once_o recommend_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o exemplar_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o justify_v and_o that_o the_o great_a commendation_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o life_n and_o then_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v not_o that_o true_a and_o genuine_a faith_n which_o justify_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v but_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n we_o must_v needs_o fall_v as_o short_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o we_o do_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n for_o to_o speak_v free_o i_o can_v understand_v what_o use_v there_o be_v of_o faith_n but_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_v his_o favour_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o only_a good_a use_n of_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o separate_v faith_n from_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n it_o lose_v all_o the_o virtue_n which_o it_o have_v to_o justify_v we_o and_o then_o if_o we_o be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n what_o do_v it_o profit_n my_o brethren_n can_v that_o faith_n save_v we_o which_o can_v procure_v our_o accptance_n with_o god_n have_v not_o all_o wicked_a man_n that_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o same_o 2.19_o jam._n 2.19_o nay_o the_o devil_n as_o st._n james_n observe_v tremble_v under_o as_o good_a a_o faith_n as_o this_o it_o be_v strange_a therefore_o that_o any_o man_n of_o competent_a reason_n shall_v think_v that_o a_o dry_a and_o barren_a faith_n a_o volatile_a notion_n in_o the_o head_n that_o never_o reach_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n shall_v put_v he_o into_o the_o happy_a state_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n or_o that_o which_o make_v he_o never_o the_o better_a man_n shall_v yet_o make_v he_o the_o favourite_n of_o god_n that_o a_o dead_a and_o useless_a faith_n shall_v do_v he_o the_o great_a kindness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o entitle_v he_o to_o life_n eternal_a now_o if_o justify_v faith_n be_v more_o than_o a_o assent_n to_o truth_n if_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v a_o vital_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n we_o see_v what_o a_o perfect_a dream_n the_o antinomian_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n from_o eternity_n be_v for_o sure_o no_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n so_o long_o ago_o as_o from_o eternity_n and_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v from_o eternity_n our_o faith_n come_v too_o late_o to_o justify_v we_o and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o justify_v faith_n and_o this_o the_o patron_n of_o this_o opinion_n do_v not_o dissemble_v in_o their_o description_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o they_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n only_o of_o manifest_v and_o apply_v to_o themselves_o their_o personal_a justification_n from_o eternity_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o fair_a step_n to_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n for_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n what_o effect_n the_o great_a precept_n and_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_a to_o have_v upon_o those_o man_n that_o conceive_v they_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v round_o that_o they_o be_v so_o from_o eternity_n 2._o we_o be_v teach_v by_o this_o trial_n not_o to_o stagger_v or_o repine_v at_o any_o sharp_a or_o mysterious_a providence_n but_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o god_n to_o prove_v our_o sincerity_n and_o to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n in_o he_o of_o all_o the_o excellent_a man_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v honour_v with_o more_o eminent_a token_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n than_o abraham_n be_v he_o be_v style_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a seed_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n 4.13_o rom._n 4.13_o he_o be_v familiar_o visited_n by_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o dignify_v with_o many_o special_a revelation_n and_o glorious_a promise_n he_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o god_n secret_n 18.17_o gen._n 18.17_o one_o who_o he_o declare_v his_o confidence_n in_o yea_o be_v so_o high_o in_o his_o favour_n that_o god_n engage_v himself_o by_o a_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o his_o family_n in_o all_o future_a age_n and_o give_v he_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n 8.56_o joh._n 8.56_o at_o almost_o two_o thousand_o year_n distance_n from_o it_o and_o beside_o this_o instance_n it_o have_v be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o single_a out_o the_o best_a man_n for_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o to_o propose_v they_o as_o example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o their_o own_o and_o all_o succeed_a generation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o worthy_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o the_o best_a history_n of_o all_o age_n now_o shall_v we_o call_v this_o a_o error_n of_o providence_n and_o conclude_v that_o all_o these_o excellent_a man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n because_o he_o call_v they_o to_o such_o noble_a trial_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o vindication_n of_o their_o faith_n if_o not_o we_o can_v infer_v nothing_o either_o against_o ourselves_o while_o we_o study_v to_o please_v god_n or_o against_o the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n from_o the_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n how_o extraordinary_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o nature_n or_o circumstance_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v consider_v rather_o that_o good_a man_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o world_n submission_n to_o the_o appointment_n of_o it_o by_o their_o affliction_n and_o trial_n and_o this_o clear_v at_o once_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o thus_o train_v they_o up_o for_o those_o excessive_a height_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v prepare_v in_o heaven_n for_o they_o 3._o the_o carriage_n of_o abraham_n in_o this_o trial_n may_v serve_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o live_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v serve_v god_n without_o respect_n to_o worldly_a advantage_n nay_o in_o view_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o disappointment_n that_o can_v be_v sustain_v by_o it_o the_o loose_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v always_o very_o apt_a to_o charge_v the_o sincere_a