can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o man_n it_o be_v the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o goodness_n it_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v perfection_n and_o frequent_o join_v with_o it_o and_o throughout_o the_o bible_n there_o be_v the_o great_a stress_n and_o weight_n lay_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o sum_n and_o comprehension_n of_o all_o religion_n only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n say_v joshua_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n jos._n 24._o 14._o god_n take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o it_o so_o david_n assure_v we_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 17._o i_o know_v my_o god_n that_o thou_o trye_v the_o heart_n and_o have_v pleasure_n in_o uprightness_n and_o again_o thou_o love_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n to_o this_o disposition_n of_o mind_n the_o promise_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o blessing_n be_v particular_o make_v psal._n 15._o 1_o 2._o lord_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o holy_a hill_n he_o that_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n psal._n 32._o 2._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v no_o sin_n and_o in_o who_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o this_o character_n of_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v of_o nathaniel_n be_v the_o only_a full_a and_o perfect_a commendation_n that_o we_o read_v be_v ever_o give_v by_o he_o of_o any_o particular_a person_n he_o commend_v some_o particular_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o other_o as_o st._n peter_n confession_n of_o he_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o centurion_n and_o of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v heal_v by_o touch_v the_o hem_v of_o his_o garment_n the_o charity_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o cast_v she_o two_o mite_n into_o the_o treasury_n and_o the_o bounty_n of_o that_o other_o devout_a woman_n who_o pour_v upon_o he_o a_o box_n of_o precious_a ointment_n but_o here_o he_o give_v the_o particular_a character_n of_o a_o good_a man_n when_o he_o say_v of_o nathaniel_n that_o he_o be_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guilford_n and_o the_o apostle_n mention_n this_o quality_n as_o the_o chief_a ingredient_n into_o the_o character_n of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guilford_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n second_o the_o rarity_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v a_o far_a commendation_n of_o it_o a_o sincere_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n without_o any_o guile_n or_o disguise_n be_v not_o a_o sight_n to_o be_v see_v every_o day_n our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n very_o extraordinary_a and_o of_o special_a remark_n and_o observation_n and_o break_v out_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o wonder_n upon_o the_o occasion_n as_o if_o to_o see_v a_o man_n of_o perfect_a integrity_n and_o simplicity_n be_v a_o occurrence_n very_o rare_a and_o unusual_a and_o such_o as_o call_v for_o our_o more_o especial_a attention_n and_o regard_n behold_v say_v he_o a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guil._n three_o the_o want_n of_o sincerity_n will_v quite_o spoil_v the_o virtue_n and_o acceptance_n of_o all_o our_o piety_n and_o obedience_n and_o certain_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n all_o our_o external_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n if_o not_o animate_v by_o sincerity_n be_v like_o a_o sacrifice_n without_o a_o heart_n which_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n four_o hypocrisy_n and_o insincerity_n be_v a_o very_a vain_a and_o foolish_a thing_n it_o be_v design_v to_o cheat_v other_o but_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o deceive_a of_o ourselves_o no_o man_n will_v flatter_v or_o dissemble_v do_v he_o believe_v he_o be_v see_v and_o discover_v a_o open_a knave_n be_v a_o great_a fool_n who_o destroy_v at_o once_o both_o his_o design_n and_o his_o reputation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o hypocrite_n all_o the_o disagreement_n which_o be_v between_o his_o tongue_n and_o his_o thought_n his_o action_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o that_o eye_n from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v for_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o see_v all_o his_o go_n there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o death_n where_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n may_v hide_v themselves_o five_o truth_n and_o reality_n have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o appearance_n and_o many_o more_o if_o the_o show_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n i_o be_o sure_a sincerity_n be_v better_a for_o why_o do_v any_o man_n dissemble_v or_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o but_o because_o he_o think_v it_o good_a to_o have_v such_o a_o quality_n as_o he_o pretend_v to_o for_o to_o counterfeit_v and_o dissemble_v be_v to_o put_v on_o the_o appearance_n of_o some_o real_a excellency_n now_o the_o best_a way_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o thing_n be_v real_o to_o be_v what_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v beside_o that_o it_o be_v many_o time_n as_o troublesome_a to_o make_v good_a the_o pretence_n of_o a_o good_a quality_n as_o to_o have_v it_o and_o if_o a_o man_n have_v it_o not_o it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o but_o he_o be_v discover_v to_o want_v it_o and_o then_o all_o his_o pain_n and_o labour_n to_o seem_v to_o have_v it_o be_v lose_v there_o be_v something_o unnatural_a in_o paint_v which_o a_o skilful_a eye_n will_v easy_o discern_v from_o native_a beauty_n and_o complexion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o personate_v and_o act_v a_o part_n long_o for_o where_o truth_n be_v not_o at_o the_o bottom_n nature_n will_v always_o be_v endeavour_v to_o return_v and_o will_v peep_v out_o and_o betray_v herself_o one_o time_n or_o other_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n think_v it_o convenient_a to_o seem_v good_a let_v he_o be_v so_o indeed_o and_o then_o his_o goodness_n will_v appear_v to_o every_o body_n satisfaction_n for_o truth_n be_v convince_a and_o carry_v it_o be_v own_o light_n and_o evidence_n along_o with_o it_o and_o will_v not_o only_o commend_v we_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n but_o which_o be_v much_o more_o to_o god_n who_o search_v and_o see_v our_o heart_n so_o that_o upon_o all_o account_n sincerity_n be_v true_a wisdom_n particular_o as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n integrity_n have_v many_o advantage_n over_o all_o the_o fine_a and_o artificial_a way_n of_o dissimulation_n and_o deceit_n it_o be_v much_o the_o plain_o and_o easy_o much_o the_o safe_a and_o more_o secure_a way_n of_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v less_o of_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o entanglement_n and_o perplexity_n of_o danger_n and_o hazard_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o short_a and_o near_a way_n to_o our_o end_n carry_v we_o thither_o in_o a_o straight_a line_n and_o will_v hold_v out_o and_o last_o long_a the_o art_n of_o deceit_n and_o cunning_a do_v continual_o grow_v weak_a and_o less_o effectual_a and_o serviceable_a to_o they_o that_o use_v they_o whereas_o integrity_n gain_v strength_n by_o use_n and_o the_o more_o and_o long_o any_o man_n practise_v it_o the_o great_a service_n it_o do_v he_o by_o confirm_v his_o reputation_n and_o encourage_v those_o with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v to_o repose_v the_o great_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o which_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o the_o business_n and_o affair_n of_o life_n but_o a_o dissembler_n must_v always_o be_v upon_o his_o guard_n and_o watch_v himself_o careful_o that_o he_o do_v not_o contradict_v his_o own_o pretence_n for_o he_o act_v a_o unnatural_a part_n and_o therefore_o must_v put_v a_o continual_a force_n and_o restraint_n upon_o himself_o truth_n always_o lie_v uppermost_a and_o if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o careful_o attend_v he_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o bolt_n it_o out_o whereas_o he_o that_o act_v sincere_o have_v the_o easy_a task_n in_o the_o world_n because_o he_o follow_v nature_n and_o so_o be_v put_v to_o no_o trouble_n and_o care_n about_o his_o word_n and_o action_n he_o need_v not_o invent_v any_o pretence_n beforehand_o nor_o make_v excuse_n afterward_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v say_v or_o do_v but_o insincerity_n be_v very_o troublesome_a to_o manage_v a_o man_n have_v so_o many_o thing_n to_o attend_v to_o so_o many_o end_n to_o bring_v together_o as_o make_v his_o life_n a_o very_a perplex_a and_o intricate_a thing_n oportet_fw-la mendacem_fw-la esse_fw-la memorem_fw-la a_o liar_n have_v need_n have_v a_o good_a memory_n lest_o he_o contradict_v at_o one_o time_n what_o he_o say_v at_o
you_o and_o will_v pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n to_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v and_o those_o who_o be_v seduce_v by_o these_o teacher_n he_o charge_v they_o with_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n quit_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o embrace_v another_o gospel_n v._o 6._o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o who_o thus_o pervert_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v plain_o guilty_a of_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o they_o who_o quit_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v thus_o pervert_v christianity_n be_v in_o a_o most_o dangerous_a state_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n remove_v unto_o another_o gospel_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o iii_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v very_o heinous_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o affront_n it_o be_v to_o god_n and_o how_o great_a a_o contempt_n of_o he_o when_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o send_v no_o less_o person_n than_o his_o own_o son_n out_o of_o his_o own_o bosom_n to_o do_v it_o and_o have_v give_v such_o testimony_n to_o he_o from_o heaven_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o he_o have_v transmit_v down_o to_o we_o so_o faithful_a a_o record_n of_o this_o revelation_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o when_o we_o ourselves_o have_v so_o often_o declare_v our_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o revelation_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o deny_v it_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o or_o to_o embrace_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o this_o certain_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o great_a affront_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n to_o declare_v that_o either_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o god_n say_v or_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fear_v what_o he_o can_v do_v so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o ep._n 5._o 10._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n and_o all_o along_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o apostle_n set_v himself_o to_o aggravate_v this_o sin_n call_v it_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n ch._n 3_o 12._o and_o he_o frequent_o call_v it_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o be_v of_o all_o sin_n the_o great_a and_o most_o heinous_a ch._n 10._o 26._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o discourse_n for_o have_v exhort_v they_o before_o v_o 23._o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o