but_o will_v only_o examine_v what_o be_v so_o that_o he_o may_v not_o entertain_v a_o erroneous_a persuasion_n he_o will_v bring_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o wrest_v the_o gospel_n to_o his_o mind_n but_o vice_n and_o sin_n be_v allow_v and_o predominant_a in_o the_o soul_n must_v needs_o warp_v the_o judgement_n and_o clap_v a_o heavy_a bias_n on_o it_o that_o will_v draw_v it_o to_o favour_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v their_o interest_n in_o all_o matter_n it_o be_v concern_v in_o and_o therefore_o a_o man_n of_o wicked_a and_o deprave_a affection_n can_v but_o be_v exceed_o unapt_a to_o study_v a_o book_n who_o design_n be_v such_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o the_o obediently-disposed_n will_v bring_v free_a ingenuous_a and_o candid_a spirit_n to_o this_o work_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o fit_o prepare_v to_o do_v it_o with_o good_a success_n second_o this_o honest_a and_o sincere_a temper_n of_o mind_n will_v help_v a_o man_n to_o evidence_n for_o his_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n far_o excel_v any_o that_o can_v arise_v from_o mere_a speculation_n â—…_n namely_o that_o of_o sense_n and_o experience_n the_o man_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n he_o shall_v not_o only_o believe_v it_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o that_o phrase_n there_o be_v a_o inward_a sweetness_n in_o holy_a truth_n that_o a_o good_a soul_n will_v relish_v and_o savour_n but_o the_o vitiate_a palate_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o love_n with_o any_o lust_n can_v taste_v it_o how_o sweet_a say_v david_n be_v thy_o word_n unto_o my_o taste_n yea_o sweet_a than_o honey_n unto_o my_o mouth_n now_o naked_a demonstration_n give_v but_o very_o poor_a and_o slight_a satisfaction_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o knowledge_n that_o arise_v from_o sense_n and_o experience_n and_o this_o latter_a alone_o will_v remove_v from_o we_o all_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n therefore_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o foolish_a that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a and_o laudable_a speech_n of_o the_o honest_a martyr_n though_o i_o can_v dispute_v i_o can_v die_v for_o christ_n no_o one_o that_o have_v taste_v honey_n can_v at_o all_o doubt_n of_o its_o sweetness_n though_o he_o may_v want_v cunning_a enough_o to_o answer_v the_o argument_n whereby_o a_o sophister_n may_v attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o bitter_a we_o say_v see_v be_v believe_v and_o the_o great_a evidence_n that_o our_o saviour_n prove_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n by_o be_v that_o of_o sense_n by_o this_o be_v thomas_n his_o incredulity_n as_o very_o strong_a as_o it_o be_v immediate_o overcome_v and_o the_o bodily_a sense_n be_v not_o more_o infallible_a than_o be_v the_o purify_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n three_o the_o aforesaid_a temper_n of_o mind_n will_v secure_v those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n in_o those_o point_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v of_o weighty_a importance_n it_o be_v undoubted_o certain_a that_o mistake_v about_o these_o can_v possible_o arise_v from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o that_o book_n it_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o heart_n can_v wish_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o free_a discourse_n therefore_o error_n that_o be_v of_o a_o damnable_a nature_n must_v necessary_o proceed_v from_o vicious_a cause_n such_o as_o 1._o gross_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v this_o in_o any_o soul_n that_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o obey_v god_n 2._o a_o too_o high_a opinion_n of_o our_o part_n and_o reason_n by_o which_o be_v often_o occasion_v a_o rejection_n of_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v but_o the_o honest_a soul_n can_v have_v no_o such_o conceit_n of_o his_o reason_n he_o know_v nothing_o more_o undoubted_o than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o most_o shallow_a creature_n he_o know_v that_o the_o most_o contemptible_a insect_n and_o common_a weed_n be_v able_a to_o pose_v and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o nonplus_n and_o that_o it_o will_v therefore_o be_v the_o high_a of_o arrogance_n in_o he_o to_o believe_v nothing_o reveal_v to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v a_o adequate_a object_n of_o his_o understanding_n this_o man_n will_v submit_v his_o reason_n to_o divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o divine_a revelation_n to_o his_o reason_n it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v though_o he_o will_v never_o so_o fain_o believe_v that_o which_o do_v manifest_o contradict_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o innate_a sense_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n nor_o can_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o proud_a affectation_n of_o be_v think_v wise_a than_o other_o folk_n this_o be_v a_o great_a thing_n which_o make_v the_o first_o heretic_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ever_o know_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o arrogant_a title_n they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o and_o distinguish_v their_o sect_n by_o viz._n gnostics_n but_o that_o temper_n of_o mind_n that_o make_v man_n unfeigned_o desirous_a of_o piety_n and_o true_a virtue_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o all_o such_o ambitious_a and_o aspire_a thought_n 4._o liquorish_a curiosity_n and_o wantonness_n of_o spirit_n when_o people_n be_v glut_v with_o those_o wholesome_a truth_n which_o they_o have_v for_o many_o year_n be_v entertain_v with_o and_o will_v be_v hunt_v after_o novelty_n when_o they_o grow_v weary_a of_o their_o honest_a teacher_n and_o will_v be_v follow_v every_o upstart_n that_o set_v himself_o in_o opposition_n to_o they_o it_o can_v hardly_o otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o they_o must_v fall_v into_o dangerous_a error_n the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 3._o that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n will_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o will_v do_v thus_o it_o follow_v have_v itch_a fars_n but_o the_o obedientlyincline_v soul_n will_v be_v careful_a to_o keep_v in_o that_o good_a way_n which_o by_o experience_n he_o have_v find_v to_o be_v so_o and_o to_o avoid_v all_o bye-path_n nor_o will_v he_o be_v run_v after_o seducer_n but_o shun_v they_o all_o he_o can_v as_o be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n and_o his_o aptness_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o be_v mislead_v 5._o the_o love_n of_o and_o be_v wed_v to_o any_o one_o lust_n whatsoever_o will_v certain_o endanger_v man_n fall_v into_o the_o worst_a of_o heresy_n when_o man_n have_v some_o belove_a sin_n or_o sin_n which_o they_o be_v resolve_v they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o and_o be_v as_o a_o right_a eye_n or_o 30._o right_a hand_n to_o they_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o entertain_v such_o principle_n as_o will_v allow_v they_o to_o live_v in_o they_o and_o to_o abandon_v those_o that_o will_v not_o and_o therefore_o to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n as_o those_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o rack_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o corrupt_a affection_n quod_fw-la volumus_fw-la facilè_fw-la credimus_fw-la that_o which_o we_o will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a we_o easy_o believe_v be_v so_o and_o what_o we_o desire_v shall_v be_v false_a we_o be_v with_o little_a difficulty_n persuade_v to_o disbelieve_v this_o therefore_o have_v have_v such_o a_o very_a fearful_a influence_n on_o not_o a_o few_o as_o to_o cause_v they_o at_o length_n to_o throw_v away_o their_o bibles_n to_o deny_v the_o immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o disbelieve_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v even_o the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n because_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v infinite_o their_o interest_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v false_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o life_n and_o no_o god_n but_o i_o need_v not_o say_v that_o the_o honest_a obedient_a person_n be_v one_o that_o be_v not_o devote_v to_o any_o lust._n 6._o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n be_v the_o last_o cause_n i_o shall_v mention_v of_o man_n disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n and_o renounce_v any_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n even_o as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n that_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o in_o their_o practice_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_n or_o a_o adulterate_a corrupt_v mind_v rom._n 1._o 28._o because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o
