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joy_n which_o it_o afford_v we_o in_o this_o spiritual_a race_n which_o infinite_o over-ballance_n all_o the_o false_a pleasure_n we_o forsake_v and_o all_o the_o difficulty_n we_o undergo_v in_o undertake_v this_o enterprise_n and_o last_o i_o may_v put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n reproach_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n which_o will_v certain_o attend_v we_o if_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o indifference_n we_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o glorious_a prize_n all_o which_o argument_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o to_o awake_v and_o excite_v our_o utmost_a industry_n and_o vigour_n to_o promote_v our_o vigilance_n and_o to_o confirm_v strengthen_v and_o maintain_v our_o courage_n constancy_n and_o resolution_n to_o go_v on_o steadfast_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o but_o the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a argument_n will_v be_v too_o large_a a_o scope_n 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not_o be_v without_o his_o witness_n in_o all_o age_n who_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o this_o faith_n and_o assurance_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o it_o without_o waver_v now_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v die_v in_o this_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v here_o call_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n be_v yet_o but_o a_o very_a few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o have_v live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v despise_v and_o reject_v all_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n to_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o reply_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o testimony_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o number_n and_o noise_n of_o those_o that_o affirm_v any_o thing_n but_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o evidence_n they_o give_v now_o a_o few_o man_n who_o give_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o they_o understand_v perfect_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v other_o be_v 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for_o those_o that_o have_v reject_v this_o belief_n or_o at_o least_o have_v not_o live_v answerable_o to_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v only_o a_o rash_a inconsiderate_a multitude_n of_o no_o understanding_n in_o these_o matter_n who_o never_o take_v time_n to_o think_v whether_o religion_n have_v any_o real_a foundation_n in_o nature_n or_o reason_n or_o not_o and_o therefore_o these_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n in_o the_o case_n and_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o witness_n for_o those_o other_o who_o have_v live_v wicked_o and_o have_v yet_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o ground_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o these_o be_v most_o of_o they_o self-condemned_n and_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o
our_o saviour_n plain_o intend_v not_o to_o set_v bound_n or_o limit_n to_o our_o forgiveness_n but_o to_o declare_v rather_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v unlimited_a that_o no_o transgression_n of_o our_o brother_n how_o often_o soever_o they_o be_v repeat_v aught_o to_o exclude_v he_o from_o our_o forgiveness_n and_o charity_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o question_n touch_v the_o heinousness_n of_o our_o brother_n offence_n against_o we_o it_o be_v plain_a likewise_o that_o no_o degree_n of_o guilt_n in_o he_o can_v put_v he_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o pardon_n unless_o we_o also_o will_v be_v content_a that_o god_n shall_v exclude_v we_o from_o that_o forgiveness_n we_o pray_v for_o for_o so_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o if_o we_o therefore_o forgive_v partial_o if_o we_o except_o any_o of_o our_o brethren_n trespass_n from_o our_o pardon_n because_o forsooth_o they_o be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v forgive_v what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o according_a to_o our_o prayer_n and_o leave_v we_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o most_o heinous_a transgression_n and_o how_o unsupportable_a a_o burden_n this_o will_v be_v judge_v you_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v that_o this_o precept_n do_v oblige_v we_o to_o a_o universal_a forgiveness_n and_o charity_n towards_o our_o enemy_n how_o many_o and_o how_o great_a soever_o their_o offence_n have_v be_v there_o remain_v one_o case_n still_o to_o be_v consider_v viz._n the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a not_o upon_o those_o only_o who_o sin_n immediate_o against_o god_n but_o upon_o those_o also_o who_o be_v injurious_a to_o their_o neighbour_n nor_o can_v civil_a society_n subsist_v without_o such_o a_o stand_a power_n it_o may_v therefore_o be_v reasonable_o demand_v that_o if_o god_n have_v establish_v such_o a_o power_n among_o man_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o injure_a and_o punishment_n of_o offender_n how_o can_v it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o remedy_n and_o then_o sure_o all_o return_n of_o evil_n upon_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o forbid_v by_o this_o precept_n of_o love_a enemy_n nor_o will_v god_n have_v appoint_v his_o public_a officer_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o injustice_n and_o wrong_n if_o the_o person_n injure_v may_v not_o lawful_o implead_v those_o who_o do_v the_o wrong_n and_o seek_v that_o reparation_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n have_v provide_v and_o indeed_o if_o our_o saviour_n do_v universal_o oblige_v we_o tame_o to_o yield_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o injury_n without_o make_v our_o just_a defence_n or_o seek_v reparation_n from_o the_o law_n this_o will_v be_v the_o direct_a way_n to_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o will_v justify_v that_o objection_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v against_o this_o precept_n that_o it_o expose_v good_a man_n to_o ruin_n and_o poverty_n and_o give_v security_n only_o to_o the_o violent_a and_o oppressor_n but_o to_o free_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n from_o so_o undeserved_a a_o calumny_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o this_o precept_n be_v primary_o intend_v as_o a_o rule_n for_o private_a person_n in_o that_o capacity_n that_o they_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n make_v themselves_o judge_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n and_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o take_v vengeance_n and_o exact_v what_o satisfaction_n they_o think_v fit_a for_o the_o injury_n they_o receive_v not_o but_o that_o injustice_n and_o wrong_n aught_o to_o receive_v its_o due_a punishment_n even_o among_o man_n but_o because_o private_a person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v in_o their_o own_o concern_n therefore_o god_n have_v reserve_v this_o power_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o magistrate_n commissionated_a by_o he_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil-doer_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o and_o to_o these_o all_o private_a person_n ought_v to_o refer_v the_o judgement_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o reparation_n of_o their_o wrong_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o force_n of_o s._n paul_n reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o avenge_v ourselves_o rom._n twelve_o 19_o dear_o belove_v avenge_v not_o yourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v write_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n vengeance_n belong_v to_o god_n the_o magistrate_n be_v god_n revenger_n therefore_o private_a person_n must_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o authority_n over_o their_o adversary_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v further_o that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o prosecute_a a_o injurious_a man_n and_o seek_v revenge_n the_o former_a of_o these_o may_v be_v do_v without_o any_o breach_n of_o charity_n or_o diminution_n of_o our_o affection_n towards_o he_o nay_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v the_o cruel_a piece_n of_o revenge_n to_o let_v man_n alone_o in_o their_o evil_a practice_n or_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o enjoy_v the_o fruit_n of_o injustice_n without_o call_v they_o to_o account_v for_o it_o the_o success_n of_o unrighteous_a action_n may_v by_o degree_n harden_v they_o in_o sin_n and_o bring_v down_o the_o severe_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o shall_v they_o escape_v humane_a justice_n so_o that_o to_o give_v a_o timely_a check_n to_o our_o neighbour_n when_o he_o deal_v unjust_o by_o we_o may_v possible_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o gain_v our_o brother_n when_o private_a admonition_n may_v not_o prove_v effectual_a so_o that_o this_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o a_o hearty_a forgiveness_n and_o unfeigned_a charity_n towards_o our_o enemy_n in_o short_a then_o we_o may_v lawful_o implead_v those_o who_o have_v do_v we_o wrong_n only_o we_o must_v observe_v great_a care_n and_o moderation_n in_o it_o we_o must_v not_o go_v to_o law_n for_o every_o trifle_a and_o light_a occasion_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o do_v it_o with_o any_o malicious_a design_n against_o the_o person_n we_o contend_v with_o for_o though_o our_o