that_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v most_o extreme_o soâ—…tish_a 1_o such_o as_o expect_v to_o have_v their_o share_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o true_a holiness_n 2._o such_o much_o more_o as_o encourage_v themselves_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o unholiness_n pag._n 213._o chap._n 19_o the_o four_o inference_n that_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n will_v give_v satisfaction_n concern_v the_o true_a notion_n 1._o of_o justify_v faith_n 2._o of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n pag._n 221._o chap._n 20._o the_o five_o inference_n that_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n the_o great_a measure_n and_o standard_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n how_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n pag._n 227._o chap._n 21._o how_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o doctrine_n either_o to_o be_v embrace_v or_o reject_v a_o brief_a discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o point_n fundamental_a how_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o we_o embrace_v all_o such_o and_o whether_o we_o hold_v not_o any_o destructive_a and_o damnable_a error_n pag._n 233._o chap._n 22._o the_o six_o inference_n that_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n teach_v we_o what_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n we_o ought_v as_o christian_n to_o be_v most_o zealous_a for_o or_o against_o pag._n 237._o chap._n 23._o the_o seven_o inference_n that_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n well_o consider_v will_v give_v we_o great_a light_n into_o the_o just_a bound_n and_o extent_n of_o christian_a liberty_n of_o comply_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n and_o the_o will_n of_o our_o governor_n the_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o its_o preceptive_a part_n pag._n 240._o chap._n 24._o the_o eight_o inference_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o unaccountable_a thing_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v essential_o evil_a in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o of_o any_o opinion_n presume_v to_o be_v doctrine_n relate_v thereunto_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n most_o prodigious_o guilty_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o not_o a_o few_o of_o those_o that_o profess_v enmity_n against_o popery_n too_o liable_a also_o to_o the_o same_o charge_n pag._n 246._o chap._n 25._o the_o nine_o inference_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unwarrantable_a thing_n for_o those_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o prefer_v any_o other_o design_n before_o that_o of_o make_v man_n real_o righteous_a and_o holy_a that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o their_o preach_v that_o it_o be_v of_o as_o great_a concernment_n that_o they_o promote_v the_o same_o business_n by_o their_o conversation_n as_o that_o they_o do_v it_o by_o their_o doctrine_n infinite_a mischief_n occasion_v by_o the_o loose_a life_n of_o minister_n several_a instance_n of_o practice_n extreme_o blame_v worthy_a in_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o person_n so_o far_o as_o lawful_o they_o may_v that_o the_o promote_a of_o holiness_n ought_v to_o be_v only_a design_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n pag._n 252._o chap._n 26._o the_o ten_o inference_n that_o a_o obedient_a temper_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a qualification_n to_o prepare_v man_n for_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n that_o it_o be_v so_o by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n promise_n that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n this_o show_v in_o three_o particular_n viz._n in_o that_o 1._o it_o will_v help_v we_o to_o judge_v without_o prejudice_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o it_o will_v give_v satisfaction_n concern_v the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n far_o excel_v any_o that_o can_v arise_v from_o mere_a speculation_n 3._o it_o will_v secure_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n in_o those_o point_n that_o be_v of_o weighty_a importance_n six_o cause_n of_o such_o error_n lay_v down_o and_o a_o obedient_a disposition_n of_o mind_n show_v to_o secure_v from_o each_o of_o they_o pag._n 267._o chap._n 27._o the_o last_o inference_n that_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o the_o essence_n power_n and_o life_n of_o it_o consist_v instance_n of_o what_o kind_n of_o thing_n it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o for_o what_o end_v the_o several_a exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v enjoin_v how_o god_n be_v glorify_v by_o man_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v who_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o esteem_v and_o carry_v ourselves_o towards_o as_o true_a christian_n that_o by_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v his_o life_n our_o pattern_n we_o shall_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n be_v effect_v in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o it_o pag._n 281._o the_o introduction_n the_o accusation_n that_o celsus_n and_o julian_n the_o grand_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v the_o impudent_a confidence_n to_o fasten_v upon_o it_o namely_o that_o it_o indulge_v man_n in_o and_o encourage_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o immorality_n and_o wickedness_n be_v so_o notorious_o false_a and_o groundless_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a or_o more_o perspicuous_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o book_n that_o contain_v christianity_n than_o that_o the_o perfect_o contrary_a be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o those_o that_o shall_v heedful_o observe_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o such_o as_o call_v christ_n their_o master_n will_v be_v very_o shrewd_o tempt_v undoubted_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o secret_o think_v what_o those_o heathen_n have_v the_o face_n to_o publish_v and_o as_o for_o i_o fear_v i_o may_v say_v even_o most_o of_o those_o professor_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n which_o have_v escape_v the_o scandalous_a and_o more_o gross_a pollution_n of_o the_o world_n that_o man_n that_o shall_v take_v a_o exact_a survey_n of_o their_o conversation_n also_o and_o consider_v what_o matter_n they_o most_o busy_a themselves_o about_o what_o the_o design_n be_v which_o they_o chief_o prosecute_v and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o man_n but_o as_o christian_n too_o what_o thing_n they_o be_v that_o exercise_n most_o of_o their_o deal_n and_o for_o and_o against_o which_o be_v spend_v the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religious_a heat_n will_v be_v strong_o incline_v to_o suspect_v that_o though_o they_o have_v not_o entertain_v so_o high_o dishonourable_a a_o opinion_n of_o their_o saviour_n as_o to_o esteem_v he_o a_o patron_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n yet_o they_o think_v so_o undervalue_o of_o he_o as_o to_o judge_v he_o so_o mean_v a_o friend_n to_o holiness_n as_o that_o the_o promote_a it_o in_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n if_o it_o be_v at_o all_o a_o design_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n he_o leave_v behind_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o bye-one_a and_o that_o some_o other_o matter_n be_v much_o more_o in_o his_o eye_n and_o principal_o intend_v by_o he_o though_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o most_o forward_a professor_n have_v their_o head_n leaven_v with_o such_o thought_n yet_o any_o one_o may_v dare_v to_o affirm_v that_o they_o behave_v themselves_o exact_o as_o if_o they_o have_v and_o moreover_o i_o be_o absolute_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a man_n shall_v make_v such_o a_o bustle_n and_o stir_v about_o matter_n of_o none_o or_o but_o small_a importance_n to_o the_o serve_v or_o prejudice_v the_o real_a interest_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v as_o lukewarm_a unconcern_v and_o careless_a in_o diverse_a thing_n that_o have_v the_o most_o immediate_a and_o direct_a tendency_n to_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n if_o they_o due_o consider_v and_o have_v a_o quick_a sense_n of_o what_o be_v now_o intimate_v viz._n that_o the_o business_n that_o bring_v the_o bless_a jesus_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n the_o father_n down_o from_o heaven_n and_o the_o end_n of_o his_o make_v we_o the_o object_n of_o such_o rich_a and_o transcendent_a kindness_n be_v the_o destroy_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n the_o ennoble_a our_o soul_n with_o virtuous_a quality_n and_o divine_a disposition_n and_o temper_n and_o in_o one_o word_n the_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o either_o believe_v or_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o alone_a which_o it_o direct_o drive_v at_o it_o can_v be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n
plot_n to_o get_v himself_o some_o external_n hallelujah_n as_o if_o he_o have_v so_o ardent_o thirst_v after_o the_o laud_n of_o glorify_a spirit_n or_o desire_v a_o choir_n of_o soul_n to_o sing_v forth_o his_o praise_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o let_v the_o world_n see_v how_o magnificent_a he_o be_v no_o it_o be_v his_o own_o internal_a glory_n that_o he_o most_o love_v and_o the_o communication_n thereof_o which_o he_o seek_v as_o plato_n sometime_o speak_v of_o the_o divine_a love_n it_o arise_v not_o out_o of_o indigency_n as_o create_v love_n do_v but_o out_o of_o fullness_n and_o redundancy_n it_o be_v a_o overflow_a fountain_n and_o that_o love_v which_o descend_v upon_o create_v being_n be_v a_o free_a efflux_n from_o the_o almighty_a source_n of_o love_n and_o it_o be_v well-pleasing_a to_o he_o that_o those_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v make_v shall_v partake_v of_o it_o though_o god_n can_v seek_v his_o own_o glory_n so_o as_o if_o he_o may_v acquire_v any_o addition_n to_o himself_o yet_o 5._o he_o may_v seek_v it_o so_o as_o to_o communicate_v it_o out_o of_o himself_o it_o be_v a_o good_a maxim_n of_o plato_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v no_o envy_n in_o god_n which_o be_v better_o state_v by_o st._n james_n god_n give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o by_o that_o glory_n of_o he_o which_o he_o love_v to_o impart_v to_o his_o creature_n i_o understand_v those_o stamp_n and_o impression_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n patience_z mercy_n love_n peace_n joy_n and_o other_o divine_a gift_n which_o he_o bestow_v free_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o god_n triumph_v in_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o communiâ—…ion_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v what_o useful_a inference_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o our_o past_a discourse_n sect_n iii_o a_o improvement_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n in_o diverse_a inference_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o first_o inference_n that_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o past_a discourse_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n for_o the_o purpose_n of_o subdue_a sin_n in_o we_o and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n where_o it_o be_v particular_o show_v that_o the_o gospel_n give_v advantage_n infinite_o above_o any_o those_o the_o heathen_n have_v who_o be_v privilege_v with_o extraordinary_a help_n for_o the_o improvement_n of_o themselves_o and_o 1._o that_o the_o good_a principle_n that_o be_v by_o natural_a light_n dictate_v to_o they_o and_o which_o reason_n right_o improve_v persuade_v they_o to_o entertain_v as_o undoubted_o true_a or_o may_v have_v do_v be_v far_o confirm_v by_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o those_o principle_n which_o the_o heathen_n by_o the_o high_a improvement_n of_o their_o reason_n can_v at_o best_a conclude_v but_o very_o probable_a the_o gospel_n give_v we_o a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o this_o show_v in_o four_o instance_n 3._o four_o doctrine_n show_v to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o no_o man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a revelation_n can_v ever_o once_o have_v think_v of_o that_o contain_v wonderful_a inducement_n and_o help_v to_o holiness_n the_o first_o of_o which_o have_v five_o more_o employ_v in_o it_o