explain_v by_o 26._o turn_v from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o follow_a clause_n viz._n and_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o people_n israel_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n namely_o that_o in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o outward_a and_o ceremonial_a observance_n call_v by_o the_o apostle_n 9_o beggarly_a element_n he_o shall_v bring_v in_o among_o they_o a_o far_o more_o noble_a viz._n a_o inward_a substantial_a and_o everlasting_a righteousness_n and_o by_o abrogate_a that_n and_o establish_v only_o this_o righteousness_n he_o shall_v enlarge_v their_o church_n a_o accession_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v by_o that_o mean_v make_v unto_o it_o five_o this_o be_v express_v by_o s._n john_n the_o baptist_n immediate_o before_o our_o saviour_n solemn_a entrance_n upon_o his_o office_n as_o the_o business_n he_o be_v undertake_v matth._n 3._o 11_o 12._o i_o indeed_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n unto_o repentance_n that_o be_v especial_o from_o the_o more_o plain_a and_o confess_v exorbitance_n but_o he_o that_o come_v after_o i_o be_v mighty_a than_o i_o who_o shoe_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o bear_v he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n which_o will_v take_v away_o those_o stain_n and_o pollution_n that_o water_n can_v who_o fan_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o will_v thorough_o purge_v his_o floor_n sixthly_a again_o after_o our_o saviour_n entrance_n upon_o his_o office_n he_o himself_o declare_v that_o he_o come_v to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o he_o come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o fulfil_v or_o perfect_v they_o 25._o that_o be_v by_o give_v more_o and_o high_a instance_n of_o moral_a duty_n than_o be_v before_o express_o give_v and_o he_o tell_v the_o jew_n present_o after_o that_o except_o their_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n that_o be_v unless_o it_o be_v above_o their_o practical_a and_o mere_o external_n righteousness_n they_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o he_o abundant_o make_v it_o appear_v as_o will_v be_v quick_o show_v that_o the_o reformation_n of_o man_n life_n and_o purification_n of_o their_o nature_n be_v the_o great_a business_n that_o he_o design_v last_o this_o be_v frequent_o assert_v after_o he_o forsake_v the_o world_n by_o the_o apostle_n he_o leave_v behind_o he_o s._n peter_n tell_v his_o countryman_n act_n 3._o 26._o that_o as_o god_n send_v christ_n to_o bless_v they_o so_o the_o blessing_n design_v they_o by_o he_o consist_v in_o turn_v they_o from_o their_o iniquity_n to_o you_o first_o say_v he_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o his_o son_n jesus_n send_v he_o to_o bless_v you_o by_o turn_v every_o one_o of_o you_o from_o his_o iniquity_n again_o act_v 5._o 31._o the_o same_o apostle_n with_o other_o say_v that_o he_o have_v god_n exalt_v with_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o give_v repentance_n to_o israel_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n repentance_n first_o and_o then_o forgiveness_n s._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o epist._n â—…_n 8._o that_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o s._n paul_n call_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 3._o 16._o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n and_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o that_o which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v be_v that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o all_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 12._o chap._n iii_o a_o particular_a demonstration_n that_o holiness_n be_v the_o only_a design_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o they_o require_v 1._o the_o most_o extensive_a holiness_n 2._o the_o most_o intensive_a a_o objection_n answer_v but_o to_o give_v a_o more_o particular_a proof_n of_o what_o we_o have_v undertake_v first_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o holiness_n be_v the_o design_n the_o only_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a precept_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o mark_n which_o they_o be_v whole_o level_v at_o what_o the_o 7._o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o jewish_a may_v be_v much_o more_o say_v of_o the_o christian_a law_n that_o it_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_n for_o as_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n in_o his_o paedagogus_fw-la say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n even_o infant-christianity_n be_v perfection_n compare_v with_o the_o law_n or_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n there_o be_v no_o affirmative_a precept_n in_o the_o gospel_n but_o it_o either_o command_v holiness_n in_o the_o general_n or_o one_o or_o more_o particular_a virtue_n or_o habit_n of_o holiness_n or_o some_o essential_a act_n or_o act_n of_o it_o or_o mean_n and_o help_v to_o the_o acquire_v maintain_v or_o increase_v of_o it_o such_o as_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n prayer_n meditation_n good_a conference_n watchfulness_n against_o temptation_n avoid_v occasion_n of_o evil_a etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v no_o negative_a precept_n but_o do_v forbid_v the_o contrary_a to_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o those_o duty_n but_o do_v forbid_v some_o thing_n or_o other_o that_o do_v tend_v either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o circumstance_n to_o the_o deprave_a of_o humane_a nature_n and_o render_v we_o perfect_o wicked_a or_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o less_o holy_a to_o make_v this_o appear_v by_o go_v over_o the_o several_a precept_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v a_o work_n of_o too_o much_o time_n but_o whosoever_o as_o he_o read_v they_o shall_v due_o consider_v each_o of_o they_o can_v be_v to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v and_o i_o dare_v undertake_v he_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o upon_o its_o own_o or_o some_o one_o or_o other_o account_n great_o become_v we_o and_o perfective_a of_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n command_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o all_o respect_v innocent_a there_o forbid_v this_o can_v be_v by_o no_o mean_n say_v concern_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o that_o it_o may_v concern_v those_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v absolute_o certain_a but_o my_o whole_a discourse_n upon_o this_o present_a argument_n shall_v be_v confine_v to_o these_o two_o head_n namely_o to_o show_v that_o the_o christian_a precept_n require_v the_o most_o extensive_a and_o most_o intensive_a holiness_n that_o be_v exact_o such_o a_o holiness_n as_o have_v be_v describe_v first_o they_o require_v the_o most_o extensive_a holiness_n not_o only_o towards_o god_n but_o also_o towards_o our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o in_o the_o forecited_a place_n tit._n 2._o 12._o s._n paul_n put_v all_o these_o together_o under_o the_o phrase_n of_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o as_o make_v up_o that_o holiness_n which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v the_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n command_v we_o not_o only_o to_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n but_o also_o to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n not_o only_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o to_o be_v subject_a likewise_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n that_o be_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n that_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o only_o to_o fear_n god_n but_o also_o to_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o to_o obey_v our_o spiritual_a governor_n likewise_o which_o watch_n for_o our_o soul_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o towards_o all_o person_n suitable_o to_o the_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o they_o wife_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o husband_n as_o unto_o the_o lord_n husband_n to_o love_v their_o wife_n even_o as_o christ_n love_v the_o church_n child_n to_o obey_v their_o parent_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o father_n not_o to_o provoke_v their_o child_n to_o wrath_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n servant_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o their_o master_n with_o singleness_n of_o heart_n as_o unto_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o master_n to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n unto_o they_o forbear_v threaten_a or_o a_o harsh_a behaviour_n towards_o they_o know_v that_o they_o have_v a_o master_n in_o heaven_n with_o who_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n we_o â—…_n be_v command_v to_o love_v
