indeed_o to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o that_o mistake_n that_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o real_a power_n of_o it_o but_o alas_o where_o truth_n be_v profess_v without_o the_o mixture_n of_o any_o doctrinal_a error_n of_o this_o kind_n there_o be_v still_o too_o much_o room_n leave_v for_o this_o practical_a error_n of_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o whilst_o some_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o sin_n by_o error_n do_v not_o other_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n hope_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v overlook_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o opposition_n to_o those_o error_n and_o the_o profess_v and_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o clear_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o a_o necessity_n of_o actual_a reformation_n in_o order_n to_o god_n pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o we_o disclaim_v all_o manner_n of_o way_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o effectual_a repentance_n and_o a_o thorough_a change_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n but_o my_o brethren_n let_v we_o lay_v one_o particular_a serious_o to_o heart_n under_o this_o general_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o our_o very_a profession_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o the_o natural_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o it_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v not_o that_o holy_a life_n which_o be_v necessary_a and_o if_o the_o unavoidableness_n of_o profess_v some_o religion_n and_o the_o desire_n we_o have_v to_o keep_v our_o sin_n too_o work_v this_o way_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o make_v we_o trust_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o profession_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o one_o error_n as_o pernicious_a if_o we_o continue_v in_o it_o as_o if_o a_o thousand_o more_o be_v add_v to_o it_o i_o say_v if_o we_o continue_v in_o it_o for_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n of_o a_o true_a and_o pure_a profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o whosoever_o make_v it_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o sense_n something_o different_a he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n there_o be_v less_o to_o do_v to_o recover_v he_o to_o repentance_n no_o false_a principle_n be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v it_o he_o lie_v open_a to_o exhortation_n and_o persuasion_n and_o every_o serious_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n smite_v his_o very_a conscience_n he_o feel_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o there_o be_v that_o within_o he_o which_o confess_v it_o all_o and_o will_v not_o easy_o let_v he_o be_v quiet_a till_o it_o have_v make_v he_o a_o new_a man_n but_o to_o proceed_v 3._o in_o some_o person_n a_o dishonourable_a opinion_n of_o god_n may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o expect_v his_o reward_n without_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o purity_n and_o charity_n i_o fear_v there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o confession_n of_o his_o name_n with_o prayer_n and_o thansgiving_n and_o other_o holy_a office_n of_o religion_n that_o by_o these_o thing_n man_n may_v give_v he_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o hear_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o work_n applaud_v by_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v perform_v they_o have_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o his_o thanks_o and_o favour_n but_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o have_v but_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o seem_v to_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o who_o perhaps_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o take_v great_a delight_n in_o our_o own_o praise_n and_o love_n to_o be_v flatter_v into_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o if_o we_o believe_v worthy_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v say_v that_o because_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a therefore_o he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o expect_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o we_o to_o be_v confess_v and_o adore_v not_o that_o he_o need_v we_o or_o be_v take_v with_o our_o commendation_n of_o he_o but_o because_o it_o be_v infinite_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a and_o equitable_a that_o we_o shall_v thus_o worship_v he_o and_o because_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n also_o of_o form_v our_o mind_n and_o action_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o what_o god_n be_v and_o of_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v mistake_v if_o we_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v behold_v to_o we_o for_o keep_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n or_o that_o some_o great_a interest_n of_o he_o be_v serve_v when_o religion_n get_v ground_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o there_o will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o to_o speak_v his_o praise_n and_o to_o celebrate_v his_o goodness_n and_o his_o greatness_n as_o if_o he_o be_v like_o some_o one_o of_o those_o great_a man_n who_o if_o they_o have_v flatterer_n enough_o and_o can_v make_v other_o seem_v to_o honour_v they_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n be_v very_o well_o please_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o send_v into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o ostentation_n of_o his_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o honour_n it_o be_v indeed_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o honour_v he_o before_o all_o the_o world_n with_o all_o expression_n of_o gratitude_n and_o humble_a reverence_n and_o we_o be_v most_o inexcusable_a and_o wretched_a creature_n if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o but_o the_o end_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v to_o turn_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o make_v we_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o so_o far_o as_o this_o design_n take_v so_o far_o he_o approve_v of_o we_o otherwise_o he_o have_v plain_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v from_o he_o even_o that_o sentence_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o 4._o the_o conceit_n and_o expectation_n of_o some_o unpromise_v mercy_n of_o god_n must_v necessary_o be_v one_o ingredient_n into_o the_o presumption_n oâ—_n those_o man_n that_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n be_v so_o undeniable_o plain_a that_o a_o man_n of_o sense_n who_o believe_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n can_v have_v no_o ease_n under_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o god_n will_v or_o may_v at_o least_o abate_v something_o of_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o threaten_a and_o accept_v of_o less_o perhaps_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n of_o less_o i_o say_v than_o he_o have_v require_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o confidence_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v say_v lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v and_o support_v his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n and_o expostulate_v now_o with_o he_o as_o if_o they_o always_o have_v some_o secret_a hope_n this_o will_v at_o last_o be_v accept_v though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o beforehand_o but_o to_o prevent_v this_o presumption_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v beforehand_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n which_o plain_a deal_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o that_o threaten_v punishment_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o take_v punishment_n but_o intend_v to_o prevent_v the_o fault_n yet_o when_o god_n threaten_v for_o this_o end_n and_o add_v moreover_o declaration_n upon_o the_o threaten_v that_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o prevent_v it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o he_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_v spare_v for_o all_o that_o to_o conclude_v let_v we_o serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o most_o concern_v question_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o that_o can_v say_v i_o be_v by_o my_o natural_a temper_n and_o inclination_n thus_o and_o thus_o but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v i_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o
endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n whether_o enjoin_v the_o duty_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o or_o promise_v those_o benefit_n and_o reward_n in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o life_n which_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o this_o very_a promise_n we_o have_v again_o repeat_v prov._n 3.32_o his_o secret_a be_v with_o the_o righteous_a it_o have_v be_v enough_o if_o god_n have_v pass_v his_o but_o once_o but_o since_o he_o have_v so_o often_o repeat_v it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v bless_v with_o a_o better_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o other_o in_o john_n 8._o the_o like_a promise_n be_v make_v and_o the_o like_a condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v be_v annex_v ver_fw-la 12._o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n shall_v know_v all_o thing_n requisite_a to_o life_n eternal_a ver_fw-la 32._o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n ver_fw-la 33._o that_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n and_o john_n 14.21_o i_o will_v love_v and_o manifest_v myself_o to_o every_o one_o that_o love_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a promise_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o other_o ground_n we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 111._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v the_o best_a most_o auspicious_a entrance_n upon_o it_o and_o they_o that_o do_v thereafter_o have_v a_o good_a understanding_n have_v good_a security_n that_o they_o can_v fail_v of_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a from_o all_o these_o promise_v we_o may_v be_v most_o assure_v that_o every_o man_n follow_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o fail_v of_o so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o will_v secure_v his_o eternal_a life_n and_o even_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o observe_v this_o rule_n if_o any_o of_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o some_o angel_n attend_v we_o constant_o observe_v all_o our_o action_n insinuate_v good_a counsel_n and_o exciting_a good_a thought_n when_o our_o passion_n grow_v wild_a and_o we_o be_v on_o the_o brink_n of_o sin_n it_o will_v infuse_v a_o great_a regard_n of_o all_o we_o do_v into_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v reckon_v ourselves_o happy_a man_n certain_o it_o be_v more_o happy_a to_o be_v under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o to_o have_v he_o who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o open_n our_o ear_n and_o seal_v instruction_n to_o we_o blessing_n our_o search_n into_o holy_a thing_n and_o accompany_v our_o meditation_n with_o a_o ready_a and_o prosperous_a apprehension_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o do_v god_n will_n because_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o be_v not_o slack_a