dear_o belove_v and_o here_o let_v i_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n to_o you_o of_o this_o parish_n i_o find_v st._n paul_n commend_v the_o good_a he_o see_v in_o his_o people_n 1_o thess._n 1._o 3_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o thank_v god_n always_o for_o you_o belove_v because_o your_o faith_n grow_v exceed_o here_o paul_n be_v commend_v his_o people_n in_o imitation_n of_o this_o apostle_n let_v i_o at_o this_o time_n speak_v a_o commendatory_a word_n to_o you_o i_o have_v exercise_v my_o ministry_n now_o among_o you_o for_o almost_o sixteen_o year_n and_o i_o rejoice_v and_o bless_v god_n that_o i_o can_v say_v the_o more_o i_o love_v you_o the_o less_o i_o be_o love_v i_o have_v receive_v many_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o love_n from_o you_o though_o other_o parishee_n have_v exceed_v you_o for_o number_n of_o house_n yet_o i_o think_v not_o for_o strength_n of_o affection_n i_o have_v with_o much_o comfort_n observe_v your_o reverend_a attention_n to_o the_o word_n preach_v you_o rejoice_v in_o this_o light_n not_o for_o a_o season_n but_o to_o this_o day_n i_o have_v observe_v your_o zeal_n against_o error_n and_o as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o a_o critical_a time_n your_o unity_n and_o amity_n this_o be_v your_o honour_n and_o if_o for_o the_o future_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o interruption_n make_v in_o my_o ministry_n among_o you_o though_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o preach_v to_o you_o yet_o i_o shall_v not_o cease_v to_o love_v you_o &_o to_o pray_v for_o you_o but_o why_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o interruption_n make_v where_o be_v the_o crime_n some_o indeed_o say_v that_o we_o be_v disloyal_a and_o seditious_a belove_a what_o my_o act_n and_o suffering_n for_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v be_v know_v not_o to_o a_o few_o of_o you_o but_o however_o we_o must_v go_v to_o heaven_n through_o good_a report_n and_o through_o bad_a report_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o we_o can_v get_v to_o glory_n though_o we_o pass_v through_o the_o pike_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v that_o i_o may_v still_o approve_v the_o sincerity_n of_o my_o love_n to_o you_o i_o will_v not_o promise_v that_o i_o shall_v still_o preach_v among_o you_o nor_o will_v i_o say_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o silver-thread_n of_o god_n word_n and_o of_o god_n providence_n my_o heart_n be_v towards_o you_o there_o be_v you_o know_v a_o expression_n in_o the_o late_a act_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v now_o short_o as_o if_o we_o be_v natural_o dead_a and_o if_o i_o must_v die_v let_v i_o leave_v some_o legacy_n with_o you_o before_o i_o go_v from_o you_o i_o can_v but_o give_v you_o some_o counsel_n and_o advice_n for_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o hurt_n in_o that_o there_o be_v my_o belove_a these_o twenty_o direction_n that_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o which_o i_o will_v leave_v as_o advice_n and_o counsel_n with_o you_o about_o your_o soul_n first_o i_o beseech_v you_o keep_v your_o constant_a hour_n every_o day_n with_o god_n the_o godly_a man_n be_v a_o man_n set_v aparâ—…_n psal._n 4_o 3._o not_o only_o because_o god_n have_v set_v he_o apart_o by_o election_n but_o because_o he_o have_v set_v himself_o a_o part_n by_o devotion_n give_v god_n the_o aurâ—…rae_fw-la filium_fw-la begin_v the_o day_n with_o god_n visit_n god_n in_o the_o morning_n before_o you_o make_v any_o other_o visit_n wind_v up_o your_o heart_n towards_o heaven_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o they_o will_v go_v the_o better_a all_o the_o day_n after_o o_o turn_v your_o closet_n into_o temple_n read_v the_o scripture_n the_o two_o testament_n be_v the_o two_o lip_n by_o which_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o these_o will_v make_v you_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n the_o scripture_n be_v both_o a_o glass_n to_o show_v you_o your_o spot_n and_o a_o laver_n to_o wash_v they_o away_o besiege_v heaven_n every_o day_n with_o prayer_n thus_o perfume_v your_o house_n and_o keep_v a_o constant_a intercourse_n with_o heaven_n second_o get_v good_a book_n into_o your_o house_n when_o you_o have_v not_o the_o spring_n near_o to_o you_o then_o get_v water_n into_o your_o cistern_n so_o when_o you_o have_v not_o that_o wholesome_a preach_n that_o you_o desire_v good_a book_n be_v cistern_n that_o hold_v the_o water_n of_o life_n in_o they_o to_o refresh_v you_o when_o david_n natural_a heat_n be_v take_v away_o they_o cover_v he_o with_o warm_a clothes_n 1_o king_n 1._o so_o when_o you_o find_v a_o chillness_n upon_o your_o soul_n and_o that_o your_o former_a heat_n begin_v to_o abate_v ply_v yourselves_o with_o warm_a clothes_n get_v those_o good_a book_n that_o may_v acquaint_v you_o with_o such_o truth_n as_o may_v warm_v and_o affect_v your_o heart_n three_o have_v a_o care_n of_o your_o company_n take_v heed_n of_o unnecessary_a familiarity_n with_o sinner_n we_o can_v catch_v health_n from_o another_o but_o we_o may_v soon_o catch_v a_o disease_n the_o disease_n of_o sin_n be_v very_o catch_v i_o will_v be_v as_o afraid_a of_o come_v among_o the_o wicked_a as_o among_o those_o that_o have_v the_o plague_n psal_n 106._o 35._o they_o be_v mingle_v with_o the_o heathen_a and_o learned_a their_o work_n if_o we_o can_v make_v other_o better_a let_v we_o have_v a_o care_n that_o they_o make_v not_o we_o worse_o lot_z be_v be_v a_o miracle_n he_o keep_v fresh_a in_o sodoms_n salt-water_n my_o belove_a take_v heed_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n evil_a company_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n the_o nazarite_n in_o the_o old_a law_n as_o they_o may_v drink_v no_o wine_n so_o they_o be_v forbid_v grape_n whereof_o the_o wine_n be_v make_v as_o you_o read_v in_o numb_a 6._o to_o teach_v we_o that_o all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v avoid_v evil_a company_n be_v â—…ellus_fw-la animarum_fw-la the_o devil_n draw-net_n by_o which_o he_o draw_v million_o to_o hell_n how_o many_o family_n and_o how_o many_o soul_n have_v be_v ruin_v and_o undo_v in_o this_o city_n by_o evil_a company_n many_o there_o be_v that_o go_v from_o a_o playhous_a to_o a_o whorehous_n &_o from_o a_o tavern_n to_o tyburn_n four_o have_v a_o care_n who_o you_o hear_v it_o be_v our_o saviour_n christ_n counsel_n mat._n 7._o 15._o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n that_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o inward_o be_v raven_a wolf_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o minister_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n rev._n 12._o 15._o the_o serpent_n cast_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n water_n as_o a_o flood_n after_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v as_o the_o learned_a exponnd_v it_o satan_n by_o his_o minister_n and_o emissary_n cast_v out_o the_o flood_n of_o arrian_n doctrine_n to_o drown_v the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o who_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o their_o wit_n have_v learn_v the_o art_n to_o mix_v error_n with_o truth_n and_o to_o give_v poison_n in_o a_o golden_a cup._n take_v heed_n who_o you_o hear_v and_o how_o you_o hear_v be_v like_o those_o noble_a beroean_n that_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o preach_v be_v so_o or_o not_o act_n 17._o 11._o your_o ear_n must_v not_o be_v like_o sponge_n that_o suck_v in_o puddle-water_n as_o well_o as_o wine_n but_o your_o ear_n must_v be_v like_o a_o fan_n that_o fan_n out_o the_o chaff_n but_o retain_v the_o pure_a wheat_n you_o must_v be_v like_o those_o in_o the_o parable_n mat._n 13._o 48._o that_o gather_v the_o good_a fish_n into_o vessel_n but_o cast_v the_o bad_a away_o the_o saint_n be_v call_v virgin_n for_o their_o wisdom_n they_o will_v not_o let_v every_o one_o defile_v their_o soul_n with_o error_n they_o have_v a_o judicious_a ear_n and_o a_o critical_a palate_n that_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o meat_n of_o god_n send_v and_o the_o devil_n cook_n five_o study_v sincerity_n psal._n 51._o 6._o behold_v thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n be_v what_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v be_v not_o like_a rower_n in_o a_o barge_n that_o look_v one_o way_n and_o row_v another_o do_v not_o look_v heaven-ward_n by_o your_o profession_n and_o row_v hel-ward_n by_o your_o conversation_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o love_n god_n and_o not_o love_v sin_n simulata_fw-la sanctitas_fw-la duplicata_fw-la iniquitas_fw-la counterfeit_v piety_n be_v double_a iniquity_n let_v your_o heart_n be_v upright_o with_o god_n the_o plain_a the_o diamond_n be_v the_o rich_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o plain_a the_o heart_n be_v the_o more_o do_v god_n value_v this_o jewel_n a_o little_a rusty_a gold_n be_v far_o better_a than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o bright_a brass_n a_o little_a true_a grace_n though_o
collin_n farewell_n sermon_n judas_n v_o 3._o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n these_o word_n contain_v two_o part_n 1._o a_o duty_n exhort_v to_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o the_o management_n of_o that_o duty_n the_o duty_n exhort_v to_o be_v to_o retain_v the_o faith_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n the_o manner_n of_o its_o management_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v to_o keep_v it_o i_o open_v the_o term_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n not_o special_a faith_n whereby_o we_o apprehend_v special_a mercy_n upon_o a_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o elect_n but_o the_o fides_n quae_fw-la creditur_fw-la the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o duty_n that_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v but_o why_o be_v it_o say_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v once_o deliver_v that_o be_v invariable_o irrevocable_o once_o for_o all_o deliver_v respect_v the_o privilege_n the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v in_o the_o faith_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n commit_v as_o a_o treasure_n and_o the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o candlestick_n not_o only_o to_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n but_o to_o hold_v the_o light_n whence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o pillar_n or_o the_o ground_n of_o truth_n not_o that_o they_o be_v to_o make_v doctrine_n but_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n even_o as_o table_n and_o pillar_n upon_o which_o proclamation_n be_v hang_v and_o hold_v forth_o to_o be_v make_v public_a so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v that_o in_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v keep_v and_o will_v be_v keep_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o but_o what_o be_v the_o import_n of_o the_o word_n earnest_o contend_v it_o be_v a_o word_n use_v only_o once_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o composition_n the_o word_n in_o the_o root_n be_v frequent_o use_v and_o import_v a_o struggle_a with_o might_n and_o mair_a as_o those_o that_o use_v to_o run_v at_o game_n it_o be_v use_v for_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o suffering_n he_o be_v in_o a_o agony_n the_o same_o word_n from_o whence_o this_o word_n be_v compound_v the_o apostle_n will_v imply_v such_o a_o contention_n such_o a_o struggle_a to_o keep_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o one_o word_n in_o the_o english_a be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v it_o and_o interpreter_n very_o much_o differ_v what_o be_v the_o import_n the_o best_a centre_n in_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v so_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n as_o man_n that_o will_v contend_v to_o keep_v their_o very_a life_n the_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n to_o maintain_v a_o earnest_a contention_n to_o struggle_v for_o and_o to_o keep_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v betrust_v with_o they_o wherein_o this_o contention_n do_v consâ—…st_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o a_o carnal_a contention_n the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a the_o saint_n be_v not_o call_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n with_o carnal_a weapon_n with_o carnal_a power_n and_o force_v not_o by_o might_n and_o power_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n force_n and_o power_n and_o a_o fleshly_a arm_n prison_n pillory_n and_o chain_n and_o take_v away_o of_o man_n comfort_n and_o