he_o immediate_o add_v for_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o and_o ch._n 12_o 1._o let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v we_o that_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o be_v then_o so_o strong_o tempt_v by_o that_o fierce_a persecution_n which_o attend_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o add_v let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o that_o be_v let_v we_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n against_o the_o suffering_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o christian_a course_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o man_n be_v just_o condemn_v for_o it_o john_n 3._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v but_o to_o desert_v the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o to_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a sin_n opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n may_v proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n which_o be_v a_o great_a extenuation_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o after_o all_o his_o violent_a persecution_n of_o christianity_n he_o find_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n to_o revolt_v from_o the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n this_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n the_o apostle_n make_v wilfulness_n a_o usual_a ingredient_n into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o this_o sin_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o effectual_a disparagement_n of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o consider_v what_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n speak_v against_o it_o because_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o and_o of_o which_o they_o have_v have_v no_o trial_n and_o experience_n but_o he_o that_o fall_v off_o from_o religion_n after_o he_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v try_v it_o and_o dislike_v it_o and_o pretend_v to_o leave_v it_o because_o he_o have_v not_o find_v that_o truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o which_o he_o expect_v and_o upon_o long_a experience_n of_o it_o see_v reason_n to_o prefer_v another_o religion_n before_o it_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o despiteful_a to_o religion_n than_o this_o and_o more_o likely_a to_o bring_v it_o into_o contempt_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n v._n 29._o of_o this_o chapter_n call_v it_o a_o trample_n under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o profane_a thing_n and_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n for_o we_o can_v put_v a_o great_a scorn_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n nor_o upon_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o come_v down_o in_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o than_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o to_o renounce_v this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o forsake_v this_o religion_n but_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o see_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n it_o expose_v man_n to_o which_o be_v the_o iv._o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v and_o this_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o a_o most_o terrible_a manner_n not_o only_o in_o this_o epistle_n but_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o sin_n be_v place_v in_o the_o high_a rank_n of_o pardonable_a sin_n and_o next_o to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n speak_v very_o doubtful_o of_o the_o pardonableness_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o be_v near_o akin_a to_o that_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o 6_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o a_o very_a severe_a manner_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o have_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o the_o solemn_a profession_n of_o it_o in_o baptism_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v baptize_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n that_o be_v regeneration_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_n religion_n and_o endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o gospel
after_o the_o reality_n of_o religion_n always_o remember_v that_o a_o sincere_a piety_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o show_n but_o substance_n not_o in_o appearance_n but_o in_o effect_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v still_o and_o calm_a charitable_a and_o peaceable_a make_v as_o little_a show_n and_o stir_v as_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o true_o and_o sincere_o good_a man_n do_v not_o affect_v vain_a ostentation_n and_o a_o unseasonable_a discovery_n of_o his_o good_a quality_n but_o endeavour_n rather_o real_o to_o be_v than_o to_o seem_v religious_a and_o of_o the_o two_o rather_o seek_v to_o conceal_v his_o piety_n than_o to_o set_v it_o out_o with_o pomp_n give_v his_o alm_n private_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a and_o make_v no_o appearance_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o such_o fruit_n and_o effect_n as_o can_v be_v hide_v in_o the_o quiet_a and_o silent_a virtue_n of_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n in_o govern_v his_o passion_n and_o take_v heed_n not_o to_o offend_v with_o his_o tongue_n by_o slander_n and_o calumny_n by_o envious_a detraction_n or_o rash_a censure_n or_o by_o any_o word_n or_o action_n that_o may_v be_v to_o the_o hurt_n and_o prejudice_n of_o his_o neighbour_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a sign_n if_o a_o man_n affect_v to_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o bustle_v about_o religion_n if_o he_o blow_v a_o trumpet_n before_o his_o good_a work_n and_o by_o extraordinary_a show_n of_o devotion_n summon_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n to_o behold_v he_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v call_v aloud_o to_o they_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o to_o come_v to_o see_v his_o zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o such_o a_o man_n with_o all_o his_o vanity_n and_o ostentation_n may_v have_v some_o real_a goodness_n in_o he_o but_o he_o be_v as_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v and_o do_v as_o like_v one_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o by_o 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and_o compliment_n that_o man_n word_n be_v hardly_o any_o signification_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o if_o any_o man_n measure_v his_o word_n by_o his_o heart_n and_o speak_v as_o he_o think_v and_o do_v not_o express_v more_o kindness_n to_o every_o man_n than_o man_n usual_o have_v for_o any_o man_n he_o can_v hardly_o escape_v the_o censure_n of_o rudeness_n and_o want_n of_o breed_v the_o old_a english_a plainness_n and_o sincerity_n that_o generous_a integrity_n of_o nature_n and_o honesty_n of_o disposition_n which_o always_o argue_v true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o be_v usual_o accompany_v with_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o resolution_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n lose_v among_o we_o there_o have_v be_v a_o long_a endeavour_n to_o transform_v we_o into_o foreign_a manner_n and_o fashion_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o servile_a imitation_n of_o none_o of_o the_o best_a of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o their_o quality_n the_o dialect_n of_o conversation_n be_v now_o adays_o so_o swell_v with_o vanity_n and_o compliment_n and_o so_o surfeit_v as_o i_o may_v say_v of_o expression_n of_o kindness_n and_o respect_n that_o if_o a_o man_n that_o live_v a_o age_n or_o two_o ago_o shall_v return_v into_o the_o world_n again_o he_o will_v real_o want_v a_o dictionary_n to_o help_v he_o to_o understand_v his_o own_o language_n and_o to_o know_v the_o true_a intrinsic_a value_n of_o the_o phrase_n in_o fashion_n and_o will_v hardly_o at_o first_o believe_v at_o what_o a_o low_a rate_n the_o high_a strain_n and_o expression_n of_o kindness_n imaginable_a do_v common_o pass_v in_o currant_n payment_n and_o when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o understand_v it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o he_o can_v bring_v himself_o with_o a_o good_a countenance_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o converse_v with_o man_n upon_o equal_a term_n and_o in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o it_o shall_v more_o provoke_v our_o contempt_n or_o our_o pity_n to_o hear_v what_o solemn_a expression_n of_o respect_n and_o kindness_n will_v pass_v between_o man_n almost_o upon_o no_o occasion_n how_o great_a honour_n and_o esteem_v they_o will_v declare_v for_o one_o who_o perhaps_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o or_o see_v before_o and_o how_o entire_o they_o be_v all_o on_o the_o sudden_a devote_a to_o his_o service_n and_o interest_n for_o no_o reason_n how_o infinite_o and_o eternal_o oblige_v to_o he_o for_o no_o benefit_n and_o how_o extreme_o they_o will_v be_v concern_v for_o he_o yea_o and_o afflict_v too_o for_o no_o cause_n i_o know_v it_o be_v say_v in_o justification_n of_o this_o hollow_a kind_n of_o conversation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o harm_n no_o real_a deceit_n in_o compliment_n but_o the_o matter_n be_v well_o enough_o so_o long_o as_o we_o understand_v one_o another_o et_fw-la verba_fw-la valent_fw-la ut_fw-la nummi_fw-la word_n be_v like_o money_n and_o when_o the_o currant_n value_n of_o they_o be_v general_o understand_v no_o man_n be_v cheat_v by_o they_o this_o be_v something_o if_o such_o word_n be_v any_o thing_n but_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o account_n they_o be_v mere_a cipher_n however_o it_o be_v still_o a_o just_a matter_n of_o complaint_n that_o sincerity_n and_o plainness_n be_v out_o of_o fashion_n and_o that_o our_o language_n be_v run_v into_o a_o lie_n that_o man_n have_v almost_o quite_o pervert_v the_o use_n of_o speech_n and_o make_v word_n to_o signify_v nothing_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o conversation_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o their_o intercourse_n with_o one_o another_o be_v little_a else_o but_o drive_v a_o trade_n of_o dissimulation_n insomuch_o that_o it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n hearty_o sick_a and_o weary_a of_o the_o world_n to_o see_v the_o little_a sincerity_n that_o be_v in_o use_n and_o practice_n among_o man_n and_o tempt_v he_o to_o break_v out_o into_o that_o melancholy_a complaint_n and_o wish_v of_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 9_o o_o that_o i_o have_v in_o the_o wilderness_n a_o lodging-place_n of_o way-faring_a man_n that_o i_o may_v leave_v my_o people_n and_o go_v from_o they_o for_o they_o be_v all_o adulterer_n and_o a_o assembly_n of_o treacherous_a man_n and_o they_o bend_v their_o tongue_n like_o their_o bow_n for_o lie_n but_o have_v no_o courage_n for_o the_o truth_n upon_o earth_n take_v you_o heed_n every_o one_o of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o trust_v you_o not_o in_o any_o brother_n for_o every_o brother_n will_v utter_o supplant_v and_o every_o neighbour_n will_v walk_v with_o slander_n thy_o habitation_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o deceit_n one_o speak_v peaceable_o to_o his_o neighbour_n but_o in_o his_o heart_n he_o lie_v in_o wait_v shall_v not_o i_o visit_v for_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o shall_v not_o my_o soul_n be_v avenge_v of_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o that_o time_n which_o be_v both_o the_o forerunner_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o terrible_a calamity_n which_o befall_v they_o afterward_o and_o this_o character_n agree_v but_o too_o well_o to_o the_o present_a age_n which_o be_v so_o wretched_o void_a of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n for_o which_o reason_n there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o recommend_v this_o virtue_n to_o we_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v flee_v from_o we_o that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n may_v return_v and_o glory_n may_v dwell_v in_o our_o land_n and_o god_n may_v show_v his_o mercy_n upon_o we_o and_o grant_v we_o his_o salvation_n and_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n may_v kiss_v each_o other_o to_o this_o end_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o offer_v these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o that_o sincerity_n be_v the_o high_a commendation_n and_o the_o very_o best_a character_n that_o
