god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v over_o the_o abominable_a heathen_a to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n god_n give_v they_o over_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o injudicious_a and_o undiscerning_a mind_n when_o man_n abandon_v themselves_o to_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n god_n withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o by_o his_o secret_a and_o just_a judgement_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o faculty_n of_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o good_a and_o evil._n 2_o thes_n 2._o 10_o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v come_v with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n will_v send_v they_o strong_a 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 and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n that_o man_n of_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o practice_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o cheat_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o vile_a impostor_n god_n providence_n be_v concern_v for_o man_n of_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_a intention_n but_o if_o man_n take_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n god_n take_v no_o further_a care_n of_o they_o but_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o be_v seduce_v into_o all_o those_o error_n into_o which_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v apt_a to_o lead_v they_o thus_o have_v i_o endeavour_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o show_v that_o a_o honest_a mind_n that_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n both_o because_o it_o dispose_v a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o because_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v for_o the_o security_n of_o such_o person_n there_o remain_v â—an_v objection_n to_o be_v answer_v to_o which_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v liable_a but_o this_o together_o with_o the_o inference_n which_o may_v be_v make_v from_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o john_n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o i_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n the_o last_o day_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a security_n and_o preservative_n against_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o now_o there_o be_v i_o tell_v you_o two_o great_a mistake_v in_o religion_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o be_v from_o god_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o from_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o propose_v from_o this_o text_n to_o show_v how_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v a_o security_n to_o man_n against_o both_o these_o danger_n namely_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n i._o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n he_o that_o resemble_v god_n most_o be_v like_a to_o understand_v he_o best_o because_o he_o find_v those_o perfection_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o contemplate_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o nothing_o give_v a_o man_n so_o sure_a a_o notion_n of_o thing_n as_o practice_n and_o experience_n ii_o because_o such_o a_o person_n be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o therefore_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v it_o and_o to_o discern_v it_o from_o error_n that_o man_n only_o stand_v fair_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o no_o vice_n or_o lust_n because_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o corrupt_v or_o bribe_v he_o to_o seduce_v he_o and_o draw_v he_o aside_o in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n he_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o concernment_n that_o the_o contrary_a proposition_n shall_v be_v true_a have_v the_o indifferency_n of_o a_o traveller_n and_o no_o other_o interest_n but_o to_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v biased_a by_o any_o lust_n and_o addict_v to_o any_o vicious_a practice_n he_o be_v then_o a_o interest_v person_n and_o concern_v to_o make_v a_o partial_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v under_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o infidelity_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o because_o whatever_o the_o evidence_n for_o they_o be_v he_o can_v but_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o inclination_n and_o interest_n second_o another_o reason_n why_o they_o who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v a_o great_a security_n in_o discern_a truth_n from_o error_n be_v because_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o preserve_v such_o person_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n when_o man_n be_v of_o a_o teachable_a temper_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o obedient_a frame_n of_o mind_n god_n love_v to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o they_o psal_n 25._o 9_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n the_o proper_a disposition_n of_o a_o scholar_n be_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v and_o that_o which_o in_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v be_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o for_o practice_n be_v the_o end_n of_o knowledge_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v only_o happy_a in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n his_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v take_v effectual_a care_n to_o secure_v such_o a_o one_o against_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a error_n he_o that_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o know_v it_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o remain_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o to_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o in_o any_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o remove_v a_o objection_n to_o which_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v liable_a and_o then_o draw_v some_o inferâ—nces_n from_o the_o whole_a after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v some_o perhaps_o may_v ask_v be_v every_o good_a man_n then_o secure_a from_o all_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a privilege_n indeed_o but_o do_v not_o we_o find_v the_o contrary_a in_o experience_n that_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o a_o weak_a head_n do_v often_o meet_v together_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n that_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v secure_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o religion_n this_o probity_n of_o mind_n and_o sincere_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o do_v it_o because_o such_o a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n give_v a_o man_n the_o best_a advantage_n to_o discern_v betwixt_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o god_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o such_o person_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o this_o because_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n notwithstanding_o a_o great_a many_o mistake_v in_o religion_n about_o thing_n not_o necessary_a for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o
for_o reveal_v religion_n the_o only_a design_n of_o that_o be_v to_o revive_v and_o improve_v the_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o all_o our_o reason_n about_o divine_a revelation_n be_v necessary_o gather_v by_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o vain_a and_o confident_a pretence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o if_o any_o doctrine_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o which_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n he_o measure_v it_o by_o those_o steady_a and_o sure_a notion_n which_o he_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perâ—ections_n and_o by_o those_o he_o will_v easy_o discern_v whether_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o likely_a to_o proceed_v from_o he_o he_o will_v consider_v the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o a_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n such_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v bring_v it_o he_o will_v not_o receive_v it_o if_o it_o be_v he_o will_v not_o reject_v it_o upon_o every_o idle_a pretence_n and_o frivolous_a exception_n that_o prejudice_v and_o ill_o mind_a man_n may_v make_v against_o it_o but_o after_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o give_v to_o his_o own_o revelation_n and_o if_o the_o person_n that_o bring_v it_o have_v the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o case_n it_o be_v a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o if_o he_o carry_v on_o no_o earthly_a interest_n and_o design_n by_o it_o but_o do_v by_o his_o life_n and_o action_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n in_o this_o case_n a_o good_a man_n who_o mind_n be_v free_a from_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n will_v easy_o assent_v that_o this_o man_n doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o this_o be_v the_o evidence_n which_o our_o saviour_n offer_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o