first_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o our_o saviour_n grand_a design_n upon_o we_o in_o come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o subdue_v sin_n in_o we_o and_o restore_v the_o image_n of_o god_n that_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n to_o we_o that_o he_o have_v take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n imaginable_a for_o that_o purpose_n and_o that_o his_o gospel_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a engine_n for_o the_o batter_a down_o of_o all_o the_o strong_a hold_v that_o sin_n have_v raise_v to_o itself_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o we_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o sanctity_n that_o be_v to_o be_v arrive_v at_o by_o humane_a nature_n this_o as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v the_o business_n that_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n design_v to_o effect_n but_o alas_o what_o a_o weak_a and_o inefficacious_a thing_n be_v it_o in_o comparison_n of_o christ_n gospel_n wherein_o we_o have_v such_o excellent_a and_o soul-enobling_a precept_n most_o perspicuous_o deliver_v and_o moreover_o such_o mighty_a help_v afford_v to_o enable_v we_o and_o such_o infinite_o press_v motive_n and_o argument_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o we_o particular_o show_v what_o exceed_v great_a advantage_n christian_n have_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o the_o sublimest_n degree_n of_o it_o too_o in_o this_o state_n attainable_a above_o any_o that_o be_v ever_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o divine_a providence_n before_o our_o saviour_n descent_n into_o it_o and_o not_o to_o make_v a_o formal_a comparison_n between_o the_o christian_a and_o best_a pagan-philosophy_n this_o not_o deserve_v upon_o innumerable_a account_n to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o name_v with_o that_o &_o much_o less_o to_o dishonour_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o far_o as_o at_o all_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o any_o of_o those_o which_o be_v profess_v by_o heathenish_a nation_n or_o that_o of_o the_o impostor_n mahomet_n which_o as_o well_o as_o those_o in_o not_o a_o few_o particular_n tend_v great_o even_o to_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v man_n nature_n we_o will_v discourse_v according_a to_o our_o accustom_a brevity_n first_o what_o advantage_n the_o gospel_n give_v we_o above_o those_o which_o such_o heathen_n as_o be_v privilege_v with_o extraordinary_a help_n for_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o understanding_n have_v and_o second_o above_o those_o which_o god_n most_o peculiar_a people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v favour_v with_o first_o as_o for_o those_o the_o gospel_n contain_v above_o such_o as_o the_o best_a and_o most_o refine_a heathen_n enjoy_v it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o consider_v first_o that_o the_o good_a principle_n that_o be_v by_o natural_a light_n dictate_v to_o they_o and_o which_o reason_n right_o improve_v do_v persuade_v they_o to_o entertain_v as_o undoubted_o true_a or_o may_v have_v do_v be_v far_o confirm_v by_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o we_o as_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o absolutely-perfect_a be_v infinite_o powerful_a wise_a just_a merciful_a etc._n etc._n that_o we_o owe_v our_o life_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n to_o who_o absolute_a subjection_n be_v indispensable_o due_a that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v love_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o main_a and_o most_o important_a particular_a duty_n which_o it_o become_v we_o to_o perform_v to_o he_o our_o neighbour_n and_o self_n we_o christian_n have_v these_o thing_n as_o plain_o declare_v from_o heaven_n to_o we_o and_o as_o often_o repeat_v and_o inculcate_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o that_o of_o revelation_n so_o that_o as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o free_a discourse_n pag._n 88_o what_o the_o heathen_n take_v pain_n for_o and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o reason_n learn_v we_o have_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n and_o need_v but_o read_v it_o in_o order_n to_o our_o knowledge_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a for_o our_o satisfaction_n whether_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o have_v god_n for_o their_o author_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o employ_v our_o reason_n except_o we_o can_v be_v content_v to_o be_v of_o so_o very_o hasty_a and_o easy_a a_o belief_n as_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o thing_n and_o those_o of_o great_a concernment_n too_o we_o know_v not_o why_o or_o to_o pin_v our_o faith_n on_o our_o forefather_n sleeve_n and_o so_o to_o have_v no_o better_a bottom_n for_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n than_o the_o turk_n have_v for_o they_o of_o the_o alcoran_n but_o although_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v exercise_v here_o our_o discursive_a faculty_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v as_o become_v creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o tedious_a task_n nor_o such_o as_o we_o need_v much_o belabour_v our_o brain_n about_o a_o unprejudiced_a person_n will_v soon_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o scripture_n divine_a authority_n when_o he_o do_v but_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v confirm_v and_o how_o worthy_a the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v of_o he_o who_o name_n it_o bear_v now_o i_o say_v this_o little_a pain_n be_v take_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o can_v but_o be_v at_o
person_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n must_v needs_o be_v false_a as_o also_o those_o that_o make_v religion_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a passive_a thing_n whole_o god_n work_n and_o not_o at_o all_o we_o or_o that_o cramp_n man_n and_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v utter_o void_a of_o the_o least_o ability_n to_o cooperate_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n towards_o their_o own_o salvation_n or_o any_o way_n whatsoever_o discourage_v they_o from_o the_o diligent_a prosecution_n of_o holiness_n or_o deprive_v we_o of_o any_o help_n afford_v we_o towards_o our_o gain_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n either_o by_o put_v a_o slur_n upon_o the_o write_a word_n in_o advance_v above_o it_o the_o light_n within_o man_n and_o in_o enthusiastical_a pretence_n to_o immediate_a revelation_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o by_o teach_v man_n to_o sleight_n any_o one_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n or_o such_o doctrine_n as_o tend_v to_o introduce_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o deprive_v it_o of_o all_o government_n and_o order_n or_o in_o short_a that_o give_v countenance_n to_o any_o immorality_n whatsoever_o i_o say_v as_o sure_a as_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a and_o that_o what_o we_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o design_n thereof_o be_v so_o such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a what_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o false_a prophet_n be_v as_o true_a of_o most_o doctrine_n by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o we_o may_v understand_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o christianity_n or_o no_o by_o the_o design_n they_o drive_v at_o and_o their_o evident_a consequence_n and_o i_o may_v add_v that_o we_o may_v make_v a_o shrewd_a guess_n what_o those_o particular_a way_n and_o mode_n of_o religion_n be_v which_o the_o various_a sect_n we_o be_v cantonize_v into_o have_v espouse_v to_o themselves_o and_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o by_o the_o proper_a and_o most_o distinguish_a effect_n of_o they_o if_o we_o perceive_v that_o they_o make_v the_o great_a stickler_n for_o they_o to_o differ_v from_o other_o chief_o in_o unconcernednes_n about_o the_o most_o important_a &_o substantial_a duty_n of_o morality_n and_o in_o lay_v the_o great_a weight_n upon_o certain_a little_a trifle_n and_o place_v their_o religion_n in_o mere_a external_o or_o that_o the_o thing_n whereby_o they_o be_v most_o peculiar_o discriminate_v from_o other_o folk_n be_v spiritual_a pride_n and_o fond_a conceitedness_n of_o themselves_o and_o a_o scornful_a and_o fierce_a behaviour_n towards_o those_o that_o approve_v not_o of_o their_o way_n uncharitableness_n morosity_n and_o peevishness_n a_o seditious_a ungovernable_a and_o untameable_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v if_o we_o observe_v such_o as_o these_o to_o be_v the_o most_o distinguish_a effect_n of_o their_o several_a mode_n and_o form_n we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n from_o thence_o alone_o great_o to_o presume_v that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o stamp_n of_o ius_n christianum_fw-la upon_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o christ_n but_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n and_o beget_v perfect_o other_o kind_n of_o effect_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o but_o to_o return_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o be_v say_v the_o great_a standard_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o opinion_n those_o that_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o oppose_v this_o design_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o suspect_v because_o they_o do_v so_o but_o those_o which_o apparent_o do_v this_o we_o must_v with_o hearty_a indignation_n reject_v and_o though_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o at_o first_o sight_n may_v seem_v to_o favour_v they_o we_o may_v not_o be_v stumble_v upon_o that_o account_n but_o be_v confident_a that_o whatsoever_o be_v their_o true_a meaning_n as_o sure_a as_o they_o have_v god_n for_o their_o author_n they_o can_v possible_o patronize_v any_o such_o doctrine_n and_o last_o in_o examine_v which_o of_o two_o opinion_n be_v true_a that_o oppose_v each_o other_o and_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v much_o a_o like_v befriend_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o very_a safe_a course_n to_o consider_v as_o impartial_o as_o we_o can_v which_o do_v tend_v most_o to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o prefer_v that_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v do_v so_o chap._n xxi_o how_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o doctrine_n either_o to_o be_v embrace_v or_o reject_v a_o brief_a discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o point_n fundamental_a how_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o we_o embrace_v all_o such_o and_o whether_o we_o hold_v not_o any_o destructive_a and_o damnable_a error_n second_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o great_a measure_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v as_o of_o the_o truth_n so_o also_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o doctrine_n either_o to_o be_v embrace_v or_o reject_v first_o we_o may_v thereby_o understand_v in_o what_o degree_n we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v those_o necessary_a to_o be_v by_o all_o receive_v which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o or_o which_o of_o such_o be_v fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o which_o not_o first_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o the_o general_a those_o and_o those_o only_o be_v primary_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n fundamental_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o accomplish_v in_o we_o that_o design_n such_o as_o without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o acquire_v that_o inward_a righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n aim_v at_o the_o introduction_n of_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o absolute_o necessary_a not_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o disbelieve_v any_o of_o those_o point_n upon_o which_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o we_o do_v necessary_o depend_v the_o particular_n of_o these_o i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o enumerate_v because_o as_o will_v appear_v from_o what_o will_v be_v say_v anon_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o have_v a_o just_a table_n of_o they_o and_o beside_o any_o one_o that_o understand_v wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a