religion_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o we_o look_v on_o former_a time_n aâ—_n the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n which_o god_n wink_v at_o if_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o i_o shall_v think_v the_o time_n happy_a and_o bless_v the_o day_n we_o live_v into_o for_o as_o many_o sour_a and_o sad_a accident_n as_o they_o be_v mix_v withal_o indeed_o if_o the_o variety_n of_o book_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o discourse_n upon_o religion_n if_o the_o multitude_n of_o dispute_n about_o point_n of_o truth_n and_o frequency_n of_o sermon_n may_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o this_o pretention_n â—e_n shall_v not_o want_v store_n enough_o of_o knowledge_n and_o light_n but_o i_o fear_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o which_o we_o may_v try_v the_o truth_n oâ—_n this_o assertion_n that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o measure_v either_o the_o truth_n or_o degree_n of_o our_o knowledge_n but_o for_o all_o that_o we_o may_v be_v lie_v bury_v in_o egyptian-darkness_n and_o while_o such_o a_o light_n seem_v to_o shine_v about_o we_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v a_o dungeon_n of_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o unbelief_n and_o our_o way_n and_o walk_v full_a of_o stumblingâ—_n in_o the_o darkness_n i_o be_o lead_v to_o entertain_v these_o sad_a thought_n oâ—_n the_o present_a timeâ—_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o give_v we_o the_o designation_n of_o â—_o true_a christian_n to_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o character_n oâ—_n his_o knowledge_n to_o be_v obedience_n to_o his_o command_n if_o according_a to_o this_o level_n we_o take_v the_o estimat_fw-la of_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o knowledge_n â—nd_v light_n i_o be_o afraid_a lest_o there_o be_v find_v as_o much_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o daâ—kness_n as_o we_o do_v foolish_a fancy_n that_o we_o have_v of_o light_n however_o to_o find_v 〈◊〉_d will_v be_v some_o break_n up_o of_o light_n in_o our_o heart_n anâ—_n to_o discover_v how_o little_o we_o know_v indeed_o upon_o a_o 〈◊〉_d account_n will_v be_v the_o fiâ—st_a morning_n star_n oâ—_n that_o sun_n 〈◊〉_d righteousness_n which_o will_v shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o thâ—_n perfect_a day_n therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o bring_v ouâ—_n light_n to_o the_o lâ—mp_n of_o this_o word_n and_o our_o knowledge_n to_o this_o testimony_n of_o unquestionable_a authority_n thaâ—â—aving_v recourse_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n wâ—_n may_v find_v if_o there_o be_v light_n in_o we_o or_o so_o much_o light_n as_o man_n think_v they_o see_v if_o we_o can_v but_o open_a ouâ—_n eye_n to_o the_o shine_a light_n of_o this_o scripture_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v that_o which_o â—ew_a do_v see_v that_o be_v that_o much_o of_o the_o pretend_a light_n of_o this_o age_n be_v darkness_n and_o ignorance_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o error_n only_o that_o come_v â—orth_o in_o the_o garment_n oâ—_n new_a light_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o vulgar_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v â—ar_o adulterate_v from_o the_o true_a metal_n &_o stamp_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n by_o the_o intermixture_n of_o the_o gross_a darkness_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o conversation_n as_o that_o other_o be_v from_o the_o naked_a truth_n and_o therefore_o both_o of_o they_o be_v find_v light_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o sergeant_n by_o this_o touchstone_n of_o obedience_n to_o make_v out_o this_o examination_n the_o better_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o open_v these_o three_o thing_n unto_o you_o which_o comprehend_v the_o word_n 1._o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a designation_n of_o a_o christian_a hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n 2._o that_o the_o proper_a character_n of_o true_a knowledge_n be_v obedience_n or_o conscionable_a practise_v of_o what_o we_o know_v and_o then_o last_o that_o the_o only_a estimat_fw-la or_o trial_n of_o our_o estate_n before_o god_n be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o appearance_n of_o his_o work_n in_o uâ—_n and_o not_o by_o immediate_a thrust_v ourselves_o into_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n hide_a decree_n hereby_o we_o know_v etc._n etc._n here_o then_o in_o a_o narrow_a circle_v we_o have_v â—ll_o the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o a_o christian_a his_o direct_a â—nd_n principal_a duty_n be_v to_o know_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o command_n which_o be_v not_o two_o distinct_a duty_n as_o they_o come_v in_o a_o religious_a consideration_n but_o make_v up_o one_o complete_a woâ—k_n of_o christianity_n which_o consist_v in_o conformity_n to_o god_n then_o the_o reflex_n and_o secondary_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o make_v much_o for_o hiâ—_n comfort_n be_v to_o know_v that_o he_o know_v god_n to_o know_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o command_n iâ—_n a_o thing_n of_o indispensible_a necessity_n to_o the_o be_v oâ—_n a_o christiâ—n_n to_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o comâ—ort_n and_o well-being_n oâ—_n a_o christian_a without_o the_o first_o a_o man_n be_v as_o miserablâ—â—s_v he_o can_v be_v without_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o misery_n because_o hâ—_n want_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o happiness_n without_o the_o second_o a_o christian_n be_v unhappy_a indeed_o for_o the_o present_a though_o he_o may_v not_o be_v call_v miserable_a because_o he_o be_v more_o happy_a than_o he_o know_v of_o and_o only_o unhappy_a because_o he_o know_v not_o his_o happiness_n for_o the_o first_o then_o knowledge_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o naturâ—l_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n that_o the_o desire_n of_o it_o be_v restless_a and_o unsatiable_a there_o be_v some_o appetite_n of_o it_o in_o all_o man_n though_o in_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n because_o of_o immersednesse_n in_o earthly_a thing_n and_o thâ—_n predominancy_n of_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o affection_n which_o hinder_v most_o man_n soul_n to_o wait_v upon_o thâ—_n more_o noble_a inquiry_n alter_v knowledge_n in_o which_o onâ—_n a_o man_n real_o differ_v from_o a_o beast_n there_o be_v little_a 〈◊〉_d no_o stir_v that_o way_n yet_o some_o fine_a spirit_n theâ—â—â—e_v that_o be_v unquiet_a this_o way_n and_o with_o solomoâ—_n give_v themselves_o and_o apply_v their_o heart_n to_o seaâ—câ—_n out_o wisdom_n but_o this_o be_v the_o cuâ—se_n of_o man_n curioâ—â—â—ty_n at_o first_o in_o seek_v after_o unnecessary_a knowledge_n when_o he_o be_v happy_a enough_o already_o