they_o have_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o warrant_n they_o can_v of_o themselves_o lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o the_o holy_a man_n we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n be_v not_o send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o all_o other_o in_o the_o thing_n they_o act_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o example_n very_o great_a their_o insufficiency_n none_o of_o the_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n from_o his_o example_n mere_o and_o without_o a_o law_n do_v lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o imitate_v they_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n reach_n to_o all_o moral_a action_n no_o example_n of_o goodness_n beyond_o what_o be_v include_v in_o those_o law_n inference_n concern_v the_o example_n in_o holy_a writ_n in_o those_o thing_n where_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v silent_a prudence_n be_v to_o be_v our_o guide_n example_n though_o of_o themselves_o they_o lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o be_v yet_o of_o use_n those_o which_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v we_o for_o incentives_n and_o encouragement_n of_o our_o obedience_n when_o divine_a law_n be_v question_v as_o to_o their_o sense_n example_n upon_o occasion_n may_v be_v interpretation_n of_o they_o by_o example_n we_o may_v be_v instruct_v to_o do_v our_o duty_n in_o a_o decent_a and_o become_a way_n decency_n add_v unto_o sincerity_n may_v make_v its_o reward_n the_o great_a example_n be_v register_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o who_o they_o be_v our_o condition_n the_o more_o sure_a than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v if_o we_o have_v have_v none_o in_o who_o step_n we_o may_v tread_v by_o compare_v example_n with_o our_o rule_n we_o shall_v quick_o find_v whether_o they_o will_v hold_v good_a for_o our_o practice_n or_o no._n p._n 175._o the_o content_n of_o the_o seven_o discourse_n concern_v the_o divine_a law_n as_o take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o creation_n all_o other_o opinion_n concern_v the_o be_v of_o the_o world_n be_v cold_a and_o unaffecting_a of_o the_o fall_n of_o man._n it_o give_v light_a to_o many_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v know_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o our_o fall_n be_v in_o great_a measure_n correct_v by_o god_n mercy_n and_o make_v comfortable_a to_o we_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o mingle_v with_o falsity_n in_o profane_a author_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o more_o clear_o discern_v sacred_a history_n show_v forth_o god_n immediate_a hand_n and_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o punish_v and_o reward_v for_o such_o and_o such_o reason_n of_o the_o history_n of_o our_o redemption_n how_o wonderful_a it_o be_v and_o what_o a_o sacredness_n run_v through_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o lord_n conception_n birth_n life_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n the_o great_a evidence_n of_o these_o thing_n of_o the_o prophetical_a 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have_v our_o lord_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o near_o concern_v in_o it_o those_o person_n quite_o mistake_v what_o they_o read_v in_o sacred_a scripture_n who_o find_v a_o pleasure_n therein_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n proper_o as_o such_o what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o those_o who_o be_v conscientious_o obedient_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n but_o yet_o find_v not_o that_o delight_n therein_o which_o earthly_a thing_n do_v frequent_o give_v they_o and_o who_o hereupon_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o interpret_v their_o love_n to_o god_n precept_n to_o be_v unsincere_a and_o such_o as_o will_v be_v reject_v the_o great_a reasonableness_n and_o benefit_n of_o holy_a meditation_n p._n 210._o the_o content_n of_o the_o eight_o discourse_n disobedience_n be_v a_o pollution_n it_o bring_v disorder_n into_o a_o man._n it_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o almighty_a to_o minister_v to_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o vile_a office_n how_o god_n can_v be_v make_v to_o serve_v how_o he_o may_v he_o be_v please_v in_o holy_a writ_n to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n that_o so_o he_o may_v condescend_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o excite_v our_o affection_n how_o he_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v in_o his_o holy_a name_n how_o in_o his_o work_n the_o creation_n sensible_a of_o this_o slavery_n and_o god_n very_o much_o displease_v with_o it_o disobedience_n of_o a_o extensive_a nature_n it_o affect_v a_o kind_n of_o eternity_n it_o be_v high_o disingenuous_a god_n necessitate_v none_o to_o disobedience_n why_o he_o will_v not_o force_v man_n into_o obedience_n why_o he_o general_o cut_v they_o not_o off_o p._n 257._o the_o content_n of_o the_o nine_o discourse_n the_o plea_n of_o those_o be_v vain_a who_o say_v they_o never_o sin_v malicious_o against_o the_o almighty_a nor_o wish_v his_o greatness_n and_o power_n to_o be_v less_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o that_o against_o a_o temporal_a prince_n disobedience_n a_o defilement_n in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o pollution_n in_o all_o sin_n what_o the_o sin_n of_o good_a man_n be_v and_o how_o know_v to_o be_v they_o the_o sin_n of_o wicked_a man_n of_o a_o deep_a dye_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o those_o of_o pious_a men._n the_o difference_n between_o wicked_a man_n how_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n some_o be_v more_o open_a some_o more_o secret_a in_o their_o sin_n how_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o less_o evil_a sort_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v the_o same_o fairness_n of_o converse_n not_o equal_o innocent_a unto_o many_o a_o sin_n may_v be_v a_o pardonable_a one_o to_o some_o when_o the_o very_a same_o to_o the_o eye_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o to_o other_o what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o the_o heinous_a sin_n of_o good_a man_n register_v in_o holy_a scripture_n no_o reason_n from_o they_o for_o wicked_a man_n to_o think_v better_o of_o their_o own_o sin_n god_n will_v not_o esteem_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o child_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o as_o great_a as_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n to_o be_v therefore_o the_o less_o because_o they_o be_v commit_v by_o those_o who_o be_v his_o child_n how_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n p._n 288._o errat_fw-la pag._n 282._o lin_v 21._o read_v they_o for_o he_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o divine-law_n and_o of_o disobedience_n thereunto_o etc._n etc._n the_o content_n the_o occasion_n of_o the_o discourse_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o divine_a law._n the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n of_o old_a and_o that_o which_o be_v give_v afterward_o the_o law_n which_o enjoin_v duty_n towards_o god_n be_v such_o as_o we_o will_v in_o right_a reason_n wish_v shall_v be_v towards_o a_o prince_n and_o lawgiver_n concern_v some_o law_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v no_o real_a goodness_n in_o they_o but_o cruelty_n rather_o and_o other_o which_o seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n mere_o as_o supreme_a without_o any_o reason_n and_o consequent_o without_o any_o love_n to_o his_o creature_n of_o the_o precept_n which_o require_v fear_n and_o be_v enforce_v upon_o the_o account_n that_o god_n be_v terrible_a how_o these_o can_v consist_v with_o love_n which_o cast_v out_o fear_n the_o law_n which_o a_o rational_a man_n will_v desire_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o society_n be_v those_o which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o god._n such_o likewise_o be_v those_o that_o respect_n ourselves_o why_o the_o law_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o death_n by_o st._n paul._n what_o he_o mean_v when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v alive_a without_o the_o law_n once_o but_o when_o the_o commandment_n come_v sin_n revive_v and_o he_o die_v and_o how_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v term_v a_o yoke_n which_o
your_o discourse_n viz._n that_o so_o far_o be_v the_o christian_a law_n from_o be_v more_o clear_o give_v that_o it_o require_v we_o to_o admit_v of_o some_o thing_n relate_v to_o faith_n that_o no_o one_o living_n can_v conceive_v how_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o so_o our_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n of_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v rely_v on_o here_o that_o they_o must_v be_v whole_o lay_v aside_o 2._o grant_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o full_a and_o enjoin_v to_o a_o great_a spirituality_n than_o in_o old_a time_n yet_o the_o severity_n of_o they_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v man_n reduce_v we_o to_o such_o strait_n as_o can_v be_v go_v through_o without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o uneasiness_n if_o at_o all_o and_o though_o there_o be_v none_o who_o will_v not_o commend_v a_o pure_a air_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v so_o pure_a as_o not_o to_o be_v breathe_v in_o without_o much_o difficulty_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n it_o shall_v be_v over_o delight_v in_o and_o love_v eubul_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o in_o good_a earnest_n dare_v thus_o urge_v against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o lord_n but_o they_o be_v man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o by_o their_o ill_a life_n be_v sway_v to_o talk_v after_o this_o manner_n lest_o they_o shall_v appear_v to_o have_v opinion_n any_o whit_n better_o than_o their_o practice_n a_o shame_n it_o be_v that_o any_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n where_o christianity_n afford_v so_o many_o outward_a benefit_n to_o they_o shall_v without_o severe_a punishment_n be_v permit_v to_o speak_v against_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n but_o when_o such_o a_o vile_a liberty_n be_v so_o much_o usurp_v it_o will_v be_v but_o meet_v with_o truth_n to_o defend_v these_o law_n and_o i_o will_v with_o your_o leave_n endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o the_o more_o large_o that_o i_o myself_o may_v have_v the_o more_o in_o readiness_n what_o to_o reply_v upon_o occasion_n to_o this_o sort_n of_o men._n theoph._n be_v that_o your_o design_n then_o so_o that_o i_o share_v with_o you_o in_o the_o benefit_n eubul_n in_o answer_v therefore_o to_o their_o first_o objection_n viz._n that_o so_o far_o be_v the_o christian_a law_n from_o be_v more_o clear_o give_v that_o it_o require_v we_o to_o admit_v of_o some_o thing_n relate_v unto_o faith_n that_o no_o one_o living_n can_v conceive_v how_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o so_o our_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n of_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v rely_v on_o here_o that_o they_o must_v be_v whole_o lay_v aside_o we_o say_v that_o however_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v beyond_o our_o reach_n yet_o the_o precept_n of_o believe_v be_v plain_a and_o and_o what_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v we_o be_v very_o clear_o instruct_v in_o holy_a writ_n and_o what_o absurdity_n will_v it_o be_v if_o at_o the_o thought_n of_o some_o mystery_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o such_o like_a we_o cease_v with_o that_o bless_a virgin_n to_o inquire_v how_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o make_v our_o understanding_n yield_v to_o our_o faith_n as_o she_o do_v when_o she_o quiet_o rest_v with_o no_o more_o than_o those_o word_n behold_v the_o handmaid_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v it_o unto_o i_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n and_o wherein_o will_v it_o misbecome_v we_o if_o in_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o hypostatick_a union_n of_o the_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a god_n with_o our_o frail_a and_o mortal_a nature_n we_o cry_v with_o st._n paul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o be_v his_o way_n past_o our_o find_v out_o this_o be_v not_o to_o throw_v away_o our_o understanding_n but_o only_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n which_o will_v be_v their_o perfection_n the_o gospel_n theophilus_n do_v teach_v we_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v to_o become_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n by_o be_v conform_v to_o his_o law_n and_o also_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o own_o his_o sovereignty_n the_o will_n be_v to_o be_v pliant_a and_o ready_a to_o what_o he_o enjoin_v and_o the_o affection_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v into_o the_o be_v holy_a and_o obedient_a and_o do_v we_o think_v that_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o