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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n church_n religion_n true_a 7,548 5 5.1593 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59549 Fifteen sermons preach'd on several occasions the last of which was never before printed / by ... John, Lord Arch-Bishop of York ... Sharp, John, 1645-1714. 1700 (1700) Wing S2977; ESTC R4705 231,778 520

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ver_fw-la 4._o he_o show_v favour_n and_o dare_v ver_fw-la 5._o he_o have_v disperse_v he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a ver_fw-la 9_o now_o the_o blessedness_n of_o such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o as_o to_o this_o life_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o five_o instance_n follow_v the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v a_o great_a and_o happy_a posterity_n thus_o ver_fw-la 2._o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v mighty_a upon_o earth_n the_o generation_n of_o the_o upright_o shall_v be_v bless_v the_o second_o be_v a_o plentiful_a and_o a_o ample_a fortune_n thus_o in_o the_o three_o verse_n riches_n and_o plenteousness_n shall_v be_v in_o his_o house_n the_o three_o be_v a_o last_a fame_n and_o reputation_n thus_o again_o in_o the_o three_o verse_n his_o righteousness_n remain_v for_o ever_o and_o likewise_o in_o the_o six_o verse_n he_o shall_v be_v have_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n the_o four_o be_v honour_n and_o power_n and_o dignity_n even_o such_o as_o shall_v excite_v the_o envy_n of_o the_o wicked_a thus_o in_o the_o nine_o verse_n his_o horn_n shall_v be_v exalt_v with_o honour_n the_o wicked_a shall_v see_v it_o and_o shall_v be_v grieve_v etc._n etc._n the_o five_o be_v great_a safety_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o dangerous_a and_o troublesome_a time_n thus_o in_o the_o text_n to_o the_o upright_o there_o arise_v light_a in_o the_o darkness_n i_o e._n light_n in_o the_o great_a strait_n and_o difficulty_n for_o that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o darkness_n in_o this_o place_n time_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o scripture_n language_n be_v evil_a and_o difficult_a and_o dangerous_a time_n now_o upon_o account_n of_o this_o light_n that_o arise_v to_o the_o upright_o man_n in_o evil_a time_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o it_o follow_v v._o 6_o 7_o 8._o that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v for_o ever_o neither_o shall_v he_o be_v afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n for_o his_o heart_n be_v establish_v and_o he_o shall_v not_o shrink_v until_o he_o see_v his_o desire_n upon_o his_o enemy_n or_o as_o the_o chaldee_n perhaps_o better_a render_v it_o until_o he_o see_v redemption_n in_o distress_n this_o be_v the_o just_a analysis_n of_o the_o whole_a psalm_n now_o of_o these_o several_a character_n whereby_o the_o pious_a man_n be_v describe_v i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o that_o of_o his_o uprightness_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o and_o to_o recommend_v to_o you_o at_o this_o time_n and_o of_o the_o several_a instance_n of_o the_o blessedness_n of_o such_o a_o man_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o that_o of_o safety_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o perilous_a and_o troublesome_a time_n these_o two_o point_n i_o have_v choose_v to_o entertain_v you_o upon_o as_o judge_v they_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o present_a occasion_n and_o to_o our_o present_a circumstance_n and_o we_o find_v they_o both_o join_v together_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n to_o the_o upright_o there_o arise_v light_a in_o the_o darkness_n here_o than_o we_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o consider_v first_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n here_o make_v or_o the_o blessedness_n here_o mention_v do_v belong_v it_o be_v the_o upright_o man._n second_o the_o promise_n or_o the_o blessedness_n itself_o it_o be_v light_a in_o time_n of_o darkness_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v he_o be_v the_o upright_o man_n or_o as_o in_o our_o more_o common_a language_n we_o express_v he_o the_o honest_a man_n the_o man_n of_o integrity_n we_o all_o know_v so_o well_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o word_n that_o it_o will_v render_v the_o thing_n more_o difficult_a to_o offer_v critical_o to_o give_v light_n to_o they_o as_o all_o those_o general_a term_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v whole_a duty_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n have_v their_o several_a respect_n and_o consideration_n which_o difference_n they_o one_o from_o the_o other_o though_o they_o be_v all_o equal_o comprehensive_a so_o 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those_o end_n in_o righteous_a way_n this_o be_v the_o general_a description_n of_o the_o upright_o man_n but_o for_o the_o more_o lively_o display_v of_o he_o and_o the_o render_v he_o as_o more_o amiable_a so_o more_o imitable_a it_o will_v be_v fit_a that_o we_o represent_v he_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o under_o those_o several_a respect_n and_o capacity_n in_o which_o his_o uprightness_n be_v principal_o see_v and_o express_v and_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v he_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o men._n under_o the_o former_a consideration_n we_o be_v to_o view_v his_o religion_n under_o the_o latter_a his_o civil_a conversation_n and_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v surprise_v that_o in_o the_o character_n of_o a_o upright_o man_n we_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o religious_a carriage_n towards_o god_n for_o in_o truth_n that_o be_v a_o point_n which_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o uprightness_n he_o say_v solomon_n that_o walk_v in_o uprightness_n fear_v the_o lord_n 14.2_o prov._n 14.2_o indeed_o take_v away_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o uprightness_n be_v destroy_v for_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o all_o the_o obligation_n to_o live_v up_o to_o those_o principle_n be_v thereby_o take_v away_o he_o that_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n can_v never_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o observe_v any_o rule_n in_o his_o action_n and_o behaviour_n but_o what_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o carry_v on_o his_o private_a sensual_a worldly_a interest_n and_o consequent_o whatever_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o be_v it_o never_o so_o base_a and_o vile_a and_o injurious_a he_o can_v take_v himself_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n oblige_v to_o stick_v at_o it_o when_o he_o have_v the_o least_o temptation_n to_o it_o the_o result_n of_o which_o be_v that_o he_o may_v commit_v all_o the_o villainy_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o think_v himself_o as_o innocent_a and_o his_o action_n as_o commendable_a as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v never_o so_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a he_o therefore_o that_o be_v a_o upright_o man_n have_v a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n careful_a to_o preserve_v and_o increase_v that_o sense_n but_o then_o his_o conduct_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v much_o different_a from_o that_o of_o ordinary_a pretender_n