another_o but_o truth_n be_v always_o consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o needs_o nothing_o to_o help_v it_o out_o it_o be_v always_o near_o at_o hand_n and_o sit_v upon_o our_o lip_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o drop_v out_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a whereas_o a_o lie_n be_v troublesome_a and_o set_v a_o man_n invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n and_o one_o trick_n needs_o a_o great_a many_o more_o to_o make_v it_o good_a it_o be_v like_a building_n upon_o a_o false_a foundation_n which_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o prop_n to_o shore_n it_o up_o and_o prove_v at_o last_o more_o chargeable_a than_o to_o have_v raise_v a_o substantial_a building_n at_o first_o upon_o a_o true_a and_o solid_a foundation_n for_o sincerity_n be_v firm_a and_o substantial_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o hollow_a and_o unsound_a in_o it_o and_o because_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a fear_v no_o discovery_n of_o which_o the_o crafty_a man_n be_v always_o in_o danger_n and_o when_o he_o think_v he_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a all_o his_o pretence_n be_v so_o transparent_a that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o he_o be_v the_o last_o man_n that_o find_v himself_o to_o be_v find_v out_o and_o whilst_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o make_v fool_n of_o other_o he_o render_v himself_o ridiculous_a add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o sincerity_n be_v the_o most_o compendious_a wisdom_n and_o a_o excellent_a instrument_n for_o the_o speedy_a dispatch_n of_o business_n it_o create_v confidence_n in_o those_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o save_v the_o labour_n of_o many_o inquiry_n and_o bring_v thing_n to_o a_o issue_n in_o few_o word_n it_o be_v like_o travel_v in_o a_o plain_a beat_a road_n which_o common_o bring_v a_o man_n soon_o to_o his_o journey_n end_v than_o byway_n in_o which_o man_n often_o lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o convenience_n may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v in_o falsehood_n and_o dissimulation_n it_o be_v soon_o over_o but_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o be_v perpetual_a because_o it_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o a_o everlasting_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o believe_v when_o he_o speak_v truth_n nor_o trust_v when_o perhaps_o he_o mean_v honest_o when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o forfeit_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o integrity_n he_o be_v set_v fast_o and_o nothing_o will_v then_o serve_v his_o turn_n neither_o truth_n nor_o falsehood_n and_o i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o god_n have_v in_o great_a wisdom_n hide_v from_o man_n of_o false_a and_o dishonest_a mind_n the_o wonderful_a advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o integrity_n to_o the_o prosperity_n even_o of_o our_o worldly_a affair_n these_o man_n be_v so_o blind_v by_o their_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n that_o they_o can_v look_v beyond_o a_o present_a advantage_n nor_o forbear_v to_o seize_v upon_o it_o though_o by_o way_n never_o so_o indirect_a they_o can_v see_v so_o far_o as_o to_o the_o remote_a consequence_n of_o a_o steady_a integrity_n and_o the_o vast_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o it_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n at_o last_o be_v but_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n wise_a and_o clear-sighted_a enough_o to_o discern_v this_o they_o will_v be_v honest_a out_o of_o very_a knavery_n not_o out_o of_o any_o love_n to_o honesty_n and_o virtue_n but_o with_o a_o crafty_a design_n to_o promote_v and_o advance_v more_o effectual_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o therefore_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v hide_v this_o true_a point_n of_o wisdom_n from_o their_o eye_n that_o bad_a man_n may_v not_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o just_a and_o upright_a and_o serve_v their_o own_o wicked_a design_n by_o honest_a and_o lawful_a mean_n indeed_o if_o a_o man_n be_v only_o to_o deal_v in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o day_n and_o shall_v never_o have_v occasion_n to_o converse_v more_o with_o mankind_n never_o more_o need_v their_o good_a opinion_n or_o good_a word_n it_o be_v then_o no_o great_a matter_n speak_v as_o to_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o world_n if_o a_o man_n spend_v his_o reputation_n all_o at_o once_o and_o venture_v it_o at_o one_o throw_v but_o if_o he_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o conversation_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o it_o let_v he_o make_v use_n of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n in_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n for_o nothing_o but_o this_o will_v last_v and_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n all_o other_o art_n will_v fail_v but_o truth_n and_o integrity_n will_v carry_v a_o man_n through_o and_o bear_v he_o out_o to_o the_o last_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o solomon_n prov._n 12._o 19_o the_o lip_n of_o truth_n be_v establish_v for_o ever_o but_o a_o lie_a tongue_n be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o the_o wise_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o clear_o will_v he_o discern_v how_o serviceable_a sincerity_n be_v to_o all_o the_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o that_o man_n have_v make_v a_o good_a progress_n and_o profit_v much_o in_o the_o school_n of_o wisdom_n who_o value_v truth_n and_o sincerity_n according_a to_o their_o worth_n every_o man_n will_v ready_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v great_a virtue_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o generous_a mind_n but_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o true_a wisdom_n in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o real_o serve_v to_o profit_v our_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n seem_v a_o great_a paradox_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a and_o general_o find_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n last_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o dissemble_v consider_v the_o shortness_n and_o especial_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v we_o be_v so_o cunning_a when_o our_o abode_n in_o this_o world_n be_v so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a why_o shall_v any_o man_n by_o dissemble_v his_o judgement_n or_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o incur_v at_o once_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o the_o discontent_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o our_o dissimulation_n shall_v one_o day_n be_v make_v manifest_a and_o publish_v on_o the_o open_a theatre_n of_o the_o world_n before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n to_o our_o everlasting_a shame_n and_o confusion_n all_o disguise_n and_o vizard_n shall_v then_o be_v pluck_v off_o and_o every_o man_n shall_v appear_v in_o his_o true_a colour_n for_o then_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v and_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n and_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil._n nothing_o be_v now_o cover_v which_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v reveal_v nor_o hide_v which_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v know_v let_v we_o then_o be_v now_o what_o we_o will_v 〈◊〉_d glad_a to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o day_n when_o all_o pretence_n shall_v be_v examine_v and_o the_o close_a hypocrisy_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a and_o dash_v out_o of_o countenance_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v and_o all_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o darkness_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o strict_a and_o severe_a trial_n and_o be_v censure_v by_o that_o impartial_a and_o infallible_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n mdclxxxvi_o before_o the_o princess_n ann._n heb._n xi_o 17_o 18_o 19_o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a begotton_n son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v account_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n the_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o recommend_v to_o they_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o which_o they_o be_v but_o new_o convert_v and_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o constancy_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o suffering_n which_o attend_v it_o he_o set_v before_o they_o in_o this_o chapter_n several_a example_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o those_o who_o tho_o they_o be_v under_o a_o much_o more_o imperfect_a dispensation_n yet_o by_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n in_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n have_v perform_v such_o wonderful_a act_n of_o
of_o the_o true_a ancient_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n or_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o heathen_a persecution_n which_o be_v so_o hot_a against_o they_o at_o that_o time_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v by_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o in_o all_o those_o respect_n upon_o which_o the_o jew_n value_v themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n as_o namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o lawgiver_n their_o high-priest_n and_o their_o sacrifice_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v every_o way_n the_o advantage_n of_o they_o and_o have_v make_v this_o clear_a he_o conclude_v with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o great_a highpriest_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o into_o which_o they_o have_v solemn_o be_v initiate_v and_o admit_v by_o baptism_n vers_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n and_o have_v a_o highpriest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v let_v we_o sincere_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n into_o the_o profession_n whereof_o we_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v undoubted_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n the_o water_n with_o which_o our_o body_n be_v wash_v in_o baptism_n signify_v our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v this_o refer_v to_o that_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n call_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o firm_o retain_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 4._o 14._o see_v then_o we_o have_v a_o great_a highpriest_n which_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o take_v fast_o hold_v of_o our_o profession_n so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n exhort_v christian_n to_o retain_v or_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o