great_a advantage_n to_o ourselves_o as_o in_o the_o verse_n follow_v that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n st._n paul_n after_o solomon_n give_v we_o a_o like_a precept_n in_o order_n to_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o our_o enemy_n rom._n 12.20_o if_o thy_o enemy_n hunger_n feed_v he_o if_o he_o thirst_v give_v he_o drink_v for_o in_o so_o do_v thou_o shall_v heap_v coal_n of_o fire_n on_o his_o head_n which_o be_v a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o metal_n that_o be_v soon_o melt_v when_o fire_n be_v cast_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n seem_v to_o be_v by_o these_o mean_v thou_o shall_v soften_v thy_o enemy_n and_o reconcile_v he_o to_o thou_o for_o though_o they_o will_v bear_v another_o sense_n yet_o this_o be_v most_o probable_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n because_o he_o add_v in_o the_o verse_n follow_v be_v not_o overcome_v of_o evil_a but_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a now_o if_o a_o enmity_n conceive_v against_o we_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v thus_o conquer_v a_o person_n be_v thereby_o reconcile_v to_o religion_n and_o so_o bring_v into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o what_o great_a motive_n can_v we_o have_v to_o show_v kindness_n to_o our_o enemy_n next_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n than_o the_o probability_n of_o convince_a they_o of_o sin_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o this_o mean_n this_o kindness_n will_v also_o give_v a_o great_a advantage_n as_o be_v before_o hint_v to_o such_o other_o mena_n as_o we_o use_v to_o convince_v any_o sinner_n it_o will_v add_v strength_n to_o our_o argument_n with_o they_o that_o err_v in_o judgement_n and_o make_v all_o our_o reproof_n and_o instruction_n come_v with_o great_a force_n and_o authority_n upon_o other_o 2._o as_o we_o be_v to_o use_v these_o mean_n to_o convince_v the_o guilty_a so_o we_o must_v also_o warn_v and_o instruct_v other_o that_o they_o fall_v not_o into_o the_o same_o error_n either_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n to_o this_o end_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a with_o all_o plainness_n and_o earnestness_n to_o represent_v to_o our_o people_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n the_o many_o temptation_n we_o be_v encompass_v with_o and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n denounce_v against_o sin_n both_o in_o this_o and_o a_o future_a state_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o natural_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o creature_n his_o infinite_a love_n in_o christ_n to_o all_o that_o true_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o obey_v his_o command_n the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n here_o and_o the_o glorious_a salvation_n which_o will_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o hereafter_o to_o these_o thing_n we_o must_v add_v particular_a caution_n against_o those_o sin_n and_o error_n which_o be_v most_o common_a among_o we_o show_v the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o they_o and_o all_o this_o with_o such_o a_o sense_n and_o zeal_n as_o may_v convince_v they_o we_o believe_v it_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a compassion_n for_o their_o soul_n and_o desire_v of_o their_o happiness_n but_o our_o great_a care_n shall_v be_v employ_v about_o the_o most_o hopeful_a part_n of_o our_o charge_n the_o child_n in_o our_o several_a parish_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o principle_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o they_o may_v know_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n to_o which_o end_n we_o must_v not_o only_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v perfect_a in_o the_o form_n of_o their_o catechism_n but_o endeavour_n by_o explain_v it_o familiar_o to_o they_o to_o make_v they_o understand_v it_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a that_o the_o fear_v of_o god_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o he_o possess_v their_o heart_n betimes_o may_v preserve_v they_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o present_a time_n and_o fit_v they_o to_o do_v eminent_a service_n to_o god_n hereafter_o and_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o hope_v for_o this_o success_n because_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o weak_a in_o they_o be_v more_o easy_o subdue_v by_o good_a instruction_n and_o their_o mind_n not_o yet_o prepossess_v with_o other_o notion_n will_v receive_v the_o deep_a and_o more_o last_a impression_n from_o they_o and_o