corrupt_a 7._o tree_n good_a fruit_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v be_v it_o possible_a as_o it_o be_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v forbear_v all_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o our_o soul_n cleave_v to_o it_o we_o can_v not_o but_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n and_o shall_v we_o abound_v never_o so_o much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o good_a duty_n if_o our_o design_n in_o so_o do_v be_v to_o gratify_v any_o lust_n and_o serve_v some_o carnal_a interest_n they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o christian_a action_n that_o they_o may_v
the_o first_o sight_n assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o content_n of_o it_o for_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v in_o the_o least_o question_n the_o veracity_n of_o he_o who_o even_o natural_a light_n assure_v we_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o truth_n itself_o second_o those_o good_a principle_n that_o the_o heathen_n by_o the_o great_a improvement_n of_o their_o reason_n can_v at_o best_a conclude_v but_o very_o probable_a be_v make_v undoubted_o certain_a to_o we_o christian_n by_o revelation_n as_o first_o that_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o heathen_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v by_o tradition_n hand_v down_o to_o they_o it_o be_v confess_v do_v not_o seem_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n but_o to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v which_o no_o question_n be_v also_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o not_o mere_o to_o their_o credulity_n but_o the_o more_o learned_a and_o sagacious_a that_o will_v not_o easy_o be_v impose_v on_o nor_o believe_v any_o far_a than_o they_o see_v cause_n though_o by_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v true_o conceive_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a soul_n they_o have_v diverse_a of_o they_o undertake_v to_o prove_v they_o immortal_a yet_o can_v their_o argument_n raise_v the_o best_a of_o they_o no_o high_a than_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o immortality_n cato_n read_v plato_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o he_o lie_v bleed_v to_o death_n with_o great_a delight_n but_o that_o argue_v not_o that_o he_o have_v any_o more_o than_o great_a hope_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o socrates_n do_v so_o believe_v it_o that_o he_o part_v with_o this_o life_n in_o expectation_n of_o another_o but_o yet_o he_o plain_o and_o ingenuous_o confess_v to_o his_o friend_n that_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a cicero_n that_o sometime_o express_v great_a confidence_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n speak_v so_o of_o it_o that_o any_o one_o may_v see_v that_o he_o think_v the_o doctrine_n no_o better_a than_o probable_a he_o discourse_v of_o it_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr senectute_n as_o that_o which_o he_o rather_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o think_v may_v be_v false_a than_o as_o that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o and_o after_o he_o have_v there_o instance_a in_o several_a argument_n which_o he_o think_v have_v weight_n in_o they_o for_o the_o proof_n thereof_o and_o express_v a_o longing_n to_o see_v his_o ancestor_n and_o the_o brave_a man_n he_o have_v once_o know_v and_o which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o read_v and_o write_v of_o he_o thus_o conclude_v that_o whole_a discourse_n if_o i_o err_v in_o etc._n believe_v the_o soul_n immortality_n i_o err_v willing_o neither_o so_o long_o as_o i_o live_v will_v i_o suffer_v this_o error_n which_o so_o much_o delight_v i_o to_o be_v wrest_v from_o i_o but_o if_o when_o i_o be_o dead_a i_o shall_v be_v void_a of_o all_o sense_n as_o certain_a little_a philosopher_n think_v i_o do_v not_o fear_v to_o have_v this_o error_n of_o i_o laugh_v at_o by_o dead_a philosopher_n but_o now_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v we_o the_o high_a assurance_n possible_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v say_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o light_v by_o it_o he_o who_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n give_v man_n a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o person_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o both_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v also_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o work_v the_o great_a of_o miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v do_v very_o frequent_o and_o most_o plain_o preach_v it_o second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o with_o the_o former_a according_a to_o our_o behaviour_n in_o this_o life_n the_o learned_a heathen_n do_v general_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o which_o they_o ground_v upon_o the_o justice_n holiness_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n they_o consider_v that_o good_a man_n be_v often_o exercise_v with_o great_a calamity_n and_o that_o bad_a man_n very_o frequent_o be_v great_o prosperous_a and_o abound_v with_o all_o earthly_a felicity_n and_o therefore_o think_v it_o very_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v in_o another_o life_n show_v his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o love_n of_o goodness_n by_o make_v a_o plain_a discrimination_n between_o the_o condition_n of_o virtuous_a and_o wicked_a person_n by_o