vindication_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n joh._n 7._o 18._o he_o that_o speak_v of_o himself_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n but_o he_o that_o seek_v his_o glory_n that_o send_v he_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o no_o unrighteousness_n be_v in_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v hereby_o may_v you_o distinguish_v one_o that_o real_o come_v from_o god_n from_o a_o impostor_n if_o any_o man_n seek_v his_o own_o glory_n you_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n have_v not_o send_v he_o but_o whatever_o he_o pretend_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o he_o who_o by_o his_o life_n and_o the_o course_n of_o his_o action_n demonstrate_v that_o he_o seek_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o not_o any_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o own_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n in_o he_o that_o be_v no_o falsehood_n or_o design_n to_o deceive_v for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v sometime_o signify_v you_o may_v conclude_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v no_o deceiver_n or_o impostor_n and_o if_o any_o man_n sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o may_v by_o such_o mark_n and_o character_n as_o these_o judge_v of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n because_o he_o that_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a thing_n second_o such_o a_o person_n be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o therefore_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v it_o and_o to_o discern_v it_o from_o error_n he_o that_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v sway_v and_o bias_v by_o any_o interest_n or_o lust_n for_o his_o great_a interest_n be_v to_o please_v god_n and_o he_o make_v all_o his_o other_o interest_n and_o concernment_n to_o stoop_v and_o yield_v to_o that_o but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v govern_v by_o any_o earthly_a interest_n or_o design_n he_o will_v measure_v all_o thing_n by_o that_o and_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o entertain_v any_o thing_n that_o cross_v it_o and_o to_o judge_v equal_o of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o his_o interest_n this_o our_o saviour_n give_v for_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o great_a rabbi_n and_o teacher_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o believe_v and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 5._o 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o if_o man_n have_v any_o other_o design_n in_o religigion_n than_o to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o reject_v the_o most_o divine_a truth_n because_o these_o be_v calculate_v not_o to_o approve_v we_o to_o man_n but_o to_o god_n and_o as_o vainglory_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n so_o likewise_o do_v every_o other_o lust_n make_v a_o man_n partial_a in_o his_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o clap_v a_o false_a bias_n upon_o his_o understanding_n which_o carry_v it_o off_o from_o truth_n and_o make_v it_o to_o lean_v towards_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v most_o favourable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o lust_n a_o vicious_a man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o entertain_v those_o truth_n which_o will_v cross_v and_o check_v he_o in_o his_o course_n he_o have_v make_v the_o truth_n his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v himself_o concern_v to_o oppose_v it_o and_o rise_v up_o against_o it_o the_o light_n of_o it_o offend_v he_o and_o therefore_o he_o shut_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v not_o see_v it_o those_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n which_o be_v from_o god_n reprove_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o discover_v the_o deformity_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o bad_a man_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n likewise_o give_v of_o the_o fierce_a enmity_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n joâ—_n 3._o 19_o 20._o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n be_v a_o dead_a weight_n upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o able_a to_o draw_v down_o the_o scale_n against_o the_o clear_a truth_n for_o though_o it_o be_v absolute_o in_o no_o man_n power_n to_o believe_v or_o to_o disbelieve_v what_o he_o will_v yet_o man_n life_n have_v many_o time_n a_o great_a influence_n upon_o their_o understanding_n to_o make_v assent_n easy_a or_o difficult_a and_o as_o we_o be_v forward_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o so_o be_v we_o very_o backward_o and_o slow_a in_o yield_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o cross_v our_o inclination_n man_n that_o allow_v themselves_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n will_v not_o easy_o believe_v those_o doctrine_n which_o charge_v man_n so_o strict_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o holiness_n and_o purity_n this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v always_o use_v to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o shine_v into_o they_o and_o certain_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o infidelity_n be_v to_o debauch_v they_o in_o their_o life_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o man_n in_o the_o last_o time_n 2_o thes_n 2._o 12._o they_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n when_o man_n once_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a practice_n infidelity_n become_v their_o interest_n because_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o defend_v and_o excuse_v a_o wicked_a life_n but_o by_o deny_v the_o truth_n which_o oppose_v it_o and_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o that_o man_n only_o stand_v fair_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o no_o vice_n or_o lust_n because_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o corrupt_v or_o bribe_v he_o to_o
apostle_n express_o declare_v that_o though_o we_o that_o be_v he_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v as_o we_o say_v before_o so_o say_v i_o now_o again_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v i._o that_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v a_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o preach_v another_o gospel_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o instance_n here_o give_v in_o this_o epistle_n for_o the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o false_a apostle_n with_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o preach_v another_o gospel_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o they_o add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v circumcision_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o impose_v upon_o christian_n the_o practice_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o false_a teacher_n we_o find_v express_o act_v 15._o 1._o and_o certain_a man_n which_o come_v down_o from_o judea_n teach_v the_o brethren_n and_o say_v except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n yâ—_n can_v be_v save_v and_o ver_fw-la 24._o in_o the_o letter_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o church_n abroad_o there_o be_v this_o account_n give_v of_o it_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o certain_a which_o go_v out_o from_o we_o have_v trouble_v you_o with_o word_n subvert_v your_o soul_n say_v you_o must_v be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n to_o who_o we_o give_v no_o such_o commandment_n where_o you_o see_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o pernicious_a consequence_n tend_v to_o subvert_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o likewise_o to_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o here_o with_o one_o consent_n declare_v that_o they_o have_v give_v no_o such_o commandment_n that_o be_v have_v deliver_v no_o such_o doctrine_n as_o this_o nor_o put_v any_o such_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o christian_n but_o on_o the_o con-contrary_a have_v declare_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n there_o be_v now_o no_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o make_v so_o be_v preach_v another_o gospel_n because_o it_o make_v a_o essential_a change_n in_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n which_o declare_v salvation_n unto_o man_n upon_o such_o and_o such_o term_n and_o no_o other_o now_o to_o add_v any_o other_o term_n to_o these_o as_o of_o equal_a necessity_n with_o they_o be_v to_o alter_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o preach_v another_o gospel_n by_o declare_v other_o term_n of_o salvation_n than_o christ_n in_o his_o gospel_n have_v declare_v which_o be_v to_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n ii_o no_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n be_v sufficient_a to_o authorize_v and_o warrant_v the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n after_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v commissioned_n and_o inspire_a by_o he_o to_o that_o purpose_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o all_o by_o the_o great_a and_o most_o unquestionable_a miracle_n that_o ever_o be_v no_o person_n whatever_o that_o bring_v