not_o only_o for_o the_o inform_v their_o understanding_n but_o govern_v their_o conversation_n too_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n prov._n 22.6_o train_z up_o a_o child_n in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v go_v and_o when_o he_o be_v old_a he_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v but_o little_a success_n in_o reform_v the_o present_a age_n this_o will_v conduce_v much_o to_o the_o innocence_n of_o the_o next_o and_o thereby_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o many_o soul_n but_o here_o we_o shall_v need_v all_o assistance_n from_o their_o parent_n too_o who_o by_o that_o interest_n they_o have_v in_o they_o and_o be_v so_o much_o with_o they_o may_v do_v this_o good_a work_n with_o great_a advantage_n than_o ourselves_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v second_v by_o their_o good_a example_n 3._o to_o these_o mean_n we_o must_v add_v our_o daily_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o that_o god_n who_o search_v all_o heart_n and_o can_v change_v they_o as_o he_o please_v who_o be_v light_a and_o truth_n itself_o and_o can_v reform_v all_o the_o error_n of_o man_n mind_n who_o see_v and_o hate_v the_o ungodly_a conversation_n of_o some_o and_o the_o lukewarmness_n of_o other_o among_o we_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o bless_v all_o proper_a mean_n that_o be_v zealous_o and_o prudent_o use_v for_o the_o correct_a man_n error_n and_o reform_v their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o with_o who_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o direct_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o our_o endeavour_n to_o these_o end_n and_o crown_v they_o with_o his_o blessing_n 2._o i_o be_o to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o redeem_v our_o time_n or_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o evil_a of_o suffer_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o two_o particular_n 1._o we_o must_v carry_v ourselves_o prudent_o towards_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n 2._o we_o must_v bear_v patient_o those_o suffering_n we_o meet_v with_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n 1._o we_o must_v carry_v ourselves_o prudent_o towards_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o may_v not_o give_v they_o any_o occasion_n to_o offer_v indignity_n to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n mat._n 10.16_o behold_v i_o send_v you_o forth_o as_o sheep_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n be_v you_o therefore_o wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o harmless_a as_o dove_n the_o enmity_n which_o many_o bear_n to_o religion_n will_v make_v they_o apt_a to_o take_v up_o any_o new_a pretence_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v the_o more_o curious_o observe_v our_o conversation_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o charge_v we_o with_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_n in_o it_o how_o much_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o therefore_o to_o the_o take_v the_o apostle_n caution_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o my_o text_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d see_v therefore_o how_o circumspect_o or_o wary_o you_o walk_v and_o that_o col._n 4.5_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v without_o redeem_v the_o time_n thus_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o our_o time_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o if_o we_o also_o show_v that_o kindness_n to_o they_o which_o be_v mention_v before_o 2._o we_o must_v bear_v patient_o those_o suffering_n we_o meet_v with_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n in_o do_v our_o duty_n though_o i_o confess_v that_o persecution_n which_o come_v upon_o we_o from_o the_o bad_a principle_n and_o conversation_n which_o come_v upon_o we_o from_o the_o bad_a principle_n and_o conversation_n of_o wicked_a man_n whereby_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n suffer_v so_o much_o in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o soul_n be_v in_o so_o great_a danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n will_v justify_v our_o impatience_n more_o than_o any_o other_o to_o be_v quiet_a and_o easy_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o effect_n not_o of_o a_o great_a but_o of_o a_o sensseless_a mind_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v before_o we_o have_v try_v all_o vean_n