estate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v the_o usual_a way_n of_o error_n defend_v itself_o prayer_n and_o tear_n be_v the_o church_n weapon_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o contention_n of_o uncharitableness_n this_o contention_n allow_v no_o murder_v either_o of_o the_o body_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n christian_n be_v so_o to_o contend_v against_o error_n and_o sinful_a practice_n as_o to_o love_v their_o person_n and_o pity_v those_o they_o contend_v with_o there_o be_v some_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o show_v a_o holy_a way_n of_o zeal_n against_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v they_o but_o by_o a_o holy_a separate_n from_o the_o person_n there_o be_v such_o to_o who_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o say_v god_n speed_n or_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o house_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o save_v the_o soul_n save_v some_o pluck_v they_o as_o brand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n but_o positive_o this_o holy_a contention_n it_o consist_v in_o these_o four_o thing_n 1._o in_o manage_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o error_n and_o sinful_a practice_n to_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v they_o mighty_o as_o apollo_n do_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n show_v the_o jew_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ._n 2._o by_o prayer_n for_o to_o pray_v down_o sinful_a opinion_n and_o practice_n that_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o pray_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v that_o the_o gospel_n may_v run_v on_o and_o be_v glorify_v that_o these_o night_n of_o darkness_n may_v be_v dispel_v that_o truth_n may_v shine_v to_o the_o perfect_a day_n 3._o by_o holy_a practise_v against_o they_o by_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n in_o your_o conversation_n by_o strive_v together_o by_o a_o mutual_a provocation_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o respect_n of_o holy_a walk_n 4._o by_o be_v able_a to_o suffer_v for_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n i_o give_v you_o i_o shall_v now_o sum_v up_o all_o in_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n to_o press_v every_o one_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o take_v up_o this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v once_o deliver_v â—…o_o the_o saint_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v to_o beg_v that_o you_o will_v be_v valiâ—…nt_v for_o thâ—…_n truth_n of_o christ_n that_o whatever_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o you_o consonant_n to_o the_o truth_n agreeable_a to_o the_o say_v deliver_v to_o we_o that_o you_o will_v struggle_v might_n and_o main_a by_o all_o christian_a courage_n by_o argument_n practice_n prayer_n by_o suffer_v rather_o than_o let_v go_v those_o truth_n that_o god_n have_v teach_v you_o by_o his_o faithful_a minister_n that_o christ_n that_o have_v be_v preach_v to_o you_o those_o scripture_n you_o have_v in_o your_o hand_n those_o doctrine_n you_o have_v learn_v by_o experience_n by_o prayer_n by_o search_v the_o word_n those_o way_n of_o worship_n god_n have_v teach_v you_o those_o pattern_n of_o his_o house_n and_o out-going_n and_o returning_n there_o that_o he_o have_v teach_v you_o be_v exhort_v to_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o not_o to_o let_v they_o go_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o spirit_n of_o indifferency_n among_o christian_n as_o we_o find_v at_o this_o day_n many_o do_v so_o carry_v it_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v worthy_a the_o own_n by_o practise_v or_o worthy_a the_o own_n by_o suffer_v this_o lukewarm_a indifferent_a temper_n have_v do_v the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n former_o and_o if_o admit_v now_o will_v do_v you_o as_o much_o mischief_n again_o it_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o sin_n which_o the_o lord_n at_o this_o day_n be_v judge_v and_o punish_v his_o poor_a people_n for_o that_o our_o zeal_n have_v be_v so_o hot_a against_o one_o another_o for_o mere_a circumstance_n and_o so_o cold_a when_o we_o be_v like_a to_o lose_v the_o substance_n that_o our_o contention_n rise_v so_o high_a in_o matter_n hardly_o of_o any_o moment_n and_o our_o spirit_n work_v so_o low_a when_o they_o be_v to_o gain_v the_o great_a thing_n for_o which_o christ_n suffer_v and_o which_o he_o deliver_v to_o we_o it_o be_v my_o work_n therefore_o to_o beg_v you_o that_o you_o will_v put_v on_o a_o holy_a resolution_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o contention_n among_o we_o for_o we_o be_v brethren_n but_o only_o that_o contention_n who_o may_v most_o retain_v and_o evident_o witness_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o trust_n god_n have_v commit_v and_o he_o do_v expect_v and_o look_v â—…ow_o we_o will_v manage_v it_o with_o courage_n and_o confidence_n to_o keep_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v very_o great_a opposition_n against_o you_o and_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v great_a resolution_n of_o christian_n to_o maintain_v themselves_o against_o such_o opposition_n it_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a thing_n that_o christian_n shall_v see_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v take_v from_o they_o at_o any_o time_n
who_o have_v make_v the_o practise_v every_o opinion_n to_o be_v their_o try_v of_o it_o till_o they_o have_v run_v themselves_o into_o all_o opinion_n but_o it_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n you_o be_v first_o to_o try_v and_o then_o to_o practice_v who_o be_v like_o the_o noble_a berean_o that_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n because_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o bring_v the_o truth_n that_o have_v or_o shall_v be_v teach_v you_o or_o the_o doctrine_n that_o shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o you_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n or_o no_o for_o false_a doctrine_n and_o false_a worship_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o hate_v the_o scripture_n most_o they_o be_v like_o falâ—…e_a coin_n or_o false_a jewel_n which_o go_v best_a in_o the_o night_n false_a coin_n will_v not_o endure_v the_o touchstone_n nor_o false_a jewel_n the_o day_n no_o more_o will_v false_a doctrine_n the_o scripture_n therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a way_n to_o discover_v they_o 2._o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a way_n to_o vanquish_v they_o eph._n 6._o above_o all_o take_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o we_o slay_v heretical_a doctrine_n and_o by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o slay_v sinful_a practice_n all_o those_o stone_n that_o the_o david_n of_o god_n have_v fling_v at_o the_o geliah_n of_o error_n they_o have_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o brook_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o reduce_v all_o doctrine_n offer_v you_o to_o believe_v all_o worship_n that_o be_v teach_v you_o to_o practice_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o all_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v you_o to_o believe_v reduce_v they_o thither_o there_o be_v no_o profession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v build_v but_o the_o stone_n must_v be_v fetch_v from_o that_o mountain_n if_o you_o believe_v divine_a truth_n but_o not_o because_o the_o scripture_n propound_v they_o your_o faith_n be_v but_o humane_a if_o you_o believe_v any_o thing_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o speak_v your_o faith_n be_v diabolical_a the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o your_o faith_n must_v run_v parallel_n all_o that_o be_v write_v you_o must_v believe_v and_o you_o must_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v write_v this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n isa._n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n to_o the_o law_n that_o be_v to_o moses_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v to_o the_o prophet_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o these_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v offer_v to_o christ_n by_o way_n of_o enquiry_n his_o common_a answer_n be_v how_o read_v thou_o luke_n 10._o 26._o how_o be_v it_o write_v when_o the_o holy_a apostle_n paul_n will_v redress_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n he_o do_v not_o carry_v the_o corinthian_n to_o these_o and_o these_o father_n to_o this_o and_o that_o use_n and_o custom_n but_o bring_v that_o how_o it_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o lord_n he_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o institution_n what_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o have_v deliver_v to_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o doctrine_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o worship_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v offer_v you_o to_o believe_v you_o must_v try_v it_o by_o the_o perfect_a rule_n for_o it_o be_v give_v by_o divine_a institution_n to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o wise_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v such_o a_o canon_n about_o doctrine_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o nothing_o must_v be_v add_v nor_o take_v from_o it_o rev._n 22._o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o testament_n now_o no_o man_n dare_v add_v to_o another_o man_n last_o will_v and_o testament_n who_o shall_v dare_v to_o add_v a_o faith_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n to_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v deliver_v i_o will_v give_v you_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a observation_n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o false_a doctrine_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o false_a worship_n impose_v upon_o the_o church_n but_o either_o it_o be_v by_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n or_o by_o introduce_v something_o above_o the_o scripture_n 2._o bring_v hither_o all_o practice_n of_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v try_v the_o way_n and_o form_n of_o christ_n house_n by_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n he_o show_v we_o the_o pattern_n thereof_o the_o outgoing_n and_o returning_n thereof_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n even_o as_o moses_n be_v who_o do_v not_o leave_v a_o pin_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n but_o do_v appoint_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o decent_a and_o comely_a in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v so_o much_o plead_v for_o but_o what_o come_v in_o by_o christ_n institution_n whatever_o you_o worship_v without_o a_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o by_o whatever_o mean_v you_o worship_n without_o a_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n you_o worship_v you_o know_v not_o what_o joh._n 4._o 2_o it_o be_v will-worship_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n you_o receive_v one_o will-worship_n you_o may_v receive_v twenty_o it_o be_v vain_a worship_n it_o will_v never_o reach_v the_o end_n of_o your_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o seek_v such_o worshipper_n it_o will_v never_o bring_v you_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n therefore_o in_o point_n of_o worship_n bring_v it_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o worship_n say_v hitherto_o my_o faith_n and_o my_o worship_n shall_v thou_o go_v and_o no_o further_o this_o rule_n right_o improve_v it_o will_v disentangle_a you_o from_o the_o hook_n and_o take_v you_o off_o from_o the_o bait_n of_o those_o cunning_a fowler_n for_o to_o such_o the_o apostle_n do_v compare_v they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o seek_v to_o betray_v soul_n from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o gospel-faith_n never_o any_o do_v invent_v false_a doctrine_n but_o to_o put_v up_o they_o they_o put_v down_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o put_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o christian_n to_o make_v they_o bend_v to_o it_o before_o they_o use_v other_o mean_n to_o compel_v they_o their_o great_a work_n be_v to_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v your_o rule_n they_o set_v up_o other_o rule_n which_o because_o there_o be_v three_o marvellous_a popular_a i_o desire_v to_o mention_v they_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o rule_n i_o have_v give_v you_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a rule_n man_n will_v set_v up_o to_o