especial_o his_o opinion_n and_o distinct_a manner_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o his_o discourse_n 3._o and_o for_o the_o seem_a christian_a though_o he_o can_v affect_o force_v his_o tongue_n to_o talk_v of_o any_o subject_n in_o religion_n especial_o that_o which_o he_o think_v will_n most_o honour_v he_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o hearer_n yet_o when_o he_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o his_o heart_n his_o discourse_n be_v first_o about_o his_o fleshly_a interest_n and_o concernment_n and_o next_o to_o that_o of_o the_o mere_a external_o of_o religion_n as_o controversy_n party_n and_o the_o several_a mode_n of_o worship_n thirty-nine_o 1._o a_o christian_a indeed_o be_v one_o that_o so_o live_v upon_o the_o great_a sustantial_a matter_n of_o religion_n as_o yet_o not_o willing_o to_o commit_v the_o small_a sin_n nor_o to_o own_o the_o small_a falsehood_n nor_o to_o renounce_v or_o betray_v the_o small_a holy_a truth_n or_o duty_n for_o any_o price_n that_o man_n can_v offer_v he_o the_o work_n of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v his_o daily_a business_n which_o take_v up_o his_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n whatever_o opinion_n or_o controversy_n be_v a_o foot_n his_o work_n be_v still_o the_o same_o whatever_o change_v come_v his_o religion_n change_v not_o he_o place_v not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n either_o be_v for_o they_o or_o against_o they_o but_o in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n so_o be_v he_o approve_v by_o such_o a_o christian_a as_o this_o however_o factious_a person_n may_v revile_v he_o rom._n 14.17_o 18_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 10._o the_o strong_a christian_a can_v bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o not_o take_v the_o course_n that_o most_o please_v himself_o but_o that_o which_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n rom._n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n faith_n and_o love_n and_o obedience_n be_v as_o bread_n and_o drink_n the_o substance_n of_o his_o food_n these_o he_o meditate_v on_o and_o these_o he_o practise_v and_o according_a to_o these_o he_o esteem_v of_o other_o but_o yet_o no_o price_n can_v seem_v sufficient_a to_o he_o to_o buy_v his_o innocency_n nor_o will_v he_o wilful_o sin_n and_o say_v it_o be_v a_o little_a one_o nor_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v by_o it_o nor_o offer_v to_o god_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o disobedient_a fool_n and_o then_o say_v i_o know_v not_o that_o i_o do_v evil_a for_o he_o know_v that_o god_n will_v rather_o have_v obedience_n than_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o disobedience_n be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n and_o he_o that_o break_v one_o of_o the_o least_o command_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o shall_v be_v call_v lest_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o teach_v man_n to_o sin_n by_o the_o example_n of_o his_o own_o practice_n can_v little_o expect_v to_o turn_v they_o from_o sin_n by_o his_o better_a instruction_n and_o exhortation_n he_o that_o will_v deliberate_o sin_v in_o a_o small_a matter_n do_v set_v but_o a_o small_a price_n on_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o salvation_n wilful_a disobedience_n be_v odious_a to_o god_n how_o small_a soever_o the_o matter_n be_v about_o which_o it_o be_v commit_v who_o can_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v stick_v at_o any_o sin_n when_o his_o temptation_n be_v great_a who_o will_v considerate_o commit_v the_o least_o especial_o if_o he_o will_v approve_v and_o justify_v it_o therefore_o the_o sound_n christian_n will_v rather_o forsake_v his_o riches_n his_o liberty_n his_o reputation_n his_o friend_n and_o his_o country_n than_o his_o conscience_n and_o rather_o lay_v down_o liberty_n and_o life_n itself_o than_o choose_v to_o sin_n against_o his_o god_n as_o know_v that_o never_a man_n gain_v by_o his_o sin_n rom._n 3.8_o eccl._n 5.2_o 1_o sam._n 15.15_o 21_o 22_o 23._o mat._n 5.19_o the_o sin_n that_o saul_n be_v reject_v for_o seem_v but_o a_o little_a thing_n nor_o the_o sin_n that_o vzzah_n be_v slay_v for_o and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n even_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o his_o ark_n be_v the_o pretence_n for_o both_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o bethshemite_n of_o achan_n of_o gebezi_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n which_o have_v grievous_a punishment_n will_v seem_v but_o little_a thing_n to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o be_v choose_v deliberate_a justify_v and_o father_v upon_o god_n and_o to_o pretend_v that_o we_o do_v it_o for_o his_o service_n for_o the_o worship_v of_o he_o or_o the_o do_v good_a to_o other_o as_o if_o god_n will_v own_v and_o bless_v sinful_a mean_n or_o need_v a_o lie_n to_o his_o service_n or_o glory_n when_o he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n psal._n 5.5_o and_o require_v only_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o righteousness_n psal._n 4.5_o he_o abhor_v sacrifice_n from_o pollute_a hand_n they_o be_v to_o he_o as_o the_o offering_n a_o dog_n and_o he_o will_v ask_v who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n see_v psal._n 50.8.4_o isa._n 1.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o etc._n etc._n &_o 58.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n jer._n 6.19.20_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n prov._n 15.8_o &_o 21.27_o it_o be_v not_o please_v to_o he_o all_o that_o eat_v thereof_o shall_v be_v pollute_v ho._n 9.4_o see_v isa._n 66.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o the_o preach_v the_o pray_v the_o sacrament_n of_o wilful_a sinner_n especial_o when_o they_o choose_v sin_n as_o necessary_a to_o his_o service_n be_v a_o scorn_n and_o mockery_n put_v upon_o the_o most_o holy_a one_o as_o if_o your_o servant_n shall_v set_v dung_n and_o carrion_n before_o you_o on_o your_o table_n for_o your_o food_n such_o offer_n christ_n vinegar_n and_o gall_n to_o drink_v 2._o in_o all_o this_o the_o weak_a christian_a that_o be_v sincere_a be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n save_v that_o in_o his_o ordinary_a course_n he_o use_v to_o place_v too_o much_o of_o his_o religion_n in_o controversy_n and_o party_n and_o mode_n and_o ceremony_n whether_o be_v for_o they_o or_o against_o they_o and_o allow_v too_o great_a a_o proportion_n in_o his_o thought_n and_o speech_n and_o zeal_n and_o practice_n and_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o his_o grace_n by_o live_v upon_o less_o edify_a thing_n and_o turn_v too_o much_o from_o the_o more_o substantial_a nutriment_n 3._o and_o the_o seem_a christian_n be_v here_o of_o different_a way_n one_o sort_n of_o they_o place_n almost_o all_o their_o religion_n in_o pharisaical_a observation_n of_o little_a external_a ceremonial_a matter_n as_o their_o wash_n and_o fasting_n and_o tything_n and_o formality_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o in_o their_o several_a opinion_n and_o way_n and_o party_n which_o they_o call_v be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n as_o if_o their_o sect_n be_v all_o the_o church_n but_o live_v to_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o in_o a_o heavenly_a conversation_n and_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n they_o be_v utter_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v true_o void_a of_o these_o essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a but_o yet_o be_v secret_o resolve_v to_o take_v up_o no_o more_o of_o christianity_n than_o will_v consist_v with_o their_o worldly_a prosperity_n and_o end_n when_o any_o sin_n seem_v necessary_a to_o their_o preferment_n or_o safety_n in_o the_o world_n their_o way_n be_v to_o pretend_v their_o high_a esteem_n of_o great_a matter_n for_o the_o swallow_a of_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o a_o inconsiderable_a thing_n and_o then_o they_o extol_v those_o large_a soul_n that_o live_v not_o upon_o circumstantial_o but_o upon_o the_o great_a and_o common_a truth_n and_o duty_n and_o pity_v those_o man_n of_o narrow_a principle_n and_o spirit_n who_o by_o unnecessary_a scrupulosity_n make_v sin_n of_o that_o which_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o needless_a trouble_n and_o they_o will_v make_v themselves_o and_o other_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v their_o excellency_n and_o wisdom_n to_o be_v above_o such_o trifle_a scruple_n and_o all_o be_v because_o they_o never_o take_v god_n and_o heaven_n for_o their_o all_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o lose_v all_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o to_o do_v that_o whatever_o it_o be_v which_o their_o worldly_a interest_n shall_v require_v and_o not_o to_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n that_o will_v undo_v they_o and_o three_o great_a pretence_n be_v effectual_a mean_n in_o this_o their_o deceit_n one_o be_v
in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n 1_o pet._n 3.4_o it_o be_v therefore_o his_o care_n and_o course_n to_o give_v place_n to_o wrath_n when_o other_o be_v angry_a rom._n 12.18_o 19_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n yea_o to_o follow_v peace_n when_o it_o fly_v from_o he_o heb._n 12.14_o and_o not_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v to_o revile_v again_o nor_o to_o threaten_v or_o revenge_v himself_o on_o they_o that_o injure_v he_o 1_o pet._n 2.21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o reason_n and_o charity_n hold_v the_o reins_o and_o passion_n be_v keep_v under_o yea_o it_o be_v use_v holy_o for_o god_n eph._n 4.26_o slow_a to_o anger_n he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o watchful_a over_o his_o anger_n even_o in_o god_n cause_n prov._n 15.18_o and_o 16.32_o eph._n 4.31_o col._n 3.8_o 2._o but_o the_o weak_a christian_a do_v great_o show_v his_o weakness_n in_o his_o unruly_a passion_n if_o he_o have_v a_o temper_n of_o body_n dispose_v to_o passion_n they_o be_v oft_o rise_v and_o not_o easy_o keep_v under_o yea_o and_o too_o often_o prevail_v for_o such_o unseemly_a word_n as_o make_v he_o become_v a_o dishonour_n to_o his_o profession_n oft_o he_o resolve_v and_o promise_v and_o pray_v for_o help_v and_o yet_o the_o next_o provocation_n show_v how_o little_a grace_n he_o have_v to_o hold_v the_o reins_o and_o his_o passionate_a desire_n and_o delight_n and_o love_n and_o sorrow_n be_v oft_o as_o unruly_a as_o his_o anger_n to_o the_o further_o weaken_v of_o his_o soul_n they_o be_v like_o ague_n fit_v that_o leave_v the_o health_n impair_v 3._o and_o the_o seem_a christian_n have_v much_o less_o power_n over_o those_o passion_n which_o must_v subserve_v his_o carnal_a mind_n for_o anger_v it_o depend_v much_o upon_o the_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n and_o if_o that_o incline_v he_o not_o strong_o to_o it_o his_o credit_n or_o common_a discretion_n may_v suppress_v it_o unless_o you_o touch_v his_o chief_a carnal_a interest_n and_o then_o he_o will_v not_o only_o be_v angry_a but_o cruel_a malicious_a and_o revengeful_a but_o his_o carnal_a love_n and_o desire_n and_o delight_n which_o be_v place_v upon_o that_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o honour_n which_o be_v his_o idol_n be_v indeed_o the_o reign_a passion_n in_o he_o and_o his_o grief_n and_o fear_n and_o anger_n be_v but_o the_o servant_n unto_o these_o act._n 24.26_o 27._o xxxvii_o 1._o a_o christian_a indeed_o be_v one_o that_o keep_v a_o constant_a government_n of_o his_o tongue_n he_o know_v how_o much_o duty_n or_o sin_n it_o will_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n he_o use_v it_o to_o the_o service_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o creator_n in_o speak_v of_o his_o excellency_n his_o work_n and_o word_n inquire_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o his_o will_n instruct_v other_o and_o plead_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n and_o rebuke_v the_o impiety_n and_o inquity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n do_v allow_v he_o he_o bridle_v his_o tongue_n from_o utter_v vanity_n filthiness_n ribbaldry_n foolish_a and_o uncomely_a talk_n and_o jest_n from_o rash_a and_o unreverent_a talk_n of_o god_n and_o take_v of_o his_o name_n in_o vain_a from_o the_o vent_n of_o undigested_a and_o uncertain_a doctrine_n which_o may_v prove_v erroneous_a and_o perilous_a to_o man_n soul_n from_o speak_v imprudent_o unhandsome_o or_o unreasonable_o about_o holy_a thing_n so_o as_o to_o expose_v they_o to_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n from_o lie_v censure_v other_o without_o a_o warrantable_a ground_n and_o call_v from_o backbiting_a slander_v false_a accuse_v rail_a and_o revile_v malicious_a envious_a injurious_a speech_n which_o tend_v to_o extinguish_v the_o love_n of_o the_o hearer_n to_o those_o he_o speak_v of_o from_o proud_a and_o boast_a speech_n of_o himself_o much_o more_o from_o swear_v curse_a and_o blasphemous_a speech_n and_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n or_o opprobrious_a speech_n or_o derision_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o tongue_n he_o always_o begin_v with_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o may_v understand_v and_o love_v the_o good_a which_o he_o speak_v of_o and_o may_v hate_v the_o evil_n which_o his_o tongue_n forbear_v and_o not_o hypocritical_o to_o force_v his_o tongue_n against_o or_o without_o his_o heart_n his_o tongue_n do_v not_o run_v before_o his_o heart_n but_o be_v rule_v by_o it_o eph._n 4.15.31.29_o and_o 5.3.4.6_o psal._n 37.30_o &_o 15.2_o 3._o prov._n 16.13_o and_o 10.20_o &_o 21.23_o &_o 18.21_o &_o 15.2.4_o psal._n 34.13_o prov._n 25.15_o 23._o &_o 28.23_o matth._n 12.31_o 32_o 34._o 2._o but_o the_o weak_a christian_a though_o his_o tongue_n be_v sincere_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o frequent_o miscarry_v and_o blemish_v his_o soul_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o lip_n be_v much_o oft_o than_o the_o confirm_a christian_n overtake_v with_o word_n of_o vanity_n meddle_v folly_n imprudence_n uncharitableness_n wrath_n boast_v vent_v uncertain_a or_o erroneous_a opinion_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o unruliness_n of_o his_o tongue_n be_v the_o trouble_n of_o his_o heart_n if_o not_o also_o of_o the_o family_n and_o all_o about_o he_o 3._o the_o seem_a christian_n use_v his_o tongue_n in_o the_o service_n of_o his_o carnal_a end_n and_o therefore_o allow_v it_o so_o much_o unjustice_n uncharitableness_n falsehood_n and_o other_o sin_n as_o his_o carnal_a interest_n and_o design_n require_v but_o the_o rest_n perhaps_o he_o may_v suppress_v especial_o if_o natural_a sobriety_n good_a education_n and_o prudence_n do_v assist_v he_o and_o his_o tongue_n be_v always_o better_a than_o his_o