to_o religion_n for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o do_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o a_o mere_a speculative_a belief_n or_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o do_v so_o far_o impress_v they_o on_o his_o heart_n that_o they_o influence_n his_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o be_v orthodox_n in_o his_o opinion_n or_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n or_o to_o be_v zealous_a in_o maintain_v and_o promote_a the_o right_a way_n but_o he_o 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be_v true_a etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n recommend_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o our_o thought_n and_o pursuit_n if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o distribution_n of_o they_o i_o believe_v they_o will_v all_o natural_o enough_o full_a under_o these_o four_o head_n for_o the_o thing_n here_o recommend_v be_v not_o so_o many_o as_o the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o be_v express_v there_o be_v several_a word_n use_v in_o this_o enumeration_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n and_o seem_v to_o express_v much_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o four_o head_n i_o will_v reduce_v they_o to_o be_v these_o i._o a_o constant_a adherence_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n ii_o honesty_n and_o justice_n in_o our_o deal_n iii_o a_o life_n of_o strict_a purity_n in_o opposition_n to_o sensuality_n and_o lewdness_n iv_o the_o adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n we_o do_v profess_v by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o every_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v virtuous_a or_o commendable_a or_o 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careless_a unchristian_a liver_n that_o ever_o they_o be_v i_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o true_a and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o will_v fare_v otherwise_o with_o we_o if_o god_n shall_v send_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o reclaim_v we_o that_o very_a miracle_n will_v not_o convince_v our_o understanding_n more_o than_o they_o have_v be_v convince_v already_o and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o will_v work_v more_o upon_o our_o will_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v this_o that_o how_o prevail_a soever_o we_o may_v imagine_v such_o a_o experiment_n as_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o offer_v to_o abraham_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o his_o brethren_n will_v be_v upon_o we_o yet_o a_o sensual_a man_n that_o be_v unwilling_a to_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o religion_n may_v easy_o find_v out_o way_n to_o avoid_v the_o force_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v upon_o his_o mind_n nay_o more_o 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this_o method_n be_v every_o way_n more_o accommodate_v for_o that_o end_n than_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v every_o day_n work_v miracle_n for_o the_o reclaim_n particular_a person_n as_o it_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o other_o method_n of_o god_n providence_n to_o the_o way_n that_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v by_o the_o settle_a stand_v law_n of_o motion_n leave_v natural_a cause_n to_o produce_v their_o natural_a effect_n and_o not_o interpose_v his_o omnipotency_n but_o upon_o especial_a extraordinary_a occasion_n so_o also_o as_o we_o have_v see_v be_v it_o much_o more_o effectual_a for_o the_o covince_a man_n understanding_n and_o the_o work_n upon_o their_o will_n than_o the_o other_o method_n of_o private_a miracle_n and_o revelation_n will_v be_v we_o have_v see_v how_o many_o way_n the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o one_o appearance_n from_o the_o dead_a may_v be_v evade_v but_o now_o none_o of_o these_o 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that_o acccompany_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n will_v not_o do_v his_o business_n but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o all_o these_o imagination_n be_v vain_a and_o foolish_a if_o god_n shall_v grant_v we_o our_o several_a desire_n and_o give_v one_o of_o we_o a_o sign_n another_o of_o we_o a_o demonstration_n another_o of_o we_o a_o powerful_a conviction_n upon_o our_o mind_n from_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o very_o doubtful_a whether_o for_o all_o this_o the_o business_n of_o our_o conversion_n will_v be_v effect_v none_o be_v more_o confident_a than_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n that_o if_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v superad_v a_o new_a miracle_n his_o brethren_n will_v certain_o be_v persuade_v but_o yet_o you_o see_v our_o saviour_n affirm_v the_o direct_a contrary_n oh_o let_v we_o all_o close_a with_o the_o stand_v public_a method_n which_o god_n have_v 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he_o be_v not_o only_o to_o profess_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n but_o he_o be_v also_o to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o oblige_v in_o correspondence_n therewith_o to_o mortify_v his_o former_a carnal_a affection_n and_o to_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n and_o the_o very_a form_n of_o baptism_n do_v lively_o represent_v this_o obligation_n to_o they_o for_o what_o do_v their_o be_v plunge_v under_o water_n signify_v but_o their_o undertake_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o burial_n to_o forsake_v all_o their_o former_a evil_a course_n as_o their_o ascend_v out_o of_o the_o water_n do_v their_o engagement_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a spiritual_a life_n this_o our_o apostle_n do_v more_o than_o once_o declare_v to_o we_o thus_o rom._n vi_fw-la 4._o we_o be_v bury_v say_v he_o with_o christ_n by_o baptism_n unto_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n thus_o again_o in_o the_o 10_o and_o 11_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n in_o that_o christ_n die_v he_o die_v unto_o sin_n once_o but_o in_o that_o he_o live_v he_o live_v unto_o god_n likewise_o reckon_v you_o yourselves_o to_o be_v dead_a indeed_o unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n account_v you_o yourselves_o oblige_v to_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v to_o righteousness_n last_o to_o name_v no_o more_o text_n the_o same_o use_n do_v the_o apostle_n make_v of_o christ_n resurrection_n in_o coloss_n iii._o 1_o 2._o if_o you_o then_o say_v he_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n i._n e._n you_o by_o enter_v into_o the_o christian_a covenant_n be_v incorporate_v into_o christ_n he_o be_v your_o head_n you_o be_v his_o member_n and_o therefore_o since_o he_o no_o long_o lead_v a_o life_n of_o this_o world_n it_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n become_v you_o to_o live_v like_o worldling_n or_o epicure_n but_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o as_o the_o member_n ought_v to_o do_v with_o the_o head_n to_o mind_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o where_o he_o be_v to_o set_v your_o affection_n as_o he_o go_v on_o on_o the_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o on_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o you_o be_v dead_a and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n these_o thing_n