in_o his_o promise_n but_o this_o advantage_n will_v appear_v so_o much_o the_o great_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o deliver_v up_o wicked_a man_n to_o darkness_n of_o understanding_n and_o have_v threaten_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o st._n paul_n show_v plain_o rom._n 1._o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o they_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o do_v not_o glorify_v god_n with_o that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o they_o first_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v ver_fw-la 21._o so_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o a_o reprobate_n i._n e._n a_o undiscerning_a mind_n which_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o god_n will_v deal_v so_o with_o we_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o by_o our_o work_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v though_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a warning_n in_o the_o threaten_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n rev._n 2._o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n their_o candlestick_n be_v remove_v and_o now_o they_o be_v in_o turkish_a darkness_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o ephesus_n be_v fulfil_v but_o why_o i_o beseech_v you_o shall_v that_o admonition_n be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o threaten_n there_o denounce_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n as_o well_o as_o of_o asia_n and_o to_o england_n as_o well_o as_o to_o ephesus_n and_o see_v every_o one_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o hear_v therefore_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o severity_n as_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o as_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o nation_n god_n may_v be_v provoke_v to_o deliver_v it_o up_o to_o darkness_n and_o delusion_n and_o to_o believe_v lie_n so_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o particular_a person_n he_o may_v give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o lie_a spirit_n and_o suffer_v seducer_n to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o plain_a truth_n in_o religion_n nor_o discern_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o monstrous_a error_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thes_n 2.11_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unreasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o holy_a thing_n that_o reign_v among_o many_o wicked_a man_n be_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n their_o habitual_a vice_n have_v violate_v their_o natural_a instinct_n and_o raise_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o moreover_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n wrath_n be_v upon_o they_o give_v they_o over_o to_o their_o own_o vileness_n permit_v they_o to_o run_v on_o in_o wickedness_n without_o the_o check_n and_o restraint_n of_o his_o good_a spirit_n and_o to_o defy_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o laugh_v at_o counsel_n and_o admonition_n and_o to_o make_v haste_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n thereby_o fulfil_v that_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n refer_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o wicked_a shall_v do_v wicked_o and_o none_o of_o the_o wich_v shall_v understand_v dan._n 12.10_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o sum_n be_v this_o if_o godliness_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o have_v moreover_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n which_o the_o unrighteous_a have_v not_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n ungodly_a man_n be_v under_o so_o many_o natural_a impediment_n that_o obstruct_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o moreover_o lie_v under_o such_o severe_a threaten_n of_o blindness_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o suppose_v the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a to_o be_v equal_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o understanding_n and_o equal_o enjoy_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o former_a have_v vast_a advantage_n yet_o above_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v the_o second_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o so_o continue_v though_o in_o other_o respect_v he_o be_v never_o so_o much_o superior_a to_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o be_v the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v above_o all_o other_o thing_n confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o power_n of_o good_a principle_n to_o fortify_v he_o against_o temptation_n to_o restrain_v he_o from_o sin_n to_o keep_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n to_o render_v it_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o he_o to_o moderate_v he_o in_o his_o prosperity_n and_o to_o support_v he_o in_o adversity_n and_o by_o all_o this_o he_o understand_v the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o true_a religion_n incomparable_o better_o than_o any_o man_n who_o can_v talk_v learned_o and_o argue_v dexterous_o about_o it_o but_o never_o feel_v the_o
do_v at_o last_o confess_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o they_o say_v far_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n leave_v to_o that_o freedom_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o will_n to_o become_v regenerate_v but_o than_o what_o comfort_n do_v this_o persuasion_n leave_v why_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o regeneration_n and_o holiness_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o a_o almighty_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n such_o as_o that_o whereby_o god_n will_v at_o last_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a now_o i_o confess_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o become_v a_o good_a man_n this_o way_n because_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o irresistible_a grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o refuse_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n if_o it_o be_v in_o my_o power_n to_o refuse_v it_o but_o what_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o promise_n of_o such_o grace_n nay_o what_o if_o it_o have_v unless_o i_o know_v how_o to_o obtain_v it_o or_o that_o i_o be_v one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o can_v not_o miss_v it_o what_o if_o i_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o common_a way_n of_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o work_v out_o my_o salvation_n and_o what_o if_o all_o this_o will_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o if_o i_o have_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o be_v this_o the_o rest_n that_o jesus_n have_v promise_v we_o shall_v find_v to_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o therefore_o try_v another_o expedient_a what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o severe_a fast_n and_o penance_n will_v the_o punish_n of_o my_o body_n satisfy_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n this_o i_o think_v will_v almost_o do_v the_o business_n because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a pain_n to_o deny_v a_o crave_v lust_n to_o stop_v a_o grow_a passion_n and_o to_o resist_v a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o wicked_a pleasure_n or_o unjust_a gain_n or_o desire_a revenge_n than_o to_o go_v through_o a_o reasonable_a course_n of_o outward_a mortification_n but_o can_v these_o thing_n compensate_a for_o the_o omission_n of_o necessary_a duty_n or_o satisfy_v for_o the_o commission_n of_o know_a sin_n when_o under_o a_o more_o imperfect_a law_n god_n refuse_v hard_a thing_n than_o these_o shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n no_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n bodily_a austerity_n no_o doubt_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o profitable_a for_o our_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o express_v a_o just_a indignation_n at_o ourselves_o for_o have_v sin_v when_o to_o break_v the_o wicked_a custom_n they_o be_v impose_v as_o penalty_n and_o revenge_n to_o be_v inflict_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v commit_v any_o wicked_a action_n when_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o inward_a trouble_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o make_v we_o weary_a of_o sin_v and_o use_v to_o starve_v and_o mortify_v the_o evil_a appetite_n for_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o keep_v the_o body_n in_o subjection_n but_o if_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v profitable_a unto_o godliness_n and_o help_v to_o make_v the_o soul_n the_o better_a we_o be_v still_o drive_v back_o to_o that_o hard_a point_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o that_o without_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a life_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o god_n pardon_n i_o shall_v try_v but_o one_o refuge_n more_o which_o indeed_o give_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o relief_n and_o that_o be_v what_o comfort_n may_v be_v have_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n wherewith_o christ_n entrust_v his_o church_n when_o he_o say_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v now_o this_o assure_v i_o that_o when_o the_o church_n receive_v i_o by_o baptism_n into_o her_o communion_n she_o give_v i_o a_o right_n to_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o if_o she_o deprive_v i_o of_o it_o by_o excommunication_n she_o can_v by_o absolution_n restore_v i_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v never_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n by_o schism_n nor_o lose_v it_o by_o contempt_n of_o her_o censure_n but_o then_o i_o doubt_v the_o church_n can_v forgive_v sin_n more_o effectual_o than_o god_n do_v who_o be_v thus_o represent_v to_o forgive_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o forgive_v his_o servant_n ten_o thousand_o talent_n he_o forgive_v he_o indeed_o and_o yet_o he_o require_v the_o debt_n afterward_o upon_o his_o unmercifulness_n to_o his_o fellow-servant_n which_o evident_o show_v that_o the_o pardon_n be_v but_o conditional_a so_o likewise_o say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n do_v unto_o you_o and_o the_o church_n can_v do_v more_o than_o god_n do_v who_o himself_o require_v condition_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o give_v to_o man_n the_o power_n of_o dispense_n absolute_a pardon_n unless_o we_o can_v think_v that_o to_o ratify_v the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n he_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o disannul_v his_o own_o and_o because_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o all_o who_o sin_n be_v either_o remit_v or_o retain_v in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o field_n where_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n grow_v together_o the_o time_n not_o be_v yet_o come_v for_o a_o exact_a separation_n for_o these_o reason_n all_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n do_v then_o only_o ensure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n when_o the_o key_n do_v not_o err_v but_o what_o if_o my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o the_o key_n do_v err_v and_o that_o whilst_o i_o do_v not_o forfeit_v the_o church_n peace_n by_o scandalous_a crime_n i_o do_v yet_o depart_v from_o god_n by_o hide_a iniquity_n can_v the_o err_a key_n open_a to_o i_o the_o gate_n of_o everlasting_a life_n i_o will_v fain_o