punish_v these_o and_o reward_v those_o without_o exception_n but_o this_o though_o it_o be_v in_o their_o opinion_n a_o very_a probable_a argument_n yet_o they_o look_v not_o on_o it_o as_o that_o which_o amount_v to_o a_o demonstration_n for_o they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v aware_a that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o general_o receive_v by_o they_o viz._n that_o virtue_n be_v in_o all_o condition_n a_o reward_n and_o vice_n a_o punishment_n to_o itself_o do_v very_o much_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o it_o and_o that_o other_o very_a harsh_a one_o that_o all_o thing_n beside_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a do_v render_v it_o as_o the_o perfect_a stoic_n do_v seem_v too_o well_o to_o understand_v too_o too_o insignificant_a but_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o hierocles_n who_o as_o have_v be_v say_v do_v not_o admit_v that_o notion_n but_o in_o a_o very_a qualify_a sense_n say_v of_o those_o that_o think_v their_o soul_n mortal_a and_o consequent_o that_o virtue_n will_v hereafter_o have_v no_o reward_n that_o when_o they_o dispute_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o virtue_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o rather_o talk_v witty_o than_o true_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n the_o excellent_a socrute_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o drink_v off_o the_o fatal_a drug_n thus_o say_v to_o those_o that_o be_v then_o present_a with_o he_o i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o end_v my_o day_n whereas_o your_o life_n will_v be_v prolong_v but_o whether_o you_o or_o i_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v the_o more_o happy_a be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n only_o intimate_v that_o he_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o absolute_o certain_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v any_o reward_n in_o another_o world_n for_o do_v so_o heroical_o virtuous_a a_o act_n as_o choose_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o now_o what_o be_v more_o frequent_o or_o clear_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o there_o will_v be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v suitable_a to_o man_n action_n in_o this_o world_n than_o that_o christ_n will_v come_v a_o second_o time_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o all_o must_v appear_v before_o his_o judgment-seat_n to_o receive_v according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a 2_o cor._n 5._o 10._o three_o that_o man_n sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v upon_o true_a repentance_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_n be_v likewise_o persuade_v or_o rather_o hope_v but_o we_o christian_n have_v the_o strong_a assurance_n imaginable_a give_v we_o of_o it_o by_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o often_o reiterated_a promise_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o not_o only_o that_o some_o or_o most_o but_o also_o that_o all_o without_o exception_n and_o the_o most_o heinous_a impiety_n upon_o condition_n of_o their_o be_v sincere_o forsake_v shall_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n be_v free_o forgive_v to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o they_o four_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n readiness_n to_o assist_v man_n by_o his_o special_a grace_n in_o their_o endeavour_n after_o virtue_n can_v be_v no_o more_o at_o the_o best_a than_o probable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o heathen_n but_o we_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o most_o express_a promise_n thereof_o make_v to_o we_o for_o our_o infinite_o great_a encouragement_n tully_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr naturâ_fw-la deorum_fw-la say_v that_o their_o city_n rome_n and_o greece_n have_v bring_v forth_o many_o singular_a man_n of_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v none_o arrive_v to_o such_o a_o height_n nisi_fw-la deo_fw-la juvante_fw-la but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n and_o after_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o nemo_fw-la vir_fw-la magnus_fw-la sine_fw-la aliquo_fw-la afflatu_fw-la divino_fw-la unquam_fw-la fuit_fw-la no_o excellent_a man_n be_v ever_o make_v so_o
on_o man_n will_n to_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o subdue_v their_o lust_n and_o to_o acquire_v virtuous_a habit_n yet_o this_o grace_n be_v not_o such_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o refuse_v or_o quench_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o fit_v it_o shall_v see_v mankind_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o principle_n of_o freedom_n and_o that_o this_o principle_n be_v as_o essential_a as_o any_o other_o to_o the_o humane_a nature_n i_o will_v add_v that_o this_o be_v one_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o unsuccessfulness_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v attribute_v namely_o man_n strange_a and_o unaccountable_a mistake_v the_o design_n of_o it_o multitude_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v christianity_n be_v so_o gross_o inconsiderate_a not_o to_o say_v worse_o as_o to_o conceive_v no_o better_o of_o it_o than_o as_o a_o science_n and_o a_o matter_n of_o speculation_n and_o take_v themselves_o though_o against_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o 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roman_n