holiness_n lie_v may_v be_v able_a sufficient_o to_o inform_v himself_o what_o they_o be_v second_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o those_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v secondary_o fundamental_a the_o disbelief_n of_o which_o can_v consist_v with_o true_a holiness_n in_o those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_o make_v know_v although_o they_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n such_o as_o that_o holiness_n be_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o attainable_a without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o in_o the_o number_n of_o these_o be_v all_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v with_o indisputable_a clearness_n reveal_v to_o we_o now_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o any_o more_o than_o in_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n profitable_a yet_o be_v it_o even_o absolute_o necessary_a from_o a_o external_a cause_n though_o not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o point_n themselves_o viz._n in_o regard_n of_o their_o be_v deliver_v with_o such_o abundant_a perspicuity_n as_o that_o nothing_o can_v cause_v man_n to_o refuse_v to_o admit_v they_o but_o that_o which_o argue_v they_o to_o be_v stark_o naught_o and_o to_o have_v some_o unworthy_a and_o base_a end_n in_o so_o do_v but_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n here_o that_o all_o such_o point_n as_o these_o be_v not_o of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o christian_n because_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o capacity_n education_n and_o other_o mean_n and_o advantage_n some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v most_o plain_o perceive_v by_o some_o to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o can_v be_v so_o by_o other_o with_o the_o like_a ease_n and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o fundamental_a truth_n be_v applicable_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n to_o the_o opposite_a error_n as_o i_o need_v not_o show_v now_o then_o will_v we_o know_v whether_o we_o embrace_v all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o damnable_a and_o destructive_a error_n among_o the_o great_a diversity_n and_o contrariety_n of_o opinion_n that_o this_o kingdom_n abound_v with_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v above_o all_o other_o part_n of_o christendom_n our_o only_a way_n be_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o impartial_o after_o this_o manner_n be_o i_o sincere_o willing_a to_o obey_v my_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n in_o all_o thing_n command_v by_o they_o do_v i_o entertain_v and_o harbour_v no_o lust_n in_o my_o
all_o but_o in_o that_o he_o live_v he_o live_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n with_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 after_o the_o example_n of_o his_o 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 the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o same_o use_n that_o the_o apostle_n here_o make_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o do_v also_o elsewhere_o of_o his_o ascension_n and_o session_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n coloss._n 3._o 1._o 2._o if_o you_o then_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 set_v your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n for_o you_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v in_o profession_n have_v engage_v yourselves_o to_o renounce_v your_o past_a wicked_a life_n and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v and_o the_o life_n you_o have_v by_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n oblige_v yourselves_o to_o lead_v be_v in_o heaven_n where_o christ_n be_v so_o that_o this_o show_v the_o information_n the_o gospel_n give_v we_o of_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v intend_v for_o practical_a purpose_n and_o incitement_n to_o holiness_n and_o christ_n resurrection_n with_o his_o follow_a advancement_n we_o be_v frequent_o mind_v of_o to_o teach_v we_o this_o most_o excellent_a lesson_n that_o obedience_n patience_n and_o humility_n be_v the_o way_n to_o glory_n and_o therefore_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o to_o tread_v in_o his_o holy_a step_n and_o make_v he_o our_o pattern_n this_o we_o have_v in_o the_o fore_n cite_v place_n phil._n 2._o 5_o 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n and_o hebr._n 12._o 1_o 2._o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o gross_a despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o vers_fw-la 3._o to_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o that_o be_v especial_o how_o he_o be_v now_o reward_v for_o it_o lâ—…st_v we_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o our_o be_v so_o often_o mind_v of_o our_o saviour_n come_n again_o to_o judgement_n be_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o all_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n who_o can_v be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o know_v for_o we_o be_v sufficient_o tell_v that_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o our_o work_n especial_o such_o work_n as_o the_o hypocrite_n of_o this_o age_n do_v most_o despise_v &_o leave_v to_o be_v chief_o perform_v by_o their_o contemn_a moralist_n as_o appear_v from_o mâ—…_n 25._o 34._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o last_o that_o be_v very_o certain_a which_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o 123_o page_n of_o the_o free_a discourse_n namely_o that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o mere_o speculative_a as_o some_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o the_o promote_a of_o real_a righteousness_n &_o holiness_n and_o be_v reveal_v for_o that_o purpose_n but_o as_o i_o do_v not_o there_o so_o neither_o will_v i_o here_o proceed_v to_o show_v it_o in_o all_o the_o several_a instance_n or_o in_o any_o more_o than_o i_o have_v now_o do_v and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v there_o give_v but_o beside_o i_o conceive_v that_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v already_o in_o this_o section_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v what_o we_o have_v undertake_v viz._n that_o to_o make_v man_n true_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a be_v the_o design_n the_o main_a and_o only_a design_n of_o christianity_n sect_n ii_o upon_o what_o account_v the_o business_n of_o make_v man_n holy_a come_v to_o be_v prefer_v by_o our_o saviour_n before_o any_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v principal_o design_v by_o he_o chap._n ix_o two_o account_n of_o this_o the_o first_o that_o this_o be_v to_o do_v the_o great_a good_a to_o man_n and_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o make_v man_n holy_a be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o great_a prove_v by_o several_a argument_n viz._n first_o that_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o deliverance_n from_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n and_o sin_n show_v so_o to_o be_v i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o of_o all_o other_o good_a thing_n the_o make_v mankind_n true_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a be_v the_o grand_a and_o special_a design_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v these_o two_o account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o it_o first_o this_o be_v to_o do_v the_o great_a good_a to_o men._n second_o this_o be_v to_o do_v the_o best_a service_n to_o god_n first_o the_o make_v of_o we_o real_o righteous_a and_o holy_a be_v the_o great_a good_a that_o can_v possible_o be_v do_v to_o we_o there_o be_v no_o blessing_n comparable_a to_o that_o of_o purify_n our_o nature_n from_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o indue_a they_o with_o virtuous_a and_o divine_a quality_n the_o wise_a sort_n of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a design_n they_o profess_v to_o drive_v at_o in_o their_o philosophy_n be_v the_o purgation_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o humane_a life_n hierocles_n 〈◊〉_d make_v this_o to_o be_v the_o very_a definition_n of_o it_o and_o by_o the_o purgation_n of_o man_n life_n he_o tell_v we_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o cleanse_n of_o they_o from_o the_o dregs_o and_o silth_n of_o unreasonable_a appetite_n and_o by_o their_o perfection_n the_o recovery_n of_o that_o excellency_n which_o reduce_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o divine_a likeness_n now_o the_o blessing_n of_o make_v man_n holy_a be_v of_o all_o the_o great_a first_o because_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o deliverance_n from_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n those_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n that_o imagine_v any_o evil_n great_a than_o it_o or_o so_o great_a it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o stoic_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o evil_a but_o what_o be_v turpe_fw-la &_o vitiosum_fw-la vile_a and_o vicious_a and_o tully_n himself_o who_o profess_v not_o to_o be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o placita_fw-la of_o any_o one_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n but_o to_o be_v free-minded_n and_o to_o give_v his_o reason_n it_o be_v full_a scope_n and_o liberty_n take_v upon_o he_o sometime_o most_o stiff_o and_o seem_o in_o very_a good_a earnest_n to_o maintain_v it_o &_o dispute_v for_o it_o but_o as_o difficult_a as_o i_o find_v it_o to_o brook_v that_o doctrine_n as_o they_o seem_v to_o understand_v it_o that_o more_o modest_a say_n of_o he_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o tusculan_a question_n have_v without_o doubt_n not_o a_o little_a of_o truth_n in_o it_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a comparable_a to_o that_o of_o sin_n hierocles_n a_o sober_a philosopher_n comparandum_fw-la and_o very_o free_a from_o the_o high-flown_a humour_n and_o rant_a genius_n of_o the_o stoic_n though_o he_o will_v allow_v that_o other_o thing_n beside_o sin_n may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o grievous_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v bear_v yet_o he_o will_v admit_v nothing_o beside_o this_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d true_o evil_a and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o viz._n because_o that_o certain_a circumstance_n may_v make_v other_o thing_n good_a that_o have_v the_o repute_n of_o evil_n but_o none_o can_v make_v this_o so_o he_o say_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d well_o can_v never_o be_v join_v with_o any_o vice_n but_o so_o may_v it_o with_o every_o thing_n beside_o as_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o say_v concern_v such_o or_o such_o a_o person_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v well_o disease_a he_o be_v well_o poor_a that_o be_v he_o be_v both_o these_o to_o good_a purpose_n behave_v himself_o in_o his_o sickness_n and_o poverty_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o proceed_v he_o it_o can_v never_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n he_o do_v injury_n well_o or_o he_o be_v right_o and_o as_o become_v he_o intemperate_a now_o that_o wickedness_n be_v the_o great_a of_o evil_n be_v