deceive_v poor_a soul_n the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n ancient_a custom_n the_o generality_n of_o those_o where_o they_o live_v 1._o the_o specious_a name_n of_o a_o church_n to_o make_v that_o a_o rule_n to_o doctrine_n and_o to_o worship_n it_o be_v the_o plea_n of_o the_o popish_a party_n in_o the_o marion_n day_n what_o will_v you_o not_o believe_v the_o church_n have_v not_o the_o church_n power_n to_o make_v institution_n and_o canon_n about_o this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o will_v you_o not_o believe_v the_o church_n will_v you_o go_v out_o from_o the_o true_a church_n thus_o do_v man_n that_o go_v about_o to_o deceive_v nothing_o like_o it_o as_o to_o the_o catch_v and_o delude_v many_o poor_a soul_n by_o make_v the_o church_n their_o rule_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o of_o the_o popish_a party_n of_o old_a and_o if_o antichrist_n ever_o have_v power_n again_o over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o measure_n and_o degree_n it_o have_v have_v you_o must_v expect_v it_o again_o therefore_o let_v i_o caution_n you_o against_o it_o can_v we_o inquire_v who_o this_o church_n be_v it_o be_v only_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o proud_a church_n antichrist_n of_o old_a and_o the_o antichristian_a clergy_n who_o as_o you_o may_v read_v in_o their_o story_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n heritage_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o the_o name_n and_o custom_n and_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o reverend_a holy_a thing_n even_o of_o that_o that_o be_v a_o true_a church_n it_o be_v a_o weighty_a argument_n when_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v full_o close_v with_o he_o that_o say_v no_o sober_a man_n will_v go_v against_o reason_n no_o christian_a against_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o peaceable_a mind_a man_n against_o the_o church_n but_o then_o the_o church_n must_v shine_v by_o a_o divine_a scripture_n light_n if_o that_o be_v a_o rule_n it_o must_v be_v rule_v by_o
the_o scripture_n the_o church_n power_n be_v not_o authoritative_a as_o to_o give_v law_n against_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v only_o ministerial_a we_o do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o itself_o and_o not_o because_o of_o the_o church_n we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n hence_o therefore_o when_o we_o set_v up_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o that_o church_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n whether_o she_o be_v his_o spouse_n or_o no_o whether_o she_o do_v act_n according_a to_o his_o institution_n whether_o they_o bring_v his_o light_n yea_o or_o no_o then_o submit_v for_o it_o be_v not_o what_o a_o church_n practice_n but_o what_o they_o be_v warrant_v to_o practice_v not_o what_o they_o hold_v for_o a_o truth_n but_o what_o they_o be_v warrant_v to_o hold_v as_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o word_n be_v write_v after_o the_o church_n but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v before_o it_o this_o therefore_o will_v break_v the_o snare_n if_o you_o be_v set_v upon_o by_o the_o specious_a name_n of_o the_o church_n look_v that_o the_o church_n have_v warrant_n from_o scripture_n institution_n and_o then_o submit_v to_o church_n institution_n a_o second_o rule_n i_o observe_v man_n will_v set_v up_o to_o betray_v poor_a soul_n from_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o they_o be_v ancient_a custom_n our_o father_n worship_v in_o this_o mountain_n when_o they_o will_v hold_v forth_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v short_a in_o they_o will_v send_v we_o to_o such_o and_o such_o custom_n of_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n stand_v it_o be_v to_o be_v bewail_v that_o the_o date_n the_o stand_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o false_a worship_n be_v so_o ancient_a for_o though_o at_o first_o they_o be_v but_o invocation_n yet_o to_o succeed_a generation_n they_o become_v old_a and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a truth_n that_o that_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a be_v the_o most_o true_a and_o therefore_o there_o lie_v a_o great_a snare_n in_o this_o therefore_o when_o antiquity_n be_v pretend_v if_o you_o find_v not_o their_o hoary_a head_n in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n there_o be_v little_a reason_n for_o you_o to_o reverence_v they_o or_o comply_v with_o they_o no_o more_o than_o there_o be_v reason_n so_o sudden_o to_o be_v take_v with_o the_o gibeonite_n mouldy_a bread_n and_o clout_a shoe_n when_o matter_n of_o antiquity_n be_v pretend_v say_v as_o ignatius_n jesus_n christus_fw-la est_fw-la mea_fw-la antiquitas_fw-la jesus_n christ_n be_v my_o antiquity_n so_o say_v truth_n be_v my_o antiquity_n for_o though_o a_o opinion_n have_v be_v practise_v a_o thousand_o year_n yet_o man_n may_v have_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v ancient_a than_o all_o a_o three_o rule_n that_o man_n will_v set_v up_o be_v the_o general_a course_n of_o the_o world_n or_o place_n the_o generality_n of_o those_o where_o they_o live_v this_o be_v that_o the_o popish_a party_n do_v often_o mention_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n what_o will_v you_o be_v wise_a than_o other_o can_o you_o do_v as_o other_o do_v must_v you_o be_v singular_a and_o this_o be_v a_o take_a rule_n for_o to_o make_v you_o conformable_a to_o those_o thing_n possible_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v not_o warrant_v if_o you_o bring_v not_o this_o custom_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o what_o the_o most_o do_v but_o what_o we_o may_v do_v it_o be_v not_o what_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o in_o general_n but_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o singular_a care_n and_o strict_a holiness_n of_o christian_n in_o particular_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v allow_v christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o present_a world_n rom._n 12._o 1._o the_o word_n will_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v no_o more_o safe_a to_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a than_o it_o will_v be_v sweet_a to_o be_v in_o hell_n with_o a_o great_a company_n the_o word_n will_v let_v you_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o a_o very_a few_o and_o those_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o as_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o lie_v in_o wickedness_n the_o word_n will_v tell_v you_o the_o way_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v common_o call_v a_o sect_n it_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o and_o man_n hate_v it_o every_o where_o therefore_o set_v up_o this_o rule_n in_o your_o heart_n in_o your_o house_n in_o your_o meditation_n in_o your_o practice_n rule_n 2._o be_v very_o well_o root_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o you_o i_o observe_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a reason_n why_o christian_n so_o easy_o let_v go_v the_o profession_n they_o have_v make_v be_v because_o they_o be_v never_o well_o build_v upon_o it_o nor_o establish_v in_o it_o there_o be_v many_o christian_n that_o through_o their_o own_o itch_a ear_n heap_v up_o teacher_n to_o themselves_o have_v never_o be_v root_v or_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n the_o lord_n pity_v they_o and_o keep_v they_o this_o day_n many_o christian_n that_o have_v attend_v to_o establish_v mean_n yet_o never_o serious_o consider_v nor_o lay_v thing_n to_o their_o heart_n but_o be_v like_o those_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o heb._n 5._o 12._o that_o have_v need_v to_o learn_v the_o first_o oracle_n of_o god_n how_o many_o among_o we_o profess_v with_o the_o high_a but_o have_v little_a ground_n for_o their_o faith_n only_o with_o the_o jew_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n education_n and_o because_o such_o a_o party_n of_o man_n say_v so_o because_o no_o body_n deny_v it_o because_o minister_n common_o preach_v it_o but_o to_o take_v any_o solid_a and_o serious_a ground_n they_o be_v yet_o to_o seek_v it_o be_v not_o wiâ—…h_a the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o with_o other_o art_n as_o logic_n rhetoric_n astronomy_n in_o these_o art_n the_o principle_n be_v presuppose_v to_o be_v prove_v no_o man_n go_v about_o to_o prove_v there_o be_v reason_n that_o there_o be_v number_n that_o there_o be_v heavenly_a body_n because_o sense_n and_o experience_n show_v it_o but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o you_o be_v not_o only_o to_o run_v away_o with_o the_o notion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o this_o god_n be_v one_o and_o that_o these_o be_v his_o word_n and_o his_o work_n but_o you_o be_v to_o know_v this_o by_o experience_n because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n come_v in_o by_o infusion_n by_o faith_n by_o a_o belief_n that_o god_n be_v for_o by_o faith_n we_o believe_v the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n heb._n 11._o 2_o 3._o it_o be_v that_o therefore_o i_o will_v press_v you_o to_o that_o you_o will_v labour_v for_o a_o establish_a spirit_n do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o see_v they_o the_o first_o will_v but_o blind_v you_o or_o at_o best_o leave_v you_o at_o great_a uncertainty_n the_o last_o will_v settle_v you_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n zeal_n when_o they_o be_v under_o the_o great_a threaten_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o be_v forbid_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o speak_v of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n by_o he_o thing_n that_o be_v further_a remote_a from_o sense_n and_o reason_n the_o apostle_n will_v tell_v you_o act._n 4._o 20._o we_o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o poor_a silly_a woman_n that_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o imbecility_n and_o infirmity_n of_o sex_n the_o terror_n of_o the_o fire_n and_o faggot_n may_v have_v be_v such_o to_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o apostasy_n yet_o they_o confound_v the_o great_a doctor_n and_o rabbi_n when_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o they_o they_o be_v able_a to_o burn_v though_o they_o can_v not_o dispute_v they_o behold_v thing_n that_o be_v invisible_a it_o be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n not_o to_o take_v up_o the_o word_n upon_o notion_n upon_o opinion_n but_o to_o have_v a_o establish_a heart_n through_o grace_n i_o shall_v direct_v you_o in_o two_o word_n 1._o get_v the_o lord_n by_o prayer_n to_o teach_v you_o every_o truth_n what_o jesus_n christ_n teach_v once_o be_v everlasting_o teach_v no_o word_n be_v abide_v but_o what_o the_o lord_n jesus_n teach_v himself_o look_v as_o it_o be_v with_o satan_n when_o he_o come_v to_o seduce_v man_n from_o the_o truth_n he_o will_v present_v such_o a_o fine_a notion_n without_o and_o common_o he_o