say_v of_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v any_o good_a effect_n upon_o they_o through_o their_o close_a adhere_n to_o their_o filthy_a lust_n that_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o the_o most_o unnatural_a villainy_n permit_v they_o to_o commit_v they_o by_o withhold_v all_o restraint_n from_o they_o and_o likewise_o give_v they_o over_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n so_o that_o from_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n it_o be_v i_o say_v to_o be_v expect_v that_o deprave_a christian_n shall_v be_v the_o most_o wicked_a of_o all_o people_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v so_o many_o of_o they_o very_o horrible_o profane_a that_o it_o be_v rather_o so_o that_o all_o those_o which_o have_v for_o any_o considerable_a time_n live_v under_o the_o preach_n of_o 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they_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n to_o reproach_v all_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o as_o most_o silthy_a and_o impure_a creature_n i_o know_v it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o those_o calumny_n proceed_v pure_o from_o the_o heathen_n malicious_a invention_n but_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o those_o vile_a heretic_n give_v occasion_n to_o they_o but_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o monstrous_a crime_n that_o they_o do_v lead_v most_o inoffensive_a and_o good_a life_n do_v abundant_o appear_v by_o the_o apology_n that_o diverse_a of_o the_o father_n make_v to_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n and_o people_n in_o their_o behalf_n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o antoninus_n pius_n have_v this_o say_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n it_o be_v our_o interest_n that_o all_o person_n shall_v make_v a_o narrow_a inquisition_n into_o our_o life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o view_n of_o every_o one_o and_o he_o afterward_o tell_v that_o emperor_n that_o his_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n true_o but_o their_o bare_a name_n christian_n and_o again_o that_o they_o which_o in_o time_n past_a take_v pleasure_n in_o unclean_a practice_n do_v live_v now_o that_o they_o be_v become_v convert_v to_o christianity_n pure_a and_o chaste_a life_n they_o which_o use_v magical_a art_n do_v now_o consecrate_v and_o devote_v themselves_o to_o the_o eternal_a and_o good_a god_n they_o which_o prefer_v the_o income_n of_o their_o money_n and_o possession_n before_o all_o thing_n else_o do_v now_o cast_v they_o into_o the_o common_a stock_n and_o communicate_v they_o to_o any_o that_o stand_v in_o need_n they_o which_o once_o hate_v each_o other_o and_o mutual_o engage_v in_o bloody_a battle_n and_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n will_v not_o keep_v a_o common_a fire_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o 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omnem_fw-la vivunt_fw-la antichristi_fw-la but_o those_o now_o adays_o do_v retain_v the_o name_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n which_o live_v altogether_o antichristian_a life_n and_o proceed_v he_o tolle_o publicanos_fw-la etc._n etc._n take_v away_o publican_n and_o a_o wretched_a rabble_n which_o he_o muster_v together_o et_fw-la frigebunt_fw-la hodiernorum_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la christianorum_fw-la and_o our_o present_a christian_a church_n will_v be_v lamentable_o weak_a small_a and_o insignificant_a thing_n from_o these_o few_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o apology_n of_o the_o forementioned_a father_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v abundance_n more_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n both_o out_o of_o they_o and_o other_o we_o may_v judge_v what_o rare_a success_n the_o gospel_n have_v in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o and_o of_o these_o day_n that_o be_v between_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v under_o 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they_o themselves_o can_v witness_v be_v produce_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n nay_o and_o we_o have_v their_o adversary_n themselves_o give_v they_o a_o very_a high_a character_n tertullian_n in_o his_o forementioned_a apology_n say_v that_o pliny_n the_o second_o who_o be_v a_o persecutor_n of_o christian_n write_v thus_o to_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n from_o the_o province_n where_o he_o rule_v under_o he_o viz._n that_o beside_o their_o resolute_a refuse_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n he_o can_v prohibenâ—…es_fw-la learn_v nothing_o concern_v their_o religion_n but_o that_o they_o hold_v meeting_n before_o day_n to_o sing_v praise_n to_o christ_n and_o god_n and_o to_o engage_v their_o sect_n in_o solemn_a league_n forbid_v murder_n adultery_n deceit_n disloyalty_n and_o all_o other_o wickedness_n and_o in_o a_o now_o extant_a epistle_n of_o he_o to_o that_o emperor_n we_o find_v he_o give_v he_o this_o information_n viz._n that_o 〈◊〉_d some_o that_o have_v renounce_v christianity_n and_o now_o worship_v his_o