everlasting_a life_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o creed_n whereof_o in_o baptism_n they_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inflexible_a unmoveable_a steady_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v if_o we_o continue_v faithful_a and_o steady_a to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o consider_v i._o the_o exhortation_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o ii_o the_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n use_v to_o enâ—â—â—ce_v it_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v so_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o the_o exhortation_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v remove_v one_o or_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o what_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o imply_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o man_n shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o they_o think_v which_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forbid_v in_o this_o exhortation_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o a_o thorough_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o all_o person_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v find_v great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o incumbent_a upon_o all_o nor_o indeed_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o all_o person_n because_o all_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n incapable_a of_o do_v it_o 1._o child_n 2._o such_o grow_a person_n as_o be_v of_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o low_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n child_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o examine_v but_o only_o to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n instill_v into_o they_o but_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o discern_v between_o a_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o have_v of_o late_o be_v allow_v to_o they_o in_o a_o nation_n not_o far_o from_o we_o and_o by_o public_a edict_n declare_v that_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n old_a be_v fit_a to_o choose_v and_o to_o change_v their_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o law_n i_o ever_o hear_v of_o that_o allow_v child_n of_o that_o age_n to_o do_v any_o act_n for_o themselves_o that_o be_v of_o consequence_n and_o importance_n to_o they_o for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o which_o they_o shall_v stand_v oblige_v to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a they_o be_v indeed_o baptise_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o their_o infancy_n but_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o this_o obligation_n themselves_o but_o their_o surety_n undertake_v for_o they_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o shall_v take_v this_o promise_n upon_o themselves_o and_o confirm_v and_o make_v it_o good_a but_o sure_o they_o can_v do_v no_o act_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n at_o that_o age_n which_o can_v be_v obligatory_a they_o can_v neither_o make_v any_o contract_n that_o shall_v be_v valid_a nor_o incur_v any_o debt_n nor_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o any_o promise_n nor_o choose_v themselves_o a_o guardian_n nor_o do_v any_o act_n that_o may_v bring_v
rather_o because_o they_o be_v different_a from_o that_o which_o they_o presume_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n aught_o to_o be_v condemn_v at_o all_o adventure_n without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n this_o i_o say_v be_v fond_a partiality_n because_o every_o religion_n and_o every_o church_n may_v for_o aught_o that_o appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o examine_v thing_n impartial_o say_v the_o same_o for_o themselves_o and_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n and_o if_o so_o then_o either_o every_o religion_n ought_v to_o permit_v itself_o to_o be_v examine_v or_o else_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o consequent_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o heathen_n and_o heretic_n ought_v all_o to_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v and_o none_o of_o they_o to_o change_v because_o they_o can_v reasonable_o change_v without_o examine_v both_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o leave_v and_o that_o which_o they_o embrace_v instead_o of_o it_o 2._o admit_v this_o pretence_n be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o have_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o they_o shall_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o why_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o they_o shall_v permit_v it_o to_o be_v try_v that_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a reason_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v because_o if_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v firm_a and_o good_a i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o but_o i_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ill_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v solid_a and_o firm_a and_o such_o as_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n that_o they_o be_v so_o very_o loath_a to_o have_v they_o search_v into_o and_o examine_v this_o can_v but_o tempt_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o suspect_v that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o know_v something_o that_o be_v amiss_o in_o their_o religion_n which_o make_v they_o so_o loath_a to_o have_v it_o try_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o touch._n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a among_o all_o christian_n that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o never_o forbid_v the_o christian_n to_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o frequent_o exhort_v they_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o whether_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ._n so_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n and_o again_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a intimate_v to_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o prove_v and_o try_v it_o and_o so_o likewise_o st._n john_n ep._n 1._o 4._o 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o he_o give_v a_o very_a notable_a mark_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n carry_v on_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o tend_v to_o secular_a power_n and_o greatness_n vers_fw-la 5._o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n therefore_o speak_v they_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n hear_v they_o act_n 17._o 11._o st._n luke_n commend_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o the_o beroean_n that_o they_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o without_o disparagement_n to_o their_o infallibility_n these_o say_v he_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v the_o word_n but_o not_o blind_o and_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o use_v due_a care_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o see_v if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o have_v before_o receive_v it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o admit_v and_o swallow_v contradiction_n in_o their_o faith_n and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o that_o they_o will_v encourage_v the_o people_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o and_o to_o examine_v whether_o their_o doctrine_n be_v according_a to_o they_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v the_o pope_n and_o a_o general_n council_n commend_v to_o the_o people_n the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o try_v their_o definition_n of_o faith_n and_o decree_n of_o worship_n by_o that_o rule_n to_o see_v whether_o what_o they_o have_v define_v and_o decree_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o their_o worship_n of_o image_n their_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n depart_v the_o sacrament_n under_o one_o kind_n only_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n in_o the_o mass._n have_v the_o beroean_n be_v at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o plead_v their_o right_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o i_o doubt_v they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v very_o troublesome_a and_o impertinent_a and_o will_v not_o have_v be_v praise_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n for_o their_o pain_n as_o they_o be_v by_o st._n luke_n you_o see_v then_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a groundless_a and_o suspicious_a pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o because_o they_o be_v infallible_o in_o the_o right_n and_o they_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o their_o people_n must_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o examine_v it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v undoubted_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o not_o only_o permit_v the_o people_n to_o examine_v it_o but_o exhort_v and_o encourage_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o commend_v they_o for_o it_o and_o any_o man_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n must_v abhor_v to_o submit_v to_o this_o slavery_n not_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v free_o into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o will_v break_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o single_a point_n and_o will_v tell_v they_o plain_o if_o your_o religion_n be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v examine_v i_o doubt_v it_o be_v too_o bad_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o allow_v of_o this_o liberty_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v people_n perpetual_o doubt_v and_o unsettled_a i_o do_v utter_o deny_v this_o and_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a with_o good_a reason_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v the_o contrary_a effect_n there_o be_v in_o reason_n no_o better_a way_n to_o establish_v any_o man_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o to_o let_v he_o see_v that_o there_o be_v very_o good_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o 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be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v for_o when_o he_o be_v attempt_v he_o will_v either_o defend_v his_o religion_n or_o not_o if_o he_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o it_o before_o he_o have_v examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o he_o make_v himself_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o crafty_a man_n that_o will_v set_v upon_o he_o he_o expose_v at_o once_o himself_o to_o danger_n and_o his_o religion_n to_o disgrace_n if_o he_o decline_v the_o defence_n of_o it_o he_o must_v be_v force_v to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o that_o ignorant_a and_o obstinate_a principle_n that_o because_o he_o be_v of_o a_o infallible_a church_n and_o sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n therefore_o he_o never_o do_v nor_o will_v examine_v whether_o he_o be_v so_o or_o not_o but_o how_o be_v he_o or_o can_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a if_o 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a_o man_n will_v be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o for_o which_o he_o will_v lay_v down_o hin_n life_n otherwise_o he_o die_v as_o a_o fool_n die_v he_o know_v not_o for_o what_o a_o man_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o set_v such_o a_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a i_o mean_v to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a which_o whether_o he_o have_v or_o not_o no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o religion_n can_v be_v