heart_n pro._n 10.32_o &_o 19.5.9_o ps._n 50.20_o &_o 12.3_o &_o 144.8_o &_o 120.2_o 3._o prov._n 21.6.23_o xxxviii_o 1._o the_o religious_a discourse_n of_o a_o confirm_a christian_n be_v most_o about_o the_o great_a and_o most_o necessary_a matter_n heart-work_n and_o heaven-work_n be_v the_o usual_a employment_n of_o his_o tongue_n and_o thought_n unprofitable_a controversy_n and_o hurtful_a wrangling_n he_o abhor_v and_o profitable_a controversy_n he_o manage_v spare_o seasonable_o charitable_o peaceable_o and_o with_o caution_n and_o sobriety_n as_o know_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v and_o that_o strife_n of_o word_n pervert_v the_o hearer_n and_o hinder_v edify_v 1_o tim._n 6.4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 4.7_o 8._o 2_o tim._n 2.14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 24_o 25._o his_o ordinary_a discourse_n be_v about_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n attribute_n relation_n and_o work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o redemption_n the_o person_n office_n covenant_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n the_o renew_n illuminate_v sanctify_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o mercy_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o to_o come_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o god_n as_o his_o creator_n redeemer_n and_o regenerater_n the_o corruption_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o method_n of_o the_o tempter_n the_o danger_n of_o particular_a temptation_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o escape_n and_o of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o how_o to_o be_v profitable_a to_o other_o and_o especial_o to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o be_v call_v to_o open_v any_o truth_n which_o other_o understand_v not_o he_o do_v it_o not_o proud_o to_o set_v up_o himself_o as_o the_o master_n of_o a_o sect_n or_o to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o he_o nor_o make_v division_n about_o it_o in_o the_o church_n but_o sober_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o though_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o defend_v the_o truth_n against_o perverse_a gainsayer_n in_o due_a season_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o turn_v his_o ordinary_a edify_a discourse_n into_o dispute_n or_o talk_v of_o controversy_n nor_o have_v such_o a_o proud_a pugnacious_a soul_n as_o to_o assault_v every_o one_o that_o he_o think_v erroneous_a as_o a_o man_n that_o take_v himself_o for_o the_o great_a champion_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o but_o the_o weak_a christian_a have_v a_o more_o unfruitful_a wander_a tongue_n and_o his_o religious_a discourse_n be_v most_o about_o his_o opinion_n or_o party_n or_o some_o external_a thing_n as_o which_o be_v the_o best_a preacher_n or_o person_n or_o book_n or_o if_o he_o talk_v of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v much_o of_o the_o outside_n of_o it_o and_o his_o discourse_n be_v less_o feeling_n lively_a and_o experimental_a yea_o many_o a_o time_n he_o hinder_v the_o more_o edify_a savoury_a discourse_n of_o other_o by_o such_o religious_a discourse_n as_o be_v imprudent_a impertinent_a or_o turn_v they_o away_o from_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n but_o
predominant_a in_o he_o but_o alas_o he_o be_v too_o easy_o tempt_v into_o religious_a passion_n discontent_n contentious_a disputation_n quarrelsome_a and_o opprobrious_a word_n and_o his_o judgement_n lamentable_o darken_v and_o pervert_v whenever_o contentious_a zeal_n prevail_v and_o passion_n do_v perturb_v the_o quiet_a and_o orderly_a operation_n of_o his_o soul._n he_o want_v both_o the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o experience_n and_o the_o mellowness_n of_o spirit_n which_o ripe_a christian_n have_v attain_v he_o have_v a_o less_o degree_n of_o charity_n and_o be_v less_o acquaint_v with_o the_o mischief_n of_o unpeaceableness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o common_a course_n of_o young_a professor_n to_o be_v easy_o tempt_v into_o unpeaceable_a way_n and_o when_o they_o have_v long_o try_v they_o if_o they_o prove_v not_o hypocrite_n to_o come_v off_o at_o last_o upon_o experience_n of_o the_o evil_n of_o they_o and_o so_o the_o young_a christian_n conjunct_a with_o some_o hypocrite_n make_v up_o the_o rigorous_a fierce_a contentious_a and_o vexatious_a party_n and_o the_o age_a ripe_a christian_n make_v up_o the_o holy_a moderate_a heal_a party_n that_o groan_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o mourn_v in_o secret_a both_o for_o the_o ungodliness_n and_o violence_n which_o they_o can_v heal_v yea_o the_o difference_n be_v much_o apparent_a in_o the_o book_n and_o sermon_n which_o each_o of_o they_o be_v best_o please_v with_o the_o ripe_a experience_a christian_a love_v those_o sermon_n that_o kindle_v love_n and_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o love_v such_o heal_a book_n as_o do_v narrow_a difference_n and_o tend_v to_o reconcile_v and_o heal_v such_o as_o bishop_n hall_n peacemaker_n and_o pax_fw-la terris_fw-la and_o all_o his_o write_n and_o bishop_n davenant_n bishop_n morton_n and_o bishop_n hall_n pacificatory_a epistle_n to_o duraeus_n and_o mr._n burroughs_n irenicon_n ludou._n crocius_n amyraldus_n junius_n paraeus_n and_o many_o other_o irenicon_n write_v by_o foreign_a divine_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o those_o that_o be_v upon_o single_a controversy_n but_o the_o young_a sour_a uncharitable_a christian_n be_v better_o please_v with_o such_o book_n and_o sermon_n as_o call_v they_o aloud_o to_o be_v very_o zealous_a for_o this_o or_o that_o controvert_v point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o for_o or_o against_o some_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n or_o church_n discipline_n or_o about_o some_o fashion_n or_o custom_n or_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o if_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v in_o they_o rom._n 14.1_o 2_o 15_o 16._o 3._o but_o the_o seem_a christian_n be_v either_o a_o mere_a temporizer_n that_o will_v be_v of_o that_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v which_o be_v most_o in_o fashion_n or_o which_o the_o high_a power_n be_v of_o or_o which_o will_v cost_v he_o least_o or_o else_o he_o will_v run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o lift_v up_o himself_o by_o affect_a singularity_n and_o by_o make_v a_o bustle_n and_o stir_v in_o the_o world_n about_o some_o small_a and_o controvert_v point_n and_o care_v not_o to_o sacrifice_v the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o own_o opinion_n and_o as_o small_a as_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v he_o must_v be_v of_o a_o small_a society_n than_o it_o that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v among_o the_o best_a while_o indeed_o he_o have_v no_o sincerity_n at_o all_o but_o place_v his_o hope_n in_o be_v of_o the_o right_a church_n or_o party_n or_o opinion_n and_o for_o his_o party_n or_o church_n he_o burn_v with_o a_o feverish_a kind_n of_o zeal_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o to_o deceive_v he_o the_o devil_n send_v he_o some_o from_o hell_n to_o consume_v those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n yet_o do_v he_o bring_v it_o as_o a_o angel_n of_o light_a to_o defend_v the_o truth_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o indeed_o when_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v the_o defender_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o peace_n or_o order_n or_o piety_n he_o do_v it_o with_o the_o most_o burn_a zeal_n you_o may_v know_v he_o by_o the_o mean_v he_o use_v he_o defend_v the_o church_n by_o forbid_v the_o people_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n and_o by_o imprison_v and_o burn_v the_o sound_a and_o holy_a member_n of_o it_o and_o abuse_v the_o most_o learned_a faithful_a pastor_n and_o defend_v the_o flock_n by_o cast_v out_o the_o shepherd_n and_o such_o like_a mean_n as_o the_o murder_n of_o the_o waldenses_n and_o the_o massacre_n of_o france_n and_o ireland_n and_o the_o spanish_a inquisition_n and_o queen_n mary_n bonfire_n and_o the_o powder-plot_n yea_o and_o the_o munster_n and_o the_o english_a rage_n and_o frenzy_n may_v give_v you_o full_a notice_n of_o he_o that_o have_v no_o holiness_n nor_o charity_n to_o be_v zealous_a for_o will_v be_v zealous_a for_o his_o church_n or_o sect_n or_o custom_n or_o opinion_n and_o then_o this_o zeal_n must_v be_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o so_o the_o inquisitor_n have_v think_v they_o have_v religious_o serve_v god_n by_o murder_v his_o servant_n and_o it_o be_v the_o badge_n of_o their_o honour_n to_o be_v the_o devil_n hangman_n to_o execute_v his_o malice_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o this_o be_v do_v in_o zeal_n for_o religion_n by_o irreligious_a hypocrite_n there_o be_v no_o stand_v before_o the_o malicious_a zeal_n of_o a_o graceless_a pharisee_fw-mi when_o it_o rise_v up_o for_o his_o carnal_a interest_n or_o the_o honour_n and_o tradition_n and_o custom_n of_o his_o sect_n luk._n 6.7_o and_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o madness_n and_o commune_v with_o one_o another_o what_o they_o may_v do_v to_o jesus_n luke_n 4.28_o act_n 5.17_o &_o 13.45_o john_n 16.2_o rom._n 10_o 2._o phil._n 3.6_o act_n 36.10_o 11._o the_o zeal_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a consume_v himself_o with_o grief_n to_o see_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n consume_v other_o that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o fire_n his_o religiousness_n may_v be_v see_v you_o may_v see_v the_o christian_n fervent_a love_n of_o god_n by_o the_o fervent_a flame_n which_o he_o can_v suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o you_o may_v see_v the_o fervent_a love_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n by_o the_o flame_n which_o he_o kindle_v for_o other_o by_o these_o he_o cry_v with_o jehu_n come_v and_o see_v my_o zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n 2_o king_n 10.16_o 2_o sam._n 21.2_o lv._o 1._o a_o christian_a indeed_o be_v one_o that_o most_o high_o esteem_v and_o regard_v the_o interest_n of_o god_n and_o man_n salvation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o take_v all_o thing_n else_o to_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o these_o the_o interest_n of_o great_a man_n and_o noble_n and_o commander_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o in_o corporal_a respect_n as_o riches_n honour_n health_n and_o life_n he_o take_v to_o be_v thing_n unworthy_a to_o be_v name_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o soul_n the_o thing_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v most_o set_v upon_o in_o the_o world_n be_v that_o god_n be_v glorify_v and_o that_o the_o world_n acknowledge_v he_o their_o king_n and_o that_o his_o law_n be_v obey_v and_o that_o darkness_n and_o infidelity_n and_o ungodliness_n may_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o that_o pride_n and_o worldliness_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n may_v not_o hurry_v the_o miserable_a world_n unto_o perdition_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a and_o most_o amaze_a thought_n that_o ever_o enter_v into_o his_o heart_n to_o consider_v how_o much_o of_o the_o world_n be_v overwhelm_v in_o ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n and_o how_o great_a the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n that_o god_n shall_v forsake_v so_o much_o of_o his_o creation_n that_o christianity_n shall_v not_o be_v own_v in_o above_o the_o six_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o popish_a pride_n and_o ignorance_n with_o the_o corruption_n of_o many_o other_o sect_n and_o the_o worldly_a carnal_a mind_n of_o hypocrite_n shall_v rob_v christ_n of_o so_o much_o of_o this_o little_a part_n and_o leave_v he_o so_o small_a a_o flock_n of_o holy_a one_o that_o must_v possess_v the_o kingdom_n his_o soul_n consent_v to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o prescribe_v we_o the_o order_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o in_o his_o prayer_n he_o seek_v first_o in_o order_n of_o estimation_n and_o intention_n the_o hallow_v of_o god_n name_n and_o the_o come_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o do_v of_o his_o will_n on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n before_o his_o daily_a bread_n or_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n or_o the_o deliverance_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n from_o temptation_n
physical_a passive_a reception_n as_o wood_n receive_v the_o fire_n and_o as_o our_o soul_n receive_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a reception_n or_o reputative_a which_o be_v active_a and_o metaphorical_a this_o will_v be_v better_o understand_v when_o the_o object_n be_v consider_v which_o be_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n to_o receive_v christ_n as_o christ_n or_o the_o anoint_v messiah_n and_o as_o the_o saviour_n and_o our_o lord_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v such_o and_o to_o consent_v that_o he_o be_v such_o to_o we_o and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o he_o as_o such_o the_o relation_n we_o do_v indeed_o receive_v by_o a_o proper_a passive_a reception_n i_o mean_v our_o relation_n of_o be_v the_o redeem_a member_n subject_n disciple_n of_o this_o christ._n but_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n we_o only_o receive_v by_o such_o a_o active_a moral_a reputative_a reception_n as_o a_o servant_n by_o consent_n receive_v a_o master_n a_o patient_n by_o consent_n receive_v a_o physician_n a_o wife_n by_o consent_n receive_v a_o husband_n and_o a_o scholar_n or_o pupil_n by_o consent_n receive_v a_o teacher_n or_o tutor_n or_o the_o subject_n by_o consent_n receive_v a_o sovereign_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v call_v receive_v jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o it_o be_v expound_v joh._n 1.12_o there_o be_v three_o great_a observable_a act_n of_o faith_n essential_a to_o it_o the_o first_o be_v assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o second_o be_v consent_v or_o acceptance_n of_o christ_n and_o life_n as_o the_o offer_v good_a the_o three_o be_v affiance_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o end_n of_o his_o office_n now_o the_o word_n faith_n do_v most_o proper_o express_v the_o first_o act_n and_o the_o last_o and_o the_o word_n receive_v do_v most_o proper_o express_v the_o middlemost_a but_o which_o ever_o term_n be_v use_v when_o it_o be_v justify_v faith_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o all_o three_o be_v intend_v or_o include_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v discern_v whether_o you_o have_v receive_v christ_n or_o not_o for_o