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confidence_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v say_v lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v and_o support_v his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n and_o expostulate_v now_o with_o he_o as_o if_o they_o always_o have_v some_o secret_a hope_n this_o will_v at_o last_o be_v accept_v though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o beforehand_o but_o to_o prevent_v this_o presumption_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v beforehand_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n which_o plain_a deal_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o that_o threaten_v punishment_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o take_v punishment_n but_o intend_v to_o prevent_v the_o fault_n yet_o when_o god_n threaten_v for_o this_o end_n and_o add_v moreover_o declaration_n upon_o the_o threaten_v that_o 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so_o call_v also_o and_o which_o the_o scripture_n require_v either_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_v to_o some_o needful_a truth_n which_o perhaps_o do_v not_o often_o happen_v or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o distinct_a and_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o application_n to_o themselves_o which_o happen_v more_o often_o or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o frequent_a assent_v of_o a_o permanent_a persuasion_n fix_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o consideration_n which_o i_o doubt_n be_v the_o frequent_a defect_n but_o now_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o bare_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n but_o moreover_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v root_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n that_o christ_n shall_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v plain_o to_o require_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o 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profess_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o tit._n 1.16_o but_o work_v neither_o deny_v nor_o affirm_v any_o thing_n they_o only_o show_v whether_o we_o ourselves_o do_v one_o or_o the_o other_o if_o then_o all_o that_o be_v disobedient_a be_v in_o a_o true_a sense_n unbeliever_n then_o all_o who_o full_o believe_v be_v holy_a by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n but_o if_o the_o command_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n than_o have_v he_o not_o obey_v his_o belief_n have_v not_o be_v true_a therefore_o also_o where_o the_o belief_n be_v true_a where_o it_o be_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n where_o it_o do_v not_o come_v in_o as_o a_o sojourner_n but_o dwell_v rich_o in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o in_o short_a this_o permanent_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o without_o which_o we_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n in_o all_o good_a work_n he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o and_o with_o which_o we_o shall_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o just_a do_v live_v final_o therefore_o my_o brethren_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n stand_v have_v your_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n and_o have_v on_o the_o breast_n plate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o your_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n but_o above_o all_o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o you_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o take_v the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o christian_a truth_n be_v our_o armour_n against_o sin_n and_o therefore_o let_v that_o humble_a man_n prayer_n be_v we_o and_o our_o care_n answerable_a lord_n we_o believe_v help_v thou_o our_o unbelief_n and_o may_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n increase_v our_o faith_n in_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o the_o second_o sermon_n heb._n xi_o 6._o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o word_n be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o all_o the_o bible_n for_o bring_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o true_a nature_n the_o full_a extent_n and_o proper_a use_n of_o faith_n under_o one_o text_n which_o possible_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v if_o you_o consider_v with_o i_o the_o very_a deep_a and_o yet_o clear_a sense_n of_o these_o excellent_a word_n the_o first_o clause_n of_o they_o contain_v a_o general_a proposition_n but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n the_o second_o contain_v a_o proof_n of_o that_o proposition_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v etc._n etc._n by_o compare_v the_o proposition_n prove_v with_o the_o proof_n thereof_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o understand_v every_o phrase_n and_o word_n of_o the_o text._n for_o if_o we_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o please_a god_n in_o the_o general_a proposition_n let_v we_o see_v what_o answer_v thereunto_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o please_a god_n be_v mean_v the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o to_o come_v to_o god_n be_v a_o obvious_a phrase_n signify_v to_o worship_n god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v suppose_v as_o the_o apostle_n form_n of_o argue_v make_v it_o necessary_a that_o to_o worship_n god_n or_o to_o come_v to_o he_o be_v to_o please_v he_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o to_o please_v god_n signify_v the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o god_n because_o the_o apostle_n intent_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o general_a proposition_n be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n of_o each_o part_n thereof_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v all_o along_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n beside_o
life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o his_o heart_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o good_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o verse_v in_o subtle_a reason_n as_o in_o religious_a practice_n can_v be_v shake_v by_o the_o objection_n of_o a_o sophister_n because_o they_o have_v that_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o excellency_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v above_o all_o other_o argument_n they_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n and_o can_v therefore_o be_v entangle_v by_o any_o artificial_a objection_n against_o it_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o pleasure_n which_o a_o man_n find_v in_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n be_v always_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n that_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n that_o weaken_v the_o obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o be_v sweet_a to_o the_o carnal_a man_n because_o they_o can_v put_v he_o in_o possession_n of_o great_a joy_n in_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v that_o good_a title_n to_o it_o which_o can_v only_o be_v found_v upon_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n therefore_o it_o be_v neither_o false_a nor_o allowable_a always_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o experience_n a_o man_n have_v of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o persuasion_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o many_o misguide_a soul_n have_v do_v but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o goodness_n a_o man_n shall_v understand_v the_o power_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o other_o by_o experience_n better_a than_o he_o can_v by_o mere_a speculation_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v never_o so_o full_o understand_v as_o by_o do_v they_o and_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n