well_o assure_v of_o this_o st._n peter_n prescribe_v as_o the_o best_a preparative_a for_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n the_o one_a ep._n of_o peter_n 3._o 14_o 15._o but_o if_o you_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n happy_a be_v you_o and_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o their_o terror_n neither_o be_v trouble_v but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n that_o be_v make_v he_o the_o great_a object_n of_o your_o dread_a and_o trust_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o 2._o the_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v do_v not_o imply_v that_o man_n shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n against_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o think_v to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o man_n shall_v examine_v before_o they_o choose_v so_o after_o they_o have_v choose_v they_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o be_v better_o inform_v if_o better_a reason_n can_v be_v offer_v no_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v himself_o so_o infallible_a as_o to_o be_v privilege_v from_o hear_v reason_n and_o from_o have_v his_o doctrine_n and_o dictate_v try_v by_o that_o test._n our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o the_o most_o infallible_a person_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o who_o declare_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o god_n yet_o he_o offer_v himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n to_o this_o trial_n john_n 8._o 46._o which_o of_o you_o convince_v i_o of_o sin_n that_o be_v of_o falsehood_n and_o error_n and_o if_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v i_o he_o be_v sure_a he_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o if_o they_o can_v convince_v he_o of_o error_n and_o mistake_v he_o be_v ready_a to_o hear_v any_o reason_n they_o can_v bring_v to_o that_o purpose_n though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o never_o so_o resolve_v to_o continue_v constant_a and_o steadfast_a in_o it_o yet_o reason_n be_v always_o to_o be_v hear_v when_o it_o be_v fair_o offer_v and_o as_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n and_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o we_o so_o ought_v we_o likewise_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o hear_v the_o reason_n which_o other_o do_v fair_o offer_v against_o 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distrust_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o hear_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o as_o if_o truth_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o in_o every_o conflict_n it_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v baffle_v and_o run_v down_o and_o go_v by_o the_o worst_a and_o as_o if_o the_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o be_v too_o hard_o for_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v encounter_v by_o those_o force_n which_o truth_n have_v on_o its_o side_n we_o have_v that_o honest_a confidence_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o religion_n that_o we_o do_v not_o fear_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o forbid_v our_o people_n to_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o to_o read_v the_o best_a book_n they_o can_v write_v against_o it_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v so_o wise_a in_o their_o generation_n that_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v those_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o hear_v or_o read_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o they_o nay_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o with_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v at_o least_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o tell_v their_o people_n that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o of_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o hear_v any_o reason_n against_o it_o and_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o strong_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o entertain_v any_o doubt_n concern_v it_o because_o all_o doubt_v be_v a_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o mortal_a sin_n but_o sure_o that_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v which_o will_v not_o hear_v reason_n nor_o that_o religion_n to_o be_v much_o admire_v which_o will_v not_o allow_v those_o that_o have_v once_o embrace_v it_o to_o hear_v it_o ever_o after_o debate_v and_o examine_v this_o be_v a_o very_a suspicious_a business_n and_o argue_v that_o either_o they_o have_v not_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n or_o that_o truth_n be_v a_o weak_a and_o pitiful_a and_o sneak_a thing_n and_o not_o able_a to_o make_v its_o party_n good_a against_o error_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o then_o to_o have_v consider_v the_o argument_n and_o encouragement_n hereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o at_o this_o time_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o
this_o case_n of_o renounce_v our_o religion_n unless_o it_o be_v very_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v out_o of_o which_o a_o man_n recover_v himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o as_o st._n peter_n do_v or_o the_o suffer_a be_v so_o extreme_a as_o to_o put_v a_o man_n beside_o himself_o for_o the_o time_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n of_o renounce_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n god_n will_v not_o admit_v fear_n for_o a_o just_a excuse_n of_o our_o apostasy_n which_o if_o it_o be_v unrepented_a of_o and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o repentance_n in_o that_o case_n as_o very_o difficult_a will_v be_v our_o ruin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v give_v we_o such_o fair_a warn_v of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o we_o enter_v into_o religion_n upon_o these_o term_n with_o a_o profess_a expectation_n of_o suffer_v and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n if_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v our_o lord_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o again_o he_o that_o love_v life_n itself_o more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o unfaithful_a generation_n of_o he_o will_v i_o be_v ashamed_a before_o my_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o therefore_o to_o master_n and_o subdue_v this_o fear_n our_o saviour_n have_v propound_v great_a object_n of_o terror_n to_o we_o and_o a_o danger_n infinite_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v which_o every_o man_n run_v himself_o wilful_o upon_o who_o shall_v quit_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffering_n luke_o 12._o 4_o 5._o fear_v not_o they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o after_o that_o have_v nothing_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o this_o dreadful_a hazard_n every_o man_n expose_v himself_o who_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n venture_v thus_o to_o offend_v god_n these_o be_v the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n speak_v of_o by_o st._n john_n who_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o particular_a namely_o that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v contain_v these_o two_o part_n i._n a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o true_a and_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o show_v i._n negative_o what_o be_v not_o mean_v and_o 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which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n of_o in_o his_o baptism_n not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o and_o then_o i_o procee_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o mention_v these_o follow_v particular_n as_o probable_o imply_v and_o comprehend_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n under_o both_o which_o head_n i_o give_v several_a instance_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n impose_v with_o great_a confidence_n upon_o the_o world_n some_o without_o and_o other_o plain_o against_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o persecution_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o two_o other_o particular_n which_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o 4._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n god_n have_v plain_o declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o what_o will_v certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o it_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v i._n e._n without_o true_a contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o forsake_v of_o they_o we_o shall_v perish_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o no_o fornicator_n or_o adulterer_n or_o idolater_n or_o covetous_a person_n nor_o any_o one_o that_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o sin_n shall_v have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o christ._n there_o be_v as_o great_a and_o unpassable_a a_o gulf_n fix_v between_o heaven_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o when_o man_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o debauch_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reconcile_v a_o wicked_a life_n with_o any_o reasonable_a and_o wellgrounded_n hope_v of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n no_o church_n have_v that_o privilege_n to_o save_v a_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o those_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n all_o religion_n be_v equal_a in_o this_o that_o a_o bad_a man_n can_v be_v save_v in_o none_o of_o they_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v their_o church_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a concern_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o they_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v in_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o intention_n
for_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o call_v the_o age_n of_o the_o messiah_n seculum_fw-la futurum_fw-la or_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o to_o be_v renew_v again_o unto_o repentance_n where_o the_o least_o we_o can_v understand_v by_o impossible_a be_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o so_o the_o word_n impossible_a be_v sometime_o use_v as_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o ch._n 10._o 26._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n say_v if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v they_o who_o renounce_v christianity_n since_o they_o reject_v the_o only_a way_n of_o expiation_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o their_o sin_n st._n peter_n likewise_o express_v himself_o very_o severe_o concern_v this_o sort_n of_o person_n 2_o epist._n 2._o 20_o 21._o for_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v after_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v from_o heathenism_n to_o christianity_n they_o be_v entangle_v therein_o again_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n he_o seem_v loath_a to_o say_v how_o sad_a the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n be_v but_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o when_o they_o be_v heathen_n before_o and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o and_o st._n john_n call_v this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o forbid_v christian_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v pray_v for_o they_o 1_o epist._n 5._o 16._o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o they_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o now_o that_o by_o this_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n mean_v apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o idolatry_n be_v most_o probable_a from_o what_o