adversary_n be_v just_o punish_v yet_o if_o we_o pursue_v he_o with_o intention_n to_o gratify_v our_o own_o passion_n in_o his_o suffering_n we_o can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v find_v guiltless_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o first_o thing_n propose_v the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v love_v your_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v the_o great_a obligation_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o enforce_v 1._o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n intimate_v in_o these_o word_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o precept_n 3._o because_o our_o great_a interest_n do_v indispensable_o depend_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n express_v in_o those_o word_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n 1._o if_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n only_o as_o a_o prophet_n come_v from_o god_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n to_o make_v they_o understand_v more_o clear_o what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o they_o yet_o this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o challenge_v our_o obedience_n to_o this_o and_o all_o his_o command_n that_o god_n who_o creature_n we_o be_v on_o who_o we_o depend_v daily_o for_o our_o subsistence_n and_o well-being_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n we_o enjoy_v and_o from_o who_o alone_o we_o can_v receive_v whatever_o we_o hope_v for_o this_o god_n who_o natural_a bear_v subject_n we_o be_v have_v by_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o do_v according_o by_o he_o require_v the_o most_o entire_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o doctrine_n he_o do_v more_o frequent_o insist_v on_o or_o more_o earnest_o persuade_v we_o to_o obey_v than_o this_o of_o the_o text_n of_o love_v enemy_n the_o will_n of_o god_n whensoever_o make_v know_v to_o we_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o any_o of_o his_o law_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n bring_v with_o he_o such_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o deliver_v his_o doctrine_n with_o so_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v that_o he_o extort_a from_o his_o very_a adversary_n this_o confession_n matt._n 22._o 15._o master_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v true_a and_o teach_v
allow_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o any_o probable_a hope_n of_o salvation_n he_o that_o consider_v this_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o the_o way_n of_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a and_o certain_a so_o that_o all_o that_o use_v a_o due_a diligence_n in_o the_o search_n after_o it_o may_v reasonable_o hope_v to_o obtain_v it_o or_o second_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n that_o maintain_v so_o wide_a difference_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n after_o a_o right_a manner_n the_o former_a of_o these_o viz._n that_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a and_o that_o all_o who_o use_v a_o due_a diligence_n in_o the_o search_n of_o it_o may_v not_o reasonable_o hope_v to_o find_v it_o this_o can_v be_v grant_v without_o injury_n and_o affront_n to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o justice_n for_o since_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o all_o christian_n do_v depend_v upon_o their_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o christianity_n and_o this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o dark_a and_o obscure_a that_o even_o the_o plain_a christian_n may_v not_o attain_v to_o as_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v not_o take_v sufficient_a care_n of_o his_o people_n to_o make_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n know_v to_o they_o and_o withal_o that_o he_o deal_v very_o hardly_o and_o unmerciful_o with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o in_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n when_o yet_o he_o have_v annex_v so_o great_a a_o penalty_n to_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o their_o fall_a short_a of_o that_o eternal_a inheritance_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o true_a reason_n therefore_o why_o so_o many_o enquirer_n after_o knowledge_n do_v miscarry_v in_o their_o design_n and_o be_v lead_v away_o into_o strange_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n be_v not_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v obtain_v but_o because_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o search_n of_o it_o after_o a_o due_a manner_n it_o can_v therefore_o but_o seem_v necessary_a that_o while_o we_o all_o pretend_v to_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n and_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v in_o those_o important_a truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o first_o of_o all_o endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o concern_v the_o true_a way_n and_o method_n by_o which_o the_o knowledge_n we_o seek_v after_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v and_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v direct_v we_o to_o in_o these_o word_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 or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o in_o the_o foregoing_a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n we_o read_v that_o there_o be_v great_a murmur_v among_o the_o people_n concern_v our_o saviour_n who_o about_o that_o time_n begin_v to_o show_v himself_o to_o israel_n and_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n concern_v he_o some_o say_v he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n other_o say_z nay_o but_o he_o deceive_v the_o people_n now_o to_o decide_v this_o controversy_n concern_v himself_o and_o the_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v he_o give_v they_o this_o plain_a direction_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n intimate_v thereby_o that_o they_o who_o thus_o dispute_v concern_v he_o have_v not_o that_o true_a frame_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v fit_a for_o his_o reception_n that_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o obey_v god_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o be_v so_o inquisitive_a about_o he_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o look_v for_o further_a revelation_n and_o instruction_n from_o god_n when_o they_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o that_o doctrine_n they_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v divine_a for_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o upbraid_v they_o v._o 19_o do_v not_o moses_n give_v you_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o you_o keep_v the_o law_n so_o then_o have_v the_o jew_n be_v obedient_a observer_n of_o the_o law_n as_o they_o pretend_v great_a admiration_n of_o it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v find_v so_o many_o difficulty_n in_o their_o own_n our_o saviour_n for_o the_o true_a messiah_n they_o will_v then_o easy_o have_v understand_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v be_v true_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o object_v against_o he_o but_o that_o he_o do_v eminent_o and_o exact_o fulfil_v they_o but_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o this_o strict_a connexion_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o forego_n and_o follow_v verse_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v they_o not_o as_o have_v any_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o the_o jew_n but_o as_o they_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n for_o all_o enquirer_n after_o divine_a truth_n if_o any_o man_n whosoever_o he_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_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 or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o in_o handle_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v first_o endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v in_o order_n to_o the_o search_n of_o divine_a truth_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o certainty_n of_o success_n to_o all_o such_o as_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n after_o this_o manner_n here_o require_v 1._o for_o the_o condition_n itself_o 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 or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o this_o condition_n imply_v in_o it_o these_o four_o thing_n 1._o a_o previous_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o and_o our_o obligation_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n command_v this_o belief_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o god_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o all_o inquiry_n after_o divine_a truth_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o particular_a kind_n of_o religion_n must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n suppose_v that_o some_o religious_a worship_n be_v due_a from_o man_n to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v of_o so_o natural_a a_o evidence_n and_o obligation_n that_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o have_v be_v any_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o supreme_a right_n to_o give_v law_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o our_o well-being_n and_o happiness_n do_v depend_v upon_o our_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v well-pleasing_a to_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o how_o far_o soever_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n have_v err_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n