your_o faith_n may_v be_v know_v by_o these_o act_n which_o be_v its_o part_n 1._o if_o you_o sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a which_o must_v be_v with_o a_o belief_n so_o strong_a at_o least_o as_o that_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o venture_v your_o happiness_n upon_o this_o belief_n and_o let_v go_v all_o for_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o 2._o if_o a_o offer_a christ_n in_o his_o relation_n as_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a saviour_n be_v hearty_o welcome_a to_o you_o if_o you_o consent_v to_o the_o gospel_n offer_v and_o be_v but_o true_o willing_a to_o be_v his_o and_o that_o he_o be_v you_o in_o that_o relation_n faith_n be_v not_o only_o call_v a_o receive_v of_o christ_n but_o be_v oft_o express_v by_o this_o term_n of_o willing_a he_o and_o therefore_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o whosoever_o will_v rev._n 22.17_o and_o the_o wicked_a be_v deny_v a_o part_n in_o christ_n because_o they_o will_v not_o have_v he_o reign_v over_o they_o luke_n 19.27_o or_o will_v not_o come_v to_o he_o that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n joh._n 6.40_o even_o because_o they_o will_v none_o of_o he_o psal._n 81.11_o 12._o which_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o true_a believer_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ._n 3._o if_o you_o thus_o by_o consent_n take_v christ_n for_o your_o saviour_n teacher_n and_o lord_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o you_o fiducial_o rely_v upon_o he_o or_o trust_v he_o to_o accomplish_v the_o end_n of_o his_o relation_n that_o you_o trust_v to_o he_o for_o deliverance_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o power_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o for_o quicken_a strengthen_v and_o preserve_a grace_n and_o for_o everlasting_a life_n that_o you_o resign_v yourselves_o up_o to_o he_o as_o his_o disciple_n to_o learn_v of_o he_o with_o a_o confidence_n or_o trust_n that_o he_o will_v infallible_o teach_v you_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o that_o you_o also_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o he_o as_o his_o subject_n with_o a_o trust_n that_o he_o will_v govern_v you_o in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n in_o order_n to_o your_o salvation_n and_o will_v defend_v you_o from_o destroy_a enemy_n this_o much_o be_v of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o faith_n or_o the_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o these_o part_n be_v inseparable_a he_o that_o have_v one_o in_o truth_n have_v all_o whenever_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n the_o promise_n of_o justification_n or_o salvation_n make_v to_o we_o if_o we_o believe_v it_o be_v this_o believe_v and_o none_o but_o this_o that_o be_v intend_v it_o be_v not_o only_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n or_o priest_n that_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o justify_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o a_o teacher_n or_o lord_n that_o sanctify_v the_o effect_n be_v not_o thus_o parcel_v out_o to_o several_a essential_a part_n of_o this_o same_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v this_o one_o entire_a faith_n in_o all_o these_o essential_a part_n that_o be_v the_o undivided_a condition_n of_o all_o these_o benefit_n and_o in_o that_o way_n of_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o free_a promise_v it_o do_v procure_v they_o so_o much_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o word_n receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n i_o will_v be_v brief_a about_o the_o next_o the_o second_o be_v walk_v in_o he_o which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o the_o live_n as_o christian_n when_o once_o we_o be_v become_v christian_n and_o use_v that_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n which_o we_o receive_v he_o for_o when_o once_o we_o have_v receive_v he_o two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o such_o as_o we_o that_o have_v lose_v our_o way_n the_o first_o be_v to_o get_v into_o the_o right_a way_n and_o that_o be_v to_o get_v into_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o other_o be_v to_o travel_v on_o when_o we_o be_v in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o our_o journey_n end_v that_o we_o have_v find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n the_o next_o word_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v root_v which_o do_v not_o intimate_v that_o any_o be_v real_o plant_v into_o christ_n without_o any_o root_n in_o he_o at_o all_o but_o by_o root_v be_v mean_v deep_o root_a for_o the_o root_n increase_v under_o ground_n as_o well_o as_o the_o tree_n above_o ground_n root_a have_v two_o end_n and_o both_o be_v here_o employ_v the_o first_o be_v for_o the_o firmness_n of_o the_o tree_n that_o bluster_a wind_n may_v not_o overturn_v it_o the_o second_o be_v for_o nutriment_n that_o it_o may_v receive_v that_o nourishment_n from_o the_o earth_n which_o may_v cause_v its_o preservation_n growth_n and_o fruitfulness_n this_o be_v the_o rootedness_n of_o christian_n in_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v confirm_v in_o he_o against_o all_o assault_n and_o may_v draw_v from_o he_o that_o nutriment_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o growth_n and_o fruit_n the_o next_o term_n be_v build_v up_o in_o he_o no_o house_n consist_v of_o a_o bare_a foundation_n five_o thing_n be_v express_o contain_v in_o our_o being_n build_v up_o in_o he_o the_o first_o be_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v or_o conjoin_v to_o he_o as_o the_o building_n be_v on_o the_o foundation_n the_o second_o be_v that_o we_o rest_v whole_o on_o he_o as_o our_o support_n as_o the_o building_n do_v on_o the_o foundation_n the_o three_o be_v that_o we_o be_v also_o conjoin_v one_o unto_o another_o and_o be_v become_v one_o spiritual_a building_n in_o the_o lord_n the_o four_o be_v that_o the_o fabric_n do_v increase_v in_o bigness_n as_o the_o house_n do_v by_o be_v build_v up_o so_o that_o it_o import_v our_o increase_n in_o grace_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n by_o we_o the_o five_o be_v the_o fitness_n of_o the_o build_n to_o its_o intend_a end_n and_o use_n till_o it_o be_v build_v up_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o habitation_n and_o till_o christian_n be_v build_v up_o god_n have_v not_o that_o use_n of_o they_o to_o which_o he_o do_v intend_v they_o the_o next_o term_n be_v establish_v or_o confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n which_o signify_v but_o that_o strengthen_n and_o fix_v of_o we_o that_o may_v prevent_v our_o fall_n or_o shake_n and_o it_o comprise_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o we_o be_v sound_o bottom_v on_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o foundation_n and_o second_o that_o we_o be_v cement_v and_o firm_o join_v to_o each_o other_o and_o this_o comprehend_v their_o stability_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v as_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o fortify_v
they_o against_o heresy_n which_o indeed_o be_v all_o but_o novelty_n that_o so_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o try_v the_o doctrine_n that_o afterward_o shall_v be_v offer_v they_o and_o stick_v fast_o to_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v he_o next_o require_v they_o to_o abound_v therein_o to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o as_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n that_o they_o expect_v by_o christ_n so_o they_o shall_v not_o rest_v in_o small_a degree_n of_o grace_n or_o duty_n but_o especial_o the_o duty_n of_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v a_o evangelical_n and_o celestial_a duty_n and_o so_o admirable_o beseem_v a_o people_n that_o have_v partake_v of_o such_o admirable_a salvation_n and_o be_v so_o suitable_a to_o our_o mercy_n and_o our_o condition_n and_o god_n just_a expectation_n as_o it_o be_v love_n and_o grace_n who_o eternal_a praise_n be_v design_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v magnify_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o redeemer_n great_a and_o bless_a work_n so_o it_o be_v return_n of_o love_n and_o praise_n and_o joy_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o abound_a or_o overflow_a part_n of_o all_o our_o christian_a affection_n and_o performance_n after_o this_o explication_n you_o may_v see_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n lie_v plain_a in_o this_o proposition_n doct._n those_o that_o have_v save_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n must_v be_v so_o far_o from_o rest_v here_o as_o if_o all_o be_v do_v that_o they_o must_v spend_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o day_n in_o walk_v in_o he_o be_v root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o he_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v it_o and_o abound_v in_o it_o especial_o with_o joyful_a praise_n to_o our_o redeemer_n and_o because_o that_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o direct_v young_a christian_n how_o they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v in_o christ_n i_o shall_v therefore_o pass_v over_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o the_o full_a handle_n of_o this_o text_n require_v and_o shall_v only_o give_v you_o 1._o a_o short_a intimation_n here_o what_o this_o confirmation_n and_o stability_n be_v which_o shall_v be_v fullyer_n open_v to_o you_o in_o the_o direction_n 2._o and_o show_v you_o the_o need_n of_o seek_v it_o and_o 3._o how_o you_o may_v attain_v it_o 1._o this_o confirmation_n be_v the_o habitual_a strength_n of_o grace_n distinct_a from_o present_a actual_a confirmation_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o grace_n from_o god_n for_o though_o god_n may_v in_o a_o instant_n confirm_v a_o weak_a person_n against_o some_o particular_a temptation_n by_o his_o free_a assistance_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o it_o which_o we_o have_v here_o to_o speak_v of_o but_o habitual_a confirmation_n in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o ordinary_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o god_n cooperate_a assist_a grace_n shall_v bear_v some_o proportion_n with_o our_o habitual_a grace_n even_o as_o in_o nature_n he_o concur_v with_o the_o strong_a man_n to_o do_v great_a work_n than_o he_o cause_v the_o weak_a to_o do_v and_o with_o the_o wise_a man_n to_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o foolish_a do_v i_o say_v but_o that_o ordinary_o it_o be_v thus_o a_o confirm_a christian_a as_o contrary_a to_o a_o weak_a one_o 1._o be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o his_o freedom_n from_o all_o scruple_n doubt_n or_o fear_n 2._o nor_o by_o his_o eminency_n in_o man_n esteem_n or_o observation_n 3._o nor_o by_o his_o strength_n of_o memory_n 4._o or_o freedom_n of_o utterance_n in_o pray_v preach_a or_o discourse_n 5._o or_o by_o his_o seemly_a deportment_n and_o courtesy_n towards_o other_o 6._o nor_o by_o his_o sedate_n calm_a and_o lovely_a temper_n and_o freedom_n from_o some_o haste_n and_o heat_n which_o other_o temper_n be_v more_o prone_a to_o 7._o nor_o by_o a_o man-pleasing_a or_o dissemble_a faculty_n to_o bridle_v the_o tongue_n when_o it_o will_v open_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o suppress_v all_o word_n which_o will_v make_v other_o know_v how_o bad_a the_o heart_n be_v there_o be_v many_o endowment_n laudable_a and_o desirable_a which_o will_v not_o show_v so_o much_o as_o sincerity_n in_o grace_n and_o much_o less_o a_o state_n of_o confirmation_n and_o stability_n but_o confirmation_n lie_v in_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n which_o constitute_v a_o christian._n and_o the_o great_a degree_n appear_v in_o the_o operation_n of_o they_o as_o 1._o when_o holiness_n be_v as_o a_o new-nature_n in_o we_o and_o give_v we_o a_o promptitude_n to_o holy_a action_n and_o make_v we_o free_a and_o ready_a to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o easy_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o whereas_o the_o weak_a go_v heavy_o and_o can_v scarce_o drive_v on_o and_o force_v their_o mind_n 2._o when_o there_o be_v a_o constancy_n or_o frequency_n of_o holy_a action_n which_o show_v the_o strength_n and_o stability_n of_o holy_a inclination_n 3._o when_o they_o be_v powerful_a to_o bear_v down_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n and_o can_v get_v over_o the_o great_a impediment_n in_o the_o way_n and_o make_v a_o advantage_n of_o all_o resistance_n and_o despise_v the_o most_o splendid_a bait_n of_o sin_n 4._o when_o it_o be_v still_o get_v ground_n and_o draw_v the_o soul_n upward_o and_o near_o to_o god_n its_o rest_n and_o end_n and_o when_o the_o heart_n grow_v more_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a and_o stranger_n to_o earth_n and_o earthly_a thing_n 5._o and_o when_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v more_o sweet_a and_o delectable_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v seek_v and_o use_v with_o more_o love_n and_o pleasure_n all_o these_o do_v show_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o grace_n be_v vigorous_a and_o strong_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o habit_n be_v so_o also_o and_o this_o confirmation_n shall_v be_v find_v 1._o in_o the_o understanding_n 2._o in_o the_o will._n 3._o in_o the_o affection_n 4._o in_o the_o life_n 1._o when_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v a_o large_a comprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o order_n and_o method_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o every_o truth_n and_o a_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o matter_n express_v in_o they_o when_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n come_v near_o unto_o sight_n or_o intention_n and_o we_o have_v the_o full_a the_o true_a and_o the_o firm_a and_o most_o certain_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n reveal_v and_o unseen_a when_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o end_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v all_o most_o clear_o orderly_o decent_o constant_o and_o powerful_o print_v on_o the_o mind_n then_o be_v that_o mind_n in_o a_o confirm_a state_n 2._o when_o the_o will_n be_v guide_v by_o such_o a_o confirm_a understanding_n and_o be_v not_o bruitish_o resolve_v he_o know_v not_o for_o what_o or_o why_o when_o light_n have_v fix_v it_o in_o such_o resolution_n as_o be_v past_o all_o notable_a doubt_n deliberation_n waver_n or_o unwilling_a backwardness_n and_o a_o man_n be_v in_o seek_v god_n and_o his_o salvation_n and_o avoid_v know_v sin_n as_o a_o natural_a man_n be_v about_o the_o question_n whether_o he_o shall_v preserve_v his_o life_n and_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o and_o whether_o he_o shall_v poison_v or_o famish_v or_o torment_v himself_o when_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n to_o god_n and_o heaven_n and_o holiness_n be_v like_a to_o its_o natural_a inclination_n to_o good_a as_o good_a and_o to_o its_o own_o felicity_n and_o its_o action_n be_v so_o free_a as_o to_o have_v lest_o indetermination_n and_o to_o be_v like_a to_o natural_a necessary_a act_n as_o those_o be_v of_o bless_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n when_o the_o least_o intimation_n from_o god_n prevail_v and_o the_o will_n do_v answer_v he_o with_o readiness_n and_o delight_n and_o when_o it_o take_v pleasure_n to_o trample_v upon_o all_o opposition_n and_o when_o all_o that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n and_o draw_v it_o to_o sin_n and_o loosen_v it_o from_o god_n prevail_v but_o as_o so_o much_o filth_n and_o dung_n will_v do_v phil._n 3.7_o 8_o 9_o this_o be_v a_o confirm_a state_n of_o will._n 3._o when_o the_o affection_n do_v proceed_v from_o such_o a_o will_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v excite_v and_o serve_v it_o and_o to_o carry_v we_o on_o in_o necessary_a duty_n when_o the_o low_a affection_n of_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n do_v cleanse_v and_o restrain_v and_o prepare_v the_o way_n and_o the_o high_a affection_n of_o love_n and_o delight_n adhere_v to_o god_n and_o desire_n and_o hope_n do_v make_v out_o after_o he_o and_o set_v the_o soul_n on_o just_a endeavour_n when_o fear_v and_o grief_n have_v less_o to_o do_v and_o be_v deliver_v up_o the_o heart_n still_o more_o and_o more_o