that_o all_o that_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o like_a s._n paul_n exhort_v timothy_n first_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o himself_o and_o 16._o then_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o former_a advice_n be_v of_o no_o whit_n less_o necessity_n and_o importance_n than_o be_v the_o latter_a for_o as_o woeful_a experience_n assure_v we_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o careless_a and_o loose_a life_n let_v his_o part_n and_o ability_n in_o preach_v be_v never_o so_o great_a nay_o though_o he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o never_o so_o faithful_o in_o the_o pulpit_n and_o be_v zealous_a against_o the_o very_a vice_n he_o himself_o be_v guilty_a of_o which_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a if_o he_o shall_v must_v needs_o do_v more_o hurt_v incomparable_o than_o he_o can_v do_v good_a and_o though_o as_o some_o of_o they_o will_v tell_v they_o it_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n to_o do_v as_o they_o say_v and_o not_o as_o they_o do_v yet_o be_v there_o nothing_o more_o impossible_a than_o to_o teach_v they_o effectual_o that_o lesson_n mankind_n as_o we_o have_v before_o occasion_n to_o show_v be_v mighty_o addict_v to_o imitation_n and_o example_n especial_o those_o of_o governor_n and_o teacher_n have_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o people_n ordinary_o than_o have_v instruction_n but_o chief_o bad_a example_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o natural_a proneness_n to_o vice_n than_o good_a instruction_n have_v not_o the_o apostle_n express_v as_o great_a a_o care_n of_o what_o they_o do_v as_o of_o what_o they_o say_v how_o they_o live_v as_o how_o they_o preach_v christianity_n will_v without_o doubt_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o prevail_v and_o get_v ground_n as_o it_o have_v do_v that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v long_o survive_v its_o bless_a author_n if_o it_o have_v not_o bid_v adive_o to_o the_o world_n with_o he_o most_o man_n do_v what_o we_o can_v will_v judge_v of_o our_o sermon_n by_o our_o conversation_n and_o if_o they_o see_v these_o bad_a they_o will_v not_o think_v those_o good_a nor_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o practicable_a see_v they_o have_v no_o better_a effect_n upon_o those_o that_o preach_v they_o and_o beside_o no_o man_n will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o press_v those_o duty_n upon_o other_o which_o he_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o perform_v himself_o nay_o every_o man_n judgement_n in_o divine_a thing_n may_v warrantable_o be_v suspect_v that_o be_v of_o a_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a life_n and_o those_o that_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o doctrine_n may_v not_o be_v blame_v if_o they_o question_v their_o minister_n orthodoxy_n while_o they_o observe_v in_o he_o any_o kind_n of_o immorality_n and_o see_v that_o he_o live_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o any_o one_o lust._n for_o the_o promise_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v make_v only_o to_o such_o as_o continue_v in_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d word_n that_o be_v that_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o precept_n and_o i_o add_v that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v talk_v of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v like_a to_o prevail_v very_o little_a upon_o his_o auditor_n or_o to_o be_v at_o all_o heed_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o while_o they_o consider_v that_o the_o preacher_n have_v a_o soul_n to_o save_v as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o love_n that_o they_o bear_v to_o their_o lust_n with_o the_o devil_n help_n will_v easy_o persuade_v they_o that_o either_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o mere_a siction_n or_o else_o that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v obtain_v and_o the_o other_o escape_v upon_o far_o easy_a term_n than_o he_o talk_v of_o but_o as_o for_o those_o few_o in_o who_o the_o sense_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n have_v make_v so_o deep_a a_o impression_n as_o that_o they_o have_v never_o the_o slight_a opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o minister_n wicked_a example_n the_o prejudice_n that_o they_o can_v but_o conceive_v against_o he_o render_v his_o discourse_n insipid_a and_o unaffecting_a to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o ordinary_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o he_o and_o at_o length_n quite_o forsake_v he_o and_o then_o if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o understanding_n as_o well_o mean_v people_n be_v too_o easy_o draw_v away_o from_o all_o other_o church_n when_o they_o have_v leave_v their_o own_o and_o become_v a_o prey_n to_o some_o demure_a and_o fair_o pretend_v sectary_n and_o i_o be_o very_o certain_a from_o my_o own_o observation_n that_o no_o one_o thing_n have_v so_o conduce_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n and_o do_v the_o separate_a party_n so_o much_o service_n as_o the_o scandalous_a life_n of_o some_o that_o exercise_v the_o ministerial_a function_n in_o she_o the_o late_a excellent_a bishop_n of_o down_n and_o connar_n have_v this_o memorable_a passage_n in_o a_o sermon_n he_o preach_v to_o the_o university_n at_o dublin_n if_o you_o become_v burn_v &_o shine_a light_n if_o you_o do_v not_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n if_o you_o walk_v in_o light_n and_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n your_o doctrine_n will_v be_v true_a and_o that_o truth_n will_v prevail_v but_o if_o you_o live_v wicked_o &_o scandalous_o every_o little_a schismalick_n will_v put_v you_o to_o shame_n &_o draw_v disciple_n after_o he_o