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will_n for_o no_o man_n can_v intend_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o before_o persuade_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o whensoever_o it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o 2._o this_o condition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n imply_v or_o presuppose_v a_o serious_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v we_o as_o viz._n a_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o sober_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o it_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n on_o those_o spiritual_a guide_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o for_o our_o instruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o guidance_n and_o assistance_n of_o
clear_a right_n on_o his_o side_n than_o any_o man_n can_v now_o pretend_v to_o but_o be_v entertain_v with_o the_o great_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o if_o any_o injury_n may_v just_o provoke_v our_o rage_n and_o passion_n those_o offer_v to_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o the_o most_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a nature_n but_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v he_o revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o he_o render_v not_o evil_a for_o evil_n nor_o rail_v for_o rail_v but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o and_o now_o can_v any_o man_n pretend_v to_o own_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o saviour_n precept_n and_o example_n and_o yet_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n and_o virulency_n of_o speech_n towards_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o some_o of_o our_o zealous_a disputant_n do_v in_o these_o day_n s._n judas_n tell_v we_o that_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o he_o contend_v with_o the_o devil_n he_o dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o presume_v to_o do_v it_o in_o our_o religious_a debate_n with_o our_o christian_a brethren_n who_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v notwithstanding_o our_o misconception_n of_o they_o may_v be_v in_o truth_n the_o child_n of_o god_n though_o fall_v into_o error_n in_o a_o word_n to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a he_o that_o will_v learn_v must_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v contradict_v and_o hear_v with_o patience_n what_o may_v be_v say_v be_v it_o never_o so_o opposite_a to_o his_o former_a notion_n or_o to_o his_o present_a wish_n otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v hardly_o capable_a to_o judge_v aright_o again_o he_o that_o will_v instruct_v and_o convince_v other_o must_v do_v it_o also_o with_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n confute_v error_n with_o all_o the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n he_o be_v able_a but_o spare_v the_o person_n he_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v for_o if_o by_o reproach_n and_o contumely_n he_o provoke_v their_o passion_n who_o he_o shall_v instruct_v he_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o all_o his_o reason_n by_o discompose_v those_o faculty_n which_o shall_v judge_v of_o it_o 5._o the_o five_o point_n of_o duty_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o as_o have_v great_a influence_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v prayer_n to_o god_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o natural_a obligation_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o many_o precept_n of_o ancient_a philosopher_n concern_v it_o pythagoras_n in_o particular_a advice_n to_o undertake_v no_o work_n to_o endeavour_v nothing_o without_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o he_o subjoin_v to_o many_o other_o precept_n of_o virtue_n as_o the_o compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o and_o sure_o if_o the_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v necessary_a in_o all_o our_o concern_v it_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o our_o search_n of_o divine_a truth_n for_o to_o who_o shall_v we_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n but_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v and_o the_o same_o philosopher_n immediate_o after_o his_o precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o his_o direction_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o bless_v and_o perfect_a our_o endeavour_n he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a benefit_n that_o will_v redound_v to_o we_o thereby_o that_o we_o shall_v by_o so_o do_v gain_n the_o knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o much_o different_a from_o what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n have_v in_o itself_o a_o natural_a efficacy_n to_o clear_v the_o understanding_n and_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o sure_o if_o philosopher_n by_o the_o force_n of_o natural_a principle_n understand_v the_o necessity_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n in_o all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o that_o prayer_n be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v we_o who_o have_v receive_v better_a mean_n of_o instruction_n than_o they_o have_v can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o point_n of_o duty_n especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o full_a of_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n require_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o all_o our_o exigency_n and_o assure_v we_o of_o success_n by_o so_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o thus_o particular_o luke_n xi_o 9_o our_o saviour_n advise_v we_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o and_o then_o follow_v v._o 13._o if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o s._n james_n yet_o more_o near_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n direct_v we_o to_o make_v our_o humble_a address_n to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n james_n 1._o 5._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n plenteous_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o i_o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v on_o some_o particular_a duty_n each_o of_o which_o single_o consider_v have_v a_o very_a great_a efficacy_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o from_o whence_o the_o inference_n will_v be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a that_o if_o the_o practice_n of_o each_o of_o these_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o in_o our_o search_n after_o knowledge_n then_o sure_o where_o these_o be_v all_o unite_a they_o can_v ordinary_o fail_v of_o their_o desire_a effect_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v further_o that_o the_o condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v be_v not_o complete_v in_o our_o observance_n of_o those_o particular_a duty_n