mind_n or_o conscience_n as_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o heathen_n or_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n or_o last_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o christian_a education_n as_o the_o state_n of_o those_o among_o ourselves_o be_v who_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o inquire_v more_o near_o into_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o suppose_v we_o a_o man_n already_o instruct_v by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n in_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o practice_n desirous_a of_o further_a knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o live_v up_o to_o those_o principle_n he_o be_v already_o instruct_v in_o resolve_v also_o to_o submit_v obedient_o to_o whatsoever_o else_o upon_o his_o further_a enquiry_n he_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n such_o a_o man_n thus_o prepare_v by_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o thus_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v belong_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n 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 i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o success_n to_o those_o that_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o this_o preparation_n and_o here_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v brief_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v before_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v therefore_o that_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o universal_o as_o though_o no_o man_n who_o be_v sincere_o resolve_v to_o obey_v god_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o kind_n of_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o this_o be_v contradict_v by_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n for_o it_o will_v be_v very_o uncharitable_a to_o suppose_v that_o among_o most_o of_o the_o dissent_v party_n in_o religion_n who_o maintain_v great_a controversy_n with_o one_o another_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v some_o person_n true_o devout_a and_o sincere_a on_o both_o side_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n true_o religious_a shall_v not_o err_v at_o all_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v lead_v into_o such_o error_n as_o be_v dangerous_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o salvation_n and_o indeed_o the_o promise_n in_o this_o place_n be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o so_o general_a term_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o require_v any_o large_a interpretation_n than_o this_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o now_o beliver_v to_o you_o whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v extend_v beyond_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o he_o shall_v receive_v satisfaction_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n true_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a and_o that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o deliver_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n 2._o he_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v also_o concern_v those_o particular_a truth_n which_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n these_o two_o thing_n will_v be_v the_o undoubted_a effect_n of_o a_o religious_a frame_n of_o mind_n of_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a to_o all_o who_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o that_o preparation_n and_o this_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o natural_a influence_n that_o a_o religious_a temper_n of_o mind_n have_v upon_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v it_o fit_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o divine_a truth_n 2._o the_o peculiar_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n good_a spirit_n which_o always_o accompany_v a_o true_o religious_a man_n to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o former_a and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o religious_a duty_n have_v a_o natural_a efficacy_n upon_o the_o mind_n to_o clear_v its_o discern_a faculty_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o understanding_n and_o give_v a_o full_a assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v by_o instance_v in_o some_o particular_a duty_n which_o be_v of_o a_o natural_a obligation_n which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o each_o of_o which_o single_o consider_v have_v a_o very_a immediate_a influence_n upon_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o consideration_n of_o which_o it_o will_v also_o appear_v that_o the_o contrary_a vice_n to_o these_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n the_o duty_n i_o shall_v particular_o insist_v on_o be_v these_o 1._o simplicity_n of_o mind_n without_o prejudice_n 2._o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n 3._o humility_n 4._o calmness_n of_o temper_n 5._o prayer_n to_o god_n these_o be_v all_o duty_n of_o a_o natural_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v presume_v ignorant_a of_o nor_o unwilling_a to_o practice_v they_o if_o he_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o that_o preparation_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o 1._o he_o that_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o this_o intention_n to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n concern_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o such_o a_o one_o will_v bring_v with_o he_o a_o honest_a simplicity_n of_o mind_n not_o bias_v by_o prejudice_n or_o preconceive_a opinion_n such_o a_o one_o will_v consider_v with_o himself_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o his_o own_o fancy_n or_o petty_a reason_n that_o a_o strong_a imagination_n can_v make_v those_o thing_n article_n of_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v and_o therefore_o he_o will_v bring_v with_o he_o no_o preconceive_a opinion_n which_o he_o will_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v aside_o upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o distort_v and_o wrest_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n to_o that_o sense_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o former_o have_v but_o will_v ready_o yield_v up_o all_o his_o former_a notion_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o we_o be_v natural_o oblige_v to_o this_o simplicity_n of_o judgement_n in_o all_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n be_v evident_a because_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o dispute_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o challenge_v from_o our_o adversary_n as_o our_o undoubted_a right_n that_o he_o will_v hear_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v without_o prejudice_n and_o therefore_o we_o also_o ought_v to_o bring_v with_o we_o to_o a_o religious_a debate_n the_o same_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n which_o we_o expect_v from_o other_o and_o indeed_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n be_v high_o necessary_a and_o very_o advantageous_a to_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o truth_n for_o certain_o the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n be_v very_o great_a to_o darken_v man_n mind_n and_o to_o mould_v they_o into_o such_o apprehension_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o man_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o party_n and_o prepossess_v with_o the_o distinguish_a opinion_n of_o their_o sect_n easy_o find_v way_n to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o sense_n to_o make_v it_o agree_v with_o the_o analogy_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o their_o darling_n notion_n when_o i_o speak_v of_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n in_o the_o search_n after_o divine_a truth_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o we_o must_v call_v in_o question_n all_o kind_n of_o preconception_n we_o have_v have_v concern_v religious_a matter_n some_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o religion_n of_o so_o great_a certainty_n and_o evidence_n that_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o otherwise_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v he_o such_o be_v those_o preconception_n we_o have_v concern_v the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v most_o wise_a just_a powerful_a faithful_a