believe_v that_o the_o bring_n of_o these_o secret_a sin_n to_o light_n and_o purpose_v to_o offend_v no_o more_o will_v help_v at_o last_o and_o that_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n can_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v make_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n but_o o_o bless_a jesus_n how_o can_v i_o believe_v that_o thy_o most_o holy_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o rule_n whereby_o to_o confess_v sin_n and_o to_o purpose_n against_o it_o instead_o of_o a_o rule_n oblige_v i_o to_o forsake_v it_o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n if_o we_o leave_v that_o one_o path_n of_o obedience_n we_o may_v try_v a_o thousand_o byway_n but_o the_o truth_n which_o can_v be_v corrupt_v will_v send_v we_o back_o again_o to_o that_o plain_a truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n which_o like_o the_o flame_a sword_n that_o turn_v every_o way_n keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n against_o all_o ungodly_a and_o unrighteous_a man_n if_o therefore_o that_o rest_n which_o our_o lord_n promise_v be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o must_v find_v it_o in_o that_o way_n if_o we_o find_v it_o at_o all_o let_v we_o therefore_o try_v for_o better_a success_n here_o than_o we_o have_v yet_o have_v let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o exactness_n of_o rule_n and_o the_o indispensableness_n of_o obedience_n must_v needs_o make_v we_o uneasy_a under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christianity_n or_o rather_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o mitigate_v all_o the_o severity_n of_o its_o law_n without_o make_v any_o of_o they_o void_a now_o the_o first_o mitigation_n i_o shall_v consider_v be_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n leave_v room_n for_o repentance_n of_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o which_o grace_n we_o have_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o when_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n st._n paul_n command_v the_o church_n to_o forgive_v and_o comfort_v he_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o with_o overmuch_a sorrow_n and_o sure_o as_o god_n forgive_v those_o open_a scandal_n for_o which_o the_o penitent_a be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o upon_o repentance_n he_o will_v forgive_v those_o secret_a offence_n too_o which_o can_v make_v no_o forfeiture_n of_o church-communion_n if_o
they_o can_v be_v well_o spare_v but_o that_o they_o work_v together_o one_o for_o one_o good_a end_n another_z for_o another_o all_o joint_o for_o his_o true_a happiness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a with_o reference_n to_o single_a person_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o any_o body_n of_o christian_n adhere_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o watchful_a for_o a_o common_a than_o a_o particular_a interest_n and_o since_o this_o truth_n be_v mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o behalf_n of_o believer_n that_o feel_v the_o same_o trouble_n so_o that_o we_o be_v as_o to_o all_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n to_o consider_v god_n not_o as_o arbitrary_o dispose_v of_o our_o concern_v but_o rather_o as_o wise_o choose_v fit_a mean_n for_o our_o happiness_n and_o this_o consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o repel_v all_o murmur_a thought_n against_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o dispose_v we_o not_o only_o to_o contentation_n but_o even_o to_o thankfulness_n under_o the_o adversity_n of_o life_n and_o that_o because_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ill_o mean_v by_o providence_n towards_o we_o that_o they_o be_v choose_v by_o god_n as_o proper_a mean_n work_v for_o our_o good_a not_o only_o adversity_n in_o general_a but_o those_o which_o happen_v in_o particular_a more_o than_o other_o will_v have_v do_v but_o then_o 2._o there_o must_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o other_o cause_n to_o make_v they_o effectual_a for_o our_o good_a i_o can_v certain_o tell_v whether_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o phrase_n of_o work_v together_o for_o i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o the_o apostle_n may_v mean_v no_o more_o in_o this_o place_n than_o that_o all_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o god_n servant_n shall_v work_v together_o that_o be_v one_o with_o another_o promote_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o they_o in_o the_o end_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o thing_n be_v true_a that_o other_o cause_n must_v be_v present_a to_o work_v together_o with_o these_o and_o because_o the_o apostle_n know_v that_o they_o will_v be_v suppose_v therefore_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v mention_v and_o 1._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o good_a effect_n which_o his_o providence_n design_n to_o work_v in_o and_o for_o we_o that_o will_v not_o be_v want_v for_o if_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v grievous_a befall_v we_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o will_v not_o deny_v we_o that_o inward_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n towards_o a_o good_a use_n of_o it_o which_o be_v needful_a because_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o do_v we_o good_a be_v not_o of_o our_o own_o choose_n but_o he_o and_o this_o be_v one_o reasonable_a account_n of_o that_o say_n of_o david_n in_o very_a faithfulness_n thou_o have_v afflict_v i_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v good_a and_o gracious_a to_o he_o and_o this_o promise_n be_v so_o make_v good_a by_o those_o trouble_n that_o befall_v he_o and_o the_o support_v he_o have_v under_o they_o and_o by_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o dispose_v he_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n as_o much_o as_o for_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n that_o ever_o fall_v to_o his_o share_n but_o then_o 2._o something_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o convert_v all_o evil_n that_o do_v or_o may_v befall_v we_o into_o such_o advantage_n as_o may_v be_v make_v of_o they_o they_o indeed_o give_v we_o the_o opportunity_n and_o god_n give_v we_o the_o ability_n but_o then_o we_o must_v perform_v our_o duty_n they_o work_v as_o occasion_n and_o mean_n god_n work_v as_o the_o supreme_a director_n and_o mover_n but_o it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o work_v as_o the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o our_o own_o good_a and_o that_o by_o more_o consideration_n and_o more_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o tendency_n of_o worldly_a cross_n to_o do_v we_o good_a that_o they_o do_v of_o themselves_o dispose_v a_o good_a man_n to_o those_o thing_n more_o than_o ordinary_o and_o it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o say_n of_o the_o wiseman_n sorrow_n be_v better_a than_o laughter_n for_o by_o the_o sadness_n of_o the_o countenance_n the_o heart_n be_v make_v better_a that_o be_v to_o say_v 1._o it_o be_v dispose_v to_o consider_v more_o serious_o for_o it_o take_v away_o all_o that_o levity_n and_o ariness_n of_o thought_n which_o in_o some_o degree_n do_v almost_o necessary_o attend_v a_o unmixed_a prosperity_n and_o it_o do_v also_o suggest_v many_o profitable_a thought_n which_o seldom_o come_v to_o our_o mind_n at_o another_o time_n this_o very_a divine_a truth_n that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o so_o often_o think_v of_o when_o we_o need_v not_o the_o support_n of_o it_o as_o when_o we_o do_v nor_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n nor_o the_o rich_a promise_n of_o be_v raise_v up_o to_o everlasting_a life_n there_o must_v be_v the_o consideration_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o make_v all_o thing_n work_v for_o our_o good_a otherwise_o this_o text_n be_v set_v here_o in_o vain_a nor_o need_v we_o to_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n it_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o if_o without_o lay_v it_o and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n to_o heart_n they_o will_v work_v good_a for_o we_o by_o themselves_o 2._o fervent_a prayer_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o same_o end_n for_o otherwise_o the_o apostle_n need_v not_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n likewise_o also_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v in_o which_o word_n as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o apostle_n encourage_v his_o christian_n to_o earnest_a prayer_n assure_v they_o that_o in_o their_o circumstance_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n will_v guide_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a for_o they_o though_o in_o all_o their_o prayer_n for_o temporal_a thing_n to_o submit_v their_o desire_n entire_o to_o the_o will_n and_o good_a disposal_n of_o the_o almighty_a who_o will_v according_o answer_v they_o by_o do_v what_o be_v best_a for_o they_o now_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n do_v wonderful_o dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o a_o strong_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o bring_v back_o great_a consolation_n and_o strength_n from_o he_o and_o confirm_v it_o in_o a_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a resolution_n of_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o look_v for_o that_o mercy_n of_o god_n unto_o eternal_a life_n it_o be_v by_o such_o action_n of_o our_o own_o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a and_o all_o evil_n of_o life_n do_v themselves_o work_v for_o it_o by_o dispose_v we_o to_o these_o thing_n i.e._n to_o consideration_n and_o devotion_n to_o consider_v the_o sovereignty_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n our_o infinite_a concern_v in_o a_o better_a life_n more_o serious_o and_o close_o than_o we_o have_v do_v and_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o all_o needful_a thing_n more_o affectionate_o and_o hearty_o now_o where_o such_o disposition_n as_o these_o be_v follow_v there_o all_o the_o good_a fruit_n of_o worldly_a evil_n will_v grow_v plentiful_o which_o what_o they_o be_v come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a for_o ourselves_o and_o that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o use_v they_o aright_o and_o cherish_v those_o good_a inclination_n and_o disposition_n which_o they_o beget_v in_o our_o mind_n they_o will_v actual_o produce_v the_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v send_v 3._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o that_o good_a be_v for_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o what_o kind_n of_o good_a it_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o kind_n it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o evil_n and_o that_o god_n send_v the_o temporal_a evil_n to_o bring_v about_o a_o temporal_a good_a thus_o joseph_n who_o be_v design_v by_o providence_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o man_n in_o egypt_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o granary_n of_o that_o part_n of_o