be_v never_o so_o thorough_o feel_v as_o when_o it_o make_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o the_o understanding_n submit_v to_o it_o now_o the_o best_a way_n to_o avoid_v argue_v to_o ourselves_o fallacious_o from_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n which_o those_o persuasion_n yield_v that_o tend_v to_o carnal_a security_n the_o best_a way_n i_o say_v to_o avoid_v this_o be_v to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n rule_n by_o lay_v the_o foundation_n even_o of_o experimental_a knowledge_n in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o with_o all_o sincerity_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n because_o than_o we_o shall_v never_o argue_v from_o experience_n but_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o of_o those_o principle_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v that_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o believe_v divine_a truth_n there_o be_v those_o joy_n in_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o can_v never_o be_v thorough_o understand_v but_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o till_o he_o have_v taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a god_n be_v solomon_n say_v that_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v never_o thorough_o understand_v this_o till_o we_o walk_v in_o they_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o find_v this_o reward_n but_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o other_o but_o as_o imperfect_o as_o the_o pencil_n do_v life_n and_o motion_n the_o best_a description_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o subject_n and_o if_o we_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n we_o can_v full_o conceive_v it_o nay_o most_o common_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v thing_n flat_a and_o insipid_a and_o the_o representation_n of_o they_o be_v nauseous_a and_o irksome_a to_o the_o carnal_a worldling_n and_o he_o be_v hardly_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n to_o understand_v it_o than_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a can_v apprehend_v that_o say_n of_o solomon_n true_o light_n be_v sweet_a and_o a_o pleasant_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o behold_v the_o sun_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o if_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n in_o do_v his_o will_n be_v a_o great_a advantage_n towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o the_o wicked_a man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o speculation_n if_o also_o that_o knowledge_n be_v gain_v by_o it_o which_o the_o insincere_a have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o if_o the_o righteous_a do_v not_o only_o better_a apprehend_v the_o weight_n of_o argument_n but_o understand_v more_o by_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a then_o have_v we_o great_a reason_n to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n method_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n only_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v this_o blessing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v procure_v to_o ourselves_o either_o by_o my_o discourse_n or_o by_o your_o hear_n what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v our_o saviour_n word_n no_o nor_o by_o grant_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o illustration_n of_o they_o but_o only_o by_o put_v ourselves_o serious_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o this_o way_n by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o general_n hold_v good_a of_o this_o in_o particular_a that_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o lord_n method_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o good_a knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n can_v be_v thorough_o judge_v till_o we_o have_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o those_o that_o have_v make_v trial_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v finis_fw-la
do_v at_o last_o confess_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o they_o say_v far_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n leave_v to_o that_o freedom_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o will_n to_o become_v regenerate_v but_o than_o what_o comfort_n do_v this_o persuasion_n leave_v why_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o regeneration_n and_o holiness_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o a_o almighty_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n such_o as_o that_o whereby_o god_n will_v at_o last_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a now_o i_o confess_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o become_v a_o good_a man_n this_o way_n because_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o irresistible_a grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o refuse_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n if_o it_o be_v in_o my_o power_n to_o refuse_v it_o but_o what_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o promise_n of_o such_o grace_n nay_o what_o if_o it_o have_v unless_o i_o know_v how_o to_o obtain_v it_o or_o that_o i_o be_v one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o can_v not_o miss_v it_o what_o if_o i_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o common_a way_n of_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o work_v out_o my_o salvation_n and_o what_o if_o all_o this_o will_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o if_o i_o have_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o be_v this_o the_o rest_n that_o jesus_n have_v promise_v we_o shall_v find_v to_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o therefore_o try_v another_o expedient_a what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o severe_a fast_n and_o penance_n will_v the_o punish_n of_o my_o body_n satisfy_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n this_o i_o think_v will_v almost_o do_v the_o business_n because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a pain_n to_o deny_v a_o crave_v lust_n to_o stop_v a_o grow_a passion_n and_o to_o resist_v a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o wicked_a pleasure_n or_o unjust_a gain_n or_o desire_a revenge_n than_o to_o go_v through_o a_o reasonable_a course_n of_o outward_a mortification_n but_o can_v these_o thing_n compensate_a for_o the_o omission_n of_o necessary_a duty_n or_o satisfy_v for_o the_o commission_n of_o know_a sin_n when_o under_o a_o more_o imperfect_a law_n god_n refuse_v hard_a thing_n than_o these_o shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n no_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n bodily_a austerity_n no_o doubt_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o profitable_a for_o our_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o express_v a_o just_a indignation_n at_o ourselves_o for_o have_v sin_v when_o to_o break_v the_o wicked_a custom_n they_o be_v impose_v as_o penalty_n and_o revenge_n to_o be_v inflict_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v commit_v any_o wicked_a action_n when_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o inward_a trouble_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o make_v we_o weary_a of_o sin_v and_o use_v to_o starve_v and_o mortify_v the_o evil_a appetite_n for_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o keep_v the_o body_n in_o subjection_n but_o if_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v profitable_a unto_o godliness_n and_o help_v to_o make_v the_o soul_n the_o better_a we_o be_v still_o drive_v back_o to_o that_o hard_a point_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o that_o without_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a life_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o god_n pardon_n i_o shall_v try_v but_o one_o refuge_n more_o which_o indeed_o