with_o pretend_v religion_n for_o secular_a end_n be_v willing_a to_o ease_v themselves_o of_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o wicked_a and_o impious_a life_n they_o will_v feign_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a faith_n and_o piety_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o hypocrisy_n that_o give_v some_o man_n the_o reputation_n of_o be_v better_a than_o other_o and_o that_o the_o best_a love_n the_o world_n at_o their_o heart_n as_o dear_o as_o those_o that_o proclaim_v their_o passion_n for_o it_o and_o profess_o make_v their_o court_n to_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o have_v cost_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n very_o dear_a in_o their_o several_a age_n to_o undeceive_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o scoff_v and_o infidelity_n of_o men._n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o one_o special_a end_n of_o the_o trial_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o religion_n be_v a_o reality_n and_o that_o there_o be_v those_o that_o cheerful_o serve_v god_n upon_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n yea_o though_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o very_a dear_a delight_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o the_o example_n in_o the_o text_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o evasion_n or_o answer_n and_o since_o abraham_n child_n have_v the_o same_o kind_a of_o faith_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v so_o renown_v for_o i_o mean_v a_o faith_n which_o carry_v they_o through_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o pursuit_n of_o a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o a_o kingdom_n which_o have_v foundation_n this_o vindicate_v all_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n from_o the_o foul_a charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o do_v their_o work_n to_o be_v see_v of_o men._n it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o their_o family_n that_o they_o believe_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a that_o they_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o ingenuity_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o perfection_n that_o abraham_n be_v
establish_v religion_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o because_o we_o have_v thorough_o try_v and_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o because_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o by_o a_o rule_n which_o can_v fail_v we_o and_o do_v find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o very_a religion_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n now_o if_o we_o have_v take_v up_o our_o religion_n upon_o due_a confidweration_n and_o judgement_n it_o very_o high_o concern_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o excellent_a rule_n and_o precept_n and_o to_o be_v as_o steady_a in_o our_o walk_n as_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v sure_a of_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n if_o we_o go_v wide_a from_o the_o path_n we_o have_v make_v straight_o and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o doctrine_n we_o profess_v to_o believe_v upon_o clear_a and_o convince_a evidence_n we_o condemn_v ourselves_o and_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o the_o adversary_n to_o triumph_v over_o we_o and_o to_o twist_v we_o with_o the_o great_a need_n we_o have_v of_o a_o reformation_n to_o make_v we_o worse_o than_o we_o need_v to_o have_v be_v without_o it_o we_o put_v a_o sharp_a weapon_n into_o their_o hand_n than_o any_o they_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o forge_v against_o it_o a_o witty_a man_n may_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n to_o say_v something_o for_o romish_a error_n but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n to_o be_v speak_v for_o a_o antichristian_a life_n with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o inveigh_v against_o popish_a indulgence_n while_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o as_o great_a a_o liberty_n in_o sin_v as_o they_o do_v if_o we_o be_v heedless_a and_o undevout_a in_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v blush_v to_o say_v we_o can_v dispense_v with_o latin_a service_n because_o it_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o devotion_n and_o be_v it_o not_o much_o at_o one_o whether_o he_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n eat_v or_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o do_v it_o in_o both_o kind_n or_o but_o one_o or_o what_o signisy_n a_o change_n or_o no_o change_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o element_n to_o he_o that_o discern_v not_o the_o lord_n body_n or_o why_o may_v not_o a_o implicit_a faith_n serve_v to_o make_v a_o empty_a profession_n as_o well_o as_o any_o protestant_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o if_o that_o be_v all_o we_o design_n by_o be_v protestant_n it_o be_v hardly_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o be_v so_o for_o as_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n so_o without_o holiness_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n we_o that_o be_v protestant_n profess_v a_o great_a veneration_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o excuse_v ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o govern_v our_o life_n as_o well_o as_o our_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v those_o that_o will_v not_o excuse_v our_o religion_n but_o raise_v objection_n against_o it_o out_o of_o those_o very_a action_n it_o express_o condemn_v and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o it_o be_v i_o confess_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o religion_n shall_v answer_v for_o the_o fault_n which_o it_o aim_v to_o rectify_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v own_v a_o real_a and_o mighty_a prejudice_n to_o it_o to_o be_v contradict_v by_o its_o own_o professor_n and_o betray_v by_o those_o that_o pretend_v a_o hearty_n zeal_n and_o concernment_n for_o it_o and_o we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o be_v cautious_a on_o this_o hand_n because_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o full_o justify_v by_o its_o learned_a advocate_n that_o it_o require_v nothing_o more_o for_o its_o defence_n and_o vindication_n from_o it_o be_v than_o that_o we_o shall_v adorn_v it_o by_o our_o holy_a conversation_n and_o keep_v the_o enemy_n out_o of_o those_o breach_n which_o our_o division_n have_v make_v and_o our_o lust_n have_v widen_v for_o they_o and_o this_o be_v our_o proper_a post_n in_o which_o we_o may_v do_v excellent_a service_n though_o we_o may_v not_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o engage_v in_o the_o field_n of_o controversy_n mere_o by_o