dart_v in_o some_o dazzle_a light_n within_o so_o that_o you_o never_o know_v a_o heretic_n take_v up_o a_o false_a opinion_n but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o marvellous_a deal_n of_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n so_o when_o the_o lord_n christ_n teach_v by_o his_o spirit_n he_o come_v with_o that_o light_n that_o sweetness_n savour_n and_o relish_v of_o truth_n as_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o you_o to_o let_v it_o go_v hence_o when_o christ_n will_v confute_v the_o pharisee_n that_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o his_o â—…ather_n in_o his_o work_n he_o say_v joh._n 5._o 37._o you_o have_v neither_o â—…ard_n his_o voice_n at_o any_o time_n nor_o see_v his_o shape_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n to_o see_v the_o shape_n and_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n 2._o be_v well_o root_v upon_o christ_n or_o else_o you_o will_v never_o be_v establish_v in_o any_o truth_n of_o christ_n if_o you_o miss_v the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n you_o will_v never_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n not_o their_o person_n upon_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o cornerstone_n he_o that_o do_v not_o know_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o will_v certain_o lose_v his_o faith_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n the_o stony_a ground_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n fall_v away_o why_o they_o have_v not_o root_n they_o be_v not_o plant_v upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n rule_v 3_o three_o those_o truth_n that_o god_n have_v teach_v you_o and_o those_o way_n of_o worship_n god_n have_v commit_v to_o you_o love_v they_o as_o your_o life_n love_v they_o above_o your_o life_n for_o no_o man_n will_v ever_o contend_v to_o hold_v they_o if_o he_o do_v not_o love_v they_o thing_n of_o low_a price_n and_o esteem_n be_v present_o let_v go_v he_o that_o love_v the_o word_n above_o his_o life_n will_v let_v life_n go_v rather_o than_o the_o word_n if_o you_o receive_v not_o the_o word_n out_o of_o love_n every_o impostor_n and_o false_a prophet_n every_o fear_n and_o terror_n of_o man_n will_v rob_v you_o of_o it_o hide_v the_o word_n in_o thy_o heart_n say_v solomon_n love_v the_o truth_n dear_o it_o be_v a_o great_a speech_n of_o calvin_n never_o do_v any_o one_o apostatise_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o it_o be_v because_o he_o do_v not_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o add_v this_o that_o never_o do_v any_o apostatise_v from_o the_o way_n and_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o it_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o in_o love_n or_o else_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o love_n for_o there_o be_v a_o decay_n of_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o have_v no_o affection_n if_o you_o love_v they_o what_o will_v you_o not_o suffer_v for_o they_o but_o more_o of_o that_o by_o and_o by_o rule_n 4._o four_o guard_v all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o those_o way_n of_o god_n that_o have_v be_v teach_v you_o guard_v they_o strong_o especial_o truth_n that_o be_v most_o material_a and_o fundamental_a for_o lead_v truth_n be_v like_o captain_n of_o army_n if_o they_o be_v rout_v the_o whole_a rout_n follow_v they_o there_o be_v great_a opposition_n that_o will_v be_v make_v against_o your_o faith_n the_o whole_a power_n of_o darkness_n of_o antichrist_n of_o his_o seduce_a spirit_n likely_a and_o probable_o enough_o will_v overspread_v the_o whole_a face_n of_o christianity_n once_o more_o that_o she_o must_v sit_v as_o a_o lady_n before_o she_o be_v desolate_a and_o forsake_v for_o ever_o the_o apostle_n bid_v you_o beware_v of_o dog_n beware_v of_o the_o concision_n beware_v of_o evil-worker_n guard_v yourselves_o against_o they_o guard_z the_o truth_n you_o have_v learn_v by_o argument_n by_o scripture_n by_o reason_n that_o you_o may_v have_v wherewithal_o to_o confute_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n mighty_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v three_o thing_n you_o be_v to_o guard_v against_o 1._o your_o own_o deceitfulness_n especial_o in_o a_o rash_a and_o sudden_a forsake_v of_o those_o way_n that_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o the_o profession_n you_o have_v take_v up_o for_o christian_n will_v never_o be_v so_o mad_a to_o apostatise_v be_v they_o but_o serious_o deliberate_v about_o the_o weight_n of_o they_o gal._n 1._o 6._o o_o foolish_a galathian_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n i_o marvel_v what_o ail_v you_o that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o turn_v away_o to_o another_o gospel_n one_o will_v have_v think_v they_o may_v have_v speak_v with_o paul_n first_o and_o send_v to_o he_o and_o reason_v the_o case_n with_o he_o there_o be_v a_o marvellous_a bewitch_a in_o false_a doctrine_n and_o false_a worship_n to_o take_v man_n present_o who_o be_v not_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o it_o be_v in_o disputation_n and_o practise_v truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o contention_n if_o you_o make_v a_o judgement_n before_o you_o hear_v both_o party_n speak_v you_o judge_v unrighteous_o if_o you_o forsake_v the_o way_n and_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n before_o you_o hear_v what_o can_v be_v say_v for_o they_o you_o do_v unrighteous_o 2._o guard_v they_o against_o the_o lust_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n the_o great_a work_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v contention_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o against_o antichrist_n those_o that_o be_v without_o he_o as_o that_o that_o be_v within_o he_o if_o all_o heretical_a doctrine_n and_o way_n be_v root_v out_o of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o the_o be_v but_o the_o memory_n the_o heart_n be_v bad_a enough_o in_o one_o day_n to_o set_v they_o all_o on_o foot_n again_o therefore_o guard_v the_o truth_n man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n will_v present_o grow_v reprobate_a as_o to_o the_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 6._o such_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n as_o shall_v suit_v with_o our_o lust_n as_o shall_v suit_v with_o exalt_v itself_o and_o lay_v christ_n low_o as_o shall_v suit_v with_o a_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n when_o the_o scripture_n say_v straight_o be_v the_o gate_n as_o shall_v suit_v with_o self-preservation_n so_o i_o may_v secure_v my_o estate_n my_o liberty_n i_o will_v suspect_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o before_o i_o take_v they_o up_o for_o the_o way_n of_o christ._n 3._o guard_v the_o truth_n against_o false_a teacher_n such_o as_o shall_v come_v among_o you_o in_o sheeps-clothing_n yet_o be_v wolf_n in_o heart_n man_n that_o creep_v in_o at_o unaware_o among_o you_o to_o subverâ—…_n soul_n i_o will_v not_o here_o describe_v they_o you_o know_v they_o well_o enough_o by_o their_o fruit_n only_o this_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o though_o you_o can_v come_v at_o the_o public_a ministry_n or_o those_o god_n have_v set_v over_o you_o yet_o make_v conscience_n for_o to_o take_v fence_n to_o take_v defence_n from_o they_o as_o you_o may_v by_o their_o counsel_n prayer_n help_n and_o assistance_n for_o to_o guard_v you_o against_o false_a teacher_n when_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n you_o will_v find_v this_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n advise_v they_o to_o gant_n 1._o 8._o you_o be_v to_o guard_v yourselves_o by_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o as_o to_o go_v forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n so_o also_o you_o be_v to_o go_v and_o feed_v your_o kid_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n that_o god_n call_v for_o to_o pin_v your_o faith_n upon_o their_o sleeve_n yet_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n by_o they_o for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o you_o rule_n 5._o arm_v yourselves_o with_o resolution_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o the_o way_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o you_o shall_v love_v the_o truth_n above_o your_o life_n so_o labour_v to_o be_v make_v willing_a for_o to_o part_v with_o life_n estate_n liberty_n any_o thing_n for_o to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o jesus_n christ._n it_o be_v not_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o hear_v christian_n to_o break_v out_o into_o murmur_n passion_n discontent_a contention_n that_o be_v carnal_a and_o sinful_a your_o work_n be_v humble_o meek_o and_o patient_o to_o lie_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n too_o that_o become_v christian_n suffering_n be_v that_o that_o will_v restore_v the_o glory_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v keep_v the_o truth_n deliver_v to_o you_o that_o will_v honour_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n best_a of_o all_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o bless_a paul_n his_o expression_n be_v worthy_a of_o consideration_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 9_o he_o give_v a_o charge_n of_o
keep_v and_o propagate_a one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a truth_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a yet_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v far_a off_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n wherein_o i_o suffer_v trouble_n mark_v paul_n do_v not_o say_v wherein_o i_o make_v trouble_n no_o but_o wherein_o i_o suffer_v trouble_n as_o a_o evil_a doer_n unto_o bond_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v if_o this_o bless_a and_o glorious_a apostle_n will_v have_v have_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n bind_v and_o have_v content_v himself_o with_o sinful_a silence_n and_o not_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n paul_n may_v have_v be_v free_a but_o paul_n will_v not_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n bind_v therefore_o paul_n will_v suffer_v for_o it_o shall_v we_o go_v high_o a_o great_a deal_n then_o this_o you_o have_v the_o glorious_a commendation_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o he_o give_v a_o free_a and_o full_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o father_n and_o of_o his_o glorious_a person_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n a_o bloody_a persecutor_n it_o be_v not_o by_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n fight_v nor_o by_o say_v my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o that_o he_o give_v a_o glorious_a confession_n before_o the_o face_n of_o pilate_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o truth_n doctrine_n gospel_n and_o of_o his_o person_n fear_v to_o ensnare_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o truth_n with_o your_o own_o liberty_n do_v not_o ensnare_v it_o to_o your_o own_o lust_n nor_o to_o the_o will_n of_o any_o man_n o_o that_o we_o can_v study_v and_o improve_v these_o scripture_n more_o it_o will_v make_v we_o fear_v god_n more_o &_o man_n less_o this_o be_v that_o that_o will_v make_v we_o say_v as_o holy_a david_n ps._n 119._o 161._o prince_n have_v persecute_v i_o without_o a_o cause_n but_o my_o heart_n stand_v in_o awe_n of_o thy_o word_n for_o he_o that_o have_v the_o most_o fear_n fear_v on_o you_o and_o upon_o you_o you_o will_v be_v more_o afraid_a to_o fall_v into_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o childish_a thing_n for_o a_o christian_a to_o tread_v down_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practise_v any_o worship_n for_o fear_n of_o man_n who_o have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o hurt_v we_o than_o we_o give_v he_o ourselves_o by_o our_o fear_n fear_v not_o he_o that_o can_v but_o kill_v the_o body_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n former_o that_o they_o come_v to_o divide_v between_o duty_n command_v by_o god_n and_o command_v by_o man_n you_o may_v read_v in_o all_o the_o day_n of_o antichrist_n persecution_n from_o the_o beginning_n they_o come_v to_o divide_v in_o matter_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o worship_n and_o obedience_n to_o man_n christian_n nothing_o but_o a_o suffer_a spirit_n will_v help_v you_o to_o this_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o obedience_n in_o this_o case_n to_o authority_n but_o to_o suffer_v under_o it_o meek_o patient_o as_o lamb_n this_o make_v the_o three_o child_n to_o divide_v between_o the_o command_n of_o god_n what_o say_v nebuchadnezzer_n every_o knee_n that_o bow_v not_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o furnace_n very_o well_o as_o for_o that_o matter_n say_v they_o o_o king_n we_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o answer_v thou_o for_o we_o will_v not_o bow_v down_o etc._n etc._n what_o will_v they_o not_o obey_v he_o yet_o they_o will_v obey_v he_o by_o suffering_n as_o become_v christian_n as_o be_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v true_o we_o be_v terrify_v with_o hell_n too_o we_o be_v terrify_v by_o the_o threat_n of_o the_o great_a king_n and_o we_o be_v likewise_o terrify_v by_o the_o threat_n of_o the_o great_a god_n he_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o your_o torment_n you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o his_o torment_n so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o daniel_n arm_v yourselves_o with_o this_o resolution_n of_o suffering_n and_o lie_v down_o patient_o and_o meek_o under_o those_o thing_n that_o you_o can_v do_v so_o that_o god_n may_v be_v honour_v by_o your_o holy_a resolution_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o true_o you_o never_o do_v contend_v successful_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o you_o contend_v by_o suffering_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o overcome_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n you_o never_o make_v religion_n your_o business_n till_o the_o world_n see_v you_o can_v let_v such_o great_a thing_n go_v as_o life_n estate_n liberty_n to_o keep_v it_o then_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n you_o never_o glorify_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n so_o much_o by_o practice_n or_o write_v as_o by_o suffer_v for_o they_o those_o glorious_a truth_n