shall_v commit_v such_o crime_n as_o these_o not_o only_o without_o regret_n and_o horror_n but_o with_o a_o cheerful_a conscience_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o heaven_n in_o reward_n of_o their_o action_n wherefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o my_o understanding_n in_o most_o plain_a and_o evident_a matter_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v weak_a than_o a_o child_n or_o a_o idiot_n i_o will_v never_o engage_v myself_o with_o the_o contentious_a and_o factious_a i_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o trust_v myself_o with_o a_o party_n and_o will_v not_o serve_v a_o cause_n but_o acknowledge_v a_o mistake_n though_o it_o be_v my_o friend_n and_o follow_v truth_n wherever_o it_o lead_v i_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n than_o this_o that_o when_o man_n be_v lead_v aside_o by_o their_o worldly_a interest_n when_o their_o reputation_n be_v engage_v and_o they_o be_v make_v fast_o to_o a_o party_n their_o understanding_n be_v so_o disable_v that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n they_o confident_o put_v themselves_o upon_o defend_v thing_n most_o unjustifiable_a and_o believe_v thing_n that_o be_v most_o incredible_a and_o impossible_a let_v we_o therefore_o allow_v st._n peter_n direction_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o evil_a speaking_n and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n by_o he_o give_v viz._n that_o we_o may_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v desire_v and_o aim_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o where_o that_o assembly_n of_o sin_n be_v get_v together_o or_o indeed_o where_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v it_o be_v apt_a to_o extinguish_v that_o very_a love_n of_o truth_n the_o very_a desire_n of_o know_v it_o to_o proceed_v luxury_n also_o and_o voluptuousness_n and_o a_o impure_a course_n of_o life_n be_v a_o very_a great_a impediment_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n sometime_o by_o introduce_v such_o disease_n as_o shatter_v the_o understanding_n and_o dull_a the_o apprehension_n they_o that_o always_o swim_v in_o sensual_a delight_n meet_v with_o rough_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n sometime_o that_o shake_v their_o body_n and_o at_o length_n reason_n like_o a_o drown_a pilot_n drop_v off_o and_o be_v drown_v in_o pleasure_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o the_o epicure_n grow_v crazy_a before_o his_o time_n and_o when_o his_o airy_a fancy_n be_v evaporate_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n and_o his_o wit_n be_v grow_v flat_a and_o unweild_o he_o himself_o become_v contemptible_a to_o the_o young_a debauchee_n that_o reign_v in_o his_o stead_n temperance_n and_o regular_n live_v have_v a_o kind_a influence_n upon_o the_o intellectual_a ability_n of_o man_n to_o nourish_v and_o preserve_v they_o and_o lengthen_v they_o and_o all_o the_o while_n to_o make_v they_o more_o fit_a for_o their_o proper_a employment_n but_o much_o more_o be_v they_o requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o a_o good_a understanding_n of_o divine_a truth_n because_o it_o require_v a_o serious_a consideration_n &_o diligent_a attention_n which_o the_o epicure_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o because_o she_o be_v spiritual_a and_o the_o mind_n can_v converse_v with_o she_o while_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o fume_n of_o sensuality_n because_o she_o be_v of_o a_o purify_n nature_n and_o not_o more_o a_o enemy_n to_o uncleanness_n than_o the_o voluptuary_n be_v averse_a from_o she_o good_a reason_n therefore_o have_v st._n james_n when_o he_o show_v how_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o word_n with_o meekness_n to_o exhort_v we_o that_o we_o lie_v aside_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n in_o a_o word_n the_o bent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n have_v such_o a_o sway_n over_o the_o understanding_n that_o daily_a experience_n show_v how_o the_o same_o thing_n appear_v different_o to_o man_n nay_o to_o the_o same_o man_n according_a to_o the_o temper_n they_o be_v in_o for_o instance_n if_o person_n that_o have_v live_v long_o friendly_a together_o chance_v to_o fall_v out_o immediate_o former_a action_n and_o speech_n be_v remember_v and_o comment_v upon_o and_o a_o ill_a construction_n put_v upon_o they_o though_o till_o that_o time_n they_o be_v take_v well_o enough_o and_o yet_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v as_o able_a before_o as_o now_o only_o there_o be_v dislike_v now_o instead_o of_o the_o kindness_n that_o be_v before_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o a_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n to_o obstruct_v the_o entrance_n of_o truth_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n into_o the_o mind_n since_o they_o must_v needs_o create_v a_o aversation_n to_o it_o discourse_n to_o a_o greedy_a worlding_n of_o immortality_n and_o lay_v up_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o he_o can_v hardly_o understand_v what_o you_o say_v it_o be_v as_o insipid_a talk_n to_o he_o as_o a_o lecture_n of_o philosophy_n to_o a_o child_n that_o understand_v nothing_o but_o play_n but_o fall_v upon_o some_o discourse_n that_o tend_v to_o get_v drop_v but_o the_o hint_n of_o a_o good_a bargain_n he_o greedy_o embrace_v every_o word_n and_o be_v as_o apprehensive_a as_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o guilty_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o fortify_v themselves_o against_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o their_o belove_a sin_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o why_o sin_n do_v more_o or_o less_o bar_v up_o the_o understanding_n against_o divine_a truth_n man_n love_v darkeness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a now_o the_o conclusion_n from_o all_o this_o be_v evident_a on_o the_o one_o side_n one_o habitual_a worldly_a lust_n be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v the_o true_a apprehensive_a of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o who_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n who_o labour_n to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n be_v fit_a to_o receive_v divine_a truth_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o sincere_a intention_n towards_o god_n remove_v all_o those_o impediment_n which_o obstruct_v the_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o moreover_o give_v several_a advantage_n of_o its_o own_o towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n therefore_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n for_o that_o end_n a_o scorner_n seek_v wisdom_n and_o find_v it_o not_o but_o knowledge_n be_v easy_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v 2._o there_o be_v many_o great_a promise_n of_o knowledge_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n peculiar_a to_o good_a man_n but_o god_n have_v in_o justice_n threaten_v and_o by_o the_o same_o justice_n he_o do_v often_o infatuate_a the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wicked_a now_o if_o goodness_n do_v of_o itself_o lead_v to_o knowledge_n if_o there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a blessing_n that_o go_v along_o with_o the_o sincere_a man_n to_o prosper_v his_o endeavour_n after_o knowledge_n what_o great_a advantage_n can_v we_o desire_v in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n than_o those_o which_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n entitle_v we_o too_o thus_o the_o very_a text_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o promise_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v we_o have_v our_o saviour_n word_n for_o it_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v make_v it_o good_a and_o it_o appear_v by_o other_o place_n that_o something_o more_o be_v here_o mean_v than_o that_o knowledge_n be_v natural_o promote_v by_o goodness_n in_o psal_n 25.9_o it_o be_v say_v the_o meek_a he_o will_v guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o immediate_o again_o the_o meek_a he_o will_v teach_v his_o way_n now_o certain_o here_o be_v something_o promise_v to_o the_o meek_a that_o be_v not_o common_a to_o other_o and_o the_o guidance_n and_o teach_v which_o be_v promise_v denote_v clear_o a_o blessing_n on_o their_o understanding_n but_o now_o if_o this_o be_v promise_v to_o meekness_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o god_n will_v more_o plentiful_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n to_o those_o who_o add_v to_o meekness_n purity_n and_o temperance_n and_o to_o that_o a_o universal_a love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o promise_n be_v repeat_v again_o to_o such_o person_n ver_fw-la 14._o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n where_o god_n covenant_n explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o his_o secret_n and_o by_o his_o way_n ver_fw-la 9_o that_o way_n of_o god_n in_o ver_fw-la 10._o be_v say_v to_o be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n reveal_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o secret_a in_o former_a age_n so_o that_o the_o good_a man_n he_o that_o sincere_o love_v truth_n and_o intend_v obedience_n be_v here_o promise_v a_o signal_n blessing_n on_o his_o
life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o his_o heart_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o good_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o verse_v in_o subtle_a reason_n as_o in_o religious_a practice_n can_v be_v shake_v by_o the_o objection_n of_o a_o sophister_n because_o they_o have_v that_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o excellency_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v above_o all_o other_o argument_n they_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n and_o can_v therefore_o be_v entangle_v by_o any_o artificial_a objection_n against_o it_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o pleasure_n which_o a_o man_n find_v in_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n be_v always_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n that_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n that_o weaken_v the_o obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o be_v sweet_a to_o the_o carnal_a man_n because_o they_o can_v put_v he_o in_o possession_n of_o great_a joy_n in_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v that_o good_a title_n to_o it_o which_o can_v only_o be_v found_v upon_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n therefore_o it_o be_v neither_o false_a nor_o allowable_a always_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o experience_n a_o man_n have_v of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o persuasion_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o many_o misguide_a soul_n have_v do_v but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o goodness_n a_o man_n shall_v understand_v the_o power_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o other_o by_o experience_n better_a than_o he_o can_v by_o mere_a speculation_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v never_o so_o full_o understand_v as_o by_o do_v they_o and_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n be_v never_o so_o thorough_o feel_v as_o when_o it_o make_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o the_o understanding_n submit_v to_o it_o now_o the_o best_a way_n to_o avoid_v argue_v to_o ourselves_o fallacious_o from_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n which_o those_o persuasion_n yield_v that_o tend_v to_o carnal_a security_n the_o best_a way_n i_o say_v to_o avoid_v this_o be_v to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n rule_n by_o lay_v the_o foundation_n even_o of_o experimental_a knowledge_n in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o with_o all_o sincerity_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n because_o than_o we_o shall_v never_o argue_v from_o experience_n but_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o of_o those_o