any_o other_o doctrine_n and_o declare_v salvation_n to_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o those_o which_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v what_o pretence_n soever_o he_o shall_v make_v to_o a_o divine_a commission_n or_o a_o infallible_a assistance_n the_o apostle_n make_v a_o supposition_n as_o high_a as_o can_v be_v though_o we_o say_v he_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v a_o anathema_n if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o be_v divine_o commissioned_n and_o infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v afterward_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o it_o or_o declare_v any_o other_o term_n of_o salvation_n than_o those_o which_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v already_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o what_o claim_n soever_o any_o person_n may_v make_v to_o infallibility_n and_o what_o demonstration_n soever_o he_o may_v give_v of_o it_o we_o can_v possible_o believe_v he_o if_o he_o contradict_v himself_o and_o deliver_v doctrine_n which_o do_v plain_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o for_o if_o he_o speak_v true_a at_o first_o i_o can_v believe_v he_o declare_v the_o contrary_a afterward_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v true_a at_o first_o i_o can_v believe_v he_o at_o all_o because_o he_o can_v give_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n and_o infallible_a assistance_n and_o inspiration_n than_o he_o do_v at_o first_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v come_v and_o preach_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v neither_o because_o he_o can_v bring_v no_o better_a credential_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n and_o authority_n than_o those_o have_v who_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v credit_v in_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o they_o have_v publish_v before_o for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o dispose_v to_o receive_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o to_o submit_v his_o faith_n to_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v god_n against_o god_n himself_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v two_o revelation_n plain_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o obvious_a because_o every_o man_n do_v first_o and_o more_o firm_o believe_v this_o proposition_n or_o principle_n that_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a than_o any_o revelation_n whatsoever_o for_o if_o contradiction_n may_v be_v true_a than_o no_o revelation_n from_o god_n can_v signify_v any_o thing_n because_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v equal_o true_a and_o so_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v all_o one_o the_o apostle_n indeed_o only_o make_v a_o supposition_n when_o he_o say_v though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n unto_o you_o but_o by_o this_o supposition_n he_o plain_o bar_v any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n from_o add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n any_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o point_n of_o practice_n as_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o make_v so_o i_o say_v any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n whatever_o authority_n or_o infallibility_n they_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o because_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o clear_a commission_n and_o great_a evidence_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n than_o a_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o will_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o preach_v another_o gospel_n it_o may_v indeed_o bring_v in_o question_n that_o which_o they_o have_v preach_v before_o but_o can_v not_o give_v credit_n and_o authority_n to_o any_o thing_n plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o iii_o christian_n may_v judge_v and_o discern_v when_o another_o gospel_n be_v preach_v when_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o point_n of_o practice_n not_o enjoin_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v impose_v upon_o christian_n this_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v every_o particular_a church_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v every_o particular_a christian_a that_o be_v due_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o and_o to_o be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o
discern_v when_o another_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o new_a term_n and_o condition_n not_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o this_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o vain_a caution_n they_o against_o the_o seduction_n of_o those_o who_o pervert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v they_o from_o he_o that_o have_v call_v they_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o false_a teacher_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o seducer_n when_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o falsehood_n and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o they_o but_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o upon_o another_o supposition_n which_o do_v necessary_o 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help_n and_o direction_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o teacher_n may_v be_v instruct_v in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o the_o principle_n of_o protestant_n but_o the_o express_a and_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o her_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o that_o man_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o vain_a preach_v and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v that_o doctrine_n be_v write_v to_o no_o purpose_n some_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a on_o purpose_n to_o exercise_v the_o study_n and_o inquiry_n of_o those_o who_o have_v leisure_n and_o capacity_n for_o it_o but_o all_o thing_n necessary_a be_v sufficient_o plain_a otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o judge_v when_o another_o gospel_n be_v preach_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o suppose_v the_o galatian_n capable_a of_o do_v for_o if_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v than_o christian_n have_v no_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v what_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o not_o for_o a_o obscure_a rule_n be_v of_o no_o use_n that_o be_v in_o truth_n be_v no_o rule_n to_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v obscure_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ivth_o observation_n which_o be_v plain_o consequent_a from_o those_o lay_v down_o before_o namely_o that_o since_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o confirmation_n give_v to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o impose_v upon_o christian_n any_o thing_n as_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o make_v so_o the_o commission_n give_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n to_o his_o apostle_n be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n or_o as_o st._n matthew_n express_v it_o to_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o gospel_n viz._n that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n command_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v exceed_v their_o commission_n and_o add_v any_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n to_o those_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o in_o charge_n to_o teach_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n they_o have_v in_o so_o do_v be_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o st._n paul_n here_o in_o the_o text_n charge_v the_o false_a apostle_n with_o viz._n of_o preach_v another_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v â—o_o authority_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o gospel_n much_o less_o can_v any_o pretend_v to_o it_o since_o they_o have_v neither_o so_o immediate_a a_o commission_n nor_o such_o a_o miraculous_a power_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v teacher_n come_v from_o god_n now_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o christian_n be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o earnest_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o epistle_n exhort_v to_o continue_v in_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v shake_v in_o mind_n by_o every_o wind_n of_o new_a doctrine_n because_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v to_o they_o be_v the_o entire_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v never_o to_o receive_v any_o addition_n or_o alteration_n this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n peter_n call_v the_o holy_a commandment_n which_o be_v deliver_v unto_o they_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 21._o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o speak_v in_o all_o probability_n of_o those_o who_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o gnostic_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n this_o likewise_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o common_a faith_n titus_n 1._o 4._o and_o