plain_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n as_o a_o practical_a doctrine_n as_o a_o point_n which_o if_o christian_n believe_v as_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o will_v engage_v they_o to_o mortify_v their_o lust_n to_o die_v to_o the_o world_n to_o place_v their_o affection_n on_o spiritual_a thing_n to_o have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n where_o christ_n our_o head_n our_o life_n now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n ii_o great_a will_v the_o insluence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n upon_o our_o life_n appear_v to_o be_v when_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a evidence_n that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o very_a design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o make_v we_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v make_v a_o man_n good_a it_o must_v be_v a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v make_v a_o man_n hearty_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n it_o must_v be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o dead_a all_o that_o power_n therefore_o that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v to_o make_v man_n good_a all_o that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n that_o its_o argument_n its_o promise_n its_o precept_n its_o encouragement_n it_o threaten_n have_v upon_o the_o understanding_n 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proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n though_o yet_o very_o strong_a and_o conclude_a proof_n these_o be_v i_o doubt_v it_o will_v hardly_o have_v meet_v with_o that_o ready_a entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o find_v it_o do_v but_o a_o great_a many_o both_o then_o and_o now_o will_v have_v make_v the_o same_o objection_n against_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n that_o the_o pharisee_n do_v of_o old_a that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o all_o his_o great_a work_n and_o miracle_n be_v do_v by_o sorcery_n and_o magic_n and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o innocency_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o great_a virtue_n and_o strictness_n that_o he_o express_v in_o his_o conversation_n that_o be_v only_o use_v as_o a_o trick_n and_o a_o artifice_n the_o more_o easy_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o now_o when_o it_o appear_v that_o jesus_n who_o teach_v this_o holy_a religion_n who_o do_v those_o miracle_n who_o live_v that_o virtuous_a life_n do_v after_o he_o be_v put_v to_o a_o cruel_a death_n rise_v again_o to_o life_n and_o converse_v upon_o earth_n for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o after_o that_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o spectator_n do_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n i_o say_v when_o this_o appear_v as_o god_n be_v thank_v it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n here_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o any_o suspicion_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o all_o pretence_n of_o imposture_n do_v perfect_o vanish_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o consider_a man_n to_o believe_v christ_n resurrection_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o thus_o let_v we_o reason_n christ_n over_o and_o over_o again_o tell_v his_o apostle_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o after_o that_o he_o will_v within_o three_o day_n rise_v again_o matth._n xuj_o 21._o xvii_o 22._o john_n xuj_o 16._o nay_o he_o tell_v this_o not_o only_o to_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o all_o the_o people_n nay_o 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not_o real_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v if_o christ_n have_v be_v a_o impostor_n it_o have_v be_v the_o easy_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v stifle_v all_o his_o pretence_n for_o ever_o it_o have_v but_o be_v to_o have_v let_v he_o moulder_a to_o dust_n in_o his_o grave_n as_o all_o other_o man_n do_v and_z as_o he_o without_o the_o help_n of_o omnipotency_n will_v have_v do_v and_o then_o all_o the_o world_n will_v have_v see_v that_o he_o be_v a_o deceiver_n but_o now_o when_o in_o stead_n of_o perish_v in_o the_o grave_a he_o be_v after_o three_o day_n restore_v to_o life_n again_o as_o he_o have_v foretell_v the_o people_n nay_o to_o a_o gloririous_a immortal_a life_n what_o be_v we_o to_o conclude_v from_o
of_o ourselves_o into_o some_o particular_a congregation_n and_o a_o explicit_a promise_n or_o engagement_n to_o join_v with_o it_o in_o church-ordinance_n 2._o how_o wild_o and_o extravagant_o they_o discourse_v that_o talk_n of_o a_o christianity_n at_o large_a without_o relation_n to_o a_o church_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o society_n of_o christian_n the_o second_o proposition_n be_v that_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_a national_a church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o term_n of_o its_o communion_n that_o render_v it_o unlawful_a for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v for_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o that_o part_n of_o it_o within_o who_o verge_n the_o divine_a providence_n have_v cast_v we_o for_o we_o can_v communicate_v with_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o by_o communicate_v with_o some_o part_n of_o it●_n and_o there_o be_v no_o communicate_v with_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o that_o under_o which_o we_o live_v or_o where_o we_o have_v our_o residence_n well_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o there_o may_v be_v several_a distinct_a church_n in_o the_o place_n where_o we_o live_v there_o may_v be_v the_o fix_a regular_a assembly_n of_o the_o national_a church_n and_o there_o may_v be_v separate_a congregation_n both_o which_o be_v or_o pretend_v to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o our_o communicate_v with_o that_o which_o of_o these_o we_o join_v with_o suppose_v we_o join_v but_o with_o one_o of_o they_o and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n from_o that_o principle_n that_o we_o shall_v hold_v communion_n with_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o national_a church_n but_o as_o to_o this_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o that_o which_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n our_o be_v member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n do_v also_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o that_o body_n for_o this_o both_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o society_n and_o the_o express_a precept_n of_o christianity_n do_v require_v of_o every_o member_n but_o now_o to_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o or_o separate_v from_o any_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n with_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v and_o such_o we_o now_o suppose_v the_o establish_a assembly_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o that_o body_n and_o therefore_o certain_o such_o a_o rent_n or_o separation_n must_v be_v unlawful_a and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o must_v be_v unlawful_a also_o to_o join_v with_o any_o congregation_n of_o man_n among_o we_o that_o have_v make_v such_o a_o rent_n or_o separation_n so_o that_o let_v our_o pretence_n be_v what_o they_o will_v so_o long_o as_o the_o fix_a regular_a assembly_n of_o the_o nation_n wherein_o we_o live_v do_v