follow_v verse_n 18._o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v this_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o the_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o be_v preserve_v from_o idolatry_n unto_o which_o the_o devil_n have_v seduce_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o wicked_a one_o viz._n the_o devil_n who_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o call_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v have_v bring_v we_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o caution_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o dependence_n upon_o what_o go_v before_o unless_o we_o understand_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v because_o apostasy_n be_v so_o often_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o it_o be_v here_o by_o st._n john_n whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o so_o that_o at_o the_o very_o best_a the_o scripture_n speak_v doubtful_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o this_o sin_n however_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o unrepented_a of_o shall_v be_v very_o dreadful_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v mild_o express_v here_o in_o the_o text_n if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o but_o it_o be_v the_o more_o severe_a for_o be_v express_v so_o mild_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o figure_n here_o use_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o word_n this_o expression_n of_o god_n take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o such_o person_n be_v explain_v by_o their_o utter_a ruin_n and_o perdition_n but_o we_o be_v not_o of_o they_o that_o draw_v back_o unto_o perdition_n and_o in_o several_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n there_o be_v very_o severe_a passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n ch._n 2._o 2_o 3._o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n and_o ch._n 10._o 26_o 27._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n he_o that_o despise_v moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n for_o we_o know_v he_o who_o have_v say_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v recompense_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o again_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v his_o people_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o severe_a and_o terrible_a than_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o and_o that_o be_v rev._n 21._o 8._o where_o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o great_a sinner_n those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o religion_n out_o of_o fear_n do_v lead_v the_o van_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o in_o this_o book_n express_v by_o continue_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n and_o i_o will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a and_o the_o abominable_a and_o whoremonger_n and_o sorcerer_n and_o idolater_n and_o all_o liar_n shall_v have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n and_o liar_n that_o be_v they_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n relapse_n into_o infidelity_n and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v reckon_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o offender_n and_o be_v punish_v according_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o four_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n the_o nature_n of_o apostasy_n the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o this_o sin_n the_o danger_n of_o it_o and_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n in_o expose_v man_n to_o and_o be_v there_o any_o need_n now_o to_o exhort_v man_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n when_o the_o danger_n of_o draw_v back_o be_v so_o evident_a and_o so_o terrible_a or_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n and_o occasion_n for_o it_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n among_o we_o of_o man_n apostatise_v from_o christianity_n and_o turn_v jew_n or_o turk_n or_o heathen_n i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n there_o be_v great_a danger_n not_o of_o man_n apostatise_v from_o one_o religion_n to_o another_o but_o from_o religion_n to_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n and_o of_o this_o worst_a kind_n of_o apostasy_n of_o all_o other_o i_o wish_v the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o have_v not_o afford_v we_o too_o many_o instance_n it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v profess_v christianity_n any_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o shall_v make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o undermine_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o most_o serious_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n into_o contempt_n and_o
this_o bless_a state_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n so_o have_v he_o likewise_o assure_v we_o that_o great_a degree_n of_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n mat._n 5._o 10_o 11_o 12._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o part_v with_o thing_n of_o small_a value_n for_o thing_n infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a to_o forego_v the_o transient_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o imperfect_a felicity_n of_o this_o world_n for_o the_o solid_a and_o perfect_a and_o perpetual_a happiness_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o to_o exchange_v a_o short_a and_o miserable_a life_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o blessedness_n in_o a_o word_n to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v drive_v home_o to_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o this_o world_n into_o our_o own_o native_a country_n and_o to_o be_v violent_o thrust_v out_o of_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n into_o those_o region_n of_o bliss_n where_o be_v joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n this_o consideration_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o support_v the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o their_o sharp_a and_o heavy_a suffering_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 16._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o we_o faint_v not_o because_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a so_o that_o our_o suffering_n bear_v no_o more_o proportion_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o than_o finite_a do_v to_o infinite_a than_o temporal_a to_o eternal_a between_o which_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v concern_v this_o great_a and_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o follow_v 1._o to_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o that_o all_o these_o law_n and_o command_n even_o the_o hard_a and_o severe_a of_o they_o be_v so_o reasonable_a god_n as_o he_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o give_v we_o our_o being_n have_v a_o entire_a and_o sovereign_a right_n over_o we_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o right_n may_v have_v impose_v very_o hard_a thing_n upon_o we_o and_o this_o without_o the_o give_a account_n to_o we_o of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n and_o without_o propound_v any_o reward_n to_o we_o so_o vast_o disproportionable_a to_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o but_o in_o give_v law_n to_o we_o he_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o right_n the_o most_o severe_a and_o rigorous_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v infinite_o gainer_n by_o our_o obedience_n to_o they_o if_o we_o deny_v ourselves_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o be_v consider_v for_o it_o to_o the_o utmost_a not_o only_o far_o beyond_o what_o it_o can_v deserve_v but_o beyond_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v or_o imagine_v for_o this_o perish_a life_n and_o the_o transitory_a trifle_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v receive_v a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v a_o uncorruptible_a crown_n which_o fade_v not_o away_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n for_o these_o be_v faithful_a say_n and_o we_o shall_v infallible_o find_v they_o true_a that_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o christ_n we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o if_o we_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n great_a shall_v be_v our_o reward_n in_o heaven_n if_o we_o part_v with_o our_o temporal_a life_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a life_n he_o that_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n and_o believe_v the_o glory_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v reveal_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o much_o offend_v at_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n so_o long_o as_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o these_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n will_v work_v for_o he_o a_o for_o more_o exceed_o and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2._o see_v this_o be_v require_v of_o every_o christian_a to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n resolve_v to_o be_v christian_n we_o ought_v to_o fit_v down_o and_o consider_v well_o with_o ourselves_o what_o our_o religion_n will_v cost_v we_o and_o whether_o we_o be_v content_a to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o price_n of_o it_o if_o we_o value_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n above_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o if_o it_o come_v to_o this_o that_o we_o must_v either_o renounce_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n or_o quit_v our_o temporal_a interest_n if_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o forego_v these_o nay_o and_o to_o part_v even_o with_o life_n itself_o rather_o than_o to_o forsake_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n we_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o these_o be_v the_o term_n of_o our_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v require_v in_o baptism_n solemn_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o our_o saviour_n from_o this_o very_a consideration_n infer_v that_o all_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n shall_v consider_v serious_o beforehand_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n of_o it_o luke_o 14._o 28._o which_o of_o you_o say_v he_o intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o war_n with_o another_o king_n do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consult_v whether_o with_o 10000_o he_o be_v able_a to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o 20000._o so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o forsake_v not_o all_o he_o have_v can_v be_v my_o disciple_n you_o see_v the_o term_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v christian_n we_o must_v always_o be_v prepare_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n though_o we_o be_v not_o actual_o put_v upon_o this_o trial_n 3._o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v matter_n of_o great_a comfort_n and_o encouragement_n to_o all_o those_o who_o deny_v themselves_o and_o suffer_v upon_o so_o good_a a_o account_n 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another_o world_n yet_o according_a to_o a_o right_a estimate_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o those_o who_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n this_o which_o we_o call_v self-denial_n be_v in_o truth_n and_o reality_n but_o a_o more_o commendable_a sort_n of_o self-love_n because_o we_o do_v herein_o most_o effectual_o consult_v and_o secure_a and_o advance_v our_o own_o happiness_n 4._o and_o last_o since_o god_n have_v be_v please_v for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n