their_o endeavour_n in_o that_o affair_n may_v just_o be_v esteem_v a_o common_a enemy_n to_o mankind_n now_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v any_o way_n whereby_o man_n do_v more_o direct_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n and_o hinder_v the_o enlargement_n of_o it_o than_o by_o defame_v the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v entrust_v for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unsafe_a and_o unreasonable_a way_n of_o argue_v for_o any_o man_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o because_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a man_n in_o holy_a order_n be_v unfaithful_a to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o live_v not_o up_o to_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o other_o yet_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n which_o do_v extreme_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a whether_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o real_a or_o but_o suppose_a fault_n of_o man_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v or_o persuade_v other_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n for_o to_o he_o who_o believe_v a_o false_a report_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n the_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n be_v as_o effectual_a as_o though_o the_o report_n be_v true_a and_o the_o censure_n just_a and_o than_o who_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o the_o man_n who_o raise_v the_o false_a accusation_n be_v not_o as_o injurious_a to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o man_n who_o life_n be_v real_o scandalous_a what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ill_a effect_n that_o redound_v to_o the_o public_a from_o the_o uncharitable_a censuring_n of_o man_n of_o this_o public_a capacity_n will_v in_o proportion_n hold_v concern_v the_o rash_a judgement_n we_o make_v of_o private_a person_n according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n 2._o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o second_o instance_n of_o the_o ill_a effect_n which_o redound_v to_o the_o public_a by_o our_o uncharitable_a judge_v one_o another_o namely_o that_o our_o rash_a and_o censorious_a practice_n towards_o other_o provoke_v the_o like_a usage_n from_o they_o towards_o ourselves_o and_o thence_o arise_v those_o many_o feud_n and_o animosity_n mutual_a revile_n and_o bitter_a envy_n so_o visible_a among_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o a_o feud_n thus_o begin_v common_o spread_v itself_o and_o all_o our_o friend_n and_o correspondent_n be_v soon_o make_v partner_n in_o the_o quarrel_n and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v aside_o or_o allay_v those_o animosity_n which_o have_v be_v thus_o begin_v every_o man_n experience_n may_v convince_v he_o now_o i_o need_v not_o use_v any_o argument_n to_o show_v that_o division_n and_o animosity_n among_o man_n be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a society_n where_o they_o live_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n attest_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n so_o that_o we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o practice_n tend_v to_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o strife_n and_o contention_n be_v very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o public_a nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o practice_n that_o do_v more_o effectual_o tend_v that_o way_n than_o this_o of_o uncharitable_a judge_n and_o censure_v other_o man_n how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o any_o society_n be_v so_o much_o more_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a those_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v which_o cause_n division_n in_o it_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o be_v a_o society_n who_o happiness_n be_v not_o terminate_v in_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o life_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o those_o uncharitable_a censure_n which_o cause_n division_n among_o christian_n receive_v from_o hence_o a_o mighty_a aggravation_n in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hinder_v their_o present_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n but_o endanger_v their_o fall_a short_a of_o that_o eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o none_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v after_o peace_n and_o holiness_n and_o from_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v but_o add_v a_o three_o ill_a effect_n which_o this_o uncharitable_a practice_n of_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o bring_v to_o the_o public_a 3._o viz._n that_o it_o bring_v reproach_n upon_o our_o christian_a profession_n and_o upon_o that_o holy_a name_n whereby_o we_o be_v call_v for_o suppose_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o pagan_a shall_v peruse_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o shall_v read_v there_o the_o many_o precept_n which_o require_v of_o we_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n in_o our_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n shall_v they_o read_v s._n paul_n description_n of_o christian_a charity_n that_o it_o think_v no_o evil_a that_o it_o believe_v all_o thing_n and_o hope_v all_o thing_n do_v they_o consider_v the_o many_o argument_n the_o gospel_n use_v to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n and_o great_a reward_n undispensable_o depend_v upon_o our_o practice_n and_o last_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o who_o in_o his_o conversation_n among_o man_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o all_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o other_o but_o do_v himself_o exercise_v the_o great_a candour_n towards_o all_o man_n scarce_o ever_o pass_v a_o severe_a censure_n upon_o any_o but_o that_o proud_a censorious_a sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o make_v themselves_o judge_n of_o all_o other_o shall_v they_o then_o descend_v to_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_n with_o that_o excellent_a rule_n they_o pretend_v to_o and_o with_o the_o example_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o see_v how_o vast_a the_o disproportion_n be_v between_o our_o practice_n and_o profession_n they_o will_v easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o serious_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o vaunt_v of_o nor_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o saviour_n in_o give_v law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o their_o life_n nor_o expect_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v foretell_v they_o will_v find_v it_o very_o hard_a to_o reconcile_v how_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n can_v consist_v with_o many_o uncharitable_a practice_n unjust_a reproach_n and_o mutual_a enmity_n which_o the_o profess_a disciple_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v so_o easy_o tempt_v to_o thus_o beside_o the_o injury_n we_o do_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o the_o public_a society_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v feel_a member_n we_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o may_v be_v win_v over_o to_o our_o most_o holy_a profession_n do_v they_o not_o see_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o so_o manifest_o contradict_v in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n what_o they_o plead_v for_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o affection_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o particular_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n here_o use_v to_o dissuade_v from_o uncharitable_a judge_v one_o another_o because_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o this_o will_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n if_o compare_v with_o our_o great_a inability_n to_o judge_v aright_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v particular_o urge_v by_o our_o apostle_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v my_o text_n judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o both_o will_v bring_v to_o light_v the_o hide_a work_n and_o will_v make_v manifest_a the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o shall_v every_o man_n have_v praise_n of_o god_n the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o what_o man_n do_v can_v be_v determine_v bare_o from_o outward_a appearance_n which_o only_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n many_o action_n may_v proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n true_o pious_a and_o devout_a which_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o know_v the_o heart_n which_o yet_o as_o to_o man_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n and_o mistake_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o outward_a action_n of_o hypocrite_n may_v appear_v to_o man_n as_o instance_n of_o great_a piety_n and_o devotion_n when_o to_o god_n they_o be_v a_o abomination_n now_o shall_v we_o use_v the_o utmost_a of_o our_o discretion_n in_o these_o case_n we_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o these_o man_n or_o their_o action_n so_o many_o be_v the_o secret_a wind_n and_o private_a retirement_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n so_o various_a his_o thought_n and_o intention_n and_o so_o numerous_a his_o pretence_n to_o disguise_v his_o action_n that_o it_o