true_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o we_o can_v lawful_o join_v with_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v and_o not_o to_o join_v with_o those_o congregation_n that_o have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o they_o for_o to_o do_v this_o will_v be_v to_o join_v in_o society_n with_o separatist_n will_v be_v a_o partake_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o apostle_n precept_n of_o avoid_v those_o that_o cause_n division_n rom._n 16.17_o the_o three_o poposition_n be_v that_o the_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o church_n do_v oblige_v a_o man_n to_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o church_n this_o proposition_n be_v in_o the_o general_a so_o unquestionable_a that_o no_o sober_a man_n will_v deny_v it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o basis_n upon_o which_o all_o society_n be_v found_v and_o by_o which_o they_o do_v subsist_v for_o to_o suppose_v a_o society_n and_o yet_o to_o suppose_v the_o member_n of_o it_o not_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o obey_v its_o law_n and_o government_n be_v to_o make_v rope_n of_o sand_n to_o suppose_v a_o body_n without_o sinew_n and_o ligament_n to_o hold_v its_o part_n together_o so_o that_o all_o the_o question_n here_o be_v concern_v the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o church_n power_n over_o her_o member_n how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n she_o have_v authority_n to_o oblige_v they_o which_o be_v a_o question_n not_o difficult_a to_o be_v answer_v if_o man_n will_v come_v to_o it_o without_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n for_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o the_o church_n must_v as_o all_o other_o society_n be_v entrust_v with_o at_o least_o so_o much_o power_n over_o her_o subject_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o secure_v she_o own_o welfare_n and_o preservation_n for_o to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v to_o suppose_v god_n to_o have_v found_v a_o church_n and_o intend_v the_o wellbeing_a and_o continuance_n of_o it_o which_o be_v thing_n that_o every_o one_o must_v grant_v and_o yet_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v deny_v she_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n without_o which_o that_o wellbeing_a and_o continuance_n can_v be_v attain_v which_o be_v monstrous_a and_o contradictious_a farthermore_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o welfare_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v secure_v but_o upon_o these_o two_o supposition_n first_o that_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n second_o that_o there_o be_v mean_n of_o maintain_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o its_o member_n this_o latter_a be_v necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o preservation_n of_o a_o church_n as_o a_o society_n the_o 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no_o far_o concern_v therein_o than_o only_o before_o they_o obey_v her_o imposition_n to_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o god_n this_o power_n the_o church_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v otherwise_o she_o will_v not_o be_v enable_v to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o first_o thing_n whereon_o her_o welfare_n do_v depend_v viz._n the_o performance_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n in_o a_o due_a and_o orderly_a manner_n second_o from_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n must_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o power_n to_o end_n and_o determine_v controversy_n of_o religion_n that_o arise_v among_o its_o member_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o give_v such_o a_o authoritative_a decision_n of_o they_o as_o that_o all_o party_n be_v bind_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o for_o without_o this_o she_o will_v be_v defective_a in_o the_o second_o thing_n require_v to_o her_o welfare_n and_o preservation_n viz._n maintain_v herself_o in_o peace_n and_o unity_n but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n that_o this_o power_n of_o end_v controversy_n which_o we_o ascribe_v to_o the_o church_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o authority_n over_o our_o judgement_n or_o that_o in_o virtue_n thereof_o she_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o give_v a_o inward_a assent_n to_o her_o determination_n any_o far_a than_o she_o give_v we_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o which_o be_v that_o extravagant_a power_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v challenge_v to_o herself_o but_o only_a a_o authority_n over_o our_o practice_n that_o she_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o submit_v so_o far_o to_o her_o definition_n as_o not_o to_o act_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o they_o a_o power_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o our_o judgement_n and_o
opinion_n so_o long_o as_o we_o keep_v they_o to_o ourselves_o can_v possible_o cause_v any_o disturbance_n in_o or_o do_v any_o injury_n to_o society_n but_o a_o power_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o if_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o vent_v and_o publish_v whatever_o fancy_n come_v into_o their_o head_n and_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o impose_v silence_n upon_o they_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o she_o will_v be_v overrun_v with_o heresy_n and_o embroil_v in_o insinite_a quarrel_n and_o controversy_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o her_o public_a peace_n the_o four_o proposition_n be_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o withdraw_a our_o communion_n from_o the_o church_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n but_o when_o we_o can_v communicate_v with_o it_o without_o the_o commission_n of_o a_o sin_n for_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n when_o we_o can_v lawful_o do_v so_o as_o have_v be_v before_o prove_v it_o be_v plain_a we_o be_v bind_v so_o long_o to_o continue_v our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n till_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o continue_v in_o it_o any_o long_o but_o it_o can_v be_v unlawful_a to_o continue_v in_o her_o communion_n till_o she_o require_v something_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n that_o be_v a_o sin_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o case_n wherein_o it_o can_v be_v lawful_a to_o withdraw_v our_o communion_n from_o a_o church_n because_o there_o be_v but_o two_o case_n wherein_o communion_n with_o she_o can_v be_v sinful_a one_o be_v when_o the_o church_n require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n a_o acknowledgement_n and_o profession_n of_o that_o for_o a_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o error_n the_o other_o be_v when_o the_o church_n require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n the_o join_n with_o she_o in_o some_o practice_n which_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o these_o two_o case_n to_o withdraw_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n because_o we_o have_v a_o obligation_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n antecedent_n to_o that_o we_o have_v to_o those_o of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v these_o no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v consonant_a or_o agreeable_a