st._n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o the_o common_a salvation_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o contain_v the_o common_a term_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o faith_n w_o hich_v be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o publish_v the_o gospel_n once_o deliver_v that_o be_v once_o for_o all_o so_o as_o never_o afterward_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o change_n or_o alteration_n this_o faith_n he_o exhort_v christian_n earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o against_o those_o several_a sect_n of_o seducer_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o do_v endeavour_v by_o several_a art_n to_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o deprave_v the_o faith_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n publish_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v fix_v and_o unalterable_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o make_v any_o change_n in_o it_o either_o by_o take_v from_o it_o or_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o it_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n v._o it_o follow_v likewise_o from_o the_o forego_n observation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a judge_n how_o much_o soever_o â—e_n may_v pretend_v to_o infallibility_n to_o who_o determination_n and_o decision_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n christian_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v without_o examination_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n 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in_o any_o man_n because_o it_o deserve_v no_o commendation_n to_o believe_v and_o own_o that_o the_o sun_n shine_v at_o noonday_n when_o he_o see_v it_o do_v so_o no_o more_o will_v it_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o any_o man_n and_o deserve_v praise_n to_o believe_v aright_o who_o be_v in_o a_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v infallible_o secure_v against_o all_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o the_o do_v of_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o virtue_n god_n have_v so_o frame_v religion_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o as_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a security_n to_o man_n of_o honest_a mind_n and_o teachable_a temper_n against_o all_o fatal_a and_o final_a mistake_v concern_v thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o not_o so_o that_o every_o man_n that_o be_v of_o such_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v infallible_o secure_v against_o all_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o on_o purpose_n to_o try_v the_o virtue_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v for_o truth_n and_o when_o it_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n though_o not_o by_o a_o infallible_a hand_n they_o will_v receive_v it_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v four_o this_o be_v as_o much_o security_n against_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o god_n have_v provide_v against_o sin_n and_o vice_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o since_o a_o right_a belief_n be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o a_o good_a life_n a_o man_n will_v be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o give_v a_o wise_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v take_v great_a care_n for_o the_o infallible_a security_n of_o man_n faith_n than_o of_o their_o obedience_n the_o reason_n pretend_v why_o god_n shall_v make_v such_o infallible_a provision_n for_o a_o right_a faith_n be_v for_o the_o better_a security_n 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these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o and_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n virtue_n and_o godliness_n and_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n that_o so_o a_o abundant_a entrance_n may_v be_v minister_v to_o they_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o main_a stress_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v there_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o god_n shall_v provide_v for_o the_o infallible_a security_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v much_o strong_a why_o a_o equal_a provision_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o secure_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o life_n because_o without_o this_o faith_n can_v infallible_o attain_v its_o end_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o it_o be_v grant_v god_n have_v not_o do_v and_o experience_n show_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v do_v the_o other_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o in_o both_o kind_n he_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o the_o rest_n he_o have_v leave_v to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o endeavour_n expect_v that_o we_o on_o our_o part_n shall_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o if_o god_n have_v make_v such_o provision_n by_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o that_o enjoy_v the_o light_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o that_o none_o can_v miscarry_v without_o their_o own_o fault_n then_o both_o his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n be_v sufficient_o acquit_v without_o a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o irreverent_a way_n of_o argue_v in_o the_o canon_n law_n may_v well_o have_v be_v spare_v that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o religion_n aliter_fw-la dominus_fw-la non_fw-la videretur_fw-la fuisse_fw-la discretus_fw-la otherwise_o god_n will_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v order_v matter_n discreet_o but_o what_o infallible_a security_n soever_o they_o have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v certain_o the_o worst_a provide_v of_o wholesome_a and_o safe_a direction_n for_o the_o conscience_n and_o life_n of_o man_n of_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n no_o religion_n that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v such_o lewd_a and_o scandalous_a casuist_n witness_v the_o moral_a divinity_n of_o the_o jesuit_n which_o have_v be_v so_o expose_v to_o the_o world_n not_o only_o by_o those_o
of_o it_o nay_o i_o will_v go_v far_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o promise_v make_v in_o scripture_n of_o direction_n or_o assistance_n or_o security_n from_o mistake_n to_o any_o church_n but_o the_o same_o be_v make_v in_o as_o full_a and_o express_a term_n to_o every_o good_a man_n that_o sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o practice_v it_o be_v it_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o pastor_n of_o it_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o have_v not_o our_o saviour_n promise_v the_o same_o to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o word_n john_n 14._o 23._o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n apply_v the_o same_o promise_n to_o every_o good_a christian_a heb._n 13._o 5._o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o for_o where_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o and_o i_o will_v make_v my_o abode_n with_o he_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o be_v it_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v she_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o promise_v make_v to_o every_o good_a man_n john_n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o will_v manifest_v myself_o to_o he_o that_o be_v god_n will_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n have_v god_n promise_v to_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n use_v the_o same_o metaphor_n concern_v every_o man_n that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n mat._n 7._o 24._o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o be_v like_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n so_o that_o if_o to_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n signify_v infallibility_n it_o belong_v to_o every_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o practise_v what_o he_o know_v as_o much_o as_o to_o any_o church_n when_o man_n be_v enable_v by_o god_n to_o work_v miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o those_o doctrine_n but_o without_o this_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o person_n or_o church_n to_o pretend_v to_o it_o because_o they_o offer_v no_o evidence_n â—it_a to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o they_o be_v so_o assist_v and_o i_o do_v not_o hear_v that_o the_o pope_n among_o all_o his_o privilege_n do_v pretend_v to_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n second_o from_o hence_o likewise_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o error_n and_o infidelity_n in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o infidel_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o of_o his_o will_n it_o be_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o god_n but_o because_o man_n interest_n and_o lust_n make_v they_o partial_a and_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o recommend_v it_o to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o conscience_n so_o that_o as_o st._n paul_n argue_v if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o if_o man_n do_v but_o