ofttimes_o attribute_v to_o he_o those_o unworthy_a passion_n and_o practice_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o yet_o still_o they_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o find_v out_o some_o way_n of_o express_v their_o homage_n to_o he_o and_o though_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n devise_v by_o the_o heathen_n be_v common_o very_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a yet_o thus_o much_o be_v abundant_o evident_a from_o their_o practice_n that_o they_o own_v a_o obligation_n to_o a_o religious_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o right_a to_o govern_v they_o and_o to_o dispose_v of_o they_o as_o he_o please_v and_o this_o sense_n of_o his_o divine_a sovereignty_n be_v necessary_o suppose_v in_o this_o condition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n for_o no_o man_n can_v intend_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o before_o persuade_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o whensoever_o it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o 2._o this_o condition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n imply_v or_o presuppose_v a_o serious_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v we_o as_o viz._n a_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o sober_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o it_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n on_o those_o spiritual_a guide_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o for_o our_o instruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o guidance_n and_o assistance_n of_o
his_o good_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o though_o god_n will_v infuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o a_o miracle_n but_o that_o those_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v blessed_v by_o he_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o old_a oeconomy_n the_o jew_n be_v refer_v to_o moses_n for_o their_o instruction_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o these_o man_n 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full_a and_o sensible_a conviction_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v talk_v superficial_o about_o religious_a matter_n or_o that_o can_v give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v dispute_v learned_o about_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o decide_v controverfy_v not_o every_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o accomplish_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o our_o saviour_n sense_n no_o he_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n absolute_o and_o entire_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v receive_v a_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n concern_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o than_o can_v be_v gain_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n and_o most_o convince_a demonstration_n he_o shall_v find_v in_o his_o soul_n a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v such_o as_o shall_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubtfulness_n or_o dispute_v 4._o we_o must_v not_o only_o intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o this_o as_o the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o enquiry_n but_o we_o must_v actual_o endeavour_v to_o discharge_v those_o duty_n we_o already_o know_v if_o we_o hope_v to_o attaim_v to_o a_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n in_o our_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o neglect_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o he_o already_o know_v he_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o submit_v to_o those_o further_a instruction_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o in_o this_o place_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v to_o exact_v this_o qualification_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v practice_v those_o duty_n they_o already_o know_v if_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o otherwise_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a way_n of_o proceed_v to_o persuade_v man_n first_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o to_o promise_v they_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o enter_v upon_o a_o way_n of_o live_v so_o strict_a and_o severe_a as_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v without_o be_v satisfy_v before_o hand_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o that_o be_v true_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v there_o require_v and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o great_a duty_n and_o interest_n to_o obey_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o sad_a experience_n that_o many_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v yet_o very_o backward_o to_o practice_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o but_o how_o much_o more_o unwilling_o will_v they_o undertake_v this_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o they_o have_v obey_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n here_o speak_v of_o must_v in_o part_n be_v understand_v of_o those_o previous_a instruction_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v our_o saviour_n have_v before_o receive_v the_o jew_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n here_o direct_v his_o discourse_n have_v the_o instruction_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n from_o who_o they_o may_v have_v understand_v the_o principal_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n will_v doubtless_o have_v be_v a_o great_a preparation_n for_o their_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o for_o those_o enquirer_n after_o truth_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n no_o man_n can_v ordinary_o grow_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a society_n to_o a_o age_n capable_a of_o such_o inquiry_n but_o must_v have_v be_v competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n in_o the_o substantial_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n those_o three_o great_a branch_n of_o duty_n which_o s._n paul_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o themselves_o of_o so_o evident_a a_o obligation_n that_o no_o man_n who_o have_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n especial_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o live_v so_o suppose_v we_o then_o a_o man_n competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n whether_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o his_o
promise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o enable_v they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o holy_a office_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o with_o such_o reverence_n as_o be_v due_a to_o the_o ambassador_n of_o god_n to_o the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n not_o that_o the_o true_o humble_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v a_o blind_a assent_n to_o whatever_o he_o hear_v deliver_v from_o a_o pulpit_n or_o that_o he_o be_v present_o to_o renounce_v his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n whenever_o it_o be_v contradict_v by_o his_o immediate_a pastor_n no_o we_o do_v not_o claim_v this_o dominion_n over_o the_o reason_n and_o conscience_n of_o our_o brethren_n we_o do_v not_o require_v a_o absolute_a assent_n to_o all_o we_o say_v only_o thus_o much_o a_o humble_a man_n will_v and_o aught_o to_o think_v his_o duty_n not_o to_o oppose_v every_o private_a scruple_n of_o his_o own_o to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o he_o live_v much_o less_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o without_o manifest_a and_o plain_a ground_n he_o ought_v rather_o to_o distrust_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o public_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n for_o further_a information_n before_o he_o be_v positive_a in_o his_o opinion_n he_o ought_v to_o apply_v himself_o with_o all_o humility_n to_o his_o superior_n to_o desire_v satisfaction_n from_o they_o and_o he_o ought_v to_o attend_v to_o they_o with_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a lest_o any_o prejudice_n or_o self-interest_n shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o persuasion_n and_o than_o if_o after_o a_o due_a diligence_n he_o find_v himself_o still_o unconvince_v yet_o still_o humility_n will_v oblige_v he_o not_o to_o judge_v those_o who_o differ_v from_o he_o nor_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o he_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n which_o he_o be_v not_o full_o convince_v to_o be_v be_v unlawful_a now_o he_o that_o proce_v with_o this_o humility_n and_o deliberation_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o those_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n which_o seem_v doubtful_a to_o he_o this_o humble_a temper_n will_v either_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o superior_n or_o at_o least_o will_v secure_v he_o from_o the_o danger_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o error_n for_o simple_a error_n be_v not_o dangerous_a in_o itself_o unless_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o culpable_a cause_n or_o unless_o it_o lead_v to_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n and_o this_o a_o humble_a man_n will_v hardly_o be_v tempt_v to_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o private_a opinion_n 4._o a_o humble_a and_o modest_a man_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o yield_v to_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o matter_n he_o inquire_v about_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v