it_o for_o matter_n or_o manner_n or_o else_o if_o the_o minister_n displease_v you_o your_o feeble_a stomach_n do_v loath_a the_o food_n because_o you_o like_v not_o the_o cook_n that_o dress_v it_o or_o because_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o so_o clean_o as_o you_o desire_v the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v a_o honeycomb_n but_o to_o the_o hungry_a every_o bitter_a thing_n be_v sweet_a prov._n 27.7_o or_o if_o you_o get_v it_o down_o you_o can_v hardly_o keep_v it_o but_o be_v ready_a to_o cast_v it_o up_o to_o our_o face_n and_o thus_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o our_o labour_n be_v lose_v with_o you_o holy_a doctrine_n lose_v and_o sacrament_n and_o other_o ordinance_n lose_v because_o you_o have_v not_o strength_n to_o digest_v they_o labour_v therefore_o to_o be_v establish_v and_o build_v up_o 7._o i_o beseech_v you_o look_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n and_o see_v whether_o it_o have_v not_o need_v of_o the_o strong_a help_n whereas_o the_o weak_a and_o sick_a be_v burdensome_a to_o other_o rather_o than_o fit_a to_o help_v the_o distress_a it_o be_v a_o multitude_n among_o we_o and_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o ungodly_a and_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o misery_n and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o to_o help_v they_o those_o few_o shall_v not_o be_v babe_n abundance_n of_o this_o multitude_n be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o sin_n blind_a and_o wilful_a captivate_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o have_v sell_v themselves_o to_o do_v evil_a and_o shall_v such_o miserable_a soul_n as_o these_o have_v none_o but_o child_n or_o sick_a folk_n to_o help_v they_o i_o tell_v you_o sir_n their_o disease_n prove_v too_o hard_o for_o the_o skilful_a physician_n it_o will_v put_v the_o wise_a man_n in_o england_n to_o it_o to_o persuade_v one_o obstinate_a enemy_n of_o godliness_n to_o the_o hearty_a love_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n or_o to_o cure_v one_o old_a superstitious_a person_n of_o his_o self-conceitedness_n or_o one_o covetous_a person_n of_o his_o love_n of_o the_o world_n or_o one_o old_a drunkard_n or_o glutton_n of_o his_o sensuality_n how_o then_o will_v silly_v ignorant_a christian_n be_v able_a to_o persuade_v they_o i_o know_v it_o be_v not_o the_o ability_n of_o the_o instrument_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n but_o yet_o god_n use_v to_o work_v by_o instrument_n according_a to_o their_o fitness_n for_o the_o work_n what_o a_o case_n be_v that_o hospital_n in_o where_o all_o be_v sick_a and_o no_o healthful_a person_n among_o they_o to_o help_v they_o poor_a weak_a christian_n you_o be_v not_o able_a much_o to_o help_v one_o another_o how_o much_o less_o to_o help_v the_o dead_a ungodly_a world_n wo_n to_o the_o world_n if_o it_o have_v no_o better_a helper_n and_o woe_n to_o yourselves_o if_o you_o have_v not_o the_o help_n of_o strong_a than_o yourselves_o see_v it_o be_v god_n way_n to_o work_v by_o mean_n alas_o a_o child_n or_o sick_a person_n be_v so_o unfit_a to_o labour_v for_o the_o family_n and_o to_o work_v for_o other_o that_o they_o be_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o family_n and_o must_v be_v provide_v for_o by_o other_o they_o be_v so_o unmeet_a to_o help_v other_o in_o their_o weakness_n that_o they_o must_v be_v carry_v or_o attend_v and_o wait_v on_o themselves_o what_o a_o life_n be_v this_o to_o be_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o church_n when_o you_o may_v be_v the_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v so_o blind_a and_o lame_a when_o you_o may_v be_v eye_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o foot_n to_o the_o lame_a i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o extenuate_v god_n mercy_n to_o you_o nor_o to_o undervalue_v the_o great_a felicity_n of_o the_o saint_n even_o the_o poor_a and_o weak_a of_o they_o i_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v tender_a of_o the_o weak_a that_o be_v sincere_a and_o will_v not_o forsake_v they_o but_o though_o you_o be_v so_o far_o above_o the_o dead_a world_n even_o in_o the_o bed_n of_o your_o groan_a and_o languish_v yet_o o_o how_o far_o be_v you_o below_o the_o confirm_a healthful_a christian_n you_o be_v happy_a in_o be_v alive_a but_o you_o be_v unhappy_a in_o be_v so_o disease_v and_o weak_a you_o be_v happy_a in_o be_v of_o the_o family_n and_o fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n but_o you_o be_v unhappy_a in_o be_v so_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o burdensome_a for_o indeed_o you_o live_v but_o as_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o parish_n not_o only_o on_o the_o alm_n of_o christ_n for_o so_o we_o do_v all_o but_o on_o the_o alm_n of_o your_o brethren_n assistance_n and_o support_v and_o i_o know_v that_o in_o worldly_a matter_n you_o will_v rather_o labour_v with_o your_o hand_n that_o you_o may_v have_v to_o give_v to_o they_o that_o need_v than_o be_v troublesome_a to_o other_o and_o live_v upon_o charity_n eph._n 4.28_o i_o know_v that_o the_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o beggar_n in_o israel_n i_o mean_v one_o that_o need_v not_o our_o continual_a relief_n the_o poor_a we_o shall_v have_v always_o with_o we_o even_o the_o poor_a in_o grace_n to_o exercise_v our_o charity_n and_o i_o know_v that_o the_o strong_a must_v bear_v with_o their_o infirmity_n and_o exercise_v compassion_n on_o they_o but_o yet_o you_o shall_v remember_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v and_o therefore_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v stir_v yourselves_o for_o spiritual_a health_n and_o strength_n and_o riches_n that_o the_o multitude_n of_o needy_a miserable_a soul_n may_v have_v some_o help_n from_o you_o and_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o your_o door_n you_o may_v not_o turn_v they_o away_o with_o so_o cold_a a_o answer_n alas_o we_o have_v nothing_o for_o ourselves_o be_v you_o but_o strong_a confirm_a christian_n what_o blessing_n may_v you_o be_v to_o all_o about_o you_o what_o a_o stay_n to_o the_o place_n where_o you_o live_v your_o lip_n will_v feed_v many_o as_o a_o tree_n of_o life_n the_o ear_n that_o hear_v you_o will_v bless_v you_o and_o the_o eye_n that_o see_v you_o will_v bear_v you_o witness_n job_n 29.11_o you_o will_v be_v to_o poor_a soul_n as_o bountiful_a rich_a man_n be_v to_o their_o body_n the_o support_n and_o relief_n of_o many_o that_o be_v needy_a you_o will_v not_o eat_v your_o morsel_n alone_o nor_o will_v you_o see_v any_o perish_v for_o lack_v of_o clothing_n but_o the_o loin_n of_o the_o poor_a will_v bless_v you_o job_n 31.17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o oh_o pity_v the_o poor_a world_n that_o need_v more_o than_o child_n help_n and_o grow_v up_o unto_o confirmation_n o_o pity_v the_o poor_a church_n that_o abound_v with_o weakling_n that_o be_v pester_v with_o childish_a self_n conceit_v quarreller_n and_o need_v more_o than_o child_n help_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o confirmation_n o_o pity_n yourselves_o and_o live_v not_o still_o in_o so_o childish_a sickly_a and_o beggarly_a a_o condition_n when_o the_o way_n of_o riches_n and_o health_n be_v before_o you_o but_o up_o and_o be_v do_v till_o you_o have_v attain_v confirmation_n 8._o yea_o this_o be_v not_o all_o you_o do_v not_o only_o deny_v the_o church_n your_o assistance_n but_o most_o of_o the_o trouble_n and_o division_n of_o the_o church_n be_v from_o such_o unsettle_a weakling_n as_o you_o in_o all_o age_n almost_o these_o have_v make_v the_o church_n more_o work_n than_o the_o heathen_a persecutor_n do_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n these_o novice_n as_o paul_n call_v they_o that_o be_v your_o beginner_n in_o religion_n be_v they_o that_o most_o common_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o tim._n 3.6_o these_o be_v they_o that_o be_v easy_a deceive_v by_o seducer_n as_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v good_a the_o truth_n nor_o to_o confute_v the_o plausible_a reason_n of_o the_o adversary_n and_o withal_o they_o have_v not_o that_o root_a love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v hold_v they_o fast_o and_o they_o quick_o yield_v like_o cowardly_a soldier_n that_o be_v able_a to_o make_v but_o small_a resistance_n and_o as_o paul_n speak_v they_o be_v like_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v eph._n 4.14_o if_o you_o will_v still_o continue_v child_n what_o better_a can_v we_o expect_v of_o you_o but_o thus_o to_o be_v toss_v and_o carry_v about_o thus_o you_o gratify_v satan_n and_o seducer_n when_o you_o little_o think_v on_o it_o and_o thus_o you_o harden_v the_o ungodly_a in_o their_o way_n and_o thus_o you_o grieve_v the_o heart_n
wax_n when_o yet_o the_o image_n on_o the_o seal_n be_v perfect_a and_o therefore_o the_o world_n have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o censure_n god_n or_o christ_n or_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o word_n to_o be_v imperfect_a because_o that_o you_o be_v so_o but_o yet_o they_o will_v do_v it_o and_o their_o temptation_n be_v great_a o_o sir_n how_o will_v your_o prince_n take_v it_o of_o you_o or_o how_o will_v your_o poor_a friend_n take_v it_o of_o you_o if_o you_o shall_v hang_v forth_o a_o deform_a picture_n of_o they_o to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v pass_v by_o and_o shall_v represent_v they_o as_o blind_v or_o leprous_a or_o lame_a want_v a_o leg_n or_o a_o arm_n or_o a_o eye_n will_v they_o not_o say_v that_o you_o unworthy_o expose_v they_o to_o scorn_v so_o if_o you_o will_v take_v on_o you_o to_o be_v the_o live_a image_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o will_v be_v blind_a and_o worldly_a and_o passionate_a and_o proud_a and_o untrue_o and_o obstinate_a or_o lazy_a and_o negligent_a and_o little_o differ_v from_o those_o that_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o devil_n what_o do_v you_o but_o proclaim_v that_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o of_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n do_v little_o differ_v and_o that_o god_n be_v thus_o unrighteous_a and_o unholy_a as_o you_o be_v 10._o last_o consider_v that_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n be_v few_o and_o therefore_o if_o those_o few_o dishonour_n he_o and_o prove_v not_o fast_o to_o he_o what_o do_v you_o but_o provoke_v he_o to_o forsake_v all_o the_o world_n and_o make_v a_o end_n of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n to_o who_o he_o will_v give_v the_o kingdom_n luke_n 12.32_o it_o be_v but_o a_o few_o from_o who_o god_n expect_v any_o great_a matter_n and_o shall_v those_o few_o prove_v deceitful_a to_o he_o it_o must_v be_v you_o or_o none_o that_o must_v honour_v the_o gospel_n you_o or_o none_o that_o must_v be_v exemplary_a to_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v none_o at_o all_o shall_v all_o the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n abuse_v he_o shall_v he_o have_v no_o honour_n from_o any_o inferior_a creature_n how_o can_v you_o then_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v preserve_v the_o world_n for_o will_v he_o be_v at_o so_o much_o care_n to_o keep_v up_o a_o world_n to_o dishonour_n and_o abuse_v he_o if_o the_o turn_n of_o man_n heart_n prevent_v it_o not_o he_o will_v come_v and_o smite_v the_o earth_n with_o a_o curse_n mal._n 4.6_o for_o the_o land_n that_o bear_v thorn_n and_o briar_n be_v reject_v and_o be_v nigh_o unto_o curse_v who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v heb._n 6.7_o 8._o if_o therefore_o israel_n play_v the_o harlot_n yet_o let_v not_o judah_n sin_n hos._n 4.15_o if_o the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n prepare_v to_o destruction_n will_v be_v blind_a and_o sensual_a and_o filthy_a still_o yet_o let_v pollution_n be_v far_o from_o the_o sanctify_a such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v you_o be_v sanctify_v you_o be_v justify_v 1_o cor._n 6.11_o o_o let_v the_o lord_n be_v magnify_v in_o his_o saint_n blot_v not_o out_o his_o image_n receive_v not_o his_o impression_n defective_o and_o by_o the_o half_n let_v the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a one_o be_v write_v in_o your_o very_a forehead_n o_o that_o you_o will_v be_v so_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o shine_v forth_o so_o bright_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v who_o servant_n you_o be_v and_o know_v the_o image_n &_o superscription_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o your_o conversation_n that_o as_o clear_o as_o light_n be_v see_v in_o and_o from_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v see_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o scripture_n so_o may_v the_o same_o shine_n forth_o in_o you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a 1_o pet._n 1.16_o and_o perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a matth._n 5.48_o that_o they_o that_o will_v know_v god_n may_v see_v he_o in_o his_o saint_n where_o his_o image_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v so_o lively_a and_o discernible_a and_o they_o that_o can_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n or_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n or_o disposing-providence_n