exercise_v ourselves_o unto_o godliness_n by_o keep_v to_o the_o plain_a rule_n and_o stand_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n this_o i_o say_v be_v our_o proper_a task_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v utter_o defeat_v our_o adversary_n and_o put_v they_o to_o the_o same_o straight_o that_o daniel_n do_v the_o chaldaean_n 6.5_o dan._n 6.5_o by_o leave_v they_o no_o occasion_n against_o we_o except_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o law_n of_o our_o god_n and_o for_o that_o we_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o try_v their_o utmost_a skill_n and_o if_o by_o fair_a reason_v and_o argument_n such_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n they_o can_v win_v the_o victory_n let_v they_o wear_v it_o i_o wish_v the_o mean_a while_n we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v our_o religion_n i_o wish_v we_o can_v all_o show_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a conversation_n that_o our_o life_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o law_n as_o our_o faith_n be_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o i_o think_v our_o adversary_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o in_o this_o respect_n but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v just_o expect_v that_o we_o who_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n shall_v live_v at_o the_o best_a rate_n that_o we_o who_o pretend_v to_o understand_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o to_o know_v who_o we_o worship_n and_o have_v renounce_v the_o error_n and_o corruption_n that_o spoil_v the_o religion_n of_o other_o man_n shall_v be_v extreme_o careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o blemish_v our_o own_o that_o we_o do_v not_o stain_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o furnish_v man_n with_o objection_n against_o it_o by_o our_o vain_a and_o vicious_a conversation_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o happiness_n though_o a_o man_n know_v every_o foot_n of_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o crooked_a and_o deceitful_a path_n which_o other_o be_v lose_v and_o bewildred_n in_o yet_o if_o he_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o knowledge_n to_o direct_v his_o step_n and_o keep_v on_o in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v go_v he_o can_v never_o arrive_v to_o that_o bless_a place_n we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o fly_v to_o heaven_n with_o a_o wish_n or_o to_o be_v save_v by_o be_v orthodox_n or_o excuse_v from_o do_v our_o duty_n because_o we_o know_v it_o though_o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n and_o all_o faith_n without_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n i_o know_v not_o of_o what_o importance_n they_o will_v be_v to_o we_o but_o only_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o great_a damnation_n the_o sanction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o same_o to_o man_n of_o all_o persuasion_n the_o worst_a of_o which_o will_v hardly_o deny_v that_o a_o good_a life_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o good_a christian_a as_o a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n faith_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v nor_o believe_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n nor_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o salvation_n that_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n while_o we_o bid_v defiance_n to_o his_o law_n 5.9_o heb._n 5.9_o for_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o only_o that_o obey_v he_o if_o we_o be_v ill_a man_n it_o matter_n not_o what_o we_o be_v beside_o any_o religion_n will_v serve_v a_o wicked_a man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a and_o become_v he_o a_o great_a deal_n better_o than_o the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n with_o he_o and_o which_o of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n denounce_v the_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n against_o its_o own_o professor_n that_o reject_v the_o mild_a and_o reasonable_a condition_n of_o it_o 2.7.8_o rom._n 2.7.8_o to_o they_o that_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o welldoing_a seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n it_o promise_v eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n how_o zealous_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o defence_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o it_o denounce_v indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil._n so_o that_o if_o we_o live_v
eight_o sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a occasion_n by_o nathanael_n whaley_n rector_n of_o broughton_n in_o northamptonshire_n london_n print_v for_o john_n everingham_n at_o the_o star_n in_o ludgate-street_n near_o the_o west_n end_v of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1695._o imprimatur_fw-la carolus_n alstton_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc_n lond._n a_o sacris_fw-la april_n 30_o 1695._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o true_a end_n of_o print_v sermon_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n which_o must_v be_v at_o a_o low_a ebb_n while_o the_o witty_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v float_v in_o scepticism_n and_o the_o heavy_a sink_v into_o downright_a atheism_n and_o sensuality_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o good_a a_o end_n in_o itself_o that_o it_o certain_o need_v no_o excuse_n for_o i_o know_v not_o why_o any_o man_n may_v not_o venture_v upon_o do_v good_a without_o ask_v leave_n of_o the_o world_n or_o plead_v the_o importunity_n of_o friend_n or_o crave_v a_o protection_n for_o it_o all_o the_o discouragement_n lie_v in_o the_o difficulty_n there_o be_v in_o reach_v this_o excellent_a end_n especial_o in_o this_o singular_a and_o confident_a age_n in_o which_o he_o be_v no_o body_n almost_o that_o have_v not_o a_o opinion_n by_o himself_o and_o he_o be_v count_v a_o very_a easy_a man_n that_o will_v resign_v it_o to_o a_o strong_a judgement_n for_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o contradiction_n or_o two_o or_o convince_v of_o a_o few_o untoward_a consequence_n of_o it_o but_o however_o this_o be_v i_o think_v it_o become_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n to_o persuade_v man_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v wise_a and_o happy_a and_o while_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o admonish_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n and_o this_o i_o can_v true_o say_v be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a sermon_n the_o two_o first_o of_o which_o be_v frame_v to_o show_v the_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o a_o stable_n and_o wellgrounded_n