that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o intemperance_n among_o we_o to_o these_o i_o must_v add_v the_o many_o rent_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n whereby_o man_n do_v a_o great_a indignity_n to_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o and_o frustrate_v as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o one_o gracious_a end_n of_o his_o die_v for_o we_o the_o unite_n all_o into_o one_o body_n the_o many_o petition_n also_o he_o make_v to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o excellent_a precept_n he_o have_v give_v we_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v as_o well_o as_o from_o other_o cause_n beforementioned_a that_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v so_o little_o frequent_v his_o worship_n both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a so_o strange_o neglect_v and_o particular_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o holy_a feast_n institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o a_o commemoration_n of_o his_o die_a love_n to_o we_o to_o engage_v we_o more_o strict_o in_o that_o service_n which_o be_v perfect_a freedom_n and_o to_o convey_v spiritual_a grace_n and_o comfort_n to_o we_o how_o be_v this_o neglect_a by_o most_o man_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o their_o baptismal_a engagement_n which_o be_v here_o repeat_v of_o the_o most_o gracious_a work_n of_o man_n redemption_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n here_o represent_v or_o the_o interest_n and_o happiness_n of_o their_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n which_o will_v be_v very_o much_o promote_v by_o a_o serious_a and_o frequent_a attendance_n on_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n hence_o also_o be_v that_o almost_o general_a indifferency_n in_o religion_n i_o mean_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a substantial_o of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v too_o much_o zeal_n in_o all_o party_n for_o those_o lesser_a thing_n which_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o protestant_n they_o be_v very_o fond_a of_o the_o occasion_n and_o mark_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o their_o brethren_n as_o if_o needless_a division_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v of_o old_a condemn_v by_o our_o great_a apostle_n as_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n have_v now_o change_v their_o nature_n and_o be_v become_v mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n the_o intemperate_a heat_n man_n have_v for_o these_o thing_n together_o with_o those_o of_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a affection_n have_v almost_o exhaust_v that_o true_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o that_o sincere_a affection_n to_o one_o another_o which_o be_v the_o distinguish_a mark_n of_o christ_n disciple_n it_o be_v because_o iniquity_n do_v so_o abound_v that_o the_o love_n of_o many_o be_v grow_v cold_a though_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v more_o fervent_a as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o thus_o have_v i_o mention_v some_o of_o the_o most_o common_a sin_n among_o we_o wherein_o we_o may_v seem_v a_o parallel_n even_o to_o ephesus_n itself_o when_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v if_o the_o heathen_n there_o be_v violent_a idolater_n and_o persecutor_n of_o christian_n such_o be_v our_o papist_n too_o if_o sometime_o they_o practise_v barbarous_a cruelty_n upon_o any_o they_o meet_v with_o and_o be_v ordinary_o very_o dissolute_a and_o licentious_a in_o their_o life_n we_o be_v not_o without_o instance_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n and_o do_v too_o much_o abound_v with_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o our_o atheist_n be_v such_o a_o monster_n as_o perhaps_o be_v not_o know_v among_o they_o if_o error_n and_o heresy_n do_v infest_v the_o church_n then_o we_o have_v some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o they_o revive_v in_o our_o day_n and_o have_v add_v many_o other_o to_o they_o if_o there_o be_v some_o perverse_a man_n in_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n that_o separate_v themselves_o and_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o these_o be_v far_o outdo_v by_o the_o many_o schism_n and_o division_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n if_o the_o believe_a ephesian_n be_v accuse_v some_o time_n after_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o have_v lest_o their_o first_o love_n rev._n 2.4_o how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o be_v condemn_v for_o almost_o the_o entire_a loss_n of_o we_o and_o fall_v into_o a_o lukewarmness_n like_o that_o charge_v upon_o laodicea_n and_o for_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n so_o