with_o profitable_a instruction_n and_o in_o so_o many_o respect_n of_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n as_o this_o be_v chap._n vii_o that_o to_o make_v man_n holy_a be_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n death_n prove_v by_o several_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o how_o it_o be_v effectual_a thereunto_o discover_v in_o six_o particular_n fourthly_o the_o make_n of_o we_o holy_a as_o it_o be_v the_o business_n of_o our_o saviour_n whole_a life_n so_o be_v it_o also_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o death_n and_o this_o be_v we_o assure_v of_o by_o abundance_n of_o express_a scripture_n some_o few_o of_o which_o we_o will_v here_o produce_v roman_n 6._o 6._o know_v this_o that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o shall_v not_o serve_v sin_n 2_o corinthian_n 5._o 15._o he_o die_v for_o all_o that_o they_o which_o live_v shall_v not_o henceforth_o live_v unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o he_o which_o die_v for_o they_o and_o rose_z again_z galatian_n 1._o 4._o who_o give_v himself_o for_o our_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v we_o from_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n viz._n from_o its_o corrupt_a practice_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o our_o father_n ephesian_n 5._o 25_o 26_o 27._o husband_n love_v your_o wife_n as_o christ_n love_v the_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o unto_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n colossian_n 1._o 21_o 22._o and_o you_o that_o be_v sometime_o alienate_v and_o enemy_n in_o your_o mind_n by_o wicked_a work_n have_v he_o now_o reconcile_v in_o the_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n through_o death_n to_o present_v you_o holy_a and_o unblamable_a and_o unreprovable_a in_o his_o sight_n titus_n 2._o 14._o who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 18._o for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o know_v that_o you_o be_v not_o redeem_v with_o corruptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n from_o your_o vain_a conversation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o your_o father_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 18._o for_o christ_n also_o have_v once_o suffer_v for_o sin_n the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a that_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v say_v calvin_n upon_o the_o place_n that_o we_o may_v be_v so_o consecrate_v to_o god_n as_o to_o live_v and_o die_v to_o he_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 24._o who_o his_o own_o self_n bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n shall_v live_v to_o righteousness_n by_o who_o stripe_n you_o be_v heal_v now_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v great_o effectual_a to_o this_o end_n of_o make_v we_o holy_a these_o several_a way_n first_o as_o it_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o as_o have_v be_v show_v have_v no_o other_o design_n christ_n take_v his_o death_n upon_o it_o that_o that_o be_v true_a be_v willing_a to_o expose_v himself_o in_o the_o defence_n thereof_o to_o a_o most_o ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n second_o as_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n be_v a_o federal_n right_o confirm_v the_o new_a covenant_n wherein_o be_v promise_v in_o and_o through_o he_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n on_o condition_n of_o our_o sincere_a repentance_n faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n so_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 10._o 29._o and_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n heb._n 13._o 20._o three_o as_o it_o be_v exemplary_a of_o the_o high_a virtue_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 21._o christ_n also_o suffer_v for_o we_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o the_o great_a humility_n and_o self-denial_n the_o great_a meekness_n patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n the_o most_o wonderful_a charity_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n be_v exemplify_v in_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o high_o effectual_a towards_o the_o promote_a of_o these_o most_o excellent_a grace_n and_o the_o like_a in_o we_o and_o the_o expelling_a and_o utter_a extirpate_v out_o of_o we_o the_o contrary_a vice_n one_o will_v think_v it_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v of_o a_o haughty_a spirit_n and_o a_o proud_a mind_n that_o serious_o consider_v how_o the_o onely-begotten_a son_n of_o god_n humble_v himself_o to_o the_o death_n even_o the_o shameful_a and_o ignominious_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n that_o he_o shall_v covet_v great_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o frequent_o affect_v his_o mind_n with_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o saviour_n empty_v himself_n and_o become_v poor_a that_o we_o through_o his_o proverty_n may_v be_v make_v rich_a and_o prefer_v the_o death_n of_o the_o vile_a of_o wretch_n before_o the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o honourable_a personage_n how_o can_v he_o be_v vain_a and_o frothy_a that_o consider_v his_o saviour_n horrid_a agony_n what_o a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n he_o be_v and_o how_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n how_o can_v he_o storm_v at_o the_o receive_n of_o injury_n and_o swell_v with_o indignation_n against_o those_o that_o offer_v he_o incivility_n and_o rude_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o he_o that_o fix_v his_o thought_n upon_o his_o saviour_n meek_a put_v up_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o contemptuous_a usage_n and_o consider_v how_o gentle_a sedate_n and_o lamblike_a he_o be_v when_o barbarous_a villain_n mock_v buffet_v and_o spit_v upon_o he_o crown_v he_o with_o thorn_n put_v a_o robe_n in_o a_o jeer_n upon_o his_o back_n and_o a_o reed_n for_o a_o sceptre_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o at_o last_o act_v the_o part_n of_o the_o most_o inhuman_a butcher_n towards_o he_o one_o will_v think_v it_o no_o uneasy_a matter_n to_o persuade_v ourselves_o to_o forgive_v very_o hearty_o the_o spitefull_a &_o most_o malicious_a enemy_n whilst_o we_o take_v notice_n that_o christ_n shed_v even_o his_o precious_a blood_n for_o those_o that_o carry_v in_o their_o breast_n the_o great_a malignity_n against_o he_o and_o bear_v he_o the_o most_o deadly_a hatred_n that_o he_o suffer_v death_n for_o those_o which_o in_o the_o cruel_a manner_n they_o be_v able_a take_v away_o his_o life_n what_o temptation_n can_v be_v forcible_a enough_o to_o prevail_v upon_o we_o sinner_n to_o murmur_v and_o repine_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o the_o affliction_n he_o inflict_v upon_o we_o while_o we_o observe_v how_o much_o great_a suffering_n than_o we_o be_v be_v with_o profound_a submission_n to_o and_o likewise_o the_o hearty_a approbation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n endure_v by_o the_o not_o only_o perfect_o innocent_a but_o also_o the_o high_o merit_v and_o infinite_o well_o deserve_v jesus_n four_o as_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v likewise_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n it_o be_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n effectual_a to_o this_o great_a purpose_n in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n consider_v as_o a_o expiatory_a and_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n be_v the_o offence_n that_o god_n almighty_n have_v take_v against_o sin_n and_o the_o hatred_n he_o bear_v to_o it_o as_o well_o as_o his_o love_n to_o we_o sinner_n infinite_o declare_v in_o that_o he_o will_v not_o forgive_v it_o to_o we_o without_o the_o intervention_n of_o no_o mean_a a_o offering_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o onely-begotten_a son_n observe_v what_o the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n rom._n 3._o 25_o 26._o who_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n to_o declare_v his_o righteousness_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v past_a through_o the_o forbearance_n of_o god_n to_o declare_v i_o say_v at_o this_o time_n his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o may_v be_v just_a and_o the_o justifier_n of_o he_o which_o believe_v in_o jesus_n the_o plain_a sense_n of_o which_o word_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v this_o that_o god_n may_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n demonstrate_v how_o holy_a he_o