give_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o relief_n and_o that_o be_v what_o comfort_n may_v be_v have_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n wherewith_o christ_n entrust_v his_o church_n when_o he_o say_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v now_o this_o assure_v i_o that_o when_o the_o church_n receive_v i_o by_o baptism_n into_o her_o communion_n she_o give_v i_o a_o right_n to_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o if_o she_o deprive_v i_o of_o it_o by_o excommunication_n she_o can_v by_o absolution_n restore_v i_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v never_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n by_o schism_n nor_o lose_v it_o by_o contempt_n of_o her_o censure_n but_o then_o i_o doubt_v the_o church_n can_v forgive_v sin_n more_o effectual_o than_o god_n do_v who_o be_v thus_o represent_v to_o forgive_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o forgive_v his_o servant_n ten_o thousand_o talent_n he_o forgive_v he_o indeed_o and_o yet_o he_o require_v the_o debt_n afterward_o upon_o his_o unmercifulness_n to_o his_o fellow-servant_n which_o evident_o show_v that_o the_o pardon_n be_v but_o conditional_a so_o likewise_o say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n do_v unto_o you_o and_o the_o church_n can_v do_v more_o than_o god_n do_v who_o himself_o require_v condition_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o give_v to_o man_n the_o power_n of_o dispense_n absolute_a pardon_n unless_o we_o can_v think_v that_o to_o ratify_v the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n he_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o disannul_v his_o own_o and_o because_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o all_o who_o sin_n be_v either_o remit_v or_o retain_v in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o field_n where_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n grow_v together_o the_o time_n not_o be_v yet_o come_v for_o a_o exact_a separation_n for_o these_o reason_n all_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n do_v then_o only_o ensure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n when_o the_o key_n do_v not_o err_v but_o what_o if_o my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o the_o key_n do_v err_v and_o that_o whilst_o i_o do_v not_o forfeit_v the_o church_n peace_n by_o scandalous_a crime_n i_o do_v yet_o depart_v from_o god_n by_o hide_a iniquity_n can_v the_o err_a key_n open_a to_o i_o the_o gate_n of_o everlasting_a life_n i_o will_v fain_o believe_v that_o the_o bring_n of_o these_o secret_a sin_n to_o light_n and_o purpose_v to_o offend_v no_o more_o will_v help_v at_o last_o and_o that_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n can_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v make_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n but_o o_o bless_a jesus_n how_o can_v i_o believe_v that_o thy_o most_o holy_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o rule_n whereby_o to_o confess_v sin_n and_o to_o purpose_n against_o it_o instead_o of_o a_o rule_n oblige_v i_o to_o forsake_v it_o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n if_o we_o leave_v that_o one_o path_n of_o obedience_n we_o may_v try_v a_o thousand_o byway_n but_o the_o truth_n which_o can_v be_v corrupt_v will_v send_v we_o back_o again_o to_o that_o plain_a truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n which_o like_o the_o flame_a sword_n that_o turn_v every_o way_n keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n against_o all_o ungodly_a and_o unrighteous_a man_n if_o therefore_o that_o rest_n which_o our_o lord_n promise_v be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o must_v find_v it_o in_o that_o way_n if_o we_o find_v it_o at_o all_o let_v we_o therefore_o try_v for_o better_a success_n here_o than_o we_o have_v yet_o have_v let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o exactness_n of_o rule_n and_o the_o indispensableness_n of_o obedience_n must_v needs_o make_v we_o uneasy_a under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christianity_n or_o rather_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o mitigate_v all_o the_o severity_n of_o its_o law_n without_o make_v any_o of_o they_o void_a now_o the_o first_o mitigation_n i_o shall_v consider_v be_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n leave_v room_n for_o repentance_n of_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o which_o grace_n we_o have_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o when_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n st._n paul_n command_v the_o church_n to_o forgive_v and_o comfort_v he_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o with_o overmuch_a sorrow_n and_o sure_o as_o god_n forgive_v those_o open_a scandal_n for_o which_o the_o penitent_a be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o upon_o repentance_n he_o will_v forgive_v those_o secret_a offence_n too_o which_o can_v make_v no_o forfeiture_n of_o church-communion_n if_o
use_v leave_v for_o his_o reason_n that_o his_o conscience_n be_v no_o long_o in_o his_o own_o keep_n and_o that_o he_o be_v now_o fit_a to_o herd_n with_o the_o beast_n that_o follow_v the_o foremost_a without_o discretion_n the_o law_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v immutable_a and_o another_o man_n violation_n of_o they_o give_v i_o no_o dispensation_n to_o do_v so_o too_o i_o may_v not_o prostitute_v my_o conscience_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o man_n who_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o i_o if_o they_o call_v my_o resolution_n not_o to_o provoke_v my_o maker_n a_o humour_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o be_v a_o fool_n not_o to_o be_v tenacious_a of_o my_o own_o humour_n in_o this_o case_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o right_n shall_v go_v over_o to_o he_o that_o be_v wrong_n unless_o he_o that_o set_v the_o evil_a example_n can_v change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v evil_a not_o to_o be_v evil_a and_o sin_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v other_o thing_n than_o what_o they_o be_v last_o the_o common_a way_n of_o excuse_v rash_a oath_n by_o plead_v a_o habit_n impli_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v for_o this_o be_v but_o to_o confess_v that_o a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n a_o evil_a custom_n be_v the_o height_n of_o wickedness_n thus_o both_o by_o show_v what_o those_o disposition_n be_v which_o lead_v to_o common_a swear_v and_o by_o consider_v the_o excuse_n that_o be_v usual_o frame_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o it_o i_o have_v discover_v the_o immorality_n thereof_o and_o that_o it_o come_v of_o evil_a i_o may_v here_o add_v the_o authority_n of_o wise_a man_n who_o have_v no_o particular_a revelation_n to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o and_o yet_o condemn_v this_o practice_n and_o dissuade_v all_o man_n from_o it_o for_o these_o person_n can_v discover_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v evil_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n plato_n write_v smart_o against_o swear_v upon_o light_a cause_n hierocles_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o truth_n to_o confirm_v it_o light_o with_o a_o oath_n epictetus_n give_v this_o advice_n avoid_v swear_v altogether_o if_o thou_o can_v if_o not_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v in_o a_o word_n the_o wise_a and_o sober_a heathen_n be_v general_o of_o this_o mind_n that_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v reserve_v for_o case_n of_o necessity_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o common_a swear_v be_v not_o in_o use_n among_o any_o but_o stage-player_n and_o slave_n nor_o do_v we_o ordinary_o meet_v with_o oath_n in_o any_o of_o their_o writer_n except_v the_o comedian_n and_o some_o of_o their_o dissolute_a poet_n but_o the_o grave_a man_n and_o philosopher_n take_v