to_o those_o but_o now_o from_o this_o discourse_n it_o will_v appear_v how_o insufficient_a those_o cause_n how_o unwarrantable_a those_o ground_n be_v upon_o which_o many_o among_o we_o have_v proceed_v to_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n for_o first_o if_o what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o be_v true_a it_o can_v be_v true_a that_o vnscriptural_a imposition_n be_v a_o warrantable_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n suppose_v that_o by_o vnscriptural_a be_v mean_v no_o more_o than_o only_o what_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o action_n require_v by_o these_o vnscriptural_a imposition_n be_v either_o in_o themselves_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v if_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v than_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o that_o notion_n of_o vnscriptural_a we_o here_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v downright_a sin_n and_o so_o either_o particular_o or_o in_o the_o general_n forbid_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v than_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v how_o their_o be_v command_v can_v make_v they_o unlawful_a so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o yield_a obedience_n to_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o no_o cause_n of_o withdraw_a our_o communion_n from_o it_o neither_o second_o can_v it_o be_v true_a that_o error_n in_o a_o church_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n or_o corruption_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n so_o long_o as_o those_o error_n and_o corruption_n be_v only_o suffer_v but_o not_o impose_v can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o separation_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o sin_n in_o we_o so_o long_o as_o we_o do_v not_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o they_o so_o that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o can_v communicate_v with_o a_o church_n without_o either_o profess_v her_o error_n or_o partake_v in_o her_o sinful_a practice_n as_o in_o the_o present_a case_n it_o be_v suppose_v we_o may_v do_v so_o long_o we_o be_v bind_v upon_o the_o principle_n before_o lay_v down_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o neither_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n be_v the_o enjoy_n a_o more_o profitable_a ministry_n or_o live_v under_o a_o more_o pure_a discipline_n in_o a_o separate_a congregation_n a_o just_a cause_n of_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v member_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o to_o commit_v a_o sin_n for_o the_o promote_a a_o good_a end_n now_o as_o we_o have_v say_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n so_o long_o as_o her_o communion_n be_v not_o sinful_a but_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o less_o profitable_a ministry_n or_o a_o less_o pure_a discipline_n do_v not_o make_v her_o communion_n sinful_a therefore_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o more_o profitable_a ministry_n or_o a_o more_o pure_a discipline_n can_v make_v a_o separation_n from_o her_o lawful_a thus_o have_v i_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v represent_v to_o you_o the_o particular_n of_o that_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o common_a mother_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o her_o unity_n and_o communion_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v not_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o peace_n as_o to_o have_v be_v at_o all_o injurious_a to_o truth_n i_o be_o confident_a i_o have_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o best_a and_o ancient_a christian_n and_o i_o be_o certain_a i_o have_v not_o entrench_v upon_o any_o of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o our_o ancestor_n proceed_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o for_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n here_o deliver_v we_o have_v also_o the_o suffrage_n of_o several_a and_o those_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o moderate_a of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o now_o if_o after_o this_o any_o one_o be_v offend_v as_o indeed_o these_o kind_n of_o discourse_n be_v seldom_o very_o acceptable_a all_o i_o can_v say_v be_v this_o that_o the_o truth_n here_o deliver_v be_v real_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v dissemble_v or_o suppress_v for_o any_o bad_a reception_n they_o may_v meet_v with_o from_o some_o man_n but_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o deliver_v they_o i_o have_v take_v all_o the_o care_n i_o can_v not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o any_o i_o now_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o task_n upon_o this_o head_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o duty_n recommend_v in_o the_o text_n with_o relation_n to_o particular_a christian_n our_o brethren_n and_o here_o my_o business_n be_v to_o direct_v you_o to_o the_o pursuit_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n as_o peace_n signify_v mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n in_o opposition_n to_o strife_n and_o bitterness_n and_o contention_n the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v more_o especial_o these_o that_o follow_v which_o i_o shall_v deliver_v by_o way_n of_o rule_n and_o advice_n the_o first_o rule_n be_v to_o distinguish_v careful_o between_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o matter_n of_o opinion_n and_o as_o to_o these_o latter_a to_o be_v willing_a that_o every_o one_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o judge_v for_o himself_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o will_v help_v very_o much_o to_o the_o extinguish_n of_o those_o unnatural_a heat_n and_o animosity_n which_o have_v long_o be_v the_o reproach_n of_o christian_n if_o man_n will_v set_v no_o great_a value_n upon_o their_o notion_n and_o opinion_n than_o they_o do_v deserve_v if_o they_o will_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o necessary_a point_n and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o and_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a will_v not_o rigorous_o tie_v up_o other_o to_o their_o measure_n but_o will_v allow_v every_o man_n to_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n so_o long_o as_o the_o church_n peace_n be_v not_o hereby_o injure_v we_o shall_v not_o have_v so_o many_o bitter_a quarrel_n and_o heartburning_n among_o we_o but_o alas_o whilst_o every_o one_o will_v frame_v a_o system_fw-la of_o divinity_n of_o his_o own_o head_n and_o every_o puny_a notion_n of_o that_o system_n must_v be_v christen_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o