all_o but_o in_o that_o he_o live_v he_o live_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n with_o god_n likewise_o reckon_v you_o yourselves_o to_o be_v dead_a indeed_o unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n that_o be_v after_o the_o example_n of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n account_v you_o yourselves_o oblige_v to_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o same_o use_n that_o the_o apostle_n here_o make_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o do_v also_o elsewhere_o of_o his_o ascension_n and_o session_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n coloss._n 3._o 1._o 2._o if_o you_o then_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n set_v your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n for_o you_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v in_o profession_n have_v engage_v yourselves_o to_o renounce_v your_o past_a wicked_a life_n and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v and_o the_o life_n you_o have_v by_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n oblige_v yourselves_o to_o lead_v be_v in_o heaven_n where_o christ_n be_v so_o that_o this_o show_v the_o information_n the_o gospel_n give_v we_o of_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v intend_v for_o practical_a purpose_n and_o incitement_n to_o holiness_n and_o christ_n resurrection_n with_o his_o follow_a advancement_n we_o be_v frequent_o mind_v of_o to_o teach_v we_o this_o most_o excellent_a lesson_n that_o obedience_n patience_n and_o humility_n be_v the_o way_n to_o glory_n and_o therefore_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o to_o tread_v in_o his_o holy_a step_n and_o make_v he_o our_o pattern_n this_o we_o have_v in_o the_o fore_n cite_v place_n phil._n 2._o 5_o 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n and_o hebr._n 12._o 1_o 2._o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_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 for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o gross_a despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o vers_fw-la 3._o to_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o that_o be_v especial_o how_o he_o be_v now_o reward_v for_o it_o lâ—…st_v we_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o our_o be_v so_o often_o mind_v of_o our_o saviour_n come_n again_o to_o judgement_n be_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o all_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n who_o can_v be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o know_v for_o we_o be_v sufficient_o tell_v that_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o our_o work_n especial_o such_o work_n as_o the_o hypocrite_n of_o this_o age_n do_v most_o despise_v &_o leave_v to_o be_v chief_o perform_v by_o their_o contemn_a moralist_n as_o appear_v from_o mâ—…_n 25._o 34._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o last_o that_o be_v very_o certain_a which_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o 123_o page_n of_o the_o free_a discourse_n namely_o that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o mere_o speculative_a as_o some_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o the_o promote_a of_o real_a righteousness_n &_o holiness_n and_o be_v reveal_v for_o that_o purpose_n but_o as_o i_o do_v not_o there_o so_o neither_o will_v i_o here_o proceed_v to_o show_v it_o in_o all_o the_o several_a instance_n or_o in_o any_o more_o than_o i_o have_v now_o do_v and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v there_o give_v but_o beside_o i_o conceive_v that_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v already_o in_o this_o section_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v what_o we_o have_v undertake_v viz._n that_o to_o make_v man_n true_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a be_v the_o design_n the_o main_a and_o only_a design_n of_o christianity_n sect_n ii_o upon_o what_o account_v the_o business_n of_o make_v man_n holy_a come_v to_o be_v prefer_v by_o our_o saviour_n before_o any_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v principal_o design_v by_o he_o chap._n ix_o two_o account_n of_o this_o the_o first_o that_o this_o be_v to_o do_v the_o great_a good_a to_o man_n and_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o make_v man_n holy_a be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o great_a prove_v by_o several_a argument_n viz._n first_o that_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o deliverance_n from_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n and_o sin_n show_v so_o to_o be_v i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o of_o all_o other_o good_a thing_n the_o make_v mankind_n true_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a be_v the_o grand_a and_o special_a design_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v these_o two_o account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o it_o first_o this_o be_v to_o do_v the_o great_a good_a to_o men._n second_o this_o be_v to_o do_v the_o best_a service_n to_o god_n first_o the_o make_v of_o we_o real_o righteous_a and_o holy_a be_v the_o great_a good_a that_o can_v possible_o be_v do_v to_o we_o there_o be_v no_o blessing_n comparable_a to_o that_o of_o purify_n our_o nature_n from_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o indue_a they_o with_o virtuous_a and_o divine_a quality_n the_o wise_a sort_n of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a design_n they_o profess_v to_o drive_v at_o in_o their_o philosophy_n be_v the_o purgation_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o humane_a life_n hierocles_n 〈◊〉_d make_v this_o to_o be_v the_o very_a definition_n of_o it_o and_o by_o the_o purgation_n of_o man_n life_n he_o tell_v we_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o cleanse_n of_o they_o from_o the_o dregs_o and_o silth_n of_o unreasonable_a appetite_n and_o by_o their_o perfection_n the_o recovery_n of_o that_o excellency_n which_o reduce_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o divine_a likeness_n now_o the_o blessing_n of_o make_v man_n holy_a be_v of_o all_o the_o great_a first_o because_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o deliverance_n from_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n those_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n that_o imagine_v any_o evil_n great_a than_o it_o or_o so_o great_a it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o stoic_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o evil_a but_o what_o be_v turpe_fw-la &_o vitiosum_fw-la vile_a and_o vicious_a and_o tully_n himself_o who_o profess_v not_o to_o be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o placita_fw-la of_o any_o one_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n but_o to_o be_v free-minded_n and_o to_o give_v his_o reason_n it_o be_v full_a scope_n and_o liberty_n take_v upon_o he_o sometime_o most_o stiff_o and_o seem_o in_o very_a good_a earnest_n to_o maintain_v it_o &_o dispute_v for_o it_o but_o as_o difficult_a as_o i_o find_v it_o to_o brook_v that_o doctrine_n as_o they_o seem_v to_o understand_v it_o that_o more_o modest_a say_n of_o he_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o tusculan_a question_n have_v without_o doubt_n not_o a_o little_a of_o truth_n in_o it_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a comparable_a to_o that_o of_o sin_n hierocles_n a_o sober_a philosopher_n comparandum_fw-la and_o very_o free_a from_o the_o high-flown_a humour_n and_o rant_a genius_n of_o the_o stoic_n though_o he_o will_v allow_v that_o other_o thing_n beside_o sin_n may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o grievous_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v bear_v yet_o he_o will_v admit_v nothing_o beside_o this_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d true_o evil_a and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o viz._n because_o that_o certain_a circumstance_n may_v make_v other_o thing_n good_a that_o have_v the_o repute_n of_o evil_n but_o none_o can_v make_v this_o so_o he_o say_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d well_o can_v never_o be_v join_v with_o any_o vice_n but_o so_o may_v it_o with_o every_o thing_n beside_o as_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o say_v concern_v such_o or_o such_o a_o person_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v well_o disease_a he_o be_v well_o poor_a that_o be_v he_o be_v both_o these_o to_o good_a purpose_n behave_v himself_o in_o his_o sickness_n and_o poverty_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o proceed_v he_o it_o can_v never_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n he_o do_v injury_n well_o or_o he_o be_v right_o and_o as_o become_v he_o intemperate_a now_o that_o wickedness_n be_v the_o great_a of_o evil_n be_v
