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 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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 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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
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 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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 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confidence_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v say_v lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v and_o support_v his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n and_o expostulate_v now_o with_o he_o as_o if_o they_o always_o have_v some_o secret_a hope_n this_o will_v at_o last_o be_v accept_v though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o beforehand_o but_o to_o prevent_v this_o presumption_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v beforehand_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n which_o plain_a deal_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o that_o threaten_v punishment_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o take_v punishment_n but_o intend_v to_o prevent_v the_o fault_n yet_o when_o god_n threaten_v for_o this_o end_n and_o add_v moreover_o declaration_n upon_o the_o threaten_v that_o 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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
he_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o text._n 1._o that_o this_o righteousness_n proceed_v from_o faith_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n 2._o that_o this_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v first_o to_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o passage_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v the_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v say_v to_o be_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o the_o righteousness_n which_o please_v god_n be_v that_o which_o must_v begin_v from_o faith_n which_o must_v still_o proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o which_o at_o last_o must_v end_v in_o faith_n for_o this_o be_v a_o say_n like_o to_o that_o in_o rom._n 6.19_o as_o you_o have_v yield_v your_o member_n servant_n to_o uncleanness_n and_o to_o iniquity_n unto_o iniquity_n even_o so_o yield_v your_o member_n servant_n to_o righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n for_o by_o serve_v iniquity_n unto_o iniquity_n be_v mean_v add_v one_o sin_n to_o another_o and_o daily_o grow_a worse_n and_o by_o serve_v righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n be_v mean_v add_v one_o degree_n of_o goodness_n to_o another_o and_o grow_v better_o and_o thus_o here_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n be_v a_o righteousness_n which_o first_o proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o be_v always_o build_v upon_o it_o afterward_o and_o be_v at_o last_o perfect_v by_o it_o for_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v by_o these_o word_n be_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a have_v faith_n for_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o do_v increase_v as_o his_o faith_n increase_v and_o that_o the_o more_o he_o be_v root_v and_o strengthen_v in_o faith_n the_o better_a he_o grow_v and_o he_o please_v god_n the_o more_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n viz._n that_o faith_n be_v all_o along_o the_o principle_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n expect_v and_o be_v please_v with_o but_o then_o 2._o what_o relation_n have_v that_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o this_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v hereby_o design_n to_o show_v that_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a than_o those_o that_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n promise_n then_o that_o hold_v good_a man_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v take_v out_o of_o habakk_n 2.4_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o shall_v return_v from_o their_o captivity_n in_o his_o appoint_a time_n v._o 3._o therefore_o say_v he_o though_o the_o vision_n tarry_v wait_v for_o it_o because_o it_o will_v sure_o come_v but_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o sure_a belief_n of_o this_o promise_n will_v support_v good_a man_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n under_o the_o captivity_n in_o a_o idolatrous_a land_n and_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v reward_v with_o a_o return_n into_o their_o own_o country_n in_o god_n appoint_a time_n in_o like_a manner_n christian_n who_o have_v better_a promise_n viz._n of_o a_o heavenly_a country_n do_v in_o this_o faith_n work_v that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o for_o thus_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o world_n they_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o in_o their_o heavenly_a country_n faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o jew_n observe_v their_o law_n of_o outward_a work_n and_o it_o be_v reward_v with_o such_o blessing_n as_o that_o law_n promise_v but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v still_o true_a but_o in_o a_o much_o high_a sense_n that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n because_o the_o gospel_n require_v a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a righteousness_n to_o which_o we_o be_v bring_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o promise_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a thing_n and_o because_o such_o faith_n shall_v bring_v we_o to_o everlasting_a life_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o text._n and_o now_o my_o work_n shall_v be_v to_o inquire_v upon_o what_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v attribute_v so_o much_o to_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v and_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v do_v without_o any_o disparagement_n at_o all_o to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o i_o have_v choose_v this_o argument_n to_o discourse_v upon_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o unreasonable_o we_o of_o the_o reformation_n be_v charge_v by_o our_o adversary_n as_o we_o often_o have_v be_v with_o solifidianism_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v with_o attribute_v all_o to_o faith_n and_o leave_v no_o necessity_n for_o righteousness_n and_o good_a work_n we_o do_v indeed_o with_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o that_o the_o just_a do_v live_v by_o faith_n but_o we_o do_v with_o the_o scripture_n also_o affirm_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o there_o be_v a_o righteousness_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n without_o which_o we_o can_v please_v god_n nor_o be_v justify_v before_o he_o we_o do_v also_o renounce_v the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o resolve_v the_o acceptance_n of_o they_o into_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o not_o impute_v our_o sin_n to_o we_o and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o they_o be_v the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n that_o we_o rely_v upon_o but_o then_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o these_o promise_n that_o make_v we_o live_v to_o god_n by_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o we_o be_v dead_a without_o they_o now_o from_o hence_o indeed_o it_o follow_v that_o where_o there_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o god_n require_v holiness_n will_v follow_v for_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n if_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n than_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v holy_a which_o if_o it_o be_v find_v true_a than_o we_o not_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v in_o attribute_v so_o much_o to_o faith_n as_o we_o do_v that_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o please_v god_n that_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o seem_v hard_a to_o understand_v how_o those_o great_a thing_n shall_v be_v speak_v of_o faith_n when_o there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v not_o hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o since_o it_o follow_v more_o certain_o that_o a_o man_n believe_v because_o he_o be_v holy_a than_o that_o he_o be_v holy_a because_o he_o believe_v it_o shall_v rather_o have_v be_v say_v that_o a_o believer_n shall_v live_v by_o his_o righteousness_n than_o that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o yet_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o