and_o know_v a_o much_o of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n as_o may_v have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d most_o satisfy_a entertainment_n of_o his_o spirit_n i_o say_v for_o that_o wretched_a aim_n we_o be_v to_o this_o day_n depriuâ—ed_v of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o man_n once_o have_v whicâ—_n be_v the_o ornament_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o repast_n oâ—_n his_o soul_n as_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v subdue_v under_o â—_o curse_o for_o sin_n so_o especial_o this_o which_o man_n have_v iâ—_n lose_v in_o seek_v that_o which_o he_o need_v not_o and_o the_o tract_n of_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_v and_o perplex_v the_o footstep_n of_o it_o be_v so_o undiscernible_a and_o the_o way_n of_o it_o be_v like_o a_o bird_n in_o the_o air_n or_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n leave_v we_o few_o help_n to_o find_v it_o out_o that_o most_o part_n of_o man_n lose_v themselves_o in_o seek_v to_o find_v it_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o the_o inquiry_n and_o search_n of_o man_n after_o the_o knowledge_n even_o of_o natural_a thing_n that_o come_v under_o our_o view_n there_o be_v at_o length_n nothing_o find_v out_o remarkable_a but_o the_o increase_n of_o sorrow_n and_o the_o discovery_n of_o ignorance_n as_o solomon_n say_v eâ—cles_n 1.18_o this_o be_v all_o the_o jewel_n that_o be_v bring_v up_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o sea_n when_o man_n diuâ—_n deep_a into_o it_o for_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n can_v reach_v no_o more_o though_o his_o bucket_n be_v as_o long_o as_o any_o mansâ—_n chap._n 7.23_o i_o say_v i_o will_v he_o wise_a bâ—t_v it_o be_v far_o from_o i_o that_o which_o be_v far_o off_o and_o exceed_v deep_a who_o can_v find_v it_o out_o knowledge_n have_v take_v a_o far_a journey_n from_o man_n nature_n and_o have_v not_o lest_o any_o print_n behind_o it_o to_o find_v it_o out_o again_o but_o as_o it_o weâ—e_v have_v fly_v away_o in_o a_o instant_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v ask_v with_o job_n 28._o ver_fw-la 1.12_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o vein_n for_o the_o silver_n etc._n etc._n but_o where_o shall_v wisdom_n be_v find_v and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o understanding_n what_o utopian_a isle_n have_v she_o transport_v unto_o that_o mortal_a man_n the_o
put_v a_o note_n and_o character_n of_o infamy_n and_o deformity_n upon_o all_o hypocrisy_n and_o deceit_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o contrary_a to_o religion_n as_o a_o false_a appearance_n a_o show_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o for_o religion_n be_v a_o most_o entire_a and_o equable_v thing_n like_v at_o 〈◊〉_d harmonious_a in_o all_o the_o paâ—ts_n of_o it_o the_o same_o wittlin_n and_o without_o in_o expression_n and_o action_n all_o corâ—respondent_a together_o now_o to_o 〈◊〉_d this_o hâ—â—mâ—â—ny_n and_o to_o make_v it_o up_o of_o unequal_a dissimile_n paâ—ts_n and_o to_o make_v our_o paâ—t_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o 〈◊〉_d other_o the_o couâ—se_n of_o a_o mâ—ns_n liâ—e_z in_o ignoâ—ancâ—_n negligence_n and_o sin_n proclaim_v contrary_a to_o â—hâ—_n profession_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v to_o make_v reliâ—gion_n a_o monstruous_a thing_n to_o deny_v the_o nature_n oâ—_n it_o and_o in_o our_o imagination_n to_o contrive_v a_o imâ—possible_a union_n of_o inconsistent_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o creaâ—ture_n make_v up_o of_o contradiction_n which_o can_v hauâ—_n no_o subsistence_n in_o the_o truth_n but_o only_o in_o the_o fanâ—cies_n of_o delude_a soul_n one_o profess_v christianity_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n fellowship_n with_o the_o original_a light_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousnesâ—â—_n and_o yet_o daâ—knesse_n of_o ignorance_n possess_v the_o mind_n and_o the_o heart_n caâ—â—ied_v away_o in_o thâ—_n way_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o ignorance_n and_o walk_v in_o that_o darkness_n this_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o christianity_n one_o so_o far_o misshapen_v that_o the_o very_a outward_a form_n and_o visage_n of_o it_o do_v not_o remain_v but_o i_o tell_v you_o reason_n confirm_v this_o for_o what_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o very_a natural_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o reasonable_a be_v then_o that_o the_o outward_a man_n shall_v be_v the_o image_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v answer_v one_o another_o aâ—_n fâ—ce_n answer_v face_n in_o the_o water_n that_o the_o tongue_n shall_v be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o action_n of_o a_o man_n life_n the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o tongue_n here_o be_v that_o beautiful_a proportion_n and_o that_o please_a harmonâ—_n when_o all_o these_o though_o different_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o conjoin_v together_o and_o make_v up_o one_o sweet_a concord_n now_o tru_o if_o we_o tâ—ke_v upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o our_o ordinary_a and_o habitual_a speech_n be_v carnal_a and_o earthly_a never_o salt_v with_o grace_n often_o poison_v with_o blasphemy_n oath_n and_o cursing_n and_o often_o defile_v with_o filthy_a speech_n and_o often_o intermingle_v with_o reproache_n of_o otheâ—s_n if_o our_o conversation_n be_v conform_v to_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o these_o lust_n that_o hurâ—y_v away_o multitude_n oâ—_n mankind_n to_o perdition_n and_o look_v to_o the_o heart_n within_o and_o behold_v never_o any_o labour_n about_o the_o purify_n of_o it_o from_o corruption_n never_o any_o mortification_n of_o evil_a affection_n and_o little_a or_o no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n not_o so_o much_o as_o may_v let_v christ_n in_o to_o the_o soul_n this_o i_o say_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a and_o abâ—â—â—d_a as_o it_o be_v irreligious_a it_o whole_o pervert_v that_o beautiful_a order_n make_v a_o irreconciliable_a discord_n between_o all_o the_o part_n in_o man_n that_o neither_o mind_n nor_o mouth_n nor_o hand_n answer_v one_o another_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o answer_v that_o holy_a call_v a_o man_n pretend_v to_o such_o a_o one_o pretend_v ordinary_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o heart_n towards_o god_n but_o now_o the_o tongue_n can_v interpret_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v exanctorate_v out_o of_o that_o natural_a office_n for_o the_o ordinary_a current_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o pretend_a goodness_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o his_o heart_n send_v forth_o good_a thing_n but_o all_o these_o be_v either_o evil_a or_o never_o season_v with_o that_o spiritual_a goodness_n then_o the_o way_n and_o action_n of_o