on_o man_n will_n to_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o subdue_v their_o lust_n and_o to_o acquire_v virtuous_a habit_n yet_o this_o grace_n be_v not_o such_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o refuse_v or_o quench_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o fit_v it_o shall_v see_v mankind_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o principle_n of_o freedom_n and_o that_o this_o principle_n be_v as_o essential_a as_o any_o other_o to_o the_o humane_a nature_n i_o will_v add_v that_o this_o be_v one_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o unsuccessfulness_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v attribute_v namely_o man_n strange_a and_o unaccountable_a mistake_v the_o design_n of_o it_o multitude_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v christianity_n be_v so_o gross_o inconsiderate_a not_o to_o say_v worse_o as_o to_o conceive_v no_o better_o of_o it_o than_o as_o a_o science_n and_o a_o matter_n of_o speculation_n and_o take_v themselves_o though_o against_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o contrary_a imaginable_a for_o true_a and_o genuine_a christian_n either_o because_o they_o have_v a_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o profess_v themselves_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o contradistinction_n from_o jew_n mahometan_n and_o pagan_n and_o in_o and_o through_o he_o alone_o expect_v salvation_n or_o because_o they_o have_v so_o far_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o talk_v and_o dispute_v and_o to_o make_v themselves_o pass_v for_o know_v people_n or_o because_o they_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o that_o party_n of_o christian_n which_o they_o presume_v be_v of_o the_o pure_a and_o most_o reform_a model_n and_o be_v zealous_a stickler_n for_o their_o peculiar_a form_n and_o discriminate_a sentiment_n and_o as_o stiff_a opposer_n of_o all_o other_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o they_o now_o the_o gospel_n must_v necessary_o be_v as_o ineffectual_a to_o the_o rectify_v of_o such_o man_n mind_n and_o reformation_n of_o their_o manner_n while_o they_o have_v so_o wretched_o too_o low_a a_o opinion_n of_o its_o design_n as_o if_o it_o real_o have_v no_o better_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o its_o main_a intention_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v they_o orthodox_n not_o virtuous_a it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v ever_o the_o more_o holy_a nay_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o they_o will_v be_v in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o the_o more_o unholy_a for_o their_o christianity_n and_o last_o there_o be_v several_a untoward_a opinion_n very_o unhappy_o instill_v into_o professor_n of_o christianity_n which_o render_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o retain_v a_o belief_n of_o insignificant_a and_o unsuccessful_a as_o to_o the_o better_n either_o of_o their_o heart_n or_o life_n as_o infinite_o apt_a and_o of_o as_o mighty_a efficacy_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o for_o those_o great_a purpose_n 2._o second_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v also_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o heathen_n live_v in_o diverse_a respect_n better_a life_n than_o do_v multitude_n and_o even_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v christianity_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v difficult_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n how_o this_o may_v be_v without_o disparage_v our_o excellent_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v that_o those_o people_n shall_v be_v even_o much_o the_o worse_o for_o it_o that_o refuse_v to_o be_v better_v by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o old_a maxim_n that_o corruptio_fw-la optimi_fw-la est_fw-la pessima_fw-la the_o best_a thing_n be_v spoil_v do_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o very_o worst_a and_o according_a to_o this_o nothing_o less_o be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o than_o that_o degenerate_v christian_n shall_v be_v the_o vile_a of_o all_o person_n and_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o the_o best_a thing_n when_o abuse_v do_v ordinary_o serve_v to_o the_o worst_a purpose_n of_o which_o there_o may_v be_v give_v innumerable_a instance_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o present_a case_n s._n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o he_o 16._o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v a_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n as_o well_o as_o of_o life_n unto_o life_n and_o our_o saviour_n give_v the_o pharisee_n to_o understand_v that_o for_o judgement_n he_o be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o those_o that_o see_v not_o 39_o may_v see_v and_o that_o those_o that_o see_v may_v be_v make_v blind_a that_o be_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o certain_a consequent_a of_o his_o come_n not_o only_o that_o poor_a ignorant_a creature_n shall_v be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n but_o also_o that_o those_o which_o have_v the_o light_n and_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o shall_v be_v judicial_o blind_v and_o the_o forementioned_a apostle_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n say_v of_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v any_o good_a effect_n upon_o they_o through_o their_o close_a adhere_n to_o their_o filthy_a lust_n that_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o the_o most_o unnatural_a villainy_n permit_v they_o to_o commit_v they_o by_o withhold_v all_o restraint_n from_o they_o and_o likewise_o give_v they_o over_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n so_o that_o from_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n it_o be_v i_o say_v to_o be_v expect_v that_o deprave_a christian_n shall_v be_v the_o most_o wicked_a of_o all_o people_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v so_o many_o of_o they_o very_o horrible_o profane_a that_o it_o be_v rather_o so_o that_o all_o those_o which_o have_v for_o any_o considerable_a time_n live_v under_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o continue_v disobedient_a to_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v such_o in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v degenerate_v christian_n make_v in_o this_o kind_n most_o fearful_a example_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n and_o so_o utter_o forsake_v of_o god_n that_o they_o become_v if_o we_o may_v believe_v irenaeus_n tertullian_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n not_o one_o whit_n better_o than_o incarnate_a devil_n nor_o be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o those_o day_n and_o but_o rare_o since_o such_o abominable_a and_o most_o execrable_a caytiff_n as_o they_o be_v i_o have_v sometime_o admire_v that_o humane_a nature_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o monstrous_a depravation_n as_o several_a story_n record_v of_o they_o do_v bespeak_v they_o to_o have_v contract_v but_o 3._o three_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o judge_v of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o make_v man_n holy_a by_o its_o success_n herein_o let_v we_o cast_v our_o eye_n back_o upon_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o concern_v it_o though_o we_o shall_v understand_v no_o more_o of_o christianity_n than_o the_o effect_n it_o produce_v in_o those_o day_n for_o though_o there_o be_v then_o a_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o sometime_o call_v themselves_o christian_n that_o be_v as_o be_v now_o say_v the_o most_o desperate_o wicked_a creature_n that_o ever_o the_o earth_n bare_a yet_o these_o be_v esteem_v by_o all_o other_o that_o be_v know_v by_o that_o name_n as_o no_o whit_n more_o of_o their_o number_n than_o the_o pagan_n and_o jew_n that_o defy_v christ._n and_o their_o religion_n be_v a_o motley_n thing_n that_o consist_v of_o christianity_n judaism_n and_o paganism_n all_o blend_v together_o and_o therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o mere_a profession_n they_o can_v be_v no_o more_o true_o call_v christian_n than_o jew_n or_o pagan_n or_o rather_o to_o speak_v proper_o they_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o but_o will_v sometime_o comply_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o at_o other_o time_n with_o the_o heathen_n and_o join_v ready_o with_o both_o in_o persecute_v the_o christian_n and_o in_o short_a the_o samaritan_n might_n with_o less_o impropriety_n be_v call_v jew_n than_o these_o gnostics_n christian_n it_o be_v also_o confess_v that_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n be_v calumniate_v by_o the_o heathen_n as_o flat_a atheist_n but_o their_o only_a pretence_n for_o so_o do_v be_v their_o refuse_v to_o worship_v their_o false_a go_n and_o they_o likewise_o accuse_v they_o of_o the_o beastly_a and_o most_o horrid_a practice_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o gnostic_n for_o those_o accusation_n who_o be_v account_v christian_n do_v by_o their_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o