and_o abuse_v your_o flock_n and_o feed_v they_o with_o coloâ—…ynths_n and_o hemlock_n and_o place_n heresy_n in_o the_o chair_n appoint_v for_o your_o religion_n but_o to_o hasten_v to_o the_o dispatch_n of_o this_o unpleasant_a topick_n wicked_a minister_n be_v of_o all_o other_o ill-liver_n the_o most_o scandalous_a for_o they_o lie_v the_o great_a stumble_a block_n of_o any_o whatsoever_o before_o man_n soul_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n may_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v apply_v to_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o will_v neither_o enter_v into_o heaven_n themselves_o nor_o yet_o suffer_v they_o that_o be_v enter_v to_o go_v in_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o save_v themselves_o and_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o but_o i_o will_v to_o god_n such_o will_v well_o lay_v to_o heart_n those_o sad_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 17._o 1_o 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n will_v come_v but_o woe_n unto_o he_o through_o who_o they_o come_v it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o he_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n etc._n etc._n and_o those_o word_n be_v not_o more_o effectual_a to_o scare_v they_o than_o be_v these_o follow_v of_o a_o heathen_a viz._n tully_n concern_v vicious_a philosopher_n to_o shame_v they_o into_o a_o better_a life_n say_v he_o in_o his_o tusculan_a question_n the_o second_o book_n quotusquisque_fw-la philosophorunâ—…_n invenitur_fw-la qui_fw-la sit_fw-la ita_fw-la moratus_fw-la etc._n etc._n what_o one_o of_o many_o philosopher_n be_v there_o who_o so_o behave_v himself_o and_o be_v of_o such_o a_o mind_n and_o life_n as_o reason_n require_v which_o account_v his_o doctrine_n not_o a_o boast_n of_o science_n but_o a_o law_n of_o life_n which_o obey_v himself_o and_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o own_o precept_n we_o may_v see_v some_o so_o light_a and_o vain_a that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a and_o never_o to_o have_v learn_v d_o any_o thing_n other_o so_o covetous_a of_o money_n thirsty_a of_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o many_o such_o slave_n to_o their_o lust_n ut_fw-la cum_fw-la eorum_fw-la vitâ_fw-la mirabiliter_fw-la pugnet_fw-la oratio_fw-la that_o their_o life_n do_v marvellous_o contradict_v their_o doctrine_n quod_fw-la quidem_fw-la mihi_fw-la videtur_fw-la esse_fw-la turpissimum_fw-la etc._n etc._n which_o to_o i_o seem_v the_o most_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a of_o all_o thing_n for_o as_o he_o which_o profess_v himself_o a_o grammarian_n speak_v barbarous_o and_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v account_v a_o musician_n sing_v scurvy_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o shame-worthy_a for_o his_o be_v defective_a in_o that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o skill_n of_o which_o he_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o so_o a_o philosopher_n in_o ratione_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la peccans_fw-la miscarry_v in_o his_o manner_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o base_a and_o more_o wretched_a creature_n that_o in_o the_o office_n of_o which_o he_o will_v needs_o be_v a_o master_n he_o do_v amiss_o artemque_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la professus_fw-la delinquit_fw-la in_o vitâ_fw-la and_o prosess_v the_o art_n of_o well-living_a or_o of_o teach_v other_o to_o live_v well_o be_v faulty_a and_o miscarry_v in_o his_o own_o life_n can_v this_o excellent_a heathen_a thus_o inveigh_v against_o wicked_a philosopher_n what_o satire_n can_v be_v tart_a and_o
but_o will_v only_o examine_v what_o be_v so_o that_o he_o may_v not_o entertain_v a_o erroneous_a persuasion_n he_o will_v bring_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o wrest_v the_o gospel_n to_o his_o mind_n but_o vice_n and_o sin_n be_v allow_v and_o predominant_a in_o the_o soul_n must_v needs_o warp_v the_o judgement_n and_o clap_v a_o heavy_a bias_n on_o it_o that_o will_v draw_v it_o to_o favour_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v their_o interest_n in_o all_o matter_n it_o be_v concern_v in_o and_o therefore_o a_o man_n of_o wicked_a and_o deprave_a affection_n can_v but_o be_v exceed_o unapt_a to_o study_v a_o book_n who_o design_n be_v such_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o the_o obediently-disposed_n will_v bring_v free_a ingenuous_a and_o candid_a spirit_n to_o this_o work_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o fit_o prepare_v to_o do_v it_o with_o good_a success_n second_o this_o honest_a and_o sincere_a temper_n of_o mind_n will_v help_v a_o man_n to_o evidence_n for_o his_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n far_o excel_v any_o that_o can_v arise_v from_o mere_a speculation_n â—…_n namely_o that_o of_o sense_n and_o experience_n the_o man_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n he_o shall_v not_o only_o believe_v it_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o that_o phrase_n there_o be_v a_o inward_a sweetness_n in_o holy_a truth_n that_o a_o good_a soul_n will_v relish_v and_o savour_n but_o the_o vitiate_a palate_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o love_n with_o any_o lust_n can_v taste_v it_o how_o sweet_a say_v david_n be_v thy_o word_n unto_o my_o taste_n yea_o sweet_a than_o honey_n unto_o my_o mouth_n now_o naked_a demonstration_n give_v but_o very_o poor_a and_o slight_a