the_o first_o sight_n assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o content_n of_o it_o for_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v in_o the_o least_o question_n the_o veracity_n of_o he_o who_o even_o natural_a light_n assure_v we_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o truth_n itself_o second_o those_o good_a principle_n that_o the_o heathen_n by_o the_o great_a improvement_n of_o their_o reason_n can_v at_o best_a conclude_v but_o very_o probable_a be_v make_v undoubted_o certain_a to_o we_o christian_n by_o revelation_n as_o first_o that_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o heathen_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v by_o tradition_n hand_v down_o to_o they_o it_o be_v confess_v do_v not_o seem_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n but_o to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v which_o no_o question_n be_v also_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o not_o mere_o to_o their_o credulity_n but_o the_o more_o learned_a and_o sagacious_a that_o will_v not_o easy_o be_v impose_v on_o nor_o believe_v any_o far_a than_o they_o see_v cause_n though_o by_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v true_o conceive_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a soul_n they_o have_v diverse_a of_o they_o undertake_v to_o prove_v they_o immortal_a yet_o can_v their_o argument_n raise_v the_o best_a of_o they_o no_o high_a than_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o immortality_n cato_n read_v plato_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o he_o lie_v bleed_v to_o death_n with_o great_a delight_n but_o that_o argue_v not_o that_o he_o have_v any_o more_o than_o great_a hope_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o socrates_n do_v so_o believe_v it_o that_o he_o part_v with_o this_o life_n in_o expectation_n of_o another_o but_o yet_o he_o plain_o and_o ingenuous_o confess_v to_o his_o friend_n that_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a cicero_n that_o sometime_o express_v great_a confidence_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n speak_v so_o of_o it_o that_o any_o one_o may_v see_v that_o he_o think_v the_o doctrine_n no_o better_a than_o probable_a he_o discourse_v of_o it_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr senectute_n as_o that_o which_o he_o rather_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o think_v may_v be_v false_a than_o as_o that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o and_o after_o he_o have_v there_o instance_a in_o several_a argument_n which_o he_o think_v have_v weight_n in_o they_o for_o the_o proof_n thereof_o and_o express_v a_o longing_n to_o see_v his_o ancestor_n and_o the_o brave_a man_n he_o have_v once_o know_v and_o which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o read_v and_o write_v of_o he_o thus_o conclude_v that_o whole_a discourse_n if_o i_o err_v in_o etc._n believe_v the_o soul_n immortality_n i_o err_v willing_o neither_o so_o long_o as_o i_o live_v will_v i_o suffer_v this_o error_n which_o so_o much_o delight_v i_o to_o be_v wrest_v from_o i_o but_o if_o when_o i_o be_o dead_a i_o shall_v be_v void_a of_o all_o sense_n as_o certain_a little_a philosopher_n think_v i_o do_v not_o fear_v to_o have_v this_o error_n of_o i_o laugh_v at_o by_o dead_a philosopher_n but_o now_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v we_o the_o high_a assurance_n possible_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v say_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o light_v by_o it_o he_o who_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n give_v man_n a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o person_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o both_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v also_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o work_v the_o great_a of_o miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v do_v very_o frequent_o and_o most_o plain_o preach_v it_o second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o with_o the_o former_a according_a to_o our_o behaviour_n in_o this_o life_n the_o learned_a heathen_n do_v general_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o which_o they_o ground_v upon_o the_o justice_n holiness_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n they_o consider_v that_o good_a man_n be_v often_o exercise_v with_o great_a calamity_n and_o that_o bad_a man_n very_o frequent_o be_v great_o prosperous_a and_o abound_v with_o all_o earthly_a felicity_n and_o therefore_o think_v it_o very_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v in_o another_o life_n show_v his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o love_n of_o goodness_n by_o make_v a_o plain_a discrimination_n between_o the_o condition_n of_o virtuous_a and_o wicked_a person_n by_o punish_v these_o and_o reward_v those_o without_o exception_n but_o this_o though_o it_o be_v in_o their_o opinion_n a_o very_a probable_a argument_n yet_o they_o look_v not_o on_o it_o as_o that_o which_o amount_v to_o a_o demonstration_n for_o they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v aware_a that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o general_o receive_v by_o they_o viz._n that_o virtue_n be_v in_o all_o condition_n a_o reward_n and_o vice_n a_o punishment_n to_o itself_o do_v very_o much_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o it_o and_o that_o other_o very_a harsh_a one_o that_o all_o thing_n beside_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a do_v render_v it_o as_o the_o perfect_a stoic_n do_v seem_v too_o well_o to_o understand_v too_o too_o insignificant_a but_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o hierocles_n who_o as_o have_v be_v say_v do_v not_o admit_v that_o notion_n but_o in_o a_o very_a qualify_a sense_n say_v of_o those_o that_o think_v their_o soul_n mortal_a and_o consequent_o that_o virtue_n will_v hereafter_o have_v no_o reward_n that_o when_o they_o dispute_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o virtue_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o rather_o talk_v witty_o than_o true_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n the_o excellent_a socrute_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o drink_v off_o the_o fatal_a drug_n thus_o say_v to_o those_o that_o be_v then_o present_a with_o he_o i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o end_v my_o day_n whereas_o your_o life_n will_v be_v prolong_v but_o whether_o you_o or_o i_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v the_o more_o happy_a be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n only_o intimate_v that_o he_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o absolute_o certain_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v any_o reward_n in_o another_o world_n for_o do_v so_o heroical_o virtuous_a a_o act_n as_o choose_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o now_o what_o be_v more_o frequent_o or_o clear_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o there_o will_v be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v suitable_a to_o man_n action_n in_o this_o world_n than_o that_o christ_n will_v come_v a_o second_o time_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o all_o must_v appear_v before_o his_o judgment-seat_n to_o receive_v according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a 2_o cor._n 5._o 10._o three_o that_o man_n sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v upon_o true_a repentance_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_n be_v likewise_o persuade_v or_o rather_o hope_v but_o we_o christian_n have_v the_o strong_a assurance_n imaginable_a give_v we_o of_o it_o by_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o often_o reiterated_a promise_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o not_o only_o that_o some_o or_o most_o but_o also_o that_o all_o without_o exception_n and_o the_o most_o heinous_a impiety_n upon_o condition_n of_o their_o be_v sincere_o forsake_v shall_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n be_v free_o forgive_v to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o they_o four_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n readiness_n to_o assist_v man_n by_o his_o special_a grace_n in_o their_o endeavour_n after_o virtue_n can_v be_v no_o more_o at_o the_o best_a than_o probable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o heathen_n but_o we_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o most_o express_a promise_n thereof_o make_v to_o we_o for_o our_o infinite_o great_a encouragement_n tully_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr naturâ_fw-la deorum_fw-la say_v that_o their_o city_n rome_n and_o greece_n have_v bring_v forth_o many_o singular_a man_n of_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v none_o arrive_v to_o such_o a_o height_n nisi_fw-la deo_fw-la juvante_fw-la but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n and_o after_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o nemo_fw-la vir_fw-la magnus_fw-la sine_fw-la aliquo_fw-la afflatu_fw-la divino_fw-la unquam_fw-la fuit_fw-la no_o excellent_a man_n be_v ever_o make_v so_o
christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o not_o also_o in_o his_o power_n for_o the_o mortification_n of_o it_o in_o short_a be_v it_o possible_a that_o faith_n in_o christ_n blood_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v the_o only_a act_n which_o justify_v a_o sinner_n when_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o plain_a text_n assure_v we_o that_o he_o die_v also_o to_o make_v we_o holy_a and_o that_o his_o death_n be_v design_v to_o deliver_v we_o from_o die_v in_o order_n to_o a_o far_a end_n namely_o to_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v live_v unto_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o i_o will_v never_o trust_v my_o discursive_a faculty_n so_o long_o as_o i_o live_v no_o not_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o undoubted_a case_n if_o i_o be_o mistake_v here_o and_o will_v take_v the_o boldness_n to_o tell_v those_o who_o be_v displease_v with_o this_o account_n of_o justify_v faith_n that_o in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v once_o think_v of_o any_o other_o if_o they_o do_v as_o serious_o weigh_v and_o thorough_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o christianity_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v i_o the_o more_o insist_v upon_o this_o because_o those_o person_n explication_n of_o this_o point_n have_v be_v great_o liable_a to_o be_v use_v to_o ill_a purpose_n by_o insincere_a person_n and_o have_v give_v infinite_a advantage_n to_o the_o dangerous_a error_n of_o antinomianism_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v undertake_v to_o encounter_v one_o of_o the_o champion_n of_o that_o foul_a cause_n with_o the_o admission_n of_o this_o principle_n that_o faith_n justify_v only_o as_o it_o apprehend_v the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o must_v certain_o have_v great_a luck_n or_o my_o adversary_n but_o little_a cunning_n if_o i_o be_v not_o force_v to_o repent_v i_o of_o such_o a_o engagement_n second_o and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o doctrine_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a explication_n of_o it_o namely_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o deal_v with_o sincere_o righteous_a person_n as_o if_o they_o be_v perfect_o so_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n the_o grand_a intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o real_a righteousness_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o secondary_a one_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v accept_v and_o reward_v as_o if_o we_o be_v complete_o righteous_a it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o other_o notion_n of_o this_o doctrine_n shall_v have_v truth_n in_o it_o for_o as_o from_o thence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o serve_v to_o make_v man_n remiss_a in_o their_o prosecution_n of_o a_o inward_a righteousness_n so_o be_v it_o manifest_v likewise_o that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v design_v for_o a_o motive_n to_o quicken_v and_o excite_v man_n in_o their_o endeavour_n after_o such_o a_o righteousness_n as_o this_o be_v so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o tend_v to_o cause_n in_o we_o a_o undervalue_a and_o slight_a esteem_n of_o it_o that_o as_o sure_a as_o that_o the_o ultimate_a design_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o endue_v we_o with_o it_o it_o must_v be_v intend_v for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o far_a and_o promote_v that_o business_n and_o it_o be_v effectual_a thereunto_o in_o that_o manner_n that_o we_o show_v the_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o because_o both_o these_o point_n be_v discuss_v in_o the_o free_a discourse_n i_o have_v say_v so_o little_a of_o the_o former_a and_o will_v proceed_v no_o fâ—…rther_o on_o this_o but_o refer_v the_o reader_n thither_o and_o to_o other_o much_o more_o elaborate_a discourse_n for_o his_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o in_o this_o place_n to_o show_v that_o the_o notion_n lay_v down_o in_o that_o book_n of_o both_o these_o doctrine_n do_v evident_o follow_v from_o that_o proposition_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o treatise_n chap._n xx._n the_o five_o inference_n that_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n the_o great_a measure_n and_o standard_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n how_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n five_o we_o learn_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n what_o be_v the_o great_a measure_n and_o standard_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n both_o whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o