faith_n and_o mere_a confidence_n and_o opinion_n or_o between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n which_o carry_v he_o through_o the_o great_a trial_n and_o difficulty_n and_o the_o presumption_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi which_o do_v as_o strange_a thing_n in_o their_o kind_n for_o as_o abraham_n by_o faith_n offer_v up_o his_o son_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n so_o saul_n by_o the_o impulse_n of_o his_o opinion_n persecute_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o very_o think_v till_o our_o saviour_n call_v to_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o be_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o christianity_n itself_o the_o design_n of_o the_o three_o and_o four_o sermon_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o extreme_a danger_n of_o impenitency_n under_o the_o powerful_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o trust_v to_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n these_o i_o fear_v be_v very_o grate_v and_o unpleasant_a subject_n but_o i_o the_o rather_o think_v they_o require_v the_o plain_a deal_n and_o must_v needs_o say_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o latter_a that_o upon_o the_o review_n i_o can_v esteem_v it_o any_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o have_v wrest_v a_o text_n perhaps_o more_o frequent_o mis-applyed_n than_o any_o other_o in_o the_o gospel_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o that_o be_v never_o fair_o in_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o be_v apt_a as_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o some_o other_o to_o wrest_v it_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n the_o five_o be_v deliver_v at_o a_o time_n when_o great_a endeavour_n be_v use_v to_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o show_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o protestant_a faith_n and_o the_o great_a advantage_n it_o have_v above_o the_o romish_a in_o point_n of_o certainty_n how_o much_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o church_n and_o to_o adorn_v it_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o example_n and_o the_o way_n to_o do_v this_o be_v describe_v and_o recommend_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n concern_v our_o improvement_n in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o be_v we_o once_o persuade_v to_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o may_v just_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v they_o more_o and_o perhaps_o much_o long_o than_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v think_v it_o no_o dishonour_n to_o suffer_v those_o that_o affront_v and_o despiteful_o use_v we_o to_o live_v out_o the_o short_a term_n of_o life_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v set_v they_o and_o make_v better_a use_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o own_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o which_o happy_a temper_n be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o two_o last_o sermon_n as_o to_o the_o composure_n of_o these_o few_o discourse_n the_o reader_n will_v find_v enough_o to_o exercise_v his_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n all_o i_o can_v hope_v for_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v serviceable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o lover_n of_o truth_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v publish_v &_o that_o the_o venture_n will_v be_v the_o more_o pardonable_a because_o my_o infirmity_n at_o present_a be_v such_o as_o hinder_v the_o discharge_n of_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o my_o function_n god_n grant_v his_o blessing_n to_o all_o faithful_a endeavour_n to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n and_o promote_v peace_n and_o piety_n the_o content_n sermon_n i._n the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n heb._n 11.17_o 18._o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v sermon_n ii_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o misinform_v conscience_n or_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n act_n 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n sermon_n iii_o of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o impenitency_n under_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o salvation_n matth._n 11.21.22_o wo_n unto_o thou_o chorazin_n woe_n unto_o thou_o bethsaida_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o you_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o you_o sermon_n iv_o the_o case_n of_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n matth._n 20.9_o and_o when_o they_o come_v that_o be_v hire_v about_o the_o eleven_o hour_n they_o receive_v every_o man_n a_o penny_n sermon_n v._n the_o straight_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n hebr._n 12.13_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n sermon_n vi._n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n sermon_n vii_o of_o murder_n particular_o duel_v and_o self-murder_n matth._n 5.21_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v sermon_n viii_o of_o the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o humane_a life_n james_n 4.14_o for_o what_o be_v your_o life_n it_o be_v even_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o sermon_n i._o concern_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n hebr._n 11.17_o 18._o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v rerceive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n discourse_v in_o this_o chapter_n of_o two_o eminent_a point_n of_o knowledge_n the_o nature_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o ground_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o conviction_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v etc._n ver_fw-la 3.5_o etc._n etc._n such_o as_o the_o creation_n of_o this_o and_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o better_a world_n and_o this_o show_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o lie_v in_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o truth_n and_o promise_n ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o and_o according_o the_o holy_a man_n who_o faith_n be_v so_o much_o magnify_v in_o this_o chapter_n 13._o ver_fw-la 13._o