satisfaction_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o knowledge_n that_o arise_v from_o sense_n and_o experience_n and_o this_o latter_a alone_o will_v remove_v from_o we_o all_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n therefore_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o foolish_a that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a and_o laudable_a speech_n of_o the_o honest_a martyr_n though_o i_o can_v dispute_v i_o can_v die_v for_o christ_n no_o one_o that_o have_v taste_v honey_n can_v at_o all_o doubt_n of_o its_o sweetness_n though_o he_o may_v want_v cunning_a enough_o to_o answer_v the_o argument_n whereby_o a_o sophister_n may_v attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o bitter_a we_o say_v see_v be_v believe_v and_o the_o great_a evidence_n that_o our_o saviour_n prove_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n by_o be_v that_o of_o sense_n by_o this_o be_v thomas_n his_o incredulity_n as_o very_o strong_a as_o it_o be_v immediate_o overcome_v and_o the_o bodily_a sense_n be_v not_o more_o infallible_a than_o be_v the_o purify_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n three_o the_o aforesaid_a temper_n of_o mind_n will_v secure_v those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n in_o those_o point_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v of_o weighty_a importance_n it_o be_v undoubted_o certain_a that_o mistake_v about_o these_o can_v possible_o arise_v from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o that_o book_n it_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o heart_n can_v wish_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o free_a discourse_n therefore_o error_n that_o be_v of_o a_o damnable_a nature_n must_v necessary_o proceed_v from_o vicious_a cause_n such_o as_o 1._o gross_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v this_o in_o any_o soul_n that_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o obey_v god_n 2._o a_o too_o high_a opinion_n of_o our_o part_n and_o reason_n by_o which_o be_v often_o occasion_v a_o rejection_n of_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v but_o the_o honest_a soul_n can_v have_v no_o such_o conceit_n of_o his_o reason_n he_o know_v nothing_o more_o undoubted_o than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o most_o shallow_a creature_n he_o know_v that_o the_o most_o contemptible_a insect_n and_o common_a weed_n be_v able_a to_o pose_v and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o nonplus_n and_o that_o it_o will_v therefore_o be_v the_o high_a of_o arrogance_n in_o he_o to_o believe_v nothing_o reveal_v to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v a_o adequate_a object_n of_o his_o understanding_n this_o man_n will_v submit_v his_o reason_n to_o divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o divine_a revelation_n to_o his_o reason_n it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v though_o he_o will_v never_o so_o fain_o believe_v that_o which_o do_v manifest_o contradict_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o innate_a sense_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n nor_o can_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o proud_a affectation_n of_o be_v think_v wise_a than_o other_o folk_n this_o be_v a_o great_a thing_n which_o make_v the_o first_o heretic_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ever_o know_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o arrogant_a title_n they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o and_o distinguish_v their_o sect_n by_o viz._n gnostics_n but_o that_o temper_n of_o mind_n that_o make_v man_n unfeigned_o desirous_a of_o piety_n and_o true_a virtue_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o all_o such_o ambitious_a and_o aspire_a thought_n 4._o liquorish_a curiosity_n and_o wantonness_n of_o spirit_n when_o people_n be_v glut_v with_o those_o wholesome_a truth_n which_o they_o have_v for_o many_o year_n be_v entertain_v with_o and_o will_v be_v hunt_v after_o novelty_n when_o they_o grow_v weary_a of_o their_o honest_a teacher_n and_o will_v be_v follow_v every_o upstart_n that_o set_v himself_o in_o opposition_n to_o they_o it_o can_v hardly_o otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o they_o must_v fall_v into_o dangerous_a error_n the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 3._o that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n will_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o will_v do_v thus_o it_o follow_v have_v itch_a fars_n but_o the_o obedientlyincline_v soul_n will_v be_v careful_a to_o keep_v in_o that_o good_a way_n which_o by_o experience_n he_o have_v find_v to_o be_v so_o and_o to_o avoid_v all_o bye-path_n nor_o will_v he_o be_v run_v after_o seducer_n but_o shun_v they_o all_o he_o can_v as_o be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n and_o his_o aptness_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o be_v mislead_v 5._o the_o love_n of_o and_o be_v wed_v to_o any_o one_o lust_n whatsoever_o will_v certain_o endanger_v man_n fall_v into_o the_o worst_a of_o heresy_n when_o man_n have_v some_o belove_a sin_n or_o sin_n which_o they_o be_v resolve_v they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o and_o be_v as_o a_o right_a eye_n or_o 30._o right_a hand_n to_o they_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o entertain_v such_o principle_n as_o will_v allow_v they_o to_o live_v in_o they_o and_o to_o abandon_v those_o that_o will_v not_o and_o therefore_o