in_o what_o degree_n necessary_a to_o be_v receive_v or_o reject_v first_o we_o understand_v how_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n we_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o see_v the_o design_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o make_v man_n holy_a whatsoever_o opinion_n do_v either_o direct_o or_o in_o their_o evident_a consequence_n obstruct_v the_o promote_a of_o it_o be_v perfect_o false_a and_o with_o as_o great_a peremptoriness_n and_o confidence_n as_o they_o may_v be_v by_o some_o that_o call_v themselves_o christians_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o they_o be_v not_o of_o christ_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o those_o which_o do_v appear_v to_o we_o to_o discourage_v from_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o piety_n and_o true_a virtue_n we_o ought_v for_o that_o reason_n while_o we_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o they_o most_o vehement_o to_o suspect_v they_o to_o be_v erroneous_a for_o it_o be_v the_o business_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o of_o his_o bless_a gospel_n effectual_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o use_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o subdue_a our_o lust_n and_o qualify_a our_o soul_n by_o purity_n and_o holiness_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v our_o endeavour_n successful_a for_o that_o purpose_n we_o may_v be_v undoubted_o assure_v that_o he_o have_v not_o either_o by_o himself_o immediate_o or_o by_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v any_o thing_n that_o oppose_v this_o design_n if_o say_v s._n paul_n i_o build_v again_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o destroy_v 2._o i_o make_v myself_o a_o transgressor_n and_o no_o man_n that_o have_v in_o he_o the_o least_o of_o a_o christian_a will_v once_o suspect_v that_o the_o perfect_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o holy_a jesus_n shall_v so_o manage_v the_o business_n he_o have_v undertake_v as_o what_o he_o build_v with_o one_o hand_n to_o pull_v down_o with_o the_o other_o and_o frustrate_v that_o design_n by_o some_o doctrine_n which_o he_o promote_v by_o other_o those_o doctrine_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n do_v evident_o tend_v to_o the_o serve_v of_o this_o design_n of_o christianity_n we_o may_v conclude_v be_v most_o true_a and_o genuine_a and_o those_o which_o upon_o our_o serious_a consider_v of_o they_o we_o be_v persuade_v do_v so_o we_o ought_v upon_o that_o account_n to_o have_v a_o kindness_n for_o they_o and_o to_o believe_v they_o of_o a_o high_a than_o humane_a original_a and_o therefore_o those_o which_o give_v the_o most_o honourable_a account_n of_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o deal_v with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o most_o magnify_v his_o grace_n and_o best_a vindicate_v his_o holiness_n justice_n and_o goodness_n do_v commend_v themselves_o to_o our_o belief_n with_o infinite_a advantage_n because_o the_o most_o worthy_a conception_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v extreme_o helpful_a and_o likewise_o necessary_a to_o the_o love_a of_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o as_o become_v we_o and_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n into_o the_o order_n and_o regulation_n of_o our_o whole_a man_n as_o may_v be_v large_o show_v those_o doctrine_n again_o that_o most_o discountenance_v all_o sin_n both_o against_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n and_o best_a enable_v to_o answer_v all_o plea_n and_o pretence_n for_o security_n and_o carelessness_n that_o be_v most_o high_o agreeable_a to_o the_o innate_a dictate_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o least_o gratify_v and_o please_v our_o carnal_a part_n we_o may_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n be_v great_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o instil_v into_o man_n mind_n any_o unlovely_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o disparage_v his_o holiness_n or_o lessen_v his_o kindness_n and_o good_a will_n to_o his_o creation_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n to_o he_o and_o his_o son_n jesus_n and_o so_o make_v his_o grace_n a_o narrow_a and_o scanty_a thing_n or_o that_o natural_o cast_v any_o dishonourable_a reflection_n on_o any_o
that_o all_o that_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o like_a s._n paul_n exhort_v timothy_n first_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o himself_o and_o 16._o then_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o former_a advice_n be_v of_o no_o whit_n less_o necessity_n and_o importance_n than_o be_v the_o latter_a for_o as_o woeful_a experience_n assure_v we_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o careless_a and_o loose_a life_n let_v his_o part_n and_o ability_n in_o preach_v be_v never_o so_o great_a nay_o though_o he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o never_o so_o faithful_o in_o the_o pulpit_n and_o be_v zealous_a against_o the_o very_a vice_n he_o himself_o be_v guilty_a of_o which_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a if_o he_o shall_v must_v needs_o do_v more_o hurt_v incomparable_o than_o he_o can_v do_v good_a and_o though_o as_o some_o of_o they_o will_v tell_v they_o it_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n to_o do_v as_o they_o say_v and_o not_o as_o they_o do_v yet_o be_v there_o nothing_o more_o impossible_a than_o to_o teach_v they_o effectual_o that_o lesson_n mankind_n as_o we_o have_v before_o occasion_n to_o show_v be_v mighty_o addict_v to_o imitation_n and_o example_n especial_o those_o of_o governor_n and_o teacher_n have_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o people_n ordinary_o than_o have_v instruction_n but_o chief_o bad_a example_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o natural_a proneness_n to_o vice_n than_o good_a instruction_n have_v not_o the_o apostle_n express_v as_o great_a a_o care_n of_o what_o they_o do_v as_o of_o what_o they_o say_v how_o they_o live_v as_o how_o they_o preach_v christianity_n will_v without_o doubt_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o prevail_v and_o get_v ground_n as_o it_o have_v do_v that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v long_o survive_v its_o bless_a author_n if_o it_o have_v not_o bid_v adive_o to_o the_o world_n with_o he_o most_o man_n do_v what_o we_o can_v will_v judge_v of_o our_o sermon_n by_o our_o conversation_n and_o if_o they_o see_v these_o bad_a they_o will_v not_o think_v those_o good_a nor_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o practicable_a see_v they_o have_v no_o better_a effect_n upon_o those_o that_o preach_v they_o and_o beside_o no_o man_n will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o press_v those_o duty_n upon_o other_o which_o he_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o perform_v himself_o nay_o every_o man_n judgement_n in_o divine_a thing_n may_v warrantable_o be_v suspect_v that_o be_v of_o a_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a life_n and_o those_o that_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o doctrine_n may_v not_o be_v blame_v if_o they_o question_v their_o minister_n orthodoxy_n while_o they_o observe_v in_o he_o any_o kind_n of_o immorality_n and_o see_v that_o he_o live_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o any_o one_o lust._n for_o the_o promise_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v make_v only_o to_o such_o as_o continue_v in_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d word_n that_o be_v that_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o precept_n and_o i_o add_v that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v talk_v of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v like_a to_o prevail_v very_o little_a upon_o his_o auditor_n or_o to_o be_v at_o all_o heed_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o while_o they_o consider_v that_o the_o preacher_n have_v a_o soul_n to_o save_v as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o love_n that_o they_o bear_v to_o their_o lust_n with_o the_o devil_n help_n will_v easy_o persuade_v they_o that_o either_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o mere_a siction_n or_o else_o that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v obtain_v and_o the_o other_o escape_v upon_o far_o easy_a term_n than_o he_o talk_v of_o but_o as_o for_o those_o few_o in_o who_o the_o sense_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n have_v make_v so_o deep_a a_o impression_n as_o that_o they_o have_v never_o the_o slight_a opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o minister_n wicked_a example_n the_o prejudice_n that_o they_o can_v but_o conceive_v against_o he_o render_v his_o discourse_n insipid_a and_o unaffecting_a to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o ordinary_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o he_o and_o at_o length_n quite_o forsake_v he_o and_o then_o if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o understanding_n as_o well_o mean_v people_n be_v too_o easy_o draw_v away_o from_o all_o other_o church_n when_o they_o have_v leave_v their_o own_o and_o become_v a_o prey_n to_o some_o demure_a and_o fair_o pretend_v sectary_n and_o i_o be_o very_o certain_a from_o my_o own_o observation_n that_o no_o one_o thing_n have_v so_o conduce_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n and_o do_v the_o separate_a party_n so_o much_o service_n as_o the_o scandalous_a life_n of_o some_o that_o exercise_v the_o ministerial_a function_n in_o she_o the_o late_a excellent_a bishop_n of_o down_n and_o connar_n have_v this_o memorable_a passage_n in_o a_o sermon_n he_o preach_v to_o the_o university_n at_o dublin_n if_o you_o become_v burn_v &_o shine_a light_n if_o you_o do_v not_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n if_o you_o walk_v in_o light_n and_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n your_o doctrine_n will_v be_v true_a and_o that_o truth_n will_v prevail_v but_o if_o you_o live_v wicked_o &_o scandalous_o every_o little_a schismalick_n will_v put_v you_o to_o shame_n &_o draw_v disciple_n after_o he_o and_o abuse_v your_o flock_n and_o feed_v they_o with_o coloâ—…ynths_n and_o hemlock_n and_o place_n heresy_n in_o the_o chair_n appoint_v for_o your_o religion_n but_o to_o hasten_v to_o the_o dispatch_n of_o this_o unpleasant_a topick_n wicked_a minister_n be_v of_o all_o other_o ill-liver_n the_o most_o scandalous_a for_o they_o lie_v the_o great_a stumble_a block_n of_o any_o whatsoever_o before_o man_n soul_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n may_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v apply_v to_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o will_v neither_o enter_v into_o heaven_n themselves_o nor_o yet_o suffer_v they_o that_o be_v enter_v to_o go_v in_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o save_v themselves_o and_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o but_o i_o will_v to_o god_n such_o will_v well_o lay_v to_o heart_n those_o sad_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 17._o 1_o 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n will_v come_v but_o woe_n unto_o he_o through_o who_o they_o come_v it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o he_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n etc._n etc._n and_o those_o word_n be_v not_o more_o effectual_a to_o scare_v they_o than_o be_v these_o follow_v of_o a_o heathen_a viz._n tully_n concern_v vicious_a philosopher_n to_o shame_v they_o into_o a_o better_a life_n say_v he_o in_o his_o tusculan_a question_n the_o second_o book_n quotusquisque_fw-la philosophorunâ—…_n invenitur_fw-la qui_fw-la sit_fw-la ita_fw-la moratus_fw-la etc._n etc._n what_o one_o of_o many_o philosopher_n be_v there_o who_o so_o behave_v himself_o and_o be_v of_o such_o a_o mind_n and_o life_n as_o reason_n require_v which_o account_v his_o doctrine_n not_o a_o boast_n of_o science_n but_o a_o law_n of_o life_n which_o obey_v himself_o and_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o own_o precept_n we_o may_v see_v some_o so_o light_a and_o vain_a that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a and_o never_o to_o have_v learn_v d_o any_o thing_n other_o so_o covetous_a of_o money_n thirsty_a of_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o many_o such_o slave_n to_o their_o lust_n ut_fw-la cum_fw-la eorum_fw-la vitâ_fw-la mirabiliter_fw-la pugnet_fw-la oratio_fw-la that_o their_o life_n do_v marvellous_o contradict_v their_o doctrine_n quod_fw-la quidem_fw-la mihi_fw-la videtur_fw-la esse_fw-la turpissimum_fw-la etc._n etc._n which_o to_o i_o seem_v the_o most_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a of_o all_o thing_n for_o as_o he_o which_o profess_v himself_o a_o grammarian_n speak_v barbarous_o and_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v account_v a_o musician_n sing_v scurvy_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o shame-worthy_a for_o his_o be_v defective_a in_o that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o skill_n of_o which_o he_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o so_o a_o philosopher_n in_o ratione_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la peccans_fw-la miscarry_v in_o his_o manner_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o base_a and_o more_o wretched_a creature_n that_o in_o the_o office_n of_o which_o he_o will_v needs_o be_v a_o master_n he_o do_v amiss_o artemque_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la professus_fw-la delinquit_fw-la in_o vitâ_fw-la and_o prosess_v the_o art_n of_o well-living_a or_o of_o teach_v other_o to_o live_v well_o be_v faulty_a and_o miscarry_v in_o his_o own_o life_n can_v this_o excellent_a heathen_a thus_o inveigh_v against_o wicked_a philosopher_n what_o satire_n can_v be_v tart_a and_o