allow_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o any_o probable_a hope_n of_o salvation_n he_o that_o consider_v this_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o the_o way_n of_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a and_o certain_a so_o that_o all_o that_o use_v a_o due_a diligence_n in_o the_o search_n after_o it_o may_v reasonable_o hope_v to_o obtain_v it_o or_o second_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n that_o maintain_v so_o wide_a difference_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n after_o a_o right_a manner_n the_o former_a of_o these_o viz._n that_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a and_o that_o all_o who_o use_v a_o due_a diligence_n in_o the_o search_n of_o it_o may_v not_o reasonable_o hope_v to_o find_v it_o this_o can_v be_v grant_v without_o injury_n and_o affront_n to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o justice_n for_o since_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o all_o christian_n do_v depend_v upon_o their_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o christianity_n and_o this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o dark_a and_o obscure_a that_o even_o the_o plain_a christian_n may_v not_o attain_v to_o as_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v not_o take_v sufficient_a care_n of_o his_o people_n to_o make_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n know_v to_o they_o and_o withal_o that_o he_o deal_v very_o hardly_o and_o unmerciful_o with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o in_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n when_o yet_o he_o have_v annex_v so_o great_a a_o penalty_n to_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o their_o fall_a short_a of_o that_o eternal_a inheritance_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o true_a reason_n therefore_o why_o so_o many_o enquirer_n after_o knowledge_n do_v miscarry_v in_o their_o design_n and_o be_v lead_v away_o into_o strange_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n be_v not_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v obtain_v but_o because_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o search_n of_o it_o after_o a_o due_a manner_n it_o can_v therefore_o but_o seem_v necessary_a that_o while_o we_o all_o pretend_v to_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n and_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v in_o those_o important_a truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o first_o of_o all_o endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o concern_v the_o true_a way_n and_o method_n by_o which_o the_o knowledge_n we_o seek_v after_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v and_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v direct_v we_o to_o in_o these_o word_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n 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 in_o the_o foregoing_a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n we_o read_v that_o there_o be_v great_a murmur_v among_o the_o people_n concern_v our_o saviour_n who_o about_o that_o time_n begin_v to_o show_v himself_o to_o israel_n and_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n concern_v he_o some_o say_v he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n other_o say_z nay_o but_o he_o deceive_v the_o people_n now_o to_o decide_v this_o controversy_n concern_v himself_o and_o the_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v he_o give_v they_o this_o plain_a direction_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n intimate_v thereby_o that_o they_o who_o thus_o dispute_v concern_v he_o have_v not_o that_o true_a frame_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v fit_a for_o his_o reception_n that_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o obey_v god_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o be_v so_o inquisitive_a about_o he_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o look_v for_o further_a revelation_n and_o instruction_n from_o god_n when_o they_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o that_o doctrine_n they_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v divine_a for_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o upbraid_v they_o v._o 19_o do_v not_o moses_n give_v you_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o you_o keep_v the_o law_n so_o then_o have_v the_o jew_n be_v obedient_a observer_n of_o the_o law_n as_o they_o pretend_v great_a admiration_n of_o it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v find_v so_o many_o difficulty_n in_o their_o own_n our_o saviour_n for_o the_o true_a messiah_n they_o will_v then_o easy_o have_v understand_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v be_v true_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o object_v against_o he_o but_o that_o he_o do_v eminent_o and_o exact_o fulfil_v they_o but_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o this_o strict_a connexion_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o forego_n and_o follow_v verse_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v they_o not_o as_o have_v any_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o the_o jew_n but_o as_o they_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n for_o all_o enquirer_n after_o divine_a truth_n if_o any_o man_n whosoever_o he_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n will_v do_v his_o will_n 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 in_o handle_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v first_o endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v in_o order_n to_o the_o search_n of_o divine_a truth_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o certainty_n of_o success_n to_o all_o such_o as_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n after_o this_o manner_n here_o require_v 1._o for_o the_o condition_n itself_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n 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 this_o condition_n imply_v in_o it_o these_o four_o thing_n 1._o a_o previous_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o and_o our_o obligation_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n command_v this_o belief_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o god_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o all_o inquiry_n after_o divine_a truth_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o particular_a kind_n of_o religion_n must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n suppose_v that_o some_o religious_a worship_n be_v due_a from_o man_n to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v of_o so_o natural_a a_o evidence_n and_o obligation_n that_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o have_v be_v any_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o supreme_a right_n to_o give_v law_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o our_o well-being_n and_o happiness_n do_v depend_v upon_o our_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v well-pleasing_a to_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o how_o far_o soever_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n have_v err_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n ofttimes_o attribute_v to_o he_o those_o unworthy_a passion_n and_o practice_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o yet_o still_o they_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o find_v out_o some_o way_n of_o express_v their_o homage_n to_o he_o and_o though_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n devise_v by_o the_o heathen_n be_v common_o very_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a yet_o thus_o much_o be_v abundant_o evident_a from_o their_o practice_n that_o they_o own_v a_o obligation_n to_o a_o religious_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o right_a to_o govern_v they_o and_o to_o dispose_v of_o they_o as_o he_o please_v and_o this_o sense_n of_o his_o divine_a sovereignty_n be_v necessary_o suppose_v in_o this_o condition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n for_o no_o man_n can_v intend_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o before_o persuade_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o whensoever_o it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o 2._o this_o condition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n imply_v or_o presuppose_v a_o serious_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v we_o as_o viz._n a_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o sober_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o it_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n on_o those_o spiritual_a guide_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o for_o our_o instruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o guidance_n and_o assistance_n of_o