severe_o threaten_v she_o we_o may_v therefore_o say_v of_o our_o own_o day_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o abound_v among_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o those_o he_o live_v in_o that_o they_o be_v evil._n and_o the_o more_o because_o those_o in_o our_o day_n that_o commit_v the_o same_o sin_n with_o the_o heathen_n at_o ephesus_n have_v be_v better_o instruct_v than_o they_o and_o prosess_v a_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n and_o all_o wilful_a sin_n among_o we_o be_v commit_v against_o as_o many_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o as_o be_v ever_o show_v to_o any_o nation_n 2._o our_o day_n be_v evil_a too_o in_o respect_n of_o suffer_v but_o here_o i_o will_v acknowledge_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n that_o we_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o such_o bloody_a persecution_n as_o the_o ephesian_n be_v daily_o in_o danger_n of_o we_o live_v not_o under_o law_n that_o make_v our_o religion_n a_o capital_a crime_n or_o magistrate_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o for_o it_o to_o the_o most_o cruel_a death_n yea_o though_o the_o protestant_n in_o several_a neighbour_a nation_n have_v be_v thus_o barbarous_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o papist_n and_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o imminent_a danger_n of_o the_o same_o suffering_n it_o please_v god_n of_o his_o insinite_a goodness_n to_o prevent_v they_o by_o a_o unexpected_a and_o wonderful_a deliverance_n and_o now_o at_o last_o to_o confirm_v this_o more_o and_o free_v we_o from_o many_o sensible_a effect_n of_o a_o long_a and_o dreadful_a war_n by_o the_o peace_n which_o be_v so_o happy_o conclude_v but_o notwithstanding_o these_o undeserved_a effect_n of_o god_n mercy_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o already_o to_o prove_v one_o of_o the_o great_a persecution_n at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n that_o can_v befall_v good_a man_n but_o especial_o faithful_a minister_n st._n augustin_n hom._n 10._o speak_v of_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 3.12_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n bring_v in_o this_o question_n by_o way_n of_o objection_n when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n protect_v by_o law_n and_o defend_v by_o prince_n how_o then_o do_v they_o who_o live_v godly_a suffer_v persecution_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v qui_fw-la inter_fw-la malos_fw-la vivunt_fw-la persecutionem_fw-la patiuntur_fw-la quia_fw-la omnes_fw-la mali_fw-la persequuntur_fw-la bonos_fw-es non_fw-la ferro_fw-la &_o lapidibus_fw-la sed_fw-la vita_fw-la &_o moribus_fw-la they_o who_o live_v among_o evil_a man_n do_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o all_o evil_a man_n persecute_v the_o good_a not_o with_o sword_n and_o stone_n but_o by_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n and_o then_o he_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o lot_n in_o sodom_n who_o none_o persecute_v or_o molest_v there_o but_o only_o by_o their_o wicked_a life_n with_o which_o as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o rack_v or_o torture_v his_o righteous_a soul_n from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o indeed_o this_o persecution_n have_v be_v always_o very_o grievous_a to_o good_a men._n it_o draw_v river_n of_o water_n from_o the_o psalmist_n eye_n and_o make_v the_o soul_n of_o jeremy_n weep_v in_o secret_a place_n yea_o for_o this_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o judgement_n it_o will_v bring_v upon_o judah_n he_o passionate_o wish_n that_o his_o head_n be_v water_n and_o his_o eye_n a_o fountain_n of_o tear_n that_o he_o may_v weep_v day_n and_o night_n for_o they_o jer._n 9.1_o and_o none_o will_v wonder_v at_o this_o that_o consider_v how_o injurious_a sin_n be_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o almighty_n god_n how_o contrary_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o every_o good_a man_n and_o in_o what_o danger_n it_o put_v they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o if_o these_o sinner_n be_v under_o our_o own_o charge_n our_o affliction_n be_v the_o great_a on_o their_o account_n if_o st._n john_n have_v no_o great_a joy_n than_o to_o hear_v that_o his_o child_n walk_v in_o truth_n nothing_o can_v afflict_v he_o more_o than_o their_o defection_n from_o it_o if_o it_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o crown_n yea_o the_o very_a life_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o church_n under_o his_o care_n stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n and_o humiliation_n yea_o something_o like_o death_n itself_o to_o he_o if_o they_o desert_v it_o nay_o if_o in_o some_o case_n as_o