be_v lawless_a and_o yield_v no_o obedience_n but_o what_o obedience_n can_v it_o show_v other_o than_o a_o submission_n to_o the_o boundless_a and_o inconceivable_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n confess_v that_o itself_o be_v weak_a and_o dim-sighted_a in_o comparison_n thereof_o certain_o it_o be_v but_o meet_a to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v a_o be_v which_o be_v far_o above_o our_o conception_n and_o that_o he_o can_v do_v what_o our_o understanding_n can_v measure_v and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o unbecoming_a we_o to_o acknowledge_v some_o thing_n in_o christ_n as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o yet_o our_o understanding_n can_v fathom_v for_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v in_o the_o great_a height_n the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o father_n so_o as_o that_o the_o holy_a angel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v only_o desire_v with_o a_o reverential_n stoop_v to_o look_v into_o these_o thing_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o admiration_n and_o beyond_o their_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v well_o surpass_v the_o most_o acute_a and_o large_a conception_n of_o men._n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a room_n for_o reason_n in_o our_o holy_a religion_n which_o claim_v admittance_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o argument_n as_o great_a and_o strong_a as_o any_o consider_a man_n will_v desire_v there_o be_v no_o rational_a ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n do_v publish_v falsehood_n in_o their_o write_n but_o the_o great_a reason_n for_o our_o belief_n that_o what_o they_o have_v write_v be_v true_a and_o divine_a but_o then_o when_o by_o reason_n we_o have_v admit_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v every_o particular_a thing_n therein_o contain_v with_o the_o same_o understanding_n by_o which_o we_o conceive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_n and_o yet_o the_o same_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o admit_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o general_a do_v prove_v very_o full_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o particular_n therein_o contain_v though_o we_o can_v understand_v they_o yea_o yet_o further_o every_o even_o the_o most_o difficult_a mystery_n there_o give_v we_o so_o much_o the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a the_o chief_a of_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o god_n for_o such_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o lord_n his_o conception_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v shall_v be_v above_o our_o weak_a capacity_n which_o may_v show_v methinks_v very_o well_o the_o arrogance_n of_o some_o man_n who_o to_o make_v the_o law_n of_o faith_n the_o more_o easy_a will_v bring_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n down_o to_o the_o level_n of_o human_a conception_n and_o the_o profaneness_n of_o other_o who_o will_v make_v the_o height_n of_o these_o mystery_n to_o be_v the_o disparagement_n and_o blemish_n of_o the_o holy_a law_n or_o in_o a_o word_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o one_o that_o they_o may_v not_o practise_v the_o other_o i_o will_v not_o compare_v these_o great_a mystery_n with_o small_a thing_n but_o yet_o to_o these_o man_n i_o may_v say_v that_o every_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v if_o i_o shall_v ask_v they_o how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o they_o mulâ—_n 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o how_o come_v a_o little_a un-coloured_a moisture_n in_o the_o same_o turf_n to_o be_v form_v into_o herb_n of_o different_a quality_n and_o shape_v that_o it_o be_v so_o they_o see_v plain_o but_o the_o how_o of_o it_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v they_o understand_v not_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o madness_n to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o herb_n because_o they_o can_v conceive_v how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v so_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o obstinacy_n that_o when_o these_o man_n be_v baffle_v in_o ten_o thousand_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v before_o their_o eye_n to_o have_v a_o real_a be_v they_o will_v deny_v these_o spiritual_a mystery_n mere_o because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o they_o shall_v
other_o who_o be_v it_o can_v look_v upon_o and_o not_o be_v high_o please_v in_o they_o but_o all_o these_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o law_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o reverence_n shall_v we_o not_o love_v they_o if_o i_o say_v we_o will_v in_o the_o laudable_a action_n of_o man_n though_o much_o distant_a from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n often_o cast_v our_o thought_n upon_o those_o law_n acknowledge_v the_o beauty_n to_o belong_v unto_o they_o which_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v real_o derive_v from_o they_o it_o will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o due_a expression_n of_o esteem_n and_o love_n towards_o they_o and_o at_o the_o best_a much_o â—â—ow_o their_o excellency_n meet_v therefore_o sure_o it_o be_v when_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o have_v a_o example_n of_o the_o same_o ready_a in_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o we_o think_v not_o ourselves_o present_o authorise_a thereby_o to_o 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pleasurable_a entertainment_n be_v there_o for_o holy_a thought_n and_o whether_o we_o find_v he_o cure_v disease_n cast_v out_o devil_n feed_v multitude_n with_o a_o miracle_n lay_v command_n on_o the_o wind_n and_o sea_n and_o raise_v the_o dead_a or_o whether_o we_o read_v he_o public_o teach_v or_o private_o instruct_v pray_v in_o secret_a unto_o god_n or_o appear_v glorious_o in_o his_o transfiguration_n how_o diverse_o may_v we_o be_v affect_v yet_o every_o way_n with_o delight_n yea_o if_o we_o look_v towards_o his_o leave_v of_o the_o world_n when_o in_o the_o garden_n he_o sweat_v as_o it_o be_v great_a drop_n of_o blood_n under_o those_o sin_n which_o in_o a_o garden_n first_o take_v birth_n if_o we_o consider_v his_o bitter_a cross_n and_o passion_n the_o reproach_n amid_o his_o torment_n and_o the_o death_n that_o follow_v they_o though_o we_o sympathize_v with_o he_o we_o yet_o can_v but_o love_v the_o story_n for_o herein_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n 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lego_fw-la libet_fw-la omnes_fw-la casus_fw-la prouâ—care_fw-la when_o i_o read_v sextius_n be_v book_n i_o can_v even_o challenge_v fortune_n to_o do_v she_o worst_o i_o have_v a_o antidote_n there_o great_a than_o all_o her_o mischief_n what_o be_v height_n o_o expression_n concern_v sextius_n philosophy_n be_v no_o more_o than_o truth_n if_o apply_v to_o this_o history_n when_o old_a simeon_n have_v take_v our_o saviour_n into_o his_o arm_n it_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n that_o he_o say_v lord_z now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n according_a to_o thy_o word_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n the_o world_n have_v nothing_o worthy_a my_o eye_n or_o thought_n after_o such_o a_o inestimable_a favour_n and_o true_o when_o a_o man_n with_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o soul_n read_v these_o thing_n what_o can_v his_o heart_n desire_v more_o how_o much_o may_v he_o be_v above_o all_o ordinary_a joy_n how_o much_o above_o all_o ordinary_a grief_n and_o yet_o 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his_o son_n the_o jew_n do_v rule_n by_o their_o own_o law_n and_o so_o the_o sceptre_n be_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n at_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n into_o the_o world._n i_o will_v mention_v only_o one_o prophecy_n more_o which_o from_o the_o unexpected_a method_n and_o the_o quick_a and_o various_a working_n of_o providence_n may_v be_v very_o delightful_a and_o that_o be_v the_o prophecy_n of_o esai_n concern_v his_o burial_n chap._n 53._o he_o make_v his_o grave_n with_o the_o rich_a in_o his_o death_n but_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v for_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_n require_v that_o he_o and_o the_o other_o two_o shall_v continue_v on_o the_o cross_n expose_v there_o to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n to_o be_v eat_v or_o to_o be_v consume_v leisurely_o by_o the_o air_n and_o weather_n that_o this_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o his_o death_n shall_v though_o they_o wish_v no_o good_a to_o he_o be_v the_o promoter_n of_o his_o burial_n thus_o that_o the_o body_n may_v not_o remain_v on_o the_o cross_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n day_n which_o be_v then_o a_o great_a day_n the_o jew_n beseech_v pilate_n that_o they_o may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o have_v their_o desire_n grant_v but_o though_o this_o be_v grant_v they_o yet_o still_o the_o prophecy_n be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v for_o among_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v a_o place_n on_o purpose_n to_o bury_v malefactor_n in_o and_o so_o our_o lord_n must_v have_v be_v bury_v with_o the_o thief_n and_o then_o how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o make_v his_o grave_a with_o the_o rich_a in_o his_o death_n that_o therefore_o this_o may_v be_v effect_v joseph_n of_o arimathea_n a_o rich_a man_n and_o honourable_a counsellor_n come_v and_o beg_v christ_n body_n of_o pilate_n pilate_n possible_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o wealthy_a man_n and_o in_o good_a esteem_n and_o not_o well_o know_v how_o to_o deny_v the_o body_n of_o jesus_n to_o burial_n who_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o be_v free_a from_o fault_n though_o he_o have_v afterward_o condemn_v he_o order_v the_o body_n to_o be_v give_v to_o joseph_n who_o after_o it_o be_v wind_v up_o in_o fine_a linen_n and_o spice_n lay_v it_o in_o a_o new_a sepulchre_n which_o he_o in_o his_o garden_n have_v hew_v out_o of_o a_o rock_n for_o his_o own_o tomb._n and_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o roman_n he_o be_v bury_v and_o contrary_a to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o be_v bury_v not_o with_o malefactor_n but_o in_o a_o creditable_a sepulchre_n with_o the_o rich._n in_o such_o a_o eminent_a and_o surprise_a manner_n will_v god_n bring_v about_o his_o own_o counsel_n and_o have_v accomplish_v this_o prophecy_n there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o prophecy_n direct_o show_v forth_o the_o resurrection_n ascension_n and_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o our_o lord_n in_o which_o a_o religious_a and_o contemplative_a soul_n may_v find_v a_o rich_a and_o glorious_a repast_n but_o these_o i_o at_o present_a will_v omit_v and_o will_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o i_o hint_v before_o viz._n that_o some_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n in_o themselves_o very_o delightful_a do_v yet_o afford_v we_o a_o further_a delight_n and_o be_v in_o a_o sort_n prophetical_a by_o include_v the_o image_n of_o great_a thing_n to_o come_v such_o be_v the_o israelite_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n which_o signify_v our_o lord_n come_v out_o from_o thence_o the_o rock_n in_o the_o wilderness_n pour_v out_o water_n which_o rock_n be_v christ_n jonas_n being_n three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o whale_n belly_n and_o afterward_o throw_v up_o which_o import_v our_o lord_n be_v so_o long_o in_o the_o grave_a and_o then_o rise_v isaac_n live_n after_o abraham_n have_v in_o intention_n sacrifice_v he_o which_o betoken_v our_o lord_n resurrection_n agar_n and_o sarah_n which_o be_v a_o allegory_n of_o the_o two_o covenant_n canaan_n jerusalem_n and_o mount_v zion_n which_o be_v type_n of_o a_o country_n city_n and_o church_n above_o and_o many_o more_o such_o as_o these_o which_o what_o a_o true_a and_o suitable_a pleasure_n do_v they_o give_v to_o one_o who_o heart_n be_v fix_v on_o sacred_a thing_n theoph._n while_o we_o look_v from_o hence_o backward_o it_o may_v indeed_o huge_o delight_v we_o to_o see_v the_o shadow_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n while_o from_o thence_o we_o look_v forward_o it_o may_v take_v we_o whole_o up_o in_o love_n and_o joy_n to_o behold_v those_o shadow_n reduce_v into_o reality_n which_o for_o the_o excellence_n in_o themselves_o and_o the_o infinite_a advantage_n they_o give_v unto_o we_o have_v be_v altogether_o worthy_a of_o such_o presignification_n and_o true_o eubulus_n of_o quite_o another_o strain_n be_v those_o speech_n which_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n give_v when_o they_o be_v consult_v about_o thing_n to_o come_v the_o ambiguous_a signification_n of_o their_o word_n denote_v sophistry_n and_o cunning_a rather_o than_o prescience_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v not_o forward_o of_o themselves_o to_o prophesy_v since_o when_o seek_v unto_o for_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n