iii_o preach_v at_o bow-church_n on_o the_o 17_o of_o february_n 1680._o eccles_n iij._n 10._o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o they_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n this_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a experiment_n that_o solomon_n have_v make_v in_o order_n to_o the_o find_v out_o wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n do_v consist_v and_o these_o word_n be_v one_o of_o the_o conclusion_n he_o draw_v from_o those_o experiment_n no_o man_n have_v ever_o great_a opportunity_n of_o try_v all_o the_o way_n wherein_o man_n general_o seek_v for_o contentment_n than_o he_o have_v and_o no_o man_n do_v ever_o more_o industrious_o apply_v himself_o to_o or_o take_v a_o great_a liberty_n in_o enjoy_v those_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v common_o most_v admire_v than_o he_o do_v and_o yet_o after_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o all_o his_o enjoyment_n he_o find_v nothing_o but_o emptiness_n and_o dissatisfaction_n he_o think_v to_o become_v happy_a by_o philosophy_n give_v his_o heart_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o 1.13_o eccl._n 1.13_o to_o seek_v and_o search_v out_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v under_o the_o sun_n yet_o upon_o trial_n he_o find_v all_o this_o to_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n he_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o political_a wisdom_n and_o other_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n and_o his_o attainment_n in_o that_o kind_n be_v great_a than_o of_o any_o that_o be_v before_o he_o yet_o he_o experience_v at_o last_o 18._o ver._n 18._o that_o in_o wisdom_n be_v much_o grief_n and_o he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n he_o prove_v his_o heart_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o with_o mirth_n and_o wine_n 3._o chap._n 2._o ver._n 1_o 3._o and_o all_o sort_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n to_o find_v if_o these_o be_v good_a for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o his_o desire_a satisfaction_n in_o these_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o say_v of_o laughter_n 2._o ver._n 2._o that_o it_o be_v mad_a and_o of_o mirth_n what_o good_a do_v it_o he_o turn_v himself_o to_o work_n of_o pomp_n and_o magnificence_n he_o build_v he_o stately_a house_n and_o make_v he_o garden_n and_o vineyard_n 4._o ver._n 4._o and_o orchard_n and_o fountain_n he_o increase_v his_o possession_n 8._o ver._n 8._o and_o gather_v silver_n and_o gold_n and_o the_o precious_a treasure_n of_o king_n and_o of_o the_o province_n he_o get_v he_o a_o vast_a retinue_n and_o keep_v the_o most_o splendid_a court_n that_o ever_o any_o prince_n of_o that_o country_n do_v yet_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o when_o he_o come_v to_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o work_n that_o his_o hand_n have_v wrought_v 11._o ver._n 11._o and_o on_o the_o labour_n that_o he_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v behold_v all_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v no_o profit_n under_o the_o sun_n but_o wherein_o then_o be_v there_o any_o profit_n if_o not_o in_o these_o thing_n what_o be_v that_o good_a that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o in_o order_n to_o their_o live_n as_o comfortable_o as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n here_o will_v allow_v this_o question_n after_o a_o intimation_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o perplexedness_n of_o all_o humane_a event_n but_o withal_o of_o the_o exactness_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o have_v make_v every_o thing_n beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n he_o thus_o resolve_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n i_o know_v say_v he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o they_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o rejoice_v and_o do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o have_v find_v by_o long_a experience_n that_o all_o the_o happiness_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n do_v arise_v from_o these_o two_o thing_n rejoice_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o and_o do_v good_a to_o other_o 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proper_a and_o seasonable_a to_o be_v recommend_v and_o insist_v on_o to_o you_o at_o this_o time_n and_o on_o this_o occasion_n than_o these_o two_o thing_n for_o the_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n make_v up_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o this_o meeting_n we_o be_v here_o so_o many_o brethren_n meet_v together_o to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o rejoice_v together_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o blessing_n to_o we_o and_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o society_n one_o with_o another_o and_o to_o do_v good_a not_o only_o by_o increase_v our_o friendship_n and_o mutual_a correspondence_n but_o by_o join_v together_o in_o a_o cheerful_a contribution_n to_o those_o our_o countryman_n that_o need_v our_o charity_n to_o entertain_v you_o therefore_o upon_o these_o two_o point_n seem_v to_o be_v my_o proper_a business_n but_o in_o treat_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o invert_v the_o order_n in_o which_o they_o be_v put_v in_o the_o text_n and_o shall_v first_o speak_v of_o do_v good_a though_o it_o be_v last_o name_v and_o shall_v afterward_o treat_v of_o rejoice_v the_o truth_n be_v do_v good_a in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o rejoice_v for_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a joy_n in_o the_o possession_n or_o use_v of_o any_o worldly_a blessing_n unless_o we_o can_v satisfy_v ourselves_o we_o have_v do_v some_o good_a with_o they_o it_o be_v the_o do_v good_a that_o sanctify_v our_o other_o enjoyment_n and_o make_v they_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v now_o in_o treat_v of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v brief_o endeavour_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v earnest_o recommend_v to_o you_o the_o practice_n of_o do_v good_a upon_o several_a consideration_n second_o i_o shall_v represent_v the_o practicableness_n of_o it_o by_o show_v the_o several_a way_n which_o every_o person_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a circumstance_n be_v capable_a of_o do_v good_n 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to_o the_o frame_n and_o make_v of_o our_o being_n it_o be_v to_o gratify_v those_o inclination_n and_o appetite_n that_o be_v most_o strong_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n such_o as_o love_n and_o natural_a affection_n pity_n and_o compassion_n a_o desire_n of_o friend_n and_o a_o propensity_n to_o knot_n ourselves_o into_o company_n and_o society_n what_o be_v all_o these_o but_o so_o many_o stimuli_fw-la so_o many_o powerful_a incitement_n of_o nature_n to_o put_v we_o upon_o do_v good_a office_n one_o to_o another_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o acquisition_n of_o all_o those_o talent_n of_o all_o those_o favour_n and_o advantage_n that_o god_n have_v bless_v we_o with_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a use_v we_o