say_v that_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o clear_v this_o difficulty_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v well_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o 2._o what_o power_n it_o have_v or_o what_o efficacy_n must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v to_o it_o and_o when_o it_o have_v that_o power_n and_o efficacy_n i_o shall_v not_o only_o aim_v at_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n clear_a but_o also_o profitable_a unto_o godliness_n one_a then_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v any_o thing_n by_o faith_n but_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o something_o that_o be_v affirm_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o that_o affirm_v it_o or_o upon_o some_o other_o reason_n beside_o sensible_a evidence_n or_o immediate_a knowledge_n and_o thus_o divine_a faith_n be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v god_n testimony_n for_o and_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n faith_n or_o believe_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a because_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n must_v have_v alter_v the_o common_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o word_n but_o can_v we_o think_v that_o when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n require_v believe_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o
so_o call_v also_o and_o which_o the_o scripture_n require_v either_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_v to_o some_o needful_a truth_n which_o perhaps_o do_v not_o often_o happen_v or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o distinct_a and_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o application_n to_o themselves_o which_o happen_v more_o often_o or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o frequent_a assent_v of_o a_o permanent_a persuasion_n fix_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o consideration_n which_o i_o doubt_n be_v the_o frequent_a defect_n but_o now_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o bare_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n but_o moreover_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v root_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n that_o christ_n shall_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v plain_o to_o require_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o divine_a truth_n upon_o our_o soul_n cause_v by_o much_o conversation_n with_o they_o and_o think_v upon_o they_o now_o this_o i_o say_v that_o every_o act_n of_o meditation_n or_o think_v upon_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o distinct_a assent_n to_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o true_o and_o proper_o faith_n now_o because_o we_o be_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n therefore_o this_o scripture_n that_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v justify_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a exhortation_n and_o consequent_o by_o justify_v faith_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o habitual_a and_o permanent_a persuasion_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n effect_v by_o a_o frequent_a and_o just_a consideration_n of_o they_o and_o such_o faith_n will_v justify_v because_o it_o will_v sanctify_v it_o will_v procure_v the_o relative_a change_n of_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n with_o god_n because_o it_o will_v procure_v the_o real_a or_o personal_a change_n of_o subdue_a our_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o god_n from_o the_o heart_n for_o suppose_v a_o man_n by_o constant_a consideration_n to_o have_v gain_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o by_o assiduity_n man_n come_v to_o have_v in_o all_o matter_n they_o frequent_o think_v of_o and_o converse_v about_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o he_o must_v be_v a_o good_a man_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o life_n but_o man_n be_v but_o half_o persuade_v that_o never_o think_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a point_n wherein_o we_o exercise_v liberty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n viz._n whether_o we_o will_v consider_v or_o not_o i._n e._n whether_o we_o will_v often_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o a_o world_n to_o come_v or_o but_o very_o rare_o this_o be_v the_o main_a hinge_n upon_o which_o our_o state_n turn_v and_o here_o lie_v the_o principal_a power_n we_o have_v still_o under_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o help_v and_o reform_v ourselves_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v suggest_v by_o the_o scripture_n insist_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n for_o this_o show_v we_o where_o our_o strength_n lie_v nay_o the_o just_a himself_o live_v by_o his_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n that_o he_o persevere_fw-la in_o righteousness_n and_o where_o such_o faith_n be_v as_o i_o have_v now_o describe_v it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o influence_n the_o mind_n and_o conversation_n for_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o persuasion_n to_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o to_o good_a and_o when_o a_o man_n do_v ill_a it_o can_v be_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o shall_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v well_o no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n conclude_v of_o all_o wicked_a man_n that_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v they_o profess_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o tit._n 1.16_o but_o work_v neither_o deny_v nor_o affirm_v any_o thing_n they_o only_o show_v whether_o we_o ourselves_o do_v one_o or_o the_o other_o if_o then_o all_o that_o be_v disobedient_a be_v in_o a_o true_a sense_n unbeliever_n then_o all_o who_o full_o believe_v be_v holy_a by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n but_o if_o the_o command_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n than_o have_v he_o not_o obey_v his_o belief_n have_v not_o be_v true_a therefore_o also_o where_o the_o belief_n be_v true_a where_o it_o be_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n where_o it_o do_v not_o come_v in_o as_o a_o sojourner_n but_o dwell_v rich_o in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o in_o short_a this_o permanent_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o without_o which_o we_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n in_o all_o good_a work_n he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o and_o with_o which_o we_o shall_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o just_a do_v live_v final_o therefore_o my_o brethren_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n stand_v have_v your_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n and_o have_v on_o the_o breast_n plate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o your_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n but_o above_o all_o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o you_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o take_v the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o christian_a truth_n be_v our_o armour_n against_o sin_n and_o therefore_o let_v that_o humble_a man_n prayer_n be_v we_o and_o our_o care_n answerable_a lord_n we_o believe_v help_v thou_o our_o unbelief_n and_o may_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n increase_v our_o faith_n in_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o the_o second_o sermon_n heb._n xi_o 6._o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o word_n be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o all_o the_o bible_n for_o bring_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o true_a nature_n the_o full_a extent_n and_o proper_a use_n of_o faith_n under_o one_o text_n which_o possible_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v 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can_v be_v think_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v for_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o four_o head_n of_o discourse_n whereof_o the_o 1._o shall_v be_v to_o inquire_v what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v which_o be_v fundamental_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n 2._o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o doctrine_n be_v a_o adequate_a or_o sufficient_a foundation_n thereof_o or_o inducement_n thereto_o 3._o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o other_o doctrine_n in_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o