they_o be_v thus_o put_v to_o their_o shift_n for_o the_o devil_n can_v but_o guess_v what_o will_v be_v by_o compare_v present_a affair_n with_o what_o be_v past_a and_o though_o his_o guess_n may_v more_o incline_v to_o certainty_n than_o the_o guess_n of_o man_n for_o we_o may_v suppose_v he_o to_o have_v a_o far_o great_a insight_n into_o former_a year_n and_o the_o success_n of_o thing_n in_o they_o than_o any_o man_n can_v have_v yet_o for_o his_o reputation_n sake_n with_o his_o votary_n he_o dare_v not_o speak_v thing_n positive_o but_o always_o in_o a_o dubious_a sense_n that_o if_o they_o fall_v out_o otherwise_o than_o be_v at_o first_o thought_n another_o latent_fw-la meaning_n may_v rather_o make_v man_n blame_v their_o own_o dimsightedness_n towards_o the_o oracle_n than_o the_o oracle_n towards_o the_o futurity_n inquire_v after_o there_o be_v i_o must_v confess_v very_o perspicuous_a and_o important_a prophecy_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n and_o i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o god_n in_o his_o goodness_n may_v inspire_v those_o woman_n for_o the_o give_v out_o some_o oracle_n which_o as_o right_o suit_v with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v afterward_o the_o more_o sway_n with_o the_o nation_n but_o many_o of_o these_o prophecy_n be_v by_o the_o pious_a fraud_n of_o some_o person_n not_o write_v till_o after_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v with_o a_o design_n no_o doubt_n to_o bring_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o what_o in_o appearance_n be_v so_o plain_o foretell_v thus_o the_o oracle_n which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o cumean_n sibyl_n be_v in_o great_a measure_n write_v by_o the_o jew_n before_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world._n those_o which_o be_v extant_a 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neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v discourse_n the_o first_o theophilus_n i_o have_v often_o think_v eubulus_n that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o a_o man_n life_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o where_o two_o faithful_a friend_n enjoy_v one_o another_o in_o ingenuous_a and_o profitable_a discourse_n communicate_v what_o they_o find_v to_o have_v be_v most_o take_v with_o themselves_o and_o by_o unite_a thought_n and_o search_n discuss_v some_o truth_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o so_o well_o have_v be_v know_v eubulus_n i_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o who_o soul_n be_v any_o whit_n refine_v but_o will_v ready_o assent_v to_o what_o you_o say_v theophilus_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o though_o his_o expression_n be_v very_o high_a he_o yet_o speak_v with_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o discursive_a friendship_n who_o say_v cum_fw-la una_fw-la mehercule_fw-la ambulatiuncula_fw-la atque_fw-la uno_fw-la sermone_fw-la nostro_fw-la omnes_fw-la 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search_v into_o their_o perfection_n in_o private_a especial_o since_o for_o this_o end_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o that_o our_o love_n to_o they_o may_v be_v the_o great_a and_o true_o eubulus_n the_o royal_a psalmist_n expression_n of_o so_o great_a love_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n give_v the_o occasion_n of_o my_o now_o mention_v this_o subject_a for_o read_v those_o word_n o_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n methinks_v i_o feel_v my_o soul_n more_o than_o a_o little_a touch_v with_o they_o they_o seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a affection_n in_o that_o good_a king._n eubul_n i_o do_v not_o wonder_v it_o be_v so_o with_o you_o who_o i_o know_v keep_v your_o heart_n soft_a and_o tender_a and_o thereby_o fit_v for_o right_a impression_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o your_o say_n that_o those_o word_n seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a affection_n do_v not_o reach_v the_o thing_n home_o they_o not_o seem_v only_o but_o real_o do_v come_v from_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o love_n to_o god_n law_n and_o indeed_o theophilus_n i_o think_v it_o no_o hard_a matter_n to_o discern_v a_o true_a passion_n from_o one_o that_o be_v so_o only_o in_o show_n this_o late_a will_v betray_v itself_o in_o something_o or_o other_o which_o by_o a_o judicious_a eye_n will_v easy_o be_v perceive_v while_o the_o other_o carry_v its_o evidence_n along_o with_o it_o and_o without_o scruple_n be_v present_o own_a as_o genuine_a and_o sincere_a and_o sure_o no_o true_a affection_n can_v be_v more_o convince_o express_v then_o this_o king_n be_v be_v to_o the_o divine_a precept_n his_o say_n o_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n be_v to_o i_o no_o less_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v he_o can_v not_o declare_v how_o much_o he_o love_v it_o his_o love_n to_o it_o be_v great_a than_o what_o his_o word_n can_v arise_v unto_o it_o be_v only_o comprehensible_a to_o his_o understanding_n and_o the_o inward_a 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theoph._n you_o right_o say_v what_o the_o word_n law_n import_v as_o speak_v by_o our_o psalmist_n god_n will_n be_v write_v at_o that_o time_n no_o further_o than_o as_o it_o make_v up_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n as_o it_o have_v be_v manifest_v since_o it_o have_v relation_n to_o man_n in_o a_o far_o wide_a sense_n wheresoever_o plant_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n yea_o even_o those_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n cease_v to_o bind_v as_o they_o be_v give_v by_o moses_n and_o be_v obligatory_a now_o from_o another_o lawgiver_n jesus_n christ_n but_o yet_o still_o they_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v god_n law_n and_o we_o may_v even_o now_o use_v these_o word_n o_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n therefore_o eubulus_n i_o desire_v you_o will_v show_v i_o these_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o inducement_n be_v to_o this_o so_o great_a love_n in_o david_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n 2._o what_o the_o inducement_n be_v which_o we_o christian_n have_v to_o love_v they_o eubul_n i_o see_v theophilus_n the_o great_a share_n of_o discourse_n must_v lie_v upon_o i_o but_o you_o will_v have_v it_o so_o and_o to_o my_o power_n i_o will_v obey_v you_o as_o to_o the_o inducement_n which_o david_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a have_v to_o love_v the_o divine_a law_n they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o arise_v partly_o from_o its_o please_a god_n to_o give_v those_o law_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o law_n themselves_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o former_a i_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n seem_v necessary_o to_o require_v that_o law_n shall_v be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o it_o will_v have_v be_v high_o irrational_a on_o man_n part_n not_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o as_o their_o lord_n who_o give_v they_o a_o be_v and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a great_a dishonour_n unto_o god_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o they_o who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n shall_v be_v leave_v unregarded_a and_o lawless_a but_o yet_o when_o man_n have_v fall_v from_o their_o obedience_n and_o have_v in_o great_a measure_n sully_v that_o law_n which_o be_v impress_v on_o their_o nature_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a great_a favour_n that_o god_n in_o stead_n of_o throw_v upon_o they_o deserve_v punishment_n shall_v choose_v a_o numerous_a people_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a and_o shall_v himself_o repair_v that_o law_n thus_o obliterated_a within_o by_o write_v it_o in_o table_n that_o it_o may_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o eye_n consider_v theophilus_n the_o greatness_n of_o he_o who_o give_v this_o law_n how_o he_o need_v not_o the_o service_n of_o any_o creature_n and_o also_o the_o ingratitude_n of_o man_n how_o he_o disobey_v the_o most_o righteous_a law_n in_o paradise_n where_o all_o the_o love_n and_o observance_n which_o possible_o he_o can_v show_v will_v not_o have_v be_v too_o much_o consider_v this_o i_o say_v and_o the_o law_n if_o it_o carry_v but_o any_o favour_n along_o with_o it_o may_v certain_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o be_v just_o esteem_v and_o love_v neither_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o it_o please_v god_n to_o give_v these_o law_n unworthy_a of_o our_o notice_n so_o much_o be_v the_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n esteem_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o write_n of_o law_n that_o many_o nation_n in_o after_o age_n contend_v for_o the_o dignity_n of_o be_v the_o first_o author_n thereof_o and_o greece_n especial_o among_o the_o privilege_n which_o she_o boast_v to_o have_v hold_v forth_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n reckon_v this_o as_o one_o of_o the_o the_o chief_a but_o the_o honour_n of_o have_v the_o first_o write_a law_n belong_v to_o the_o hebrew_n alone_o in_o comparison_n of_o who_o as_o josephus_n against_o apion_n prove_v the_o grecian_a legislator_n be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o and_o this_o honour_n be_v much_o heighten_v by_o god_n own_v the_o immediate_a relation_n of_o a_o king_n unto_o they_o while_o he_o write_v these_o law_n now_o the_o benefit_n of_o law_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o have_v these_o give_v so_o early_o and_o by_o such_o a_o hand_n be_v well_o understand_v and_o right_o value_v by_o our_o psalmist_n who_o himself_o be_v a_o ruler_n and_o a_o king_n may_v well_o engage_v his_o love_n to_o they_o theoph._n i_o acknowledge_v the_o inducement_n from_o god_n thus_o give_v the_o law_n to_o be_v a_o very_a fair_a one_o pray_v eubulus_n go_v on_o to_o the_o other_o you_o mention_v viz._n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o law_n themselves_o eubulus_n take_v it_o in_o that_o pious_a king_n be_v own_o word_n psal_n 19_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a endure_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v they_o than_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n moreover_o by_o they_o be_v thy_o servant_n warn_v and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n theoph._n this_o be_v a_o very_a high_a character_n indeed_o of_o those_o law_n if_o there_o be_v as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o whole_a eubul_n there_o be_v truth_n in_o every_o tittle_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o the_o law_n which_o require_v duty_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o lawgiver_n or_o to_o those_o from_o one_o to_o another_o or_o to_o themselves_o who_o these_o law_n be_v give_v unto_o pray_v tell_v i_o theophilus_n what_o will_v you_o in_o right_a reason_n and_o according_a to_o a_o perfect_a harmony_n of_o thing_n have_v the_o duty_n towards_o a_o prince_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o be_v theoph._n i_o will_v desire_v they_o shall_v be_v fear_n love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o these_o show_v upon_o ground_n every_o way_n good_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o comely_a than_o that_o subject_n shall_v be_v withhold_v from_o offend_v by_o fear_n move_v to_o all_o obedience_n by_o love_n and_o excite_v to_o acknowledgement_n of_o benefit_n and_o protection_n by_o gratitude_n more_o than_o these_o i_o mention_v not_o because_o to_o these_o all_o other_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v reduce_v and_o be_v in_o effect_n no_o other_o than_o expression_n of_o they_o eubul_n all_o these_o you_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v according_a to_o your_o wish_n your_o first_o duty_n of_o fear_n be_v in_o deut._n 6.13_o as_o also_o in_o sundry_a place_n more_o thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n their_o fear_n be_v to_o be_v such_o as_o not_o to_o scare_v they_o from_o he_o but_o they_o be_v to_o approach_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o do_v he_o service_n and_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o establish_v of_o truth_n they_o be_v to_o use_v his_o name_n solemn_o in_o a_o oath_n and_o a_o right_n good_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o such_o a_o fear_n from_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n such_o as_o can_v and_o will_v inflict_v punishment_n on_o they_o when_o they_o wilful_o transgress_v and_o this_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o desert_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n for_o its_o impiety_n the_o overwhelm_v of_o the_o egyptian_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v up_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n and_o numerous_a other_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v hereof_o testimony_n sufficient_a so_o that_o this_o law_n of_o fearing_n god_n as_o a_o prince_n and_o lawgiver_n manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v build_v on_o a_o sure_a and_o last_a foundation_n your_o second_o duty_n of_o love_n be_v command_v deut._n 6.5_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o faint_a and_o a_o unconstant_a love_n but_o one_o that_o be_v strong_a and_o will_v not_o fail_v for_o the_o love_v of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o strength_n do_v not_o only_o import_v the_o great_a vigour_n of_o love_n but_o the_o great_a duration_n of_o it_o also_o it_o must_v not_o be_v towards_o he_o now_o and_o anon_o quite_o off_o he_o but_o the_o great_a length_n it_o must_v have_v as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a height_n and_o the_o strong_a inducement_n to_o this_o duty_n be_v well_o know_v