to_o excuse_v we_o from_o this_o hard_a part_n of_o self-denial_n let_v we_o not_o grudge_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o in_o lesser_a matter_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n to_o miss_v a_o good_a place_n or_o to_o quit_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n much_o less_o let_v we_o think_v much_o to_o renounce_v our_o vice_n and_o to_o thwart_v our_o evil_a inclination_n for_o his_o sake_n as_o naaman_n servant_n say_v to_o he_o concern_v the_o mean_n prescribe_v by_o the_o prophet_n for_o his_o cure_n if_o 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this_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o our_o temporal_a prejudice_n and_o inconvenience_n and_o it_o direct_o conduce_v to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o can_v light_o receive_v any_o prejudice_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n since_o god_n do_v not_o call_v we_o to_o suffer_v we_o shall_v do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o he_o since_o he_o do_v not_o put_v we_o to_o testify_v our_o love_n to_o he_o by_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o he_o we_o shall_v show_v it_o by_o a_o great_a care_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n god_n be_v please_v to_o exercise_v the_o first_o christian_n with_o great_a suffering_n and_o to_o try_v their_o love_n and_o constancy_n to_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a manner_n by_o severity_n and_o contempt_n by_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n by_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n by_o the_o extremity_n of_o torment_n and_o by_o resist_v even_o unto_o blood_n by_o be_v kill_v for_o his_o sake_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o appoint_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v their_o way_n to_o heaven_n very_o sharp_a and_o painful_a and_o to_o hedge_v it_o in_o as_o it_o be_v with_o thorn_n on_o every_o side_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o through_o many_o tribulation_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n thus_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n and_o resolution_n to_o submit_v to_o this_o duty_n if_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a at_o any_o time_n of_o our_o life_n to_o call_v we_o to_o it_o but_o if_o he_o be_v please_v to_o excuse_v we_o from_o it_o and_o to_o let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o we_o which_o may_v lawful_o be_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n since_o we_o have_v so_o good_a a_o pattern_n for_o it_o there_o will_v be_v another_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o we_o which_o will_v take_v up_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o be_v to_o serve_v he_o without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n before_o the_o family_n nou._n 1._o 1686._o heb._n xi_o 13._o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o these_o all_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o apostle_n have_v declare_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o faith_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n whereby_o good_a man_n be_v act_v and_o whereby_o they_o be_v support_v under_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n verse_n 38._o now_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o chapter_n he_o make_v it_o his_o main_a business_n to_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o at_o large_a the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o first_o tell_v we_o what_o kind_n of_o faith_n he_o mean_v viz._n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n not_o present_a and_o visible_a to_o sense_n but_o invisible_a and_o future_a ver._n 1._o now_o faith_n say_v he_o be_v the_o confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v faith_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v invisible_a to_o sense_n as_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o thing_n which_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o as_o the_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n and_o then_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v by_o particular_a and_o famous_a instance_n that_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o and_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o this_o abel_n and_o enoch_n and_o noah_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n joseph_n and_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o famous_a hero_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n and_o please_v god_n and_o do_v all_o those_o eminent_a act_n of_o obedience_n and_o self-denial_n which_o be_v record_v of_o they_o they_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o they_o dread_v his_o threaten_n and_o rely_v upon_o his_o promise_n of_o future_a and_o invisible_a good_a thing_n they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o a_o full_a persuasion_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o though_o they_o do_v not_o live_v to_o see_v they_o actual_o fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v all_o these_o say_v he_o speak_v of_o those_o eminent_a saint_n which_o he_o have_v instance_a in_o before_o all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o this_o be_v speak_v with_o a_o more_o particular_a regard_n to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n to_o who_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o conquest_n and_o possession_n of_o a_o fruitful_a land_n be_v make_v and_o of_o a_o numerous_a offspring_n among_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o messiah_n in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v these_o promise_v they_o do_v not_o live_v to_o see_v accomplish_v and_o make_v good_a in_o their_o day_n but_o they_o hearty_o believe_v they_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v embrace_v they_o in_o their_o arm_n and_o be_v put_v into_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o they_o and_o they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n this_o say_v and_o acknowledgement_n more_o particular_o and_o immediate_o refer_v to_o those_o say_n of_o the_o patriarch_n abraham_n and_o jacob_n which_o we_o find_v record_v gen._n 23._o 4._o where_o abraham_n say_v to_o the_o son_n of_o heth_n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o sojourner_n with_o you_o and_o gen._n 47._o 9_o where_o jacob_n say_v to_o pharaoh_n the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n be_v a_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n few_o and_o evil_n have_v the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n of_o my_o life_n be_v these_o good_a man_n be_v stranger_n and_o sojourner_n in_o a_o land_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o be_v they_o afterward_o they_o dwell_v in_o it_o themselves_o as_o stranger_n but_o
to_o they_o but_o let_v we_o inquire_v a_o little_a far_o and_o see_v how_o the_o apostle_n who_o receive_v this_o precept_n from_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v understand_v it_o act_n 4._o 14._o we_o find_v peter_n and_o john_n summon_v before_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n who_o strict_o command_v they_o not_o to_o speak_v at_o all_o nor_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o peter_n and_o john_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o hearken_v unto_o you_o more_o than_o unto_o god_n judge_v you_o and_o when_o they_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o course_n notwithstanding_o the_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o be_v call_v again_o before_o the_o council_n ch._n 5._o 28._o and_o the_o high_a priest_n ask_v they_o say_v do_v we_o not_o strait_o command_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o teach_v in_o this_o name_n and_o behold_v you_o have_v fill_v jerusalem_n with_o your_o doctrine_n they_o return_v they_o again_o the_o same_o answer_n v_o 29._o then_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n answer_v and_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o let_v any_o man_n now_o judge_n whether_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o confess_v he_o even_o before_o magistrate_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o rather_o than_o men._n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v any_o man_n in_o reason_n think_v that_o the_o great_a king_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v invest_v any_o man_n with_o a_o power_n to_o control_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o disobey_v and_o renounce_v he_o by_o who_o king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v judgement_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o unreasonable_a that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o thing_n but_o downright_a malice_n against_o god_n and_o religion_n can_v prompt_v any_o man_n to_o advance_v such_o a_o assertion_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o to_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n which_o at_o first_o appearance_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a but_o this_o together_o with_o the_o application_n of_o this_o discourse_n shall_v be_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n a_o sermon_n on_o matth_n xvi_o 24._o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o than_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n that_o be_v upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o former_a discourse_n with_o they_o concern_v his_o approach_a passion_n and_o that_o he_o must_v short_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o suffer_v many_o thing_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o they_o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o that_o be_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o undertake_v the_o profession_n of_o my_o religion_n he_o must_v do_v it_o upon_o these_o term_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o i_o consider_v the_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o use_v in_o make_v proselyte_n and_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o his_o religion_n he_o offer_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o fair_o propose_v it_o to_o their_o consideration_n and_o choice_n tell_v they_o plain_o upon_o what_o term_n they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n if_o they_o like_v they_o and_o be_v resolve_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o well_o if_o not_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o follow_v he_o any_o long_o for_o they_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o to_o use_v any_o other_o way_n than_o this_o to_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o religion_n be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n who_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o free_a choice_n can_v be_v religion_n second_o i_o explain_v his_o duty_n or_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n express_v in_o these_o word_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n which_o phrase_n of_o take_v up_o one_o cross_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o roman_a custom_n which_o be_v that_o the_o malefactor_n that_o be_v to_o be_v crucify_a be_v to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o to_o carry_v it_o to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n now_o for_o our_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n but_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o intendment_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n remove_v several_a thing_n which_o be_v instance_a in_o by_o some_o as_o intend_v and_o require_v by_o this_o precept_n as_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o own_o sense_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o this_o i_o show_v to_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o we_o see_v or_o will_v