stand_v indifferent_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o sway_v by_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o lust_n or_o passion_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o man_n that_o have_v the_o gospel_n fair_o propose_v to_o he_o will_v continue_v a_o infidel_n if_o man_n do_v but_o true_o live_v up_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n they_o will_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v so_o suitable_a thereto_o be_v from_o god_n three_o and_o last_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n do_v we_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v mistake_v about_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n let_v we_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o do_v his_o will._n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o their_o vicious_a practice_n the_o best_a way_n certain_o to_o preserve_v a_o right_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o take_v great_a care_n of_o a_o good_a life_n god_n goodness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o man_n judgement_n to_o be_v betray_v into_o a_o damnable_a error_n without_o some_o vice_n and_o fault_n of_o his_o will._n the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v bear_v with_o we_o and_o imprint_v upon_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o nor_o need_v to_o be_v mistake_v about_o they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o accompany_v they_o with_o so_o much_o evidence_n that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n may_v easy_o discern_v they_o from_o error_n and_o imposture_n so_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o see_v any_o oppose_v the_o clear_a truth_n or_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o to_o embrace_v gross_a error_n and_o delusion_n we_o may_v almost_o certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v some_o worldly_a interest_n or_o lust_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o so_o our_o saviour_n have_v likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n be_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o st._n peter_n exhortation_n the_o 2_o d_o of_o pet._n 3._o 17_o 18._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o luke_n xii_o 15._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v among_o all_o the_o irregular_a appetite_n of_o man_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v more_o common_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o of_o a_o more_o universal_a bad_a influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n than_o this_o of_o covetousness_n and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v of_o this_o vice_n i_o shall_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o a_o great_a many_o other_o even_o of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n truth_n and_o religion_n of_o which_o covetousness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o common_a cause_n so_o that_o if_o i_o can_v contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o this_o great_a distemper_n of_o man_n mind_n i_o shall_v in_o so_o do_v remove_n that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o his_o hearer_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v in_o which_o word_n be_v these_o threâ—_n thing_n observable_a first_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o caution_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v he_o double_v it_o to_o show_v the_o great_a need_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o caution_n or_o the_o vice_n which_o our_o
to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n holy_a man_n have_v good_a hope_n of_o it_o before_o but_o they_o have_v no_o sure_a distinct_a apprehension_n of_o it_o no_o such_o full_a assurance_n concern_v it_o no_o such_o clear_a and_o express_v promise_n of_o it_o as_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v we_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o those_o great_a promise_n be_v which_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v we_o namely_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o free_a pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v our_o obedience_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n to_o reward_v it_o these_o be_v the_o three_o eminent_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n those_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o consider_v namely_o why_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o valuable_a promise_n and_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o they_o be_v such_o the_o very_a consideration_n of_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n that_o they_o carry_v in_o they_o will_v be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o condition_n that_o mankind_n be_v in_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v these_o gracious_a declaration_n to_o we_o we_o shall_v see_v great_a reason_n to_o set_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o every_o one_o of_o these_o promise_n mankind_n be_v extreme_o degenerate_v all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v guilty_a before_o god_n and_o liable_a to_o all_o that_o misery_n which_o the_o sinner_n have_v reason_n to_o apprehend_v from_o the_o incense_a justice_n of_o the_o almighty_a we_o have_v forfeit_v that_o happiness_n to_o which_o our_o immortal_a nature_n be_v design_v and_o which_o make_v our_o condition_n more_o sad_a we_o be_v without_o strength_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o out_o of_o it_o by_o our_o repentance_n for_o what_o be_v pass_v if_o god_n will_v have_v accept_v of_o it_o and_o by_o our_o future_a obedience_n now_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n offer_v relief_n to_o we_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o thereby_o obviate_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o disâ—ouragements_n which_o mankind_n lie_v under_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o pardon_n free_v we_o from_o guilt_n and_o sâ—cures_v we_o from_o the_o terrible_a wrath_n of_o god_n which_o our_o guilty_a conscience_n do_v so_o much_o dread_n and_o without_o this_o promise_n mankind_n will_v have_v be_v under_o the_o great_a doubt_n and_o discouragement_n for_o when_o man_n be_v afraid_a their_o sin_n be_v great_a than_o will_v be_v forgive_v they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o despair_n and_o despair_n be_v a_o effectual_a bar_n to_o repentance_n for_o when_o man_n think_v their_o condition_n be_v desperate_a they_o care_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n do_v full_o answer_v all_o the_o discouragement_n and_o objection_n from_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n we_o may_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v we_o and_o how_o weak_a soever_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o or_o what_o can_v stand_v against_o we_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o very_a powerful_a enemy_n and_o much_o too_o strong_a for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o encounter_n in_o its_o own_o strength_n but_o there_o be_v another_o principle_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v mighty_a and_o more_o powerful_a than_o he_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o help_v when_o we_o do_v not_o repulse_v and_o refuse_v his_o assistance_n greâ—ter_n be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 4._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwellâ—_n in_o all_o those_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o admit_v he_o and_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o assist_v those_o who_o comply_v with_o his_o bless_a motion_n and_o do_v vigorous_o put_v forth_o their_o own_o endeavour_n and_o then_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n that_o answer_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o set_v we_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o world_n can_v threaten_v we_o withal_o for_o our_o constancy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o trâ—th_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n or_o to_o quit_v any_o thing_n upon_o term_n of_o far_o great_a advantage_n and_o what_o great_a consideration_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o encourage_v our_o constancy_n and_o obedience_n than_o a_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v reason_n to_o call_v these_o exceed_a great_a and_o valuable_a promise_n so_o valuable_a that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v want_v our_o redemption_n and_o recovery_n have_v either_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a or_o extreme_o difficult_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v which_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o tenor_n of_o these_o promise_n that_o be_v whether_o god_n have_v make_v they_o absolute_o to_o we_o without_o require_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v on_o our_o part_n oâ—_n upon_o certain_a term_n and_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o that_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n of_o any_o blessing_n or_o benefit_n to_o we_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n and_o that_o god_n grace_n do_v prevent_v many_o and_o be_v beforehand_o with_o they_o be_v as_o little_a to_o be_v