himself_o afterward_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o adultery_n and_o murder_n to_o say_v thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_n else_o will_v i_o give_v it_o psal_n 51._o there_o not_o be_v any_o sacrifice_n provide_v for_o such_o sin_n and_o hereupon_o the_o law_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o death_n when_o yet_o to_o those_o that_o be_v obedient_a the_o privilege_n it_o give_v be_v many_o and_o so_o for_o those_o as_o for_o the_o excellency_n which_o in_o itself_o it_o have_v may_v be_v love_v that_o other_o scripture_n to_o wit_n i_o be_v alive_a without_o the_o law_n once_o but_o when_o the_o commandment_n come_v sin_n revive_v and_o i_o die_v we_o if_o we_o take_v it_o as_o speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o rather_o by_o a_o figure_n for_o other_o be_v not_o so_o to_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o the_o law_n and_o may_v date_n his_o death_n from_o it_o but_o thus_o while_o he_o look_v upon_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o action_n without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o exactness_n of_o the_o law_n he_o may_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o very_o good_a plight_n and_o free_a from_o danger_n but_o when_o he_o compare_v his_o action_n and_o performance_n with_o the_o exceed_a accurateness_n of_o the_o law_n the_o action_n which_o before_o look_v well_o appear_v sinful_a and_o he_o see_v his_o danger_n and_o demerit_n to_o be_v very_o great_a whereas_o the_o law_n in_o itself_o be_v holy_a and_o the_o commandment_n holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a and_o so_o for_o its_o own_o worth_n may_v be_v love_v your_o last_o scripture_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v term_v a_o yoke_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o take_v these_o word_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n and_o jew_n can_v not_o bear_v that_o yoke_n but_o thus_o they_o can_v not_o bear_v it_o without_o difficulty_n for_o we_o know_v that_o they_o have_v bear_v it_o for_o many_o generation_n from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n to_o that_o day_n beside_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o yoke_n absolute_o consider_v for_o god_n in_o the_o give_n of_o these_o law_n do_v as_o a_o great_a man_n interpret_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 13.18_o bear_v with_o some_o of_o their_o manner_n which_o the_o use_n of_o those_o time_n have_v teach_v they_o and_o make_v his_o sanction_n suitable_a in_o many_o thing_n to_o their_o be_v underage_n as_o it_o be_v and_o too_o weak_a as_o yet_o for_o more_o perfect_a institution_n but_o it_o be_v therefore_o term_v a_o yoke_n with_o reference_n to_o that_o freedom_n and_o those_o very_a great_a privilege_n which_o be_v bring_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n in_o comparison_n of_o these_o it_o be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o bondage_n when_o yet_o before_o it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o such_o as_o they_o only_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o heathen_n as_o they_o be_v heathen_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o it_o you_o have_v theophilus_n what_o at_o present_a i_o think_v may_v be_v reply_v to_o the_o scripture_n you_o bring_v yourself_o can_v possible_o to_o your_o own_o satisfaction_n better_a have_v answer_v they_o but_o if_o you_o be_v any_o way_n please_v with_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o can_v reap_v though_o but_o the_o least_o of_o that_o spiritual_a advantage_n you_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o discourse_n speak_v of_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o less_o solicitous_a for_o the_o excuse_v of_o my_o failure_n discourse_n the_o second_o the_o content_n the_o inducement_n that_o christian_n have_v to_o love_v the_o divine_a law._n love_n be_v the_o move_a cause_n of_o our_o lord_n become_v our_o lawgiver_n the_o greatness_n of_o our_o lawgiver_n person_n all_o the_o troublesome_a ceremony_n of_o the_o old_a law_n be_v do_v away_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o this_o not_o by_o his_o will_n alone_o but_o by_o the_o admirable_a manifestation_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n how_o the_o jew_n urge_v the_o everlastingness_n of_o their_o law_n be_v from_o hence_o answer_v and_o how_o their_o way_n of_o speak_v be_v correct_v when_o they_o say_v our_o lawgiver_n have_v vilify_v and_o destroy_v their_o law_n only_o such_o law_n be_v enjoin_v by_o our_o lord_n as_o have_v in_o they_o a_o intrinsic_a goodness_n or_o else_o be_v for_o end_n absolute_o good_a and_o such_o as_o be_v discernible_a by_o every_o one_o though_o the_o jew_n have_v some_o inferior_a law_n suit_v to_o their_o temper_n and_o climate_n which_o do_v the_o better_a fit_n they_o for_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o law_n which_o be_v moral_a yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o less_o reason_n to_o love_v the_o law_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o they_o be_v all_o good_a without_o any_o mixture_n of_o such_o inferior_a law_n law_n which_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o different_a climate_n where_o 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privacy_n of_o the_o place_n the_o calmness_n of_o the_o wether_n and_o the_o leisure_n you_o at_o present_a have_v you_o will_v i_o hope_v go_v on_o where_o yesterday_o you_o leave_v off_o for_o i_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o hear_v the_o inducement_n which_o christian_n have_v to_o love_v the_o divine_a law._n eubulus_n your_o desire_n shall_v be_v comply_v with_o not_o because_o i_o think_v i_o can_v so_o much_o inform_v you_o but_o because_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o already_o know_v be_v make_v more_o active_a upon_o we_o when_o we_o hear_v they_o be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o theoph._n you_o will_v make_v whatever_o truth_n after_o this_o manner_n shall_v be_v quicken_v in_o i_o to_o belong_v to_o yourself_o as_o be_v water_v at_o least_o if_o not_o plant_v by_o you_o beside_o since_o the_o thing_n that_o lie_v only_o in_o our_o thought_n do_v not_o usual_o so_o much_o affect_v we_o as_o they_o do_v when_o we_o bring_v they_o out_o 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as_o be_v discernible_a by_o every_o one_o eubul_n you_o hinder_v i_o not_o to_o this_o therefore_o we_o say_v that_o the_o law_n which_o relate_v unto_o god_n be_v all_o of_o a_o refine_a nature_n require_v that_o his_o worship_n be_v perform_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o be_v such_o as_o show_v forth_o his_o spiritualness_n his_o purity_n his_o omniscience_n and_o other_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n while_o we_o be_v command_v to_o approach_v unto_o he_o with_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o have_v they_o clean_o and_o uncorrupt_a before_o he_o the_o law_n have_v a_o inward_a goodness_n in_o it_o in_o that_o it_o require_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o who_o we_o serve_v be_v holy._n and_o it_o nourish_v in_o we_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n that_o his_o nature_n be_v not_o gross_a and_o bodily_a but_o that_o he_o be_v present_a with_o we_o and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o our_o thought_n a_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o be_v say_v of_o some_o of_o those_o action_n 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those_o be_v the_o dip_v or_o sprinkle_v of_o child_n with_o water_n in_o baptism_n and_o the_o eat_v of_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o what_o affinity_n do_v there_o appear_v between_o true_a goodness_n and_o the_o eat_v a_o bit_n of_o bread_n and_o sip_v a_o little_a wine_n between_o true_a goodness_n and_o the_o sprinkle_v a_o little_a water_n eubul_n i_o deny_v not_o theophilus_n what_o you_o say_v but_o than_o you_o must_v remember_v the_o whole_a that_o be_v say_v viz._n that_o only_o such_o law_n be_v enjoin_v which_o have_v a_o intrinsic_a goodness_n in_o they_o or_o else_o be_v for_o end_n absolute_o good_a and_o such_o as_o be_v discernible_a by_o every_o one_o by_o baptism_n we_o be_v initiate_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n become_v member_n to_o he_o our_o head_n and_o have_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n wash_v away_o baptism_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act_v 2.38_o and_o we_o be_v 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man_n christian_n and_o charitable_a deportment_n without_o interruption_n continue_v will_v sure_o at_o last_o melt_v he_o to_o this_o end_n be_v that_o precept_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o 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 upon_o his_o head._n it_o be_v a_o way_n of_o speech_n allude_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v melter_n of_o metal_n when_o a_o metal_n be_v very_o hard_o they_o not_o only_o put_v fire_n under_o it_o but_o heap_v coal_n upon_o it_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n though_o hard_o to_o be_v melt_v it_o be_v yet_o at_o last_o it_o yield_v to_o the_o fire_n so_o when_o to_o a_o enemy_n though_o of_o a_o obstinate_a and_o most_o harden_a temper_n a_o christian_a love_n shall_v still_o be_v show_v and_o kindness_n upon_o good_a occasion_n be_v heap_v upon_o his_o head_n he_o must_v be_v hard_a than_o iron_n or_o brass_n who_o will_v not_o be_v sensible_a of_o they_o and_o suffer_v his_o evil_n to_o be_v overcome_v with_o good._n theoph._n he_o will_v deserve_v that_o those_o who_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o shall_v for_o ever_o go_v on_o so_o to_o be_v and_o that_o other_o not_o his_o enemy_n shall_v very_o little_o esteem_v he_o who_o after_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o love_n enemy_n even_o while_o they_o be_v such_o eubul_n but_o let_v we_o go_v to_o the_o four_o thing_n which_o they_o object_n against_o these_o law_n viz._n that_o they_o require_v the_o macerate_v of_o the_o body_n with_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n which_o what_o be_v it_o but_o the_o make_v a_o man_n cruel_a to_o his_o own_o flesh_n i_o free_o acknowledge_v theophilus_n that_o fast_v be_v a_o christian_a duty_n and_o that_o when_o our_o lord_n say_v when_o thou_o fast_o enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o plain_a form_n of_o a_o command_n thou_o shall_v fast_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o hereby_o the_o less_o a_o command_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o fast_v and_o the_o great_a credit_n which_o this_o duty_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o do_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o by_o his_o precept_n for_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o it_o he_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v to_o enjoin_v the_o thing_n and_o therefore_o in_o his_o sermon_n he_o rank_n it_o with_o prayer_n and_o alm_n which_o duty_n and_o i_o may_v say_v which_o sermon_n too_o as_o to_o every_o part_n of_o it_o concern_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_n so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n stand_v but_o wherein_o theophilus_n be_v it_o that_o the_o harshness_n of_o this_o law_n of_o fast_v lie_n if_o our_o body_n be_v apt_a as_o too_o apt_a they_o be_v from_o constant_a feeding_n not_o to_o serve_v but_o to_o rebel_v against_o the_o better_a part_n of_o we_o our_o soul_n be_v it_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n to_o withdraw_v for_o a_o time_n their_o wont_a nourishment_n that_o from_o they_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n may_v not_o be_v drowsy_a and_o our_o better_a thought_n not_o clog_v or_o if_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n we_o shall_v sometime_o lay_v aside_o all_o our_o enjoyment_n refuse_v to_o eat_v the_o fat_a and_o drink_v the_o sweet_a that_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n we_o may_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o his_o mercy_n which_o sure_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o continual_a fail_n we_o too_o true_o be_v what_o sober_a man_n can_v condemn_v we_o for_o so_o do_v or_o last_o if_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o suitable_a expression_n of_o repentance_n for_o some_o sin_n which_o have_v chief_o proceed_v from_o the_o body_n by_o exercise_v upon_o it_o a_o holy_a revenge_n and_o deny_v it_o for_o a_o season_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v pleasant_a they_o must_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a man_n who_o will_v say_v that_o we_o do_v more_o than_o what_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v do_v the_o religion_n even_o of_o the_o heathen_n have_v not_o be_v without_o their_o abstinence_n as_o their_o votivae_fw-la noctes_fw-la do_v testify_v and_o their_o wise_a man_n have_v addict_v themselves_o thereunto_o hence_o lucilius_n be_v by_o seneca_n exhort_v to_o fare_v sometime_o so_o hard_o liberaliora_fw-la ut_fw-la sint_fw-la alimenta_fw-la carceris_fw-la that_o the_o diet_n of_o a_o prison_n shall_v exceed_v he_o nay_o epicurus_n himself_o who_o these_o objector_n against_o christianity_n be_v so_o willing_a to_o have_v their_o master_n have_v his_o certain_a day_n quibus_fw-la malignè_fw-la famem_fw-la extingueret_fw-la nec_fw-la toto_fw-la ass_n pasceretur_fw-la which_o thing_n sure_o may_v teach_v these_o man_n not_o to_o condemn_v our_o