not_o require_v great_a evidence_n for_o reveal_v truth_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v of_o and_o indeed_o the_o want_n of_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n may_v just_o be_v account_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n many_o disputer_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o wit_n and_o part_n to_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v a_o paradox_n and_o to_o stand_v their_o ground_n against_o all_o opposition_n these_o man_n seek_v not_o truth_n but_o victory_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o as_o to_o amuse_v other_o and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v a_o objection_n which_o they_o think_v their_o adversary_n can_v answer_v they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v unanswerable_a and_o think_v that_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o all_o positive_a argument_n whatsoever_o now_o this_o perverse_a and_o conceit_a way_n of_o dispute_v render_v man_n very_o unfit_a to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n in_o any_o kind_n of_o science_n but_o especial_o in_o religion_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o proof_n but_o that_o a_o perverse_a and_o unteachable_a spirit_n may_v find_v some_o kind_n of_o evasion_n to_o abate_v the_o force_n of_o they_o and_o may_v raise_v some_o kind_n of_o groundless_a suspicion_n that_o possible_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v there_o represent_v the_o evidence_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o these_o day_n do_v in_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o historical_a truth_n of_o those_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v attest_v by_o as_o credible_a witness_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n ever_o be_v and_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o or_o better_a proof_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o still_o a_o man_n that_o be_v perverse_a and_o obstinate_a may_v say_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o convince_a than_o that_o of_o witness_n that_o see_v be_v believe_v and_o if_o i_o can_v see_v some_o of_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_v wrought_v now_o which_o be_v report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n i_o will_v believe_v but_o as_o for_o these_o historical_a narration_n if_o either_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v or_o do_v intend_v to_o deceive_v or_o delude_v posterity_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o either_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v those_o relation_n be_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o now_o although_o it_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suppose_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n shall_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n so_o cheerful_o in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o be_v satisfy_v about_o it_o themselves_o or_o with_o intention_n to_o deceive_v other_o though_o this_o be_v the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o think_v so_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n what_o further_a argument_n can_v be_v use_v to_o convince_v he_o for_o what_o further_a evidence_n can_v we_o expect_v of_o any_o man_n sincerity_n in_o what_o he_o say_v than_o that_o he_o will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o attest_v it_o as_o they_o do_v and_o then_o for_o their_o knowledge_n in_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v well_o appeal_v to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n wherewith_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v that_o such_o man_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n yet_o still_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n be_v not_o so_o great_a evidence_n as_o that_o of_o sense_n though_o it_o be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o a_o man_n that_o be_v resolve_v to_o yield_v to_o nothing_o but_o sensible_a demonstration_n must_v expect_v to_o go_v away_o unsatisfied_a as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o it_o be_v not_o now_o capable_a of_o that_o kind_n of_o evidence_n but_o now_o a_o humble_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n that_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n in_o order_n to_o practice_n such_o a_o one_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o obstinate_a and_o refractory_a in_o his_o proceed_n he_o will_v content_v himself_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o the_o thing_n he_o inquire_v about_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v require_v no_o great_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o those_o perverse_a disputer_n who_o be_v not_o content_a with_o that_o rational_a evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v not_o be_v convince_v though_o they_o see_v a_o miracle_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o in_o a_o like_a case_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o believe_v though_o one_o arise_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v at_o first_o confirm_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o miracle_n but_o afterward_o they_o be_v to_o be_v content_a with_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o father_n concern_v it_o and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n upon_o that_o evidence_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o great_a miracle_n even_o the_o resurrection_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o case_n be_v now_o the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n at_o the_o
clear_a right_n on_o his_o side_n than_o any_o man_n can_v now_o pretend_v to_o but_o be_v entertain_v with_o the_o great_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o if_o any_o injury_n may_v just_o provoke_v our_o rage_n and_o passion_n those_o offer_v to_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o the_o most_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a nature_n but_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v he_o revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o he_o render_v not_o evil_a for_o evil_n nor_o rail_v for_o rail_v but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o and_o now_o can_v any_o man_n pretend_v to_o own_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o saviour_n precept_n and_o example_n and_o yet_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n and_o virulency_n of_o speech_n towards_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o some_o of_o our_o zealous_a disputant_n do_v in_o these_o day_n s._n judas_n tell_v we_o that_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o he_o contend_v with_o the_o devil_n he_o dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o presume_v to_o do_v it_o in_o our_o religious_a debate_n with_o our_o christian_a brethren_n who_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v notwithstanding_o our_o misconception_n of_o they_o may_v be_v in_o truth_n the_o child_n of_o god_n though_o fall_v into_o error_n in_o a_o word_n to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a he_o that_o will_v learn_v must_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v contradict_v and_o hear_v with_o patience_n what_o may_v be_v say_v be_v it_o never_o so_o opposite_a to_o his_o former_a notion_n or_o to_o his_o present_a wish_n otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v hardly_o capable_a to_o judge_v aright_o again_o he_o that_o will_v instruct_v and_o convince_v other_o must_v do_v it_o also_o with_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n confute_v error_n with_o all_o the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n he_o be_v able_a but_o spare_v the_o person_n he_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v for_o if_o by_o reproach_n and_o contumely_n he_o provoke_v their_o passion_n who_o he_o shall_v instruct_v he_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o all_o his_o reason_n by_o discompose_v those_o faculty_n which_o shall_v judge_v of_o it_o 5._o the_o five_o point_n of_o duty_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o as_o have_v great_a influence_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v prayer_n to_o god_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o natural_a obligation_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o many_o precept_n of_o ancient_a philosopher_n concern_v it_o pythagoras_n in_o particular_a advice_n to_o undertake_v no_o work_n to_o endeavour_v nothing_o without_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o he_o subjoin_v to_o many_o other_o precept_n of_o virtue_n as_o the_o compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o and_o sure_o if_o the_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v necessary_a in_o all_o our_o concern_v it_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o our_o search_n of_o divine_a truth_n for_o to_o who_o shall_v we_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n but_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v and_o the_o same_o philosopher_n immediate_o after_o his_o precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o his_o direction_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o bless_v and_o perfect_a our_o endeavour_n he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a benefit_n that_o will_v redound_v to_o we_o thereby_o that_o we_o shall_v by_o so_o do_v gain_n the_o knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o much_o different_a from_o what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n have_v in_o itself_o a_o natural_a efficacy_n