to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n as_o those_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o rack_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o corrupt_a affection_n quod_fw-la volumus_fw-la facilè_fw-la credimus_fw-la that_o which_o we_o will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a we_o easy_o believe_v be_v so_o and_o what_o we_o desire_v shall_v be_v false_a we_o be_v with_o little_a difficulty_n persuade_v to_o disbelieve_v this_o therefore_o have_v have_v such_o a_o very_a fearful_a influence_n on_o not_o a_o few_o as_o to_o cause_v they_o at_o length_n to_o throw_v away_o their_o bibles_n to_o deny_v the_o immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o disbelieve_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v even_o the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n because_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v infinite_o their_o interest_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v false_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o life_n and_o no_o god_n but_o i_o need_v not_o say_v that_o the_o honest_a obedient_a person_n be_v one_o that_o be_v not_o devote_v to_o any_o lust._n 6._o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n be_v the_o last_o cause_n i_o shall_v mention_v of_o man_n disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n and_o renounce_v any_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n even_o as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n that_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o in_o their_o practice_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_n or_o a_o adulterate_a corrupt_v mind_v rom._n 1._o 28._o because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o
example_n as_o both_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n have_v often_o enough_o assure_v we_o he_o do_v be_v more_o serious_o consider_v it_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v that_o the_o design_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o that_o wherein_o consist_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o soul_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v by_o so_o many_o so_o very_o miserable_o mistake_v as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v the_o conclusion_n what_o remain_v now_o but_o that_o we_o sedulous_o and_o with_o the_o great_a concernedness_n betake_v ourselves_o to_o find_v that_o which_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o design_n of_o christanity_n accomplish_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n that_o we_o endeavour_v above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o we_o be_v call_v and_o that_o our_o conversation_n be_v as_o it_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n make_v it_o appear_v to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o that_o we_o be_v not_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o wretched_a soul_n on_o who_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o incomparable_a religion_n be_v mere_o throw_v away_o and_o bestow_v to_o very_o ill_a or_o to_o no_o purpose_n that_o we_o place_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n and_o our_o christianity_n not_o in_o let_v our_o tongue_n loose_v but_o in_o bridle_v both_o they_o and_o our_o exorbitant_a affection_n that_o we_o make_v less_o noise_n be_v less_o disputacious_a and_o more_o obedient_a that_o we_o talk_v and_o cavil_v less_o and_o be_v and_o live_v better_o as_o well_o know_v that_o a_o object_v quarrelsome_a and_o wrangle_a humour_n serve_v to_o no_o better_a end_n than_o eat_v out_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n let_v we_o exercise_n ourselves_o unto_o real_a and_o substantial_a godliness_n and_o in_o keep_v our_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o in_o study_v the_o gospel_n to_o enable_v we_o not_o to_o discourse_n or_o only_o to_o believe_v but_o also_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o do_v well_o let_v we_o esteem_v christianity_n a_o principle_n of_o such_o vigour_n spriteliness_n and_o activity_n as_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o nothing_o more_o than_o that_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v where_o it_o do_v not_o act_n and_o that_o the_o life_n of_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o can_v but_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o force_n of_o it_o let_v we_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o convince_v our_o atheist_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v no_o trick_n or_o device_n and_o our_o wanton_n and_o loose_a christian_n that_o it_o no_o notional_a business_n or_o speculative_a science_n by_o let_v they_o see_v most_o excellent_a effect_n produce_v in_o ourselves_o by_o it_o by_o show_v they_o how_o sober_a and_o temperate_a how_o chaste_a how_o severe_o just_a how_o meek_a and_o peaceable_a how_o humble_a how_o patient_a and_o submissive_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n how_o love_v and_o charitable_n what_o contemner_n of_o this_o world_n and_o confider_n in_o god_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o let_v we_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v not_o mere_a professor_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n by_o do_v act_n worthy_a of_o such_o a_o faith_n that_o we_o be_v not_o bare_o relyer_n on_o christ_n righteousness_n by_o be_v imitator_n of_o it_o by_o be_v righteous_a as_o he_o be_v righteous_a that_o we_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o