a_o man_n life_n which_o ought_v to_o interpret_v and_o expound_v his_o profession_n these_o be_v render_v altogether_o incapable_a of_o that_o they_o give_v no_o confirmation_n to_o they_o but_o rather_o â—_o manife_a contradiction_n for_o what_o arâ—_n your_o multiply_a oath_n drunkenness_n fornication_n rail_n contention_n lying_n sabbath-profanationâ—_a your_o woeful_a neglect_n of_o prayer_n in_o secret_a and_o in_o your_o family_n your_o continue_v in_o these_o evils_n that_o ever_o you_o walk_v into_o what_o be_v they_o i_o say_v but_o a_o manifest_a violation_n of_o both_o religion_n and_o reason_n and_o a_o clear_a confirmation_n that_o you_o be_v liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o you_o there_o be_v something_o even_o in_o nature_n to_o declare_v the_o absurdity_n and_o unnaturalness_n of_o this_o general_a discordance_n between_o man_n profession_n and_o practice_n look_v upon_o all_o the_o creature_n and_o do_v they_o not_o all_o with_o one_o voice_n proclaim_v sincerity_n have_v not_o every_o beast_n and_o every_o bird_n it_o be_v own_o outward_a shape_n outward_a gesture_n and_o voice_n and_o external_a work_n which_o declare_v the_o inward_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o staple-known_a rule_n in_o nature_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v know_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o a_o lion_n by_o his_o roar_n â—_o lark_n by_o its_o sing_n a_o horse_n by_o his_o neigh_a and_o â—n_a ox_n by_o his_o low_v etc._n etc._n all_o these_o speak_v forth_o nothing_o but_o sincerity_n in_o so_o much_o that_o if_o these_o mark_n â—nd_v sign_n shall_v be_v confound_v â—nd_a beast_n use_v they_o indifferent_o all_o humane_a knowledge_n shall_v sudden_o fall_v to_o nothing_o this_o will_v put_v such_o a_o confusion_n both_o in_o thâ—_n woâ—ld_a and_o mankind_n o_o how_o do_v this_o condemn_v thâ—sâ—_n who_o pretend_v to_o thiâ—_n high_a call_v of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o discern_v they_o by_o nothing_o appear_v in_o they_o and_o ordinary_o proceed_v from_o they_o which_o may_v give_v a_o signification_n of_o the_o inward_a truth_n of_o their_o fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o rather_o that_o which_o give_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o pretention_n therâ—â—eâ—e_v no_o consent_n in_o nature_n if_o thaâ—_n be_v 〈◊〉_d neither_o be_v there_o any_o harmonious_a agreement_n in_o religion_n where_o thiâ—_n proportion_n and_o correspondence_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o a_o mâ—nâ—_n life_n the_o very_a heathen_n do_v not_o account_v they_o philosopher_n but_o those_o that_o express_v their_o doctrine_n in_o woâ—kâ—_n 〈◊〉_d well_o as_o word_n and_o true_o the_o lively_a image_n of_o truth_n be_v in_o practice_n they_o commend_v they_o that_o be_v spaâ—ing_v in_o word_n and_o abundant_a in_o deed_n who_o have_v short_a speech_n but_o long_o and_o large_a discourse_n in_o their_o life_n and_o what_o iâ—_n this_o but_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n every_o where_o from_o his_o own_o example_n inculcate_v upon_o we_o these_o wordâ—_n be_v emphatic_a to_o do_v the_o truth_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n to_o do_v his_o word_n to_o believe_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o such_o like_a all_o which_o declare_v that_o in_o so_o far_o we_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o light_n as_o it_o be_v impress_v in_o the_o affection_n and_o express_v again_o in_o the_o conversation_n for_o the_o infinite_a truth_n and_o the_o infinite_a life_n be_v one_o and_o the_o original_a light_n and_o primitive_a life_n and_o love_n be_v onâ—_n too_o and_o whoever_o true_o receiveâ—_n the_o truth_n and_o light_n as_o it_o be_v can_v but_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o live_a truth_n and_o life-giving_a light_n and_o so_o be_v heat_v and_o warm_v inward_o by_o his_o beam_n which_o will_v certain_o cauâ—e_v some_o stir_v and_o work_v without_o for_o as_o much_o as_o in_o nature_n heat_n be_v always_o work_v so_o be_v the_o fiâ—e_n of_o love_n kindle_v in_o the_o heart_n incessant_a that_o way_n fâ—ith_v work_v by_o love_n foâ—_n action_n be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o life_n that_o which_o both_o show_v it_o and_o preserve_v it_o now_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o caâ—â—y_v these_o thing_n home_o to_o your_o heart_n where_o shall_v convince_a word_n be_v have_v which_o may_v break_v the_o hardness_n of_o your_o heart_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o you_o be_v in_o such_o a_o deep_a dream_n of_o delusion_n that_o nothing_o can_v awake_v you_o out_o of_o it_o and_o how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o you_o have_v to_o please_v yourselves_o into_o some_o external_a privilege_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o covenant_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o your_o ordinary_a bear_v the_o word_n and_o
such_o like_a but_o be_v there_o not_o many_o thing_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o way_n that_o act_n the_o most_o contradictory_n lie_v to_o these_o that_o can_v be_v for_o wherefore_o do_v we_o thus_o meet_v together_o do_v you_o know_v a_o end_n or_o propose_v any_o i_o scarce_o believe_v it_o of_o the_o most_o part_n we_o come_v out_o of_o custom_n and_o mâ—ny_n as_o by_o constraint_n and_o with_o little_a or_o no_o previous_a consideration_n of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o this_o work_n and_o when_o you_o go_v forth_o what_o fruit_n appear_v your_o ordinary_a carnal_a and_o civil_a discourse_n succeed_v and_o who_o be_v it_o either_o bow_v his_o knee_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o divine_a blessing_n or_o intertain_v that_o holy_a word_n either_o in_o his_o own_o meditation_n or_o speak_v of_o it_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o be_v you_o not_o the_o most_o part_n of_o you_o that_o ground_n of_o which_o christ_n speak_v that_o lie_v in_o the_o way-side_n and_o every_o thing_n come_v and_o take_v the_o seed_n up_o do_v you_o either_o listen_v and_o apply_v your_o heart_n to_o a_o presentnesse_n in_o hear_v or_o be_v there_o any_o more_o account_n of_o it_o than_o a_o sound_n in_o the_o ear_n or_o any_o footstep_n or_o impression_n leave_v in_o the_o heart_n more_o than_o of_o the_o flight_n of_o a_o bird_n in_o the_o air_n and_o alas_o how_o many_o soul_n be_v choke_v and_o stifle_v the_o truth_n suffocate_v in_o the_o very_a spr_a by_o the_o thorn_n of_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o throng_n and_o importunity_n of_o business_n and_o earthly_a desire_n how_o many_o good_a motion_n come_v to_o no_o maturity_n by_o this_o mean_n how_o few_o of_o you_o use_v to_o pray_v in_o secret_a and_o to_o dedicat_fw-la a_o time_n for_o retirement_n from_o the_o world_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n nay_o you_o think_v you_o be_v not_o call_v to_o it_o and_o if_o any_o be_v induce_v to_o it_o and_o to_o public_a