clear_a right_n on_o his_o side_n than_o any_o man_n can_v now_o pretend_v to_o but_o be_v entertain_v with_o the_o great_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o if_o any_o injury_n may_v just_o provoke_v our_o rage_n and_o passion_n those_o offer_v to_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o the_o most_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a nature_n but_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v he_o revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o he_o render_v not_o evil_a for_o evil_n nor_o rail_v for_o rail_v but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o and_o now_o can_v any_o man_n pretend_v to_o own_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o saviour_n precept_n and_o example_n and_o yet_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n and_o virulency_n of_o speech_n towards_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o some_o of_o our_o zealous_a disputant_n do_v in_o these_o day_n s._n judas_n tell_v we_o that_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o he_o contend_v with_o the_o devil_n he_o dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o presume_v to_o do_v it_o in_o our_o religious_a debate_n with_o our_o christian_a brethren_n who_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v notwithstanding_o our_o misconception_n of_o they_o may_v be_v in_o truth_n the_o child_n of_o god_n though_o fall_v into_o error_n in_o a_o word_n to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a he_o that_o will_v learn_v must_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v contradict_v and_o hear_v with_o patience_n what_o may_v be_v say_v be_v it_o never_o so_o opposite_a to_o his_o former_a notion_n or_o to_o his_o present_a wish_n otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v hardly_o capable_a to_o judge_v aright_o again_o he_o that_o will_v instruct_v and_o convince_v other_o must_v do_v it_o also_o with_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n confute_v error_n with_o all_o the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n he_o be_v able_a but_o spare_v the_o person_n he_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v for_o if_o by_o reproach_n and_o contumely_n he_o provoke_v their_o passion_n who_o he_o shall_v instruct_v he_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o all_o his_o reason_n by_o discompose_v those_o faculty_n which_o shall_v judge_v of_o it_o 5._o the_o five_o point_n of_o duty_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o as_o have_v great_a influence_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v prayer_n to_o god_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o natural_a obligation_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o many_o precept_n of_o ancient_a philosopher_n concern_v it_o pythagoras_n in_o particular_a advice_n to_o undertake_v no_o work_n to_o endeavour_v nothing_o without_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o he_o subjoin_v to_o many_o other_o precept_n of_o virtue_n as_o the_o compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o and_o sure_o if_o the_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v necessary_a in_o all_o our_o concern_v it_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o our_o search_n of_o divine_a truth_n for_o to_o who_o shall_v we_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n but_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v and_o the_o same_o philosopher_n immediate_o after_o his_o precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o his_o direction_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o bless_v and_o perfect_a our_o endeavour_n he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a benefit_n that_o will_v redound_v to_o we_o thereby_o that_o we_o shall_v by_o so_o do_v gain_n the_o knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o much_o different_a from_o what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n have_v in_o itself_o a_o natural_a efficacy_n to_o clear_v the_o understanding_n and_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o sure_o if_o philosopher_n by_o the_o force_n of_o natural_a principle_n understand_v the_o necessity_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n in_o all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o that_o prayer_n be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v we_o who_o have_v receive_v better_a mean_n of_o instruction_n than_o they_o have_v can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o point_n of_o duty_n especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o full_a of_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n require_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o all_o our_o exigency_n and_o assure_v we_o of_o success_n by_o so_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o thus_o particular_o luke_n xi_o 9_o our_o saviour_n advise_v we_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o and_o then_o follow_v v._o 13._o if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o s._n james_n yet_o more_o near_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n direct_v we_o to_o make_v our_o humble_a address_n to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n james_n 1._o 5._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n plenteous_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o i_o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v on_o some_o particular_a duty_n each_o of_o which_o single_o consider_v have_v a_o very_a great_a efficacy_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o from_o whence_o the_o inference_n will_v be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a that_o if_o the_o practice_n of_o each_o of_o these_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o in_o our_o search_n after_o knowledge_n then_o sure_o where_o these_o be_v all_o unite_a they_o can_v ordinary_o fail_v of_o their_o desire_a effect_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v further_o that_o the_o condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v be_v not_o complete_v in_o our_o observance_n of_o those_o particular_a duty_n abovementioned_a but_o in_o a_o universal_a and_o impartial_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v already_o know_v to_o we_o and_o in_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o further_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o upon_o perusal_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o man_n thus_o qualify_v beside_o the_o natural_a efficacy_n of_o virtue_n to_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o receive_v the_o gospel_n have_v moreover_o a_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n to_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n and_o to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o account_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n proposition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n 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 god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o any_o who_o seek_v for_o truth_n with_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o submit_v to_o it_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o have_v already_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o do_v his_o will_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o afford_v such_o further_a mean_n of_o instruction_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n mat._n twenty-five_o 29._o unto_o every_o man_n that_o have_v that_o be_v who_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o what_o he_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n every_o one_o who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v up_o to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n he_o have_v god_n will_v give_v to_o he_o such_o further_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o shall_v be_v suitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o he_o and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o great_a signal_n example_n in_o cornelius_n the_o good_a centurion_n act_v 10._o who_o prayer_n and_o alm_n while_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o christ_n religion_n be_v so_o far_o accept_v by_o god_n that_o he_o be_v please_v miraculous_o to_o direct_v he_o to_o peter_n for_o further_a instruction_n what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v now_o although_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o sincere_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n shall_v be_v thus_o miraculous_o instruct_v as_o cornelius_n be_v yet_o god_n have_v give_v we_o abundant_a assurance_n that_o no_o such_o person_n shall_v miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o necessary_a knowledge_n for_o to_o this_o end_n god_n have_v give_v his_o holy_a