why_o they_o be_v necessary_a 4._o to_o apply_v the_o whole_a discourse_n by_o a_o exhortation_n to_o add_v unto_o faith_n virtue_n and_o that_o life_n wherewith_o god_n be_v please_v 1._o i_o be_o to_o show_v what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v which_o be_v fundamental_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n before_o i_o attempt_v the_o performance_n whereof_o it_o will_v be_v 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wisdom_n if_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n we_o be_v well_o recompense_v though_o the_o outward_a man_n decay_v fast_o 2._o god_n do_v sometime_o send_v evil_a to_o prevent_v our_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o then_o we_o can_v be_v so_o sensible_a what_o we_o gain_v by_o it_o because_o we_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o that_o danger_n we_o be_v run_v into_o if_o god_n have_v not_o apply_v a_o timely_a prevention_n who_o consult_v our_o safety_n not_o always_o by_o stay_v till_o a_o sudden_a remedy_n be_v needful_a but_o by_o keep_v off_o a_o approach_a mischief_n which_o he_o forsee_v whilst_o we_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o it_o and_o certain_o those_o thing_n work_v for_o our_o good_a which_o keep_v we_o from_o backslide_v and_o grow_v worse_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n the_o benefit_n be_v as_o real_a though_o not_o so_o sensible_a as_o the_o sharpness_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o so_o we_o may_v rest_v without_o the_o trouble_n of_o any_o objection_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n that_o upon_o our_o prayer_n and_o submission_n no_o ill_a ever_o have_v or_o shall_v befall_v we_o in_o this_o world_n without_o redound_v to_o a_o great_a good_a i_o have_v thus_o speak_v concern_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n all_o thing_n concern_v the_o manner_n whereby_o good_a be_v produce_v by_o they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o that_o good_a for_o which_o they_o work_v together_o i_o proceed_v 4._o to_o consider_v the_o qualification_n require_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o benefit_n they_o shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n i._n e._n to_o all_o righteous_a and_o godly_a person_n who_o be_v say_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n to_o be_v call_v according_a to_o purpose_n that_o be_v who_o answer_v their_o call_n to_o christianity_n by_o a_o steadfast_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o and_o if_o need_v be_v to_o die_v for_o it_o now_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o such_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o no_o evil_a shall_v work_v for_o the_o good_a of_o any_o other_o for_o the_o chastisement_n of_o this_o life_n may_v bring_v a_o wicked_a man_n to_o repentance_n but_o it_o be_v more_o certain_a abundant_o that_o they_o work_v for_o good_a to_o the_o righteous_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v more_o conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n they_o do_v already_o value_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o mind_n above_o outward_a advantage_n they_o be_v already_o dispose_v to_o receive_v all_o good_a instruction_n and_o upon_o all_o vicissitude_n to_o turn_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n they_o have_v already_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o be_v therefore_o prepare_v to_o seek_v consolation_n from_o his_o word_n more_o diligent_o when_o any_o press_a need_n require_v to_o they_o it_o be_v less_o hard_a to_o obey_v in_o suffering_n have_v be_v already_o accustom_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o do_v love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v always_o dispose_v to_o take_v every_o thing_n in_o good_a part_n from_o he_o believe_v in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n final_o they_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o special_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n already_o and_o therefore_o can_v fail_v of_o more_o abundant_a supply_n upon_o all_o needful_a occasion_n upon_o all_o these_o account_n which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a but_o just_a to_o mention_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n have_v so_o many_o advantage_n towards_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o all_o accident_n of_o life_n that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v they_o will_v work_v together_o for_o his_o good_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o point_n and_o that_o not_o of_o the_o least_o consideration_n viz._n 5._o that_o we_o know_v they_o will_v thus_o work_v for_o this_o be_v the_o comfort_n which_o bring_v all_o the_o rest_n home_o to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v thus_o it_o will_v be_v if_o when_o the_o evil_a be_v present_a the_o remedy_n be_v absent_a it_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o we_o and_o it_o will_v be_v absent_a from_o we_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n in_o general_n we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o expect_v a_o total_a exemption_n from_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a for_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o know_v likewise_o that_o they_o shall_v work_v for_o good_a to_o we_o as_o for_o those_o in_o particular_a which_o we_o be_v natural_o most_o afraid_a of_o we_o know_v not_o certain_o whether_o they_o will_v all_o befall_v we_o or_o not_o but_o under_o this_o uncertainty_n we_o be_v again_o relieve_v by_o know_v that_o if_o they_o do_v they_o shall_v turn_v to_o our_o benefit_n but_o how_o do_v we_o know_v it_o we_o know_v it_o many_o way_n 1._o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o delight_n in_o the_o grief_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n much_o less_o of_o those_o that_o love_v he_o he_o will_v not_o therefore_o send_v affliction_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v convert_v into_o a_o mean_n of_o great_a good_a the_o trouble_n and_o pain_n of_o this_o life_n be_v in_o themselves_o evil_a and_o therefore_o all_o that_o they_o can_v be_v good_a for_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o some_o good_a or_o other_o for_o they_o can_v never_o become_v good_a in_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o therefore_o god_n will_v not_o inflict_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o good_a in_o their_o consequence_n 2._o we_o know_v it_o far_o because_o we_o be_v sure_a our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v make_v a_o complete_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o penitent_a so_o complete_a that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n they_o be_v neither_o liable_a to_o temporal_a nor_o eternal_a punishment_n but_o yet_o god_n sometime_o punish_v good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n he_o often_o visit_v they_o with_o affliction_n since_o therefore_o his_o justice_n be_v already_o satisfy_v it_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o his_o wise_a mercy_n and_o kindness_n towards_o they_o that_o he_o visit_v they_o with_o his_o rod_n and_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o go_v without_o some_o chastisement_n 3._o we_o know_v it_o because_o good_a man_n be_v so_o dispose_v that_o it_o be_v almost_o natural_a for_o they_o to_o reap_v great_a advantage_n by_o all_o the_o change_n and_o chance_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o state_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o their_o action_n have_v promise_v all_o along_o as_o we_o observe_v before_o but_o 4_o above_o all_o we_o know_v it_o because_o god_n have_v say_v it_o he_o have_v say_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_o he_o will_v do_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a on_o his_o part_n to_o make_v it_o good_a he_o have_v say_v it_o in_o this_o very_a place_n and_o in_o innumerable_a place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o many_o as_o contain_v promise_n of_o his_o presence_n will_n and_o favour_n to_o his_o people_n in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n now_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o see_v all_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n none_o except_v shall_v work_v for_o our_o good_a see_v they_o do_v of_o themselves_o contribute_v towards_o it_o by_o offer_v to_o we_o very_o considerable_a opportunity_n of_o benefit_v ourselves_o see_v the_o good_a for_o which_o they_o work_v be_v great_a than_o the_o pain_n we_o endure_v and_o that_o the_o great_a the_o evil_n be_v the_o good_a will_v therefore_o be_v great_a see_v a_o good_a man_n be_v so_o dispose_v as_o to_o use_v those_o opportunity_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n which_o they_o yield_v see_v he_o be_v far_o enable_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v final_o since_o we_o know_v all_o this_o and_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o it_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o meritorious_a death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n can_v make_v we_o than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o this_o divine_a say_n there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o encourage_v and_o comfort_v all_o those_o that_o true_o love_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n or_o to_o persuade_v all_o other_o to_o do_v so_o too_o which_o i_o propose_v to_o show_v at_o first_o and_o now_o brethren_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o know_v these_o thing_n we_o be_v so_o happy_a and_o so_o wise_a as_o to_o do_v according_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o be_v thorough_o