worship_n in_o their_o family_n yet_o all_o the_o day_n over_o be_v but_o a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o that_o what_o earthly-mindednesse_a what_o unholiness_n of_o affection_n what_o impuâ—ity_n of_o conversation_n what_o one_o lust_n be_v subdue_v what_o one_o sin_n mortify_v who_o increase_v more_o in_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o in_o love_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o midnight_n with_o most_o part_n of_o you_o o_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o ignorance_n of_o your_o mindâ—_n by_o which_o you_o know_v not_o that_o religion_n you_o profess_v more_o than_o tuâ—ks_v who_o do_v persecute_v it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o way_n you_o walk_v into_o be_v they_o not_o such_o way_n as_o will_v not_o come_v to_o the_o light_n and_o hate_v the_o light_n because_o it_o reprove_v they_o joh._n 3.19_o 20._o and_o 11.9_o 10._o be_v they_o not_o such_o in_o whicâ—_n man_n stumble_v though_o they_o seem_v to_o walk_v easy_o and_o plain_o into_o they_o yet_o o_o that_o everlasting_a stumble_v that_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o they_o when_o you_o shall_v fall_v out_o of_o one_o darkness_n of_o sin_n and_o delusion_n into_o a_o utter_a extreme_a eternal_a daâ—knesse_n of_o destruction_n and_o damnation_n o_o that_o â—eaâ—â—ul_a dungeon_n and_o pit_n of_o darkness_n you_o post_v into_o â—_o therefore_o iâ—_n you_o love_v your_o own_o soul_n be_v warn_v 〈◊〉_d beseech_v you_o be_v warn_v to_o flee_v from_o that_o â—â—ter_a darkness_n be_v awake_v out_o of_o your_o deceive_a dream_n and_o delude_v self-flattering_a imagination_n and_o christ_n shall_v give_v you_o light_n the_o discovery_n of_o that_o gross_a daâ—knesse_n you_o walk_v into_o in_o which_o you_o do_v not_o see_v whither_o you_o wâ—nt_v i_o say_v the_o clear_a discern_v of_o what_o it_o be_v and_o whither_o iâ—_n lead_v be_v the_o fiâ—â—t_a open_n of_o that_o light_n the_o â—irâ—t_a visit_n of_o that_o morning_n star_n that_o bring_v salvation_n if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v oâ—_n that_o infinite_a dâ—ngeâ—_n you_o be_v into_o yet_o you_o arâ—_n not_o the_o â—urther_o â—rom_o â—t_a he_o that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n lie_v etc._n etc._n hiâ—_n strong_a confidence_n and_o persuasion_n have_v â—_o lie_v â—_o contradiction_n in_o the_o bosom_n oâ—_n it_o and_o that_o will_v nâ—ver_o bottom_v any_o true_a happiness_n it_o be_v a_o lie_n act_v by_o the_o hand_n the_o â—oot_n and_o â—ll_o the_o member_n a_o lie_v â—gâ—inst_a â—he_v holy_a truâ—h_n and_o word_n oâ—_n god_n and_o the_o very_a reproach_n oâ—_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d lie_n against_o yourselves_o and_o your_o own_o passion_n a_o soul-murthering_a lie_n as_o well_o as_o a_o christâ—denyinâ—â—_n lie_v and_o this_o lie_n as_o a_o holy_a man_n say_v have_v fill_v house_n city_n family_n country_n it_o have_v euâ—â—_n overspr_v the_o whole_a nation_n and_o fill_v all_o with_o darkness_n horror_n conâ—usion_n trouble_n and_o anguish_n once_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n by_o profession_n of_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o our_o open_a manife_a universal_a retraction_n of_o that_o by_o a_o unholy_a ungodly_a and_o wicked_a conversation_n this_o hâ—th_v bâ—ought_v the_o sword_n against_o a_o hypocritical_a nation_n and_o this_o will_v bring_v that_o far_o great_a incomparable_o more_o intolerable_a day_n of_o wrath_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n therefore_o let_v i_o exhort_v all_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o you_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o that_o eternal_o bless_a society_n within_o the_o holy_a city_n and_o not_o to_o be_v exclude_v among_o these_o who_o commit_v abomination_n and_o make_v a_o lie_n that_o you_o will_v henceforth_o impose_v this_o necessity_n upon_o yourselves_o or_o know_v that_o it_o be_v lay_v upon_o you_o by_o god_n to_o labour_v to_o know_v the_o will_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v see_v that_o light_n that_o shiâ—es_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o only_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o your_o mind_n but_o in_o your_o heart_n by_o love_n that_o so_o you_o may_v endeavour_v in_o all_o sincerity_n the_o do_v of_o that_o truth_n the_o conscionable_a practise_v of_o what_o you_o know_v and_o this_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a point_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o light_n so_o it_o will_v make_v you_o capable_a of_o more_o light_n from_o god_n â—or_a he_o delight_v to_o show_v his_o liberality_n where_o he_o have_v any_o acceptance_n be_v not_o satisfy_v o_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o know_v these_o truth_n and_o discourse_v upon_o they_o but_o make_v they_o â—urther_v your_o own_o by_o impress_v they_o deep_o in_o your_o heart_n and_o express_v they_o plain_o in_o your_o way_n this_o be_v pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a jâ—m_n 1.27_o and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o know_v i_o say_v â—he_n lord_n jer._n 22.16_o practice_n be_v real_a knowledge_n because_o it_o be_v live_a knowledge_n it_o iâ—_n the_o veâ—y_a life_n and_o soul_n oâ—_n châ—istianity_n when_o there_o need_v no_o more_o but_o the_o intimation_n of_o hiâ—_n will_v to_o câ—râ—y_a the_o whole_a man_n tâ—is_n be_v that_o we_o will_v all_o aspire_v unto_o and_o not_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o our_o poor_a attainment_n below_o this_o sermon_n xiu·_n 1_o joh._n 1.7_o but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n we_o have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n be_v be_v the_o imitation_n of_o nature_n and_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o divine_a art_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o more_o high_a and_o transcendent_a thing_n of_o a_o sublime_a nature_n than_o all_o the_o art_n and_o science_n among_o man_n those_o reach_n but_o to_o some_o resemblance_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n express_v in_o his_o work_n but_o this_o aspire_v to_o a_o imitation_n of_o himself_o in_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o nâ—me_n and_o so_o to_o a_o fellowship_n with_o himself_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o have_v so_o high_a a_o pattern_n or_o sublime_a a_o end_n god_n himself_o who_o be_v infinite_o above_o all_o iâ—_n the_o pattern_n &_o society_n with_o god_n iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d end_n oâ—_n iâ—_n and_o so_o it_o can_v choice_n but_o where_o religion_n make_v a_o solid_a impression_n on_o a_o soul_n it_o 〈◊〉_d excee_o raise_v and_o advance_v it_o to_o the_o most_o heroic_a and_o noble_a resolution_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a oâ—_n in_o respect_n oâ—_n which_o elevation_n of_o the_o â—oul_n after_o god_n the_o high_a project_n the_o great_a aspire_n and_o the_o most_o elevate_a design_n of_o man_n aâ—e_v nothing_o but_o low_a base_a and_o wretched_a have_v nothing_o of_o true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n in_o they_o but_o run_v in_o a_o earthly_a and_o â—â—â—did_a channel_n infinite_o below_o the_o poor_a soul_n that_o be_v