joy_n which_o it_o afford_v we_o in_o this_o spiritual_a race_n which_o infinite_o over-ballance_n all_o the_o false_a pleasure_n we_o forsake_v and_o all_o the_o difficulty_n we_o undergo_v in_o undertake_v this_o enterprise_n and_o last_o i_o may_v put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n reproach_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n which_o will_v certain_o attend_v we_o if_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o indifference_n we_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o glorious_a prize_n all_o which_o argument_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o to_o awake_v and_o excite_v our_o utmost_a industry_n and_o vigour_n to_o promote_v our_o vigilance_n and_o to_o confirm_v strengthen_v and_o maintain_v our_o courage_n constancy_n and_o resolution_n to_o go_v on_o steadfast_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o but_o the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a argument_n will_v be_v too_o large_a a_o scope_n for_o the_o time_n allot_v to_o this_o exercise_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n confine_v my_o thought_n to_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n martyr_n and_o holy_a confessor_n who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o this_o glorious_a race_n and_o have_v already_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o patience_n wherefore_o see_v we_o also_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n martyr_n or_o witness_v in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a sense_n be_v usual_o restrain_v to_o such_o only_a who_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n i_o find_v no_o such_o limitation_n of_o it_o any_o of_o these_o who_o be_v either_o great_a example_n of_o obedience_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n any_o who_o bare_a witness_n to_o divine_a truth_n though_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o suffer_v death_n for_o that_o testimony_n be_v indifferent_o style_v by_o that_o name_n the_o father_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n can_v all_o be_v account_v martyr_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n however_o they_o all_o help_n to_o make_v up_o the_o number_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v here_o call_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n now_o the_o force_n of_o their_o witness_n and_o example_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o a_o like_a diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o they_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o who_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o therefore_o that_o our_o labour_n and_o industry_n in_o our_o christian_a race_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a i_o mention_v this_o truth_n more_o particular_o because_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o only_a creed_n which_o all_o the_o saint_n recite_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n agree_v in_o some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v true_a have_v a_o great_a prospect_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o messiah_n to_o come_v abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v his_o day_n jacob_n prophecy_n of_o he_o be_v very_o punctual_a and_o particular_a the_o other_o prophet_n give_v witness_n to_o he_o but_o yet_o it_o appear_v not_o that_o all_o there_o mention_v have_v any_o knowledge_n at_o all_o either_o that_o he_o be_v to_o come_v or_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v or_o suffer_v for_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n lay_v down_o that_o viz._n that_o god_n be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o as_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o their_o belief_n in_o confidence_n of_o which_o they_o willing_o undergo_v so_o many_o trial_n and_o temptation_n with_o such_o bravery_n and_o undaunted_a resolution_n if_o therefore_o we_o look_v upon_o these_o man_n only_o as_o give_v testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n yet_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o our_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o do_v justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o choice_n in_o be_v religious_a and_o serve_v the_o same_o god_n on_o who_o they_o believe_v and_o forsake_v all_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o they_o do_v before_o we_o since_o we_o have_v the_o same_o conviction_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o have_v that_o our_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o be_v further_o confirm_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o this_o by_o their_o patience_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o same_o profession_n and_o by_o their_o cheerful_a suffer_a persecution_n for_o it_o by_o their_o suffering_n we_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n at_o least_o that_o we_o be_v not_o singular_a in_o this_o our_o persuasion_n concern_v god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v without_o his_o witness_n in_o all_o age_n who_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o this_o faith_n and_o assurance_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o it_o without_o waver_v now_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v die_v in_o this_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v here_o call_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n be_v yet_o but_o a_o very_a few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o have_v live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v despise_v and_o reject_v all_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n to_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o reply_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o testimony_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o number_n and_o noise_n of_o those_o that_o affirm_v any_o thing_n but_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o evidence_n they_o give_v now_o a_o few_o man_n who_o give_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o they_o understand_v perfect_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v other_o be_v more_o to_o be_v value_v as_o witness_n than_o ten_o thousand_o of_o the_o rude_a multitude_n who_o take_v up_o report_v upon_o trust_n and_o if_o you_o come_v to_o examine_v they_o they_o shrink_v into_o nothing_o they_o say_v something_o they_o know_v not_o what_o but_o know_v not_o whence_o they_o have_v it_o nor_o why_o they_o say_v it_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n those_o that_o have_v be_v true_o pious_a and_o religious_a have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v man_n of_o the_o clear_a and_o best_a understanding_n that_o have_v always_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n that_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v this_o for_o any_o temporal_a advantage_n they_o do_v deliberate_o and_o cheerful_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o most_o severe_a trial_n and_o persecution_n for_o their_o testimony_n of_o it_o not_o accept_v deliverance_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o heroic_a spirit_n recite_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n they_o be_v man_n of_o find_a mind_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o glorious_a thing_n they_o do_v and_o suffer_v many_o of_o which_o be_v at_o large_a record_v in_o sacred_a story_n they_o know_v the_o value_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o other_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o disgrace_n and_o pain_n and_o want_v and_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o these_o thing_n without_o a_o mighty_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o believe_v concern_v god_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o reward_v they_o after_o this_o life_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o wisdom_n that_o he_o know_v when_o and_o how_o to_o do_v it_o better_o than_o they_o can_v choose_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o but_o then_o on_o the_o contrary_a for_o those_o that_o have_v reject_v this_o belief_n or_o at_o least_o have_v not_o live_v answerable_o to_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v only_o a_o rash_a inconsiderate_a multitude_n of_o no_o understanding_n in_o these_o matter_n who_o never_o take_v time_n to_o think_v whether_o religion_n have_v any_o real_a foundation_n in_o nature_n or_o reason_n or_o not_o and_o therefore_o these_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n in_o the_o case_n and_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o witness_n for_o those_o other_o who_o have_v live_v wicked_o and_o have_v yet_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o ground_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o these_o be_v most_o of_o they_o self-condemned_n and_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o