to_o clear_v the_o understanding_n and_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o sure_o if_o philosopher_n by_o the_o force_n of_o natural_a principle_n understand_v the_o necessity_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n in_o all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o that_o prayer_n be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v we_o who_o have_v receive_v better_a mean_n of_o instruction_n than_o they_o have_v can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o point_n of_o duty_n especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o full_a of_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n require_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o all_o our_o exigency_n and_o assure_v we_o of_o success_n by_o so_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o thus_o particular_o luke_n xi_o 9_o our_o saviour_n advise_v we_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o and_o then_o follow_v v._o 13._o if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o s._n james_n yet_o more_o near_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n direct_v we_o to_o make_v our_o humble_a address_n to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n james_n 1._o 5._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n plenteous_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o i_o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v on_o some_o particular_a duty_n each_o of_o which_o single_o consider_v have_v a_o very_a great_a efficacy_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o from_o whence_o the_o inference_n will_v be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a that_o if_o the_o practice_n of_o each_o of_o these_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o in_o our_o search_n after_o knowledge_n then_o sure_o where_o these_o be_v all_o unite_a they_o can_v ordinary_o fail_v of_o their_o desire_a effect_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v further_o that_o the_o condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v be_v not_o complete_v in_o our_o observance_n of_o those_o particular_a duty_n abovementioned_a but_o in_o a_o universal_a and_o impartial_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v already_o know_v to_o we_o and_o in_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o further_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o upon_o perusal_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o man_n thus_o qualify_v beside_o the_o natural_a efficacy_n of_o virtue_n to_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o receive_v the_o gospel_n have_v moreover_o a_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n to_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n and_o to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o account_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n proposition_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 or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o any_o who_o seek_v for_o truth_n with_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o submit_v to_o it_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o have_v already_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o do_v his_o will_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o afford_v such_o further_a mean_n of_o instruction_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n mat._n twenty-five_o 29._o unto_o every_o man_n that_o have_v that_o be_v who_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o what_o he_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n every_o one_o who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v up_o to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n he_o have_v god_n will_v give_v to_o he_o such_o further_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o shall_v be_v suitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o he_o and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o great_a signal_n example_n in_o cornelius_n the_o good_a centurion_n act_v 10._o who_o prayer_n and_o alm_n while_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o christ_n religion_n be_v so_o far_o accept_v by_o god_n that_o he_o be_v please_v miraculous_o to_o direct_v he_o to_o peter_n for_o further_a instruction_n what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v now_o although_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o sincere_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n shall_v be_v thus_o miraculous_o instruct_v as_o cornelius_n be_v yet_o god_n have_v give_v we_o abundant_a assurance_n that_o no_o such_o person_n shall_v miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o necessary_a knowledge_n for_o to_o this_o end_n god_n have_v give_v his_o holy_a
prize_n his_o adversary_n perhaps_o who_o be_v of_o less_o ability_n and_o courage_n may_v by_o such_o a_o advantage_n easy_o get_v the_o start_n of_o he_o and_o defeat_v he_o of_o the_o crown_n and_o he_o become_v the_o derision_n and_o scorn_n of_o the_o beholder_n the_o case_n be_v not_o unlike_a in_o our_o christian_a race_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o be_v religious_a and_o devout_a by_o fit_n and_o start_v at_o some_o set_a time_n or_o upon_o some_o solemn_a occasion_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o constant_a behaviour_n the_o continue_a employment_n of_o our_o life_n the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v much_o more_o our_o business_n than_o any_o other_o employment_n whatsoever_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o constant_o and_o vigorous_o pursue_v for_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o give_v ourselves_o leisure_n to_o be_v idle_a and_o make_v any_o least_o delay_n or_o stop_v in_o our_o christian_a race_n alas_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o easy_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o our_o desire_a end_n for_o how_o fast_o soever_o we_o go_v on_o in_o our_o way_n our_o former_a lust_n and_o desire_v we_o have_v cast_v off_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o follow_v we_o close_o to_o tread_v in_o our_o step_n and_o will_v watch_v every_o opportunity_n to_o desire_v parley_n with_o we_o and_o entreat_v our_o stay_n and_o if_o we_o once_o make_v the_o least_o intermission_n to_o treat_v with_o they_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o foresee_v how_o soon_o our_o vigour_n and_o heat_n with_o which_o we_o begin_v the_o race_n will_v abate_v and_o cool_v our_o joint_n will_v then_o grow_v stiff_a and_o unactive_a and_o then_o present_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n arise_v and_o we_o be_v as_o far_o from_o our_o journey_n end_v as_o when_o we_o first_o set_v out_o so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v when_o we_o have_v begin_v well_o and_o go_v on_o for_o a_o while_n then_o to_o stay_v and_o look_v back_o and_o deliberate_a whether_o we_o shall_v go_v far_o or_o not_o nay_o in_o these_o case_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n to_o stay_v be_v to_o go_v backward_o for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n he_o can_v be_v altogether_o idle_a if_o he_o be_v not_o engage_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a he_o will_v certain_o be_v employ_v in_o somewhat_o else_o that_o be_v bad_a and_o sinful_a and_o then_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o a_o good_a habit_n be_v much_o more_o weaken_a by_o a_o little_a intermission_n than_o it_o can_v be_v strengthen_v or_o improve_v by_o many_o instance_n of_o virtue_n so_o that_o from_o these_o consideration_n it_o may_v abundant_o appear_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o our_o progress_n in_o this_o race_n before_o we_o shall_v be_v constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o this_o exhortation_n be_v that_o our_o vigour_n and_o diligence_n in_o this_o affair_n must_v be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n we_o must_v run_v with_o patience_n how_o diligent_a and_o active_a soever_o we_o may_v have_v be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n how_o far_o soever_o we_o have_v proceed_v in_o our_o christian_a race_n let_v no_o man_n yet_o flatter_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o whole_a duty_n or_o that_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o perfection_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o or_o that_o he_o be_v already_o secure_a of_o his_o reward_n and_o crown_n for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a mistake_n and_o many_o who_o do_v run_v once_o well_o may_v upon_o this_o presumption_n foolish_o miscarry_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pain_n and_o labour_n they_o have_v heretofore_o endure_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n and_o this_o very_a similitude_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o it_o for_o who_o ever_o pretend_v to_o have_v win_v the_o prize_n without_o run_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n now_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a than_o that_o our_o life_n here_o be_v the_o time_n of_o our_o trial_n wherein_o we_o must_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n and_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o and_o that_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v the_o time_n of_o reward_n or_o retribution_n as_o long_o therefore_o as_o we_o live_v here_o we_o must_v keep_v up_o our_o diligence_n in_o our_o christian_a calling_n labour_v every_o day_n to_o go_v on_o from_o strength_n to_o strength_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o improve_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n of_o live_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o