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 why_o a_o righteous_a man_n only_o can_v do_v it_o without_o solicitude_n and_o lose_v the_o comfort_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o last_o how_o seasonable_o a_o vehement_a exhortaion_n to_o piety_n may_v be_v ground_v upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n the_o six_o sermon_n rom_n viii_o 28._o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n the_o remain_a point_n be_v now_o to_o be_v pursue_v the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o 1._o 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 and_o endeavour_n 1._o how_o it_o consist_v with_o they_o for_o if_o outward_a pain_n and_o trouble_v work_v for_o a_o good_a much_o great_a than_o the_o evil_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o if_o we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o this_o as_o we_o pretend_v why_o do_v the_o church_n pray_v against_o all_o adversity_n why_o do_v religious_a man_n avoid_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v no_o less_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n it_o shall_v seem_v more_o agreeable_a to_o their_o faith_n in_o god_n in_o general_n and_o to_o their_o belief_n of_o this_o principle_n in_o particular_a to_o force_v misery_n upon_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o to_o desire_n god_n to_o send_v they_o but_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o provide_v for_o their_o health_n and_o send_v for_o the_o physician_n when_o they_o be_v sick_a for_o their_o livelihood_n and_o use_v the_o law_n to_o secure_v or_o recover_v their_o right_n for_o their_o welfare_n every_o way_n and_o in_o all_o their_o distress_n take_v counsel_n and_o use_v mean_n for_o their_o relief_n depend_v all_o along_o upon_o god_n for_o success_n by_o continual_a prayer_n so_o that_o none_o seem_v to_o believe_v in_o good_a earnest_n what_o we_o pretend_v to_o know_v unless_o perhaps_o something_o of_o this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o those_o who_o affect_v 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 of_o evil_n can_v be_v no_o reason_n of_o run_v into_o adversity_n or_o pull_v it_o upon_o ourselves_o unless_o good_a can_v come_v to_o we_o no_o other_o way_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o the_o text_n affirm_v which_o say_v all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a 2._o one_o principal_a reason_n why_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a be_v this_o because_o it_o be_v god_n that_o out_o of_o all_o thing_n choose_v that_o which_o he_o see_v be_v the_o best_a for_o we_o now_o the_o avoid_n of_o adversity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o this_o belief_n that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o bring_v it_o upon_o ourselves_o will_v destroy_v a_o main_a reason_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n choose_n and_o not_o our_o own_o if_o by_o any_o wicked_a way_n i_o compass_v a_o worldly_a end_n the_o good_a thing_n be_v not_o proper_o of_o god_n give_v if_o by_o my_o own_o folly_n and_o wilfulness_n i_o fall_v into_o misery_n the_o 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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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 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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
untoward_a accident_n of_o life_n as_o any_o of_o they_o ever_o be_v for_o here_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n encouragement_n and_o assistance_n to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a therein_o as_o there_o ever_o be_v and_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o same_o cause_n still_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n those_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v now_o with_o god_n have_v the_o same_o appetite_n and_o passion_n to_o govern_v that_o we_o have_v they_o endure_v the_o same_o temptation_n and_o overcome_v they_o they_o have_v the_o same_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o have_v and_o be_v encompass_v with_o infirmity_n and_o yet_o they_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n not_o to_o be_v admire_v and_o court_v by_o man_n but_o to_o be_v see_v and_o reward_v of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o have_v the_o same_o god_n to_o trust_v that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o holy_a word_n of_o 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in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o very_o easy_a matter_n to_o persuade_v most_o man_n to_o practise_v it_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o they_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o speculation_n fit_a for_o the_o pulpit_n but_o if_o we_o pretend_v to_o offer_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n for_o daily_a use_n we_o must_v pardon_v they_o there_o for_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v by_o any_o mean_n to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v pursue_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o or_o regard_n of_o the_o daily_a occurrence_n of_o life_n what_o live_v will_v there_o be_v for_o we_o in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o shall_v forgive_v injury_n and_o wrong_n as_o fast_o as_o they_o be_v do_v and_o put_v up_o affront_v as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v put_v upon_o we_o this_o will_v encourage_v the_o insolent_a man_n that_o have_v do_v we_o one_o injury_n to_o offer_v a_o great_a and_o by_o our_o tameness_n in_o bear_v the_o injustice_n of_o one_o man_n we_o invite_v another_o to_o deal_v as_o ill_o by_o we_o or_o worse_o than_o the_o former_a which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v affront_v by_o every_o scoundrel_n and_o trample_v upon_o at_o every_o man_n pleasure_n no_o but_o let_v we_o make_v man_n afraid_a of_o presume_v to_o do_v we_o any_o harm_n by_o let_v they_o see_v what_o other_o have_v get_v by_o it_o we_o must_v make_v they_o example_n that_o dare_v put_v any_o contempt_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o will_v live_v quiet_o and_o maintain_v our_o honour_n and_o when_o other_o sees_z how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o provoke_v we_o we_o shall_v be_v respect_v and_o court_v by_o they_o they_o will_v be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v we_o and_o think_v themselves_o happy_a in_o our_o friendship_n but_o to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o under_o abuse_n be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v scorn_v and_o insult_v over_o by_o every_o body_n tell_v they_o of_o forgive_a injury_n that_o want_v a_o spirit_n to_o resent_v they_o and_o have_v not_o courage_n enough_o to_o revenge_v they_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n fit_a for_o none_o but_o coward_n or_o fool_n either_o for_o those_o that_o be_v so_o dull_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v a_o affront_n or_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o dare_v not_o return_v it_o but_o it_o come_v too_o late_o for_o man_n of_o honour_n and_o mettle_n that_o know_v what_o be_v their_o interest_n and_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o they_o shall_v expose_v themselves_o to_o injury_n and_o abuse_n when_o they_o have_v strength_n and_o courage_n enough_o to_o guard_v themselves_o from_o they_o thus_o in_o truth_n they_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o they_o plain_o show_v by_o their_o action_n revenge_v every_o little_a disrespect_n or_o affront_v or_o injury_n