offer_v we_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n answerable_a to_o those_o contumelious_a usage_n which_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v expose_v to_o be_v any_o of_o our_o calamity_n comparable_a to_o those_o bitter_a pain_n which_o he_o endure_v upon_o the_o cross_n or_o be_v there_o any_o sorrow_n can_v so_o deep_o affect_v our_o soul_n as_o that_o unconceivable_a anguish_n of_o his_o do_v which_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o infinite_a weight_n of_o his_o affliction_n the_o pierce_a violence_n of_o his_o pain_n we_o find_v not_o the_o least_o syllable_n of_o complaint_n proceed_v from_o he_o against_o this_o proceed_n of_o his_o father_n towards_o he_o no_o word_n of_o reproach_n or_o resentment_n against_o his_o most_o barbarous_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n let_v we_o therefore_o look_v unto_o jesus_n under_o these_o circumstance_n and_o then_o we_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a how_o ill_o it_o become_v we_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o call_v ourselves_o by_o his_o name_n to_o be_v so_o angry_a and_o impatient_a under_o those_o light_a affliction_n we_o be_v call_v to_o 2._o our_o saviour_n suffering_n have_v this_o far_a influence_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o imitation_n of_o his_o patience_n because_o the_o perfect_a innocency_n of_o his_o life_n have_v merit_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n he_o know_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v holy_a harmless_a undefiled_a and_o separate_v from_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o may_v just_o have_v claim_v exemption_n from_o those_o misery_n he_o undergo_v and_o have_v withdraw_v his_o shoulder_n from_o bear_v the_o heavy_a burden_n which_o it_o please_v his_o father_n to_o lay_v on_o he_o if_o he_o therefore_o when_o he_o may_v have_v avoid_v those_o calamity_n that_o befall_v he_o when_o he_o can_v have_v call_v for_o more_o than_o twelve_o legion_n of_o angel_n to_o rescue_v he_o from_o his_o danger_n choose_v rather_o to_o submit_v to_o all_o those_o indignity_n he_o foresee_v will_v be_v heap_v upon_o he_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n how_o much_o rather_o ought_v we_o without_o repine_v quiet_o to_o sit_v down_o under_o the_o afflict_a hand_n of_o god_n we_o who_o can_v suffer_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n so_o grievous_a which_o we_o have_v not_o deserve_v we_o who_o sin_n do_v every_o day_n provoke_v god_n indignation_n against_o we_o what_o rational_a plea_n can_v we_o have_v why_o god_n shall_v not_o use_v the_o most_o severe_a chastisement_n upon_o we_o and_o certain_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o give_v he_o up_o to_o those_o calamity_n he_o have_v not_o deserve_v we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o submit_v to_o he_o notwithstanding_o any_o trouble_n he_o bring_v upon_o we_o and_o to_o take_v up_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o penitent_a thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n we_o indeed_o suffer_v just_o for_o we_o receive_v the_o due_a reward_n of_o our_o deed_n but_o the_o holy_a jesus_n have_v do_v nothing_o amiss_o 3._o a_o further_a argument_n which_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n suggest_v to_o we_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o like_a patient_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o suffering_n which_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o goodness_n and_o love_n to_o we_o that_o can_v be_v undertake_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o suitable_a return_n of_o obedience_n and_o love_n to_o he_o though_o it_o be_v to_o die_v for_o his_o sake_n as_o he_o do_v for_o we_o and_o to_o suffer_v the_o most_o severe_a trial_n that_o it_o shall_v please_v he_o to_o appoint_v we_o to_o undergo_v when_o all_o mankind_n like_o sheep_n have_v go_v astray_o when_o they_o have_v all_o sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o make_v themselves_o liable_a to_o the_o utmost_a severity_n of_o his_o anger_n and_o justice_n when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o be_v in_o no_o capacity_n to_o help_v ourselves_o or_o contrive_v our_o own_o recovery_n than_o it_o please_v the_o son_n of_o god_n out_o of_o his_o tender_a compassion_n and_o inimitable_a love_n to_o mankind_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o habitation_n of_o glory_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o our_o flesh_n to_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o last_o to_o suffer_v the_o most_o painful_a and_o ignominious_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o redeem_v we_o from_o the_o bondage_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o life_n and_o salvation_n bless_a lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o mindful_a of_o he_o what_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o shall_v so_o regard_v he_o as_o to_o debase_v thyself_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o vile_a indignity_n and_o most_o unsupportable_a pain_n to_o rescue_v he_o from_o that_o misery_n which_o by_o his_o own_o wilful_a and_o unreasonable_a choice_n he_o have_v bring_v upon_o himself_o o_o the_o inestimable_a riches_n of_o love_n which_o the_o holy_a jesus_n express_v towards_o we_o in_o these_o his_o suffering_n and_o now_o what_o shall_v we_o render_v for_o all_o his_o goodness_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v be_v unwilling_a to_o do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o we_o we_o see_v then_o that_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o saviour_n example_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o patient_a suffer_v those_o calamity_n that_o befall_v we_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o evident_a because_o his_o suffering_n be_v undertake_v for_o our_o sake_n and_o benefit_n and_o he_o require_v this_o testimony_n of_o our_o love_n and_o gratitude_n for_o so_o unspeakable_a mercy_n towards_o we_o that_o we_o also_o shall_v take_v up_o our_o cross_n cheerful_o and_o follow_v he_o wheresoever_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o 4._o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o death_n be_v a_o further_a argument_n to_o a_o like_a patience_n under_o and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v a_o strong_a evidence_n of_o that_o future_a reward_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o those_o who_o continue_v faithful_a to_o the_o end_n and_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o christian_a race_n set_v before_o they_o our_o saviour_n while_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a promise_v many_o blessing_n and_o reward_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n most_o of_o which_o be_v to_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o another_o life_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o foretell_v they_o that_o in_o this_o world_n they_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n and_o that_o they_o must_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o forsake_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n and_o child_n brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o their_o own_o life_n also_o if_o they_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n however_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a reward_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o in_o heaven_n which_o they_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o partake_v of_o if_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o this_o faith_n and_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o patience_n now_o our_o saviour_n can_v give_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o promise_n he_o make_v to_o they_o and_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o intention_n in_o press_v this_o duty_n of_o patience_n under_o suffering_n than_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v willing_a to_o go_v before_o they_o in_o this_o so_o painful_a and_o laborious_a a_o enterprise_n and_o to_o endure_v the_o worst_a of_o those_o evil_n which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v befall_v they_o in_o prospect_n of_o the_o joy_n set_v before_o he_o which_o he_o promise_v they_o shall_v partake_v of_o have_v he_o not_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n he_o will_v not_o doubtless_o have_v expose_v himself_o to_o so_o many_o hazard_n for_o affirm_v they_o but_o the_o assurance_n he_o have_v be_v strong_a and_o convince_a such_o as_o he_o know_v he_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o and_o therefore_o in_o john_n xvij_o 2._o he_o speak_v of_o his_o own_o power_n which_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v upon_o account_n of_o his_o suffering_n with_o the_o same_o assurance_n as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v already_o accomplish_v thou_o have_v give_v he_o power_n over_o all_o flesh_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v eternal_a life_n to_o as_o many_o as_o thou_o have_v give_v he_o this_o our_o saviour_n speak_v before_o his_o passion_n which_o argue_v a_o mighty_a confidence_n he_o have_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v this_o reward_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o