principle_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v that_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o believe_v divine_a truth_n there_o be_v those_o joy_n in_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o can_v never_o be_v thorough_o understand_v but_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o till_o he_o have_v taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a god_n be_v solomon_n say_v that_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v never_o thorough_o understand_v this_o till_o we_o walk_v in_o they_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o find_v this_o reward_n but_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o other_o but_o as_o imperfect_o as_o the_o pencil_n do_v life_n and_o motion_n the_o best_a description_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o subject_n and_o if_o we_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n we_o can_v full_o conceive_v it_o nay_o most_o common_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v thing_n flat_a and_o insipid_a and_o the_o representation_n of_o they_o be_v nauseous_a and_o irksome_a to_o the_o carnal_a worldling_n and_o he_o be_v hardly_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n to_o understand_v it_o than_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a can_v apprehend_v that_o say_n of_o solomon_n true_o light_n be_v sweet_a and_o a_o pleasant_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o behold_v the_o sun_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o if_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n in_o do_v his_o will_n be_v a_o great_a advantage_n towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o the_o wicked_a man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o speculation_n if_o also_o that_o knowledge_n be_v gain_v by_o it_o which_o the_o insincere_a have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o if_o the_o righteous_a do_v not_o only_o better_a apprehend_v the_o weight_n of_o argument_n but_o understand_v more_o by_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a then_o have_v we_o great_a reason_n to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n method_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n only_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v this_o blessing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v procure_v to_o ourselves_o either_o by_o my_o discourse_n or_o by_o your_o hear_n what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v our_o saviour_n word_n no_o nor_o by_o grant_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o illustration_n of_o they_o but_o only_o by_o put_v ourselves_o serious_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o this_o way_n by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o general_n hold_v good_a of_o this_o in_o particular_a that_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o lord_n method_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o good_a knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n can_v be_v thorough_o judge_v till_o we_o have_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o those_o that_o have_v make_v trial_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v finis_fw-la
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god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n so_o that_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o cease_v all_o sense_n of_o obligation_n to_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a practice_n must_v withal_o fail_v and_o perish_v some_o there_o be_v which_o add_v unto_o this_o foundation_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v but_o unfit_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o the_o belief_n hereof_o be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n necessary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v please_v to_o god_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o forementioned_a thing_n for_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o a_o uncertain_a hope_n of_o a_o future_a life_n but_o firm_o believe_v the_o other_o truth_n it_o be_v bare_o possible_a that_o by_o the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n of_o such_o belief_n join_v with_o such_o a_o hope_n he_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v
persuade_v to_o secure_v all_o the_o good_a thing_n to_o ourselves_o we_o have_v be_v consider_v either_o by_o keep_v always_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o good_a application_n and_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n but_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o insist_v upon_o even_o this_o exhortation_n as_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o reserve_v to_o the_o next_o opportunity_n intend_v then_o also_o to_o pursue_v some_o other_o point_n viz._n how_o this_o doctrine_n do_v consist_v with_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n against_o adversity_n and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o such_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n how_o it_o ought_v to_o influence_n the_o judgement_n we_o make_v of_o the_o happy_a or_o wretched_a estate_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n how_o true_a and_o profitable_a a_o point_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v to_o reckon_v upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o world_n 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poverty_n renounce_v all_o propriety_n in_o worldly_a good_n impair_v their_o health_n by_o a_o spare_a and_o ill_a diet_n and_o at_o certain_a time_n whip_v their_o own_o body_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v more_o noise_n than_o truth_n in_o these_o appearance_n we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v superstition_n in_o the_o practice_n and_o we_o suspect_v hypocrisy_n in_o the_o pretence_n and_o that_o man_n do_v these_o thing_n more_o to_o amuse_v the_o world_n than_o to_o benefit_n themselves_o since_o therefore_o we_o know_v that_o evil_a work_n for_o a_o great_a good_a why_o do_v we_o avoid_v evil_a i_o answer_v 1._o when_o all_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o work_v together_o for_o good_a though_o evil_n be_v principal_o mean_v because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o administer_v comfort_n under_o they_o yet_o as_o i_o show_v at_o first_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v and_o therefore_o the_o good_a that_o come_v 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evil_n be_v not_o proper_o of_o god_n send_v in_o both_o case_n i_o have_v be_v my_o own_o carver_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v good_a from_o either_o i_o can_v hope_v for_o gods_n blessing_n upon_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o since_o i_o do_v not_o commit_v the_o issue_n of_o my_o affair_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o wisdom_n but_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v my_o own_o chooser_n so_o that_o the_o operation_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v one_o indispensable_a cause_n of_o the_o profit_n which_o good_a man_n make_v of_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n the_o good_a that_o come_v of_o they_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v expose_v themselves_o voluntary_o to_o evil_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o and_o that_o because_o we_o can_v expect_v god_n blessing_n where_o we_o lean_a to_o our_o own_o wisdom_n altogether_o and_o will_v not_o submit_v our_o affair_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o now_o if_o 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they_o will_v be_v rich_a and_o great_a and_o make_v their_o fortune_n here_o that_o they_o trust_v not_o in_o god_n but_o lean_a to_o their_o own_o will_n that_o they_o refer_v nothing_o to_o his_o wisdom_n but_o will_v dispose_v absolute_o of_o themselves_o and_o no_o less_o true_a will_v this_o be_v of_o a_o man_n who_o on_o the_o other_o side_n shall_v abandon_v himself_o to_o adversity_n and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o in_o both_o case_n god_n wisdom_n be_v no_o way_n acknowledge_v and_o submit_v to_o his_o grace_n can_v be_v expect_v 3._o to_o both_o these_o consideration_n let_v we_o add_v that_o of_o the_o natural_a aversion_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o to_o pain_n and_o want_v and_o other_o evil_n of_o the_o body_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o text_n infer_v no_o obligation_n to_o inflict_v they_o voluntary_o upon_o ourselves_o but_o be_v very_o well_o consistent_a with_o our_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n to_o avoid_v they_o as_o to_o these_o evil_n it_o can_v never_o be_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o fear_v they_o when_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n nor_o feel_v they_o when_o they_o be_v present_a nor_o desire_v to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o they_o because_o these_o be_v the_o necessary_a result_v of_o our_o nature_n all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v be_v that_o we_o shall_v fear_v they_o moderate_o in_o proportion_n to_o what_o they_o be_v and_o bear_v they_o patient_o admit_v those_o comfort_n under_o they_o which_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v and_o remove_v they_o by_o all_o such_o mean_n as_o will_v not_o bring_v great_a mischief_n upon_o we_o but_o let_v no_o man_n think_v that_o because_o religion_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o extinguish_v the_o sense_n of_o bodily_a good_a and_o evil_a
last_o he_o use_v much_o what_o the_o same_o variety_n of_o method_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v learn_v to_o fear_v before_o he_o the_o main_a thing_n intend_v i_o conceive_v be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o as_o with_o the_o circumstance_n our_o world_o condition_n in_o which_o he_o have_v set_v we_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n since_o as_o he_o govern_v by_o steady_a rule_n of_o providence_n so_o he_o govern_v by_o steady_a rule_n of_o duty_n and_o our_o condition_n in_o both_o respect_n be_v very_o much_o the_o same_o with_o they_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o and_o we_o can_v be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n make_v our_o obedience_n hard_o to_o we_o but_o other_o have_v be_v in_o the_o like_a to_o forgive_v injury_n though_o they_o be_v great_a be_v no_o new_a burden_n for_o no_o man_n perhaps_o have_v live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o have_v meet_v with_o great_a provocation_n to_o abstain_v from_o unlawful_a pleasure_n though_o our_o appetite_n prompt_v we_o never_o so_o violent_o to_o pursue_v they_o be_v no_o strange_a duty_n for_o those_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o have_v the_o same_o natural_a passion_n and_o inclination_n that_o we_o have_v to_o live_v by_o rule_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o example_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o may_v seem_v unreasonable_a to_o a_o inconsiderate_a man_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o good_a man_n in_o almost_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v thy_o duty_n a_o new_a thing_n whatever_o it_o be_v nor_o the_o difficulty_n of_o performance_n new_a whatever_o that_o be_v still_o god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a let_v therefore_o no_o man_n think_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a if_o he_o have_v a_o good_a estate_n that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o honest_a man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o die_v a_o beggar_n that_o he_o 