upon_o his_o son_n and_o talk_v with_o he_o upon_o the_o way_n to_o moriah_n nature_n shall_v make_v a_o stand_n and_o his_o heart_n shall_v fail_v he_o to_o think_v what_o a_o sad_a uncomfortable_a errand_n he_o be_v go_v upon_o but_o we_o meet_v with_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o in_o abraham_n deportment_n during_o the_o whole_a process_n of_o his_o trial_n he_o do_v not_o make_v a_o false_a step_n in_o three_o day_n journey_n to_o moriah_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o stagger_v at_o the_o strangeness_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o go_v on_o without_o delay_n and_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o this_o great_a action_n proceed_v by_o even_o and_o constant_a step_n through_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o tedious_a duty_n 22.9_o gen._n 22.9_o even_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o mountain_n which_o god_n tell_v he_o of_o have_v build_v a_o altar_n and_o lay_v the_o wood_n in_o order_n upon_o it_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o allow_v himself_o to_o say_v must_v i_o now_o burn_v the_o staff_n of_o my_o old-age_n and_o the_o dear_a pledge_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o i_o and_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o we_o see_v he_o perfect_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n and_o surmount_v the_o discouragement_n which_o his_o way_n be_v obstruct_v with_o 2._o the_o power_n or_o principle_n by_o which_o this_o transcendent_a act_n of_o righteousness_n be_v wrought_v i._n e._n by_o which_o abraham_n prevail_v with_o himself_o and_o over_o all_o discouragement_n to_o offer_v up_o isaac_n the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o his_o faith_n now_o faith_n we_o know_v be_v sometime_o take_v for_o a_o habitual_a belief_n or_o persuasion_n of_o the_o perfection_n truth_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o sometime_o for_o a_o single_a act_n of_o this_o eminent_a grace_n and_o there_o be_v place_n of_o which_o the_o text_n be_v one_o in_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_o use_v in_o both_o sense_n 1._o first_o then_o the_o honour_n of_o this_o noble_a action_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o constant_a and_o habitual_a persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o promise_n which_o abraham_n have_v attain_v unto_o he_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o believe_v god_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n and_o concernment_n of_o all_o that_o he_o reveal_v to_o he_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o conclude_v and_o settle_v upon_o this_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o this_o persuasion_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o his_o piety_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o he_o leave_v his_o own_o country_n for_o a_o strange_a land_n and_o follow_v the_o clue_n of_o god_n providence_n whithersoever_o it_o lead_v he_o it_o direct_v his_o step_n when_o he_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o posture_n of_o undertake_v the_o hard_a trial_n and_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o his_o sincerity_n that_o god_n shall_v demand_v of_o he_o and_o according_o when_o god_n demand_v his_o son_n the_o dear_a thing_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n in_o any_o case_n but_o he_o to_o slay_v a_o innocent_a youth_n though_o it_o be_v in_o common_a esteem_n a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n which_o a_o father_n name_n carry_v in_o it_o and_o no_o less_o contrary_a to_o the_o endearment_n of_o the_o conjugal_a relation_n nay_o though_o it_o have_v all_o the_o visible_a mark_n of_o unnatural_a rage_n and_o inhumanity_n upon_o it_o and_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v a_o indelible_a blemish_n to_o religion_n though_o these_o consideration_n be_v no_o less_o obvious_a than_o weighty_a yet_o be_v abraham_n through_o the_o constancy_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n so_o naturalize_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o can_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o but_o i_o confess_v this_o do_v not_o full_o clear_v the_o main_a difficulty_n employ_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o abraham_n shall_v offer_v up_o his_o son_n by_o faith_n while_o he_o believe_v the_o promise_n concern_v his_o seed_n it_o be_v against_o common_a sense_n or_o reason_n that_o if_o isaac_n die_v without_o issue_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v bless_v after_o he_o so_o that_o abraham_n may_v be_v a_o strong_a believer_n and_o do_v great_a thing_n by_o his_o faith_n yet_o still_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v but_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o stagger_v while_o he_o shake_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n which_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n have_v rest_v upon_o as_o he_o do_v when_o he_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v the_o promise_a line_n and_o so_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o consider_v it_o as_o it_o signify_v 2._o some_o special_a and_o eminent_a act_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o such_o we_o find_v in_o the_o present_a casu_fw-la namely_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o abraham_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o this_o the_o context_n express_o ascribe_v his_o success_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n 19.1_o v._o 19.1_o etc._n etc._n account_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n by_o bring_v isaac_n to_o life_n again_o and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o rather_o than_o suffer_v the_o least_o tittle_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o die_v with_o he_o and_o now_o his_o way_n though_o hard_a be_v clear_a and_o open_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o interrupt_v his_o obedience_n but_o what_o his_o almighty_a faith_n can_v deal_v withal_o he_o have_v doubtless_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v a_o better_a interest_n in_o his_o son_n and_o all_o his_o other_o possession_n than_o any_o he_o can_v lay_v claim_n unto_o and_o the_o great_a reverence_n he_o have_v for_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n hush_v his_o natural_a affection_n and_o whereas_o god_n command_n seem_v to_o oppose_v his_o promise_n he_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n too_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o and_o bring_v back_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o give_v he_o his_o first_o be_v when_o he_o spring_v from_o one_o as_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o chapter_n that_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a that_o be_v himself_o that_o have_v outlive_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o give_v life_n to_o other_o we_o see_v then_o the_o eminency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n 12._o v._o 12._o and_o the_o support_v it_o give_v he_o all_o along_o in_o his_o trial_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o it_o he_o keep_v his_o eye_n all_o the_o while_n upon_o god_n command_n and-winked_a at_o all_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n that_o oppose_v his_o