just_a to_o the_o same_o effect_n and_o with_o they_o i_o shall_v conclude_v the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n where_o have_v speak_v most_o severe_a thing_n and_o denounce_v no_o less_o than_o hell_n fire_n against_o the_o false_a brethren_n among_o they_o yet_o thus_o he_o comfort_v the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v 6.9_o heb._n 6.9_o but_o belove_a say_v he_o we_o be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o do_v accompany_v salvation_n though_o we_o thus_o speak_v and_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v the_o reason_n he_o be_v thus_o persuade_v very_o this_o 11._o ver_fw-la 11._o for_o god_n say_v he_o be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o you_o have_v show_v to_o his_o name_n in_o that_o you_o have_v minister_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o yet_o do_v minister_v it_o be_v pure_o their_o charity_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o make_v he_o have_v these_o good_a hope_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n though_o that_o church_n as_o to_o other_o thing_n be_v in_o a_o very_a degenerate_a condition_n yet_o consider_v they_o have_v be_v laborious_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n and_o still_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v god_n will_v not_o forget_v they_o nay_o he_o be_v not_o so_o unrighteous_a as_o to_o forget_v they_o and_o then_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v very_o observable_a 11._o verse_n 11._o and_o we_o desire_v that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o do_v show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n if_o they_o will_v have_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a life_n assure_v to_o they_o the_o way_n to_o do_v it_o be_v to_o persevere_v in_o their_o diligent_a attendence_n to_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n and_o charity_n the_o second_o passage_n be_v that_o of_o st._n john_n hereby_o say_v he_o perceive_v we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o etc._n 1_o john_n 3._o 16._o etc._n etc._n because_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n but_o whoso_o have_v this_o world_n good_a and_o see_v his_o brother_n have_v need_v and_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o he_o how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o my_o little_a child_n let_v we_o not_o love_v in_o word_n neither_o in_o tongue_n but_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n and_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v assure_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o i_o pray_v mind_n that_o by_o our_o charitable_a disposition_n and_o do_v good_a to_o our_o brethren_n by_o this_o we_o know_v we_o be_v true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o will_v assure_v our_o heart_n will_v give_v we_o confidence_n to_o appear_v before_o god_n at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v a_o point_n that_o the_o apostle_n think_v so_o considerable_a that_o he_o go_v over_o with_o it_o again_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n belove_v if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o i._n e._n condemn_v we_o not_o as_o to_o this_o point_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o shall_v receive_v of_o he_o because_o we_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n the_o last_o text_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o i_o desire_n may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v that_o of_o st._n peter_n above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n 4.8_o 1_o pet._n 4.8_o have_v fervent_a charity_n among_o yourselves_o for_o charity_n shall_v cover_v the_o multitude_n of_o sin_n o_o how_o comfortable_a be_v these_o word_n there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o even_o the_o best_a but_o have_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n to_o answer_v for_o by_o what_o mean_v now_o must_v we_o obtain_v that_o these_o sin_n shall_v be_v cover_v that_o be_v shall_v be_v forgive_v 33.1_o psal_n 33.1_o for_o cover_v of_o sin_n be_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o in_o the_o scripture-language_n why_o the_o apostle_n have_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o method_n above_o all_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n for_o it_o be_v charity_n that_o shall_v cover_v the_o multitude_n of_o sin_n charity_n be_v of_o that_o power_n with_o god_n that_o it_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v the_o malignity_n of_o many_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o frailty_n that_o will_v otherwise_o do_v we_o mischief_n if_o any_o thing_n can_v make_v atonement_n for_o the_o carelessness_n and_o the_o many_o fail_n of_o our_o life_n and_o prevent_v the_o punishment_n that_o be_v due_a to_o they_o it_o be_v to_o be_v very_o charitable_a and_o to_o do_v much_o good_a charity_n cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n a_o great_a many_o temporal_a judgement_n that_o will_v otherwise_o have_v fall_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n be_v hereby_o prevent_v and_o that_o not_o only_o private_a one_o but_o public_a too_o and_o i_o think_v it_o no_o popery_n to_o affirm_v that_o charity_n will_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o other_o life_n also_o that_o be_v whoever_o be_v of_o a_o true_o charitable_a disposition_n and_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a in_o his_o generation_n though_o he_o may_v have_v a_o great_a many_o infirmity_n and_o miscarriage_n to_o answer_v for_o yet_o if_o he_o be_v sincere_o virtuous_a in_o the_o main_a and_o so_o capable_a of_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o other_o world_n his_o other_o fail_n will_v be_v overlook_v they_o will_v be_v bury_v in_o his_o good_a deed_n and_o the_o man_n shall_v be_v reward_v notwithstanding_o or_o if_o he_o be_v a_o vicious_a person_n and_o so_o must_v of_o necessity_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v yet_o still_o in_o proportion_n the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o life_n will_v cover_v 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reward_v and_o wicked_a man_n punish_v to_o deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o humane_a action_n and_o to_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v we_o do_v by_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o we_o can_v do_v otherwise_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v every_o day_n meet_v with_o man_n of_o these_o principle_n nay_o and_o that_o laugh_v at_o all_o those_o that_o maintain_v the_o contrary_n but_o then_o as_o for_o the_o business_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n what_o a_o very_a little_a do_v a_o great_a many_o among_o we_o make_v of_o that_o to_o talk_v of_o christ_n be_v send_v for_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o die_v to_o procure_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o must_v believe_v all_o the_o scripture-doctrine_n concern_v he_o and_o worship_v he_o as_o a_o god_n why_o what_o stuff_n be_v this_o to_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o resin_a spirit_n of_o our_o age_n it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o they_o 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closet_n why_o if_o a_o man_n be_v true_o religious_a he_o can_v not_o pass_v a_o day_n without_o solemn_a address_n to_o his_o maker_n and_o to_o his_o redeemer_n he_o will_v pray_v in_o his_o closet_n constant_o and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o family_n he_o will_v pray_v with_o they_o constant_o and_o if_o he_o have_v no_o family_n he_o will_v constant_o resort_v to_o those_o place_n where_o he_o may_v pay_v his_o tribute_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n unless_o he_o have_v urgent_a business_n to_o hinder_v he_o but_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o to_o be_v see_v among_o we_o except_o in_o some_o few_o person_n here_o and_o there_o be_v there_o not_o twenty_o family_n for_o one_o that_o live_v without_o so_o much_o as_o the_o show_n of_o any_o devotion_n without_o any_o sort_n of_o prayer_n or_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o house_n nay_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o may_v say_v there_o be_v twenty_o for_o one_o even_o of_o private_a person_n that_o live_v without_o devotion_n in_o their_o closet_n that_o never_o call_v upon_o god_n never_o renew_v