not_o the_o liberty_n themselves_o and_o dehort_v other_o from_o it_o and_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o its_o immorality_n for_o what_o so_o many_o wise_a man_n agree_v in_o condemn_v seem_v to_o be_v condemn_v as_o evil_a by_o reason_n common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o possible_o such_o as_o i_o have_v offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n so_o great_a a_o shame_n and_o ignominy_n it_o be_v to_o christian_n to_o allow_v themselves_o in_o a_o custom_n so_o easy_a avoidable_a that_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n however_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o disciple_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v thus_o have_v i_o finish_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o subject_n have_v be_v willing_a to_o say_v all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n proper_a to_o oppose_v a_o custom_n tend_v so_o manifest_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o our_o nation_n and_o the_o discredit_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o scandal_n of_o christian_a society_n and_o final_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n soul_n for_o ever_o for_o without_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n whereof_o this_o be_v one_o which_o i_o have_v be_v preach_v to_o you_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o which_o reason_n if_o i_o have_v choose_v any_o other_o command_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n to_o discourse_v upon_o i_o have_v be_v as_o vehement_a in_o urge_v you_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o that_o as_o i_o have_v be_v in_o press_v this_o now_o the_o god_n of_o mercy_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v walk_v before_o he_o blameless_a and_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o follower_n of_o jesus_n to_o he_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n praise_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n the_o ten_o sermon_n matth_n vii_o 21._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o point_n determine_v in_o these_o word_n be_v of_o the_o high_a concernment_n to_o we_o in_o the_o world_n viz._n who_o of_o those_o that_o hope_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n shall_v not_o and_o who_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o former_a be_v describe_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o text_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n the_o latter_a in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n let_v we_o first_o consider_v the_o former_a part_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o clause_n oppose_v to_o it_o be_v evident_o to_o be_v thus_o interpret_v not_o any_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n and_o do_v no_o more_o than_o say_v so_o but_o neglect_v the_o do_v of_o god_n will_n not_o any_o such_o person_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o call_v christ_n lord_n be_v mean_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n be_v mean_v a_o vehement_a profession_n of_o it_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n what_o religion_n we_o be_v of_o for_o instance_n when_o we_o do_v not_o only_o not_o renounce_v our_o baptism_n and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v call_v christian_n and_o call_v ourselves_o so_o which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o most_o careless_a professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n but_o when_o also_o we_o do_v solemn_o confess_v that_o faith_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o we_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o frequent_v the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o show_v forth_o his_o death_n and_o join_v in_o public_a prayer_n and_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a profession_n and_o contend_v against_o error_n than_o we_o be_v those_o that_o call_v christ_n lord_n lord_n i._n e._n who_o make_v a_o vehement_a profession_n that_o we_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o follower_n now_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o do_v this_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o plain_a meaning_n be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o exclude_v this_o outward_a profession_n as_o unnecessary_a but_o that_o he_o make_v it_o insufficient_a of_o itself_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n 1._o he_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v it_o as_o unnecessary_a or_o as_o a_o condition_n that_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v spare_v he_o say_v upon_o another_o occasion_n you_o call_v i_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o you_o say_v well_o for_o so_o i_o be_o john_n 13.13_o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n so_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v to_o salvation_n rom._n 10.10_o nay_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v to_o confess_v christ_n and_o his_o truth_n public_o in_o the_o world_n that_o no_o danger_n will_v excuse_v we_o from_o it_o for_o the_o do_n of_o this_o if_o need_v be_v we_o must_v venture_v all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o in_o this_o life_n nay_o and_o life_n itself_o it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n whoever_o will_v come_v after_o i_o must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o it_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n add_v to_o holy_a live_n that_o have_v make_v martyr_n of_o saint_n since_o it_o be_v proper_o for_o confess_v christ_n with_o their_o mouth_n for_o contend_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o truth_n against_o error_n for_o serve_v god_n in_o religious_a assembly_n
according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o their_o common_a prayer_n and_o worship_n for_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o for_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n stand_v that_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o have_v be_v torment_v many_o of_o they_o not_o accept_v deliverance_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o here_o say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v etc._n etc._n have_v also_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n also_o confess_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o deni_v i_o before_o man_n shall_v be_v deny_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.8_o 9_o so_o that_o although_o confess_v christ_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o enough_o for_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o necessary_a to_o it_o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o that_o force_n that_o one_o may_v conclude_v nothing_o else_o be_v want_v and_o that_o be_v when_o we_o confess_v with_o great_a hazard_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n but_o one_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v sometime_o so_o exceed_o praiseworthy_a and_o signify_v all_o other_o necessary_a quality_n be_v because_o it_o be_v always_o a_o duty_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o breach_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n not_o to_o omit_v it_o when_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o welfare_n in_o this_o world_n require_v we_o to_o forbear_v in_o a_o word_n confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n assemble_v ourselves_o together_o for_o prayer_n baptism_n and_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o every_o other_o part_n of_o outward_a religion_n in_o which_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n stand_v be_v all_o of_o they_o require_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o charity_n to_o man_n and_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n do_v require_v it_o also_o 1._o the_o honour_n of_o god_n do_v plain_o require_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v by_o we_o