holy_a religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o abstinence_n which_o it_o enjoin_v especial_o since_o this_o abstinence_n be_v use_v for_o end_n so_o much_o high_a than_o the_o other_o and_o such_o as_o be_v true_o excellent_a so_o distant_a theophilus_n be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o imputation_n of_o cruelty_n on_o the_o account_n of_o fast_v that_o they_o allow_v we_o ordinary_o the_o moderate_a use_n and_o on_o festival_n day_n whether_o civil_a or_o sacred_a the_o more_o plentiful_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n good_a creature_n so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v minister_v to_o a_o innocent_a or_o religious_a cheerfulness_n of_o body_n and_o soul._n nay_o even_o in_o the_o very_a exercise_n of_o fast_v our_o body_n be_v not_o to_o be_v enfeeble_v as_o some_o religious_a man_n of_o old_a be_v who_o excess_n this_o way_n will_v rather_o be_v forgive_v than_o reward_v but_o only_o make_v such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o god._n yea_o we_o thereby_o contribute_v to_o their_o health_n and_o welfare_n which_o by_o fullness_n of_o bread_n and_o excess_n of_o wine_n be_v too_o often_o destroy_v and_o what_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n of_o all_o we_o by_o so_o do_v provide_v that_o they_o shall_v hereafter_o to_o their_o endless_a happiness_n be_v spiritual_a body_n if_o this_o be_v cruelty_n to_o ourselves_o i_o know_v not_o theophilus_n what_o will_v be_v kindness_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o amid_o such_o act_n of_o mortification_n there_o arise_v a_o secret_a but_o very_o great_a content_a and_o satisfaction_n he_o who_o have_v true_o try_v know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o then_o for_o the_o last_o fault_n that_o they_o find_v with_o these_o law_n viz._n that_o they_o bound_v we_o to_o part_v with_o our_o estate_n and_o life_n for_o the_o assert_v our_o religion_n when_o mere_o some_o outward_a compliance_n and_o a_o deny_v of_o some_o few_o thing_n only_o and_o this_o no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o show_n for_o a_o 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thing_n for_o we_o and_o permit_v we_o to_o affirm_v or_o deny_v they_o as_o from_o hope_n or_o fear_n in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v see_v good_a he_o himself_o will_v have_v be_v much_o want_v to_o the_o religion_n he_o teach_v and_o we_o may_v with_o some_o reason_n have_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o when_o its_o author_n be_v so_o little_o concern_v for_o the_o esteem_n and_o honour_n it_o shall_v have_v among_o men._n so_o that_o in_o a_o right_a estimate_n of_o thing_n upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a our_o lord_n can_v not_o in_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n have_v do_v less_o than_o require_v the_o part_n with_o estate_n and_o life_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o and_o these_o man_n theophilus_n however_o they_o stand_v so_o much_o upon_o their_o life_n and_o income_n in_o this_o particular_a will_v yet_o be_v forward_o enough_o to_o venture_v they_o for_o the_o vindicate_a of_o their_o own_o truth_n and_o right_n or_o for_o the_o assert_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o friend_n in_o thing_n on_o either_o hand_n mean_v enough_o and_o they_o will_v think_v that_o in_o generosity_n they_o be_v bind_v thus_o to_o do_v why_o then_o shall_v they_o so_o much_o shrink_v of_o their_o courage_n for_o the_o sober_a and_o deliberate_a maintain_v of_o truth_n and_o privilege_n that_o so_o high_o concern_v they_o and_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o lord_n who_o have_v be_v and_o be_v a_o friend_n beyond_o what_o the_o friendship_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o amass_v together_o can_v amount_v unto_o indeed_o be_v there_o a_o end_n of_o all_o happiness_n and_o be_v when_o this_o life_n shall_v end_v we_o can_v the_o less_o blame_v man_n if_o they_o upon_o no_o account_n will_v part_v with_o their_o life_n and_o upon_o very_a few_o let_v go_v their_o estate_n but_o when_o christianity_n hold_v out_o a_o better_a inheritance_n and_o a_o better_a life_n unto_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o become_v poor_a or_o to_o die_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n there_o be_v more_o encouragement_n to_o hazard_v yea_o to_o lose_v all_o in_o this_o cause_n than_o in_o the_o best_a cause_n the_o world_n afford_v beside_o but_o whereas_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o when_o a_o mere_a outward_a compliance_n and_o a_o denial_n only_o of_o some_o few_o thing_n and_o this_o no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o show_n for_o a_o time_n will_v preserve_v we_o we_o be_v then_o unreasonable_o require_v to_o suffer_v i_o will_v ask_v what_o way_n there_o be_v to_o confess_v our_o lord_n and_o assert_v our_o religion_n before_o man_n beside_o that_o of_o outward_a gesture_n and_o word_n for_o the_o heart_n man_n can_v discern_v and_o the_o thought_n be_v beyond_o their_o search_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o external_n compliance_n with_o those_o that_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o we_o say_v as_o they_o say_v and_o do_v as_o they_o do_v we_o deny_v christ_n before_o man_n as_o full_o as_o we_o know_v how_o to_o do_v and_o sure_o the_o deny_v of_o only_a some_o thing_n in_o our_o holy_a religion_n can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v make_v amends_o for_o by_o other_o thing_n be_v retain_v for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o one_o part_n of_o christianity_n be_v deny_v any_o other_o part_n or_o all_o may_v in_o the_o like_a manner_n be_v so_o too_o neither_o let_v any_o one_o imagine_v that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o deny_v of_o christ_n which_o shall_v be_v only_o the_o work_n of_o the_o nerve_n and_o muscle_n as_o once_o a_o jew_n say_v his_o confess_v of_o christ_n be_v the_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n not_o consent_v and_o thereby_o continue_v sound_n for_o the_o heart_n must_v needs_o be_v faulty_a and_o false_a when_o it_o shall_v suffer_v the_o mouth_n to_o speak_v deceitful_a thing_n our_o lord_n undissembled_a bear_n of_o poverty_n and_o want_n scandal_n and_o reproach_n and_o his_o most_o faithful_a suffer_v of_o the_o most_o bitter_a and_o accurse_a death_n for_o our_o welfare_n do_v certain_o deserve_v that_o when_o good_a occasion_n require_v we_o shall_v open_o and_o fair_o undergo_v the_o loss_n of_o earthly_a enjoyment_n and_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o his_o honour_n and_o with_o the_o last_o drop_n of_o our_o blood_n bear_v witness_n to_o that_o religion_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o which_o he_o shed_v his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood._n this_o be_v the_o way_n for_o we_o to_o fill_v up_o that_o which_o be_v behind_o of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o flesh_n for_o none_o of_o his_o suffering_n for_o our_o expiation_n be_v behind_o those_o he_o have_v whole_o undergo_v himself_o and_o no_o man_n can_v join_v with_o he_o in_o they_o but_o a_o room_n for_o our_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o gospel_n he_o have_v leave_v and_o herein_o we_o can_v share_v with_o he_o in_o his_o suffering_n and_o this_o let_v we_o do_v willing_a to_o lose_v some_o few_o year_n to_o come_v which_o be_v we_o free_a from_o trouble_n we_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o mortality_n can_v not_o be_v sure_a of_o rather_o than_o cast_v a_o blot_n upon_o all_o the_o year_n of_o our_o life_n past_a yea_o disesteem_v this_o whole_a short_a life_n and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o crown_n and_o bliss_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o those_o who_o be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n though_o true_o our_o lord_n be_v very_o desirous_a that_o our_o life_n shall_v be_v save_v rather_o than_o destroy_v if_o by_o any_o honest_a and_o upright_a mean_n they_o so_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o he_o allow_v yea_o command_v we_o if_o we_o be_v persecute_v in_o one_o city_n to_o flee_v unto_o another_o and_o if_o with_o integrity_n we_o can_v
confess_v by_o we_o to_o be_v as_o under_o the_o gospel_n he_o style_v himself_o love_v and_o with_o the_o clear_a light_n all_o the_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n will_v be_v discern_v in_o he_o theoph._n hence_o also_o we_o may_v as_o i_o think_v not_o untrue_o gather_v the_o reason_n why_o miracle_n by_o which_o these_o law_n be_v establish_v be_v confine_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n so_o great_a be_v the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n law_n that_o now_o they_o be_v know_v they_o do_v not_o need_v such_o prop_n to_o sustain_v they_o they_o have_v inward_a beauty_n enough_o to_o recommend_v they_o and_o they_o carry_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v mark_v in_o their_o own_o forehead_n to_o testify_v their_o truth_n and_o perfection_n miracle_n at_o the_o first_o be_v indeed_o necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o those_o who_o spread_v the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o account_n that_o they_o be_v to_o combat_n with_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v aid_v with_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n with_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o carry_v on_o a_o work_n of_o so_o great_a difficulty_n and_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o also_o to_o who_o this_o gospel_n be_v preach_v miracle_n be_v necessary_a to_o show_v that_o this_o gospel_n be_v divine_a and_o not_o to_o be_v mean_o think_v of_o because_o it_o be_v new_a and_o different_a from_o the_o religion_n they_o have_v be_v use_v unto_o but_o now_o there_o have_v be_v time_n and_o leisure_n for_o it_o to_o be_v know_v from_o its_o goodness_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o always_o though_o invisible_o attend_v it_o it_o will_v stand_v in_o the_o world_n and_o content_a with_o the_o fame_n of_o old_a miracle_n it_o without_o the_o help_n of_o news_n one_o will_v constitute_v such_o a_o church_n as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o neither_o will_v it_o in_o humble_a and_o well_o temper_a heart_n and_o affection_n have_v a_o less_o easy_a entrance_n or_o a_o less_o sincere_a entertainment_n now_o from_o its_o pureness_n and_o excellence_n than_o at_o first_o it_o have_v when_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n make_v way_n for_o it_o eubul_n and_o may_v we_o not_o also_o hence_o infer_v that_o prophecy_n to_o be_v make_v good_a which_o say_v the_o wolf_n shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o kid_n and_o the_o calf_n and_o the_o young_a lion_n and_o the_o fatle_a together_o in_o so_o much_o righteousness_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n be_v these_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n make_v that_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n which_o be_v different_a as_o the_o wolf_n and_o the_o lamb_n the_o leopard_n and_o the_o kid_n the_o calf_n and_o young_a lion_n shall_v if_o they_o will_v sincere_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n be_v unite_v and_o reconcile_v he_o that_o be_v proud_a and_o lofty_a shall_v be_v teach_v to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a he_o that_o breathe_v nothing_o but_o hatred_n and_o enmity_n shall_v be_v instruct_v to_o love_v all_o man_n yea_o even_o his_o enemy_n and_o this_o upon_o a_o most_o rational_a and_o excellent_a account_n he_o that_o be_v hard-hearted_a and_o covetous_a and_o will_v not_o abstain_v from_o enrich_v himself_o though_o it_o be_v by_o the_o tear_n of_o the_o orphan_n and_o widow_n shall_v be_v learn_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o other_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o free_o to_o part_v with_o his_o own_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o his_o poor_a brethren_n all_o sweetness_n of_o nature_n all_o love_n and_o sincere_a affection_n will_v these_o law_n of_o our_o lord_n instil_v into_o and_o nourish_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o man_n unless_o they_o refractory_o shall_v stand_v out_o against_o their_o own_o happiness_n and_o if_o they_o do_v the_o