thou_o justify_v thyself_o which_o be_v a_o abomination_n before_o he_o nor_o yet_o will_v it_o total_o extinguish_v and_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o clamour_n of_o thy_o conscience_n but_o that_o some_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v spoil_v of_o all_o that_o sels-confidence_n and_o self-defence_n and_o find_v thy_o selâ—_n so_o much_o the_o more_o displease_v to_o god_n that_o thou_o do_v please_v thyself_o and_o undertake_v to_o pacify_v he_o therefore_o my_o belove_a let_v i_o above_o all_o thing_n recommend_v this_o unto_o you_o as_o the_o prime_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n must_v be_v build_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v apply_v unto_o your_o conscience_n by_o believe_v and_o that_o first_o of_o all_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o your_o enmity_n with_o god_n and_o infinite_a distance_n from_o he_o you_o apply_v your_o heart_n unto_o this_o blood_n which_o be_v the_o atonement_n to_o the_o reconcile_a sacrifice_n which_o alone_o have_v virtue_n and_o power_n with_o god_n do_v not_o imagine_v that_o any_o peace_n can_v be_v without_o this_o will_v you_o walk_v with_o god_n which_o be_v a_o â—â—dgâ—_n of_o agreement_n â—_o will_v you_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n which_o iâ—â—â—â—uit_n of_o reconciliation_n will_v you_o have_v pardon_n oâ—_n sin_n and_o the_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o it_o whiâ—h_n be_v the_o great_a effect_n of_o â—avour_n and_o all_o this_o without_o and_o before_o application_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o peace_n in_o who_o the_o father_n only_o be_v well_o please_v will_v you_o seek_v these_o and_o yet_o dispute_v this_o point_n of_o believe_v as_o if_o it_o weâ—e_v possible_a to_o attain_v these_o without_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o that_o blood_n on_o the_o heaâ—t_n which_o indeed_o cleanse_v it_o fâ—om_o a_o evil_a accuse_a conscience_n if_o you_o desire_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n why_o weaâ—y_v you_o yourselves_o in_o byways_a why_o take_v you_o such_o a_o compâ—sse_a oâ—_n endless_a and_o fruitless_a agitation_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n and_o will_v not_o rather_o come_v straight_o way_n at_o it_o by_o the_o door_n of_o jesuâ—_n christ_n â—oâ—_n he_o be_v the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n into_o which_o you_o must_v enter_v if_o you_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n and_o the_o wound_n of_o his_o side_n out_o of_o which_o this_o blood_n gush_v these_o open_a you_o a_o way_n of_o access_n to_o he_o because_o he_o be_v pierce_v for_o we_o that_o stream_n of_o blood_n iâ—_n you_o come_v to_o it_o and_o follow_v it_o all_o along_o it_o will_v certain_o carry_v you_o to_o the_o sea_n of_o light_n and_o love_n where_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o o_o how_o much_o comfort_n be_v in_o it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o stream_n run_v all_o the_o way_n of_o our_o walk_n with_o god_n all_o the_o way_n of_o our_o fellowship_n that_o fountain_n of_o christ_n blood_n run_v not_o dâ—y_o but_o â—â—ns_v along_o with_o the_o believer_n for_o the_o cleanse_n of_o his_o after_o pollution_n of_o â—is_n defilement_n even_o in_o the_o very_a light_n itself_o this_o then_o as_o it_o be_v the_o fiâ—st_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o perpetual_a assurance_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o that_o which_o first_o give_v boldness_n and_o that_o alone_a which_o still_o câ—ntâ—nueâ—_n boldness_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o fiâ—st_a ground_n and_o the_o constant_a warrant_n and_o security_n of_o it_o without_o which_o it_o will_v be_v as_o soon_o dissolve_v as_o make_v if_o that_o blood_n do_v not_o run_v along_o all_o this_o way_n to_o wâ—sh_v all_o his_o step_n if_o the_o way_n of_o light_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n be_v not_o water_v and_o reâ—â—eshed_v with_o the_o continual_a current_n of_o this_o blood_n certain_o none_o can_v walk_v in_o it_o without_o be_v consume_v therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o riches_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n have_v provide_v this_o bloâ—d_n for_o uâ—_n both_o to_o cleanse_v the_o sinâ—_n of_o ignorance_n before_o â—elieving_v and_o the_o sinâ—_n oâ—_n light_n after_o believe_v tâ—at_v a_o poor_a sinner_n may_v constant_o go_v on_o his_o wâ—â—_n and_o not_o be_v break_v off_o â—rom_o god_n by_o his_o infirmity_n and_o eâ—capes_n in_o the_o way_n you_o â—ee_n then_o the_o gospel_n â—uns_v in_o these_o two_o golden_a streamâ—_n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o purity_n of_o walk_v they_o run_v undivide_o all_o along_o in_o one_o channel_n yet_o without_o confusion_n one_o with_o another_o as_o it_o be_v report_v of_o some_o great_a river_n that_o run_v together_o between_o the_o same_o bank_n and_o yet_o retain_v distinct_a colour's_n and_o nature_n all_o the_o way_n till_o they_o part_v but_o these_o stream_n that_o glad_a the_o city_n of_o god_n never_o part_v one_o from_o another_o the_o cleanse_a blood_n anâ—_n the_o purify_n light_n 〈◊〉_d aâ—e_a 〈◊〉_d entire_a aâ—d_n perfect_a â—um_n of_o the_o gospel_n purification_n â—rom_o sin_n the_o guilt_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o purity_n of_o â—alking_v in_o the_o light_n flow_v from_o that_o make_v up_o the_o â—ull_a complexion_n oâ—_n chrâ—â—â—ianity_n wâ—ich_a be_v â—o_o near_o conjoin_v together_o that_o iâ—_n they_o be_v divide_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v and_o can_v any_o of_o they_o subsist_v save_v in_o man_n delude_a imagination_n the_o end_n oâ—â—â—shing_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n iâ—_n that_o we_o may_v coâ—e_n to_o this_o light_n and_o have_v fellowship_n with_o it_o for_o the_o darkness_n of_o hell_n the_o utter_a daâ—kness_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n which_o overspread_v the_o unbelieving_a soul_n and_o eclipse_n all_o the_o light_a oâ—_n god_n countenance_n from_o he_o that_o daâ—k_v and_o thick_a cloud_n of_o guiltiness_n that_o heap_n of_o unrenewed_a conversation_n this_o i_o say_v must_v be_v remove_v by_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n be_v admit_v to_o enjoy_v that_o light_n and_o walk_v into_o it_o and_o it_o be_v remove_v chief_o for_o this_o end_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o impediment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o fellowship_n this_o blood_n cleanse_v that_o you_o be_v cleanse_v may_v henceforth_o walk_v in_o purity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o purity_n like_o that_o of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o command_n