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therefore_o they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v allow_v it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o we_o conclude_v true_o when_o we_o compare_v our_o own_o circumstance_n with_o other_o man_n and_o conclude_v to_o our_o own_o disadvantage_n as_o if_o god_n require_v easy_a thing_n of_o they_o than_o he_o do_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o wise_o do_v to_o begin_v with_o a_o inquiry_n which_o be_v almost_o certain_a to_o end_v in_o a_o false_a judgement_n especial_o when_o we_o make_v a_o false_a judgement_n to_o excuse_v a_o evil_a practice_n but_o then_o if_o it_o be_v allowable_a for_o man_n thus_o to_o argue_v in_o excuse_n for_o themselves_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o good_a a_o world_n as_o our_o father_n find_v it_o for_o my_o affair_n in_o it_o do_v not_o succeed_v so_o well_o as_o another_o man_n and_o my_o temptation_n be_v great_a than_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o excusable_a if_o i_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o piety_n and_o integrity_n of_o other_o if_o this_o i_o say_v be_v once_o allow_v how_o hard_o will_v it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o please_v man_n and_o to_o keep_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v say_v because_o of_o the_o perpetual_a false_a judgement_n we_o shall_v make_v in_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o other_o every_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o temptation_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o time_n in_o which_o he_o live_v and_o of_o his_o own_o temper_n and_o of_o his_o proper_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n in_o the_o world_n will_v think_v providence_n have_v be_v partial_a against_o he_o and_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n press_v hard_a upon_o himself_o than_o upon_o any_o other_o person_n a_o poor_a man_n will_v think_v his_o rich_a neighbour_n have_v more_o time_n and_o great_a obligation_n to_o serve_v god_n than_o himself_o the_o wealthy_a man_n will_v believe_v that_o the_o poor_a man_n have_v more_o leisure_n for_o prayer_n and_o few_o temptation_n to_o earthly-mindedness_a than_o he_o have_v god_n will_v lose_v the_o thanks_o of_o every_o man_n that_o can_v fancy_v another_o more_o happy_a than_o himself_o and_o the_o duty_n and_o service_n of_o every_o man_n that_o can_v fancy_v his_o own_o temptation_n to_o be_v strong_a than_o all_o other_o man_n and_o because_o we_o feel_v our_o own_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o do_v but_o guess_v at_o other_o man_n by_o their_o outward_a appearance_n we_o shall_v run_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o false_a judgement_n in_o compare_v they_o with_o one_o another_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o this_o wretched_a way_n of_o argue_v god_n have_v not_o only_o tie_v we_o up_o all_o strict_o to_o the_o same_o piety_n and_o duty_n but_o be_v please_v to_o let_v we_o know_v as_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n there_o be_v nothing_o new_a under_o the_o sun_n that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n he_o have_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o present_a and_o former_a age_n between_o ourselves_o and_o other_o person_n thy_o neighbour_n perhaps_o have_v not_o all_o those_o very_a temptation_n thou_o have_v but_o then_o he_o have_v his_o own_o he_o have_v perhaps_o some_o obligation_n in_o one_o kind_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o but_o thou_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o he_o in_o another_o every_o condition_n of_o life_n have_v not_o only_o its_o proper_a inconvenience_n but_o its_o proper_a advantage_n and_o what_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o difference_n of_o our_o state_n from_o other_o or_o in_o the_o change_n which_o we_o may_v suffer_v ourselves_o be_v make_v up_o another_o way_n prosperity_n and_o success_n shall_v make_v we_o love_v god_n better_o but_o disappointment_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o adversity_n do_v very_o often_o make_v it_o more_o easy_a for_o we_o to_o love_v the_o world_n less_o in_o a_o word_n seek_v no_o excuse_n for_o neglect_v piety_n and_o virtue_n from_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n fortune_n temptation_n and_o the_o like_a between_o thyself_o and_o those_o that_o live_v in_o this_o or_o that_o live_v in_o former_a age_n for_o thou_o be_v likely_a to_o make_v but_o a_o foolish_a judgement_n and_o will_v unavoidable_o run_v into_o great_a mistake_n in_o make_v the_o comparison_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thy_o sin_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n nor_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o last_o and_o terrible_a day_n but_o do_v thou_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v impartial_a and_o to_o have_v temper_v the_o season_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o different_a condition_n of_o person_n with_o a_o wise_a equality_n with_o a_o unerring_a judgement_n and_o do_v thou_o give_v up_o thyself_o to_o follow_v and_o to_o comply_v with_o his_o wise_a providence_n and_o though_o his_o judgement_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o yet_o thou_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o his_o way_n towards_o thyself_o be_v so_o wise_a and_o so_o good_a that_o at_o last_o thou_o shall_v not_o wish_v there_o have_v be_v the_o least_o alteration_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v far_o and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o suppose_v that_o in_o some_o notable_a respect_n thy_o case_n may_v differ_v from_o another_o man_n yet_o this_o difference_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o make_v any_o material_a difference_n between_o thy_o obligation_n and_o he_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v nor_o can_v we_o be_v less_o oblige_v so_o to_o do_v than_o our_o forefather_n be_v for_o in_o every_o age_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v now_o and_o in_o every_o age_n god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a and_o
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not_o think_v that_o any_o excuse_n will_v be_v hear_v for_o that_o man_n who_o go_v on_o in_o any_o know_a sin_n much_o less_o in_o his_o behalf_n who_o live_v in_o the_o violation_n of_o so_o plain_a and_o easy_a a_o law_n as_o this_o which_o forbid_v common_a swear_v but_o because_o there_o be_v many_o give_v to_o this_o sin_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o excuse_v themselves_o present_o when_o they_o be_v admonish_v and_o to_o ask_v your_o pardon_n if_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v offend_v and_o grieve_v and_o then_o think_v that_o they_o have_v give_v you_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n as_o they_o hope_v they_o have_v do_v the_o like_a to_o god_n by_o confess_v that_o true_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v in_o this_o fashion_n and_o god_n forgive_v they_o for_o it_o but_o yet_o they_o go_v on_o still_o to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n one_o will_v think_v there_o be_v some_o notable_a temptation_n to_o this_o sin_n which_o will_v go_v very_o far_o to_o extenuate_v the_o guilt_n of_o it_o 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he_o of_o his_o pain_n or_o set_v off_o his_o pleasure_n i_o suppose_v you_o be_v all_o sensible_a that_o these_o pretence_n will_v be_v very_o ridiculous_a and_o true_o they_o be_v not_o much_o better_a that_o follow_v as_o first_o of_o all_o that_o they_o be_v a_o ornament_n to_o a_o man_n discourse_n that_o they_o set_v off_o his_o language_n and_o if_o they_o be_v well_o place_v they_o make_v a_o sentence_n run_v the_o better_a i_o shall_v have_v be_v ashamed_a to_o mention_v this_o excuse_n but_o that_o they_o say_v it_o go_v a_o great_a way_n with_o some_o people_n now_o this_o very_a excuse_n betray_v fantasticalness_n and_o pride_n and_o come_v of_o a_o foolish_a affectation_n to_o be_v count_v a_o wit_n which_o every_o body_n almost_o know_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o degenerate_a spirit_n the_o reason_n why_o at_o any_o time_n oath_n and_o profane_a talk_n be_v affect_v for_o this_o purpose_n be_v because_o they_o be_v sometime_o observe_v to_o surprise_v the_o hearer_n which_o make_v the_o profane_a person_n conceit_n that_o his_o wit_n be_v acknowledge_v when_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v only_o the_o extravagance_n and_o boldness_n of_o his_o talk_n that_o be_v wonder_v at_o folly_n that_o be_v something_o out_o of_o the_o road_n be_v more_o common_o apt_a to_o provoke_v laughter_n than_o a_o surprisal_n that_o be_v true_o ingenious_a and_o therefore_o for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o opinion_n of_o himself_o mere_o because_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o company_n stare_v upon_o he_o arise_v from_o nothing_o but_o a_o mixture_n of_o pride_n and_o ignorance_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a matter_n of_o swear_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o oath_n signify_v only_o to_o the_o affirm_v or_o deny_v of_o what_o be_v say_v but_o add_v nothing_o to_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o sense_n or_o to_o the_o stile_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v it_o may_v startle_v a_o modest_a man_n but_o it_o can_v please_v any_o wise_a man_n because_o it_o neither_o mend_v the_o matter_n nor_o help_v the_o phrase_n but_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o that_o shall_v go_v for_o wit_n which_o the_o very_o base_a of_o the_o people_n can_v make_v use_n of_o with_o as_o much_o freedom_n and_o discretion_n and_o with_o as_o good_a a_o grace_n as_o a_o man_n of_o the_o best_a quality_n and_o breed_n can_v do_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v nothing_o require_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o pleasantness_n but_o to_o get_v one_o forehead_n furnish_v with_o impudence_n which_o if_o the_o mean_a peasant_n be_v capable_a of_o he_o be_v then_o qualify_v for_o a_o good_a companion_n mere_o by_o have_v a_o memory_n large_a enough_o to_o take_v in_o half_a a_o dozen_o oath_n and_o a_o