that_o all_o that_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o like_a s._n paul_n exhort_v timothy_n first_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o himself_o and_o 16._o then_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o former_a advice_n be_v of_o no_o whit_n less_o necessity_n and_o importance_n than_o be_v the_o latter_a for_o as_o woeful_a experience_n assure_v we_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o careless_a and_o loose_a life_n let_v his_o part_n and_o ability_n in_o preach_v be_v never_o so_o great_a nay_o though_o he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o never_o so_o faithful_o in_o the_o pulpit_n and_o be_v zealous_a against_o the_o very_a vice_n he_o himself_o be_v guilty_a of_o which_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a if_o he_o shall_v must_v needs_o do_v more_o hurt_v incomparable_o than_o he_o can_v do_v good_a and_o though_o as_o some_o of_o they_o will_v tell_v they_o it_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n to_o do_v as_o they_o say_v and_o not_o as_o they_o do_v yet_o be_v there_o nothing_o more_o impossible_a than_o to_o teach_v they_o effectual_o that_o lesson_n mankind_n as_o we_o have_v before_o occasion_n to_o show_v be_v mighty_o addict_v to_o imitation_n and_o example_n especial_o those_o of_o governor_n and_o teacher_n have_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o people_n ordinary_o than_o have_v instruction_n but_o chief_o bad_a example_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o natural_a proneness_n to_o vice_n than_o good_a instruction_n have_v not_o the_o apostle_n express_v as_o great_a a_o care_n of_o what_o they_o do_v as_o of_o what_o they_o say_v how_o they_o live_v as_o how_o they_o preach_v christianity_n will_v without_o doubt_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o prevail_v and_o get_v ground_n as_o it_o have_v do_v that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v long_o survive_v its_o bless_a author_n if_o it_o have_v not_o bid_v adive_o to_o the_o world_n with_o he_o most_o man_n do_v what_o we_o can_v will_v judge_v of_o our_o sermon_n by_o our_o conversation_n and_o if_o they_o see_v these_o bad_a they_o will_v not_o think_v those_o good_a nor_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o practicable_a see_v they_o have_v no_o better_a effect_n upon_o those_o that_o preach_v they_o and_o beside_o no_o man_n will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o press_v those_o duty_n upon_o other_o which_o he_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o perform_v himself_o nay_o every_o man_n judgement_n in_o divine_a thing_n may_v warrantable_o be_v suspect_v that_o be_v of_o a_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a life_n and_o those_o that_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o doctrine_n may_v not_o be_v blame_v if_o they_o question_v their_o minister_n orthodoxy_n while_o they_o observe_v in_o he_o any_o kind_n of_o immorality_n and_o see_v that_o he_o live_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o any_o one_o lust._n for_o the_o promise_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v make_v only_o to_o such_o as_o continue_v in_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d word_n that_o be_v that_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o precept_n and_o i_o add_v that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v talk_v of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v like_a to_o prevail_v very_o little_a upon_o his_o auditor_n or_o to_o be_v at_o all_o heed_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o while_o they_o consider_v that_o the_o preacher_n have_v a_o soul_n to_o save_v as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o love_n that_o they_o bear_v to_o their_o lust_n with_o the_o devil_n help_n will_v easy_o persuade_v they_o that_o either_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o mere_a siction_n or_o else_o that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v obtain_v and_o the_o other_o escape_v upon_o far_o easy_a term_n than_o he_o talk_v of_o but_o as_o for_o those_o few_o in_o who_o the_o sense_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n have_v make_v so_o deep_a a_o impression_n as_o that_o they_o have_v never_o the_o slight_a opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o minister_n wicked_a example_n the_o prejudice_n that_o they_o can_v but_o conceive_v against_o he_o render_v his_o discourse_n insipid_a and_o unaffecting_a to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o ordinary_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o he_o and_o at_o length_n quite_o forsake_v he_o and_o then_o if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o understanding_n as_o well_o mean_v people_n be_v too_o easy_o draw_v away_o from_o all_o other_o church_n when_o they_o have_v leave_v their_o own_o and_o become_v a_o prey_n to_o some_o demure_a and_o fair_o pretend_v sectary_n and_o i_o be_o very_o certain_a from_o my_o own_o observation_n that_o no_o one_o thing_n have_v so_o conduce_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n and_o do_v the_o separate_a party_n so_o much_o service_n as_o the_o scandalous_a life_n of_o some_o that_o exercise_v the_o ministerial_a function_n in_o she_o the_o late_a excellent_a bishop_n of_o down_n and_o connar_n have_v this_o memorable_a passage_n in_o a_o sermon_n he_o preach_v to_o the_o university_n at_o dublin_n if_o you_o become_v burn_v &_o shine_a light_n if_o you_o do_v not_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n if_o you_o walk_v in_o light_n and_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n your_o doctrine_n will_v be_v true_a and_o that_o truth_n will_v prevail_v but_o if_o you_o live_v wicked_o &_o scandalous_o every_o little_a schismalick_n will_v put_v you_o to_o shame_n &_o draw_v disciple_n after_o he_o and_o abuse_v your_o flock_n and_o feed_v they_o with_o coloâ—…ynths_n and_o hemlock_n and_o place_n heresy_n in_o the_o chair_n appoint_v for_o your_o religion_n but_o to_o hasten_v to_o the_o dispatch_n of_o this_o unpleasant_a topick_n wicked_a minister_n be_v of_o all_o other_o ill-liver_n the_o most_o scandalous_a for_o they_o lie_v the_o great_a stumble_a block_n of_o any_o whatsoever_o before_o man_n soul_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n may_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v apply_v to_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o will_v neither_o enter_v into_o heaven_n themselves_o nor_o yet_o suffer_v they_o that_o be_v enter_v to_o go_v in_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o save_v themselves_o and_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o but_o i_o will_v to_o god_n such_o will_v well_o lay_v to_o heart_n those_o sad_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 17._o 1_o 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n will_v come_v but_o woe_n unto_o he_o through_o who_o they_o come_v it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o he_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n etc._n etc._n and_o those_o word_n be_v not_o more_o effectual_a to_o scare_v they_o than_o be_v these_o follow_v of_o a_o heathen_a viz._n tully_n concern_v vicious_a philosopher_n to_o shame_v they_o into_o a_o better_a life_n say_v he_o in_o his_o tusculan_a question_n the_o second_o book_n quotusquisque_fw-la philosophorunâ—…_n invenitur_fw-la qui_fw-la sit_fw-la ita_fw-la moratus_fw-la etc._n etc._n what_o one_o of_o many_o philosopher_n be_v there_o who_o so_o behave_v himself_o and_o be_v of_o such_o a_o mind_n and_o life_n as_o reason_n require_v which_o account_v his_o doctrine_n not_o a_o boast_n of_o science_n but_o a_o law_n of_o life_n which_o obey_v himself_o and_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o own_o precept_n we_o may_v see_v some_o so_o light_a and_o vain_a that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a and_o never_o to_o have_v learn_v d_o any_o thing_n other_o so_o covetous_a of_o money_n thirsty_a of_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o many_o such_o slave_n to_o their_o lust_n ut_fw-la cum_fw-la eorum_fw-la vitâ_fw-la mirabiliter_fw-la pugnet_fw-la oratio_fw-la that_o their_o life_n do_v marvellous_o contradict_v their_o doctrine_n quod_fw-la quidem_fw-la mihi_fw-la videtur_fw-la esse_fw-la turpissimum_fw-la etc._n etc._n which_o to_o i_o seem_v the_o most_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a of_o all_o thing_n for_o as_o he_o which_o profess_v himself_o a_o grammarian_n speak_v barbarous_o and_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v account_v a_o musician_n sing_v scurvy_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o shame-worthy_a for_o his_o be_v defective_a in_o that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o skill_n of_o which_o he_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o so_o a_o philosopher_n in_o ratione_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la peccans_fw-la miscarry_v in_o his_o manner_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o base_a and_o more_o wretched_a creature_n that_o in_o the_o office_n of_o which_o he_o will_v needs_o be_v a_o master_n he_o do_v amiss_o artemque_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la professus_fw-la delinquit_fw-la in_o vitâ_fw-la and_o prosess_v the_o art_n of_o well-living_a or_o of_o teach_v other_o to_o live_v well_o be_v faulty_a and_o miscarry_v in_o his_o own_o life_n can_v this_o excellent_a heathen_a thus_o inveigh_v against_o wicked_a philosopher_n what_o satire_n can_v be_v tart_a and_o