i._n e._n confess_v praise_v and_o pray_v unto_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o all_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v not_o only_o in_o private_a single_o but_o in_o public_a joint_o unless_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o we_o have_v reason_n and_o speech_n give_v to_o we_o for_o transact_v common_a affair_n of_o the_o least_o moment_n and_o not_o of_o the_o great_a viz._n those_o which_o concern_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o david_n in_o the_o psalm_n call_v his_o tongue_n his_o glory_n because_o he_o do_v therewith_o praise_n and_o confess_v and_o glorify_v god_n among_o man_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v not_o only_o exhort_v to_o glorify_v god_n with_o our_o mind_n but_o with_o our_o mouth_n too_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a at_o first_o fight_n than_o that_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v as_o it_o be_v most_o fit_a he_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n and_o 2._o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o less_o requisite_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o we_o in_o charity_n be_v to_o contribute_v what_o we_o can_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o common_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n than_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o although_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o our_o very_a nature_n yet_o as_o many_o other_o natural_a inclination_n may_v be_v strange_o weaken_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v if_o it_o be_v not_o support_v by_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o what_o be_v there_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o common_a sense_n of_o religion_n than_o a_o common_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o this_o be_v every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o all_o man_n shall_v encourage_v and_o animate_v one_o another_o nor_o can_v any_o one_o single_a person_n withdraw_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o so_o do_v he_o grow_v a_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v he_o teach_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o but_o then_o 3._o above_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n require_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o for_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n but_o in_o meet_v together_o also_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a instance_n of_o outward_a profession_n for_o when_o our_o lord_n institute_v a_o church_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v afterward_o gather_v man_n to_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o he_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o gospel_n a_o part_n of_o christianity_n for_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o believer_n shall_v be_v a_o body_n or_o a_o society_n as_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o man_n that_o live_v without_o christian_a communion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o without_o christian_a profession_n can_v right_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a but_o have_v rather_o renounce_v his_o baptism_n by_o declare_v in_o effect_n that_o although_o he_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n church_n yet_o now_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o if_o the_o secret_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o appearance_n of_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o such_o a_o person_n will_v deserve_v very_o ill_o of_o christianity_n to_o conceal_v his_o belief_n for_o it_o be_v by_o our_o profession_n of_o it_o that_o it_o must_v be_v uphold_v in_o the_o world_n and_o propagate_v among_o those_o that_o do_v not_o yet_o receive_v it_o and_o he_o that_o dissemble_v his_o faith_n do_v therefore_o his_o part_n and_o give_v his_o consent_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o among_o other_o reason_n the_o gospel_n require_v that_o believer_n shall_v profess_v their_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o visible_a communion_n of_o worshipper_n that_o so_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v that_o wickedness_n among_o man_n that_o so_o holy_a a_o doctrine_n as_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o be_v ready_o entertain_v and_o there_o be_v that_o folly_n and_o superstition_n everywhere_o that_o so_o reasonable_a and_o excellent_a a_o worship_n as_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v be_v not_o apt_a to_o take_v with_o most_o people_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n error_n and_o superstition_n be_v thing_n that_o man_n will_v run_v into_o of_o themselves_o when_o therefore_o our_o lord_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o way_n how_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v and_o serve_v he_o do_v therefore_o make_v his_o disciple_n a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o purity_n that_o his_o doctrine_n may_v spread_v in_o the_o world_n and_o keep_v all_o the_o ground_n it_o shall_v gain_v by_o every_o man_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n for_o which_o reason_n origen_n think_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n he_o mean_v by_o the_o rock_n every_o christian_a that_o shall_v do_v as_o st._n peter_n have_v do_v i._n e._n who_o shall_v make_v open_a confession_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o st._n peter_n confess_v because_o the_o profession_n of_o every_o christian_a do_v something_o to_o support_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n a_o great_a many_o more_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o say_v unto_o christ_n lord_n lord_n i._n e._n a_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a duty_n stand_v upon_o plain_a command_n and_o plain_a reason_n nay_o so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n no_o though_o it_o shall_v bring_v never_o so_o much_o trouble_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o world_n
that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n etc._n etc._n nay_o 2._o notwithstanding_o this_o and_o the_o like_a forewarning_n yet_o man_n have_v and_o do_v in_o this_o manner_n delude_v themselves_o inasmuch_o as_o our_o saviour_n upon_o this_o occasion_n tell_v his_o disciple_n before_o hand_n many_o shall_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o certain_o be_v speak_v of_o those_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o live_v in_o the_o early_a day_n of_o the_o church_n whilst_o mirales_n be_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o terrible_a instance_n of_o the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o this_o kind_n of_o presumption_n that_o some_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o only_o see_v but_o do_v miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v yet_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o they_o who_o have_v faith_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n out_o of_o other_o shall_v not_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o dispossess_v themselves_o of_o their_o vile_a lust_n and_o to_o cleanse_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o when_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o wealth_n become_v the_o reward_n of_o profess_v christianity_n the_o instance_n of_o this_o folly_n and_o madness_n grow_v still_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o open_a and_o man_n more_o easy_o pass_v for_o christian_n than_o in_o former_a time_n though_o they_o be_v as_o lustful_a and_o revengeful_a as_o vain_a and_o insolent_a and_o altogether_o as_o worldly_a and_o vicious_a as_o other_o man_n they_o then_o come_v into_o the_o church_n with_o more_o ease_n and_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o it_o with_o more_o difficulty_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o under_o a_o discipline_n