may_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a representation_n of_o your_o life_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o look_v after_o image_n of_o the_o godhead_n because_o they_o be_v carnal_a and_o far_o from_o god_n o_o you_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o bear_v his_o image_n see_v that_o you_o so_o represent_v he_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o not_o to_o his_o dishonour_n and_o take_v not_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a it_o be_v so_o desirable_a for_o god_n and_o for_o the_o church_n and_o for_o your_o own_o peace_n and_o happiness_n that_o christian_n shall_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o ripeness_n in_o grace_n and_o be_v root_v build_v up_o confirm_v and_o abound_v according_a to_o my_o text_n that_o it_o have_v draw_v out_o from_o i_o all_o these_o word_n of_o exhortation_n thereunto_o though_o one_o will_v think_v that_o to_o man_n of_o such_o holy_a principle_n and_o experience_n it_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o needs_o but_o if_o all_o will_v but_o serve_v to_o awaken_v the_o weak_a to_o a_o diligent_a progress_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a and_o have_v my_o end_n the_o great_a matter_n that_o i_o intend_v when_o i_o begin_v this_o discourse_n be_v yet_o behind_o and_o that_o be_v the_o giving_z you_o such_o direction_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o your_o confirmation_n and_o perseverance_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o but_o i_o entreat_v every_o reader_n that_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o soul_n that_o he_o will_v resolve_v to_o put_v these_o direction_n in_o practice_n and_o turn_v they_o not_o off_o with_o a_o bare_a perusal_n or_o approbation_n let_v i_o reap_v but_o thus_o much_o fruit_n of_o all_o my_o forego_v exhortation_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o think_v my_o labour_n lose_v xx._n direction_n for_o confirmation_n in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n direct_v i._o be_v sure_a that_o the_o foundation_n be_v well_o lay_v both_o in_o your_o head_n and_o heart_n or_o else_o you_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o confirmation_n nor_o be_v save_o build_v up_o to_o this_o end_n you_o must_v know_v what_o the_o foundation_n be_v and_o how_o it_o must_v be_v sound_o lay_v the_o foundation_n have_v two_o part_n or_o respect_n according_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n where_o it_o must_v be_v lay_v the_o first_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o matter_n and_o the_o second_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o it_o as_o true_a the_o foundation_n be_v lay_v in_o our_o understanding_n as_o good_a it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o will._n concern_v both_o these_o we_o must_v therefore_o first_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o then_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o that_o must_v be_v receive_v or_o lay_v and_o the_o foundation_n be_v that_o matter_n or_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o love_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v to_o the_o christian_a save_v faith_n hope_n and_o love_n this_o have_v be_v always_o contain_v in_o our_o baptism_n because_o baptise_v we_o be_v make_v we_o visible_a christian_n or_o the_o solemn_a entrance_n into_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n as_o therefore_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n renounce_v the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n so_o the_o do_v of_o this_o unfeigned_o without_o equivocation_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o essence_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o right_n lay_v of_o the_o foundation_n so_o that_o the_o foundation-principal_a or_o fundamental_a matter_n be_v god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o secondary_a foundation_n or_o fundamental_a doctrine_n be_v those_o scripture_n proposition_n that_o express_v our_o faith_n in_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o name_v the_o three_o person_n as_o the_o object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o express_v name_n of_o relation_n which_o contain_v both_o the_o person_n nature_n and_o office_n or_o undertake_v work_n without_o either_o of_o which_o god_n be_v not_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v not_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o article_n of_o faith_n the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o we_o must_v therefore_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v one_o only_a god_n so_o we_o must_v
your_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o your_o conversation_n i._o as_o holiness_n be_v in_o the_o understanding_n it_o be_v common_o in_o scripture_n call_v light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o comprehend_v the_o several_a part_n and_o the_o confirmation_n and_o growth_n of_o this_o must_v consist_v in_o these_o seven_o follow_a part_n 1._o it_o be_v ordinary_a with_o new_a convert_v christian_n to_o see_v the_o great_a essential_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n with_o a_o great_a imperfection_n as_o to_o the_o evidence_n that_o discover_v they_o either_o they_o see_v but_o some_o of_o the_o solid_a evidence_n overlook_v much_o more_o than_o they_o see_v or_o more_o usual_o they_o receive_v the_o truth_n itself_o upon_o some_o low_a insufficient_a evidence_n at_o first_o and_o then_o proceed_v to_o a_o kind_n of_o mixture_n take_v it_o upon_o some_o evidence_n that_o be_v valid_a and_o sufficient_a and_o join_v some_o that_o be_v invalid_a with_o they_o but_o you_o must_v grow_v beyond_o this_o infancy_n of_o understanding_n when_o you_o see_v great_a and_o sound_a evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n than_o you_o do_v before_o and_o when_o you_o see_v more_o of_o these_o solid_a evidence_n and_o leave_v not_o out_o so_o many_o as_o you_o do_v and_o when_o you_o lie_v small_a stress_n upon_o the_o small_a evidence_n and_o none_o upon_o those_o that_o be_v invalid_a and_o indeed_o no_o evidence_n then_o be_v your_o understanding_n more_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o this_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o growth_n so_o we_o find_v the_o samaritan_n of_o sychar_n joh._n 4.39_o 40_o 41_o 42._o many_n of_o they_o believe_v on_o he_o for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n which_o testify_v he_o tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v this_o be_v the_o first_o faith_n upon_o a_o weak_a evidence_n and_o many_o more_o believe_v because_o of_o his_o own_o word_n and_o say_v unto_o the_o woman_n now_o we_o believe_v not_o because_o of_o thy_o say_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v a_o notable_a confirmation_n and_o growth_n by_o believe_v and_o know_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o they_o believe_v before_o it_o be_v before_o believe_v on_o weak_a evidence_n and_o now_o upon_o strong_a thus_o nathaniel_n by_o philip_n persuasion_n be_v draw_v to_o christ_n but_o when_o he_o perceive_v his_o omniscience_n that_o he_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v distant_a and_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o common_a knowledge_n he_o be_v confirm_v and_o say_v rabbi_n thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n thou_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o yet_o christ_n tell_v he_o that_o there_o be_v far_o great_a evidence_n yet_o to_o be_v reveal_v which_o may_v beget_v a_o more_o confirm_v strong_a faith_n because_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o i_o see_v thou_o under_o the_o figtree_n believe_v thou_o thou_o shall_v see_v great_a thing_n than_o these_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o hereafter_o you_o shall_v see_v heaven_n open_a and_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n ascend_v and_o descend_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n joh._n 1.45_o 49_o 50_o 51._o there_o be_v not_o one_o christian_a of_o many_o thousand_o that_o at_o first_o have_v a_o full_a sight_n of_o the_o solid_a evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o must_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o in_o discern_v those_o reason_n for_o the_o truth_n which_o he_o believe_v which_o in_o the_o beginning_n he_o do_v not_o well_o discern_v it_o be_v not_o the_o most_o confident_a belief_n that_o be_v always_o the_o strong_a confirm_a belief_n but_o there_o must_v be_v sound_a ground_n and_o evidence_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n or_o else_o the_o confidence_n may_v soon_o be_v shake_v and_o be_v not_o sound_v even_o while_o it_o seem_v unshaken_a and_o here_o young_a beginner_n must_v be_v forewarn_v of_o a_o most_o dangerous_a snare_n of_o the_o deceiver_n because_o at_o first_o the_o truth_n itself_o be_v common_o receive_v upon_o feeble_a and_o defective_a ground_n or_o evidence_n it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o deceive_a instrument_n to_o show_v the_o young_a christian_a the_o weakness_n of_o those_o ground_n and_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o his_o cause_n be_v naught_o for_o it_o be_v too_o easy_a to_o persuade_v such_o that_o the_o cause_n have_v no_o better_a ground_n than_o they_o have_v see_v for_o have_v not_o see_v any_o better_a they_o can_v have_v no_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o think_v over_o high_o of_o their_o knowledge_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n for_o the_o truth_n than_o they_o themselves_o have_v reach_v to_o and_o other_o man_n do_v see_v no_o more_o than_o they_o and_o thus_o poor_a soul_n forsake_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o shall_v be_v build_v up_o and_o confirm_v in_o and_o take_v that_o for_o a_o reason_n against_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v but_o a_o proof_n of_o their_o own_o infirmity_n i_o meet_v with_o very_a few_o that_o turn_v to_o any_o heresy_n or_o sect_n but_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n they_o be_v at_o first_o of_o the_o right_a mind_n but_o not_o upon_o sound_n and_o well-laid_a ground_n but_o hold_v the_o truth_n upon_o insufficient_a reason_n and_o then_o come_v some_o deceiver_n and_o beat_v they_o out_o of_o their_o former_a ground_n and_o so_o have_v no_o better_o they_o let_v go_v the_o truth_n and_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v all_o this_o while_n mistake_v just_o as_o if_o in_o my_o infancy_n i_o shall_v know_v my_o own_o father_n only_o by_o his_o clothes_n and_o when_o i_o grow_v a_o little_o big_a one_o shall_v tell_v i_o that_o i_o be_v deceive_v this_o be_v not_o my_o father_n and_o to_o convince_v i_o shall_v put_v his_o clothes_n upon_o another_o or_o tell_v i_o that_o another_o may_v have_v such_o clothes_n and_o hereupon_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o yield_v that_o i_o be_v mistake_v and_o that_o this_o man_n be_v not_o my_o father_n as_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v false_a because_o my_o reason_n be_v insufficient_a or_o as_o if_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o right_a way_n in_o your_o travel_n and_o one_o shall_v tell_v you_o that_o by_o such_o and_o such_o mark_n you_o may_v know_v your_o way_n and_o you_o think_v you_o have_v find_v those_o mark_n a_o mile_n or_o two_o short_a of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v but_o when_o you_o understand_v that_o those_o be_v not_o the_o mark_n that_o you_o be_v tell_v of_o you_o turn_v back_o again_o before_o you_o come_v at_o they_o and_o conclude_v that_o you_o have_v miss_v the_o way_n so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o poor_a delude_a soul_n that_o think_v all_o discovery_n of_o their_o own_o imperfection_n and_o every_o confutation_n of_o their_o own_o silly_a argument_n to_o be_v a_o confutation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o do_v hold_v when_o alas_o a_o strong_a well-grounded_n christian_n will_v make_v nothing_o of_o defend_v the_o cause_n which_o they_o give_v up_o against_o more_o strong_a and_o subtle_a enemy_n or_o at_o least_o will_v hold_v it_o fast_o themselves_o well!_o this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o your_o growth_n in_o knowledge_n when_o you_o can_v see_v more_o or_o better_a evidence_n for_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o christianity_n than_o you_o see_v before_o 2._o moreover_o you_o must_v grow_v to_o a_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o you_o see_v before_o for_o when_o a_o weak_a christian_a have_v the_o best_a argument_n and_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o have_v so_o dim_a a_o sight_n of_o they_o that_o make_v they_o find_v the_o slight_a entertainment_n in_o his_o affection_n the_o best_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n can_v work_v but_o little_a on_o he_o that_o have_v but_o a_o little_a understanding_n of_o it_o there_o be_v various_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n not_o only_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o truth_n because_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o evidence_n but_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o evidence_n and_o reason_n of_o that_o truth_n i_o can_v well_o remember_v myself_o that_o i_o have_v many_o a_o year_n have_v a_o common_a argument_n for_o some_o weighty_a truth_n and_o i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o think_v it_o good_a but_o yet_o have_v but_o little_a apprehension_n of_o the_o force_n of_o it_o and_o many_o year_n after_o a_o sudden_a light_n have_v give_v i_o in_o my_o study_n so_o clear_a a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o force_n of_o that_o same_o argument_n which_o i_o know_v so_o long_o as_o that_o it_o have_v exceed_o confirm_v and_o satisfy_v i_o more_o than_o ever_o i_o be_v before_o i_o beseech_v you_o christian_n