conclusion_n and_o can_v such_o a_o argumentation_n deceive_v we_o can_v have_v little_a encouragement_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o faculty_n again_o if_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o early_a revelation_n make_v to_o man_n when_o they_o be_v yet_o few_o in_o number_n and_o retain_v in_o the_o dispersion_n of_o nation_n and_o still_o preserve_v notwithstanding_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n they_o fall_v into_o as_o to_o other_o matter_n this_o must_v be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n of_o that_o revelation_n at_o first_o and_o must_v consequent_o much_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v may_v have_v be_v confirm_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o some_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o and_o thence_o derive_v and_o propagate_v through_o all_o the_o several_a religion_n and_o superstition_n which_o afterward_o be_v entertain_v by_o the_o heathen_a world_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o noah_n understand_v this_o truth_n and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o instruct_v his_o family_n which_o be_v all_o humane_a soul_n that_o be_v leave_v alive_a in_o so_o necessary_a a_o matter_n which_o may_v have_v so_o great_a influence_n upon_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n who_o have_v so_o late_o deliver_v they_o from_o so_o universal_a a_o destruction_n nay_o there_o be_v still_o extant_a the_o remainder_n of_o a_o prophecy_n concern_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v much_o ancient_a than_o the_o flood_n this_o we_o find_v cite_v by_o saint_n judas_n 14._o and_o enoch_n also_o the_o seven_o from_o adam_n prophesy_v say_v behold_v the_o lord_n come_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o all_o and_o to_o convince_v all_o that_o be_v ungodly_a of_o all_o their_o ungodly_a deed_n which_o they_o have_v ungodly_a commit_v and_o of_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o ungodly_a sinner_n have_v speak_v against_o he_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o and_o most_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n 4._o the_o particular_a revelation_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o needless_a to_o recite_v they_o to_o you_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n must_v understand_v that_o be_v one_o chief_a article_n of_o our_o christian_a profession_n nothing_o more_o plain_o reveal_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o inculcate_v than_o that_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v the_o method_n of_o proceed_v at_o that_o day_n every_o one_o shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a that_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o man_n action_n in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n according_a to_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o they_o who_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v receive_v the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v and_o they_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a shall_v receive_v according_a to_o that_o likewise_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o full_o and_o plain_o teach_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o one_o will_v think_v man_n can_v not_o easy_o mistake_v or_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o proceed_v can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o righteous_a god_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v just_a and_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n the_o righteous_a therefore_o and_o they_o only_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o reward_n from_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a and_o they_o only_o must_v be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o so_o and_o to_o invert_v this_o method_n will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o to_o all_o the_o method_n whereby_o god_n have_v make_v himself_o know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n say_v thus_o to_o the_o almighty_a wisd_v xij_o 15._o for_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o be_v righteous_a thyself_o thou_o ordere_v all_o thing_n righteous_o think_v it_o not_o agreeable_a to_o thy_o power_n to_o condemn_v he_o who_o have_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v to_o which_o we_o may_v also_o add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o purity_n and_o justice_n to_o reward_v the_o unrighteous_a and_o disobedient_a and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o have_v all_o along_o declare_v the_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o the_o great_a severity_n against_o those_o that_o continue_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sin_n only_o that_o bring_v misery_n and_o death_n into_o the_o world_n for_o by_o one_o man_n disobedience_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o when_o god_n be_v please_v out_o of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o contrive_v the_o way_n of_o our_o recovery_n and_o to_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o our_o redemption_n he_o will_v not_o admit_v we_o to_o term_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n without_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o severity_n against_o sin_n and_o that_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o he_o be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n he_o bear_v our_o grief_n and_o carry_v our_o sorrow_n he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n by_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n in_o our_o stead_n can_v be_v available_a to_o we_o or_o free_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n while_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o for_o he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n may_v live_v unto_o righteousness_n that_o so_o be_v save_v from_o our_o sin_n here_o we_o may_v be_v save_v from_o the_o wage_n of_o they_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n to_o bring_v salvation_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n thus_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o deal_n with_o mankind_n we_o can_v but_o expect_v that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v judge_v according_a to_o righteousness_n they_o who_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o and_o they_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a shall_v receive_v a_o due_a recompense_n of_o their_o evil_a deed_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o the_o several_a promise_n and_o threaten_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v all_o along_o make_v use_n of_o as_o argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o discourage_v and_o dissuade_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o do_v if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v due_a to_o any_o but_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o obedience_n or_o if_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v can_v be_v avoid_v any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o forsake_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o it_o be_v threaten_v thus_o saint_n paul_n argue_v from_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n seven_o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n thus_o again_o s._n peter_n i_o 4._o tell_v that_o by_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o
diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o effectual_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n now_o these_o and_o the_o like_a exhortation_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o to_o persuade_v we_o if_o these_o promise_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o a_o word_n in_o all_o the_o description_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a than_o this_o that_o i_o now_o plead_v for_o that_o god_n will_v reward_v every_o one_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v mention_v but_o two_o place_n more_o rom._n ij_o 6._o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n for_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n the_o other_o place_n be_v mat._n twenty-five_o where_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a description_n of_o those_o good_a work_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v reward_v and_o have_v there_o represent_v the_o vanity_n of_o those_o man_n excuse_n who_o have_v not_o wrought_v they_o he_o conclude_v with_o this_o sentence_n these_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a there_o remain_v only_o to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v wherein_o man_n shall_v receive_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o their_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a it_o be_v easy_a then_o to_o understand_v how_o much_o those_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o who_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o absolute_a and_o inconditionate_n decree_n for_o if_o god_n have_v from_o eternity_n fore-ordained_n such_o and_o such_o particular_a person_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o other_o to_o eternal_a damnation_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o their_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a then_o certain_o god_fw-we can_v proceed_v in_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o method_n before_o describe_v nor_o can_v the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v any_o force_n of_o persuasion_n to_o engage_v man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n or_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o vain_a