fault_n shall_v be_v in_o themselves_o for_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o these_o sacred_a law_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o obtain_v their_o blessed_a end._n they_o only_o require_v of_o man_n to_o act_v as_o man_n of_o understanding_n soul_n shall_v do_v and_o without_o any_o force_n offer_v do_v leave_v they_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o a_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o blame_n be_v their_o own_o but_o those_o his_o law_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v thorough_o fit_v for_o the_o make_v every_o mountain_n and_o hill_n low_a the_o crooked_a strait_n and_o the_o rough_a place_n plain_a i._n e._n to_o render_v the_o haughty_a the_o perverse_a the_o ill-natured_a compliant_a unto_o peace_n and_o the_o poor_a person_n not_o too_o low_a to_o have_v a_o tender_a respect_n and_o love_v show_v unto_o they_o theoph._n and_o hence_o also_o eubulus_n we_o 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to_o our_o duty_n though_o as_o i_o before_o say_v they_o be_v not_o present_o and_o without_o further_a consideration_n to_o be_v draw_v into_o practice_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v those_o action_n which_o be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n and_o be_v commend_v only_o this_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o that_o alone_a in_o the_o example_n which_o be_v praiseworthy_a avoid_v the_o other_o part_n of_o they_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o hebrew_n midwife_n may_v excite_v we_o in_o different_a occasion_n to_o the_o like_a virtue_n but_o so_o only_o as_o to_o join_v truth_n with_o they_o and_o from_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o unjust_a steward_n we_o be_v encourage_v to_o be_v prudent_a yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o vnrighteousness_n this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o scripture_n example_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v incentives_n and_o encouragement_n to_o our_o obedience_n theoph._n be_v it_o 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what_o pleasure_n will_v the_o heavenly_a body_n whether_o those_o which_o we_o term_v fix_v or_o those_o which_o as_o cicero_n speak_v be_v vocabulo_fw-la nonâ—e_fw-la errantia_fw-la planet_n not_o in_o reality_n but_o word_n only_o afford_v by_o their_o motion_n and_o influence_n be_v it_o not_o from_o the_o creator_n order_n that_o they_o thus_o move_v from_o his_o care_n of_o we_o that_o they_o thus_o shed_v their_o influence_n can_v we_o not_o say_v also_o concern_v these_o earthly_a thing_n that_o manifold_n be_v thy_o work_n o_o lord_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o thy_o riches_n and_o even_o concern_v ourselves_o likewise_o that_o man_n be_v first_o form_v by_o god_n who_o breathe_v into_o he_o the_o breath_n of_o life_n that_o ever_o since_o we_o have_v be_v fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v and_o that_o in_o his_o book_n be_v all_o our_o member_n write_v both_o we_o and_o they_o shall_v lose_v all_o our_o excellence_n for_o 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their_o write_n nor_o great_a enemy_n to_o false_a speak_v than_o they._n for_o they_o forbid_v it_o under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n nothing_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o make_v a_o lie_n and_o all_o who_o do_v so_o must_v have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o many_o proof_n which_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n story_n and_o whoever_o be_v willing_a notwithstanding_o such_o rational_a evidence_n to_o disbelieve_v it_o be_v i_o doubt_v of_o such_o ill_a principle_n and_o moral_n that_o it_o be_v his_o interest_n such_o history_n shall_v not_o be_v true_a for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o hell_n after_o this_o life_n which_o shall_v there_o be_v one_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o will_v be_v very_o hot_a to_o him._n theoph._n he_o will_v deserve_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o none_o will_v be_v forward_o to_o 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whatsoever_o have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o prophecy_n need_v nothing_o else_o to_o gain_v attention_n and_o to_o set_v itself_o off_o among_o the_o vulgar_a who_o in_o this_o respect_n can_v the_o less_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o be_v they_o not_o too_o forward_o to_o look_v upon_o every_o idle_a prognostication_n as_o a_o prophecy_n till_o at_o last_o they_o see_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a and_o themselves_o to_o be_v ridiculous_a from_o their_o credulity_n but_o if_o ordinary_a short_a live_v prediction_n shall_v be_v thus_o attend_v unto_o with_o what_o delight_n may_v those_o be_v entertain_v which_o be_v of_o great_a note_n and_o which_o god_n have_v ordain_v as_o a_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n to_o be_v monument_n of_o his_o prescience_n to_o all_o generation_n i_o will_v instance_n only_o in_o those_o prophecy_n which_o respect_v our_o bless_a saviour_n so_o long_o before_o his_o come_n which_o may_v wonderful_o delight_v we_o in_o the_o exceed_a exactness_n of_o their_o be_v fulfil_v what_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v affect_v that_o read_v the_o prophecy_n of_o esay_n c._n 9_o so_o very_o express_v concern_v our_o lord_n he_o speak_v of_o he_o in_o it_o as_o if_o he_o be_v already_o come_v to_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v to_o we_o a_o son_n be_v give_v high_o pertinent_a to_o he_o in_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o and_o through_o who_o god_n call_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v in_o which_o also_o there_o be_v a_o strange_a propriety_n of_o expression_n as_o to_o his_o nature_n to_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v as_o man_n he_o can_v be_v so_o to_o we_o a_o son_n be_v give_v as_o he_o be_v god_n he_o can_v only_o be_v give_v and_o not_o born._n the_o time_n of_o our_o lord_n come_v so_o right_o answer_v to_o the_o week_n of_o daniel_n according_a to_o which_o also_o the_o jew_n expect_v the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n about_o the_o time_n our_o redeemer_n come_v may_v well_o be_v our_o delight_n and_o the_o more_o because_o the_o wicked_a jew_n see_v daniel_n to_o stand_v the_o christian_n in_o so_o much_o stead_n by_o his_o prophecy_n have_v since_o that_o time_n make_v a_o new_a division_n of_o their_o law_n into_o prophetas_fw-la and_o hagiographos_n and_o have_v exclude_v he_o from_o the_o number_n of_o prophet_n and_o give_v he_o none_o of_o the_o high_a place_n among_o the_o other_o who_o they_o make_v to_o be_v of_o a_o low_a rank_n than_o the_o prophet_n be_v these_o prophecy_n behold_v a_o virgin_n shall_v bring_v forth_o a_o son_n esai_n 7.14_o and_o the_o lord_n have_v create_v a_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o earth_n a_o woman_n shall_v compass_v a_o man_n jer._n 31.22_o how_o pleasant_a be_v they_o to_o the_o
these_o engage_v our_o thought_n the_o be_v happy_a you_o know_v be_v that_o which_o every_o one_o look_v after_o to_o this_o all_o man_n aim_n and_o endeavour_n be_v bend_v though_o in_o path_n much_o different_a one_o from_o another_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o what_o be_v seek_v and_o well_o may_v they_o be_v so_o since_o none_o of_o they_o reach_v beyond_o the_o grave_a not_o to_o mention_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o grosser_n nature_n relate_v to_o the_o body_n and_o which_o man_n vigorous_o contend_v for_o rise_v early_o and_o sit_v up_o late_o view_v let_v we_o theophilus_n those_o thing_n which_o the_o more_o think_v sort_n of_o man_n do_v pursue_v book_n and_o learning_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o plead_v against_o you_o know_v i_o very_o much_o esteem_v and_o honour_v they_o but_o what_o be_v it_o general_o that_o man_n employ_v their_o thought_n and_o study_n about_o be_v they_o not_o better_o skilled_a in_o one_o another_o ignorance_n and_o error_n than_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o those_o truth_n which_o with_o great_a pain_n and_o long_o search_v they_o find_v out_o how_o mean_a be_v they_o if_o thorough_o consider_v they_o satisfy_v not_o the_o man_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v who_o will_v have_v something_o else_o than_o some_o truth_n in_o history_n or_o some_o demonstration_n in_o mathematics_n or_o some_o rule_n of_o policy_n to_o cheer_v he_o for_o they_o will_v stand_v he_o in_o no_o stead_n then_o nay_o even_o those_o part_n of_o philosophy_n which_o tend_v chief_o to_o the_o beat_n down_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n how_o cold_a and_o insipid_a be_v they_o the_o best_a that_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n have_v speak_v amount_v only_o to_o this_o that_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o body_n be_v at_o the_o most_o but_o a_o opinion_n and_o a_o thing_n which_o some_o of_o they_o rather_o wish_v shall_v be_v than_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v equidem_fw-la saepe_fw-la emori_fw-la si_fw-la fieri_fw-la posset_n vellem_fw-la ut_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la dicam_fw-la liceret_fw-la invenire_fw-la utrum_fw-la autem_fw-la sit_fw-la melius_fw-la vivere_fw-la a_o mori_fw-la dii_fw-la immortales_fw-la sciunt_fw-la hominum_fw-la quidem_fw-la scire_fw-la arbitror_fw-la neminem_fw-la say_v socrates_n in_o cic._n one_o of_o the_o strong_a pleader_n for_o the_o soul_n immortality_n i_o will_v be_v it_o possible_a for_o i_o often_o die_v if_o so_o i_o may_v at_o last_o find_v the_o thing_n i_o speak_v of_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o live_v or_o die_v god_n alone_o know_v i_o suppose_v no_o man_n live_a can_v tell_v small_a satisfaction_n do_v this_o give_v to_o a_o man_n who_o to_o his_o earnest_a desire_n of_o have_v his_o be_v continue_v have_v at_o the_o high_a such_o mean_a ground_n for_o his_o hope_n nor_o do_v he_o find_v himself_o any_o more_o at_o ease_n from_o its_o be_v say_v that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v dead_a in_o his_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v be_v altogether_o devoid_a of_o misery_n for_o if_o he_o perceive_v no_o misery_n he_o be_v altogether_o as_o far_o from_o perceive_v any_o thing_n of_o pleasure_n and_o sure_o the_o fall_n from_o a_o place_n among_o man_n into_o a_o condition_n no_o better_o than_o that_o of_o a_o stone_n or_o any_o other_o senseless_a thing_n may_v incline_v he_o who_o consider_v it_o unto_o pensiveness_n and_o sorrow_n and_o do_v it_o make_v any_o jot_n more_o for_o his_o content_n to_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o shall_v go_v the_o same_o way_n that_o all_o man_n before_o he_o have_v go_v and_o that_o all_o after_o he_o shall_v go_v certain_o it_o do_v not_o for_o may_v it_o not_o rather_o increase_v his_o complaint_n in_o that_o not_o only_o all_o man_n thus_o die_v but_o be_v also_o deny_v that_o length_n of_o life_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o many_o other_o creature_n inferior_a unto_o man_n fain_o will_v he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o lie_v on_o his_o deathbed_n not_o whole_o perish_v earnest_o he_o desire_v that_o his_o soul_n may_v yet_o further_o live_v and_o find_v elsewhere_o that_o happiness_n which_o in_o this_o world_n he_o seek_v in_o vain_a and_o may_v it_o be_v he_o will_v wish_v that_o his_o body_n which_o he_o have_v take_v so_o much_o care_n of_o and_o which_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o those_o action_n that_o commend_v both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v a_o utter_a end_n in_o the_o grave_a now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v by_o our_o lawgiver_n affix_v as_o reward_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o law_n reward_n though_o vast_o great_a yet_o not_o great_a than_o the_o excellence_n of_o those_o law_n be_v which_o and_o only_o which_o through_o god_n mercy_n can_v make_v the_o man_n fit_a for_o so_o boundless_a a_o happiness_n and_o when_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n and_o be_v as_o wish_v for_o by_o man_n so_o thorough_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o liberty_n now_o of_o think_v either_o way_n but_o be_v in_o duty_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n so_o to_o be_v as_o be_v establish_v by_o such_o argument_n than_o which_o in_o modesty_n and_o reason_n great_a can_v be_v desire_v how_o shall_v they_o with_o earnestness_n be_v think_v of_o and_o how_o the_o law_n betwixt_o which_o and_z they_o there_o be_v so_o close_a a_o connexion_n be_v with_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a intentness_n contemplate_v sure_o it_o be_v but_o meet_v it_o thus_o shall_v be_v since_o a_o man_n chief_a welfare_n deserve_v his_o settle_a and_o constant_a thought_n and_o since_o through_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o we_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o his_o law_n the_o least_o and_o most_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o our_o be_v and_o happiness_n be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o next_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o