st._n john_n teach_v we_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v in_o a_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o it_o may_v appear_v necessary_a for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o than_o their_o wilful_a continuance_n in_o sin_n or_o manifest_a defection_n from_o the_o faith_n aught_o to_o be_v more_o grievous_a to_o we_o than_o death_n itself_o and_o alas_o how_o many_o such_o case_n as_o these_o do_v we_o see_v in_o our_o parish_n some_o who_o have_v be_v under_o our_o preach_v many_o year_n and_o it_o may_v be_v receive_v private_a instruction_n from_o we_o too_o be_v yet_o gross_o ignorant_a of_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o necessary_a principle_n of_o religion_n other_o who_o have_v improve_v more_o in_o knowledge_n be_v notwithstanding_o very_o loose_a and_o scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n some_o that_o can_v be_v much_o accuse_v either_o of_o ignorance_n or_o gross_a commission_n be_v very_o defective_a in_o their_o piety_n towards_o god_n charity_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n or_o those_o relative_n duty_n they_o be_v particular_o oblige_v to_o other_o that_o will_v seem_v it_o may_v be_v to_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o all_o these_o for_o want_v of_o a_o sound_n and_o settle_a judgement_n in_o religion_n be_v easy_o impose_v on_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o draw_v away_o from_o our_o communion_n now_o can_v any_o thing_n more_o sensible_a grieve_v a_o faithful_a minister_n who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o those_o soul_n and_o have_v take_v much_o pain_n to_o instruct_v and_o edify_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o see_v they_o thus_o despise_v or_o desert_v he_o and_o hazard_v their_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n god_n have_v set_v we_o over_o our_o people_n as_o pastor_n over_o their_o flock_n yea_o as_o father_n over_o their_o child_n and_o can_v we_o be_v suppose_v the_o only_a shepherd_n that_o be_v indifferent_a what_o become_v of_o our_o flock_n or_o the_o only_a father_n that_o have_v no_o compassion_n for_o our_o child_n or_o concern_v for_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o care_n diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n do_v plain_o bespeak_v the_o contrary_n therefore_o though_o these_o unhappy_a man_n who_o thus_o frustrate_v our_o pain_n with_o they_o intend_v it_o not_o as_o a_o persecution_n to_o we_o yet_o the_o devil_n who_o tempt_v they_o to_o it_o do_v real_o intend_v this_o who_o know_v how_o much_o it_o be_v his_o interest_n to_o discourage_v we_o in_o our_o great_a work_n and_o he_o can_v more_o effectual_o do_v it_o than_o by_o this_o mean_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a persecution_n which_o we_o suffer_v more_o than_o other_o christian_n but_o our_o holy_a office_n the_o honour_n of_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o than_o our_o life_n do_v at_o this_o day_n lie_v under_o a_o very_a great_a and_o almost_o general_a contempt_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o worst_a construction_n be_v so_o often_o put_v upon_o our_o word_n and_o action_n that_o many_o calumny_n be_v so_o easy_o cast_v upon_o we_o by_o some_o and_o so_o ready_o believe_v by_o other_o etc._n etc._n thus_o be_v we_o persecute_v even_o with_o sword_n though_o not_o in_o st._n augustin_n sense_n before_o mention_v yet_o in_o that_o of_o holy_a david_n who_o complain_v of_o the_o malicious_a speech_n of_o his_o enemy_n against_o he_o psal_n 59_o say_v that_o sword_n be_v in_o their_o li_n i_o may_v add_v to_o these_o thing_n the_o invasion_n of_o our_o sacred_a office_n by_o many_o who_o have_v neither_o gift_n nor_o opportunity_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o it_o and_o therefore_o while_o they_o presume_v to_o be_v teacher_n do_v just_o fall_v under_o the_o apostle_n censure_v upon_o some_o such_o man_n at_o ephesus_n that_o they_o understand_v neither_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v i_o may_v mention_v also_o several_a other_o injury_n we_o often_o suffer_v as_o minister_n but_o it_o be_v time_n for_o i_o to_o come_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o my_o text_n and_o i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o and_o more_o particular_a upon_o this_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v not_o say_v for_o who_o do_v not_o know_v they_o but_o a_o serious_a sense_n of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o great_a step_n towards_o their_o