against_o popish_a justification_n mix_v of_o work_n with_o faith_n transubstantiation_n purgatory_n idol-worship_n against_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v superad_v contrary_a to_o god_n justification_n there_o be_v such_o a_o glory_n upon_o the_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o the_o popish_a power_n ever_o to_o darken_v they_o again_o because_o we_o see_v they_o write_v in_o the_o honourable_a and_o bless_a scar_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o burn_n of_o those_o glorious_a martyr_n if_o you_o will_v take_v one_o another_o by_o the_o hand_n when_o god_n take_v away_o our_o faithful_a guide_n and_o say_v brethren_n sister_n friend_n come_v let_v we_o hold_v together_o there_o be_v no_o way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o hold_v on_o together_o like_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n real_o will_v get_v more_o advantage_n by_o the_o holy_a humble_a suffering_n of_o one_o gracious_a saint_n mere_o for_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n then_o by_o ten_o thousand_o argument_n use_v against_o heretic_n and_o false_a worship_n compare_v phil._n 1._o 12_o 13_o 14._o with_o the_o 27_o 28_o and_o 29._o verse_n how_o be_v paul_n bond_n a_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n paul_n no_o doubt_n be_v call_v a_o evil_a doer_n one_o that_o sow_v heresy_n and_o be_v hate_v every_o where_o say_v he_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o lord_n wax_v confident_a by_o my_o band_n and_o be_v much_o more_o bold_a to_o speak_v the_o word_n without_o fear_n here_o be_v the_o great_a encouragement_n and_o then_o he_o come_v to_o give_v you_o a_o precept_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 27._o verse_n and_o he_o speak_v it_o as_o one_o that_o be_v leave_v of_o they_o only_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o you_o may_v stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o your_o adversary_n for_o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v but_o also_o to_o suffer_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v give_v to_o you_o as_o a_o duty_n give_v to_o you_o as_o a_o privilege_n o_o that_o you_o will_v confirm_v one_o another_o and_o in_o slippery_a time_n hold_v up_o one_o another_o by_o the_o hand_n do_v it_o in_o go_v after_o god_n call_v and_o in_o this_o way_n suffer_v for_o those_o truth_n you_o can_v otherwise_o hold_v and_o maintain_v true_o christian_n you_o have_v need_n be_v arm_v with_o resolution_n for_o the_o world_n be_v always_o count_v the_o thing_n god_n people_n have_v suffer_v for_o very_o little_a and_o they_o count_v it_o prudence_n not_o to_o meddle_v therein_o those_o man_n that_o have_v easy_a soft_a term_n to_o comply_v that_o they_o have_v a_o latitude_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n i_o believe_v some_o christian_n be_v of_o that_o opinion_n that_o they_o will_v even_o think_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v ill_o advise_v to_o venture_v their_o all_o upon_o those_o truth_n they_o see_v other_o die_v and_o suffer_v for_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n many_o christian_n study_v to_o draw_v out_o the_o line_n of_o obedience_n as_o far_o as_o the_o honesty_n of_o the_o time_n will_v give_v they_o leave_v but_o no_o far_o that_o they_o will_v go_v on_o with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o the_o high_a priest_n hâ—…ll_o and_o there_o deny_v he_o or_o that_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o do_v anything_o for_o christ_n but_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v nothing_o for_o christ_n you_o very_o little_a honour_n jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o and_o you_o will_v very_o little_a honour_n yourselves_o at_o the_o last_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o christian_n if_o they_o see_v even_o against_o plain_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o word_n that_o there_o be_v super-instituted_n thing_n break_v in_o as_o in_o conscience_n they_o can_v submit_v to_o yet_o they_o can_v comply_v why_o they_o may_v be_v use_v lawful_o though_o not_o superstitious_o but_o say_v
to_o all_o eternity_n but_o do_v you_o not_o mistake_v do_v you_o believe_v this_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n how_o come_v you_o by_o this_o belief_n what_o account_n can_v you_o give_v of_o it_o how_o be_v you_o bring_v over_o to_o this_o belief_n do_v you_o not_o come_v to_o this_o faith_n and_o belief_n by_o common_a report_n you_o be_v bear_v to_o this_o doctrine_n you_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o benefit_n you_o have_v by_o your_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o nation_n and_o among_o a_o people_n that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o have_v be_v instill_v into_o you_o by_o education_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n you_o take_v it_o do_v you_o ever_o buy_v this_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v you_o do_v you_o ever_o buy_v this_o truth_n buy_v it_o i_o say_v buy_v it_o for_o the_o very_a truth_n be_v we_o be_v never_o able_a to_o make_v out_o a_o good_a title_n to_o any_o gospel-truth_n until_o such_o time_n as_o we_o can_v say_v we_o have_v buy_v it_o how_o why_o by_o serious_a meditation_n study_v the_o scripture_n search_v into_o they_o serious_o ponder_v and_o weigh_v of_o they_o cry_v mighty_o to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v manifest_v they_o to_o we_o and_o encounter_v temptation_n from_o without_o from_o within_z be_v at_o a_o point_n willing_a to_o engage_v liberty_n and_o estate_n and_o life_n and_o all_o for_o this_o truth_n sake_n can_v you_o say_v we_o have_v ponder_v and_o be_v so_o full_o satisfy_v about_o it_o as_o that_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v come_v in_o a_o way_n of_o contradiction_n and_o rise_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o we_o and_o come_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n to_o beat_v we_o out_o of_o this_o truth_n yet_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o it_o can_v you_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o yourselves_o that_o you_o have_v not_o take_v it_o up_o on_o a_o common_a report_n but_o be_v able_a to_o say_v there_o have_v be_v a_o inward_a revelation_n make_v of_o these_o thing_n to_o your_o soul_n that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o sanctify_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o your_o understanding_n that_o you_o come_v to_o see_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o these_o gospel_n restimony_n be_v there_o a_o habitual_a frame_n of_o spirit_n wrought_v in_o you_o whereby_o you_o be_v carry_v out_o to_o close_v with_o every_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o close_v with_o it_o upon_o this_o account_n because_o of_o a_o divine_a authority_n stamp_v upon_o it_o when_o we_o give_v assent_v to_o common_a truth_n but_o not_o with_o a_o common_a spirit_n but_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o inward_a conviction_n we_o assent_n to_o it_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o unction_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o holy_a one_o and_o we_o assent_v to_o this_o and_o that_o truth_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n which_o we_o see_v to_o be_v stamp_v upon_o it_o and_o withal_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v suitable_a work_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o love_n and_o desire_n and_o delight_n of_o they_o to_o these_o truth_n as_o there_o will_v be_v a_o kind_o work_v of_o the_o heart_n where_o there_o be_v a_o right_a assent_n suitable_a to_o the_o truth_n assent_v to_o as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o threaten_a the_o soul_n assent_v to_o it_o and_o will_v tremble_v before_o god_n if_o a_o promise_n be_v make_v or_o a_o gospel-revelation_n it_o will_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o holy_a rejoice_v in_o god_n that_o ever_o he_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o promise_n or_o revelation_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v a_o holy_a resolution_n of_o spirit_n come_v what_o will_v come_v i_o will_v never_o part_v with_o this_o truth_n i_o have_v buy_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v my_o duty_n and_o have_v buy_v it_o i_o will_v never_o sell_v it_o that_o be_v my_o duty_n too_o can_v we_o give_v such_o a_o account_n as_o this_o but_o then_o withal_o let_v i_o a_o little_a further_o improve_v that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v from_o the_o chapter_n you_o say_v this_o be_v your_o belief_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o can_v you_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o privilege_n that_o be_v entail_v upon_o this_o belief_n for_o you_o must_v know_v that_o the_o privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o such_o will_v serve_v as_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v such_o now_o if_o you_o believe_v it_o be_v your_o privilege_n to_o be_v boâ—…_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n must_v be_v the_o evidence_n of_o this_o belief_n can_v you_o give_v a_o account_n of_o you_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n if_o you_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o god_n you_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ._n can_v you_o giuâ—…_n a_o account_n of_o your_o overcome_a the_o world_n be_v yoâ—…_n such_o as_o be_v enable_v to_o stand_v out_o in_o opposition_n to_o thâ—…_n eâ—…rors_n and_o heresy_n and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o practâ—…ses_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n can_v you_o beâ—…r_v up_o agaiâ—…_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o priâ—…_n of_o life_n if_o you_o be_v in_o slavery_n to_o the_o world_n in_o bondage_n to_o the_o beggarly_a rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n you_o be_v mistake_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o a_o true_a interpretation_n of_o gospel-believing_a that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n do_v overcome_v the_o world_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o belief_n he_o be_v enable_v to_o get_v a_o conquest_n over_o the_o world_n and_o over_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o it_o through_o lust_n and_o then_o again_o you_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n oh_o but_o you_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n that_o you_o have_v believe_v into_o this_o jesus_n and_o upon_o this_o jesus_n for_o that_o be_v it_o the_o text_n hold_v forth_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n do_v believe_v on_o jesus_n the_o christ_n be_v you_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o believe_v which_o you_o profess_v draw_v out_o to_o a_o close_n with_o christ_n do_v you_o roll_v yourselves_o upon_o he_o own_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o yield_v yourselves_o up_o in_o subjection_n to_o he_o you_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o do_v you_o believe_v on_o that_o jesus_n who_o you_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o christ_n now_o this_o be_v thus_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o foundation_n i_o will_v infer_v thus_o and_o so_o go_v on_o to_o a_o far_a branch_n of_o this_o application_n either_o you_o do_v real_o believe_v with_o a_o gospel-believing_a these_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n concern_v christ_n or_o you_o do_v not_o why_o they_o that_o profess_v they_o do_v but_o in_o truth_n they_o do_v not_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o manifest_a contradiction_n which_o this_o profession_n meet_v withal_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n i_o have_v former_o give_v as_o alas_o this_o profession_n suffer_v contradiction_n general_o general_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o faith_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n do_v clear_o make_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n and_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o there_o be_v thousand_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o the_o trial_n will_v you_o stick_v to_o this_o truth_n if_o you_o do_v it_o shall_v cost_v you_o the_o loss_n of_o your_o liberty_n and_o estate_n nay_o your_o life_n shall_v go_v for_o it_o oh_o i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v thousand_o that_o will_v turn_v their_o back_n upon_o this_o profession_n renounce_v this_o profession_n now_o concern_v such_o this_o i_o will_v say_v first_o that_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v not_o right_a in_o gospel-believing_a be_v a_o most_o mournful_a and_o miserable_a condition_n however_o it_o may_v be_v with_o they_o in_o other_o respect_n yet_o it_o be_v sad_a to_o think_v what_o a_o condition_n they_o be_v in_o for_o consider_v first_o of_o all_o they_o that_o do_v not_o perform_v this_o great_a duty_n of_o gospel-believing_a according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o they_o do_v they_o do_v give_v god_n the_o lie_n they_o do_v by_o interpretation_n tell_v god_n to_o his_o face_n that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a liar_n and_o what_o high_o blaspheme_a can_v there_o be_v than_o to_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n every_o one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o bless_v themselves_o and_o say_v oh_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v charge_v with_o such_o a_o horrid_a impiety_n as_o