doubt_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n go_v along_o with_o the_o gospel_n move_v and_o incline_v man_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o many_o time_n before_o any_o inclination_n and_o disposition_n thereto_o on_o their_o part_n but_o as_o to_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n the_o great_a question_n be_v not_o about_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o it_o but_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o assistance_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o think_v may_v safe_o be_v affirm_v be_v promise_v only_o conditional_o as_o also_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o concern_v each_o of_o these_o the_o matter_n may_v quick_o be_v decide_v by_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o two_o condition_n first_o that_o we_o beg_v it_o earnest_o of_o god_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n express_v by_o ask_v seek_v and_o knock_v which_o signify_v the_o importunity_n of_o our_o request_n our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o thus_o ask_v it_o and_o then_o second_o that_o we_o improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o god_n afford_v we_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v that_o be_v as_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n to_o he_o that_o use_v that_o grace_n and_o those_o advantage_n which_o god_n afford_v he_o more_o shall_v be_v give_v but_o from_o he_o that_o make_v no_o use_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o that_o which_o he_o but_o seem_v to_o have_v because_o he_o make_v no_o use_n of_o it_o concern_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n the_o scripture_n plain_o suspend_v that_o upon_o the_o general_a condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o change_n of_o our_o life_n repent_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v forgive_v you_o and_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o forgive_a other_o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n then_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n also_o forgive_v you_o but_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n say_v our_o saviour_n mat._n 6._o 14_o 15._o and_o then_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v every_o where_o in_o scripture_n suspend_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o perseverance_n in_o well_o do_v he_o that_o believe_v say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v save_v which_o indeed_o imply_v the_o whole_a condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o believe_v that_o be_v he_o that_o effectual_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v so_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o obedience_n be_v not_o include_v in_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o faith_n yet_o the_o scripture_n
elsewhere_o express_o make_v it_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n heb._n 5._o 9_o christ_n be_v there_o say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o thereby_o imply_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n but_o those_o that_o obey_v the_o gospel_n heb._n 12._o 14._o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n rom._n 2._o 7_o 8_o 9_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n god_n will_v give_v eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v contentious_a and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil._n i_o can_v well_o imagine_v what_o can_v reasonable_o be_v answer_v to_o such_o plain_a text_n but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o be_v common_o answer_v namely_o that_o god_n give_v the_o condition_n which_o he_o require_v and_o therefore_o though_o these_o promise_v run_v in_o a_o conditional_a form_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v absolute_a because_o he_o that_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o another_o upon_o a_o condition_n which_o he_o will_v also_o perform_v do_v in_o effect_n make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n as_o if_o a_o man_n promise_v another_o such_o a_o estate_n upon_o condition_n he_o pay_v such_o a_o sum_n for_o it_o and_o do_v promise_n withal_o to_o furnish_v he_o with_o that_o sum_n this_o in_o effect_n amount_v to_o a_o absolute_a promise_n of_o the_o estate_n and_o this_o be_v very_o well_o argue_v if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o but_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o work_v the_o condition_n in_o we_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n god_n may_v and_o oftentimes_o do_v prevent_v man_n by_o his_o grace_n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n but_o to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o and_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o continue_v his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o we_o unless_o we_o will_v use_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n nay_o in_o case_n we_o do_v not_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o take_v away_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n from_o we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o only_o seem_v to_o be_v conditional_a but_o be_v real_o so_o and_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v doubt_v of_o this_o who_o consider_v how_o frequent_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o covenant_n since_o a_o covenant_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o do_v imply_v a_o mutual_a obligation_n between_o the_o party_n that_o enter_v into_o it_o but_o if_o the_o gospel_n contain_v only_a blessing_n which_o be_v promise_v on_o god_n part_n without_o any_o thing_n require_v to_o be_v do_v and_o perform_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o blessing_n than_o the_o gospel_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o promise_n or_o deed_n of_o gift_n make_v over_o certain_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n to_o we_o but_o can_v in_o no_o propriety_n of_o language_n in_o the_o world_n be_v call_v a_o covenant_n but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o as_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v than_o the_o promise_n be_v plain_o conditional_a to_o instance_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n repent_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o that_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o you_o repent_v of_o your_o sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o not_o otherwise_o can_v there_o be_v any_o plain_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n than_o be_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v your_o trespass_n but_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n who_o be_v infinite_o gracious_a in_o offer_v such_o great_a blessing_n to_o we_o upon_o any_o condition_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v grant_v to_o man_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n let_v they_o behave_v themselves_o as_o they_o will._n four_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v to_o consider_v when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o these_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a upon_o good_a ground_n to_o apply_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a namely_o when_o they_o find_v the_o condition_n of_o these_o promise_n in_o themselves_o and_o not_o till_o then_o when_o a_o man_n have_v true_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o forsake_v they_o and_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n and_o when_o he_o do_v from_o his_o heart_n forgive_v those_o that_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o have_v lay_v down_o all_o animosity_n against_o they_o and_o thought_n of_o revenge_n then_o have_v he_o a_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o may_v apply_v to_o himself_o in_o particular_a what_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o general_a that_o god_n will_v blot_v out_o all_o his_o transgression_n and_o remember_v his_o iniquity_n no_o more_o when_o a_o man_n do_v constant_o and_o earnest_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v to_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o and_o do_v faithful_o make_v use_n of_o that_o strength_n and_o assistance_n which_o god_n afford_v he_o than_o he_o may_v expect_v the_o continuance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o further_a degree_n of_o it_o when_o a_o man_n make_v it_o the_o constant_a and_o sinsincere_a endeavour_n of_o his_o life_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a and_o be_v effectual_o teach_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n than_o he_o may_v with_o comfort_n and_o joy_n wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n then_o he_o may_v with_o confidence_n depend_v upon_o god_n in_o sure_a and_o certain_a hope_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v when_o he_o can_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n than_o he_o may_v likewise_o triumph_v as_o he_o do_v henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o in_o that_o day_n upon_o these_o term_n and_o in_o these_o case_n man_n may_v upon_o good_a ground_n apply_v to_o themselves_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o far_o as_o any_o man_n be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v so_o far_o he_o must_v necessary_o question_v his_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v this_o doctrine_n too_o uncomfortable_a and_o be_v willing_a to_o reject_v it_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o man_n may_v cheat_v themselves_o if_o they_o please_v but_o most_o certain_o they_o will_v never_o find_v any_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n in_o any_o other_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a account_n of_o a_o man_n confidence_n and_o good_a hope_n in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o apply_v any_o promise_n to_o himself_o before_o he_o find_v the_o condition_n in_o himself_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o either_o fancy_n or_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a course_n which_o many_o take_v to_o advise_v and_o exhort_v man_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n to_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a unbelief_n in_o not_o doint_v it_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o exhort_v man_n to_o be_v to_o â—ndeavour_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v any_o blessing_n to_o