that_o they_o may_v gain_v in_o this_o grand_a one_o we_o shall_v quick_o see_v christendom_n in_o most_o lovely_a and_o bless_a circumstance_n all_o people_n that_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o sincerity_n will_v quick_o unite_v and_o agree_v together_o and_o as_o for_o factious_a hypocrite_n they_o will_v be_v with_o ease_n suppress_v and_o put_v out_o of_o all_o capacity_n of_o do_v mischief_n this_o i_o say_v may_v be_v easy_o show_v and_o plain_o demonstrate_v but_o it_o need_v not_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o undeniable_o evident_a chap._n xxvi_o the_o ten_o inference_n that_o a_o obedient_a temper_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a qualification_n to_o prepare_v man_n for_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n that_o it_o be_v so_o by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n promise_n that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n this_o show_v in_o three_o particular_n viz._n in_o that_o 1._o it_o will_v help_v we_o to_o judge_v without_o prejudice_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o it_o will_v give_v satisfaction_n concern_v the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n far_o excel_v any_o that_o can_v arise_v from_o mere_a speculation_n 3._o it_o will_v secure_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n in_o those_o point_n that_o be_v of_o weighty_a importance_n six_o cause_n of_o such_o error_n lay_v down_o and_o a_o obedient_a disposition_n of_o mind_n show_v to_o secure_v from_o each_o of_o they_o tenthly_o we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o best_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o bring_v to_o the_o study_n of_o christ_n gospel_n in_o order_n to_o our_o firm_a belief_n and_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o see_v its_o design_n be_v to_o make_v man_n entire_o obedient_a and_o true_o holy_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o desire_n so_o to_o be_v be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o that_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 7._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n or_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v it_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o that_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o shall_v be_v thorough_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v abundant_o convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v no_o imposture_n that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n as_o he_o declare_v he_o do_v and_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will._n such_o a_o one_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v sufficient_o propose_v to_o he_o shall_v hearty_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n as_o contain_v the_o true_a the_o only_a true_a religion_n and_o therefore_o observe_v what_o he_o say_v john_n 8._o 47._o he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v god_n word_n you_o therefore_o hear_v they_o not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n that_o be_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o obedient_a temper_n and_o ambitious_a of_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n which_o in_o his_o name_n i_o preach_v to_o he_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o jew_n for_o your_o part_n refuse_v so_o to_o do_v be_v because_o you_o be_v insincere_a and_o hypocritical_a it_o be_v say_v act_n 13._o 48._o that_o as_o many_o of_o the_o gentile_n as_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v doubtless_o in_o this_o place_n to_o be_v render_v dispose_v or_o in_o a_o ready_a preparedness_n for_o eternal_a life_n believe_v that_o be_v those_o which_o be_v proselyte_n of_o the_o gate_n who_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v without_o submit_v to_o their_o whole_a law_n or_o any_o more_o than_o own_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o observe_v the_o seven_o precept_n of_o noah_n as_o master_n mede_n have_v learned_o and_o with_o great_a conviction_n show_v these_o be_v desirous_a to_o live_v godly_o and_o not_o prejudice_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o jew_n general_o be_v do_v then_o at_o antioch_n receive_v the_o gospel_n upon_o its_o first_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v cornelius_n who_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n we_o read_v of_o before_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n second_o and_o consequent_o this_o sense_n be_v also_o imply_v in_o the_o first_o cite_v word_n of_o our_o saviour_n viz._n that_o as_o he_o which_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_n shall_v know_v that_o christ_n doctrine_n come_v from_o he_o so_o he_o shall_v right_o understand_v that_o doctrine_n too_o for_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o he_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a if_o his_o faith_n be_v not_o accompany_v with_o a_o ability_n to_o pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n on_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o which_o be_v false_o impose_v at_o any_o time_n upon_o the_o world_n as_o he_o and_o father_v upon_o he_o by_o ungodly_a heretic_n as_o well_o as_o satisfy_v that_o what_o he_o deliver_v in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n s._n john_n to_o this_o same_o purpose_n express_v himself_o 1_o epistle_n 4._o 6._o he_o that_o know_v god_n that_o be_v practical_o or_o be_v obedient_a hear_v we_o he_o that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n or_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o obey_v he_o hear_v not_o we_o hereby_o know_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n that_o be_v by_o this_o obedient_a temper_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o distinguish_v betwixt_o these_o two_o spirit_n and_o i_o say_v from_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v to_o make_v man_n holy_a it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o whosoever_o consider_v it_o with_o a_o desire_n of_o be_v so_o must_v needs_o both_o believe_v it_o to_o have_v come_v from_o god_n and_o also_o be_v enlighten_v in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o at_o least_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o it_o and_o be_v enable_v to_o give_v a_o particular_a explicit_a and_o understand_a assent_n to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o subtle_a seducer_n to_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o faith_n or_o to_o infect_v he_o with_o any_o principle_n that_o be_v direct_o destructive_a to_o it_o or_o be_v so_o plain_o in_o their_o consequence_n so_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v see_v it_o and_o make_v that_o ill_a use_n of_o they_o as_o to_o be_v persuade_v by_o they_o to_o let_v go_v his_o hold_n of_o any_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o infinite_o concern_v himself_o for_o the_o destroy_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o and_o to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n as_o to_o aim_v at_o this_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o all_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v it_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o his_o gospel_n we_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o those_o honest_a soul_n that_o come_v to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o with_o a_o desire_n of_o reap_v this_o advantage_n by_o it_o can_v be_v leave_v destitute_a of_o christ_n grace_n and_o blessing_n to_o make_v it_o successful_a to_o they_o for_o that_o purpose_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v without_o a_o thorow-belief_n of_o it_o and_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o at_o least_o all_o its_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o from_o that_o consideration_n though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n extant_a of_o that_o his_o grace_n to_o such_o well_o dispose_v people_n as_o there_o be_v diverse_a other_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o have_v produce_v but_o beside_o this_o a_o sincere_a desire_n of_o be_v obedient_a and_o holy_a must_v needs_o of_o itself_o very_o great_o dispose_v we_o for_o the_o belief_n and_o sufficient_a understanding_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v very_o necessary_a in_o order_n thereunto_o also_o for_o first_o it_o will_v help_v we_o to_o judge_v without_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n concern_v it_o and_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n therein_o contain_v he_o who_o hearty_a desire_v it_o be_v to_o please_v god_n in_o do_v his_o will_n will_v be_v unbiased_a in_o his_o judgement_n in_o inquiry_n after_o it_o he_o know_v that_o he_o can_v make_v that_o to_o be_v truth_n by_o think_v one_o way_n or_o other_o which_o be_v not_o before_o so_o and_o that_o truth_n will_v be_v truth_n whatsoever_o he_o think_v on_o it_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o wish_v that_o this_o or_o that_o may_v be_v so_o and_o then_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v so_o
but_o will_v only_o examine_v what_o be_v so_o that_o he_o may_v not_o entertain_v a_o erroneous_a persuasion_n he_o will_v bring_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o wrest_v the_o gospel_n to_o his_o mind_n but_o vice_n and_o sin_n be_v allow_v and_o predominant_a in_o the_o soul_n must_v needs_o warp_v the_o judgement_n and_o clap_v a_o heavy_a bias_n on_o it_o that_o will_v draw_v it_o to_o favour_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v their_o interest_n in_o all_o matter_n it_o be_v concern_v in_o and_o therefore_o a_o man_n of_o wicked_a and_o deprave_a affection_n can_v but_o be_v exceed_o unapt_a to_o study_v a_o book_n who_o design_n be_v such_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o the_o obediently-disposed_n will_v bring_v free_a ingenuous_a and_o candid_a spirit_n to_o this_o work_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o fit_o prepare_v to_o do_v it_o with_o good_a success_n second_o this_o honest_a and_o sincere_a temper_n of_o mind_n will_v help_v a_o man_n to_o evidence_n for_o his_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n far_o excel_v any_o that_o can_v arise_v from_o mere_a speculation_n â—…_n namely_o that_o of_o sense_n and_o experience_n the_o man_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n he_o shall_v not_o only_o believe_v it_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o that_o phrase_n there_o be_v a_o inward_a sweetness_n in_o holy_a truth_n that_o a_o good_a soul_n will_v relish_v and_o savour_n but_o the_o vitiate_a palate_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o love_n with_o any_o lust_n can_v taste_v it_o how_o sweet_a say_v david_n be_v thy_o word_n unto_o my_o taste_n yea_o sweet_a than_o honey_n unto_o my_o mouth_n now_o naked_a demonstration_n give_v but_o very_o poor_a and_o slight_a satisfaction_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o knowledge_n that_o arise_v from_o sense_n and_o experience_n and_o this_o latter_a alone_o will_v remove_v from_o we_o all_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n therefore_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o foolish_a that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a and_o laudable_a speech_n