cheerful_o comply_v with_o the_o christian_a precept_n hereby_o let_v we_o know_v that_o we_o do_v indeed_o know_v he_o that_o we_o keep_v 3_o his_o commandment_n by_o our_o care_n thus_o to_o do_v shall_v our_o mind_n as_o have_v be_v show_v 288._o be_v enlighten_v in_o all_o necessary_a truth_n it_o be_v by_o their_o care_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n obtain_v the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o method_n for_o the_o acquire_v of_o all_o useful_a knowledge_n as_o this_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n shall_v we_o also_o be_v keep_v constant_a in_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o obedient_a be_v the_o only_a christian_a that_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n even_o of_o a_o total_a apostasy_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o sure_a hold_n of_o any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o obedient_a he_o who_o great_a design_n it_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n be_v the_o only_a solid_a stable_a and_o settle_a man_n our_o saviour_n have_v liken_v he_o unto_o a_o wise_a man_n which_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n which_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o all_o beat_v upon_o it_o fall_v not_o because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o 24._o rock_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o have_v compare_v those_o that_o hear_v but_o do_v not_o his_o say_n to_o a_o foolish_a man_n which_o 26._o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n which_o when_o assault_v by_o a_o tempest_n fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v a_o very_a high_o profess_v if_o he_o be_v not_o as_o conscientious_o live_v a_o christian_n toss_v up_o and_o down_o like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o carry_v away_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n but_o so_o will_v not_o the_o obedient_a person_n be_v he_o may_v it_o be_v confess_v alter_v his_o opinion_n in_o the_o less_o weighty_a and_o more_o obscure_o deliver_v point_n but_o those_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o main_a body_n and_o substance_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v plain_o reveal_v as_o all_o such_o be_v he_o will_v inseparable_o adhere_v to_o by_o this_o mean_n will_v our_o knowledge_n be_v sanctisied_a and_o make_v useful_a but_o without_o the_o care_n of_o obedience_n it_o will_v be_v utter_o unprofitable_a nay_o of_o very_o hurtful_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n whatsoever_o christian_n knowledge_n be_v not_o impregnate_v with_o answerable_a goodness_n but_o be_v unaccompanied_a with_o christian_a practice_n be_v not_o only_o a_o insipid_a and_o jejune_n but_o also_o a_o flatulent_a thing_n that_o in_o stead_n of_o nourish_v be_v apt_a to_o swell_v and_o extreme_o puff_n up_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v to_o make_v they_o proud_a and_o high_o opinionate_a of_o their_o own_o worth_n censorious_a and_o contemner_n of_o other_o people_n and_o of_o a_o conceit_a and_o pragmatical_a a_o contentious_a and_o unpeaceable_a behaviour_n and_o there_o iâ—…no_fw-la man_n but_o may_v observe_v too_o too_o many_o of_o our_o great_a pretender_n to_o christianity_n unhappy_o exemplify_a and_o demonstrate_v by_o their_o practice_n this_o sad_a truth_n by_o this_o mean_n shall_v we_o convince_v gainsayers_a more_o than_o by_o any_o argument_n but_o they_o be_v never_o like_a to_o be_v persuade_v that_o our_o judgement_n be_v orthodox_n while_o they_o perceive_v our_o conversation_n to_o be_v heretical_a wicked_a man_n be_v a_o infinite_a discredit_n to_o any_o party_n they_o side_n with_o and_o do_v it_o mighty_a disservice_n i_o wish_v we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o know_v this_o by_o very_o woeful_a experience_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o good_a life_n can_v but_o be_v of_o exceed_v great_a force_n to_o draw_v dissenter_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o our_o religion_n we_o see_v that_o mere_a pretence_n to_o great_a sanctity_n do_v strange_o make_v proselyte_n to_o several_a form_n that_o have_v nothing_o beside_o to_o set_v they_o ofâ—…_n and_o commend_v they_o and_o as_o for_o obstinate_a person_n who_o be_v peremptory_o resolve_v that_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v prevail_v with_o to_o come_v over_o to_o we_o they_o will_v however_o be_v great_o disable_v from_o reproach_v our_o religion_n when_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o have_v excellent_a effect_n on_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o neither_o their_o reproach_n nor_o any_o attempt_n whatsoever_o against_o it_o can_v then_o ever_o have_v success_n or_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o its_o considerable_a prejudice_n nor_o will_v that_o idle_a and_o senseless_a talk_n whereby_o some_o hotheaded_a people_n endeavour_n to_o prove_v we_o a_o antichristian_a church_n be_v by_o many_o if_o by_o any_o listen_v to_o can_v they_o discern_v among_o we_o more_o christian_a life_n can_v they_o be_v once_o satisâ—…ied_a that_o we_o esteem_v it_o our_o principal_a interest_n and_o concernment_n to_o make_v ourselves_o and_o other_o real_o and_o substantial_o good_a so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n say_v s._n peter_n that_o with_o well-doing_n you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_n the_o 〈◊〉_d ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n by_o this_o mean_n shall_v we_o pass_v