will_v the_o apostle_n here_o make_v use_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o persuade_v man_n if_o god_n have_v before_o determine_v that_o such_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v whatsoever_o diligence_n they_o use_v on_o their_o part_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a force_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o obedience_n if_o once_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o their_o future_a state_n be_v from_o everlasting_a unalterable_o fix_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o by_o any_o neglect_n nay_o upon_o this_o supposition_n all_o the_o various_a method_n of_o persuasion_n which_o god_n use_v in_o scripture_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o better_a life_n prove_v nothing_o else_o but_o illusion_n and_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v so_o often_o by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n invite_v and_o exhort_v and_o beseech_v all_o man_n that_o they_o will_v turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o live_v when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o have_v exclude_v many_o miriads_o of_o man_n from_o any_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n by_o a_o absolute_a and_o irresistible_a decree_n which_o no_o endeavour_n of_o they_o can_v revoke_v or_o cancel_v this_o way_n of_o proceed_v can_v by_v any_o mean_n consist_v with_o that_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o all_o man_n shall_v receive_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v then_o certain_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o reward_n but_o by_o his_o own_o fault_n nor_o yet_o any_o man_n obtain_v the_o same_o but_o by_o a_o due_a diligence_n in_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n and_o perform_v those_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v promise_v 2._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o method_n of_o god_n proceed_v at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n we_o may_v also_o observe_v that_o those_o man_n do_v extreme_o mistake_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n who_o talk_v of_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o good_a work_n and_o obedience_n who_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o cry_v down_o the_o value_n of_o our_o good_a work_n as_o though_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n in_o the_o justification_n or_o salvation_n of_o a_o christian_n for_o sure_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v faith_n alone_o can_v be_v the_o whole_a condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o faith_n in_o holy_a scripture_n but_o these_o thing_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o bare_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a importance_n of_o that_o word_n faith_n but_o of_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o have_v influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o our_o practice_n and_o conversation_n a_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n and_o obedience_n thus_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o single_a virtue_n and_o separate_a from_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o be_v the_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n and_o include_v they_o in_o it_o for_o if_o we_o understand_v faith_n in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n as_o distinct_a from_o a_o holy_a conversation_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o devil_n themselves_o may_v pretend_v to_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o relief_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o misery_n to_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o glorious_a thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o know_v withal_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v final_o exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o this_o doubtless_o be_v a_o mighty_a aggravation_n of_o their_o horror_n and_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v as_o s._n james_n do_v that_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v nay_o that_o this_o belief_n do_v make_v they_o tremble_v 3._o if_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n it_o than_o follow_v that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n must_v be_v perform_v in_o our_o life_n time_n while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n now_o must_v we_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o not_o leave_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v after_o our_o death_n either_o by_o ourselves_o or_o other_o this_o i_o observe_v in_o opposition_n to_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o suppose_v that_o some_o sin_n be_v expiate_v after_o death_n and_o purge_v away_o by_o the_o fire_n of_o purgatory_n and_o by_o the_o prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v leave_v alive_a but_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a opinion_n but_o certain_o do_v much_o tend_v to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o piety_n and_o lessen_v man_n care_n of_o their_o future_a state_n as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v as_o a_o man_n go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n such_o will_v be_v his_o future_a state_n and_o he_o will_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o he_o be_v when_o he_o leave_v the_o body_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n 4._o if_o it_o be_v thus_o certain_a that_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n this_o certain_o aught_o to_o awaken_v our_o diligence_n in_o the_o business_n of_o our_o salvation_n that_o to_o day_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n we_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n that_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o our_o so_o journ_v here_o in_o fear_n for_o sure_o do_v man_n serious_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o all_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o darkness_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o man_n heart_n shall_v be_v reveal_v when_o all_o the_o close_a impiety_n which_o have_v pass_v here_o undiscerned_a shall_v be_v lay_v open_a before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n they_o will_v not_o now_o so_o fond_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o hope_n of_o secrecy_n or_o impunity_n do_v man_n serious_o reflect_v upon_o the_o terribleness_n of_o that_o great_a day_n when_o god_n shall_v appear_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o have_v not_o fear_v his_o name_n do_v they_o often_o think_v upon_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n which_o will_v then_o be_v pronounce_v against_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n this_o certain_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v put_v a_o check_n to_o the_o bold_a impiety_n of_o this_o age._n man_n will_v not_o then_o dare_v so_o open_o to_o defy_v heaven_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n who_o will_v at_o that_o day_n appear_v so_o terrible_a nor_o will_v they_o continue_v by_o their_o hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n to_o treasure_n up_o to_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a as_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o day_n ought_v to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o our_o danger_n if_o we_o continue_v in_o disobedience_n so_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o shall_v at_o that_o day_n be_v give_v to_o those_o that_o have_v live_v obedient_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o thereunto_o for_o what_o great_a encouragement_n to_o our_o duty_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o who_o will_v not_o willing_o forsake_v all_o the_o flatter_a joy_n and_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n that_o he_o may_v secure_v to_o himself_o such_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a that_o fade_v not_o away_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v he_o at_o that_o day_n or_o who_o will_v not_o despise_v all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n which_o may_v possible_o attend_v he_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n when_o he_o remember_v that_o these_o light_a affliction_n which_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v out_o for_o he_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n now_o the_o great_a god_n grant_v we_o all_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n always_o present_a to_o our_o mind_n that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o may_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o stand_v before_o that_o great_a tribunal_n we_o may_v be_v present_v pure_a and_o unblamable_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o that_o not_o for_o any_o merit_n of_o our_o own_o but_o through_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o power_n praise_n thanksgiving_n and_o obedience_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la