plot_n to_o get_v himself_o some_o external_n hallelujah_n as_o if_o he_o have_v so_o ardent_o thirst_v after_o the_o laud_n of_o glorify_a spirit_n or_o desire_v a_o choir_n of_o soul_n to_o sing_v forth_o his_o praise_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o let_v the_o world_n see_v how_o magnificent_a he_o be_v no_o it_o be_v his_o own_o internal_a glory_n that_o he_o most_o love_v and_o the_o communication_n thereof_o which_o he_o seek_v as_o plato_n sometime_o speak_v of_o the_o divine_a love_n it_o arise_v not_o out_o of_o indigency_n as_o create_v love_n do_v but_o out_o of_o fullness_n and_o redundancy_n it_o be_v a_o overflow_a fountain_n and_o that_o love_v which_o descend_v upon_o create_v being_n be_v a_o free_a efflux_n from_o the_o almighty_a source_n of_o love_n and_o it_o be_v well-pleasing_a to_o he_o that_o those_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v make_v shall_v partake_v of_o it_o though_o god_n can_v seek_v his_o own_o glory_n so_o as_o if_o he_o may_v acquire_v any_o addition_n to_o himself_o yet_o 5._o he_o may_v seek_v it_o so_o as_o to_o communicate_v it_o out_o of_o himself_o it_o be_v a_o good_a maxim_n of_o plato_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v no_o envy_n in_o god_n which_o be_v better_o state_v by_o st._n james_n god_n give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o by_o that_o glory_n of_o he_o which_o he_o love_v to_o impart_v to_o his_o creature_n i_o understand_v those_o stamp_n and_o impression_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n patience_z mercy_n love_n peace_n joy_n and_o other_o divine_a gift_n which_o he_o bestow_v free_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o god_n triumph_v in_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o communiâ—…ion_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v what_o useful_a inference_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o our_o past_a discourse_n sect_n iii_o a_o improvement_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n in_o diverse_a inference_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o first_o inference_n that_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o past_a discourse_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n for_o the_o purpose_n of_o subdue_a sin_n in_o we_o and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n where_o it_o be_v particular_o show_v that_o the_o gospel_n give_v advantage_n infinite_o above_o any_o those_o the_o heathen_n have_v who_o be_v privilege_v with_o extraordinary_a help_n for_o the_o improvement_n of_o themselves_o and_o 1._o that_o the_o good_a principle_n that_o be_v by_o natural_a light_n dictate_v to_o they_o and_o which_o reason_n right_o improve_v persuade_v they_o to_o entertain_v as_o undoubted_o true_a or_o may_v have_v do_v be_v far_o confirm_v by_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o those_o principle_n which_o the_o heathen_n by_o the_o high_a improvement_n of_o their_o reason_n can_v at_o best_a conclude_v but_o very_o probable_a the_o gospel_n give_v we_o a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o this_o show_v in_o four_o instance_n 3._o four_o doctrine_n show_v to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o no_o man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a revelation_n can_v ever_o once_o have_v think_v of_o that_o contain_v wonderful_a inducement_n and_o help_v to_o holiness_n the_o first_o of_o which_o have_v five_o more_o employ_v in_o it_o first_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o our_o saviour_n grand_a design_n upon_o we_o in_o come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o subdue_v sin_n in_o we_o and_o restore_v the_o image_n of_o god_n that_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n to_o we_o that_o he_o have_v take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n imaginable_a for_o that_o purpose_n and_o that_o his_o gospel_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a engine_n for_o the_o batter_a down_o of_o all_o the_o strong_a hold_v that_o sin_n have_v raise_v to_o itself_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o we_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o sanctity_n that_o be_v to_o be_v arrive_v at_o by_o humane_a nature_n this_o as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v the_o business_n that_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n design_v to_o effect_n but_o alas_o what_o a_o weak_a and_o inefficacious_a thing_n be_v it_o in_o comparison_n of_o christ_n gospel_n wherein_o we_o have_v such_o excellent_a and_o soul-enobling_a precept_n most_o perspicuous_o deliver_v and_o moreover_o such_o mighty_a help_v afford_v to_o enable_v we_o and_o such_o infinite_o press_v motive_n and_o argument_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o we_o particular_o show_v what_o exceed_v great_a advantage_n christian_n have_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o the_o sublimest_n degree_n of_o it_o too_o in_o this_o state_n attainable_a above_o any_o that_o be_v ever_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o divine_a providence_n before_o our_o saviour_n descent_n into_o it_o and_o not_o to_o make_v a_o formal_a comparison_n between_o the_o christian_a and_o best_a pagan-philosophy_n this_o not_o deserve_v upon_o innumerable_a account_n to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o name_v with_o that_o &_o much_o less_o to_o dishonour_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o far_o as_o at_o all_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o any_o of_o those_o which_o be_v profess_v by_o heathenish_a nation_n or_o that_o of_o the_o impostor_n mahomet_n which_o as_o well_o as_o those_o in_o not_o a_o few_o particular_n tend_v great_o even_o to_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v man_n nature_n we_o will_v discourse_v according_a to_o our_o accustom_a brevity_n first_o what_o advantage_n the_o gospel_n give_v we_o above_o those_o which_o such_o heathen_n as_o be_v privilege_v with_o extraordinary_a help_n for_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o understanding_n have_v and_o second_o above_o those_o which_o god_n most_o peculiar_a people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v favour_v with_o first_o as_o for_o those_o the_o gospel_n contain_v above_o such_o as_o the_o best_a and_o most_o refine_a heathen_n enjoy_v it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o consider_v first_o that_o the_o good_a principle_n that_o be_v by_o natural_a light_n dictate_v to_o they_o and_o which_o reason_n right_o improve_v do_v persuade_v they_o to_o entertain_v as_o undoubted_o true_a or_o may_v have_v do_v be_v far_o confirm_v by_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o we_o as_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o absolutely-perfect_a be_v infinite_o powerful_a wise_a just_a merciful_a etc._n etc._n that_o we_o owe_v our_o life_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n to_o who_o absolute_a subjection_n be_v indispensable_o due_a that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v love_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o main_a and_o most_o important_a particular_a duty_n which_o it_o become_v we_o to_o perform_v to_o he_o our_o neighbour_n and_o self_n we_o christian_n have_v these_o thing_n as_o plain_o declare_v from_o heaven_n to_o we_o and_o as_o often_o repeat_v and_o inculcate_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o that_o of_o revelation_n so_o that_o as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o free_a discourse_n pag._n 88_o what_o the_o heathen_n take_v pain_n for_o and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o reason_n learn_v we_o have_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n and_o need_v but_o read_v it_o in_o order_n to_o our_o knowledge_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a for_o our_o satisfaction_n whether_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o have_v god_n for_o their_o author_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o employ_v our_o reason_n except_o we_o can_v be_v content_v to_o be_v of_o so_o very_o hasty_a and_o easy_a a_o belief_n as_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o thing_n and_o those_o of_o great_a concernment_n too_o we_o know_v not_o why_o or_o to_o pin_v our_o faith_n on_o our_o forefather_n sleeve_n and_o so_o to_o have_v no_o better_a bottom_n for_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n than_o the_o turk_n have_v for_o they_o of_o the_o alcoran_n but_o although_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v exercise_v here_o our_o discursive_a faculty_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v as_o become_v creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o tedious_a task_n nor_o such_o as_o we_o need_v much_o belabour_v our_o brain_n about_o a_o unprejudiced_a person_n will_v soon_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o scripture_n divine_a authority_n when_o he_o do_v but_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v confirm_v and_o how_o worthy_a the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v of_o he_o who_o name_n it_o bear_v now_o i_o say_v this_o little_a pain_n be_v take_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o can_v but_o be_v at_o