it_o no_o less_o than_o a_o whole_a ocean_n to_o a_o single_a drop_n and_o such_o meditation_n theophilus_n we_o the_o rather_o may_v exercise_v not_o only_o because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a nothing_o can_v be_v more_o desire_v by_o we_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v true_a but_o also_o because_o be_v even_o while_o child_n instruct_v in_o they_o and_o never_o remember_v the_o time_n that_o we_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o they_o we_o be_v apt_a thereupon_o to_o be_v the_o less_o affect_v with_o their_o greatness_n and_o excellence_n it_o be_v pity_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o mighty_a favour_n shall_v lose_v any_o thing_n of_o its_o quickness_n by_o our_o long_a acquaintance_n with_o they_o which_o ought_v rather_o to_o heighten_v our_o esteem_n of_o and_o thankfulness_n for_o they_o a_o very_a great_a imperfection_n in_o our_o nature_n this_o be_v but_o may_v in_o good_a measure_n be_v cure_v and_o no_o better_a method_n can_v we_o use_v for_o the_o do_v it_o than_o frequent_a and_o devout_a contemplation_n which_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o ourselves_o and_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a relish_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o our_o everlasting_a peace_n theoph._n they_o doubtless_o will_v be_v of_o very_o great_a avail_n and_o possible_o this_o consideration_n may_v be_v some_o persuasive_a for_o the_o daily_a use_n of_o they_o viz._n that_o think_v or_o meditate_v be_v so_o proper_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o no_o creature_n upon_o earth_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v any_o share_n in_o it_o beside_o himself_o some_o indeed_o have_v be_v forward_o enough_o to_o grant_v that_o other_o creature_n have_v something_o of_o reason_n in_o they_o and_o a_o power_n of_o think_v such_o a_o one_o as_o it_o be_v but_o then_o to_o difference_n they_o from_o man_n and_o to_o set_v they_o in_o a_o low_a rank_n they_o have_v allow_v to_o none_o but_o man_n such_o a_o rational_a nature_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o religion_n and_o such_o a_o faculty_n of_o think_v as_o can_v conceive_v what_o righteousness_n goodness_n and_o the_o high_a sort_n of_o truth_n be_v and_o therefore_o since_o man_n alone_o of_o all_o earthly_a being_n be_v endue_v with_o this_o faculty_n we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v out_o and_o not_o lose_v by_o neglect_n eubul_n and_o who_o be_v it_o that_o will_v leave_v a_o power_n unexercised_a in_o which_o man_n be_v proper_a excellence_n be_v so_o much_o see_v and_o which_o afford_v he_o a_o pleasure_n befit_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n in_o this_o when_o it_o be_v employ_v in_o sacred_a thing_n he_o find_v a_o sweet_a retreat_n from_o the_o care_n and_o toil_v of_o life_n from_o the_o enmity_n and_o falseness_n of_o the_o world._n and_o whatsoever_o discomposure_n his_o mind_n have_v suffer_v by_o they_o he_o
hereby_o rectify_v and_o set_v all_o strait_a again_o he_o can_v in_o this_o behold_v as_o at_o a_o distance_n the_o irregularity_n of_o other_o and_o solace_n himself_o that_o he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o bad_a example_n and_o though_o a_o true_a reflect_v on_o the_o covetousness_n pride_n ambition_n and_o such_o like_a evil_n which_o prevail_v so_o much_o abroad_o and_o on_o the_o trouble_n which_o they_o betray_v those_o unto_o who_o vice_n they_o be_v and_o sometime_o those_o who_o vice_n they_o be_v not_o do_v raise_v some_o concernedness_n and_o grief_n within_o he_o yet_o he_o perceive_v a_o satisfaction_n not_o altogether_o unlike_a unto_o he_o who_o see_v other_o toss_v on_o trouble_a wave_n be_v himself_o safe_a at_o land_n or_o who_o discern_v whole_a army_n engage_v in_o fight_n be_v secure_v himself_o from_o the_o danger_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_z by_o such_o meditation_n he_o dress_v and_o adorn_v his_o soul_n for_o a_o holy_a converse_n with_o god_n and_o 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for_o a_o few_o minute_n without_o weariness_n and_o distraction_n eubul_n our_o lawgiver_n may_v just_o take_v it_o ill_o from_o we_o that_o when_o we_o can_v with_o earnestness_n fix_v our_o thought_n the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o life_n upon_o poor_a earthly_a thing_n which_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n we_o shall_v be_v backward_o to_o contemplate_v his_o law_n which_o alone_o bring_v a_o durable_a peace_n unto_o we_o and_o will_v requite_v we_o abundant_o if_o even_o all_o our_o time_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o they_o theoph._n happy_a it_o will_v be_v if_o man_n can_v be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o love_v their_o own_o happiness_n and_o to_o place_v their_o thought_n thereon_o a_o thing_n this_o be_v which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v not_o need_v many_o persuasion_n to_o move_v they_o to_o do_v it_o but_o they_o mistake_v trifle_n for_o happiness_n and_o leave_v the_o fountain_n of_o water_n to_o trust_v in_o break_a cistern_n eubul_n to_o such_o man_n as_o these_o be_v i_o will_v urge_v only_o this_o one_o thing_n let_v they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o frequent_v and_o serious_a consideration_n and_o if_o upon_o due_a search_n into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o a_o humble_a and_o constant_a repair_n unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n that_o he_o will_v open_v their_o eye_n for_o the_o discern_a the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o his_o law_n they_o shall_v repent_v of_o their_o pain_n as_o be_v either_o lose_v or_o not_o well_o requite_v let_v they_o then_o forsake_v the_o divine_a law_n and_o seek_v elsewhere_o for_o peace_n and_o rest_n but_o if_o after_o such_o search_n and_o such_o prayer_n any_o shall_v forsake_v these_o law_n may_v not_o our_o lord_n say_v unto_o they_o as_o pharaoh_n say_v unto_o hadad_n 1_o king_n 11.22_o what_o have_v thou_o lack_v with_o i_o that_o thou_o seek_v to_o return_v into_o thy_o own_o country_n what_o be_v it_o that_o you_o have_v want_v with_o i_o can_v great_a love_n be_v show_v you_o more_o holy_a and_o righteous_a law_n be_v give_v you_o or_o more_o desirable_a reward_n be_v hold_v forth_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v leave_v i_o and_o return_v to_o the_o world_n where_o you_o will_v find_v nothing_o but_o dissatisfaction_n we_o may_v with_o truth_n say_v unto_o man_n that_o there_o be_v the_o great_a excellence_n in_o the_o law_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o a_o happiness_n yield_v by_o they_o which_o not_o where_o else_o can_v be_v find_v but_o whoever_o shall_v with_o reverence_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n look_v into_o they_o may_v say_v of_o they_o as_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n say_v of_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 10.6.7_o 8._o it_o be_v a_o true_a report_n that_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v in_o these_o law_n we_o believe_v not_o until_o we_o come_v and_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v it_o and_o behold_v the_o half_a be_v not_o tell_v we_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o they_o exceed_v the_o fame_n which_o we_o hear_v happy_a o_o lord_n be_v thy_o child_n happy_a be_v thy_o servant_n that_o stand_v continual_o before_o thou_o and_o hear_v thy_o wisdom_n and_o thus_o theophilus_n according_a to_o your_o desire_n we_o have_v close_v the_o seven_o evening_n theoph._n i_o wish_v that_o all_o my_o day_n may_v be_v spend_v as_o much_o to_o my_o advantage_n as_o these_o seven_o have_v be_v eubul_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v to_o so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o how_o much_o practice_n be_v better_a than_o discourse_n discourse_n the_o eight_o concern_v the_o deformity_n of_o disobedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n quis_fw-la est_fw-la tam_fw-la dissimilis_fw-la homini_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la moveatur_fw-la offension_n turpitudinis_fw-la cic._n de_fw-fr fin._n l._n 5._o the_o content_n disobedience_n be_v a_o pollution_n it_o bring_v disorder_n into_o a_o man._n it_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o almighty_a to_o minister_v to_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o vile_a office_n how_o god_n can_v be_v make_v to_o serve_v how_o he_o may_v he_o be_v please_v in_o holy_a writ_n to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n that_o so_o he_o may_v condescend_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o excite_v our_o affection_n how_o he_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v in_o his_o holy_a name_n how_o in_o his_o work_n the_o creation_n sensible_a of_o this_o slavery_n and_o god_n very_o much_o displease_v with_o it_o disobedience_n of_o a_o extensive_a nature_n it_o affect_v a_o kind_n of_o eternity_n it_o be_v high_o disingenuous_a god_n necessitate_v none_o to_o disobedience_n why_o he_o will_v not_o force_v man_n into_o obedience_n why_o he_o general_o cut_v they_o not_o off_o theophilus_n i_o have_v think_v eubulus_n when_o last_o i_o bid_v you_o good-night_n to_o have_v leave_v to_o your_o choice_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o evening_n talk._n but_o reflect_v on_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o the_o great_a happiness_n that_o man_n have_v in_o they_o my_o thought_n at_o length_n run_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o disobedience_n thereunto_o sure_o say_v i_o if_o these_o holy_a law_n be_v in_o themselves_o so_o amiable_a and_o do_v make_v he_o who_o observe_v they_o to_o be_v with_o the_o king_n daughter_n all_o glorious_a within_o the_o disobey_v of_o they_o be_v in_o itself_o odious_a and_o render_v the_o man_n inward_o very_o deform_v i_o pray_v you_o therefore_o eubulus_n let_v this_o ungrateful_a thing_n be_v the_o subject_a of_o one_o discourse_n it_o may_v not_o be_v devoid_a of_o profit_n to_o we_o since_o the_o foulness_n of_o this_o if_o thorough_o discern_v will_n possible_o no_o less_o one_o way_n secure_v our_o obedience_n than_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a precept_n will_v another_o way_n allure_v it_o eubulus_n indeed_o theophilus_n sin_n iniquity_n or_o wickedness_n or_o whatever_o name_n beside_o evil_a action_n have_v all_o of_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o disobedience_n or_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n be_v character_v in_o holy_a scripture_n by_o pollution_n and_o filthiness_n and_o as_o a_o signification_n of_o such_o defilement_n be_v those_o numerous_a wash_n under_o the_o old_a law._n and_o those_o sacrifice_n which_o have_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n confess_v over_o they_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o those_o sin_n so_o pollute_v that_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v burn_v out_o of_o the_o camp_n and_o they_o who_o burn_v they_o there_o be_v by_o they_o in_o such_o manner_n defile_v that_o they_o can_v not_o return_v into_o the_o camp_n till_o they_o have_v wash_v their_o clothes_n and_o bathe_v their_o flesh_n in_o water_n levit._n 16.28_o and_o answerable_a hereunto_o do_v the_o prophet_n afterward_o speak_v wash_v i_o thorough_o from_o my_o iniquity_n and_o cleanse_v i_o from_o my_o sin_n psal_n 51.2_o they_o be_v defile_v with_o their_o own_o work_n psal_n 106.39_o though_o