consider_v of_o this_o weighty_a truth_n it_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o will_v serve_v your_o turn_n without_o a_o true_a and_o solid_a knowledge_n of_o that_o truth_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o hear_n or_o understand_v of_o the_o best_a ground_n and_o reason_n or_o proof_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n unless_o you_o have_v a_o deep_a and_o solid_a apprehension_n of_o those_o proof_n and_o reason_n a_o man_n that_o have_v the_o best_a argument_n may_v forsake_v the_o truth_n because_o he_o have_v not_o a_o good_a understanding_n of_o those_o argument_n as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v the_o best_a weapon_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v kill_v for_o want_v of_o strength_n &_o skill_n to_o use_v they_o i_o tell_v you_o if_o you_o know_v every_o truth_n in_o the_o bible_n you_o may_v grow_v much_o in_o knowledge_n of_o the_o very_a same_o truth_n which_o you_o know_v 3._o moreover_o a_o young_a ungrounded_a christian_a when_o he_o see_v all_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o see_v good_a evidence_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o perhaps_o may_v be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o the_o right_a order_n and_o place_n of_o every_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o have_v young_a professor_n to_o understand_v the_o necessary_a truth_n methodical_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a defect_n for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n of_o particular_a truth_n consist_v in_o the_o respect_n they_o have_v to_o one_o another_o this_o therefore_o will_v be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o your_o confirmation_n &_o growth_n in_o your_o understanding_n to_o see_v the_o body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v at_o one_o view_n as_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o perfect_a frame_n and_o to_o know_v what_o aspect_n one_o point_n have_v upon_o another_o and_o which_o be_v their_o due_a place_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o a_o clock_n or_o watch_n as_o they_o be_v disjoint_v and_o scatter_v about_o and_o the_o see_v of_o they_o conjoin_v and_o in_o use_n and_o motion_n to_o see_v here_o a_o pin_n and_o there_o a_o wheel_n and_o not_o know_v how_o to_o set_v they_o all_o together_o nor_o ever_o see_v they_o in_o their_o due_a place_n will_v give_v but_o little_a satisfaction_n it_o be_v the_o frame_n and_o design_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n that_o must_v be_v know_v and_o every_o part_n shall_v be_v discern_v as_o it_o have_v its_o particular_a use_n to_o that_o design_n and_o as_o it_o be_v connect_v with_o the_o other_o part_n by_o this_o mean_n only_o can_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o theology_n together_o with_o the_o harmony_n and_o perfection_n of_o truth_n be_v clear_o understand_v and_o every_o single_a truth_n also_o will_v be_v much_o better_o perceive_v by_o he_o that_o see_v its_o place_n and_o order_n than_o by_o any_o other_o for_o one_o truth_n exceed_o illustrate_v and_o lead_v in_o another_o into_o our_o understanding_n nay_o more_o than_o so_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n will_v not_o be_v well_o order_v if_o the_o method_n or_o order_n of_o the_o truth_n receive_v shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v the_o very_a instrument_n of_o your_o sanctification_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o their_o effect_n upon_o your_o understanding_n and_o will_n as_o they_o be_v set_v home_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n truth_n be_v the_o seal_n and_o your_o soul_n be_v the_o wax_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o impression_n make_v if_o you_o receive_v but_o some_o truth_n you_o will_v have_v but_o some_o part_n of_o the_o due_a impression_n nay_o indeed_o they_o be_v so_o coherent_a and_o make_v up_o the_o sense_n by_o their_o necessary_a conjunction_n that_o you_o can_v receive_v any_o one_o of_o they_o sincere_o without_o receive_v every_o one_o that_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o christian_a belief_n and_o if_o you_o receive_v they_o disorderly_o the_o image_n of_o they_o on_o your_o soul_n will_v be_v as_o disorderly_a as_o if_o your_o bodily_a member_n be_v monstrous_o misplace_v study_v therefore_o to_o grow_v in_o the_o more_o methodical_a knowledge_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o though_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o ripe_a enough_o to_o discern_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o theology_n in_o due_a method_n yet_o see_v so_o much_o as_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o know_v in_o the_o right_a order_n and_o place_n of_o every_o part_n as_o in_o anatomy_n its_o hard_a for_o the_o wise_a physician_n to_o discern_v the_o course_n of_o every_o branch_n of_o vein_n and_o artery_n but_o yet_o they_o may_v easy_o discern_v the_o place_n and_o order_n of_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o great_a vessel_n so_o it_o be_v in_o divinity_n where_o no_o man_n have_v a_o perfect_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a till_o he_o come_v to_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n with_o god_n but_o every_o true_a christian_a have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o essential_o and_o may_v know_v the_o order_n and_o place_n of_o they_o all_o 4._o another_o part_n of_o your_o confirmation_n &_o growth_n in_o understanding_n be_v in_o discern_v the_o same_o truth_n more_o practical_o than_o you_o do_v before_o and_o perceive_v the_o usefulness_n of_o every_o truth_n for_o the_o do_v of_o its_o work_n on_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n it_o be_v never_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o bare_a speculation_n shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o revelation_n or_o of_o our_o belief_n divinity_n be_v a_o affective_a practical_a science_n therefore_o must_v truth_n be_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o good_a may_v be_v receive_v and_o a_o holy_a change_n may_v be_v make_v by_o they_o on_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n even_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n itself_o be_v practical_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o that_o which_o be_v more_o easy_o discern_v to_o be_v practical_a there_o be_v not_o one_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o have_v a_o special_a work_n to_o do_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o a_o special_a fitness_n for_o that_o work_n now_o the_o understanding_n of_o young_a christian_n do_v discern_v many_o truth_n when_o they_o see_v but_o little_a of_o the_o work_n to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o the_o special_a usefulness_n of_o those_o truth_n to_o those_o work_n this_o therefore_o must_v be_v your_o daily_a enquiry_n and_o in_o this_o you_o must_v grow_v as_o if_o you_o come_v into_o a_o workman_n shop_n and_o see_v a_o hundred_o tool_n about_o you_o it_o be_v a_o small_a matter_n to_o discern_v the_o shape_n and_o fashion_n of_o they_o and_o what_o mettle_n they_o be_v make_v of_o but_o you_o will_v further_o ask_v what_o be_v this_o tool_n to_o do_v and_o what_o be_v that_o to_o do_v if_o ever_o you_o will_v learn_v the_o trade_n you_o must_v know_v the_o use_n of_o every_o tool_n so_o must_v you_o if_o you_o will_v be_v skilful_a christian_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o use_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o know_v that_o this_o truth_n be_v to_o do_v this_o work_n and_o that_o truth_n to_o do_v that_o work_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n a_o husbandman_n may_v know_v as_o many_o herb_n and_o flower_n and_o fruit_n as_o a_o physician_n and_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v they_o all_o by_o name_n and_o say_v this_o be_v such_o a_o herb_n and_o that_o be_v such_o a_o one_o and_o to_o perceive_v the_o shape_n and_o beauty_n of_o they_o but_o he_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o that_o they_o be_v good_a for_o unless_o to_o feed_v his_o cattle_n whereas_o the_o physician_n can_v tell_v you_o that_o this_o herb_n be_v good_a against_o this_o disease_n and_o that_o herb_n against_o another_o disease_n and_o can_v make_v use_n of_o those_o same_o herb_n to_o save_v man_n life_n which_o other_o man_n tread_v under_o foot_n as_o useless_a a_o country_n man_n may_v see_v the_o name_n that_o be_v write_v on_o the_o apothecary_n box_n but_o it_o be_v the_o physician_n that_o know_v the_o medicinal_a use_n of_o the_o drug_n so_o many_o man_n that_o be_v unsanctified_a may_v know_v the_o outside_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n that_o little_o know_v what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o weak_a christian_a know_v less_o of_o this_o than_o the_o grow_v confirm_a christian_a do_v learn_v therefore_o every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o to_o know_v what_o every_o truth_n be_v good_a for_o that_o this_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n and_o strengthen_n of_o such_o a_o grace_n and_o this_o be_v good_a against_o such_o or_o such_o a_o disease_n of_o the_o soul._n every_o leaf_n in_o the_o bible_n have_v a_o heal_a virtue_n in_o it_o they_o be_v the_o leaf_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n
christian_n though_o their_o worship_n have_v error_n and_o fault_n repugnant_a to_o the_o right_a order_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n so_o be_v it_o you_o join_v not_o in_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v substantial_o evil_a and_o such_o as_o god_n do_v utter_o disow_v or_o that_o you_o commit_v no_o actual_a sin_n yourselves_o or_o that_o you_o approve_v not_o of_o the_o error_n and_o fault_n of_o the_o worshipper_n and_o justify_v not_o their_o small_a evil_n or_o that_o you_o prefer_v not_o defective_a faulty_a worship_n before_o that_o which_o be_v more_o pure_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o while_o all_o the_o worshipper_n be_v faulty_a and_o imperfect_a all_o their_o worship_n will_v be_v so_o too_o and_o if_o your_o actual_a sin_n when_o you_o pray_v or_o preach_v defective_o yourselves_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o you_o approve_v your_o faultiness_n much_o less_o will_v your_o presence_n prove_v that_o you_o allow_v of_o the_o faultiness_n of_o other_o the_o business_n that_o you_o come_v upon_o be_v to_o join_v with_o a_o christian_a congregation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o ordinance_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v suppose_v that_o the_o minister_n and_o worshipper_n will_v all_o be_v sinful_o defective_a in_o method_n order_n word_n or_o circumstance_n and_o to_o bear_v with_o that_o which_o god_n do_v bear_v with_o and_o not_o to_o refuse_v that_o which_o be_v god_n for_o the_o adherent_a fault_n of_o man_n no_o more_o than_o you_o will_v refuse_v every_o dish_n of_o meat_n which_o be_v unhansom_o cook_v as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o poison_n in_o it_o and_o you_o prefer_v it_o not_o before_o better_a 1_o cor._n 1.10_o and_o 3.1_o 2_o 3._o with_o 11.17_o 18_o 21._o rom._n 15.1_o 2._o direct_v fourteen_o keep_v up_o a_o constant_a government_n over_o your_o thought_n and_o tongue_n especial_o against_o those_o particular_a sin_n which_o you_o be_v strongly_a tempt_v to_o and_o which_o you_o see_v other_o christian_n most_o overtake_v with_o keep_v your_o thought_n employ_v upon_o something_o that_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a either_o about_o some_o useful_a truth_n or_o about_o some_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n of_o your_o general_n or_o particular_a call_v yea_o about_o all_o these_o in_o their_o several_a season_n learn_v how_o to_o watch_v your_o thought_n and_o stop_v they_o at_o their_o first_o excursion_n and_o how_o to_o quicken_v they_o and_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o every_o grace_n and_o every_o duty_n you_o can_v never_o improve_v your_o solitary_a hour_n if_o you_o have_v not_o the_o government_n of_o your_o thought_n and_o as_o the_o thought_n must_v be_v govern_v because_o they_o be_v the_o first_o and_o intimate_a act_n of_o good_a or_o evil_n so_o the_o tongue_n must_v be_v govern_v as_o the_o first_o expresser_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o first_o instrument_n of_o good_a or_o hurt_n to_o other_o especial_o take_v heed_n of_o these_o sin_n which_o the_o faultiness_n of_o most_o professor_n of_o religion_n do_v warn_v you_o to_o avoid_v 1._o a_o ordinary_a course_n of_o vain_a jest_n and_o unprofitable_a talk_n 2._o provoke_v passionate_a inconsiderate_a word_n that_o tend_v to_o kindle_v wrath_n in_o other_o 3._o backbiting_a censure_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o other_o without_o any_o just_a call_n when_o it_o be_v either_o upon_o uncertain_a report_n or_o uncharitable_a suspicion_n or_o tend_v more_o to_o hurt_v than_o good_a 4._o a_o forward_o vent_v of_o our_o own_o conceit_n and_o a_o confident_a plead_n for_o our_o uncertain_a unproved_a opinion_n in_o religion_n and_o a_o contentious_a wrangle_n for_o they_o as_o if_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n lay_v in_o they_o and_o a_o forwardness_n in_o all_o company_n to_o be_v the_o speaker_n rather_o than_o the_o hearer_n and_o to_o talk_v in_o a_o magisterial_a teach_v way_n as_o if_o we_o take_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o other_o to_o have_v need_n to_o learn_v of_o we_o but_o especial_o take_v heed_n of_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o that_o have_v wrong_v you_o or_o of_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o you_o in_o some_o tolerable_a opinion_n in_o religion_n and_o hate_v that_o devilish_a uncharitable_a vice_n which_o make_v many_o ready_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n or_o say_v any_o thing_n be_v it_o never_o so_o false_a of_o those_o that_o be_v against_o their_o sect_n yea_o of_o whole_a party_n of_o man_n that_o differ_v from_o they_o when_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o of_o all_o the_o party_n that_o ever_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o or_o ever_o can_v prove_v the_o thing_n by_o of_o which_o they_o be_v accuse_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o these_o bold_a uncharitable_a report_n the_o devil_n have_v unspeakable_o gain_v against_o christ_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o malice_n have_v win_v upon_o the_o kingdom_n of_o love_n and_o most_o christian_n be_v easy_a know_v to_o be_v factious_a by_o hate_v or_o slander_v one_o another_o than_o they_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n by_o love_v one_o another_o and_o while_o every_o sect_n without_o remorse_n do_v speak_v reproachful_o and_o hateful_o of_o the_o rest_n they_o learn_v hereby_o to_o hate_v one_o another_o and_o harden_v the_o infidel_n and_o ungodly_a world_n in_o hate_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o all_o so_o that_o a_o turk_n or_o heathen_a need_n no_o other_o witness_n of_o the_o odiousness_n of_o all_o christian_n than_o the_o venomous_a word_n which_o they_o speak_v against_o each_o other_o and_o as_o foul_a word_n in_o quarrel_n prepare_v for_o blow_n so_o these_o malicious_a invective_n upon_o difference_n in_o religion_n prepare_v for_o the_o cruel_a persecution_n from_o my_o own_o observation_n which_o with_o a_o grieve_a soul_n i_o have_v make_v in_o this_o generation_n i_o hereby_o give_v warning_n to_o this_o and_o all_o succeed_a age_n that_o if_o they_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o truth_n or_o charity_n they_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o believe_v any_o factious_a partial_a historian_n or_o divine_a in_o any_o evil_n that_o he_o say_v of_o the_o party_n which_o he_o be_v against_o for_o