of_o any_o kind_n by_o return_v a_o equal_a or_o very_o often_o a_o vast_o great_a mischief_n upon_o the_o wrongdoer_n and_o this_o to_o secure_v themselves_o as_o they_o pretend_v from_o further_a wrong_n by_o make_v all_o that_o observe_v it_o careful_a to_o forbear_v offend_v they_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o will_v be_v encourage_v to_o do_v if_o the_o present_a injury_n be_v tame_o pass_v by_o and_o nothing_o do_v to_o revenge_v it_o but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o objection_n be_v well_o foresee_v by_o our_o saviour_n he_o know_v it_o will_v be_v pretend_v against_o the_o duty_n of_o forgive_a injury_n that_o this_o will_v be_v to_o pull_v great_a inconvenience_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o invite_v every_o body_n that_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o get_v by_o it_o to_o multiply_v injury_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o forgiveness_n in_o those_o very_a term_n that_o imply_v he_o consider_v the_o objection_n well_o enough_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o resist_v not_o evil_a resist_v not_o the_o evil_a or_o the_o injurious_a man_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o thy_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o also_o the_o latter_a word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n as_o if_o i_o be_v to_o offer_v myself_o to_o a_o second_o stroke_n after_o i_o have_v be_v strike_v once_o but_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n i._n e._n venture_v a_o second_o injury_n rather_o than_o go_v about_o to_o be_v revenge_v of_o the_o first_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v never_o so_o probable_a that_o the_o wrongdoer_n will_v take_v heart_n by_o thy_o meekness_n to_o add_v another_o abuse_n to_o the_o former_a thou_o shall_v not_o secure_v thyself_o by_o revenge_n for_o all_o that_o and_o so_o if_o any_o man_n will_v sue_v thou_o at_o the_o law_n and_o take_v away_o thy_o coat_n let_v he_o have_v thy_o cloak_n also_o not_o that_o i_o be_o present_o to_o part_v with_o more_o to_o he_o than_o he_o have_v unjust_o get_v by_o a_o wrong_a verdict_n but_o that_o i_o be_o to_o venture_v another_o loss_n rather_o than_o be_v revenge_v for_o the_o first_o and_o so_o be_v the_o other_o instance_n to_o be_v understand_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o the_o objection_n that_o one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v against_o his_o rule_n though_o if_o this_o matter_n have_v not_o be_v so_o plain_o imply_v one_o will_v think_v a_o little_a modesty_n will_v serve_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o it_o be_v better_a for_o we_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o will_n than_o by_o our_o own_o foolish_a reason_n at_o least_o if_o we_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v christian_n we_o shall_v not_o think_v much_o to_o take_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o do_v as_o he_o
in_o our_o common_a and_o daily_a conversation_n with_o man_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v 1._o by_o compare_v the_o prohibition_n with_o the_o precept_n 2._o with_o the_o particular_a instance_n whereunto_o the_o prohibition_n extend_v 1._o with_o the_o precept_n but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o i._n e._n let_v this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o your_o ordinary_a discourse_n bare_o to_o affirm_v or_o deny_v or_o if_o need_v be_v sometime_o with_o vehemence_n which_o perhaps_o be_v intimate_v by_o the_o repetition_n of_o yea_o and_o nay_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a if_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o precept_n that_o the_o prohibition_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o case_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a conversation_n of_o man_n such_o as_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n the_o assure_v of_o sidelity_n to_o the_o government_n and_o the_o ratify_n of_o league_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v case_n proper_o except_v from_o this_o rule_n of_o a_o usual_a and_o ordinary_a communication_n with_o each_o other_o because_o they_o be_v no_o part_n thereof_o but_o i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o the_o proof_n upon_o this_o argument_n only_o but_o on_o this_o together_o with_o the_o second_o which_o be_v found_v upon_o compare_v the_o general_a rule_n with_o the_o particular_a instance_n whereby_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v explain_v neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o its_o god_n throne_n etc._n etc._n our_o saviour_n design_n in_o these_o word_n can_v be_v better_a understand_v than_o by_o consider_v what_o those_o corrupt_a principle_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o swear_v be_v which_o have_v creep_v in_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o first_o as_o their_o own_o author_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v general_o hold_v among_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o light_n and_o trivial_a case_n but_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o swear_v upon_o any_o occasion_n by_o a_o creature_n that_o be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o providence_n as_o by_o heaven_n or_o by_o the_o earth_n or_o by_o jerusalem_n or_o by_o their_o head_n which_o be_v the_o instance_n here_o note_v by_o our_o saviour_n second_o some_o of_o they_o and_o particular_o the_o pharisees_n teach_v that_o the_o gild_n of_o perjury_n be_v not_o incur_v when_o a_o falsehood_n be_v attest_v by_o these_o kind_n of_o oath_n except_v only_o in_o the_o case_n of_o swear_v by_o the_o gold_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o gift_n upon_o the_o altar_n by_o which_o oath_n they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v bind_v as_o we_o find_v matth._n 23._o i._n e._n either_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o the_o penalty_n of_o false-swearing_a hence_o i_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n word_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n be_v speak_v to_o person_n who_o well_o enough_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o countryman_n in_o this_o matter_n can_v not_o reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o have_v any_o other_o meaning_n than_o this_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n in_o any_o of_o those_o case_n wherein_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o swear_v by_o the_o almighty_a himself_o i._n e._n in_o their_o usual_a communication_n with_o one_o another_o for_o it_o seem_v the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v not_o arrive_v to_o that_o insolence_n which_o it_o be_v so_o dreadful_a to_o think_v that_o christian_n nowadays_o shall_v not_o scruple_n of_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n by_o call_v he_o at_o every_o turn_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o their_o talk_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n find_v it_o needless_a to_o forbid_v they_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n for_o they_o already_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v a_o impious_a thing_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v neither_o swear_v by_o heaven_n nor_o by_o any_o thing_n else_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v you_o have_v be_v allow_v to_o liberty_n of_o swear_v as_o oft_o as_o you_o please_v provide_v you_o do_v not_o use_v the_o name_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v ordinary_a with_o you_o to_o swear_v by_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o by_o the_o temple_n and_o your_o life_n and_o soul_n and_o that_o in_o those_o case_n wherein_o you_o right_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o profane_a rudeness_n to_o invoke_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n direct_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o you_o shall_v not_o henceforth_o take_v the_o liberty_n of_o use_v any_o kind_n of_o oath_n in_o those_o case_n wherein_o you_o be_v not_o to_o appeal_v to_o god_n himself_o but_o upon_o all_o these_o occasion_n whatever_o you_o assert_v or_o whatever_o you_o promise_v use_v the_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n of_o some_o affirmation_n or_o denial_n and_o thus_o our_o saviour_n restrain_v the_o licentiousness_n of_o those_o common_a swearer_n that_o think_v they_o may_v safe_o swear_v by_o heaven_n and_o use_v the_o like_a oath_n at_o any_o time_n and_o upon_o any_o occasion_n and_o withal_o correct_v that_o abuse_n which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o pharisee_n