a_o help_n to_o he_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v need_n of_o strong_a christian_n that_o can_v pray_v in_o faith_n &_o fervency_n for_o other_o and_o you_o can_v scarce_o pray_v for_o yourselves_o consider_v when_o the_o church_n need_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o help_n will_v you_o sit_v down_o with_o low_a attainment_n and_o little_a thing_n when_o so_o many_o hundred_o about_o you_o need_v so_o great_a assistance_n 10._o weak_a person_n be_v many_o time_n the_o troubler_n and_o very_a danger_n of_o the_o church_n many_o calamity_n have_v be_v occasion_v by_o they_o the_o sin_n of_o professor_n have_v occasion_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n on_o the_o church_n their_o error_n hinder_v truth_n and_o make_v division_n when_o christian_n have_v not_o so_o much_o strength_n as_o to_o know_v truth_n from_o error_n that_o harken_v to_o every_o one_o that_o speak_v with_o likeness_n what_o have_v these_o christian_n do_v in_o the_o church_n what_o mercy_n have_v be_v drive_v away_o so_o far_o that_o i_o think_v the_o church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o have_v suffer_v more_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o professor_n then_o by_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o how_o can_v thou_o expect_v god_n will_v save_v thy_o soul_n when_o thou_o have_v set_v the_o church_n on_o fire_n and_o be_v so_o great_a hindrance_n to_o other_o that_o many_o shall_v perish_v occasional_o by_o thy_o example_n etc._n etc._n the_o great_a suffering_n of_o the_o church_n have_v come_v from_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o church_n 11._o such_o have_v be_v the_o great_a dishonourer_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o ancient_a christian_n the_o glory_n of_o their_o profession_n their_o charity_n self-denial_n heavenly-mindednesse_a patience_n etc._n etc._n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n more_o effectual_o than_o ever_o their_o word_n can_v do_v god_n expect_v your_o life_n shall_v be_v a_o considerable_a mean_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o wicked_a man_n the_o same_o god_n that_o have_v command_v minister_n to_o teach_v other_o by_o their_o doctrine_n have_v command_v you_o shall_v live_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n that_o your_o zeal_n humility_n patience_n charity_n self-denial_n shall_v win_v soul_n to_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o give_v over_o preach_v when_o we_o may_v sure_o so_o to_o give_v over_o live_v etc._n etc._n if_o woe_n unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n than_o woe_n unto_o you_o if_o by_o your_o life_n you_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n how_o many_o sinner_n have_v you_o about_o you_o and_o how_o do_v you_o wrong_v and_o rob_v the_o ungodly_a of_o that_o ordinance_n god_n have_v appoint_v for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n you_o be_v person_n that_o take_v the_o bread_n out_o of_o their_o mouth_n the_o mean_n that_o shall_v save_v they_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n while_o you_o deny_v they_o one_o of_o the_o command_v mean_n of_o salvation_n i._n e._n the_o eminent_a example_n of_o your_o life_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o stop_v preacher_n mouth_n how_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o neglect_v this_o ordinance_n nay_o be_v you_o not_o a_o dishonour_n to_o the_o church_n be_v it_o not_o because_o of_o professor_n ill_a life_n that_o the_o profane_a deride_v religion_n while_o they_o see_v not_o that_o glory_n in_o it_o that_o shall_v overpower_v a_o unbelieving_a and_o deny_v soul_n and_o shall_v indeed_o effectual_o manifest_v its_o excellency_n be_v these_o the_o professor_n that_o be_v proud_a stubborn_a passionate_a censorious_a self-conceited_a as_o contemptuous_a and_o envious_a as_o any_o other_o i_o know_v the_o world_n be_v apt_a enough_o to_o slander_v and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n bear_v a_o world_n of_o unjust_a reproach_n but_o oh_o that_o there_o be_v not_o this_o occasion_n etc._n etc._n 12._o those_o that_o be_v not_o confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o grace_n the_o devil_n when_o he_o have_v prevail_v by_o a_o temptation_n on_o themselves_o can_v easy_o make_v they_o his_o instrument_n to_o draw_v and_o tempt_v other_o from_o their_o duty_n to_o discourage_v they_o in_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o do_v that_o mischief_n in_o the_o world_n he_o have_v do_v by_o temptation_n on_o their_o own_o soul._n it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o satan_n to_o make_v use_n of_o lapse_v distemper_a christian_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o his_o temptation_n to_o those_o that_o be_v better_o etc._n etc._n a_o honest_a christian_a will_v not_o so_o easy_o hearken_v to_o a_o drunkard_n or_o swearer_n as_o to_o a_o professor_n he_o have_v good_a thought_n of_o gal._n 2._o 13._o 13._o for_o want_v of_o strength_n and_o establishment_n in_o grace_n poor_a weak_a christian_n be_v a_o very_a great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o carnal_a hope_n of_o wicked_a man_n i_o think_v scarce_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hinder_v our_o preach_n more_o than_o this_o when_o the_o wicked_a see_v those_o that_o make_v the_o great_a profession_n no_o better_o than_o themselves_o and_o in_o some_o thing_n worse_o this_o harden_v he_o against_o all_o the_o conviction_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o he_o tell_v he_o he_o can_v be_v save_v without_o conversion_n he_o look_v upon_o professor_n see_v they_o contentious_a worldly_a peevish_a passionate_a etc._n etc._n see_v some_o sin_n or_o other_o this_o make_v he_o think_v he_o be_v as_o well_o as_o they_o must_v there_o be_v so_o much_o ado_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o this_o state_n be_v this_o the_o difference_n say_v they_o etc._n etc._n 14._o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v some_o trouble_n to_o a_o honest_a heart_n that_o yet_o we_o must_v be_v so_o like_a to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o and_o the_o weak_a christian_n be_v the_o like_a to_o the_o wicked_a i_o do_v not_o mean_a weakness_n in_o gift_n or_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n but_o a_o weakness_n in_o practical_a save_a knowledge_n love_v of_o god_n self-denial_n mortification_n heavenly-mindednesse_a etc._n etc._n they_o that_o be_v in_o these_o the_o weak_a christian_n be_v the_o next_o and_o like_a to_o the_o wicked_a and_o do_v not_o this_o grieve_v thou_o that_o though_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n thou_o be_v so_o like_o one_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o world_n nor_o like_v to_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n no_o not_o in_o outward_a vanity_n but_o to_o imitate_v the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o inward_a corruption_n to_o go_v in_o their_o garb_n when_o a_o palpable_a vanity_n to_o have_v so_o much_o of_o their_o pride_n peevishness_n malice_n worldliness_n oh_o look_v upon_o thy_o heart_n with_o humiliation_n 15._o consider_v what_o a_o dangerous_a and_o lamentable_a stand_v those_o have_v that_o be_v not_o establish_v etc._n etc._n you_o stand_v but_o it_o be_v as_o unroot_v plant_n or_o tree_n that_o stand_v shake_v in_o the_o wind_n beholder_n be_v always_o look_v when_o they_o fall_v you_o stand_v but_o it_o be_v as_o a_o sick_a man_n waver_v reel_a like_o lot_n wife_n look_v back_o and_o always_o upon_o every_o occasion_n ready_a to_o repent_v you_o have_v be_v believer_n little_a thing_n perplex_v and_o trouble_v you_o little_a tribulation_n and_o affliction_n discompose_v and_o disturb_v you_o little_a temptation_n make_v you_o question_v the_o scripture_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n his_o love_n and_o care_n of_o his_o people_n and_o the_o great_a foundation_n of_o religion_n foundation_n seem_v to_o shake_v because_o you_o be_v shake_n and_o totter_v etc._n etc._n and_o what_o be_v like_a to_o become_v of_o such_o a_o soul_n if_o thou_o stand_v shake_v under_o small_a temptation_n for_o want_n of_o confirmation_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v when_o a_o papist_n or_o quaker_n etc._n etc._n shall_v so_o speak_v concern_v religion_n which_o thou_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v and_o so_o the_o sure_a foundation_n seem_v nothing_o when_o thou_o have_v so_o weak_a hold_n our_o great_a affliction_n next_o to_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o ungodly_a be_v to_o think_v of_o our_o weak_a one_o what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o and_o â—…e_o y_o we_o do_v expect_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o congregation_n shall_v be_v carry_v away_o those_o that_o be_v christian_n and_o know_v not_o why_o yet_o have_v not_o humility_n enough_o to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o and_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o those_o that_o shall_v assist_v they_o remember_v when_o you_o see_v such_o time_n when_o seducer_n be_v able_a to_o say_v the_o worst_a shall_v make_v the_o strong_a assault_n on_o the_o weak_a one_o how_o many_o will_v be_v like_a to_o fall_v again_o sichness_n death_n die_v time_n will_v come_v when_o you_o shall_v find_v a_o little_a grace_n will_v not_o easy_o do_v your_o work_n and_o though_o you_o perish_v not_o yet_o you_o may_v faint_v
and_o to_o your_o sorrow_n find_v the_o want_n of_o confirmation_n you_o can_v but_o know_v how_o the_o strong_a be_v put_v to_o it_o in_o try_v hour_n or_o at_o death_n will_v slack_a and_o unsettle_a hope_n of_o another_o life_n such_o distemper_a heart_n fight_v and_o encounter_v with_o such_o trial_n never_o think_v of_o die_v comfortable_o if_o you_o follow_v not_o after_o confirm_v grace_n 16._o it_o shall_v humble_v you_o the_o more_o that_o you_o have_v be_v so_o long_o so_o many_o year_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o love_n god_n etc._n etc._n no_o better_o shall_v not_o you_o in_o this_o apprenâ—…iceship_n have_v learn_v better_o your_o religion_n and_o be_v â—…eachers_n of_o other_o when_o perhaps_o if_o in_o the_o principle_n you_o be_v assault_v you_o will_v show_v your_o weakness_n as_o soon_o as_o any_o may_v not_o christ_n say_v have_v i_o be_v so_o long_a time_n with_o you_o and_o yet_o have_v you_o know_v live_v etc._n etc._n no_o better_o reach_v no_o high_o attain_v no_o further_o weakling_n still_o nay_o consider_v in_o this_o time_n what_o advantage_n have_v you_o have_v for_o growth_n a_o tree_n plant_v on_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n may_v not_o grow_v so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o fruitful_a place_n but_o you_o have_v have_v the_o plenty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o choice_a of_o the_o mean_n and_o help_v of_o salvation_n 17._o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a grace_n tend_v to_o this_o will_v you_o cross_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o shall_v we_o be_v such_o weakling_n in_o religion_n which_o cross_n so_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n for_o grace_v the_o more_o it_o be_v exercise_v the_o more_o it_o increase_v 18._o heaven_n itself_o be_v perfection_n and_o the_o work_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o press_v towards_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o press_v towards_o perfection_n you_o shall_v make_v towards_o the_o end_n in_o a_o manner_n and_o way_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o end_n person_n that_o enjoy_v so_o much_o already_o and_o hope_v for_o so_o much_o great_a shall_v not_o put_v off_o god_n with_o such_o little_a thing_n 19_o little_a grace_n shall_v have_v but_o little_a glory_n you_o know_v not_o how_o great_a a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o least_o and_o high_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n nay_o it_o be_v not_o