cure_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o 2._o consider_v in_o speak_v to_o the_o precept_n in_o my_o text_n redeem_v the_o time_n or_o buy_v the_o season_n here_o therefore_o i_o must_v show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o use_v and_o improve_v our_o time_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o evil_n be_v forementioned_a 1._o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n 2._o the_o evil_a of_o suffer_v first_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o here_o we_o must_v take_v care_n first_o to_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o it_o second_o to_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o remedy_n it_o first_o to_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o this_o evil_a and_o lead_v a_o conversation_n as_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o this_o the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v the_o ephesian_n to_o in_o many_o particular_n before_o my_o text_n and_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o intend_v it_o in_o this_o precept_n as_o much_o as_o any_o thing_n else_o there_o lie_v indeed_o very_o great_a obligation_n upon_o all_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o in_o a_o pious_a and_o useful_a conversation_n but_o especial_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o own_o stead_n not_o only_o to_o instruct_v other_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o also_o to_o lead_v they_o in_o by_o a_o holy_a example_n and_o it_o concern_v they_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o to_o be_v the_o more_o circumspect_a as_o sin_n be_v more_o common_a among_o we_o therefore_o if_o error_n and_o heresy_n do_v so_o much_o abound_v in_o this_o nation_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o diligent_a in_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n and_o constant_o adhere_v to_o it_o if_o other_o be_v so_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n it_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v the_o more_o sober_a and_o innocent_a to_o watch_v careful_o against_o temptation_n and_o to_o preserve_v ourselves_o not_o only_o from_o all_o gross_a commission_n but_o also_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v from_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o evil._n if_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n be_v strange_o neglect_v by_o many_o that_o will_v go_v for_o christian_n let_v we_o be_v the_o more_o zealous_a and_o constant_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o if_o a_o great_a indifferency_n in_o religion_n have_v obtain_v among_o all_o order_n of_o man_n and_o there_o remain_v but_o few_o spark_n of_o that_o holy_a fire_n of_o zeal_n and_o of_o devotion_n which_o make_v our_o service_n a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n let_v we_o by_o all_o mean_n endeavour_n to_o revive_v and_o cherish_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o make_v it_o the_o more_o intense_a by_o reason_n of_o that_o coldness_n with_o which_o we_o be_v encompass_v for_o in_o so_o general_a a_o defection_n from_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o desert_n it_o or_o be_v cold_a in_o it_o and_o what_o great_a judgement_n than_o any_o we_o have_v yet_o feel_v may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v for_o this_o apostasy_n if_o the_o righteousness_n of_o our_o life_n and_o sincere_a importunity_n of_o our_o prayer_n do_v not_o prevent_v they_o second_o we_o must_v do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o remedy_v this_o evil._n and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v the_o holiness_n of_o our_o life_n will_v do_v very_o much_o towards_o it_o for_o this_o will_v natural_o create_v a_o veneration_n for_o we_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o give_v we_o more_o authority_n in_o the_o use_n of_o other_o mean_n it_o will_v provoke_v they_o that_o have_v any_o remain_v of_o piety_n in_o their_o heart_n confirm_v such_o as_o be_v waver_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o half_o persuade_v those_o who_o be_v before_o averse_a to_o religion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o see_v have_v have_v so_o much_o power_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o produce_v such_o amiable_a fruit_n in_o our_o conversation_n for_o there_o be_v a_o beauty_n in_o holiness_n which_o every_o eye_n one_o will_v think_v may_v in_o some_o measure_n discern_v there_o be_v a_o greatness_n in_o self_n denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n which_o command_v admiration_n and_o there_o be_v those_o charm_n in_o humility_n and_o condescension_n in_o