their_o vow_n to_o their_o saviour_n never_o pay_v he_o any_o homage_n except_o perhaps_o once_o a_o week_n in_o a_o formal_a way_n when_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n oblige_v they_o to_o resort_v to_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n be_v so_o little_a sense_n have_v most_o of_o we_o of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n so_o little_a regard_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o our_o depenance_n upon_o he_o and_o express_v that_o dependence_n either_o in_o private_a or_o in_o our_o family_n that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o happy_a institution_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n on_o the_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n to_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v hardly_o see_v any_o face_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n shall_v scarce_o be_v distinguish_v from_o heathen_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o 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numerous_a wicked_a intrigue_n of_o lust_n the_o infamous_a whoredom_n and_o adultery_n that_o be_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o shame_n daily_o carry_v on_o and_o act_v among_o we_o and_o that_o by_o person_n too_o that_o have_v the_o face_n to_o show_v themselves_o at_o our_o holy_a assembly_n especial_o if_o to_o these_o be_v add_v the_o infinite_a lie_n and_o cheat_n and_o perjury_n which_o our_o land_n groan_v under_o the_o blasphemous_a oath_n and_o imprecation_n the_o damn_o i_o be_v and_o sink_v i_n the_o horrid_a profanation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n sacred_a that_o be_v in_o every_o place_n in_o every_o street_n where_o we_o pass_v belch_v out_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o his_o law_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o quality_n from_o the_o beggar_n in_o the_o street_n to_o the_o man_n of_o honour_n and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n but_o because_o it_o be_v their_o humour_n or_o their_o 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one_o of_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v the_o very_a subsistence_n of_o the_o world_n for_o so_o many_o age_n in_o that_o regular_a frame_n that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o the_o fair_a treatment_n and_o encouragement_n how_o unequal_o soever_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v distribute_v which_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a man_n have_v always_o find_v in_o it_o and_o do_v yet_o find_v notwithstanding_o that_o far_o the_o great_a number_n of_o man_n be_v of_o another_o stamp_n i_o say_v these_o very_a thing_n seem_v a_o argument_n beyond_o exception_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o preside_v over_o we_o and_o take_v care_n of_o we_o but_o four_o and_o last_o god_n have_v yet_o give_v we_o a_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o by_o his_o own_o many_o authentic_a declaration_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o we_o call_v his_o word_n one_o of_o the_o main_a business_n of_o which_o be_v 4.17_o dan._n 4.17_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o rule_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n and_o dispose_v of_o all_o their_o affair_n there_o he_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o the_o author_n of_o all_o event_n 3.6_o amos._n 3.6_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a so_o that_o no_o evil_n happen_v in_o a_o city_n but_o the_o lord_n do_v it_o there_o he_o be_v represent_v as_o the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o man_n design_n and_o action_n the_o avenger_n of_o all_o evil_a practice_n and_o the_o refuge_n of_o all_o good_a men._n there_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o of_o battle_n 33.16_o psal_n 33.16_o and_o that_o no_o king_n be_v save_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o army_n nor_o any_o mighty_a man_n deliver_v by_o his_o own_o strength_n but_o salvation_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o be_v disappointment_n also_o there_o we_o be_v assure_v ●4_n psal_n 33._o ●4_n that_o he_o from_o his_o habitation_n look_v down_o upon_o all_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n he_o fashion_v the_o heart_n of_o they_o he_o understand_v all_o their_o way_n 19.21_o pror_n 19.21_o and_o though_o many_o be_v the_o device_n that_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n yet_o it_o be_v his_o counsel_n only_o that_o shall_v stand_v in_o a_o word_n ●●_o eph._n 1._o ●●_o it_o be_v god_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o work_v all_o thing_n and_o he_o work_v they_o all_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n so_o that_o nothing_o come_v by_o chance_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o vain_a but_o all_o event_n be_v in_o pursuance_n of_o a_o design_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o event_n of_o cast_v a_o lot_n which_o seem_v the_o most_o fortuitous_a contingent_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v leave_v at_o random_n for_o even_o in_o that_o case_n the_o disposal_n of_o the_o lot_n as_o solomon_n tell_v we_o prov._n 16.33_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n all_o this_o be_v not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n but_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o very_a language_n and_o expression_n of_o those_o holy_a book_n and_o what_o can_v we_o desire_v 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thou_o please_v to_o let_v we_o see_v that_o none_o of_o we_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a but_o that_o we_o be_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o thy_o providence_n and_o object_n of_o thy_o care_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o be_v city_n and_o state_n and_o kingdom_n so_o wherein_o the_o fortune_n of_o so_o many_o individual_n be_v wrap_v up_o o_o bless_a be_v god_n for_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n o_o for_o ever_o adore_v be_v his_o name_n for_o thus_o humble_v himself_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o we_o and_o our_o affair_n and_o likewise_o for_o give_v we_o such_o abundant_a assurance_n that_o he_o do_v so_o since_o therefore_o we_o have_v such_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v king_n let_v the_o earth_n be_v glad_a yea_o let_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o isle_n be_v glad_a thereof_o and_o we_o shall_v still_o see_v great_a reason_n thus_o to_o be_v glad_a if_o we_o consider_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n by_o which_o god_n administer_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o as_o too_o often_o happen_v in_o human_a government_n arbitrary_a will_n or_o humour_n but_o perfect_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n though_o it_o be_v true_a what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v 135.6_o psal_n 135.6_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n please_v that_o do_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o deep_a place_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o lord_n will_v never_o be_v please_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n either_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n but_o what_o be_v suggest_v by_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o in_o such_o way_n as_o be_v the_o result_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n