tongue_n in_o his_o head_n to_o use_v they_o as_o occasion_n serve_v which_o experience_n show_v may_v be_v do_v without_o any_o natural_a sagacity_n or_o rule_n of_o art_n 2._o it_o be_v sometime_o pretend_a by_o common_a swearer_n though_o i_o think_v but_o rare_o that_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v they_o without_o a_o oath_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o confess_v they_o have_v be_v so_o notorious_o give_v to_o lie_v that_o no_o body_n dare_v trust_v they_o upon_o their_o bear_n word_n for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v know_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o speak_v the_o truth_n find_v no_o difficulty_n of_o create_v a_o belief_n of_o what_o he_o say_v among_o any_o of_o his_o friend_n without_o make_v any_o appeal_n to_o god_n beside_o the_o oath_n of_o a_o common_a swearer_n give_v indeed_o but_o very_o little_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v if_o i_o know_v a_o man_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o oath_n his_o oath_n shall_v satisfy_v i_o beyond_o any_o other_o testimony_n that_o he_o can_v give_v and_o upon_o the_o oath_n of_o such_o a_o man_n a_o court_n of_o judicature_n may_v proceed_v with_o confidence_n but_o what_o regard_n can_v reasonable_o be_v have_v to_o his_o oath_n above_o his_o simple_a and_o bare_a word_n as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v who_o be_v know_v to_o swear_v upon_o all_o occasion_n if_o he_o do_v not_o lie_v it_o be_v well_o but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v no_o peculiar_a assurance_n by_o his_o oath_n because_o it_o be_v as_o ordinary_a with_o he_o to_o swear_v as_o to_o speak_v and_o therefore_o in_o athens_n a_o common_a swearer_n oath_n be_v not_o allow_v nor_o accept_v of_o in_o their_o court_n and_o sometime_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o man_n of_o know_a probity_n and_o honour_n be_v admit_v without_o it_o this_o last_o seem_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o law_n which_o suppose_v the_o asseveration_n of_o a_o peer_n to_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o oath_n of_o another_o man_n and_o therefore_o for_o another_o man_n to_o swear_v needless_o be_v to_o disparage_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o fidelity_n but_o for_o a_o man_n of_o honour_n to_o do_v so_o be_v to_o renounce_v his_o privilege_n and_o for_o any_o man_n to_o do_v thus_o be_v not_o only_o to_o bring_v the_o honesty_n of_o his_o word_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o oath_n also_o into_o question_n 3._o the_o most_o usual_a excuse_v frame_v for_o the_o extenuation_n of_o this_o impiety_n be_v that_o of_o sudden_a passion_n thus_o when_o some_o man_n be_v a_o little_a provoke_v or_o when_o they_o be_v surprise_v with_o some_o unexpected_a good_a fortune_n or_o any_o unlooked-for_a misadventure_n befall_v they_o either_o their_o rage_n or_o their_o joy_n burst_v out_o present_o into_o oath_n and_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v help_v it_o for_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o discharge_v their_o mind_n and_o give_v vent_v to_o their_o passion_n but_o by_o curse_v and_o swear_v now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o plain_a confession_n that_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o government_n of_o themselves_o and_o have_v no_o rule_n over_o their_o own_o spirit_n so_o common_a it_o be_v for_o man_n while_o they_o be_v frame_v a_o excuse_n for_o one_o sin_n to_o betray_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o another_o what_o great_a argument_n can_v light_o be_v give_v of_o a_o impotent_a mind_n than_o that_o every_o petty_a accident_n be_v able_a to_o bereave_v one_o of_o all_o consideration_n and_o make_v he_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o own_o man_n till_o the_o fit_n be_v over_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v though_o passion_n be_v bring_v in_o to_o mitigate_v the_o business_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o any_o trifle_a occasion_n be_v able_a to_o set_v these_o man_n a_o swear_v that_o make_v this_o excuse_n for_o themselves_o when_o provocation_n be_v allege_v to_o mollify_v this_o crime_n one_o will_v think_v it_o must_v arise_v from_o no_o less_o a_o cause_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v find_v his_o house_n in_o flame_n or_o his_o friend_n attempt_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o bed_n but_o upon_o examination_n this_o same_o emotion_n and_o heat_n of_o spirit_n be_v plead_v for_o the_o beg_n of_o your_o pardon_n when_o a_o man_n swear_v upon_o the_o most_o trifle_a and_o inconsiderable_a occasion_n and_o what_o can_v excuse_v that_o childishness_n and_o impotency_n of_o mind_n to_o which_o these_o man_n have_v thus_o give_v themselves_o over_o but_o let_v never_o such_o extraordinary_a cause_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n or_o anger_n happen_v it_o be_v a_o unmanly_a thing_n to_o set_v no_o bound_n to_o these_o passion_n and_o they_o be_v never_o less_o unbridled_a than_o when_o we_o make_v such_o undue_a expression_n of_o they_o as_o oath_n and_o curse_n be_v st._n james_n give_v we_o this_o rule_n above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o neither_o by_o heaven_n neither_o by_o the_o earth_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o oath_n james_n 5.12_o but_o the_o particular_a case_n wherein_o he_o think_v this_o rule_n be_v useful_a be_v that_o of_o affliction_n for_o he_o have_v before_o exhort_v they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o take_v the_o prophet_n for_o a_o example_n of_o suffer_a affliction_n and_o of_o patience_n and_o particular_o recommend_v to_o they_o the_o meekness_n and_o patience_n of_o job_n for_o their_o imitation_n ver_fw-la 10_o 11._o but_o if_o they_o can_v not_o perfect_o equal_v such_o great_a example_n as_o those_o be_v yet_o at_o least_o he_o strict_o enjoin_v they_o not_o to_o be_v transport_v so_o far_o into_o anger_n and_o impatience_n as_o to_o break_v forth_o into_o oath_n but_o above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o but_o keep_v yourselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o modest_a and_o christian_a language_n and_o that_o they_o may_v see_v that_o he_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v far_o from_o think_v it_o a_o virtue_n to_o be_v stupid_a and_o dull_a and_o unconcern_v about_o either_o the_o comfort_n or_o the_o calamity_n of_o human_a life_n he_o direct_v they_o how_o they_o may_v convert_v the_o passion_n which_o be_v thereby_o excite_v to_o a_o excellent_a and_o profitable_a use_n be_v any_o man_n among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o merry_a let_v he_o sing_v psalm_n ver_fw-la 13_o 15._o if_o any_o man_n be_v overtake_v with_o worldly_a misery_n let_v he_o turn_v himself_o to_o more_o devout_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n that_o god_n will_v either_o remove_v his_o burden_n or_o give_v he_o patience_n under_o it_o if_o he_o be_v surprise_v with_o some_o new_a blessing_n let_v he_o break_v forth_o into_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n to_o who_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n he_o stand_v oblige_v for_o it_o thus_o to_o improve_v the_o excitation_n of_o joy_n and_o grief_n within_o we_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o our_o passion_n have_v not_o overwhelm_v our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o leave_v we_o the_o free_a use_n of_o ourselves_o to_o do_v what_o become_v we_o as_o man_n and_o christian_n but_o in_o either_o case_n to_o lash_v out_o into_o oath_n be_v a_o plain_a token_n of_o a_o impotent_a mind_n that_o have_v no_o rule_n over_o itself_o but_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o intemperate_a passion_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o so_o much_o shame_n to_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o much_o more_o to_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v blush_v to_o confess_v so_o much_o evil_n against_o ourselves_o as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o excuse_n of_o any_o other_o sin_n 4._o if_o swear_v be_v excuse_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o other_o man_n who_o be_v our_o friend_n and_o companion_n this_o pretence_n indeed_o carry_v a_o show_n of_o civility_n and_o kind_a nature_n but_o for_o all_o that_o be_v the_o silly_a that_o can_v ready_o be_v think_v of_o and_o the_o make_n of_o it_o argue_v a_o mean_a and_o degenerate_a mind_n for_o although_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a nature_n it_o be_v commendable_a for_o man_n to_o remit_v of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o humour_n and_o to_o suit_n themselves_o to_o the_o custom_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o who_o they_o converse_v with_o yet_o to_o be_v complaisant_a in_o all_o thing_n without_o exception_n be_v the_o way_n to_o grow_v as_o profligate_v and_o vile_a as_o the_o devil_n will_v wish_v any_o man_n to_o be_v for_o what_o wickedness_n can_v want_v authority_n if_o this_o pretence_n be_v once_o admit_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o proclaim_v that_o a_o man_n have_v lose_v all_o sense_n of_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o he_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o judge_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o he_o have_v no_o more_o
according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o their_o common_a prayer_n and_o worship_n for_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o for_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n stand_v that_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o have_v be_v torment_v many_o of_o they_o not_o accept_v deliverance_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o here_o say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v etc._n etc._n have_v also_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n also_o confess_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o deni_v i_o before_o man_n shall_v be_v deny_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.8_o 9_o so_o that_o although_o confess_v christ_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o enough_o for_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o necessary_a to_o it_o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o that_o force_n that_o one_o may_v conclude_v nothing_o else_o be_v want_v and_o that_o be_v when_o we_o confess_v with_o great_a hazard_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n but_o one_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v sometime_o so_o exceed_o praiseworthy_a and_o signify_v all_o other_o necessary_a quality_n be_v because_o it_o be_v always_o a_o duty_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o breach_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n not_o to_o omit_v it_o when_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o welfare_n in_o this_o world_n require_v we_o to_o forbear_v in_o a_o word_n confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n assemble_v ourselves_o together_o for_o prayer_n baptism_n and_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o every_o other_o part_n of_o outward_a religion_n in_o which_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n stand_v be_v all_o of_o they_o require_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o charity_n to_o man_n and_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n do_v require_v it_o also_o 1._o the_o honour_n of_o god_n do_v plain_o require_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v by_o we_o i._n e._n confess_v praise_v and_o pray_v unto_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o all_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v not_o only_o in_o private_a single_o but_o in_o public_a joint_o unless_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o we_o have_v reason_n and_o speech_n give_v to_o we_o for_o transact_v common_a affair_n of_o the_o least_o moment_n and_o not_o of_o the_o great_a viz._n those_o which_o concern_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o david_n in_o the_o psalm_n call_v his_o tongue_n his_o glory_n because_o he_o do_v therewith_o praise_n and_o confess_v and_o glorify_v god_n among_o man_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v not_o only_o exhort_v to_o glorify_v god_n with_o our_o mind_n but_o with_o our_o mouth_n too_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a at_o first_o fight_n than_o that_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v as_o it_o be_v most_o fit_a he_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n and_o 2._o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o less_o requisite_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o we_o in_o charity_n be_v to_o contribute_v what_o we_o can_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o common_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n than_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o although_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o