and_o so_o you_o be_v wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n and_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o defile_v not_o your_o garment_n again_o but_o if_o so_o be_v and_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v our_o weakness_n that_o you_o defile_v yourselves_o again_o like_o soolish_a child_n who_o after_o they_o have_v wash_v run_v to_o the_o puddle_n again_o forget_v that_o thâ—y_n be_v cleanse_v if_o either_o youâ—_n daily_a infirmity_n troâ—ble_a or_o some_o grosser_n pollution_n defile_v and_o waste_v youâ—_n conscience_n know_v thâ—t_o this_o blood_n â—uns_v all_o along_o in_o the_o same_o channel_n of_o your_o obligation_n to_o holy_a walk_n and_o it_o be_v as_o sufficient_a now_o as_o ever_o to_o cleanse_v you_o from_o all_o sin_n from_o sin_n of_o daily_a incursion_n and_o sin_n of_o a_o grosser_n nature_n there_o be_v no_o exception_n in_o that_o blood_n let_v there_o be_v none_o in_o your_o application_n to_o iâ—_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o give_v boldness_n to_o any_o man_n to_o sin_n or_o continue_v in_o sin_n because_o of_o the_o lengthen_v use_v and_o continue_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v such_o a_o result_n fâ—om_n it_o and_o improve_v it_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o flesh_n he_o declareâ—_n himself_o to_o have_v no_o portion_n in_o it_o never_o to_o have_v be_v wâ—shed_v by_o it_o for_o what_o soul_n can_v in_o sobriety_n look_v upon_o that_o blood_n shed_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o worlâ—_n and_o find_v a_o embolden_v to_o sin_n from_o that_o view_n who_o can_v wash_v and_o cleaâ—â—e_v here_o and_o present_o think_v of_o defilement_n but_o with_o indignation_n i_o speâ—k_v these_o thing_n the_o rather_o because_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a misapprehension_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o christian_n and_o on_o both_o hand_n much_o darkness_n â—nd_v stumble_v be_v occasion_v we_o have_v poor_a narrow_a spirit_n and_o do_v not_o take_v entire_a truth_n in_o its_o full_a comprehension_n and_o so_o we_o be_v as_o unfit_a and_o unequal_a discerner_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o receiver_n of_o it_o as_o he_o that_o will_v judge_v of_o a_o sentence_n by_o one_o word_n of_o a_o book_n by_o one_o page_n of_o a_o harmony_n by_o one_o note_n and_o of_o the_o world_n by_o
one_o parcel_n of_o it_o the_o beauty_n and_o harmony_n of_o thing_n consist_v in_o their_o entire_a union_n and_o though_o there_o shall_v appear_v many_o discrepancy_n â—nd_v unpleasant_a discord_n in_o several_a part_n yet_o all_o unite_a together_o make_v up_o a_o pleasant_a consort_n now_o this_o be_v our_o childish_a foolishness_n that_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o gospel_n only_o by_o half_n and_o this_o be_v alone_o see_v beget_v misapprehension_n and_o mistake_n in_o our_o mind_n for_o ordinary_o we_o supply_v that_o which_o we_o see_v not_o with_o some_o fancy_n of_o our_o own_o when_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v hold_v out_o in_o its_o full_a virtue_n in_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o its_o efficacy_n to_o cleanse_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o wipe_v away_o all_o transgression_n as_o if_o they_o hâ—d_v never_o be_v the_o generality_n of_o you_o never_o apprehend_v much_o your_o own_o desperate_a condition_n nor_o conceive_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o change_n you_o think_v this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o begin_v to_o flatter_v yourselves_o and_o bless_v yourselves_o though_o you_o live_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o never_o apprehend_v the_o absolute_a need_n and_o inevitable_a sequel_n of_o walk_v in_o purity_n aster_n pardon_n and_o alace_o there_o be_v something_o of_o this_o sometime_o overtake_v the_o â—_z of_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o slight_a and_o overly_o consideration_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n use_v blood_n of_o christ_n you_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o constraint_n upon_o your_o heart_n to_o â—_o holy_a conversation_n i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o because_o you_o apprehend_v that_o blood_n that_o you_o take_v more_o liberty_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o rather_o because_o you_o too_o slight_o and_o superficial_o consider_v it_o and_o that_o but_o the_o one_o half_a of_o it_o without_o pierce_v into_o the_o prope_a end_n of_o that_o cleanse_n which_o iâ—_n that_o we_o may_v walk_v in_o pâ—â—ity_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o believe_a soul_n have_v their_o desiâ—es_n enlarge_v after_o more_o holiness_n and_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o apprehend_v not_o only_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o the_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n of_o it_o yet_o find_v withal_o how_o infinite_o short_a they_o come_v and_o how_o oâ—â—_n their_o purpose_n be_v break_v and_o disappoint_v and_o themselves_o plunge_v in_o the_o miâ—e_n of_o their_o own_o filthiness_n this_o do_v discourage_v they_o and_o driâ—eâ—_n they_o to_o such_o a_o despondency_n and_o dejection_n of_o spirit_n that_o â—hey_n aâ—e_v like_a to_o give_v over_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n as_o desperate_a now_o my_o belove_a for_o you_o who_o look_v upon_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o parcel_n and_o such_o a_o parcel_n as_o enjoin_v much_o upon_o you_o i_o will_v earnest_o beseech_v to_o open_v and_o enlarge_v your_o â—_z to_o receive_v the_o full_a body_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o look_v upon_o thâ—â—_n cleanse_v blood_n as_o well_o as_o that_o pure_a light_n to_o consider_v the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o one_o until_o you_o have_v full_o attain_v the_o other_o know_v that_o the_o foâ—â—taiâ—_n be_v keep_v open_a and_o not_o shut_v not_o only_o to_o admit_v you_o to_o come_v at_o fiâ—st_n but_o to_o give_v ready_a access_n in_o all_o after-defilements_a and_o there_o be_v no_o woâ—d_n more_o comprehensive_a than_o this_o here_o it_o cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n all_o thy_o exception_n doubt_n and_o difficulty_n be_v about_o some_o particular_a sinâ—_n and_o circumstance_n thy_o debate_n run_v upon_o some_o exception_n but_o here_o be_v a_o universal_a comprehensive_a word_n that_o exclude_v all_o exception_n no_o kind_n of_o sin_n either_o for_o quality_n or_o degree_n or_o circumstance_n be_v too_o great_a for_o this_o blood_n and_o therefore_o as_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v humble_v under_o your_o â—aâ—lings_n so_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v discourage_v but_o rather_o to_o reviuâ—_v your_o spirit_n and_o vigour_n again_o in_o the_o study_n of_o this_o walk_n in_o the_o light_n know_v that_o one_o day_n we_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o light_n â—s_v