only_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v glorify_v but_o to_o enjoy_v the_o high_a degree_n in_o glory_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o the_o best_a and_o improve_v his_o talon_n to_o the_o utmost_a that_o his_o heavenly_a reward_n may_v be_v according_a a_o christian_n shall_v not_o slight_v it_o when_o it_o be_v tender_v to_o he_o and_o in_o his_o eye_n quest._n but_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v i_o have_v attain_v this_o confirm_a grace_n answ._n these_o sign_n follow_v show_v a_o christian_a confirm_v and_o strong_a in_o grace_n which_o i_o will_v name_v that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o to_o aim_v at_o and_o what_o to_o desire_v there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o difference_n between_o a_o king_n and_o a_o beggar_n between_o the_o great_a health_n and_o sickly_a man_n as_o between_o a_o strong_a useful_a christian_a and_o a_o poor_a lâ—…nguishing_a soâ—…l_n etc._n etc._n 1._o a_o confirm_a christian_n be_v one_o that_o can_v resist_v many_o subâ—…il_n and_o strong_a temptation_n not_o only_o a_o single_a temptation_n but_o when_o satan_n assault_v on_o every_o side_n with_o error_n on_o both_o extreme_n with_o importunity_n of_o several_a party_n with_o temptation_n of_o prosperity_n offer_v of_o adversity_n feel_v or_o fear_v strong_a temptation_n that_o seem_v to_o lay_v a_o necessity_n of_o yield_v on_o a_o weakling_n that_o make_v he_o say_v i_o must_v do_v it_o to_o save_v my_o liberty_n family_n life_n etc._n etc._n a_o strong_a christian_a can_v say_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n he_o can_v make_v light_n of_o those_o temptation_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o other_o person_n he_o can_v confute_v a_o subtle_a sophister_n and_o deal_v with_o a_o cunning_a adversary_n satan_n can_v so_o easy_o go_v beyond_o and_o outwit_n he_o 2._o he_o can_v do_v great_a excellent_a and_o useful_a work_n be_v serviceable_a to_o god_n if_o he_o have_v opportunity_n in_o business_n of_o great_a consequence_n he_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n only_o in_o some_o little_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n but_o in_o his_o place_n set_v himself_o to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n do_v the_o great_a work_n of_o his_o majesty_n faithful_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o he_o be_v more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a as_o to_o go_v ten_o mile_n be_v more_o easy_a to_o the_o healthful_a than_o one_o to_o a_o sickly_a person_n he_o can_v go_v through_o god_n service_n with_o pleasure_n ease_n and_o delight_n without_o tire_v faint_a sit_v down_o or_o give_v over_o 3._o he_o can_v digest_v the_o hard_a truth_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o puzzle_v perplex_v and_o overset_v the_o stomach_n of_o a_o weak_a christian_a he_o have_v lay_v his_o foundation_n to_o which_o he_o reduce_v all_o thing_n of_o difficulty_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o those_o great_a truth_n he_o have_v receive_v he_o can_v easy_o see_v through_o the_o difficulty_n of_o all_o that_o be_v yet_o before_o he_o he_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o reconcile_v those_o thing_n in_o scripture_n that_o seem_v contradiction_n where_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o difficulty_n he_o can_v easy_o discern_v the_o cause_n be_v in_o himself_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o undoubted_a way_n of_o reconcile_a they_o though_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o it_o he_o can_v easy_o quiet_v his_o soul_n under_o the_o most_o difficult_a providence_n and_o interpret_v they_o so_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o must_v expound_v they_o he_o reconcile_v promise_n with_o providence_n and_o providence_n with_o scripture_n whereas_o a_o weak_a christian_n be_v ready_a to_o say_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v â—…ear_v this_o and_o that_o and_o it_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o these_o kind_n of_o truth_n that_o make_v so_o many_o turn_v their_o religion_n because_o not_o able_a to_o digest_v the_o hard_a truth_n of_o god_n cross_a providence_n make_v they_o question_n god_n love_n &_o c._n 4._o he_o be_v one_o that_o can_v exercise_v various_a grace_n without_o set_v one_o against_o another_o destroy_v or_o contradict_v one_o another_o he_o can_v do_v many_o work_n believe_v many_o truth_n perform_v many_o duty_n at_o once_o he_o can_v rejoice_v and_o sorrow_n at_o once_o and_o make_v his_o sorrow_n a_o help_n to_o his_o joy_n and_o his_o joy_n a_o help_n to_o his_o sorrow_n and_o so_o exercise_n both_o in_o that_o nature_n as_o will_v not_o direct_o hinder_v or_o weaken_v one_o another_o he_o can_v tell_v how_o in_o such_o a_o time_n as_o we_o be_v in_o to_o rejoice_v yet_o to_o be_v humble_a to_o be_v cast_v down_o at_o god_n foot_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o sin_n we_o have_v commit_v and_o of_o god_n displeasure_n &_o c._n yet_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o mercy_n we_o have_v and_o do_v expect_v to_o possess_v he_o do_v not_o look_v all_o upon_o sin_n all_o upon_o affliction_n or_o all_o upon_o mercy_n but_o can_v eye_n every_o thing_n and_o give_v every_o thing_n its_o part_n can_v exercise_v grace_n methodical_o give_v truth_n and_o providence_n their_o proper_a place_n in_o his_o meditation_n and_o affection_n and_o this_o make_v his_o life_n orderly_o beautiful_a regular_a and_o useful_a whereas_o a_o weak_a christian_a let_v he_o set_v himself_o against_o one_o temptation_n he_o be_v take_v in_o another_o if_o he_o humble_v himself_o in_o soul_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o humble_a weep_v grieve_v fear_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o cast_v away_o all_o comfort_n all_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n if_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v humiliation_n and_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o spiritual_a pride_n &_o c._n thus_o he_o have_v not_o skill_n strength_n and_o ability_n to_o carry_v on_o all_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o grace_n together_o 5._o a_o strong_a christian_a sink_v not_o under_o those_o burden_n that_o will_v press_v down_o and_o overwhelm_v a_o weak_a christian_a he_o can_v bear_v heavy_a burden_n and_o more_o easy_o away_o with_o they_o make_v it_o a_o recreation_n to_o bear_v some_o thing_n that_o another_o will_v sink_v under_o and_o can_v bear_v it_o be_v thy_o weakness_n that_o make_v thou_o make_v such_o a_o stir_n when_o god_n lay_v on_o thou_o personal_a family_n public_a affliction_n that_o make_v thou_o shrink_v under_o they_o strength_n of_o grace_n will_v enable_v to_o see_v god_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o
they_o may_v after_o all_o attain_n to_o the_o crown_n answ._n i_o shall_v leave_v with_o you_o twenty_o direction_n and_o as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v there_o be_v not_o more_o than_o you_o must_v practice_v and_o take_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o last_o direction_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o and_o take_v they_o as_o practical_o not_o as_o notionals_n that_o you_o must_v live_v upon_o as_o long_o as_o you_o live_v first_o see_v that_o the_o foundation_n be_v sound_o lay_v in_o your_o head_n and_o heart_n in_o matter_n of_o your_o religion_n in_o your_o head_n i._n e._n that_o you_o well_o understand_v what_o religion_n be_v what_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v what_o god_n be_v what_o it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o be_v you_o in_o his_o attribute_n and_o relation_n unto_o you_o what_o he_o be_v and_o will_v be_v unto_o you_o what_o you_o be_v and_o must_v be_v unto_o he_o what_o sin_n be_v how_o odious_a wherein_o its_o evil_n consist_v what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o not_o what_o sin_n have_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o state_n it_o have_v bring_v transgressor_n into_o what_o christ_n be_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o man_n recovery_n and_o redemption_n what_o he_o have_v wrought_v give_v and_o offer_v to_o the_o world_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n the_o tender_a of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n of_o grace_n freeness_n largeness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o this_o covenant_n the_o end_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o everlasting_a glory_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n what_o it_o be_v how_o sure_a and_o how_o great_a when_o you_o understand_v these_o thing_n get_v a_o sound_n and_o radicate_v belief_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n reveal_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o think_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a or_o that_o you_o be_v resolve_v so_o to_o believe_v but_o get_v the_o best_a ground_n for_o your_o belief_n be_v well_o establish_v on_o those_o ground_n read_v the_o scripture_n much_o till_o you_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o relish_v the_o matter_n and_o language_n and_o feel_v the_o power_n until_o all_o be_v delightful_a to_o your_o soul_n in_o read_v and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o understand_v the_o fundamental_o look_v to_o your_o catechism_n the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n you_o must_v understand_v and_o receive_v and_o when_o you_o have_v get_v they_o into_o your_o head_n be_v sure_a you_o get_v they_o into_o your_o heart_n and_o never_o think_v any_o truth_n receive_v as_o it_o ought_v till_o it_o have_v do_v some_o special_a work_n on_o your_o heart_n till_o you_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v almighty_a just_a holy_a etc._n etc._n and_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n have_v make_v their_o holy_a impression_n on_o your_o heart_n that_o the_o sanctify_a knowledge_n of_o god_n have_v warm_v your_o affection_n captivate_v your_o soul_n that_o god_n be_v enthrone_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n of_o your_o mind_n know_v yourselves_o so_o as_o to_o be_v humble_a know_v christ_n so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v sweet_a unto_o you_o and_o exalt_v by_o you_o set_v up_o christ_n in_o your_o soul_n near_o to_o your_o heart_n know_v sin_n so_o as_o to_o hate_v it_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o will_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o your_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o lamentable_a consequence_n in_o all_o your_o life_n when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sound_a work_n at_o the_o heart_n how_o little_a life_n will_v there_o be_v from_o any_o truth_n in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n must_v be_v so_o receive_v as_o not_o only_o to_o have_v a_o old_a heart_n mend_v but_o a_o new_a heart_n make_v thus_o understand_v believe_v and_o give_v up_o thy_o heart_n to_o that_o thou_o believe_v and_o understand_v 2._o know_v and_o remember_v the_o work_n of_o your_o salvation_n must_v be_v as_o long_o as_o you_o live_v and_o that_o you_o have_v never_o do_v till_o you_o have_v do_v live_v i_o give_v this_o direction_n because_o i_o find_v something_o in_o christianity_n the_o remaind_n of_o carnality_n be_v apt_a to_o hinder_v etc._n etc._n and_o some_o professor_n when_o convert_v they_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o safe_a etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o be_v do_v after_o etc._n etc._n 3._o understand_v well_o wherein_o it_o be_v your_o confirmation_n stability_n rootedness_n and_o growth_n in_o religion_n do_v consist_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o your_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v not_o to_o know_v more_o thing_n than_o you_o know_v before_o but_o to_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n belief_n entertainment_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n that_o at_o first_o you_o do_v receive_v not_o that_o you_o may_v not_o or_o shall_v not_o know_v more_o for_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fundamental_o guide_v you_o unavoidable_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o many_o other_o truth_n which_o a_o dark_a knowledge_n of_o those_o fundamental_o will_v not_o discover_v to_o you_o it_o be_v not_o a_o addition_n to_o your_o former_a knowledge_n but_o the_o clear_a know_v sound_a believe_v hearty_o entertain_v and_o improve_n of_o the_o truth_n you_o know_v at_o first_o as_o the_o health_n of_o a_o man_n consist_v not_o in_o have_v every_o day_n variety_n of_o food_n but_o in_o the_o partake_n and_o digestion_n of_o the_o same_o food_n that_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o