the_o first_o sight_n assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o content_n of_o it_o for_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v in_o the_o least_o question_n the_o veracity_n of_o he_o who_o even_o natural_a light_n assure_v we_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o truth_n itself_o second_o those_o good_a principle_n that_o the_o heathen_n by_o the_o great_a improvement_n of_o their_o reason_n can_v at_o best_a conclude_v but_o very_o probable_a be_v make_v undoubted_o certain_a to_o we_o christian_n by_o revelation_n as_o first_o that_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o heathen_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v by_o tradition_n hand_v down_o to_o they_o it_o be_v confess_v do_v not_o seem_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n but_o to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v which_o no_o question_n be_v also_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o not_o mere_o to_o their_o credulity_n but_o the_o more_o learned_a and_o sagacious_a that_o will_v not_o easy_o be_v impose_v on_o nor_o believe_v any_o far_a than_o they_o see_v cause_n though_o by_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v true_o conceive_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a soul_n they_o have_v diverse_a of_o they_o undertake_v to_o prove_v they_o immortal_a yet_o can_v their_o argument_n raise_v the_o best_a of_o they_o no_o high_a than_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o immortality_n cato_n read_v plato_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o he_o lie_v bleed_v to_o death_n with_o great_a delight_n but_o that_o argue_v not_o that_o he_o have_v any_o more_o than_o great_a hope_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o socrates_n do_v so_o believe_v it_o that_o he_o part_v with_o this_o life_n in_o expectation_n of_o another_o but_o yet_o he_o plain_o and_o ingenuous_o confess_v to_o his_o friend_n that_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a cicero_n that_o sometime_o express_v great_a confidence_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n speak_v so_o of_o it_o that_o any_o one_o may_v see_v that_o he_o think_v the_o doctrine_n no_o better_a than_o probable_a he_o discourse_v of_o it_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr senectute_n as_o that_o which_o he_o rather_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o think_v may_v be_v false_a than_o as_o that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o and_o after_o he_o have_v there_o instance_a in_o several_a argument_n which_o he_o think_v have_v weight_n in_o they_o for_o the_o proof_n thereof_o and_o express_v a_o longing_n to_o see_v his_o ancestor_n and_o the_o brave_a man_n he_o have_v once_o know_v and_o which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o read_v and_o write_v of_o he_o thus_o conclude_v that_o whole_a discourse_n if_o i_o err_v in_o etc._n believe_v the_o soul_n immortality_n i_o err_v willing_o neither_o so_o long_o as_o i_o live_v will_v i_o suffer_v this_o error_n which_o so_o much_o delight_v i_o to_o be_v wrest_v from_o i_o but_o if_o when_o i_o be_o dead_a i_o shall_v be_v void_a of_o all_o sense_n as_o certain_a little_a philosopher_n think_v i_o do_v not_o fear_v to_o have_v this_o error_n of_o i_o laugh_v at_o by_o dead_a philosopher_n but_o now_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v we_o the_o high_a assurance_n possible_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v say_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o light_v by_o it_o he_o who_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n give_v man_n a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o person_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o both_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v also_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o work_v the_o great_a of_o miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v do_v very_o frequent_o and_o most_o plain_o preach_v it_o second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o with_o the_o former_a according_a to_o our_o behaviour_n in_o this_o life_n the_o learned_a heathen_n do_v general_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o which_o they_o ground_v upon_o the_o justice_n holiness_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n they_o consider_v that_o good_a man_n be_v often_o exercise_v with_o great_a calamity_n and_o that_o bad_a man_n very_o frequent_o be_v great_o prosperous_a and_o abound_v with_o all_o earthly_a felicity_n and_o therefore_o think_v it_o very_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v in_o another_o life_n show_v his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o love_n of_o goodness_n by_o make_v a_o plain_a discrimination_n between_o the_o condition_n of_o virtuous_a and_o wicked_a person_n by_o punish_v these_o and_o reward_v those_o without_o exception_n but_o this_o though_o it_o be_v in_o their_o opinion_n a_o very_a probable_a argument_n yet_o they_o look_v not_o on_o it_o as_o that_o which_o amount_v to_o a_o demonstration_n for_o they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v aware_a that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o general_o receive_v by_o they_o viz._n that_o virtue_n be_v in_o all_o condition_n a_o reward_n and_o vice_n a_o punishment_n to_o itself_o do_v very_o much_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o it_o and_o that_o other_o very_a harsh_a one_o that_o all_o thing_n beside_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a do_v render_v it_o as_o the_o perfect_a stoic_n do_v seem_v too_o well_o to_o understand_v too_o too_o insignificant_a but_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o hierocles_n who_o as_o have_v be_v say_v do_v not_o admit_v that_o notion_n but_o in_o a_o very_a qualify_a sense_n say_v of_o those_o that_o think_v their_o soul_n mortal_a and_o consequent_o that_o virtue_n will_v hereafter_o have_v no_o reward_n that_o when_o they_o dispute_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o virtue_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o rather_o talk_v witty_o than_o true_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n the_o excellent_a socrute_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o drink_v off_o the_o fatal_a drug_n thus_o say_v to_o those_o that_o be_v then_o present_a with_o he_o i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o end_v my_o day_n whereas_o your_o life_n will_v be_v prolong_v but_o whether_o you_o or_o i_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v the_o more_o happy_a be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n only_o intimate_v that_o he_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o absolute_o certain_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v any_o reward_n in_o another_o world_n for_o do_v so_o heroical_o virtuous_a a_o act_n as_o choose_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o now_o what_o be_v more_o frequent_o or_o clear_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o there_o will_v be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v suitable_a to_o man_n action_n in_o this_o world_n than_o that_o christ_n will_v come_v a_o second_o time_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o all_o must_v appear_v before_o his_o judgment-seat_n to_o receive_v according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a 2_o cor._n 5._o 10._o three_o that_o man_n sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v upon_o true_a repentance_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_n be_v likewise_o persuade_v or_o rather_o hope_v but_o we_o christian_n have_v the_o strong_a assurance_n imaginable_a give_v we_o of_o it_o by_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o often_o reiterated_a promise_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o not_o only_o that_o some_o or_o most_o but_o also_o that_o all_o without_o exception_n and_o the_o most_o heinous_a impiety_n upon_o condition_n of_o their_o be_v sincere_o forsake_v shall_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n be_v free_o forgive_v to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o they_o four_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n readiness_n to_o assist_v man_n by_o his_o special_a grace_n in_o their_o endeavour_n after_o virtue_n can_v be_v no_o more_o at_o the_o best_a than_o probable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o heathen_n but_o we_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o most_o express_a promise_n thereof_o make_v to_o we_o for_o our_o infinite_o great_a encouragement_n tully_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr naturâ_fw-la deorum_fw-la say_v that_o their_o city_n rome_n and_o greece_n have_v bring_v forth_o many_o singular_a man_n of_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v none_o arrive_v to_o such_o a_o height_n nisi_fw-la deo_fw-la juvante_fw-la but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n and_o after_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o nemo_fw-la vir_fw-la magnus_fw-la sine_fw-la aliquo_fw-la afflatu_fw-la divino_fw-la unquam_fw-la fuit_fw-la no_o excellent_a man_n be_v ever_o make_v so_o