though_o there_o be_v good_a and_o credible_a person_n of_o most_o party_n yet_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o passion_n and_o partiality_n prevail_v against_o conscience_n truth_n and_o charity_n in_o most_o that_o be_v sick_a of_o this_o disease_n and_o that_o the_o envious_a zeal_n which_o be_v describe_v jam._n 3_o do_v make_v they_o think_v they_o do_v god_n service_n first_o in_o believe_v false_a report_n and_o then_o in_o vert_v they_o against_o those_o that_o their_o zeal_n or_o laction_n do_v call_v the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v little_a credit_n to_o be_v give_v to_o their_o reproach_n far_o than_o some_o better_a evidence_n be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o thing_n nay_o it_o will_v astonish_v a_o man_n to_o read_v the_o impudent_a lie_n which_o i_o have_v often_o read_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n with_o such_o confidence_n that_o the_o reader_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v sure_o all_o this_o can_v be_v false_a yea_o about_o public_a word_n or_o action_n where_o you_o will_v think_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o witness_n will_v deter_v they_o from_o speak_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a and_o yet_o all_o as_o false_a as_o tongue_n can_v speak_v therefore_o believe_v not_o pride_n or_o faction_n or_o malice_n in_o any_o evil_n that_o it_o say_v unless_o you_o have_v better_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n most_o christian_n be_v that_o advice_n of_o dr._n h._n more_n that_o all_o party_n of_o christian_n will_v mark_v all_o the_o good_a which_o be_v in_o other_o party_n and_o be_v more_o forward_o to_o speak_v of_o that_o than_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o this_o will_v promote_v the_o work_n of_o charity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n whereas_o the_o overlooking_a of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o aggravate_v all_o the_o evil_n and_o false_o seign_v more_o than_o be_v true_a be_v the_o work_n of_o great_a service_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o great_a enmity_n to_o christianity_n and_o love_n that_o i_o know_v common_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n keep_v your_o tongue_n from_o all_o such_o hellish_a work_n as_o this_o direct_v xv._n let_v every_o state_n of_o life_n and_o relation_n that_o you_o be_v in_o be_v sanctify_v unto_o god_n and_o conscionable_o use_v and_o to_o that_o end_n understand_v the_o advantage_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o condition_n and_o relation_n and_o the_o sin_n and_o hindrance_n and_o danger_n which_o you_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o relation_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n as_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n pastor_n and_o flock_n parent_n and_o child_n husband_n and_o wife_n master_n and_o
i_o meddle_v not_o now_o with_o the_o lapse_v christian_a as_o such_o nor_o with_o those_o giant_n in_o holiness_n of_o extraordinary_a strength_n nor_o with_o the_o perfect_a bless_a soul_n in_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v the_o christian_n who_o have_v attain_v that_o confirmation_n in_o grace_n and_o compose_v quiet_a fruitful_a state_n which_o we_o may_v ordinary_o expect_v if_o we_o be_v industrious_a who_o image_n or_o character_n i_o shall_v now_o present_v you_o with_o i_o call_v he_o ofttimes_o a_o christian_a indeed_o in_o allusion_n to_o christ_n description_n of_o nathaniel_n joh._n 1.47_o and_o as_o we_o common_o use_v that_o word_n for_o one_o that_o answer_v his_o own_o profession_n without_o any_o notable_a dishonour_n or_o defect_n as_o we_o say_v such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o scholar_n indeed_o and_o not_o as_o signify_v his_o mere_a sincerity_n i_o mean_v one_o who_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v so_o conform_v to_o the_o principle_n the_o rule_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o christianity_n that_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a nature_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v discernible_a in_o his_o conversation_n mat._n 5.16_o in_o who_o a_o impartial_a infidel_n may_v perceive_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o godliness_n if_o the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o such_o live_a image_n of_o christ_n who_o like_o true_a regenerate_v child_n represent_v their_o heavenly_a father_n christianity_n will_v not_o have_v meet_v with_o so_o much_o prejudice_n nor_o have_v so_o many_o enemy_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o will_v so_o many_o million_o have_v be_v keep_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o heathenism_n and_o infidelity_n by_o fly_v from_o christian_n as_o a_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o be_v common_a and_o unclean_a among_o christian_n there_o be_v babe_n that_o must_v be_v feed_v with_o milk_n and_o not_o with_o strong_a meat_n that_o be_v unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n 1_o joh._n 2.2.12_o 13_o 14._o heb._n 5.12_o 13_o 14._o and_o novice_n who_o be_v unsettle_a and_o in_o danger_n of_o a_o overthrow_n 1_o tim._n 3.6_o joh._n 15.3_o 5_o etc._n etc._n in_o these_o the_o nature_n and_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n be_v little_o more_o apparent_a than_o reason_n in_o a_o little_a child_n and_o there_o be_v strong_a confirm_a christian_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n heb._n 5.13_o 14._o and_o who_o show_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v they_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n of_o who_o god_n himself_o may_v say_v to_o satan_n and_o their_o malicious_a enemy_n as_o once_o of_o job_n have_v thou_o not_o see_v my_o servant_n job_n etc._n etc._n this_o christian_a indeed_o i_o shall_v now_o describe_v to_o you_o both_o to_o confute_v the_o infidel_n slander_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o unteach_v man_n those_o false_a description_n which_o have_v cause_v the_o presumption_n of_o the_o profane_a and_o the_o irregularity_n of_o erroneous_a sectary_n and_o to_o tell_v you_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v that_o god_n be_v honour_v by_o and_o what_o you_o must_v be_v if_o you_o will_v well_o understand_v your_o own_o religion_n be_v christian_n indeed_o and_o you_o will_v have_v the_o comfort_n indeed_o of_o christianity_n and_o will_v find_v that_o its_o fruit_n and_o joy_n be_v not_o dream_n and_o shadow_n and_o imagination_n if_o you_o content_v not_o yourselves_o with_o a_o imagination_n dream_n and_o shadow_n of_o christianity_n or_o with_o some_o cloud_a spark_n or_o bury_v seed_n the_o character_n i._o a_o christian_a indeed_o by_o which_o i_o still_o mean_v a_o sound_n confirm_v christian_n be_v one_o that_o content_v not_o himself_o to_o have_v a_o seed_n or_o habit_n of_o faith_n but_o he_o live_v by_o faith_n as_o the_o sensualist_n live_v by_o sight_n or_o sense_n not_o put_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n nor_o live_v as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o body_n nor_o live_v not_o in_o a_o world_n of_o sensible_a object_n but_o as_o he_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n which_o exalt_v he_o above_o the_o sensitive_a nature_n so_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a information_n of_o his_o reason_n about_o those_o high_a and_o excellent_a thing_n which_o must_v take_v he_o up_o above_o thing_n sensible_a he_o have_v so_o firm_a a_o belief_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v as_o procure_v by_o christ_n and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o it_o serve_v he_o for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o his_o bodily_a sight_n do_v for_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o body_n i_o say_v not_o that_o he_o be_v assault_v with_o no_o temptation_n nor_o that_o his_o faith_n be_v perfect_a in_o degree_n nor_o that_o believe_a move_v he_o as_o passionate_o as_o sight_n or_o sense_n will_v do_v but_o it_o do_v effectual_o move_v he_o through_o the_o course_n and_o tenor_n of_o his_o life_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o he_o will_v do_v if_o he_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o shun_v those_o thing_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o damnation_n which_o he_o will_v shun_v if_o he_o see_v the_o flame_n of_o hell_n whether_o he_o do_v these_o thing_n so_o fervent_o or_o not_o his_o belief_n be_v powerful_a effectual_a and_o victorious_a let_v sight_n and_o sense_n invite_v he_o to_o their_o object_n and_o entice_v he_o to_o sin_n and_o forsake_v his_o god_n the_o object_n of_o faith_n shall_v prevail_v against_o they_o in_o the_o bent_n of_o a_o even_o a_o constant_a and_o resolve_a life_n it_o be_v thing_n unseen_a which_o he_o take_v for_o his_o treasure_n and_o which_o have_v his_o heart_n and_o hope_n and_o chief_a labour_n all_o thing_n else_o which_o he_o have_v to_o do_v be_v but_o subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o faith_n and_o heavenly_a interest_n as_o his_o sensitive_a faculty_n be_v rule_v by_o his_o reason_n his_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o his_o opinion_n which_o teach_v he_o to_o choose_v what_o church_n or_o party_n he_o will_v be_v of_o but_o it_o be_v his_o intellectual_a light_n by_o which_o he_o live_v and_o in_o the_o confidence_n and_o comfort_n of_o which_o he_o die_v 2_o cor._n 5.7_o 8_o 9_o for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n we_o groan_v to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o our_o heavenly_a house_n wherefore_o we_o labour_v that_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a we_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o heb._n 10.3_o now_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n heb._n 11.1_o now_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v most_o of_o the_o example_n in_o heb._n 11._o do_v show_v you_o this_o truth_n that_o true_a christian_n live_v and_o govern_v their_o action_n by_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o of_o another_o life_n when_o this_o be_v end_v v_o 7._o by_o faith_n noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v as_o yet_o move_v with_o fear_n prepare_v a_o ark_n to_o the_o save_n of_o his_o house_n by_o which_o he_o condemn_v the_o world_n and_o become_v heir_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n v._o 10._o abraham_n look_v for_o a_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n moses_n fear_v not_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o king_n for_o he_o endure_v as_o see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a v_o 27._o so_o the_o three_o witness_n dan._n 3._o and_o daniel_n himself_o ch_z 6._o and_o all_o believer_n have_v live_v this_o life_n as_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a do_v who_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o rom._n 4.20_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v true_o divine_a and_o he_o know_v that_o god_n truth_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o sight_n itself_o can_v be_v however_o sight_n be_v apt_a to_o move_v the_o passion_n therefore_o if_o you_o can_v judge_v but_o what_o a_o rational_a man_n will_v be_v if_o he_o see_v heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o all_o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o believe_v than_o you_o may_v conjecture_v what_o a_o confirm_a christian_n be_v though_o sense_n do_v cause_n more_o sensible_a apprehension_n 2._o the_o weak_a christian_a also_o have_v a_o faith_n that_o be_v divine_a as_o cause_v by_o god_n and_o rest_v on_o his_o word_n and_o truth_n and_o he_o so_o far_o live_v by_o this_o faith_n as_o that_o it_o command_v and_o guide_v the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n but_o he_o believe_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o stagger_v and_o unbelief_n and_o therefore_o his_o hope_n be_v interrupt_v by_o his_o troublesome_a doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o the_o dimness_n
ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o when_o they_o can_v raise_v their_o soul_n to_o any_o high_a and_o passionate_a joy_n they_o yet_o walk_v in_o a_o settle_a peace_n of_o soul_n and_o in_o such_o competent_a comfort_n as_o make_v their_o life_n to_o be_v easy_a and_o delightful_a be_v well_o please_v and_o content_v with_o the_o happy_a condition_n that_o christ_n have_v bring_v they_o to_o and_o thankful_a that_o he_o leave_v they_o not_o in_o those_o foolish_a vain_a pernicious_a pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o endless_a sorrow_n 3._o but_o the_o seem_a christian_n seek_v and_o take_v up_o his_o chief_a contentment_n in_o some_o carnal_a thing_n if_o he_o be_v so_o poor_a and_o miserable_a as_o to_o have_v nothing_o in_o possession_n that_o can_v much_o delight_v he_o he_o will_v hope_v for_o better_a day_n hereafter_o and_o that_o hope_n shall_v be_v his_o chief_a delight_n or_o if_o he_o have_v no_o such_o hope_n he_o will_v be_v without_o delight_n and_o show_v his_o love_n to_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n by_o mourn_v for_o that_o which_o he_o can_v have_v as_o other_o do_v in_o rejoice_v in_o what_o they_o do_v possess_v and_o he_o will_v in_o such_o a_o desperate_a case_n of_o misery_n be_v such_o to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o weak_a christian_n be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v a_o mourning_n and_o desire_v love_n when_o he_o can_v reach_v to_o a_o enjoy_n and_o delight_v love_n his_o carnal_a mind_n most_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o in_o they_o he_o find_v or_o seek_v his_o chief_a delight_n though_o yet_o he_o may_v have_v also_o a_o delight_n in_o his_o superficial_a kind_n of_o religion_n his_o hear_n and_o read_v &_o pray_v &_o in_o his_o ill-grounded_a hope_n of_o life_n eternal_a but_o all_o this_o be_v but_o subordinate_a to_o his_o chief_a earthly_a pleasure_n isai._n 58.2_o yet_o they_o seek_v i_o daily_o and_o delight_n to_o know_v my_o way_n as_o a_o nation_n that_o do_v righteousness_n and_o forsake_v not_o the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o god_n they_o ask_v of_o i_o the_o ordinance_n of_o justice_n they_o take_v delight_n in_o approach_v unto_o god_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v subject_v to_o a_o covetous_a oppress_a mind_n mat._n 13.20_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n the_o same_o be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o but_o dure_v for_o a_o while_n for_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o he_o be_v offend_v whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o love_n to_o the_o word_n be_v subject_v to_o his_o love_n to_o the_o world_n obj._n but_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o fleshly_a delight_n at_o all_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n viz._n the_o