imagine_v to_o themselves_o i_o know_v not_o what_o security_n of_o their_o condition_n they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v that_o god_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o have_v make_v no_o such_o irrevocable_a decree_n for_o any_o particular_a man_n salvation_n but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o if_o he_o fall_v from_o his_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n ez._n 33._o 13._o when_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o righteous_a that_o he_o shall_v sure_o live_v if_o he_o trust_v to_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n all_o his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v remember_v for_o his_o iniquity_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v he_o shall_v die_v for_o it_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o possibility_n and_o danger_n of_o this_o s._n paul_n exhort_v we_o 1_o cor._n x._o 12._o wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v where_o the_o apostle_n plain_o intimate_v that_o they_o who_o think_v themselves_o perfect_a and_o secure_a of_o their_o condition_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v than_o other_o because_o that_o very_a security_n be_v apt_a in_o its_o own_o natural_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n supine_n and_o negligent_a and_o unwilling_a to_o proceed_v further_o in_o the_o race_n set_v before_o they_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n though_o we_o have_v make_v it_o our_o endeavour_n to_o throw_v off_o every_o weight_n though_o we_o have_v use_v great_a diligence_n in_o our_o christian_a race_n yet_o still_o we_o have_v something_o more_o to_o do_v we_o have_v still_o many_o adversary_n to_o contend_v with_o many_o temptation_n to_o resist_v the_o seed_n of_o those_o desire_n which_o we_o have_v before_o do_v still_o remain_v in_o we_o which_o will_v always_o afford_v new_a matter_n for_o our_o vigilance_n and_o care_n nor_o can_v we_o ever_o be_v secure_a that_o we_o have_v earn_v our_o prize_n till_o we_o have_v finish_v our_o course_n with_o patience_n and_o god_n call_v we_o hence_o to_o receive_v our_o reward_n sure_o i_o be_o if_o any_o man_n may_v be_v secure_a before_o hand_n that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o whole_a duty_n and_o be_v now_o ascertain_v of_o his_o reward_n s._n paul_n may_v pretend_v as_o reasonable_o to_o that_o privilege_n as_o any_o other_o but_o yet_o he_o describe_v his_o own_o condition_n as_o still_o imperfect_a and_o still_o depend_v upon_o his_o future_a diligence_n phil._n iij._n 12._o not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v either_o be_v already_o perfect_a but_o i_o follow_v after_o if_o that_o i_o may_v apprehend_v that_o for_o which_o also_o i_o be_o apprehend_v of_o christ_n jesus_n brethren_n i_o count_v not_o myself_o to_o have_v apprehend_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n thus_o if_o we_o will_v follow_v s._n paul_n example_n and_o the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o text_n we_o must_v still_o continue_v press_v forward_o and_o run_v with_o patience_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o race_n have_v thus_o far_o consider_v the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o i_o may_v now_o endeavour_v to_o enforce_v it_o by_o represent_v to_o your_o thought_n the_o exceed_v great_a reward_n the_o glorious_a prize_n we_o be_v to_o run_v for_o in_o the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o blessedness_n that_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n sufficient_o to_o conceive_v of_o it_o i_o may_v also_o here_o recall_v to_o your_o remembrance_n the_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v this_o reward_n and_o will_v bestow_v it_o on_o those_o who_o have_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o run_v with_o patience_n i_o may_v far_o add_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n good_a spirit_n the_o great_a comfort_n support_v and_o
the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n this_o be_v that_o prophet_n who_o god_n himself_o speak_v of_o so_o long_o before_o to_o moses_n say_v deut._n xviii_o 18._o i_o will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n like_v unto_o thou_o and_o will_v put_v my_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n and_o he_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o all_o that_o i_o command_v he_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o word_n i_o will_v require_v it_o s._n peter_n explain_v act_n three_o 23._o where_n cite_v this_o prophecy_n he_o tell_v we_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o soul_n that_o will_v not_o hear_v that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o among_o the_o people_n if_o therefore_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n only_o as_o that_o prophet_n yet_o this_o alone_a give_v sufficient_a authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o his_o precept_n and_o he_o may_v just_o pronounce_v pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n only_o as_o a_o prophet_n it_o be_v true_a he_o be_v a_o prophet_n mighty_a in_o deed_n and_o in_o word_n but_o he_o be_v withal_o much_o more_o than_o a_o prophet_n for_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v to_o the_o 2._o heb._n i._n 1_o 2._o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n now_o if_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o ambassador_n add_v any_o weight_n or_o authority_n to_o the_o message_n he_o deliver_v then_o sure_o by_o how_o much_o great_a the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v than_o those_o other_o prophet_n and_o minister_n who_o god_n in_o former_a age_n send_v forth_o to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n so_o much_o more_o inexcusable_a must_v those_o man_n be_v who_o reject_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o this_o be_v the_o inference_n s_o paul_n make_v heb._n two_o 1._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v its_o due_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o these_o consideration_n may_v seem_v too_o remote_a as_o have_v equal_a influence_n upon_o all_o other_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v observe_v 3._o that_o our_o saviour_n authority_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a force_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o love_a enemy_n because_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v a_o continue_a example_n of_o unbounded_a goodness_n and_o love_n to_o those_o who_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o he_o give_v we_o that_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o precept_n require_v nothing_o more_o of_o we_o than_o what_o he_o practise_v towards_o ourselves_o in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n and_o can_v we_o then_o be_v unwilling_a for_o his_o sake_n to_o imitate_v his_o practice_n towards_o our_o fellow-creature_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n before_o god_n and_o become_v enemy_n to_o he_o through_o wicked_a work_n and_o liable_a to_o most_o severe_a vengeance_n than_o it_o please_v the_o father_n out_o of_o his_o most_o tender_a compassion_n and_o love_n to_o mankind_n to_o send_v his_o son_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n to_o proclaim_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o they_o who_o will_v repent_v and_o turn_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o way_n and_o will_v believe_v and_o obey_v that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o shall_v teach_v then_o it_o please_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o habitation_n of_o glory_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o our_o flesh_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o last_o to_o suffer_v a_o accurse_a ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n to_o redeem_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o insupportable_a vengeance_n which_o be_v the_o wage_n of_o they_o and_o can_v we_o think_v of_o so_o great_a condescension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o boundless_a a_o compassion_n and_o mighty_a love_n without_o be_v transport_v with_o the_o most_o fervent_a affection_n of_o soul_n to_o render_v to_o he_o all_o possible_a demonstration_n of_o thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n sure_o no_o obedience_n on_o our_o part_n can_v be_v too_o great_a a_o testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n and_o love_n to_o he_o by_o who_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n we_o be_v so_o deep_o oblige_v now_o the_o duty_n of_o love_a enemy_n be_v not_o only_o recommend_v to_o our_o practice_n by_o our_o saviour_n authority_n and_o example_n but_o be_v further_o enjoin_v as_o a_o particular_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o as_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o charity_n wherein_o they_o shall_v exceed_v other_o man_n s._n luke_n vi_fw-la 32._o if_o you_o love_v they_o which_o love_v you_o what_o thank_v have_v you_o for_o sinner_n also_o love_v those_o that_o love_v they_o and_o if_o you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o which_o do_v good_a for_o you_o what_o thank_v have_v you_o for_o sinner_n also_o do_v even_o the_o same_o and_o if_o you_o lend_v to_o they_o of_o who_o you_o hope_v to_o receive_v what_o thank_v have_v you_o for_o sinner_n also_o lend_v to_o sinner_n to_o receive_v as_o much_o again_o but_o love_v you_o your_o enemy_n and_o do_v good_a hope_v for_o nothing_o again_o so_o then_o by_o our_o saviour_n argument_n when_o we_o do_v good_a to_o friend_n only_o we_o do_v but_o as_o other_o man_n and_o mind_n only_o our_o