less_o severe_a than_o in_o former_a time_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o upon_o the_o increase_n of_o bad_a example_n there_o be_v still_o more_o and_o more_o who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v themselves_o christian_n in_o nothing_o else_o but_o in_o name_n and_o profession_n and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v two_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n can_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o to_o rest_v upon_o so_o false_a a_o foundation_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n as_o a_o mere_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v such_o person_n in_o life_n and_o soul_n as_o their_o profession_n require_v now_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a cause_n be_v this_o that_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v thus_o deceive_v and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o a_o mistake_n how_o pernicious_a soever_o it_o be_v than_o he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o believe_v it_o no_o mistake_n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n whereof_o the_o text_n be_v a_o part_n speak_v against_o causeless_a anger_n and_o a_o adulterous_a eye_n and_o a_o revengeful_a spirit_n and_o vainglory_n and_o worldly_a solicitude_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v often_o as_o hard_o to_o reform_v as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pull_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n especial_o where_o a_o corrupt_a inclination_n be_v confirm_v by_o custom_n in_o sin_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n why_o man_n will_v conceit_v any_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o foolish_a rather_o than_o they_o will_v feel_v a_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o wicked_a way_n it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o man_n have_v have_v some_o experience_n of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o his_o conversation_n become_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o find_v more_o pleasure_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o man_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o temperate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n than_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n but_o whilst_o one_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o lust_n of_o passion_n his_o indulgence_n to_o his_o own_o appetite_n be_v like_o drink_n to_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o till_o he_o recover_v his_o health_n know_v no_o other_o pleasure_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o great_a torment_n to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v deny_v it_o now_o they_o be_v those_o rule_n of_o christianity_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o passion_n our_o manner_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o conversation_n that_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o the_o obligation_n to_o profess_v a_o religion_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n among_o those_o that_o do_v so_o do_v not_o of_o itself_o thwart_o they_o otherways_o than_o it_o bring_v the_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o act_v according_o in_o all_o our_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o man_n will_v fain_o believe_v that_o their_o care_n in_o one_o part_n shall_v supply_v the_o defect_n in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v stand_v they_o in_o good_a stead_n although_o they_o do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficulty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o all_o concern_v for_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o be_v to_o come_v up_o thorough_o to_o that_o which_o religion_n require_v and_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o this_o difficulty_n i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o i_o will_v not_o only_o say_v as_o difficult_a but_o more_o difficult_a for_o we_o to_o become_v mere_a atheist_n and_o infidel_n than_o even_o bad_a man_n have_v make_v it_o to_o become_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n for_o he_o have_v leave_v those_o natural_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v give_v such_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o grow_v downright_a atheist_n or_o even_a unbeliever_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v what_o we_o can_v we_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o sense_n and_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o evil_a course_n of_o life_n easy_a to_o ourselves_o it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v by_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v self-condemned_n without_o any_o relief_n and_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o put_v some_o cheat_n upon_o ourselves_o consistent_a with_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v by_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o a_o diligent_a profession_n of_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n take_v together_o viz._n the_o unwillingness_n of_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o other_o that_o have_v not_o only_o make_v many_o person_n take_v up_o this_o false_a way_n of_o comfort_v themselves_o but_o have_v also_o make_v they_o easy_a to_o receive_v divers_a error_n which_o help_v to_o support_v this_o to_o expect_v spiritual_a relief_n from_o thing_n blessed_v by_o man_n without_o any_o appointment_n from_o god_n and_o to_o place_n religion_n in_o thing_n which_o have_v neither_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o divine_a authority_n to_o make_v they_o valuable_a certain_o if_o it_o be_v either_o easy_a for_o mankind_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o if_o they_o can_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o break_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n on_o the_o other_o it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o hard_a thing_n to_o corrupt_v religion_n than_o experience_n have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v conscience_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o will_v be_v while_o the_o world_n endure_v and_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v lust_n and_o passion_n vice_n and_o wickedness_n more_o or_o less_o among_o man_n so_o long_o also_o they_o will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o believe_v those_o doctrine_n that_o promise_v security_n without_o a_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o more_o mistake_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o comfort_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n
and_o their_o part_n quick_a than_o those_o of_o the_o sincere_a and_o godly_a and_o moreover_o that_o some_o wicked_a man_n have_v arrive_v to_o great_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n than_o thousand_o of_o religious_a person_n ever_o have_v to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o equality_n of_o other_o mean_n and_o ability_n he_o that_o be_v sincere_a towards_o god_n have_v many_o advantage_n above_o a_o wicked_a man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n to_o which_o the_o wicked_a may_v possible_o arrive_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n proper_a to_o the_o godly_a which_o the_o other_o continue_v as_o he_o be_v can_v never_o gain_v now_o if_o that_o which_o be_v possible_o to_o both_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o certain_o attain_v by_o the_o good_a man_n suppose_v to_o be_v equal_a in_o other_o respect_n to_o the_o wicked_a if_o there_o be_v something_o also_o that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a though_o in_o other_o respect_n never_o so_o superior_a to_o the_o good_a man_n then_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n disparage_v by_o the_o pretence_n now_o mention_v but_o we_o have_v still_o as_o great_a reason_n to_o take_v his_o