believe_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o see_v we_o destroy_v all_o certainty_n there_o be_v no_o great_a than_o that_o of_o sense_n beside_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n be_v less_o clear_a and_o certain_a than_o that_o of_o sense_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n which_o be_v always_o sway_v and_o bear_v down_o by_o the_o great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n so_o that_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n 2._o other_o will_v comprehend_v under_o this_o precept_n the_o deny_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o the_o next_o degree_n of_o absurdity_n to_o the_o other_o because_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v any_o thing_n but_o upon_o some_o reason_n or_o other_o and_o to_o believe_v without_o any_o reason_n or_o against_o reason_n be_v to_o make_v faith_n unreasonable_a and_o infidelity_n reasonable_a 3._o other_o pretend_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o precept_n man_n ought_v to_o be_v content_a to_o renounce_v their_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o brethren_n but_o this_o i_o show_v can_v be_v a_o duty_n for_o this_o plain_a reason_n because_o if_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o argument_n leave_v powerful_a enough_o to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o two_o scripture_n instance_n allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n moses_n his_o wish_n of_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n for_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o temporal_a death_n and_o st._n paul_n of_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o his_o brethren_n be_v only_o a_o hyperbolical_a expression_n of_o his_o great_a passion_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o countryman_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o form_n of_o the_o expression_n such_o as_o be_v common_o use_v to_o usher_v in_o a_o hyperbole_n i_o can_v wish_v and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o show_v positive_o that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n be_v this_o and_o nothing_o but_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o all_o our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n this_o be_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o then_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o bear_v any_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffer_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n this_o be_v to_o take_v up_o our_o cross._n and_o this_o i_o show_v from_o the_o instance_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o self-denial_n whenever_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o discourse_v of_o it_o three_o i_o consider_v the_o strict_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n rather_o than_o to_o forsake_v christ_n and_o his_o religion_n without_o this_o disposition_n and_o resolution_n of_o mind_n we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o before_o man_n he_o will_v also_o deny_v we_o before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o confession_n of_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o make_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n and_o notwithstanding_o their_o command_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v of_o no_o force_n against_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o god_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v there_o remain_v only_o
the_o iv._o and_o last_o particular_a which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o viz._n to_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n which_o at_o first_o appearance_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a and_o this_o precept_n can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a if_o we_o take_v into_o consideration_n these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o he_o who_o require_v this_o of_o we_o have_v himself_o give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v the_o great_a in_o itself_o in_o that_o he_o deny_v himself_o more_o and_o suffer_v more_o grievous_a thing_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o do_v and_o such_o a_o example_n as_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o powerful_a to_o engage_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n be_v for_o our_o sake_n ii_o if_o we_o cosider_v that_o he_o have_v promise_v all_o needful_a supply_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v of_o this_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v and_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o therein_o iii_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o of_o a_o glorious_a reward_n of_o all_o our_o suffering_n and_o self-denial_n beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o they_o both_o in_o the_o degree_n and_o duration_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v go_v over_o these_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v i._o if_o we_o consider_v that_o he_o who_o require_v we_o thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o for_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v our_o saviour_n know_v how_o unwelcome_a this_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v must_v needs_o be_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o how_o hardly_o this_o precept_n will_v go_v down_o with_o they_o to_o sweeten_v it_o a_o little_a and_o take_v off_o the_o harshness_n of_o it_o and_o to_o prepare_v their_o mind_n the_o better_a for_o it_o he_o tell_v they_o first_o of_o his_o own_o suffering_n that_o by_o that_o mean_v he_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n reconcile_v their_o mind_n to_o it_o when_o they_o see_v that_o he_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o what_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o undergo_v himself_o and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o example_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o hard_a and_o difficult_a term_n upon_o which_o they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n v._o 21._o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n begin_v to_o show_v unto_o his_o disciple_n how_o that_o he_o must_v go_v unto_o jerusalem_n and_o suffer_v many_o thing_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o chief-priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o be_v kill_v then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n that_o be_v immediate_o upon_o this_o discourse_n of_o his_o own_o suffering_n as_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o it_o he_o take_v the_o opportunity_n to_o tell_v they_o plain_o of_o their_o own_o suffering_n and_o that_o unless_o they_o be_v prepare_v and_o resolve_v to_o deny_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o persecution_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n they_o can_v not_o be_v his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o that_o be_v let_v he_o reckon_v and_o resolve_v upon_o follow_v that_o example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v in_o which_o i_o will_v go_v before_o he_o now_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o have_v great_a force_n in_o it_o to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o this_o difficult_a duty_n and_o to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o he_o who_o require_v we_o thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o have_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o 2._o such_o a_o example_n as_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o powerful_a to_o engage_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n be_v for_o our_o sake_n 1._o he_o who_o require_v we_o thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o have_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o that_o he_o deny_v himself_o more_o and_o suffer_v more_o grievous_a thing_n than_o any_o of_o we_o can_v do_v he_o bear_v the_o insupportable_a load_n of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o of_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n due_a to_o they_o never_o be_v sorrow_n like_a to_o his_o sorrow_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n afflict_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o fierce_a anger_n he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n his_o visage_n be_v mar_v more_o than_o any_o man_n and_o his_o form_n more_o than_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i._n e._n he_o undergo_v more_o affliction_n and_o have_v more_o contempt_n pour_v upon_o he_o than_o ever_o be_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o he_o endure_v all_o this_o with_o incredible_a patience_n and_o meekness_n with_o the_o great_a evenness_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n and_o with_o the_o most_o perfect_a submission_n and_o resignation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v such_o a_o example_n as_o this_o shall_v be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o animate_v we_o with_o the_o like_a courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o lesser_a danger_n and_o difficulty_n to_o see_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n go_v before_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o on_o so_o brave_o and_o make_v perfect_a by_o great_a suffering_n than_o we_o can_v ever_o be_v call_v to_o or_o be_v any_o way_n able_a to_o undergo_v be_v no_o small_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o unknown_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o great_a as_o we_o can_v well_o conceive_v of_o they_o shall_v make_v all_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o not_o only_o tolerable_a but_o easy_a to_o we_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n animate_v christian_n to_o patience_n in_o their_o christian_a course_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n that_o attend_v it_o heb._n 12._o 2._o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n for_o consider_v he_o who_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o also_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n and_o this_o example_n be_v more_o powerful_a for_o our_o encouragement_n because_o therein_o we_o see_v the_o world_n conquer_v to_o our_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o temptation_n of_o it_o baffle_v and_o subdue_v and_o thereby_o a_o cheap_a and_o easy_a victory_n over_o it_o obtain_v for_o we_o by_o this_o consideration_n our_o saviour_n endeavour_v to_o inspire_v his_o disciple_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o courage_n in_o this_o great_a conflict_n john_n 16._o 33._o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n but_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n 2._o this_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v such_o as_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o powerful_a to_o engage_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n be_v for_o our_o sake_n in_o pity_n and_o kindness_n to_o we_o and_o whole_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v their_o example_n in_o great_a regard_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v great_a kindness_n and_o mighty_a benefit_n this_o pattern_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v which_o our_o religion_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v the_o example_n of_o one_o who_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o esteem_n and_o love_n and_o imitate_v above_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o sure_o such_o a_o example_n must_v needs_o carry_v authority_n with_o it_o and_o command_v our_o imitation_n it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a benefactor_n of_o he_o who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o seal_v his_o love_n to_o we_o with_o his_o dear_a blood_n and_o even_o when_o we_o be_v bitter_a enemy_n