interest_n but_o if_o our_o charity_n extend_v to_o enemy_n this_o be_v pure_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o saviour_n then_o be_v we_o proper_o call_v his_o disciple_n to_o conclude_v therefore_o this_o argument_n if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n sufficient_o make_v know_v to_o we_o have_v any_o force_n to_o oblige_v our_o practice_n if_o the_o authority_n and_o example_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v prevail_v with_o we_o if_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o goodness_n and_o love_n towards_o ourselves_o can_v deserve_v any_o suitable_a return_n from_o we_o than_o our_o saviour_n may_v and_o do_v upon_o all_o these_o account_n challenge_v your_o obedience_n to_o this_o precept_n of_o love_a enemy_n as_o the_o peculiar_a instance_n of_o your_o duty_n to_o he_o as_o the_o best_a imitation_n of_o his_o charity_n and_o true_a testimony_n of_o your_o love_n and_o gratitude_n thus_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n he_o be_v one_o who_o by_o the_o just_a authority_n and_o great_a obligation_n claim_v obedience_n to_o this_o precept_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n 2._o beside_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n if_o we_o consider_v further_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o it_o will_v appear_v much_o more_o unreasonable_a we_o shall_v disobey_v he_o for_o however_o uneasy_a this_o may_v seem_v at_o the_o first_o sight_n if_o we_o take_v our_o measure_n aright_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n that_o do_v more_o conduce_v to_o the_o quiet_a contentment_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o true_a dignity_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n 1._o if_o we_o consult_v only_o our_o present_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n this_o only_a will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n oblige_v we_o to_o pass_v by_o many_o injury_n and_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o courteous_a towards_o our_o brethren_n though_o they_o have_v be_v injurious_a to_o we_o and_o this_o will_v best_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o burdensome_a and_o uneasy_a those_o passion_n be_v which_o incline_v to_o revenge_v anger_n and_o malice_n and_o envy_n and_o jealousy_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a attendant_n of_o the_o revengeful_a man_n do_v raise_v such_o boisterous_a tempest_n such_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o can_v consist_v with_o true_a peace_n and_o serenity_n so_o that_o to_o give_v way_n to_o they_o and_o cherish_v they_o in_o their_o beginning_n be_v as_o dangerous_a to_o
appetite_n which_o every_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n be_v in_o themselves_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o be_v design_v by_o he_o for_o good_a end_n and_o we_o may_v lawful_o gratify_v they_o so_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o end_n but_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o our_o prudence_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n to_o understand_v the_o true_a bound_n how_o far_o we_o may_v lawful_o indulge_v the_o low_a faculty_n and_o to_o restthere_o for_o if_o our_o reason_n which_o shall_v prefide_v over_o they_o once_o let_v go_v the_o reins_o by_o which_o she_o shall_v govern_v and_o restrain_v they_o they_o easy_o get_v the_o mastery_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o their_o just_a measure_n without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o reluctancy_n now_o the_o regulate_v these_o desire_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n recommend_v to_o we_o s._n matt._n v._n 8._o as_o a_o mean_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n of_o god_n bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n which_o blessing_n though_o it_o principal_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o blissful_a sight_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o have_v it_o part_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n in_o this_o life_n the_o pure_a in_o heart_n be_v the_o best_a qualify_v to_o judge_v of_o those_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o the_o contrary_a vice_n tend_v to_o the_o debauch_v the_o understanding_n in_o these_o matter_n the_o fume_n of_o lust_n and_o intemperance_n be_v very_o pernicious_a to_o our_o rational_a power_n they_o make_v man_n dull_a and_o of_o no_o understanding_n even_o in_o the_o ordinary_a affair_n of_o life_n and_o then_o sure_o if_o they_o make_v man_n unfit_a for_o worldly_a business_n they_o will_v render_v they_o infinite_o more_o uncapable_a of_o religious_a inquiry_n a_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o his_o impure_a desire_n will_v not_o easy_o be_v bring_v to_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n to_o inquire_v serious_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o satisfaction_n he_o be_v afraid_a he_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o something_o that_o will_v ruffle_v and_o discompose_v his_o thought_n awaken_v his_o conscience_n and_o put_v a_o check_n to_o his_o career_n of_o pleasure_n and_o therefore_o while_o he_o can_v find_v pretence_n to_o defer_v his_o enquiry_n he_o will_n but_o then_o suppose_v a_o man_n of_o this_o temper_n shall_v for_o once_o undertake_v to_o peruse_v the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v prepossess_v with_o the_o love_n of_o these_o sensual_a delight_n he_o will_v find_v out_o many_o argument_n to_o defend_v himself_o withal_o many_o art_n and_o evasion_n to_o justify_v or_o at_o least_o to_o palliate_v and_o excuse_v his_o practice_n and_o then_o withal_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o will_v not_o have_v a_o due_a relish_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o precept_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v nor_o of_o the_o reward_v it_o promise_n they_o be_v of_o a_o more_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o kind_n so_o vast_o different_a from_o what_o he_o be_v most_o delight_v with_o so_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n ij_o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v to_o this_o purity_n of_o heart_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o may_v be_v reduce_v a_o generous_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n a_o freedom_n from_o all_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a desire_n for_o he_o that_o have_v his_o heart_n set_v upon_o riches_n or_o upon_o the_o pomp_n and_o gallantry_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o in_o any_o capacity_n of_o receive_v or_o understand_v the_o gospel_n these_o two_o vice_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n have_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v note_v for_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o young_a man_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n go_v away_o sorrowful_a because_o he_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v a_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n without_o relinquish_a his_o large_a possession_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o demus_n apostasy_n from_o the_o religion_n he_o once_o embrace_v because_o he_o love_v the_o present_a world_n diotrephes_n be_v note_v by_o s._n john_n for_o his_o ambition_n for_o he_o withstand_v the_o apostle_n love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n s._n paul_n also_o put_v these_o two_o cause_n together_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n as_o the_o principal_a reason_n of_o heresy_n and_o false_a doctrine_n 1_o tim._n vj._n 3._o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n he_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o but_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v any_o man_n of_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o interest_n or_o ambitious_a desire_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o understand_v that_o this_o duty_n of_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o consist_v in_o regulate_v our_o worldly_a and_o sensual_a affection_n high_o conduce_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n because_o it_o take_v away_o those_o dangerous_a cause_n of_o error_n and_o apostasy_n 3._o a_o three_o branch_n of_o duty_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o as_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o all_o enquirer_n after_o divine_a truth_n be_v humility_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o divine_a impression_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o property_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o modest_a man_n 1._o he_o that_o be_v true_o humble_a and_o sensible_a of_o his_o many_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v all_o mystery_n he_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v infinite_a can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o his_o finite_a and_o narrow_a faculty_n he_o know_v that_o no_o reason_v of_o we_o can_v give_v we_o so_o true_a a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o various_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o man_n as_o god_n himself_o can_v and_o therefore_o he_o do_v with_o all_o reverence_n submit_v his_o understanding_n to_o those_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o provide_v they_o be_v there_o plain_o deliver_v he_o will_v not_o be_v discourage_v from_o his_o belief_n of_o they_o by_o any_o of_o those_o imperfect_a reason_n wherewith_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n may_v endeavour_v to_o shake_v his_o faith_n 2._o a_o true_o humble_a man_n will_v not_o be_v too_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a