have_v bring_v into_o this_o practice_n viz._n that_o man_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n by_o such_o oath_n as_o these_o be_v which_o i_o shall_v more_o distinct_o show_v under_o the_o three_o head_n the_o meaning_n then_o of_o our_o saviour_n prohibition_n be_v not_o this_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a at_o any_o time_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o swear_v by_o any_o creature_n in_o any_o case_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v so_o to_o appeal_v direct_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n himself_o 2._o as_o to_o those_o instance_n by_o which_o the_o general_a rule_n be_v explain_v it_o be_v observable_a 1._o that_o swear_v by_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n be_v forbid_v not_o only_o by_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o with_o the_o rest_n be_v particular_o mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n because_o these_o form_n of_o swear_v be_v most_o in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n 2._o we_o be_v to_o note_v that_o our_o saviour_n call_v it_o swear_v to_o use_v these_o form_n of_o speech_n in_o attest_v what_o we_o say_v they_o be_v not_o so_o many_o word_n lose_v as_o we_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v but_o we_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o as_o shall_v present_o appear_v if_o indeed_o any_o way_n of_o speak_v have_v obtain_v among_o we_o which_o look_v like_o swear_v but_o be_v not_o be_v altogether_o unapt_a to_o excite_v any_o thought_n of_o divine_a justice_n i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o too_o because_o sure_o the_o prohibition_n of_o swear_v at_o all_o exclude_v not_o only_o all_o real_a but_o all_o break_a apish_a and_o insignificant_a oath_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o sobriety_n and_o wisdom_n shall_v keep_v a_o man_n from_o debase_v and_o vilify_a the_o acknowledge_v form_n of_o speak_v that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o oath_n by_o apply_v they_o to_o such_o senseless_a sound_n as_o make_v they_o to_o signify_v nothing_o it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n have_v give_v that_o all_o form_n beside_o those_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o immediate_a appeal_n to_o god_n be_v better_o avoid_v when_o there_o be_v need_n of_o swear_v and_o when_o there_o be_v no_o need_n we_o shall_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n nor_o by_o any_o thing_n else_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v 3._o the_o reason_n why_o the_o prohibition_n extend_v to_o these_o instance_n and_o the_o like_a not_o by_o heaven_n for_o its_o god_n throne_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v by_o heaven_n swear_v by_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v thereon_o matth._n 23._o not_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a subject_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o swear_v hereby_o be_v in_o effect_n all_o one_o as_o to_o appeal_v to_o god_n that_o uphold_v it_o by_o his_o power_n not_o by_o jerusalem_n nor_o any_o holy_a place_n that_o have_v a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n nor_o by_o thy_o head_n for_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a i._n e._n thou_o have_v no_o power_n over_o thy_o life_n and_o be_v so_o unable_a to_o subsist_v independent_o upon_o god_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o alter_v the_o colour_n of_o thy_o hair_n now_o since_o thy_o head_n thy_o life_n and_o safety_n depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o swear_v
irreligious_a to_o mix_v our_o talk_n with_o oath_n upon_o every_o occasion_n for_o hereby_o we_o make_v as_o cheap_a with_o god_n as_o by_o prostitute_v any_o other_o sacred_a thing_n to_o a_o common_a and_o trivial_a use_n 2._o it_o argue_v a_o man_n not_o to_o fear_v that_o horrid_a crime_n of_o perjury_n for_o if_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o how_o cautious_a and_o deliberate_a will_v he_o be_v ere_o he_o venture_v to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n upon_o oath_n he_o will_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v exact_o true_a whether_o it_o be_v certain_a or_o only_o probable_a whether_o he_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o mistake_v or_o misinformation_n in_o the_o case_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v often_o necessary_a to_o come_v under_o consideration_n with_o that_o man_n that_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o perjury_n but_o the_o light_n be_v not_o more_o clear_a at_o midday_n than_o that_o common_a swearer_n trouble_v themselves_o with_o none_o of_o these_o thought_n what_o they_o say_v at_o a_o venture_n they_o bold_o swear_v what_o they_o rash_o utter_v they_o as_o rash_o add_v oath_n and_o curse_n to_o their_o habit_n of_o swear_v make_v they_o not_o one_o jot_n the_o more_o wary_a in_o their_o talk_n and_o the_o slipperiness_n of_o their_o tongue_n not_o at_o all_o the_o more_o afraid_a of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o they_o have_v little_a apprehension_n of_o perjury_n and_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o be_v forswear_v for_o i_o say_v do_v we_o ever_o find_v that_o those_o who_o be_v give_v to_o swear_v be_v more_o deliberate_a and_o slow_a to_o speak_v than_o other_o man_n do_v they_o weigh_v their_o word_n with_o more_o exactness_n do_v they_o refrain_v from_o looseness_n of_o talk_n and_o dissoluteness_n of_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n more_o than_o those_o who_o be_v content_a to_o speak_v upon_o their_o honest_a word_n no_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v usual_o more_o free_a and_o prodigal_a of_o their_o discourse_n their_o word_n be_v guide_v with_o less_o consideration_n and_o judgement_n and_o their_o tongue_n hang_v more_o loose_o in_o their_o head_n than_o be_v observable_a in_o other_o man_n nay_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o be_v then_o most_o plentiful_a of_o their_o oath_n when_o they_o be_v least_o able_a to_o govern_v their_o talk_n with_o discretion_n i._n e._n when_o they_o be_v drink_v either_o with_o wine_n or_o passion_n and_o what_o numerous_a perjury_n then_o in_o all_o likelihood_n be_v these_o man_n guilty_a of_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v forswear_v every_o day_n they_o rise_v for_o though_o man_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o think_v that_o they_o do_v but_o swear_v in_o jest_n yet_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o to_o be_v laugh_v away_o when_o man_n swear_v they_o will_v do_v this_o or_o that_o which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o intend_v not_o at_o all_o or_o that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o they_o know_v be_v false_a they_o be_v nevertheless_o guilty_a of_o perjury_n for_o not_o mind_v that_o they_o be_v so_o since_o a_o sin_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v mere_o by_o the_o stupidity_n of_o a_o man_n conscience_n but_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o guilt_n nor_o afraid_a of_o the_o crime_n of_o perjury_n which_o be_v that_o immorality_n that_o i_o charge_v the_o common_a swearer_n withal_o and_o this_o st._n austin_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o assign_v why_o our_o saviour_n prohibit_v unnecessary_a oath_n be_v this_o ne_fw-la perjuri_fw-la simus_fw-la lest_o we_o shall_v be_v forswear_v which_o every_o man_n be_v in_o apparent_a danger_n of_o who_o promiscuous_o add_v oath_n to_o his_o talk_n as_o i_o have_v already_o note_v and_o doubtless_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o secure_v himself_o from_o perjury_n that_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v declare_v plain_o enough_o that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o careful_a against_o it_o as_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o foulness_n of_o that_o sin_n will_v make_v he_o that_o in_o the_o business_n of_o a_o oath_n man_n be_v oblige_v to_o proceed_v with_o great_a care_n and_o deliberation_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o plain_a that_o i_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o go_v about_o the_o prove_v of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o confident_a if_o man_n will_v tie_v themselves_o to_o weigh_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o thing_n they_o affirm_v before_o they_o will_v venture_v to_o swear_v to_o it_o they_o will_v spare_v a_o great_a many_o of_o their_o oath_n and_o if_o they_o find_v it_o be_v exact_o true_a they_o will_v be_v immediate_o sensible_a that_o it_o deserve_v