obedience_n to_o it_o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o god_n have_v power_n to_o kill_v and_o to_o make_v alive_a to_o command_v what_o he_o please_v and_o reward_v those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o short_a amid_o all_o the_o hard_a thing_n that_o bear_v upon_o abraham_n faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o appear_v so_o incredible_a to_o he_o as_o that_o god_n shall_v lie_v or_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o suspend_v his_o obedience_n while_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n faithfulness_n to_o he_o and_o according_o he_o immediate_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o light_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o faith_n without_o any_o falter_a or_o regret_n through_o all_o the_o dark_a scene_n of_o that_o cloudy_a providence_n which_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o that_o after_o a_o most_o express_a and_o emphatical_a promise_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o to_o consider_v how_o far_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o discourse_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n first_o then_o 1._o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n which_o certain_o it_o have_v never_o be_v if_o he_o have_v not_o obey_v the_o command_n which_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n if_o abraham_n then_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n which_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o lively_a and_o work_a faith_n and_o that_o no_o other_o faith_n than_o this_o can_v justify_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v more_o than_o
great_a light_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o our_o foot_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o perfect_a fruition_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v we_o command_v only_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n but_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o they_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n 12.57_o 1_o thes_n 5.21_o 1_o job_n 1.4_o luk._n 12.57_o and_o to_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o what_o be_v right_o that_o be_v we_o must_v use_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o compare_v matter_n in_o controversy_n with_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o scripture_n for_o some_o rule_n we_o must_v have_v to_o prove_v and_o try_v and_o judge_n by_o and_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o scripture_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o any_o other_o rule_n but_o itself_o and_o that_o of_o modern_a and_o unwritten_a tradition_n as_o opposite_a to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v security_n enough_o against_o any_o dangerous_a error_n consider_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o much_o a_o stand_a revelation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n 5._o we_o find_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o course_n so_o far_o that_o person_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n after_o a_o competent_a trial_n of_o it_o do_v right_o believe_v and_o understand_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o necessary_a article_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o visible_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v for_o a_o ingenious_a reader_n to_o overlook_v they_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o he_o only_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v that_o he_o send_v his_o only_o beget_v to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o he_o die_v and_o rose_n again_o that_o as_o many_o as_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v save_v these_o and_o other_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o full_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n to_o certify_v for_o they_o a_o common_a understanding_n with_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n can_v reach_v the_o discovery_n i_o mean_v without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o roman_a telescope_n or_o stand_v upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o st._n peters_n pretend_a successor_n this_o we_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o we_o feel_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o we_o see_v the_o demonstration_n of_o it_o in_o ten_o thousand_o instance_n and_o do_v not_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o our_o faith_n for_o be_v protestant_n i._n e._n immediate_o ground_v upon_o the_o evidence_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o our_o inviolable_a birth_n right_a to_o judge_v of_o plain_a truth_n when_o we_o see_v they_o and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n on_o our_o side_n and_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o put_v it_o to_o any_o man_n to_o judge_v for_o we_o whether_o or_o no_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o christ_n or_o a_o heaven_n that_o all_o necessary_a truth_n be_v plain_a be_v allow_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o those_o that_o make_v article_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o if_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a be_v plain_a then_o i_o hope_v a_o plain_a man_n may_v judge_v of_o they_o and_o without_o ask_v leave_n of_o any_o other_o man_n may_v believe_v they_o and_o so_o do_v he_o certain_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o then_o the_o church_n that_o declare_v he_o be_v not_o can_v be_v infallible_a unless_o a_o church_n can_v err_v and_o be_v infallible_a at_o the_o same_o instant_n 6._o it_o be_v far_o easy_a for_o man_n who_o implore_v the_o direction_n of_o god_n and_o use_v the_o help_n which_o he_o afford_v they_o to_o find_v their_o way_n to_o heaven_n in_o the_o scripture_n than_o to_o find_v a_o infallible_a guide_n on_o earth_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v obscure_a as_o well_o as_o plain_a passage_n in_o scripture_n some_o place_n so_o very_o dark_a and_o intricate_a that_o they_o even_o pose_v the_o most_o skilful_a and_o judicious_a guide_n but_o than_o our_o happiness_n be_v that_o our_o way_n do_v not_o lie_v through_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v light_a enough_o in_o innumerable_a other_o place_n to_o direct_v our_o step_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o in_o a_o straight_a line_n to_o everlasting_a bliss_n and_o perfection_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v so_o clear_o reveal_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v as_o much_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o we_o if_o we_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n beg_v of_o god_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o error_n all_o which_o