no_o express_v and_o direct_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o common_a sense_n because_o the_o admit_v of_o transubstantiation_n do_v undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n whatsoever_o and_o do_v more_o immediate_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o yea_o though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o this_o doctrine_n yet_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o reason_n and_o truth_n and_o a_o just_a animosity_n and_o indignation_n at_o confident_a nonsense_n a_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o generous_a mind_n will_v as_o soon_o be_v bring_v to_o declare_v or_o swear_v that_o twice_o two_o do_v not_o make_v four_o but_o five_o as_o to_o profess_v his_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o though_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a consequence_n and_o concernment_n yet_o all_o truth_n be_v of_o god_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n though_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o all_o truth_n at_o all_o time_n yet_o we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o deny_v or_o renounce_v any_o truth_n nor_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o a_o know_a falsehood_n or_o error_n for_o it_o be_v mere_o because_o of_o the_o intrinsical_a evil_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n think_v it_o worth_a his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n so_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o joh._n 18._o 37._o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o these_o plain_a instance_n to_o which_o most_o other_z case_n may_v be_v reduce_v when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o truth_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o or_o three_o case_n wherein_o man_n may_v seem_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n but_o can_v true_o be_v say_v to_o do_v so_o first_o when_o man_n rash_o expose_v themselves_o to_o danger_n and_o run_v upon_o suffering_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n thus_o several_a of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n voluntary_o expose_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v not_o call_v in_o question_n and_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n offer_v themselves_o to_o martyrdom_n when_o none_o inquire_v after_o they_o this_o in_o the_o gracious_a interpretation_n of_o god_n who_o know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o zeal_n be_v please_v to_o overlook_v the_o indiscreet_a forwardness_n and_o rashness_n of_o it_o may_v be_v accept_v for_o a_o kind_n of_o martyrdom_n but_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v justify_v so_o aâ—_n to_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o pattern_n and_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n for_o though_o god_n may_v be_v please_v to_o excuse_v the_o weakness_n of_o a_o well-meaning_a zeal_n yet_o he_o can_v approve_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suffer_v cheerful_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n when_o he_o call_v we_o to_o fight_v this_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o resist_v unto_o blood_n and_o when_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o strait_a that_o we_o must_v either_o die_v for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n or_o deny_v they_o to_o suffer_v i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n with_o courage_n and_o patience_n be_v one_o of_o the_o noble_a of_o all_o the_o christian_a virtue_n but_o to_o be_v perfect_a volunteer_n and_o to_o run_v ourselves_o upon_o suffering_n when_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o they_o look_v rather_o like_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n which_o though_o god_n may_v merciful_o excuse_v and_o pardon_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o action_n for_o the_o good_a mean_v of_o it_o yet_o he_o can_v never_o perfect_o approve_v and_o accept_v of_o it_o but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v little_a need_n nowa-day_n to_o caution_n man_n against_o this_o rashness_n it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o resolution_n to_o suffer_v when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o it_o second_o nor_o can_v man_n be_v true_o say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v not_o for_o their_o faith_n but_o their_o fancy_n and_o for_o the_o wilful_a and_o affect_a error_n of_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n as_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o in_o heat_n and_o passion_n they_o call_v superstition_n and_o idoltary_a and_o for_o their_o own_o false_a opinion_n in_o religion_n which_o they_o mistake_v for_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o this_o case_n their_o mistake_n about_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o nor_o turn_v their_o suffering_n into_o martyrdom_n and_o yet_o many_o man_n have_v certain_o suffer_v for_o their_o own_o mistake_n for_o as_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o delude_v as_o to_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n when_o they_o kill_v his_o faithful_a servant_n so_o likewise_o may_v they_o be_v so_o far_o deceive_v as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o their_o own_o culpable_a error_n and_o mistake_v but_o this_o be_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_v not_o the_o wisdom_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o but_o that_o which_o come_v from_o beneath_o and_o be_v like_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v heat_n without_o light_n three_o and_o last_o nor_o can_v man_n true_o be_v say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o the_o open_a profession_n and_o defence_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o all_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a truth_n yet_o he_o be_v under_o no_o such_o obligation_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o unless_o he_o be_v call_v to_o deny_v they_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v either_o to_o declare_v or_o defend_v they_o he_o may_v hold_v his_o peace_n at_o other_o time_n and_o be_v silent_a about_o they_o especial_o when_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o they_o will_v probable_o do_v no_o good_a to_o other_o and_o will_v certain_o do_v hurt_v to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o zealous_a endeavour_n to_o propagate_v such_o truth_n will_v be_v to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o good_a say_v of_o erasmus_n if_o we_o understand_v it_o as_o i_o believe_v he_o mean_v it_o of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a adeo_fw-la invisâ—_n sunt_fw-la mihi_fw-la discordiâ—_n ut_fw-la veritas_fw-la etiam_fw-la contentiosa_fw-la displiceat_fw-la i_o be_o say_v he_o so_o perfect_a a_o hater_n of_o discord_n that_o i_o be_o even_o displease_v with_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o contention_n as_o a_o man_n be_v never_o to_o deny_v truth_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o if_o he_o suffer_v upon_o that_o account_n he_o can_v justify_v it_o to_o his_o own_o prudence_n nor_o have_v comfort_n in_o such_o suffering_n because_o he_o bring_v they_o needless_o upon_o himself_o and_o no_o man_n can_v have_v comfort_n but_o in_o suffer_v for_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o namely_o when_o man_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n namely_o how_o far_o man_n may_v rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o provide_v we_o do_v what_o become_v we_o and_o be_v our_o duty_n on_o our_o part_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v on_o his_o part_n to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o his_o cause_n one_o of_o these_o three_o way_n first_o to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o violent_a degree_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v which_o will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n or_o second_o in_o case_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a temptation_n and_o trial_n to_o give_v we_o the_o extraordinary_a support_v and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n or_o else_o three_o in_o case_n of_o a_o temporary_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n to_o raise_v we_o up_o by_o repentance_n and_o a_o great_a resolution_n and_o constancy_n under_o suffering_n i_o shall_v speak_v several_o to_o these_o 1._o either_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o