of_o the_o honest_a martyr_n though_o i_o can_v dispute_v i_o can_v die_v for_o christ_n no_o one_o that_o have_v taste_v honey_n can_v at_o all_o doubt_n of_o its_o sweetness_n though_o he_o may_v want_v cunning_a enough_o to_o answer_v the_o argument_n whereby_o a_o sophister_n may_v attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o bitter_a we_o say_v see_v be_v believe_v and_o the_o great_a evidence_n that_o our_o saviour_n prove_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n by_o be_v that_o of_o sense_n by_o this_o be_v thomas_n his_o incredulity_n as_o very_o strong_a as_o it_o be_v immediate_o overcome_v and_o the_o bodily_a sense_n be_v not_o more_o infallible_a than_o be_v the_o purify_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n three_o the_o aforesaid_a temper_n of_o mind_n will_v secure_v those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n in_o those_o point_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v of_o weighty_a importance_n it_o be_v undoubted_o certain_a that_o mistake_v about_o these_o can_v possible_o arise_v from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o that_o book_n it_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o heart_n can_v wish_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o free_a discourse_n therefore_o error_n that_o be_v of_o a_o damnable_a nature_n must_v necessary_o proceed_v from_o vicious_a cause_n such_o as_o 1._o gross_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v this_o in_o any_o soul_n that_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o obey_v god_n 2._o a_o too_o high_a opinion_n of_o our_o part_n and_o reason_n by_o which_o be_v often_o occasion_v a_o rejection_n of_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v but_o the_o honest_a soul_n can_v have_v no_o such_o conceit_n of_o his_o reason_n he_o know_v nothing_o more_o undoubted_o than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o most_o shallow_a creature_n he_o know_v that_o the_o most_o contemptible_a insect_n and_o common_a weed_n be_v able_a to_o pose_v and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o nonplus_n and_o that_o it_o will_v therefore_o be_v the_o high_a of_o arrogance_n in_o he_o to_o believe_v nothing_o reveal_v to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v a_o adequate_a object_n of_o his_o understanding_n this_o man_n will_v submit_v his_o reason_n to_o divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o divine_a revelation_n to_o his_o reason_n it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v though_o he_o will_v never_o so_o fain_o believe_v that_o which_o do_v manifest_o contradict_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o innate_a sense_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n nor_o can_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o proud_a affectation_n of_o be_v think_v wise_a than_o other_o folk_n this_o be_v a_o great_a thing_n which_o make_v the_o first_o heretic_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ever_o know_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o arrogant_a title_n they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o and_o distinguish_v their_o sect_n by_o viz._n gnostics_n but_o that_o temper_n of_o mind_n that_o make_v man_n unfeigned_o desirous_a of_o piety_n and_o true_a virtue_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o all_o such_o ambitious_a and_o aspire_a thought_n 4._o liquorish_a curiosity_n and_o wantonness_n of_o spirit_n when_o people_n be_v glut_v with_o those_o wholesome_a truth_n which_o they_o have_v for_o many_o year_n be_v entertain_v with_o and_o will_v be_v hunt_v after_o novelty_n when_o they_o grow_v weary_a of_o their_o honest_a teacher_n and_o will_v be_v follow_v every_o upstart_n that_o set_v himself_o in_o opposition_n to_o they_o it_o can_v hardly_o otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o they_o must_v fall_v into_o dangerous_a error_n the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 3._o that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n will_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o will_v do_v thus_o it_o follow_v have_v itch_a fars_n but_o the_o obedientlyincline_v soul_n will_v be_v careful_a to_o keep_v in_o that_o good_a way_n which_o by_o experience_n he_o have_v find_v to_o be_v so_o and_o to_o avoid_v all_o bye-path_n nor_o will_v he_o be_v run_v after_o seducer_n but_o shun_v they_o all_o he_o can_v as_o be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n and_o his_o aptness_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o be_v mislead_v 5._o the_o love_n of_o and_o be_v wed_v to_o any_o one_o lust_n whatsoever_o will_v certain_o endanger_v man_n fall_v into_o the_o worst_a of_o heresy_n when_o man_n have_v some_o belove_a sin_n or_o sin_n which_o they_o be_v resolve_v they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o and_o be_v as_o a_o right_a eye_n or_o 30._o right_a hand_n to_o they_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o entertain_v such_o principle_n as_o will_v allow_v they_o to_o live_v in_o they_o and_o to_o abandon_v those_o that_o will_v not_o and_o therefore_o to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n as_o those_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o rack_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o corrupt_a affection_n quod_fw-la volumus_fw-la facilè_fw-la credimus_fw-la that_o which_o we_o will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a we_o easy_o believe_v be_v so_o and_o what_o we_o desire_v shall_v be_v false_a we_o be_v with_o little_a difficulty_n persuade_v to_o disbelieve_v this_o therefore_o have_v have_v such_o a_o very_a fearful_a influence_n on_o not_o a_o few_o as_o to_o cause_v they_o at_o length_n to_o throw_v away_o their_o bibles_n to_o deny_v the_o immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o disbelieve_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v even_o the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n because_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v infinite_o their_o interest_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v false_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o life_n and_o no_o god_n but_o i_o need_v not_o say_v that_o the_o honest_a obedient_a person_n be_v one_o that_o be_v not_o devote_v to_o any_o lust._n 6._o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n be_v the_o last_o cause_n i_o shall_v mention_v of_o man_n disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n and_o renounce_v any_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n even_o as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n that_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o in_o their_o practice_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_n or_o a_o adulterate_a corrupt_v mind_v rom._n 1._o 28._o because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o
the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v god_n shall_v send_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strength_n of_o delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thess._n 2_o 10._o the_o foremention_v particular_n do_v of_o themselves_o lead_v to_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n how_o much_o more_o than_o must_v they_o need_v so_o do_v when_o they_o be_v back_v on_o with_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n but_o if_o honesty_n and_o a_o obedient_a temper_n of_o soul_n will_v secure_v from_o the_o other_o cause_n of_o error_n and_o seduction_n it_o will_v in_o so_o do_v secure_a from_o this_o last_o so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o a_o sincere_a desire_n of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o help_v man_n to_o a_o thorow-belief_n and_o sufficient_a understanding_n of_o that_o book_n which_o be_v only_o design_v to_o endue_v they_o with_o it_o and_o that_o nothing_o can_v occasion_v the_o contrary_a but_o a_o wilful_a adhere_n to_o some_o one_o or_o other_o immorality_n and_o that_o this_o have_v a_o very_a great_a aptness_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o matter_n of_o wonder_n to_o see_v man_n of_o excellent_a wit_n and_o brave_a accomplishment_n either_o fall_n into_o gross_a error_n or_o even_o into_o a_o flat_a disbelief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o strange_a as_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o it_o appear_v from_o our_o past_a discourse_n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o real_a cause_n of_o admiration_n in_o it_o for_o other_o endowment_n of_o as_o excellent_a use_n as_o they_o may_v be_v when_o accompany_v with_o that_o of_o a_o obedient_a temper_n must_v needs_o do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v adorn_v and_o grace_v with_o they_o when_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o occasion_n those_o vice_n that_o may_v well_o make_v way_n for_o heresy_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o acute_a wit_n when_o it_o have_v not_o a_o purify_a sense_n go_v along_o with_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sufficient_a praerequisite_a to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o evangelical_n truth_n that_o it_o be_v as_o notable_a a_o engine_n as_o the_o grand_a deceiver_n can_v desire_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o order_n to_o the_o bring_n about_o his_o mischievous_a design_n upon_o the_o person_n that_o be_v master_n of_o it_o so_o that_o indeed_o it_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a rather_o matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o any_o man_n that_o have_v a_o naughty_a will_n shall_v have_v a_o good_a judgement_n in_o gospel-truth_n though_o both_o his_o natural_a and_o acquire_v part_n shall_v be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o again_o we_o may_v without_o the_o least_o breach_n of_o charity_n presume_v that_o whosoever_o to_o who_o christianity_n be_v sufficient_o make_v know_v do_v either_o disbelieve_v it_o or_o any_o of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o it_o his_o heart_n be_v much_o more_o in_o fault_n than_o be_v his_o head_n and_o that_o he_o have_v darken_v his_o discern_v faculty_n and_o great_o dim_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o soul_n by_o entertain_v some_o filthy_a lust_n that_o send_v up_o a_o thick_a sog_n and_o mist_n of_o vapour_n to_o it_o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o say_v s._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 3._o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n he_o be_v proud_a etc._n etc._n not_o he_o be_v weak_a and_o can_v but_o he_o be_v wicked_a and_o will_v not_o understand_v the_o truth_n and_o by_o the_o way_n this_o discourse_n may_v conduce_v to_o the_o no_o small_a encouragement_n of_o the_o weak_a sort_n let_v such_o be_v but_o hearty_o solicitous_a about_o do_v god_n will_n and_o have_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n effect_v in_o they_o and_o they_o need_v fear_v that_o their_o weakness_n will_v betray_v they_o into_o the_o wrong_a way_n to_o blessedness_n chap._n xxvii_o the_o last_o inference_n that_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o the_o essence_n power_n and_o life_n of_o it_o consist_v instance_n of_o what_o kind_n of_o thing_n it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o for_o what_o end_v the_o several_a exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v enjoin_v how_o god_n be_v glorify_v by_o man_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v who_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o esteem_v and_o carry_v ourselves_o towards_o as_o true_a christian_n that_o by_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v his_o life_n our_o pattern_n we_o shall_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n be_v effect_v in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o it_o last_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o the_o essence_n power_n and_o life_n of_o it_o consist_v viz._n in_o a_o good_a state_n and_o habit_n of_o mind_n in_o a_o holy_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o soul_n whereby_o it_o esteem_v god_n as_o the_o chief_a good_a prefer_v he_o and_o his_o son_n jesus_n before_o all_o the_o world_n and_o prize_v above_o all_o thing_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o divine_a perfection_n such_o as_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n universal_a charity_n goodness_n mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o purity_n from_o whence_o do_v natural_o proceed_v a_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o all_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o perform_v all_o