we_o have_v great_a encouragement_n to_o do_v since_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n indeed_o offer_v to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o short_a and_o easy_a method_n of_o find_v out_o truth_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o guide_n that_o will_v infallible_o show_v we_o every_o step_n of_o our_o way_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o any_o tedious_a inquiry_n nor_o any_o long_o in_o danger_n of_o miss_v our_o aim_n in_o they_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o own_o fallible_a judgement_n and_o who_o will_v not_o glad_o embrace_v so_o free_a and_o kind_a a_o offer_n as_o this_o provide_v there_o be_v no_o trick_n or_o fallacy_n it_o it_o the_o trial_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v if_o the_o proposes_n of_o this_o way_n of_o certainty_n be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o a_o few_o reasonable_a case_n without_o which_o as_o great_a as_o the_o courtesy_n seem_v to_o be_v we_o cnnot_v prudent_o accept_v of_o their_o offer_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v free_o proffer_v i_o the_o indies_n i_o must_v say_v it_o be_v a_o very_a noble_a gift_n if_o he_o can_v make_v it_o good_a and_o when_o he_o have_v convince_v i_o that_o he_o can_v i_o will_v thankful_o accept_v it_o from_o he_o but_o before_o he_o can_v give_v i_o satisfaction_n about_o it_o i_o find_v there_o must_v be_v a_o few_o word_n exchange_v between_o we_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o please_v i_o desire_v he_o to_o tell_v i_o how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v the_o owner_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o treasure_n which_o be_v or_o late_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o so_o many_o great_a and_o potent_a prince_n and_o which_o way_n he_o will_v put_v i_o into_o possession_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n if_o he_o can_v answer_v these_o query_n as_o i_o believe_v he_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v never_o convey_v the_o indies_n to_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v never_o trouble_v my_o head_n more_o about_o they_o and_o thus_o i_o fear_v it_o will_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n to_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v there_o such_o a_o church_n or_o person_n as_o they_o boast_v of_o at_o rome_n that_o can_v infallible_o solve_v all_o doubt_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n be_v rich_o worth_a both_o the_o indies_n together_o but_o before_o i_o accept_v of_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o guide_n i_o must_v desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o a_o few_o thing_n in_o reference_n to_o he_o as_o 1._o how_o i_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o guide_n or_o judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o i_o find_v there_o be_v a_o great_a controversy_n in_o the_o church_n about_o it_o and_o if_o i_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o till_o he_o have_v end_v all_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o great_a blessing_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n promise_v from_o he_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o this_o age_n of_o controversy_n to_o inquire_v any_o far_a after_o he_o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o may_v i_o or_o any_o other_o protestant_n determine_v this_o controversy_n by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o fallible_a judgement_n if_o we_o may_v than_o it_o seem_v a_o fallible_a judgement_n may_v do_v more_o sometime_o than_o a_o infallible_a judg._n however_o a_o fallible_a judgement_n be_v all_o the_o judgement_n that_o we_o have_v and_o if_o by_o it_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n which_o at_o rome_n go_v for_o a_o lead_a article_n of_o faith_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o may_v not_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n be_v certain_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o we_o may_v
any_o gratitude_n in_o we_o any_o ingenious_a sense_n of_o the_o infinite_a debt_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o will_v strong_o engage_v we_o to_o make_v the_o best_a return_v and_o acknowledgement_n we_o be_v able_a know_v that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o 17.10_o luk._n 17.10_o we_o be_v but_o vnprositable_a servant_n and_o then_o the_o danger_n of_o forfeit_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o our_o wilful_a negligence_n and_o of_o drive_v away_o his_o grieve_v spirit_n from_o we_o and_o so_o cloud_v and_o shorten_v our_o day_n of_o grace_n how_o shall_v this_o quicken_v our_o diligence_n and_o inflame_v our_o endeavour_n after_o grace_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o more_o lively_a and_o acceptable_a manner_n with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n but_o there_o will_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o enlarge_n upon_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o next_o particular_a which_o be_v this_o 5._o the_o strong_a we_o grow_v in_o grace_n the_o better_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o hold_v out_o unto_o the_o end_n without_o which_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o diligence_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v throw_v away_o a_o constant_a proficiency_n in_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o apostasy_n while_o we_o go_v on_o and_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o our_o fall_v away_o all_o the_o danger_n be_v while_o we_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o be_v strong_o tempt_v to_o return_v to_o our_o former_a course_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n by_o press_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_v we_o be_v continual_o get_v ground_n for_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o the_o more_o we_o keep_v before_o they_o the_o less_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o of_o be_v surprise_v and_o overtake_v by_o they_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o two_o opposite_a term_n of_o our_o christian_a course_n so_o far_o as_o we_o advance_v towards_o the_o latter_a we_o leave_v the_o former_a behind_o we_o and_o by_o consequence_n be_v at_o so_o much_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o apostasy_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v secure_v our_o perseverance_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o get_v as_o forward_o in_o religion_n as_o we_o can_v and_o not_o rest_n in_o any_o mean_a attainment_n as_o if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o at_o any_o time_n good_a enough_o for_o heaven_n and_o be_v sure_a of_o our_o crown_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o