not_o so_o solemn_a a_o confirmation_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o vanity_n of_o do_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n to_o no_o purpose_n which_o be_v a_o consideration_n that_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o more_o particular_o offer_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n 3._o needless_a swear_v argue_v immodesty_n and_o pride_n and_o a_o arrogant_a spirit_n few_o thing_n be_v more_o unseemly_a in_o a_o man_n than_o to_o affirm_v every_o thing_n with_o confidence_n and_o to_o be_v peremptory_a in_o all_o his_o talk_n for_o this_o be_v to_o impose_v upon_o his_o company_n and_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o body_n to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o such_o companion_n be_v shun_v by_o all_o wise_a person_n as_o be_v void_a of_o that_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n which_o make_v man_n sociable_a and_o conversible_a but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o only_o positive_a and_o dogmatical_a in_o their_o common_a discourse_n but_o assert_v every_o thing_n almost_o which_o they_o say_v upon_o oath_n certain_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o behaviour_n there_o be_v as_o much_o ill_a manner_n towards_o man_n as_o there_o be_v rudeness_n towards_o god_n for_o what_o great_a instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o a_o imperious_a and_o a_o peremptory_a temper_n than_o to_o seal_v our_o talk_n with_o oath_n and_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o another_o to_o doubt_v of_o what_o we_o say_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o accuse_v we_o of_o perjury_n a_o modest_a and_o wise_a man_n when_o he_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n in_o many_o thing_n where_o possible_o he_o may_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v accuse_v of_o arrogance_n be_v peremptory_a and_o conclusive_a yet_o choose_v to_o declare_v himself_o with_o that_o reservedness_n as_o may_v invite_v another_o man_n to_o show_v all_o his_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a without_o fear_n of_o displease_v he_o and_o this_o we_o all_o know_v be_v a_o great_a ornament_n to_o any_o man_n conversation_n and_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o good_a will_n and_o good_a correspondence_n in_o all_o society_n but_o light_n be_v not_o more_o contrary_a to_o darkness_n than_o the_o custom_n of_o swear_v be_v to_o this_o human_a and_o gentle_a temper_n wherefore_o it_o betray_v immodesty_n and_o arrogance_n last_o it_o proceed_v also_o from_o great_a vanity_n and_o lightness_n of_o spirit_n which_o appear_v in_o these_o two_o plain_a instance_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v in_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o matter_n of_o serious_a importance_n and_o consideration_n and_o such_o as_o be_v frivolous_a and_o of_o little_a consequence_n in_o treat_v those_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o behaviour_n that_o be_v suitable_a only_o to_o these_o which_o be_v a_o undoubted_a argument_n of_o childishness_n and_o a_o frothy_a mind_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o swearer_n be_v apparent_o chargeable_a with_o for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v he_o in_o the_o same_o light_a humour_n wherein_o he_o be_v deliver_v something_o to_o make_v the_o company_n laugh_v presume_v to_o profane_v so_o sacred_a a_o thing_n as_o a_o oath_n be_v by_o accompany_v a_o poor_a silly_a jest_n with_o it_o do_v the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n require_v no_o more_o seriousness_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o tell_n of_o a_o tale_n or_o can_v it_o be_v fit_a to_o tie_v so_o grave_a a_o thing_n to_o a_o sentence_n which_o if_o it_o be_v write_v down_o will_v within_o a_o hour_n after_o perhaps_o appear_v hateful_o ridiculous_a and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a with_o those_o that_o allow_v themselves_o in_o this_o sin_n second_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o vanity_n to_o take_v more_o pain_n for_o the_o confirm_v of_o what_o we_o say_v than_o the_o thing_n do_v at_o all_o deserve_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o conversation_n with_o one_o another_o by_o discourse_n and_o correspondence_n do_v not_o require_v any_o solemn_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o word_n much_o less_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o great_a security_n we_o can_v
give_v he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a lightheaded_a companion_n that_o will_v throw_v it_o away_o at_o every_o turn_n who_o can_v tell_v what_o be_v do_v yesterday_o or_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o his_o friend_n or_o acquaintance_n about_o the_o ordinary_a matter_n but_o out_o come_v a_o oath_n or_o a_o curse_n to_o bind_v his_o word_n withal_o methinks_v i_o can_v convince_v any_o man_n of_o ordinary_a sense_n that_o there_o be_v that_o levity_n and_o madness_n imply_v in_o this_o custom_n which_o if_o it_o be_v but_o see_v in_o other_o thing_n will_v bring_v a_o man_n within_o the_o danger_n of_o bedlam_n for_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v to_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o his_o friend_n of_o that_o kind_n which_o ordinary_o happen_v in_o our_o conversation_n as_o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o visit_n or_o a_o meeting_n where_o he_o shall_v appoint_v but_o for_o the_o present_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o go_v till_o he_o have_v get_v a_o hundred_o of_o his_o neighbour_n together_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o promise_n what_o a_o ridiculous_a fancy_n will_v this_o be_v and_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v ordinary_o do_v thus_o he_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o be_v beg_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v get_v by_o it_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o the_o ordinary_a assurance_n of_o a_o man_n word_n be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o matter_n and_o will_v either_o pass_v for_o they_o or_o he_o have_v as_o good_a be_v banish_v out_o of_o human_a society_n or_o send_v to_o some_o other_o place_n at_o least_o where_o be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o trust_v but_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o when_o the_o sun_n shine_v that_o he_o that_o will_v not_o make_v such_o a_o promise_n under_o a_o oath_n nor_o let_v his_o word_n go_v without_o calling_n god_n to_o witness_v it_o by_o invoke_v his_o justice_n and_o vengeance_n if_o he_o falsify_v for_o that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o a_o oath_n he_o do_v real_o ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o to_o confirm_v his_o promise_n than_o if_o he_o have_v summon_v town_n and_o country_n together_o than_o if_o he_o have_v get_v all_o mankind_n nay_o and_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n together_o to_o be_v witness_n between_o he_o and_o his_o neighbour_n can_v there_o ready_o be_v a_o more_o ridiculous_a vanity_n think_v of_o than_o this_o to_o give_v away_o the_o best_a security_n i_o can_v afford_v of_o my_o fidelity_n upon_o every_o trifle_n i_o wish_v all_o those_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n will_v so_o endeavour_v after_o a_o ordinary_a reputation_n among_o man_n as_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o for_o the_o future_a thus_o have_v i_o show_v what_o those_o evil_a principle_n be_v from_o whence_o swear_v in_o ordinary_a conversation_n proceed_v it_o come_v of_o irreverence_n towards_o god_n carelessness_n of_o be_v forswear_v immodesty_n and_o arrogance_n lightness_n and_o vanity_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o a_o man_n have_v either_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n or_o a_o detestation_n of_o perjury_n or_o modesty_n and_o a_o good_a manner_n or_o any_o sobriety_n and_o seriousness_n any_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v he_o from_o use_v needless_a oath_n and_o therefore_o the_o common_a swearer_n be_v destitute_a of_o they_o all_o and_o consequent_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o foul_a immorality_n which_o grow_v out_o of_o a_o complexion_n of_o all_o those_o evil_a principle_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o good_a and_o virtuous_a disposition_n i_o be_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o examine_v the_o pretence_n that_o be_v only_o possible_a to_o be_v allege_v in_o the_o excuse_n or_o for_o the_o mitigation_n of_o this_o crime_n and_o if_o i_o can_v show_v that_o evil_a