get_v but_o a_o more_o perfect_a conviction_n or_o concoction_n of_o what_o you_o know_v before_o and_o this_o be_v your_o growth_n you_o may_v grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n attribute_n by_o know_v they_o more_o clear_o orderly_o distinct_o satisfactory_o and_o believe_o then_o before_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n between_o a_o dark_a and_o a_o clear_a know_v of_o thing_n grow_v in_o great_a love_n to_o they_o and_o great_a skill_n in_o entertainment_n improvement_n and_o practice_v of_o they_o 4._o grow_v downward_o in_o humility_n and_o inward_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o yourselves_o and_o above_o all_o maintain_v a_o constant_a abhorrence_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o pride_n grow_v in_o humility_n and_o fly_v from_o pride_n keep_v a_o constant_a apprehension_n of_o your_o unworthiness_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o odiousness_n and_o danger_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n so_o call_v because_o exercise_v about_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o yourselves_o of_o be_v too_o confident_a in_o yourselves_o below_o in_o own_o and_o expect_v not_o nor_o desire_v other_o good_a thought_n of_o you_o humility_n lie_v not_o in_o humility_n of_o opinion_n speech_n garb_n or_o carriage_n but_o in_o opposition_n to_o high_a thought_n of_o our_o own_o part_n gift_n godliness_n when_o we_o think_v of_o these_o above_o their_o worth_n still_o remember_v psal._n 25._o prov._n 26._o 19_o isai._n 57_o 15._o joh._n 22._o 29._o as_o ever_o you_o will_v grow_v in_o grace_n and_o be_v confirm_v christian_n keep_v a_o low_a esteem_n of_o yourselves_o be_v mean_a in_o your_o own_o eye_n be_v content_a to_o be_v mean_a in_o other_o and_o harken_v not_o to_o secret_a flatterer_n that_o will_v puff_n you_o up_o take_v heed_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o will_v puff_n you_o up_o etc._n etc._n 5._o you_o must_v understand_v that_o you_o be_v disciple_n in_o christ_n school_n where_o minister_n be_v his_o teacher_n and_o guide_n the_o ordinance_n his_o mean_n for_o his_o people_n good_a and_o the_o scripture_n the_o book_n you_o must_v learn_v therefore_o keep_v in_o this_o order_n keep_v under_o these_o guide_n commit_v your_o soul_n to_o those_o that_o be_v faithful_a and_o fit_a for_o soul_n to_o be_v entrust_v with_o and_o when_o you_o have_v do_v with_o humble_a submissiveness_n to_o their_o teach_n keep_v in_o this_o school_n under_o those_o officer_n in_o their_o discipline_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o understand_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o people_n heb._n 13._o 17_o 18_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 12._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o if_o god_n have_v see_v the_o poor_a christian_n sufficient_a to_o support_v themselves_o he_o will_v never_o have_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o to_o be_v marshal_v and_o rank_v in_o several_a school_n rank_n order_n and_o all_o to_o walk_v in_o this_o order_n to_o heaven_n if_o you_o withdraw_v from_o under_o christ_n officer_n and_o ordinance_n you_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v snatch_v up_o as_o straggler_n quest._n what_o shall_v we_o do_v who_o shall_v we_o take_v for_o our_o guide_n
and_o they_o have_v not_o one_o word_n to_o speak_v nor_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o for_o to_o venture_v in_o suffer_v for_o the_o way_n and_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n moses_n have_v such_o a_o holy_a zeal_n that_o when_o aaron_n be_v a_o example_n to_o the_o people_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o idolatry_n he_o contend_v with_o he_o earnest_o to_o his_o face_n the_o zeal_n of_o god_n servant_n be_v so_o small_a now_o that_o though_o balaam_n be_v about_o the_o work_n we_o have_v not_o a_o word_n to_o speak_v though_o the_o false_a prophet_n of_o antichrist_n be_v about_o the_o business_n yet_o no_o christian_a have_v courage_n to_o speak_v the_o holy_a apostle_n paul_n when_o peter_n walk_v with_o a_o uneven_a foot_n and_o begin_v to_o judaise_v he_o tell_v we_o he_o do_v resist_v he_o to_o his_o face_n shall_v paul_n resist_v simon-peter_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n resist_v simon-magus_n shall_v they_o resist_v hymenaeus_n and_o philetus_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o contend_v with_o alexander_n the_o coppersmith_n it_o be_v but_o suitable_a to_o what_o god_n expect_v and_o the_o exhortation_n here_o give_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v maintain_v it_o with_o might_n and_o main_a as_o that_o which_o be_v our_o treasure_n which_o we_o will_v not_o let_v go_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n to_o put_v you_o upon_o this_o i_o may_v encourage_v you_o with_o several_a thing_n all_o the_o reason_n mention_v as_o be_v so_o many_o motive_n to_o this_o holy_a spiritual_a contention_n shall_v i_o tell_v you_o of_o three_o word_n further_o 1._o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n deliver_v the_o truth_n to_o you_o shall_v engage_v you_o to_o this_o holy_a contention_n it_o be_v such_o a_o mercy_n as_o be_v a_o non-such_a mercy_n psalm_n 147._o the_o two_o last_o verse_n he_o that_o have_v give_v his_o judgement_n to_o jacob_n and_o his_o statute_n to_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v sâ—…_n with_o every_o nation_n how_o many_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o that_o we_o call_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v put_v like_o samson_n to_o grind_v among_o the_o philistines_n superstition_n popery_n idolatry_n will-worship_n such_o thing_n as_o jesus_n christ_n never_o deliver_v to_o his_o saint_n have_v both_o their_o eye_n out_o the_o scripture_n light_n that_o shall_v have_v show_v they_o the_o truth_n take_v from_o they_o and_o their_o conscience_n that_o shall_v teach_v they_o carry_v in_o the_o pocket_n of_o some_o base_a priest_n that_o dare_v not_o think_v any_o other_o then_o what_o he_o will_v tell_v they_o how_o many_o be_v there_o even_o of_o the_o very_a reform_v of_o the_o world_n who_o only_o get_v upon_o some_o break_a plank_n of_o shipwreck_a truth_n whereby_o they_o swim_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o god_n do_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o we_o you_o have_v have_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o you_o a_o glorious_a light_n set_v up_o in_o the_o nation_n for_o a_o hundred_o of_o year_n past_a which_o have_v be_v like_o the_o light_n of_o seven_o day_n for_o these_o twenty_o year_n past_o the_o run_n to_o &_o fro_o of_o man_n have_v increase_v knowledge_n you_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n from_o god_n faithful_a minister_n you_o have_v receive_v it_o with_o much_o affliction_n with_o many_o temptation_n it_o have_v cost_n jesus_n christ_n dear_a to_o send_v it_o it_o have_v cost_v you_o dear_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o will_v you_o let_v it_o go_v your_o sin_n above_o all_o other_o will_v be_v most_o provoke_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o i_o may_v tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o time_n wherein_o many_o let_v go_v the_o faith_n and_o methinks_v the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v by_o his_o poor_a unworthy_a messenger_n speak_v to_o this_o great_a congregation_n as_o sometime_o he_o do_v to_o his_o apostle_n will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v be_v forward_o and_o eminent_a professor_n of_o the_o faith_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n will_v you_o split_v upon_o the_o same_o rock_n god_n have_v keep_v the_o truth_n for_o you_o and_o keep_v you_o in_o the_o truth_n hitherto_o and_o be_v come_v to_o see_v whether_o you_o will_v leave_v it_o and_o keep_v it_o or_o no._n we_o have_v be_v suck_v at_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o dandle_v upon_o the_o knee_n of_o providence_n and_o go_v on_o in_o a_o smooth_a way_n of_o profession_n but_o what_o will_v you_o do_v now_o when_o you_o must_v come_v possible_o to_o suffer_v persecution_n for_o it_o to_o keep_v the_o faith_n you_o may_v lose_v your_o liberty_n life_n estate_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o hazard_n upon_o this_o account_n because_o it_o have_v please_v god_n so_o to_o dispose_v it_o as_o that_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v your_o guide_n into_o truth_n the_o lord_n be_v remove_v they_o into_o corner_n possible_o while_o they_o have_v be_v with_o you_o you_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n but_o what_o will_v you_o do_v when_o they_o be_v go_v while_o moses_n be_v with_o the_o people_n they_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n when_o once_o he_o be_v go_v into_o the_o mount_n they_o fall_v to_o their_o idolatry_n and_o worship_v a_o calf_n while_o paul_n be_v at_o ephesus_n the_o flock_n be_v keep_v pure_a but_o say_v he_o i_o know_v after_o my_o departure_n grievous_a wolf_n shall_v break_v in_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n etc._n etc._n so_o while_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o god_n who_o send_v voice_n and_o warning_n to_o scare_v away_o the_o wolf_n and_o fox_n from_o you_o possible_o you_o may_v keep_v the_o faith_n but_o what_o will_v you_o do_v when_o god_n remove_v they_o 3._o god_n have_v ever_o have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o his_o church_n a_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n to_o be_v keep_v to_o try_v his_o saint_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v concern_v you_o for_o to_o be_v valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o series_n of_o god_n dispensation_n with_o his_o church_n there_o have_v be_v something_o or_o other_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v cost_v they_o resist_v to_o blood_n to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n to_o lay_v down_o all_o that_o they_o have_v for_o it_o by_o suffer_v now_o even_o as_o they_o so_o we_o if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o thing_n yet_o in_o the_o same_o faith_n we_o have_v still_o some_o word_n or_o other_o of_o god_n patience_n to_o keep_v therefore_o we_o need_v to_o have_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o light_n you_o must_v wrestle_v with_o the_o fiery_a trial_n for_o there_o be_v some_o jewel_n that_o jesus_n christ_n put_v upon_o you_o to_o wear_v that_o persecutor_n persecution_n 〈◊〉_d heretic_n will_v scratch_v at_o which_o you_o must_v hold_v out_o with_o loâ—…s_n of_o life_n to_o keep_v and_o this_o must_v be_v till_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o rage_n and_o reign_v of_o antichrist_n be_v out_o and_o even_o as_o you_o keep_v that_o so_o will_v god_n keep_v you_o rev._n 3._o 10._o as_o you_o honour_v the_o word_n of_o god_n patience_n so_o god_n will_v honour_v you_o as_o you_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o so_o will_v he_o give_v you_o the_o crown_n and_o no_o otherwise_o hence_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o holy_a confidence_n and_o resolution_n as_o to_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n in_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n deliver_v to_o we_o but_o the_o great_a thing_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o be_v wherein_o may_v christian_n be_v help_v in_o this_o holy_a struggle_a and_o contenâ—…ion_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v five_o or_o six_o thing_n some_o to_o fit_v you_o for_o it_o other_o to_o help_v you_o in_o the_o management_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v name_v they_o mixt_o and_o not_o distinct_a rule_n 1._o first_o bring_v all_o doctrine_n that_o be_v offer_v you_o to_o believe_v and_o all_o practice_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o you_o to_o practice_v to_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n try_v they_o there_o whether_o they_o be_v to_o be_v retain_v or_o to_o be_v reject_v you_o will_v have_v this_o double_a advantage_n by_o it_o 1._o to_o discover_v what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a 2._o to_o have_v on_o the_o best_a part_n of_o your_o armour_n whereby_o to_o contend_v against_o it_o 1._o to_o discover_v what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a for_o the_o scripture_n alone_o be_v the_o touchstone_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n the_o scripture_n do_v discover_v itself_o and_o do_v discover_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o when_o you_o be_v bid_v to_o try_v all_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o by_o practise_v all_o thing_n as_o some_o poor_a giddy-headed_a christian_n of_o late_a day_n have_v do_v