he_o be_v in_o it_o nay_o take_v this_o along_v with_o you_o as_o your_o strength_n and_o encouragement_n to_o your_o duty_n as_o the_o great_a provocation_n to_o morâ—_n purity_n that_o there_o be_v so_o constant_a readiness_n of_o pardon_n iâ—_n that_o blood_n sermon_n xvi·_n 1_o joh._n 1.8_o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n rom._n 13.12_o this_o â—iâ—e_n be_v but_o as_o night_n even_o to_o the_o godly_a there_o be_v some_o light_n in_o it_o some_o starlight_n but_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o much_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o sin_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v till_o the_o sun_n arise_v and_o the_o morning_n of_o their_o translation_n to_o heaven_n come_v but_o though_o it_o be_v call_v night_n in_o one_o sense_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o perfect_a glorious_a perpetual_a day_n in_o heaven_n yet_o they_o be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n and_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n and_o be_v exhort_v to_o walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n because_o though_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o dâ—â—knesse_n in_o they_o of_o weakness_n in_o their_o judgement_n and_o impurity_n in_o their_o affection_n yet_o they_o be_v naâ—_n ad_fw-la majâ—â—â—_n bear_v to_o great_a thing_n and_o aspire_v to_o that_o perfect_a day_n theâ—e_n iâ—_n so_o much_o light_n as_o to_o discern_v these_o night-monsterâ—_a their_o own_o corruption_n and_o satan_n â—_z to_o fight_v continual_o against_o they_o they_o be_v about_o this_o noble_a woâ—k_n the_o purify_n themselves_o from_o sin_n and_o daâ—knesse_n so_o that_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o middle_n between_o the_o light_n of_o angel_n â—nd_v gâ—â—â—ified_v spiritâ—_n that_o have_v no_o darkness_n in_o it_o anâ—_n the_o midnight_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n who_o aâ—e_v bury_v in_o daâ—knesse_n and_o wickedness_n and_o lie_v entomb_v in_o it_o aâ—_n the_o woâ—d_n be_v 1_o joh._n 5.19_o the_o whoâ—e_a world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lie_v in_o wickedness_n but_o we_o knâ—w_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n subjoin_v here_o very_o seasonable_o a_o caution_n or_o correction_n of_o that_o which_o waâ—_n speak_v about_o the_o walk_n in_o the_o light_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n which_o wordâ—_n sound_v out_o some_o perfection_n and_o to_o ourselves_o flatteâ—ing_v mindâ—_n may_v possible_o suggest_v some_o too_o high_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o if_o we_o even_o we_o thâ—t_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n even_o i_o the_o apostle_n and_o you_o believe_a christians_n if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n no_o darkness_n in_o we_o we_o do_v but_o deceive_v our_o sâ—lâ—es_n and_o deny_v the_o truth_n but_o who_o will_v say_v that_o i_o have_v no_o sin_n solomon_n give_v a_o challenge_n to_o all_o the_o world_n pro._n 20_o 9_o who_o can_v say_v i_o have_v make_v my_o heart_n clean_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o my_o sin_n and_o indeed_o theâ—e_n be_v no_o man_n so_o far_o a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o but_o if_o he_o in_o sobriety_n and_o calmness_n retire_v into_o his_o own_o heart_n the_o very_a evidence_n of_o the_o impurity_n of_o â—t_a will_v extort_v this_o confession_n from_o he_o as_o it_o use_v to_o be_v say_v of_o a_o atheist_n he_o feel_v that_o divine_a majesty_n within_o in_o his_o secret_a thought_n and_o conscience_n which_o he_o deny_v with_o his_o mouth_n and_o he_o be_v often_o force_v to_o tremble_v at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o who_o he_o will_v not_o confess_v so_o if_o there_o be_v any_o so_o far_o bewitch_v and_o enchant_v into_o so_o gross_a and_o impudent_a a_o delusion_n as_o to_o assert_v his_o own_o perfection_n and_o vacancy_n from_o sin_n and_o freedom_n from_o obligation_n to_o any_o divine_a command_n as_o this_o time_n be_v fruitful_a of_o such_o monster_n yet_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o in_o the_o secret_a and_o quiet_a reflection_n on_o themselves_o they_o find_v that_o which_o they_o will_v not_o confess_v inward_o they_o feel_v what_o outward_o they_o deny_v and_o can_v but_o some_o time_n or_o other_o be_v fill_v with_o horror_n and_o anguish_n in_o their_o conscience_n by_o that_o inward_o witness_v and_o check_v principle_n when_o god_n shall_v give_v it_o liberty_n to_o exerce_v its_o power_n over_o they_o the_o end_n of_o such_o will_v be_v as_o of_o profess_a atheist_n they_o pretend_v the_o secure_a contempt_n â—nd_v fearlesse_v misregard_n of_o god_n but_o then_o when_o he_o awake_v to_o judgement_n or_o declare_v himself_o in_o some_o thing_n extraordinary_a they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o
self-destroying_a deceit_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o not_o past_a over_o that_o line_n that_o pass_v between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n which_o thâ—y_o be_v study_v to_o find_v out_o only_o that_o they_o may_v pass_v so_o far_o over_o it_o as_o may_v keep_v their_o soul_n and_o hell_n asunder_o without_o earnest_a desire_n of_o advancement_n towards_o heaven_n in_o conformity_n to_o god_n now_o for_o the_o generality_n of_o profess_a christian_n though_o there_o be_v none_o have_v that_o general_a confession_n of_o sin_n often_o and_o more_o ready_o in_o their_o mouth_n yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrat_fw-la that_o there_o be_v much_o of_o this_o self-deceit_a in_o they_o which_o declare_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o you_o know_v both_o god_n and_o man_n construct_v of_o man_n by_o their_o wâ—yes_n not_o by_o their_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n may_v interpret_v your_o heart_n by_o their_o disposition_n and_o raise_v a_o collection_n 〈◊〉_d atheism_n out_o of_o all_o together_o â—he_n fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n even_o so_o say_v i_o many_o pretended_a christian_n say_v in_o their_o heart_n we_o have_v no_o sin_n how_o prove_v you_o that_o i_o seek_v nothing_o else_o to_o prove_v it_o than_o your_o own_o ordinary_a clearing_n and_o excusing_n of_o yourselves_o you_o confess_v you_o be_v sinner_n and_o break_v all_o the_o command_n yet_o come_v to_o particular_n and_o i_o know_v not_o one_o of_o twenty_o that_o will_v cordial_o or_o serious_o take_v with_o almost_o any_o sin_n yea_o what_o you_o have_v grant_v in_o a_o general_n you_o retract_v and_o deny_v it_o in_o all_o the_o particular_n which_o declare_v both_o that_o even_o that_o which_o you_o seem_v to_o know_v you_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n to_o the_o real_a truth_n of_o it_o and_o that_o you_o aâ—e_v overblinded_n with_o a_o fond_a love_n of_o yourselves_o i_o know_v not_o â—o_o what_o purpose_v your_o general_a acknowledgement_n be_v but_o to_o â—e_v a_o mask_n or_o shadow_n to_o deceive_v you_o to_o be_v