word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v proper_o to_o agree_v unto_o he_o thus_o do_v he_o in_o a_o favourable_a sense_n isai_n 45.11_o concern_v the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n command_v you_o i_o sovereignty_n we_o know_v essential_o belong_v unto_o he_o and_o he_o can_v as_o soon_o lose_v his_o be_v as_o he_o can_v that_o but_o that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o win_v upon_o we_o he_o thus_o express_v himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v you_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o lofty_a towards_o you_o but_o so_o far_o condescend_v as_o in_o your_o reasonable_a request_n to_o serve_v you_o thus_o also_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v angry_a to_o repent_v to_o be_v press_v with_o man_n sin_n as_o a_o cart_n be_v press_v with_o sheaf_n not_o that_o there_o can_v be_v in_o he_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o passion_n of_o anger_n or_o of_o repentance_n or_o of_o grief_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v some_o alteration_n and_o change_v in_o god_n which_o can_v be_v to_o the_o better_a because_o he_o be_v infinite_o bless_v nor_o to_o the_o worse_o because_o than_o he_o will_v lose_v of_o his_o perfection_n and_o so_o no_o alteration_n can_v there_o be_v in_o he_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o express_v himself_o thus_o in_o scripture_n be_v the_o more_o to_o prevail_v with_o we_o the_o intent_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v this_o to_o wit_n that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v though_o not_o proper_o yet_o after_o the_o way_n of_o human_a speech_n to_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v by_o man_n disobedience_n and_o those_o his_o word_n in_o isaiah_n be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thou_o have_v do_v what_o in_o thou_o lie_v to_o make_v i_o serve_v by_o thy_o sin_n which_o way_n of_o speech_n be_v high_o move_v by_o show_v that_o can_v he_o have_v be_v bring_v under_o and_o make_v to_o serve_v they_o by_o their_o untoward_a carriage_n have_v do_v enough_o to_o effect_v it_o have_v he_o be_v a_o man_n this_o will_v have_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o favour_n to_o they_o this_o their_o gratitude_n to_o him._n and_o true_o wicked_a man_n do_v in_o a_o sort_n effect_n that_o the_o most_o high_a shall_v serve_v they_o even_o in_o his_o person_n by_o put_v he_o off_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o attend_v their_o leisure_n thus_o when_o he_o as_o st._n john_n speak_v stay_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n earnest_o call_v upon_o they_o to_o turn_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v live_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o at_o leisure_n with_o felix_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v go_v thy_o way_n for_o this_o time_n when_o we_o have_v a_o convenient_a season_n we_o will_v send_v for_o thou_o after_o so_o many_o year_n be_v past_a or_o when_o such_o business_n be_v do_v or_o such_o design_n accomplish_v or_o such_o sin_n act_v then_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v hearken_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o make_v he_o serve_v when_o he_o must_v thus_o wait_v their_o motion_n as_o if_o their_o will_n be_v superior_a unto_o he_o and_o he_o be_v rather_o to_o observe_v they_o than_o they_o he_o theoph._n it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o the_o set_n forth_o the_o hatefulness_n of_o disobedience_n that_o it_o tend_v to_o invert_v the_o universe_n and_o to_o reduce_v he_o into_o servitude_n who_o very_a be_v it_o be_v to_o be_v supreme_a of_o the_o world._n neither_o be_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o sacred_a law_n the_o less_o odious_a because_o it_o do_v not_o actual_o effect_v this_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n nature_n which_o can_v in_o reality_n suffer_v the_o least_o diminution_n do_v not_o render_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o the_o less_o foul_a which_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o do_v it_o will_v trample_v upon_o his_o majesty_n and_o make_v he_o serve_v eubul_n but_o i_o think_v theophilus_n that_o god_n be_v make_v to_o serve_v by_o man_n sin_n may_v have_v a_o more_o proper_a signification_n if_o we_o consider_v he_o not_o as_o to_o his_o person_n and_o nature_n but_o as_o to_o his_o name_n and_o work_n the_o former_a as_o have_v be_v say_v can_v be_v more_o or_o less_o glorious_a than_o they_o be_v but_o the_o late_a may_v be_v exalt_v or_o depress_v among_o man_n have_v in_o honour_n or_o vilify_v in_o their_o word_n and_o practice_n and_o after_o this_o manner_n god_n in_o sacred_a writ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v magnify_v though_o in_o himself_o he_o be_v so_o great_a that_o his_o greatness_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o addition_n o_o magnify_v the_o lord_n with_o i_o say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o be_v as_o the_o next_o word_n have_v it_o let_v we_o exalt_v his_o name_n together_o and_o thus_o exalt_v and_o magnify_v he_o may_v be_v by_o be_v have_v in_o reverence_n inward_o of_o those_o who_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o outward_o by_o be_v celebrate_v in_o a_o religious_a manner_n in_o the_o hear_n and_o view_v of_o men._n thus_o likewise_o may_v he_o be_v less'n_v or_o bring_v low_a for_o while_o we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o magnify_v and_o exalt_v the_o lord_n it_o will_v be_v a_o fruitless_a 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loath_a theoph._n by_o what_o stain_n can_v we_o sufficient_o conceive_v the_o foulness_n of_o disobedience_n i_o have_v small_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o what_o be_v so_o deform_v in_o relation_n to_o god_n name_n will_v be_v any_o jot_n the_o better_a in_o relation_n to_o his_o work_n eubul_n altogether_o as_o odious_a be_v it_o in_o these_o as_o in_o the_o other_o look_v we_o first_o theophilus_n upon_o man_n who_o as_o they_o be_v man_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o god_n work_n on_o earth_n his_o image_n be_v lively_o impress_v upon_o they_o only_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o transgress_a of_o the_o divine_a precept_n do_v debase_v they_o
do_v vindicate_v his_o own_o sovereignty_n and_o power_n which_o they_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v have_v bring_v under_o and_o trample_v upon_o and_o this_o he_o so_o do_v as_o that_o they_o themselves_o may_v look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v god_n just_a hand_n and_o that_o other_o also_o may_v acknowledge_v it_o his_o do_v but_o then_o community_n of_o man_n which_o by_o their_o public_a sin_n make_v the_o almighty_a to_o serve_v be_v always_o when_o those_o sin_n be_v ripe_a punish_v in_o this_o world_n for_o they_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v think_v punishable_a in_o the_o next_o because_o all_o bond_n of_o civil_a society_n be_v utter_o break_v and_o evacuate_v by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o whole_a yea_o and_o those_o private_a man_n who_o have_v contribute_v their_o share_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o nation_n as_o such_o be_v also_o oftentimes_o in_o some_o respect_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n even_o after_o death_n by_o public_a calamity_n reach_v their_o child_n or_o other_o relation_n in_o who_o themselves_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n still_o here_o continue_v which_o to_o one_o who_o right_o consider_v it_o show_v forth_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n upon_o they_o but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o always_o safe_a to_o pronounce_v that_o the_o untimely_a death_n or_o unexpected_a misery_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n be_v a_o immediate_a stroke_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o disobedience_n for_o our_o christian_a charity_n will_v not_o permit_v this_o when_o we_o know_v no_o signal_n crime_n by_o they_o and_o the_o great_a affliction_n of_o some_o who_o be_v not_o great_a sinner_n than_o other_o man_n and_o of_o some_o who_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o esteem_v as_o good_a man_n may_v caution_n we_o in_o this_o point_n not_o to_o be_v overforward_a to_o judge_n and_o because_o also_o we_o see_v a_o great_a many_o wicked_a man_n to_o live_v and_o become_v old_a to_o be_v in_o no_o trouble_n as_o other_o man_n to_o die_v in_o peace_n and_o leave_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o substance_n for_o their_o babe_n therefore_o we_o may_v affirm_v it_o as_o a_o truth_n viz._n that_o god_n see_v it_o fit_v general_o not_o to_o cut_v off_o those_o man_n nor_o yet_o to_o force_v they_o into_o obedience_n who_o by_o their_o disobedience_n do_v thus_o make_v he_o to_o serve_v he_o see_v it_o fit_v general_o not_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o that_o they_o may_v have_v space_n for_o repentance_n thus_o do_v he_o to_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n i_o give_v she_o say_v he_o space_n to_o repent_v of_o her_o fornication_n and_o for_o this_o end_n may_v he_o spare_v these_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v with_o the_o barren_a figtree_n hope_v that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o fruitful_a this_o year_n they_o will_v grow_v better_o the_o next_o and_o this_o the_o rather_o because_o from_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o goodness_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o they_o may_v the_o more_o effectual_o be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o repent_v despise_v thou_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o his_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n a_o sorrow_n for_o former_a sin_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n for_o the_o future_a in_o man_n give_v themselves_o up_o to_o his_o service_n may_v arise_v from_o other_o consideration_n but_o from_o none_o more_o direct_o or_o more_o forcible_o than_o from_o that_o of_o his_o spare_v they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o turn_v unto_o he_o neither_o may_v it_o be_v a_o small_a motive_n for_o his_o not_o general_o cut_v they_o off_o that_o in_o case_n they_o do_v not_o repent_v there_o may_v from_o their_o freedom_n from_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n be_v afford_v unto_o we_o a_o strong_a proof_n that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o in_o which_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v here_o spare_v and_o unrepented_a of_o shall_v most_o sure_o be_v punish_v god_n be_v a_o righteous_a god_n and_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o plain_o by_o his_o prophet_n nahum_n chap._n 1.3_o that_o he_o will_v not_o acquit_v the_o wicked_a and_o it_o be_v not_o unobservable_a that_o these_o word_n be_v put_v thus_o to_o wit_n the_o lord_n be_v slow_a to_o anger_n and_o great_a in_o power_n and_o will_v not_o acquit_v the_o wicked_a as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v though_o he_o forbear_v long_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o punish_v yea_o if_o they_o shall_v go_v on_o in_o their_o disobedience_n and_o not_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o misdeed_n they_o most_o certain_o shall_v have_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o do_n now_o in_o that_o these_o wicked_a man_n who_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n make_v god_n to_o serve_v do_v often_o live_v and_o die_v without_o punishment_n they_o must_v necessary_o be_v punish_v after_o death_n or_o else_o god_n will_v contrary_a to_o his_o word_n acquit_v the_o wicked_a but_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v do_v right_o though_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v liar_n yet_o god_n can_v but_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o cut_v they_o off_o that_o he_o may_v make_v they_o a_o strong_a argument_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o day_n of_o punishment_n when_o this_o world_n be_v at_o a_o end_n with_o they_o and_o last_o theophilus_n we_o may_v not_o amiss_o think_v he_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o live_v that_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o here_o they_o themselves_o may_v hereafter_o in_o the_o other_o world_n confess_v that_o they_o be_v just_o punish_v though_o god_n spare_v their_o life_n in_o so_o much_o mercy_n when_o they_o have_v deserve_v to_o be_v strike_v dead_a or_o send_v live_v into_o hell_n be_v little_o mind_v by_o they_o on_o earth_n it_o yet_o shall_v at_o the_o great_a tribunal_n have_v this_o effect_n upon_o they_o viz._n to_o make_v they_o acknowledge_v that_o their_o damnation_n be_v just_o because_o they_o have_v so_o much_o favour_n show_v they_o and_o they_o shut_v their_o eye_n upon_o it_o and_o sure_o as_o god_n gracious_a design_n of_o man_n turn_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v happy_a do_v take_v off_o whatever_o can_v be_v object_v against_o his_o not_o present_o destroy_v the_o disobedient_a so_o the_o reputation_n of_o his_o justice_n which_o will_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v exalt_v even_o among_o those_o that_o in_o hell_n shall_v suffer_v it_o may_v abundant_o vindicate_v god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n from_o be_v slack_a and_o remiss_a though_o he_o do_v not_o immediate_o condemn_v unto_o death_n those_o who_o make_v he_o to_o serve_v by_o their_o sin_n theoph._n you_o have_v thorough_o satisfy_v i_o why_o god_n do_v not_o present_o cut_v those_o off_o who_o be_v rebellious_a but_o since_o all_o power_n be_v he_o and_o with_o a_o word_n he_o can_v do_v it_o why_o do_v he_o not_o force_v they_o into_o obedience_n that_o his_o sovereignty_n may_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o and_o not_o oppose_v so_o much_o as_o in_o appearance_n by_o any_o eubul_n one_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o he_o will_v have_v their_o obedience_n to_o be_v their_o virtue_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v become_v rational_a creature_n to_o give_v he_o as_o elihu_n say_v teach_v they_o more_o than_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o make_v they_o wise_a than_o the_o fowl_n of_o heaven_n that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o good_a and_o what_o evil_a be_v and_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o favour_n that_o be_v show_v unto_o they_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o will_v to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v what_o thing_n be_v before_o they_o and_o have_v plant_v affection_n in_o their_o soul_n by_o which_o love_n and_o gratitude_n may_v be_v exercise_v now_o when_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o understand_v what_o be_v true_o good_a and_o also_o what_o god_n lovingkindness_n to_o they_o be_v when_o they_o shall_v 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