quaker_n and_o behmenist_n that_o live_v in_o great_a austerity_n and_o some_o of_o the_o religious_a order_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o afflict_v their_o flesh_n answ._n some_o of_o they_o undergo_v their_o fasting_n and_o penance_n for_o a_o day_n that_o they_o may_v sin_v the_o more_o quiet_o all_o the_o week_n after_o and_o some_o of_o they_o proud_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o the_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o be_v and_o appear_v more_o excellent_a in_o austerity_n than_o other_o and_o all_o these_o take_v up_o with_o a_o carnal_a sort_n of_o pleasure_n as_o proud_a person_n be_v please_v with_o their_o own_o or_o other_o conceit_n of_o their_o beauty_n or_o wit_n or_o worldly_a greatness_n so_o proud_a person_n be_v please_v with_o their_o own_o and_o other_o conceit_n of_o their_o holiness_n and_o very_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n mat._n 6.2_o but_o those_o of_o they_o that_o place_n their_o chief_a happiness_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a fruition_n of_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o seek_v this_o sincere_o according_a to_o their_o help_n and_o power_n though_o they_o be_v mislead_v into_o some_o superstitious_a error_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v number_v with_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_a for_o all_o their_o error_n and_o the_o ill_a effect_n of_o they_o xxiv_o 1._o a_o confirm_a christian_n do_v ordinary_o discern_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o consequent_o have_v some_o well_o ground_a assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o he_o live_v a_o peaceable_a and_o joyful_a life_n for_o his_o grace_n be_v not_o so_o small_a as_o to_o be_v undiscernible_a nor_o be_v it_o as_o a_o sleepy_a bury_v seed_n or_o principle_n but_o it_o be_v almost_o in_o continual_a act_n and_o they_o that_o have_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o grace_n and_o also_o keep_v it_o in_o lively_a exercise_n do_v seldom_o doubt_v of_o it_o beside_o that_o they_o blot_v not_o their_o evidence_n by_o so_o many_o infirmity_n and_o fall_n they_o be_v more_o in_o the_o light_n and_o have_v more_o acquaintance_n with_o themselves_o and_o more_o sense_n of_o the_o abundant_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o exceed_a mercy_n than_o weak_a christian_n have_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o have_v more_o assurance_n they_o have_v boldness_n of_o access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n without_o unreverent_a contempt_n eph._n 3.12_o &_o 2.18_o they_o have_v more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o therefore_o more_o childlike_a confidence_n in_o god_n and_o can_v call_v he_o father_n with_o great_a freedom_n and_o comfort_n than_o any_o other_o can_v rom._n 8.15_o 16._o gal._n 4.6_o eph._n 1.6_o 1_o joh._n 5.19_o 20._o an_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n etc._n etc._n 2._o but_o the_o weak_a christian_a have_v so_o small_a a_o degree_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o much_o corruption_n and_o his_o grace_n be_v so_o little_a in_o act_n and_o his_o sin_n so_o much_o that_o he_o seldom_o if_o ever_o attain_v to_o any_o well-grounded_n assurance_n till_o he_o attain_v to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n he_o differ_v so_o little_a from_o the_o seem_a christian_a that_o neither_o himself_n nor_o other_o do_v certain_o discern_v the_o difference_n when_o he_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o heavenly_a mindedness_n he_o find_v so_o much_o unbelief_n and_o averseness_n from_o god_n and_o earthly_a mindedness_n that_o he_o can_v be_v certain_a which_o of_o they_o be_v predominant_a and_o whether_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o world_n or_o that_o to_o come_v do_v bear_v the_o sway_n so_o that_o he_o be_v often_o in_o perplexity_n and_o fear_n and_o more_o often_o in_o a_o dull_a uncertainty_n and_o if_o he_o seem_v at_o any_o time_n to_o have_v assurance_n it_o be_v usual_o but_o a_o ill-grounded_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n though_o it_o be_v true_a which_o he_o apprehend_v when_o he_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v upon_o unfound_a reason_n that_o he_o judge_v so_o or_o else_o upon_o sound_a reason_n weak_o and_o uncertain_o discern_v so_o that_o there_o be_v common_o much_o of_o security_n presumption_n fancy_n or_o mistake_v in_o his_o great_a comfort_n he_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o a_o condition_n fit_a for_o full_a assurance_n till_o his_o love_n and_o obedience_n be_v more_o full_a 3._o but_o the_o seem_a christian_a can_v possible_o in_o that_o estate_n have_v either_o certainty_n or_o good_a probability_n that_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v not_o true_a his_o seem_a certainty_n be_v mere_o self-deceit_n and_o his_o great_a confidence_n be_v but_o presumption_n because_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o within_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v certain_o none_o of_o he_o rom._n 8.9_o xxv_o 1._o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o confirm_a christian_n do_v increase_v his_o alacrity_n and_o diligence_n in_o duty_n and_o be_v always_o see_v in_o his_o more_o obedient_a holy_a fruitful_a life_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v as_o the_o rain_n upon_o the_o tender_a grass_n he_o be_v never_o so_o fruitful_a so_o thankful_a so_o heavenly_a as_o when_o he_o have_v the_o great_a certainty_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v then_o shed_v abroad_o upon_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o make_v he_o abound_v in_o love_n to_o god_n rom._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o he_o be_v the_o more_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o his_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o 2._o but_o the_o weak_a christian_a be_v unfit_a
of_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o his_o soul_n permit_v the_o world_n to_o take_v up_o too_o much_o of_o the_o vigour_n of_o his_o spirit_n or_o else_o he_o be_v confident_a in_o his_o mistake_n and_o very_o think_v that_o he_o understand_v better_a than_o many_o wise_a man_n these_o thing_n which_o he_o never_o understand_v at_o all_o he_o choose_v his_o party_n by_o the_o zeal_n that_o he_o find_v in_o they_o without_o any_o judicious_a trial_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o hold_v and_o teach_v he_o be_v very_a earnest_n for_o many_o a_o suppose_a truth_n and_o duty_n which_o prove_v at_o last_o to_o be_v no_o truth_n or_o duty_n at_o all_o and_o he_o censure_v many_o a_o wise_a christian_n than_o himself_o for_o many_o a_o suppose_a sin_n which_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o perhaps_o a_o duty_n for_o he_o be_v always_o injudicious_a and_o his_o heat_n be_v great_a than_o his_o light_n or_o else_o his_o light_n be_v too_o flashy_a without_o heat_n peremptory_o he_o do_v set_v down_o some_o among_o the_o number_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o excellent_a man_n for_o keep_v he_o company_n in_o his_o mistake_n and_o he_o bold_o number_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o his_o teacher_n with_o the_o transgressor_n for_o be_v of_o a_o sound_a understanding_n than_o himself_o and_o do_v those_o duty_n which_o he_o call_v sin_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n apt_a to_o be_v mislead_v by_o appearance_n of_o zeal_n and_o the_o passion_n of_o his_o teacher_n prevail_v more_o with_o he_o than_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n he_o that_o pray_v and_o preach_v most_o fervent_o be_v the_o man_n that_o carry_v he_o away_o though_o none_o of_o his_o argument_n be_v true_o cogent_a if_o he_o hear_v any_o hard_a name_n against_o any_o opinion_n or_o manner_n of_o worship_n he_o receive_v that_o prejudice_n which_o turn_v he_o more_o against_o it_o than_o reason_n can_v have_v do_v so_o the_o bugbear_n name_n of_o heresy_n lutheranism_n and_o calvinism_n frightn_v many_o a_o well-meaning_a papist_n both_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o almost_o from_o his_o wit_n and_o the_o name_n of_o popery_n arminianism_n prelacy_n presbyterianism_n independency_n etc._n etc._n do_v turn_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o from_o thing_n which_o they_o never_o try_v or_o understand_v if_o a_o zealous_a preacher_n do_v but_o call_v any_o opinion_n or_o practice_n antichristian_a or_o idolatrous_a it_o be_v a_o more_o effectual_a terror_n than_o the_o clear_a proof_n big_a and_o terrible_a word_n do_v move_v the_o passion_n while_o the_o understanding_n be_v abase_v or_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o passion_n be_v much_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o hence_o alas_o be_v much_o of_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 14.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o act._n 21.20_o gal._n 4.17_o 18._o 3._o but_o the_o seem_a christian_n be_v only_o zealous_a final_o for_o himself_o or_o zealous_a about_o the_o small_a matter_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o pharisee_n be_v for_o their_o ceremony_n and_o tradition_n or_o for_o his_o own_o invention_n or_o some_o opinion_n or_o way_n in_o which_o his_o honour_n seem_v to_o be_v interest_v and_o pride_n be_v the_o bellows_o of_o his_o zeal_n but_o as_o for_o a_o holy_a zeal_n about_o the_o substance_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o for_o god_n as_o the_o final_a cause_n he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o it_o he_o may_v have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o of_o and_o for_o the_o law_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o material_a cause_n but_o not_o a_o true_a zeal_n for_o god_n as_o the_o chief_a final_a cause_n rom._n 10.2_o 2_o sam._n 21.2_o 2_o king_n 10.16_o act._n 22.3_o li._n a_o christian_a indeed_o can_v bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a though_o he_o love_v not_o their_o weakness_n yet_o he_o pitty_v it_o because_o he_o true_o love_v their_o person_n christ_n have_v teach_v he_o not_o to_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n and_o to_o gather_v the_o lamb_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o gentle_o lead_v they_o that_o be_v with_o young_a isa._n 40.11_o &_o 42.3_o if_o they_o have_v disease_n and_o distemper_n he_o seek_v in_o tenderness_n to_o cure_v they_o and_o not_o in_o wrath_n to_o hurt_v and_o vex_v they_o he_o turn_v not_o the_o infant_n or_o sick_a person_n from_o the_o family_n because_o they_o cry_v or_o be_v unquiet_a unclean_a infirm_a and_o troublesome_a but_o he_o exercise_v his_o love_n and_o pity_n upon_o their_o weakness_n if_o they_o mistake_v their_o way_n or_o be_v ignorant_a and_o peevish_a and_o froward_a in_o their_o mistake_n he_o seek_v not_o to_o undo_v they_o but_o gentle_o to_o reduce_v they_o if_o they_o censure_v himself_o and_o call_v he_o erroneous_a heretical_a antichristian_a idolatrous_a because_o he_o concur_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o mistake_n he_o bear_v it_o with_o love_n and_o patience_n as_o he_o will_v do_v the_o peevish_a chide_n of_o a_o child_n or_o the_o frowardness_n of_o the_o sick_a he_o do_v not_o lose_v his_o charity_n and_o set_v his_o wit_n against_o a_o child_n and_o aggravate_v the_o crime_n and_o be_v revile_v revile_v again_o and_o say_v you_o be_v schismatic_n hypocrite_n obstinate_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v severe_o deal_v with_o but_o he_o overcome_v they_o with_o love_n and_o patience_n which_o be_v the_o conquest_n of_o a_o saint_n and_o the_o happy_a victory_n both_o for_o himself_o and_o they_o it_o be_v a_o small_a matter_n to_o he_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 4.3_o 4._o he_o be_v more_o trouble_v for_o the_o weakness_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o consorious_a than_o for_o his_o own_o be_v wrong_v by_o their_o censure_n phil._n 1.16_o 17_o 18._o rom._n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o &_o 14.2_o 3._o 2._o but_o the_o weak_a christian_a be_v ready_a to_o censure_v other_o than_o patient_o to_o bear_v a_o censure_n himself_o either_o he_o storm_v against_o the_o censurer_n as_o if_o they_o do_v he_o some_o unsufferable_a wrong_n through_o the_o overgreat_a esteem_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o reputation_n or_o else_o to_o escape_v the_o fang_n of_o censure_n and_o keep_v up_o his_o repute_n with_o they_o he_o comply_v with_o the_o censorious_a and_o overrun_v his_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o be_v well_o speak_v of_o and_o count_v a_o sincere_a and_o steadfast_a man_n gal._n 2.12_o 13_o 14._o 3._o but_o the_o seem_a christian_n be_v so_o proud_a and_o selfish_a and_o want_v charity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o weak_a that_o he_o be_v impatient_a of_o their_o provocation_n and_o will_v cure_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n by_o cut_v their_o throat_n or_o rid_v the_o country_n of_o they_o if_o a_o child_n do_v but_o wrangle_v with_o he_o he_o cry_v away_o with_o he_o he_o be_v a_o troubler_n of_o the_o world_n he_o take_v more_o notice_n of_o one_o of_o their_o infirmity_n than_o of_o all_o their_o grace_n yea_o he_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o obstinacy_n and_o hypocrisy_n in_o they_o if_o they_o do_v but_o cross_v he_o in_o his_o opinion_n or_o reputation_n or_o worldly_a end_n selfishness_n can_v turn_v his_o hypocrisy_n into_o malignity_n and_o cruelty_n if_o once_o he_o take_v they_o to_o be_v against_o his_o interest_n indeed_o his_o interest_n can_v make_v he_o patient_a he_o can_v bear_v with_o they_o that_o he_o look_v to_o gain_v by_o but_o not_o with_o they_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v against_o he_o the_o radical_a enmity_n against_o sincerity_n that_o be_v not_o mortify_v but_o cover_v in_o his_o heart_n will_v easy_o be_v again_o uncover_v mark_n 6.18_o 20_o 21_o 22._o phil._n 1.15_o 16._o 3_o joh._n 9_o lii_o 1._o a_o christian_a indeed_o be_v a_o great_a esteemer_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o great_o averse_a to_o all_o division_n among_o believer_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a body_n a_o abhor_v of_o dismember_n or_o separate_v any_o part_n from_o the_o whole_a so_o there_o be_v in_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n the_o member_n that_o have_v life_n can_v but_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o any_o distemper_a attempt_n for_o abscision_n be_v destruction_n the_o member_n die_v that_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o any_o obstruction_n or_o hindrance_n of_o communion_n they_o will_v be_v painful_a or_o unuseful_a he_o feel_v in_o himself_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o those_o strict_a command_n and_o earnest_a exhortation_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o