a_o blind_a to_o hide_v you_o from_o yourselves_o since_o the_o most_o part_n of_o you_o whensoever_o challenge_v of_o any_o particular_a sin_n or_o inclination_n to_o it_o justify_v yourselves_o and_o when_o ever_o you_o arâ—_n put_v to_o a_o particular_a confession_n of_o your_o sin_n you_o have_v all_o wrap_v up_o in_o such_o a_o bundle_n of_o confusion_n that_o you_o never_o know_v one_o sin_n by_o another_o certain_o you_o deceive_v yourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o you_o let_v i_o add_v moreover_o another_o instance_n do_v you_o not_o so_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o sin_n so_o secure_o so_o impenitent_o as_o if_o you_o have_v no_o sin_n no_o fear_n of_o god_n wrath_n do_v not_o the_o most_o part_n content_o and_o peaceable_o live_v in_o so_o much_o ignorance_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o sin_n for_o if_o you_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o indeed_o consider_v that_o your_o heart_n be_v sink_v of_o iniquity_n and_o impurity_n will_v you_o not_o think_v iâ—_n necessary_a to_o apply_v to_o thâ—_n physician_n and_o will_v you_o not_o then_o labour_v to_o know_v the_o physician_n &_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o report_n of_o he_o certain_o in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o take_v no_o pain_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o saviour_n you_o declare_v that_o you_o know_v not_o your_o sin_n â—or_a if_o you_o know_v the_o one_o you_o can_v not_o but_o search_v to_o know_v the_o other_o what_o iâ—_n the_o voice_n of_o most_o man_n late-walking_a do_v it_o not_o proclaim_v this_o that_o they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o they_o for_o if_o there_o be_v sin_n in_o you_o be_v there_o not_o a_o curse_n upon_o you_o and_o wrath_n before_o you_o and_o if_o you_o do_v real_o see_v the_o one_o will_v you_o not_o see_v the_o other_o and_o do_v you_o sâ—e_v it_o will_v it_o not_o drive_v you_o to_o more_o serious_a thought_n will_v it_o not_o aâ—right_v you_o will_v it_o not_o cause_v you_o often_o to_o retire_v in_o to_o yourselves_o and_o from_o the_o world_n and_o above_o all_o how_o precious_a will_v the_o tiding_n of_o a_o saviour_n be_v that_o now_o be_v common_a and_o contemptible_a will_v you_o not_o every_o day_n wash_v in_o that_o blood_n will_v the_o current_n of_o repentance_n dry_a but_o forasmuch_o as_o you_o be_v not_o exercise_v this_o way_n give_v no_o thought_n nor_o time_n for_o reconcilement_n with_o god_n walk_v without_o any_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o without_o any_o earnest_n and_o serious_a study_n of_o change_v your_o wayeâ—_n and_o purify_n your_o heart_n in_o a_o word_n though_o you_o confess_v sin_n in_o the_o general_n yet_o your_o whole_a carriage_n of_o heart_n and_o way_n declare_v so_o much_o that_o you_o think_v it_o not_o â—_o thing_n much_o to_o be_v fear_v or_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v busy_v himself_o about_o it_o that_o a_o man_n may_v live_v in_o it_o and_o be_v well_o here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o deny_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o deceive_v your_o own_o soul_n sermon_n xvii·_n 1_o joh._n 1.9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o 〈◊〉_d faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n the_o current_n of_o sin_n dry_v not_o up_o but_o runâ—_n constant_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o life_n it_o iâ—_n true_a it_o be_v much_o diminish_v in_o a_o believer_n and_o it_o run_v not_o in_o such_o a_o universal_a flood_n over_o the_o whole_a man_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o unbeliever_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o live_a spring_n of_o sin_n within_o the_o godly_a which_o be_v never_o cease_v to_o drop_v out_o pollution_n and_o defilement_n either_o upon_o their_o whole_a person_n or_o at_o least_o to_o intermingle_v it_o with_o their_o good_a action_n now_o there_o be_v no_o comfort_n for_o this_o but_o this_o one_o that_o there_o be_v another_o stream_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o never_o dry_v up_o be_v never_o exhau_v never_o empty_v but_o flow_v as_o full_a and_o as_o free_a â—s_a clear_a and_o fâ—esh_a as_o ever_o it_o do_v and_o this_o be_v so_o great_a and_o of_o so_o great_a virtue_n that_o it_o be_v â—ble_n to_o swallow_v up_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o pollution_n and_o to_o tâ—ke_v away_o the_o daily_a filth_n of_o a_o believer_n conversation_n now_o indeed_o though_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v of_o such_o infinite_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o cleanse_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o will_v be_v a_o over-ransome_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o â—ll_a man_n there_o iâ—_n so_o much_o worth_n in_o it_o that_o flood_n of_o guiltiness_n that_o have_v drown_v the_o world_n this_o flood_n of_o christ_n blood_n that_o gush_v out_o of_o his_o side_n be_v of_o sufficient_a virtue_n to_o cleanse_v it_o perfect_o away_o not_o withstand_v of_o this_o absolute_a universal_a sufficiency_n yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o iâ—_n be_v not_o actual_o apply_v unto_o the_o cleanse_n of_o all_o man_n sinâ—_n but_o yet_o the_o moâ—â—_n part_n of_o man_n be_v still_o drown_v in_o the_o deluge_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o lie_v entomb_v in_o darkness_n therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v the_o way_n of_o the_o application_n of_o this_o blood_n to_o the_o cleanse_n of_o sinner_n and_o this_o way_n be_v set_v down_o in_o thiâ—_n verse_n if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v just_a to_o forgive_v there_o be_v something_o hinâ—ed_v at_o obscure_o in_o the_o precede_a verse_n for_o when_o he_o show_v that_o such_o as_o say_v they_o have_v no_o sin_n who_o either_o by_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o heart_n or_o carriage_n of_o their_o way_n do_v by_o interpretation_n say_v they_o want_v sin_n such_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o benefit_n oâ—_n that_o blood_n that_o cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o so_o it_o be_v import_v here_o that_o though_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v full_o sufficient_a to_o cleanse_v all_o sin_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o prostitute_v and_o base_o spend_v upon_o sinner_n as_o to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o who_o do_v not_o know_v their_o sin_n and_o never_o enter_v into_o any_o serious_a &_o impartial_a examination_n of_o themselves_o such_o though_o they_o say_v they_o be_v sinner_n yet_o never_o descend_v into_o themselves_o to_o search_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o wayeâ—_n and_o so_o never_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o feel_v of_o they_o they_o can_v at_o all_o make_v application_n of_o that_o blood_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n either_o serious_o