be_v imply_v in_o these_o also_o the_o conclusion_n will_v yet_o be_v more_o evident_a that_o whatsoever_o in_o our_o ordinary_a conversation_n be_v beyond_o affirmation_n and_o denial_n come_v of_o evil_a i_o do_v 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 and_o which_o render_v the_o avoid_n of_o it_o so_o very_o difficult_a that_o all_o the_o regard_n which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v to_o be_v give_v to_o that_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v it_o be_v to_o confess_v our_o fault_n and_o cry_v god_n mercy_n every_o time_n we_o commit_v it_o and_o that_o a_o good_a nature_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o acknowledgement_n i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o this_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o excuse_n as_o much_o as_o any_o i_o shall_v now_o show_v that_o there_o be_v none_o less_o capable_a of_o a_o excuse_n by_o examine_v what_o be_v usual_o pretend_v for_o it_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o any_o swearer_n ever_o fancy_v his_o oath_n to_o be_v for_o his_o health_n or_o his_o wealth_n that_o they_o prolong_v his_o life_n or_o increase_v his_o estate_n that_o they_o give_v the_o wine_n a_o brisk_a flavour_n or_o bring_v the_o gamester_n any_o good_a luck_n that_o they_o ease_v 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 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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
use_v leave_v for_o his_o reason_n that_o his_o conscience_n be_v no_o long_o in_o his_o own_o keep_n and_o that_o he_o be_v now_o fit_a to_o herd_n with_o the_o beast_n that_o follow_v the_o foremost_a without_o discretion_n the_o law_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v immutable_a and_o another_o man_n violation_n of_o they_o give_v i_o no_o dispensation_n to_o do_v so_o too_o i_o may_v not_o prostitute_v my_o conscience_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o man_n who_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o i_o if_o they_o call_v my_o resolution_n not_o to_o provoke_v my_o maker_n a_o humour_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o be_v a_o fool_n not_o to_o be_v tenacious_a of_o my_o own_o humour_n in_o this_o case_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o right_n shall_v go_v over_o to_o he_o that_o be_v wrong_n unless_o he_o that_o set_v the_o evil_a example_n can_v change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v evil_a not_o to_o be_v 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confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o its_o immorality_n for_o what_o so_o many_o wise_a man_n agree_v in_o condemn_v seem_v to_o be_v condemn_v as_o evil_a by_o reason_n common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o possible_o such_o as_o i_o have_v offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n so_o great_a a_o shame_n and_o ignominy_n it_o be_v to_o christian_n to_o allow_v themselves_o in_o a_o custom_n so_o easy_a avoidable_a that_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n however_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o disciple_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v thus_o have_v i_o finish_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o subject_n have_v be_v willing_a to_o say_v all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n proper_a to_o oppose_v a_o custom_n tend_v so_o manifest_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o our_o nation_n and_o the_o discredit_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o scandal_n of_o christian_a society_n and_o final_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n soul_n for_o ever_o for_o without_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n whereof_o this_o be_v one_o which_o i_o have_v be_v preach_v to_o you_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o which_o reason_n if_o i_o have_v choose_v any_o other_o command_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n to_o discourse_v upon_o i_o have_v be_v as_o vehement_a in_o urge_v you_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o that_o as_o i_o have_v be_v in_o press_v this_o now_o the_o god_n of_o mercy_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v walk_v before_o he_o blameless_a and_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o follower_n of_o jesus_n to_o he_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n praise_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n the_o ten_o sermon_n matth_n vii_o 21._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o point_n determine_v in_o these_o word_n be_v of_o the_o high_a concernment_n to_o we_o in_o the_o world_n viz._n who_o of_o those_o that_o hope_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n shall_v not_o and_o who_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o former_a be_v describe_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o text_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n the_o latter_a in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n let_v we_o first_o consider_v the_o former_a part_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o clause_n oppose_v to_o it_o be_v evident_o to_o be_v thus_o interpret_v not_o any_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n and_o do_v no_o more_o than_o say_v so_o but_o neglect_v the_o do_v of_o god_n will_n not_o any_o such_o person_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o call_v christ_n lord_n be_v mean_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n be_v mean_v a_o vehement_a profession_n of_o it_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n what_o religion_n we_o be_v of_o for_o instance_n when_o we_o do_v not_o only_o not_o renounce_v our_o baptism_n and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v call_v christian_n and_o call_v ourselves_o so_o which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o most_o careless_a professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n but_o when_o also_o we_o do_v solemn_o confess_v that_o faith_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o we_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o frequent_v the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o show_v forth_o his_o death_n and_o join_v in_o public_a prayer_n and_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a profession_n and_o contend_v against_o error_n than_o we_o be_v those_o that_o call_v christ_n lord_n lord_n i._n e._n who_o make_v a_o vehement_a profession_n that_o we_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o follower_n now_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o do_v this_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o plain_a meaning_n be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o exclude_v this_o outward_a profession_n as_o unnecessary_a but_o that_o he_o make_v it_o insufficient_a of_o itself_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n 1._o he_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v it_o as_o unnecessary_a or_o as_o a_o condition_n that_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v spare_v he_o say_v upon_o another_o occasion_n you_o call_v i_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o you_o say_v well_o for_o so_o i_o be_o john_n 13.13_o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n so_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v to_o salvation_n rom._n 10.10_o nay_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v to_o confess_v christ_n and_o his_o truth_n public_o in_o the_o world_n that_o no_o danger_n will_v excuse_v we_o from_o it_o for_o the_o do_n of_o this_o if_o need_v be_v we_o must_v venture_v all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o in_o this_o life_n nay_o and_o life_n itself_o it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n whoever_o will_v come_v after_o i_o must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o it_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n add_v to_o holy_a live_n that_o have_v make_v martyr_n of_o saint_n since_o it_o be_v proper_o for_o confess_v christ_n with_o their_o mouth_n for_o contend_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o truth_n against_o error_n for_o serve_v god_n in_o religious_a assembly_n
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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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 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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 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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 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