our_o very_a nature_n yet_o as_o many_o other_o natural_a inclination_n may_v be_v strange_o weaken_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v if_o it_o be_v not_o support_v by_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o what_o be_v there_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o common_a sense_n of_o religion_n than_o a_o common_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o this_o be_v every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o all_o man_n shall_v encourage_v and_o animate_v one_o another_o nor_o can_v any_o one_o single_a person_n withdraw_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o so_o do_v he_o grow_v a_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v he_o teach_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o but_o then_o 3._o above_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n require_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o for_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n but_o in_o meet_v together_o also_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a instance_n of_o outward_a profession_n for_o when_o our_o lord_n institute_v a_o church_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v afterward_o gather_v man_n to_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o he_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o gospel_n a_o part_n of_o christianity_n for_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o believer_n shall_v be_v a_o body_n or_o a_o society_n as_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o man_n that_o live_v without_o christian_a communion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o without_o christian_a profession_n can_v right_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a but_o have_v rather_o renounce_v his_o baptism_n by_o declare_v in_o effect_n that_o although_o he_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n church_n yet_o now_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o if_o the_o secret_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o appearance_n of_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o such_o a_o person_n will_v deserve_v very_o ill_o of_o christianity_n to_o conceal_v his_o belief_n for_o it_o be_v by_o our_o profession_n of_o it_o that_o it_o must_v be_v uphold_v in_o the_o world_n and_o propagate_v among_o those_o that_o do_v not_o yet_o receive_v it_o and_o he_o that_o dissemble_v his_o faith_n do_v therefore_o his_o part_n and_o give_v his_o consent_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o among_o other_o reason_n the_o gospel_n require_v that_o believer_n shall_v profess_v their_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o visible_a communion_n of_o worshipper_n that_o so_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v that_o wickedness_n among_o man_n that_o so_o holy_a a_o doctrine_n as_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o be_v ready_o entertain_v and_o there_o be_v that_o 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though_o i_o be_v addict_v to_o sensuality_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o to_o the_o vice_n of_o my_o natural_a constitution_n yet_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o quite_o another_o man_n than_o i_o be_v by_o my_o corrupt_a nature_n so_o much_o as_o there_o be_v of_o this_o in_o the_o world_n so_o much_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v in_o it_o and_o no_o more_o and_o so_o many_o as_o there_o be_v who_o can_v thus_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n so_o many_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o no_o more_o all_o other_o relief_n will_v fail_v all_o other_o foundation_n will_v ruin_v a_o man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n they_o will_v deceive_v he_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n or_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o that_o man_n may_v not_o deceive_v themselves_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v his_o precept_n and_o caution_n in_o this_o effectual_a manner_n therefore_o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v to_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n on_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o but_o let_v not_o that_o happen_v to_o we_o which_o st._n james_n say_v he_o that_o be_v a_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o a_o doer_n thereof_o be_v like_a to_o a_o man_n that_o behold_v his_o natural_a face_n in_o a_o glass_n and_o for_o the_o time_n know_v himself_o but_o then_o go_v away_o and_o straightway_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o be_v which_o similitude_n be_v not_o so_o much_o intend_v to_o expose_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o folly_n in_o hear_v and_o believe_v and_o in_o do_v nothing_o as_o to_o assign_v 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promise_n the_o condition_n be_v not_o only_o possible_a to_o all_o but_o be_v perform_v the_o promise_n be_v sure_a to_o all_o therefore_o this_o method_n will_v fail_v no_o man_n for_o 4._o the_o promise_n be_v make_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n he_o himself_o who_o doctrine_n it_o be_v that_o we_o will_v learn_v and_o best_a know_v that_o method_n by_o which_o we_o may_v learn_v it_o have_v give_v we_o this_o assurance_n that_o if_o we_o make_v piety_n and_o virtue_n our_o first_o design_n we_o shall_v know_v 5._o the_o promise_n be_v universal_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n i._n e._n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a or_o great_o profitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o knowledge_n he_o shall_v not_o therefore_o only_o learn_v in_o general_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v of_o god_n but_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n that_o be_v so_o so_o likewise_o he_o shall_v know_v the_o same_o thing_n better_o than_o he_o do_v before_o this_o method_n will_v confirm_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o best_a assurance_n it_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o wander_a and_o doubt_v afterward_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o know_v the_o same_o more_o perfect_o than_o the_o motive_n be_v proper_a to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v ourselves_o concern_v in_o it_o last_o it_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o follow_v this_o method_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o miss_v of_o happiness_n in_o that_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o prescribe_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o best_a knowledge_n what_o reason_n have_v i_o to_o take_v that_o way_n of_o arrive_v to_o sound_a knowledge_n which_o have_v not_o only_o so_o great_a a_o promise_n to_o secure_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o miss_v of_o that_o end_n but_o which_o undoubted_o will_v secure_v a_o far_a end_n and_o one_o much_o better_a and_o more_o desirable_a than_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o complete_a happiness_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o ever_o but_o now_o although_o a_o man_n can_v by_o other_o method_n arrive_v to_o knowledge_n yet_o if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o neglect_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o provide_v for_o his_o happiness_n for_o though_o he_o have_v as_o clear_v a_o apprehension_n as_o a_o angel_n though_o he_o receive_v revelation_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o lord_n himself_o or_o by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o he_o have_v a_o infallible_a guide_n to_o determine_v all_o controversy_n for_o he_o and_o to_o clear_v up_o the_o darkness_n of_o every_o doubt_n yet_o if_o all_o this_o while_o he_o have_v a_o perverse_a and_o vicious_a will_n and_o be_v carry_v aside_o by_o wander_v and_o unruly_a affection_n and_o lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n he_o be_v certain_o in_o a_o way_n of_o error_n as_o damnable_a as_o heresy_n but_o he_o that_o arrive_v at_o knowledge_n this_o way_n do_v thereby_o also_o secure_v his_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o most_o powerful_a recommendation_n of_o our_o saviour_n way_n especial_o if_o you_o add_v this_o consideration_n that_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o method_n by_o which_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o gain_v a_o fight_n understanding_n in_o religion_n i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o impious_a and_o profane_a man_n have_v apprehension_n as_o capable_a of_o judge_v what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a as_o good_a man_n and_o oftentimes_o their_o ability_n be_v great_a
and_o their_o part_n quick_a than_o those_o of_o the_o sincere_a and_o godly_a and_o moreover_o that_o some_o wicked_a man_n have_v arrive_v to_o great_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n than_o thousand_o of_o religious_a person_n ever_o have_v to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o equality_n of_o other_o mean_n and_o ability_n he_o that_o be_v sincere_a towards_o god_n have_v many_o advantage_n above_o a_o wicked_a man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n to_o which_o the_o wicked_a may_v possible_o arrive_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n proper_a to_o the_o godly_a which_o the_o other_o continue_v as_o he_o be_v can_v never_o gain_v now_o if_o that_o which_o be_v possible_o to_o both_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o certain_o attain_v by_o the_o good_a man_n suppose_v to_o be_v equal_a in_o other_o respect_n to_o the_o wicked_a if_o there_o be_v something_o also_o that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a 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we_o shall_v know_v they_o that_o labour_n among_o we_o and_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v we_o be_v a_o impartial_a examination_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n in_o christendom_n pretend_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n be_v it_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o argue_v from_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v in_o the_o command_n of_o try_v their_o doctrine_n who_o pretend_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o revelation_n be_v it_o of_o any_o use_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o ancient_a church_n if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v not_o hinder_v but_o further_v by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o always_o suppose_v a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o sincerity_n give_v a_o prosperous_a influence_n to_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o diligent_a and_o learned_a whereas_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n do_v mix_v itself_o with_o the_o study_n of_o man_n and_o infect_v they_o with_o a_o secret_a disloyalty_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o do_v most_o common_o blast_v their_o endeavour_n through_o the_o corruptness_n of_o their_o end_n make_v they_o bend_v their_o wit_n not_o so_o much_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o to_o serve_v their_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n that_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o any_o other_o way_n be_v include_v in_o this_o 2._o the_o obedient_a and_o honest_a mind_n be_v peculiar_o fit_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a and_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v but_o not_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o passion_n 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