have_v begin_v our_o race_n we_o know_v not_o what_o trial_n we_o may_v be_v exercise_v with_o or_o what_o degree_n of_o fortitude_n and_o patience_n we_o shall_v need_v to_o support_v and_o carry_v we_o through_o they_o but_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o be_v well_o prepare_v before_o hand_n and_o it_o therefore_o become_v we_o to_o be_v constant_o train_n and_o exercise_v our_o grace_n and_o daily_o reinforcing_a our_o resolution_n to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o obstruct_v our_o passage_n to_o glory_n and_o happiness_n if_o we_o faint_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n we_o shall_v very_o hardly_o recover_v ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o fall_v away_o we_o shall_v loose_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o former_a labour_n and_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v far_o worse_o than_o our_o beginning_n i_o know_v there_o be_v those_o that_o take_v sanctuary_n at_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n of_o fall_v from_o grace_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o will_v only_o remind_v those_o who_o be_v too_o flush_n and_o confident_n of_o it_o for_o sure_o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o man_n to_o venture_v his_o salvation_n upon_o it_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a it_o may_v do_v they_o no_o service_n and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n that_o many_o that_o have_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v the_o character_n of_o good_a man_n among_o those_o that_o be_v true_o so_o have_v at_o last_o yield_v to_o the_o charm_n of_o this_o tempt_v world_n and_o neglect_v to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n have_v outlive_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o good_a estate_n and_o the_o fair_a opinion_n of_o the_o most_o candid_a and_o charitable_a person_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o shall_v be_v extreme_o cautious_a of_o presume_v too_o far_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o dash_v against_o the_o rock_n which_o many_o that_o have_v have_v the_o steerage_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o seem_v to_o set_v out_o with_o all_o advantage_n for_o heaven_n have_v fatal_o strike_v upon_o for_o want_v of_o that_o diligence_n and_o circumspection_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o so_o weighty_a a_o affair_n as_o that_o of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o good_a man_n may_v grieve_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o every_o degree_n of_o resistance_n be_v a_o new_a provocation_n to_o he_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o that_o the_o often_o he_o be_v repulse_v the_o more_o danger_n there_o be_v of_o his_o forsake_v those_o that_o withstand_v his_o bless_a motition_n and_o whether_o this_o may_v or_o may_v not_o proceed_v to_o a_o utter_a dereliction_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o be_v cautious_a of_o it_o consider_v the_o dreadful_a end_n of_o some_o very_a hopeful_a beginner_n who_o if_o once_o they_o be_v not_o real_o good_a be_v deceive_v in_o themselves_o nay_o be_v so_o extreme_o like_o those_o that_o be_v good_a that_o they_o deceive_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o sincerity_n and_o goodness_n let_v he_o therefore_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v and_o let_v we_o all_o endeavour_n by_o a_o sensible_a and_o constant_a improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o piety_n to_o grow_v steadfast_a and_o vnmovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v our_o labour_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 6._o the_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n will_v daily_o lessen_v and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o increase_v the_o far_o we_o proceed_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o of_o god_n commandment_n appear_v harsh_a and_o grievous_a be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o use_v to_o obey_v it_o for_o use_v and_o diligence_n make_v any_o thing_n easy_a and_o all_o excellent_a thing_n delightful_a and_o hence_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o seldomer_n we_o do_v any_o good_a the_o unwilling_a we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o it_o again_o and_o the_o more_o faint_o we_o set_v about_o it_o the_o less_o satisfaction_n we_o have_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o now_o let_v we_o but_o inure_v ourselves_o to_o any_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o take_v care_n to_o do_v it_o but_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o we_o shall_v quick_o perceive_v that_o we_o be_v please_v with_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n and_o ourselves_o a_o good_a man_n be_v never_o weary_a of_o do_v good_a and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o he_o shall_v for_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o goodness_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o that_o deal_v in_o it_o which_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_n of_o the_o wiseman_n a_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v from_o himself_o when_o he_o pray_v 14.14_o pro._n 14.14_o or_o meditate_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n with_o due_a attention_n and_o devotion_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o while_n and_o never_o enjoy_v himself_o more_o than_o when_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n well_o which_o god_n require_v of_o he_o he_o that_o be_v hardly_o persuade_v to_o a_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o at_o last_o do_v it_o but_o with_o half_a a_o consent_n be_v fain_o to_o struggle_v with_o himself_o before_o he_o proceed_v so_o far_o and_o so_o lose_v all_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o it_o whereas_o he_o that_o give_v free_o and_o cheerful_o have_v no_o trouble_n in_o himself_o about_o it_o but_o be_v high_o please_v with_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o find_v it_o a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v and_o thus_o can_v i_o run_v through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o christian_a practice_n i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o gain_v this_o conclusion_n that_o every_o thing_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v easie_n and_o pleasant_n if_o it_o be_v but_o do_v as_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o consequent_o the_o more_o we_o improve_v and_o the_o better_a we_o discharge_v our_o duty_n the_o fast_o we_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o make_v our_o progress_n the_o more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a to_o the_o end_n this_o be_v no_o romantic_a fancy_n