method_n as_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o first_o now_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v out_o by_o the_o follow_a discourse_n first_o of_o all_o that_o suppose_v the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a to_o be_v equal_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o understanding_n and_o equal_o to_o enjoy_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n the_o former_a have_v great_a advantage_n above_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o both_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o general_a argument_n 1._o that_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n with_o a_o religious_a life_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o attain_v knowledge_n and_o that_o the_o contrary_a disposition_n and_o course_n of_o life_n render_v a_o man_n very_o unfit_a to_o discern_v divine_a truth_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v many_o great_a promise_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n make_v to_o godly_a man_n and_o to_o none_o else_o but_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n he_o have_v threaten_v and_o by_o the_o same_o justice_n do_v often_o infatuate_a the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wicked_a 1._o that_o a_o sincere_a intent_n towards_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n be_v a_o fit_a mean_n of_o itself_o to_o attain_v knowledge_n for_o in_o the_o one_a place_n it_o take_v in_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o any_o other_o way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o be_v search_v the_o scripture_n a_o good_a mean_n do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n include_v that_o for_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v search_v the_o scripture_n be_v harken_v to_o our_o sipritual_a guide_n another_o way_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o that_o labour_n among_o we_o and_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v we_o be_v a_o impartial_a examination_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n in_o christendom_n pretend_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n be_v it_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o argue_v from_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v in_o the_o command_n of_o try_v their_o doctrine_n who_o pretend_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o revelation_n be_v it_o of_o any_o use_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o ancient_a church_n if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v not_o hinder_v but_o further_v by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o always_o suppose_v a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o sincerity_n give_v a_o prosperous_a influence_n to_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o diligent_a and_o learned_a whereas_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n do_v mix_v itself_o with_o the_o study_n of_o man_n and_o infect_v they_o with_o a_o secret_a disloyalty_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o do_v most_o common_o blast_v their_o endeavour_n through_o the_o corruptness_n of_o their_o end_n make_v they_o bend_v their_o wit_n not_o so_o much_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o to_o serve_v their_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n that_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o any_o other_o way_n be_v include_v in_o this_o 2._o the_o obedient_a and_o honest_a mind_n be_v peculiar_o fit_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a and_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v but_o not_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o passion_n of_o the_o untractable_a to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n accommodate_v his_o instruction_n to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o willing_a but_o when_o he_o meet_v with_o the_o captious_a pharisee_n he_o return_v they_o answer_n like_o their_o question_n design_v rather_o to_o silence_v their_o arrogance_n than_o to_o inform_v they_o and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n for_o he_o perceive_v all_o that_o labour_n be_v lose_v upon_o man_n of_o their_o perverse_a mind_n which_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v those_o there_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o modest_a and_o disintere_v thus_o after_o they_o have_v be_v cavil_v at_o his_o doctrine_n he_o ask_v they_o who_o son_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v they_o say_v david_n if_o david_n then_o say_v he_o call_v he_o lord_n how_o be_v he_o his_o son_n where_o he_o leave_v they_o speechless_a without_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n for_o he_o know_v reason_n will_v not_o serve_v they_o so_o when_o they_o ask_v he_o by_o what_o authority_n he_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v and_o this_o after_o they_o they_o have_v know_v his_o wonderful_a work_n he_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v they_o a_o direct_a answer_n but_o reply_n to_o their_o question_n with_o another_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v it_o from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n he_o know_v they_o will_v say_v they_o can_v not_o tell_v neither_o tell_v i_o you_o say_v he_o by_o what_o authority_n i_o do_v these_o thing_n how_o evident_a and_o reasonable_a soever_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v it_o be_v not_o deliver_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o shall_v certain_o prevail_v against_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a but_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o will_v satisfy_v all_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o follow_v it_o hereby_o god_n have_v make_v great_a distinction_n between_o the_o humble_a and_o honest_a on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o proud_a and_o insincere_a on_o the_o other_o while_o the_o best_a knowledge_n be_v easy_a and_o ready_a to_o the_o former_a but_o in_o comparison_n hard_a to_o the_o latter_a 3._o due_a reverence_n and_o love_n of_o god_n word_n be_v itself_o apt_a to_o promote_v the_o understanding_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n which_o the_o good_a man_n have_v above_o all_o other_o what_o a_o man_n admire_v and_o delight_n in_o engage_v his_o whole_a soul_n and_o make_v it_o all_o attention_n and_o in_o that_o posture_n the_o mind_n apprehend_v more_o ready_o and_o clear_o on_o the_o other_o side_n no_o man_n make_v a_o good_a proficiency_n in_o that_o which_o he_o study_v with_o a_o alienate_v mind_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v since_o he_o do_v not_o put_v his_o strength_n to_o the_o work_n and_o his_o soul_n be_v hardly_o present_a with_o the_o business_n he_o be_v about_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v we_o give_v why_o man_n that_o be_v accurate_a at_o one_o sort_n of_o business_n be_v heavy_a and_o inapprehensive_a at_o other_o for_o the_o soul_n in_o itself_o have_v a_o capacity_n equal_o open_a to_o the_o embrace_v of_o all_o reason_n that_o therefore_o which_o make_v the_o difference_n must_v be_v their_o value_n of_o and_o delight_n in_o one_o subject_n and_o their_o aversion_n from_o the_o other_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o if_o david_n as_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o be_v wise_a than_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n and_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o his_o teacher_n themselves_o for_o say_v he_o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o the_o