time_n of_o the_o general_a suspension_n of_o trade_n and_o business_n from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o approach_a trouble_n by_o reason_n whereof_o both_o the_o number_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v great_o and_o daily_o increase_v among_o we_o and_o beside_o the_o poor_a of_o our_o own_o nation_n god_n have_v send_v we_o great_a number_n from_o abroad_o i_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v flee_v hither_o for_o shelter_n from_o that_o violent_a storm_n of_o persecution_n which_o have_v late_o fall_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o common_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o compassion_n we_o show_v to_o they_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o god_n will_v either_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o like_a suffering_n or_o gracious_o support_v we_o under_o they_o what_o do_v we_o know_v but_o that_o god_n be_v now_o try_v we_o and_o have_v purposely_o put_v this_o opportunity_n into_o our_o hand_n of_o prevent_v or_o mitigate_a or_o shorten_v our_o own_o suffering_n according_a as_o we_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o pity_n to_o those_o who_o have_v suffer_v so_o deep_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n seven_o provide_v in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o above_o all_o that_o we_o be_v sincere_a in_o our_o religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v universal_o good_a and_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o large_a sense_n of_o well-doing_n and_o the_o most_o necessary_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o prepare_v we_o for_o suffering_n and_o to_o give_v we_o courage_n and_o constancy_n under_o they_o and_o likewise_o to_o engage_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o a_o tender_a care_n of_o we_o and_o concernment_n for_o we_o if_o he_o shall_v â—ee_n it_o fit_a to_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o suffer_v but_o if_o we_o live_v in_o open_a contempt_n and_o violation_n of_o god_n law_n if_o we_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o our_o way_n and_o action_n we_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o well_o ground_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o his_o providence_n set_v itself_o against_o they_o for_o evil_a bad_a man_n draw_v many_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n upon_o themselves_o as_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o their_o action_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n haunt_v and_o pursue_v evil-doer_n and_o his_o just_a providence_n many_o time_n involve_v they_o in_o many_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n beside_o and_o beyond_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o thing_n upon_o the_o wicked_a say_v david_n he_o will_v rain_v snare_n so_o that_o as_o ever_o we_o expect_v the_o comfortable_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n we_o must_v live_v in_o a_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o god_n holy_a will_n and_o law_n bad_a man_n may_v make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v it_o though_o they_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o it_o and_o yet_o perhaps_o for_o all_o this_o out_o of_o mere_a generosity_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n they_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v threaten_v and_o terrify_v out_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o will_v endure_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n before_o they_o will_v renounce_v it_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n that_o they_o stand_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o hope_v perhaps_o thereby_o to_o make_v some_o amends_o for_o their_o bad_a practice_n but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v nothing_o give_v a_o man_n true_a courage_n and_o resolution_n like_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n concern_v our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o resolution_n and_o patience_n to_o mortify_v his_o lust_n and_o to_o restrain_v his_o appetite_n and_o to_o subdue_v his_o irregular_a passion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n will_v not_o easy_o bring_v himself_o to_o submit_v to_o great_a suffering_n upon_o that_o account_n there_o be_v considerable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o resolute_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a to_o live_v as_o religion_n require_v we_o shall_v do_v than_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o it_o and_o as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o upon_o another_o occasion_n he_o that_o can_v prevail_v with_o himself_o to_o live_v like_o a_o saint_n will_v much_o more_o hardly_o be_v persuade_v to_o die_v a_o martyr_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o point_n namely_o what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o faithful_a creator_n do_v afford_v to_o we_o under_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a censcience_n and_o a_o good_a cause_n let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n and_o in_o this_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a and_o this_o be_v a_o firm_a ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o under_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o god_n to_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n one_o that_o be_v not_o fickle_a and_o inconstant_a in_o his_o affection_n and_o kindness_n to_o his_o creature_n but_o be_v true_a to_o his_o own_o design_n and_o will_v not_o abandon_v and_o forsake_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n so_o great_a a_o benefit_n as_o that_o of_o our_o being_n free_o confer_v upon_o we_o be_v but_o a_o earnest_n of_o god_n further_a kindness_n to_o we_o and_o future_a care_n of_o we_o if_o by_o our_o ill_a carriage_n towards_o he_o we_o do_v not_o render_v ourselves_o unworthy_a and_o incapable_a of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v god_n creature_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o have_v kindness_n for_o we_o if_o he_o have_v not_o he_o will_v never_o have_v make_v we_o as_o it_o be_v excellent_o say_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n cap._n 11._o 23._o 24._o thou_o have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o for_o thou_o love_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o abhor_v nothing_o which_o thou_o have_v make_v for_o never_o will_v thou_o have_v make_v any_o thing_n if_o thou_o have_v hate_v it_o and_o ver_fw-la 26._o thou_o spare_v all_o for_o they_o be_v thou_o o_o lord_n thou_o lover_n of_o soul_n to_o who_o then_o may_v be_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n commit_v ourselves_o as_o to_o he_o who_o free_o give_v we_o our_o be_v from_o who_o may_v we_o expect_v so_o tender_a a_o regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o case_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o from_o this_o great_a founder_n and_o benefactor_n for_o he_o that_o make_v we_o know_v our_o frame_n and_o whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o how_o much_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v he_o consider_v our_o strength_n or_o rather_o our_o weakness_n and_o what_o courage_n and_o resolution_n he_o have_v endue_v we_o withal_o and_o what_o comfort_n and_o support_v we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o in_o the_o day_n of_o tribulation_n and_o as_o they_o who_o make_v armour_n be_v wont_a to_o try_v that_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v good_a and_o well_o temper_v with_o a_o strong_a charge_n not_o to_o break_v and_o hurt_v it_o but_o to_o prove_v and_o praise_v it_o so_o god_n exercise_v those_o who_o he_o have_v fit_v and_o tâ—mpered_v for_o it_o with_o manifold_a temptation_n that_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 7._o be_v much_o more_o precious_a thâ—n_n of_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o firâ—_n may_v be_v find_v unto_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v god_n creature_n do_v as_o i_o may_v say_v oblige_v he_o in_o faithfulness_n to_o his_o own_o act_n and_o in_o consequence_n of_o his_o bring_v we_o into_o be_v at_o first_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o afterward_o so_o as_o never_o to_o abandon_v we_o nor_o quite_o to_o take_v away_o his_o lovingkindness_n and_o mercy_n from_o we_o till_o we_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o and_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n cease_v to_o be_v what_o he_o make_v we_o that_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n a_o person_n or_o people_n must_v have_v proceed_v to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o degeneracy_n when_o god_n will_v consider_v they_o no_o long_o as_o his_o creature_n nor_o show_v any_o pity_n or_o favour_n to_o they_o thing_n must_v be_v come_v to_o extremity_n when_o god_n deal_v