in_o pray_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o reveal_v much_o less_o will_v he_o be_v positive_a and_o dogmatical_a concern_v they_o this_o virtue_n of_o humility_n will_v lead_v he_o to_o consider_v that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o and_o such_o controvert_v doctrine_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o they_o will_v have_v be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n with_o the_o same_o plainness_n as_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n be_v he_o will_v satisfy_v himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o have_v interpret_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n as_o far_o as_o he_o think_v convenient_a and_o therefore_o where_o god_n have_v not_o use_v this_o plainess_n he_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a check_n to_o his_o curiosity_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o pry_v into_o it_o according_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n deut._n xxix_o 29._o the_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v belong_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n for_o ever_o 3._o a_o humble_a man_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o learn_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v instruct_v he_o will_v easy_o believe_v that_o some_o other_o man_n may_v have_v better_a ability_n to_o understand_v and_o judge_v of_o truth_n than_o himself_o especial_o he_o will_v have_v a_o great_a deference_n and_o regard_n to_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n who_o be_v set_v over_o he_o for_o his_o instruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n he_o will_v consider_v that_o these_o man_n be_v commission_v by_o god_n and_o have_v a_o peculiar_a
spirit_n to_o continue_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o guide_v it_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o to_o assist_v and_o govern_v every_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o that_o be_v indispensable_o require_v of_o he_o god_n himself_o have_v a_o singular_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o good_a man_n as_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n tell_v we_o psal_n cxlvij_o ii_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o in_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v condescend_v to_o dwell_v and_o inhabit_v with_o such_o person_n which_o i_o conceive_v can_v be_v understand_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a near_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o good_a man_n that_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v and_o succour_v they_o in_o whatsoever_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o john_n fourteen_o 23._o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o and_o then_o sure_o be_v blessed_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o a_o guest_n they_o can_v want_v any_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o conclude_v then_o what_o remain_v now_o but_o if_o we_o desire_v knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o religion_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o seek_v it_o in_o this_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v viz._n with_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o true_a knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v he_o that_o seek_v in_o this_o way_n shall_v not_o miscarry_v for_o 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 or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o serm._n iu._n heb._n xij_o 1._o wherefore_o see_v we_o also_o be_v compass_v with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o those_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n who_o live_v before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o word_n i_o have_v now_o read_v be_v a_o inference_n from_o their_o example_n that_o we_o also_o have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glorious_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o mighty_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o endure_a affliction_n may_v from_o thence_o be_v excite_v to_o a_o like_a vigour_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o christian_a profession_n so_o that_o the_o word_n contain_v these_o two_o thing_n worthy_a our_o consideration_n a_o exhortation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o exhortation_n in_o these_o word_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o exhortation_n in_o these_o word_n see_v we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o exhortation_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a in_o holy_a scripture_n than_o to_o represent_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a under_o the_o similitude_n of_o such_o other_o employment_n as_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o require_v the_o most_o exact_a care_n and_o vigilance_n in_o those_o who_o undertake_v they_o sometime_o we_o be_v compare_v to_o soldier_n who_o must_v be_v always_o upon_o the_o guard_n sometime_o to_o traveller_n and_o pilgrim_n who_o have_v a_o long_a and_o hazardous_a journey_n to_o make_v sometime_o to_o those_o who_o strive_v for_o mastery_n in_o public_a game_n now_o these_o several_a sort_n of_o employment_n do_v all_o presuppose_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o those_o who_o undertake_v they_o do_v propose_v to_o themselves_o some_o great_a and_o considerable_a end_n some_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v pass_v through_o great_a industry_n and_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o the_o case_n be_v not_o unlike_a in_o our_o christian_a profession_n we_o have_v a_o glorious_a prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_v set_v before_o we_o we_o have_v a_o exceed_o great_a reward_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o we_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n and_o just_a rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o bestow_v on_o such_o as_o overcome_v but_o then_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v this_o reward_n and_o crown_n upon_o any_o other_o condition_n than_o that_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o as_o man_n who_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n manful_o and_o courageous_o who_o have_v strive_v lawful_o and_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n the_o similitude_n use_v in_o the_o text_n be_v take_v from_o those_o trial_n of_o skill_n those_o public_a exercise_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o olympic_a game_n now_o for_o those_o who_o run_v in_o a_o race_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v if_o they_o hope_v to_o gain_v the_o victory_n in_o proportion_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v express_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o they_o must_v free_v themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a burden_n from_o all_o their_o loose_a garment_n which_o may_v clog_v or_o entangle_v they_o in_o their_o way_n they_o must_v lay_v away_o every_o weight_n 2._o they_o must_v be_v active_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o course_n they_o must_v run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o they_o 3._o they_o must_v continue_v their_o vigour_n and_o courage_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o run_v with_o patience_n that_o be_v with_o perseverance_n and_o continuance_n in_o well-doing_n now_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apply_v these_o several_a circumstance_n to_o our_o christian_a duty_n and_o i_o shall_v consider_v each_o of_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v that_o what_o be_v here_o metaphorical_o express_v by_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o s._n paul_n elsewhere_o teach_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n and_o call_v the_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o which_o s._n john_n call_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o so_o many_o clog_n and_o weight_n that_o press_v down_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v it_o dull_a and_o unactive_a and_o divert_v it_o from_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o lay_v aside_o these_o encumbrance_n the_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o these_o affection_n and_o desire_n and_o from_o the_o love_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o nay_o of_o our_o life_n itself_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o duty_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o preparation_n for_o our_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o that_o without_o so_o do_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v christ_n disciple_n mat._n xuj_o 24._o jesus_n say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o s._n mat._n x._o 38._o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o now_o that_o the_o renounce_n and_o forsake_v our_o carnal_a lust_n and_o desire_n be_v most_o general_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o deny_v ourselves_o i_o conceive_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o it_o be_v make_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o all_o that_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n not_o only_o those_o who_o suffer_v persecution_n but_o all_o that_o will_v be_v christian_n must_v in_o their_o proportion_n deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v universal_a not_o limit_v to_o any_o time_n or_o place_n or_o other_o circumstance_n but_o equal_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n luke_n fourteen_o 26._o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o