shall_v commit_v such_o crime_n as_o these_o not_o only_o without_o regret_n and_o horror_n but_o with_o a_o cheerful_a conscience_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o heaven_n in_o reward_n of_o their_o action_n wherefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o my_o understanding_n in_o most_o plain_a and_o evident_a matter_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v weak_a than_o a_o child_n or_o a_o idiot_n i_o will_v never_o engage_v myself_o with_o the_o contentious_a and_o factious_a i_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o trust_v myself_o with_o a_o party_n and_o will_v not_o serve_v a_o cause_n but_o acknowledge_v a_o mistake_n though_o it_o be_v my_o friend_n and_o follow_v truth_n wherever_o it_o lead_v i_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n than_o this_o that_o when_o man_n be_v lead_v aside_o by_o their_o worldly_a interest_n when_o their_o reputation_n be_v engage_v and_o they_o be_v make_v fast_o to_o a_o party_n their_o understanding_n be_v so_o disable_v that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n they_o confident_o put_v themselves_o upon_o defend_v thing_n most_o unjustifiable_a and_o believe_v thing_n that_o be_v most_o incredible_a and_o impossible_a let_v we_o therefore_o allow_v st._n peter_n direction_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o evil_a speaking_n and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n by_o he_o give_v viz._n that_o we_o may_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v desire_v and_o aim_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o where_o that_o assembly_n of_o sin_n be_v get_v together_o or_o indeed_o where_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v it_o be_v apt_a to_o extinguish_v that_o very_a love_n of_o truth_n the_o very_a desire_n of_o know_v it_o to_o proceed_v luxury_n also_o and_o voluptuousness_n and_o a_o impure_a course_n of_o life_n be_v a_o very_a great_a impediment_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n sometime_o by_o introduce_v such_o disease_n as_o shatter_v the_o understanding_n and_o dull_a the_o apprehension_n they_o that_o always_o swim_v in_o sensual_a delight_n meet_v with_o rough_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n sometime_o that_o shake_v their_o body_n and_o at_o length_n reason_n like_o a_o drown_a pilot_n drop_v off_o and_o be_v drown_v in_o pleasure_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o the_o epicure_n grow_v crazy_a before_o his_o time_n and_o when_o his_o airy_a fancy_n be_v evaporate_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n and_o his_o wit_n be_v grow_v flat_a and_o unweild_o he_o himself_o become_v contemptible_a to_o the_o young_a debauchee_n that_o reign_v in_o his_o stead_n temperance_n and_o regular_n live_v have_v a_o kind_a influence_n upon_o the_o intellectual_a ability_n of_o man_n to_o nourish_v and_o preserve_v they_o and_o lengthen_v they_o and_o all_o the_o while_n to_o make_v they_o more_o fit_a for_o their_o proper_a employment_n but_o much_o more_o be_v they_o requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o a_o good_a understanding_n of_o divine_a truth_n because_o it_o require_v a_o serious_a consideration_n &_o diligent_a attention_n which_o the_o epicure_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o because_o she_o be_v spiritual_a and_o the_o mind_n can_v converse_v with_o she_o while_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o fume_n of_o sensuality_n because_o she_o be_v of_o a_o purify_n nature_n and_o not_o more_o a_o enemy_n to_o uncleanness_n than_o the_o voluptuary_n be_v averse_a from_o she_o good_a reason_n therefore_o have_v st._n james_n when_o he_o show_v how_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o word_n with_o meekness_n to_o exhort_v we_o that_o we_o lie_v aside_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n in_o a_o word_n the_o bent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n have_v such_o a_o sway_n over_o the_o understanding_n that_o daily_a experience_n show_v how_o the_o same_o thing_n appear_v different_o to_o man_n nay_o to_o the_o same_o man_n according_a to_o the_o temper_n they_o be_v in_o for_o instance_n if_o person_n that_o have_v live_v long_o friendly_a together_o chance_v to_o fall_v out_o immediate_o former_a action_n and_o speech_n be_v remember_v and_o comment_v upon_o and_o a_o ill_a construction_n put_v upon_o they_o though_o till_o that_o time_n they_o be_v take_v well_o enough_o and_o yet_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v as_o able_a before_o as_o now_o only_o there_o be_v dislike_v now_o instead_o of_o the_o kindness_n that_o be_v before_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o a_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n to_o obstruct_v the_o entrance_n of_o truth_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n into_o the_o mind_n since_o they_o must_v needs_o create_v a_o aversation_n to_o it_o discourse_n to_o a_o greedy_a worlding_n of_o immortality_n and_o lay_v up_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o he_o can_v hardly_o understand_v what_o you_o say_v it_o be_v as_o insipid_a talk_n to_o he_o as_o a_o lecture_n of_o philosophy_n to_o a_o child_n that_o understand_v nothing_o but_o play_n but_o fall_v upon_o some_o discourse_n that_o tend_v to_o get_v drop_v but_o the_o hint_n of_o a_o good_a bargain_n he_o greedy_o embrace_v every_o word_n and_o be_v as_o apprehensive_a as_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o guilty_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o fortify_v themselves_o against_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o their_o belove_a sin_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o why_o sin_n do_v more_o or_o less_o bar_v up_o the_o understanding_n against_o divine_a truth_n man_n love_v darkeness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a now_o the_o conclusion_n from_o all_o this_o be_v evident_a on_o the_o one_o side_n one_o habitual_a worldly_a lust_n be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v the_o true_a apprehensive_a of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o who_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n who_o labour_n to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n be_v fit_a to_o receive_v divine_a truth_n and_o 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after_o knowledge_n what_o great_a advantage_n can_v we_o desire_v in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n than_o those_o which_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n entitle_v we_o too_o thus_o the_o very_a text_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o promise_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v we_o have_v our_o saviour_n word_n for_o it_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v make_v it_o good_a and_o it_o appear_v by_o other_o place_n that_o something_o more_o be_v here_o mean_v than_o that_o knowledge_n be_v natural_o promote_v by_o goodness_n in_o psal_n 25.9_o it_o be_v say_v the_o meek_a he_o will_v guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o immediate_o again_o the_o meek_a he_o will_v teach_v his_o way_n now_o certain_o here_o be_v something_o promise_v to_o the_o meek_a that_o be_v not_o common_a to_o other_o and_o the_o guidance_n and_o teach_v which_o be_v promise_v denote_v clear_o a_o blessing_n on_o their_o understanding_n but_o now_o if_o this_o be_v promise_v to_o meekness_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o god_n will_v more_o plentiful_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n to_o those_o who_o add_v to_o meekness_n purity_n and_o temperance_n and_o to_o that_o a_o universal_a love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o promise_n be_v repeat_v again_o to_o such_o person_n ver_fw-la 14._o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n where_o god_n covenant_n explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o his_o secret_n and_o by_o his_o way_n ver_fw-la 9_o that_o way_n of_o god_n in_o ver_fw-la 10._o be_v say_v to_o be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n reveal_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o secret_a in_o former_a age_n so_o that_o the_o good_a man_n he_o that_o sincere_o love_v truth_n and_o intend_v obedience_n be_v here_o promise_v a_o signal_n blessing_n on_o his_o