those_o action_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o be_v necessary_a expression_n of_o those_o and_o the_o like_a virtue_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n and_o increase_n of_o they_o and_o to_o avoid_v the_o contrary_a the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o christianity_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 14._o 17._o that_o be_v it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o any_o mere_o external_a matter_n or_o bodily_a exercise_n which_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v do_v profit_n but_o little_a and_o 8_o as_o not_o in_o such_o as_o he_o there_o mean_v viz._n thing_n of_o a_o perfect_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a so_o neither_o in_o such_o as_o be_v very_o good_a and_o laudable_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o it_o be_v only_o their_o flow_n from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o denominate_v any_o whatsoever_o christian_n action_n but_o such_o as_o be_v only_o occasion_v by_o certain_a external_a inducement_n and_o motive_n and_o proceed_v not_o from_o any_o good_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n be_v they_o never_o so_o commendable_a in_o themselves_o bespeak_v not_o he_o that_o perform_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian._n he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n that_o be_v one_o outward_o neither_o be_v that_o circumcision_n that_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n that_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o circumcision_n be_v that_o of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o letter_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n rom._n 2._o 28_o 29._o that_o be_v he_o only_o be_v a_o true_a child_n of_o abraham_n who_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o heart_n obey_v those_o substantial_a law_n that_o be_v impose_v by_o god_n upon_o he_o and_o if_o no_o one_o that_o do_v not_o thus_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o jew_n or_o child_n of_o abraham_n much_o less_o can_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o disciple_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v due_a to_o he_o he_o it_o be_v evident_a be_v only_o so_o in_o who_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n accomplish_v and_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o its_o design_n be_v primary_o and_o immediate_o upon_o the_o nature_n which_o be_v rectify_v and_o renew_v will_v certain_o discover_v itself_o so_o to_o be_v throughout_o the_o whole_a life_n for_o a_o good_a tree_n will_v not_o bring_v forth_o corrupt_a fruit_n nor_o a_o corrupt_a 7._o tree_n good_a fruit_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v be_v it_o possible_a as_o it_o be_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v forbear_v all_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o our_o soul_n cleave_v to_o it_o we_o can_v not_o but_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n and_o shall_v we_o abound_v never_o so_o much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o good_a duty_n if_o our_o design_n in_o so_o do_v be_v to_o gratify_v any_o lust_n and_o serve_v some_o carnal_a interest_n they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o christian_a action_n that_o they_o may_v
example_n as_o both_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n have_v often_o enough_o assure_v we_o he_o do_v be_v more_o serious_o consider_v it_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v that_o the_o design_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o that_o wherein_o consist_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o soul_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v by_o so_o many_o so_o very_o miserable_o mistake_v as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v the_o conclusion_n what_o remain_v now_o but_o that_o we_o sedulous_o and_o with_o the_o great_a concernedness_n betake_v ourselves_o to_o find_v that_o which_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o design_n of_o christanity_n accomplish_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n that_o we_o endeavour_v above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o we_o be_v call_v and_o that_o our_o conversation_n be_v as_o it_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n make_v it_o appear_v to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o that_o we_o be_v not_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o wretched_a soul_n on_o who_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o incomparable_a religion_n be_v mere_o throw_v away_o and_o bestow_v to_o very_o ill_a or_o to_o no_o purpose_n that_o we_o place_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n and_o our_o christianity_n not_o in_o let_v our_o tongue_n loose_v but_o in_o bridle_v both_o they_o and_o our_o exorbitant_a affection_n that_o we_o make_v less_o noise_n be_v less_o disputacious_a and_o more_o obedient_a that_o we_o talk_v and_o cavil_v less_o and_o be_v and_o live_v better_o as_o well_o know_v that_o a_o object_v quarrelsome_a and_o wrangle_a humour_n serve_v to_o no_o better_a end_n than_o eat_v out_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n let_v we_o exercise_n ourselves_o unto_o real_a and_o substantial_a godliness_n and_o in_o keep_v our_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o in_o study_v the_o gospel_n to_o enable_v we_o not_o to_o discourse_n or_o only_o to_o believe_v but_o also_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o do_v well_o let_v we_o esteem_v christianity_n a_o principle_n of_o such_o vigour_n spriteliness_n and_o activity_n as_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o nothing_o more_o than_o that_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v where_o it_o do_v not_o act_n and_o that_o the_o life_n of_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o can_v but_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o force_n of_o it_o let_v we_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o convince_v our_o atheist_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v no_o trick_n or_o device_n and_o our_o wanton_n and_o loose_a christian_n that_o it_o no_o notional_a business_n or_o speculative_a science_n by_o let_v they_o see_v most_o excellent_a effect_n produce_v in_o ourselves_o by_o it_o by_o show_v they_o how_o sober_a and_o temperate_a how_o chaste_a how_o severe_o just_a how_o meek_a and_o peaceable_a how_o humble_a how_o patient_a and_o submissive_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n how_o love_v and_o charitable_n what_o contemner_n of_o this_o world_n and_o confider_n in_o god_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o let_v we_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v not_o mere_a professor_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n by_o do_v act_n worthy_a of_o such_o a_o faith_n that_o we_o be_v not_o bare_o relyer_n on_o christ_n righteousness_n by_o be_v imitator_n of_o it_o by_o be_v righteous_a as_o he_o be_v righteous_a that_o we_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o cheerful_o comply_v with_o the_o christian_a precept_n hereby_o let_v we_o know_v that_o we_o do_v indeed_o know_v he_o that_o we_o keep_v 3_o his_o commandment_n by_o our_o care_n thus_o to_o do_v shall_v our_o mind_n as_o have_v be_v show_v 288._o be_v enlighten_v in_o all_o necessary_a truth_n it_o be_v by_o their_o care_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n obtain_v the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o method_n for_o the_o acquire_v of_o all_o useful_a knowledge_n as_o this_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n shall_v we_o also_o be_v keep_v constant_a in_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o obedient_a be_v the_o only_a christian_a that_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n even_o of_o a_o total_a apostasy_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o sure_a hold_n of_o any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o obedient_a he_o who_o great_a design_n it_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n be_v the_o only_a solid_a stable_a and_o settle_a man_n our_o saviour_n have_v liken_v he_o unto_o a_o wise_a man_n which_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n which_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o all_o beat_v upon_o it_o fall_v not_o because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o 24._o rock_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o have_v compare_v those_o that_o hear_v but_o do_v not_o his_o say_n to_o a_o foolish_a man_n which_o 26._o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n which_o when_o assault_v by_o a_o tempest_n fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v a_o very_a high_o profess_v if_o he_o be_v not_o as_o conscientious_o live_v a_o christian_n toss_v up_o and_o down_o like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o carry_v away_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n but_o so_o will_v not_o the_o obedient_a person_n be_v he_o may_v it_o be_v confess_v alter_v his_o opinion_n in_o the_o less_o weighty_a and_o more_o obscure_o deliver_v point_n but_o those_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o main_a body_n and_o substance_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v plain_o reveal_v as_o all_o such_o be_v he_o will_v inseparable_o adhere_v to_o by_o this_o mean_n will_v our_o knowledge_n be_v sanctisied_a and_o make_v useful_a but_o without_o the_o care_n of_o obedience_n it_o will_v be_v utter_o unprofitable_a nay_o of_o very_o hurtful_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n whatsoever_o christian_n knowledge_n be_v not_o impregnate_v with_o answerable_a goodness_n but_o be_v unaccompanied_a with_o christian_a practice_n be_v not_o only_o a_o insipid_a and_o jejune_n but_o also_o a_o flatulent_a thing_n that_o in_o stead_n of_o nourish_v be_v apt_a to_o swell_v and_o extreme_o puff_n up_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v to_o make_v they_o proud_a and_o high_o opinionate_a of_o their_o own_o worth_n censorious_a and_o contemner_n of_o other_o people_n and_o of_o a_o conceit_a and_o pragmatical_a a_o contentious_a and_o unpeaceable_a behaviour_n and_o there_o iâ—…no_fw-la man_n but_o may_v observe_v too_o too_o many_o of_o our_o great_a pretender_n to_o christianity_n unhappy_o exemplify_a and_o demonstrate_v by_o their_o practice_n this_o sad_a truth_n by_o this_o mean_n shall_v we_o convince_v gainsayers_a more_o than_o by_o any_o argument_n but_o they_o be_v never_o like_a to_o be_v persuade_v that_o our_o judgement_n be_v orthodox_n while_o they_o perceive_v our_o conversation_n to_o be_v heretical_a wicked_a man_n be_v a_o infinite_a discredit_n to_o any_o party_n they_o side_n with_o and_o do_v it_o mighty_a disservice_n i_o wish_v we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o know_v this_o by_o very_o woeful_a experience_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o good_a life_n can_v but_o be_v of_o exceed_v great_a force_n to_o draw_v dissenter_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o our_o religion_n we_o see_v that_o mere_a pretence_n to_o great_a sanctity_n do_v strange_o make_v proselyte_n to_o several_a form_n that_o have_v nothing_o beside_o to_o set_v they_o ofâ—…_n and_o commend_v they_o and_o as_o for_o obstinate_a person_n who_o be_v peremptory_o resolve_v that_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v prevail_v with_o to_o come_v over_o to_o we_o they_o will_v however_o be_v great_o disable_v from_o reproach_v our_o religion_n when_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o have_v excellent_a effect_n on_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o neither_o their_o reproach_n nor_o any_o attempt_n whatsoever_o against_o it_o can_v then_o ever_o have_v success_n or_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o its_o considerable_a prejudice_n nor_o will_v that_o idle_a and_o senseless_a talk_n whereby_o some_o hotheaded_a people_n endeavour_n to_o prove_v we_o a_o antichristian_a church_n be_v by_o many_o if_o by_o any_o listen_v to_o can_v they_o discern_v among_o we_o more_o christian_a life_n can_v they_o be_v once_o satisâ—…ied_a that_o we_o esteem_v it_o our_o principal_a interest_n and_o concernment_n to_o make_v ourselves_o and_o other_o real_o and_o substantial_o good_a so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n say_v s._n peter_n that_o with_o well-doing_n you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_n the_o 〈◊〉_d ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n by_o this_o mean_n shall_v we_o pass_v