abovementioned_a but_o in_o a_o universal_a and_o impartial_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v already_o know_v to_o we_o and_o in_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o further_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o upon_o perusal_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o man_n thus_o qualify_v beside_o the_o natural_a efficacy_n of_o virtue_n to_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o receive_v the_o gospel_n have_v moreover_o a_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n to_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n and_o to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o account_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n proposition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o any_o who_o seek_v for_o truth_n with_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o submit_v to_o it_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o have_v already_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o do_v his_o will_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o afford_v such_o further_a mean_n of_o instruction_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n mat._n twenty-five_o 29._o unto_o every_o man_n that_o have_v that_o be_v who_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o what_o he_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n every_o one_o who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v up_o to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n he_o have_v god_n will_v give_v to_o he_o such_o further_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o shall_v be_v suitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o he_o and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o great_a signal_n example_n in_o cornelius_n the_o good_a centurion_n act_v 10._o who_o prayer_n and_o alm_n while_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o christ_n religion_n be_v so_o far_o accept_v by_o god_n that_o he_o be_v please_v miraculous_o to_o direct_v he_o to_o peter_n for_o further_a instruction_n what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v now_o although_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o sincere_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n shall_v be_v thus_o miraculous_o instruct_v as_o cornelius_n be_v yet_o god_n have_v give_v we_o abundant_a assurance_n that_o no_o such_o person_n shall_v miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o necessary_a knowledge_n for_o to_o this_o end_n god_n have_v give_v his_o holy_a
our_o saviour_n plain_o intend_v not_o to_o set_v bound_n or_o limit_n to_o our_o forgiveness_n but_o to_o declare_v rather_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v unlimited_a that_o no_o transgression_n of_o our_o brother_n how_o often_o soever_o they_o be_v repeat_v aught_o to_o exclude_v he_o from_o our_o forgiveness_n and_o charity_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o question_n touch_v the_o heinousness_n of_o our_o brother_n offence_n against_o we_o it_o be_v plain_a likewise_o that_o no_o degree_n of_o guilt_n in_o he_o can_v put_v he_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o pardon_n unless_o we_o also_o will_v be_v content_a that_o god_n shall_v exclude_v we_o from_o that_o forgiveness_n we_o pray_v for_o for_o so_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o if_o we_o therefore_o forgive_v partial_o if_o we_o except_o any_o of_o our_o brethren_n trespass_n from_o our_o pardon_n because_o forsooth_o they_o be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v forgive_v what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o according_a to_o our_o prayer_n and_o leave_v we_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o most_o heinous_a transgression_n and_o how_o unsupportable_a a_o burden_n this_o will_v be_v judge_v you_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v that_o this_o precept_n do_v oblige_v we_o to_o a_o universal_a forgiveness_n and_o charity_n towards_o our_o enemy_n how_o many_o and_o how_o great_a soever_o their_o offence_n have_v be_v there_o remain_v one_o case_n still_o to_o be_v consider_v viz._n the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a not_o upon_o those_o only_o who_o sin_n immediate_o against_o god_n but_o upon_o those_o also_o who_o be_v injurious_a to_o their_o neighbour_n nor_o can_v civil_a society_n subsist_v without_o such_o a_o stand_a power_n it_o may_v therefore_o be_v reasonable_o demand_v that_o if_o god_n have_v establish_v such_o a_o power_n among_o man_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o injure_a and_o punishment_n of_o offender_n how_o can_v it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o remedy_n and_o then_o sure_o all_o return_n of_o evil_n upon_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o forbid_v by_o this_o precept_n of_o love_a enemy_n nor_o will_v god_n have_v appoint_v his_o public_a officer_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o injustice_n and_o wrong_n if_o the_o person_n injure_v may_v not_o lawful_o implead_v those_o who_o do_v the_o wrong_n and_o seek_v that_o reparation_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n have_v provide_v and_o indeed_o if_o our_o saviour_n do_v universal_o oblige_v we_o tame_o to_o yield_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o injury_n without_o make_v our_o just_a defence_n or_o seek_v reparation_n from_o the_o law_n this_o will_v be_v the_o direct_a way_n to_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o will_v justify_v that_o objection_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v against_o this_o precept_n that_o it_o expose_v good_a man_n to_o ruin_n and_o poverty_n and_o give_v security_n only_o to_o the_o violent_a and_o oppressor_n but_o to_o free_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n from_o so_o undeserved_a a_o calumny_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o this_o precept_n be_v primary_o intend_v as_o a_o rule_n for_o private_a person_n in_o that_o capacity_n that_o they_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n make_v themselves_o judge_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n and_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o take_v vengeance_n and_o exact_v what_o satisfaction_n they_o think_v fit_a for_o the_o injury_n they_o receive_v not_o but_o that_o injustice_n and_o wrong_n aught_o to_o receive_v its_o due_a punishment_n even_o among_o man_n but_o because_o private_a person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v in_o their_o own_o concern_n therefore_o god_n have_v reserve_v this_o power_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o magistrate_n commissionated_a by_o he_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil-doer_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o and_o to_o these_o all_o private_a person_n ought_v to_o refer_v the_o judgement_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o reparation_n of_o their_o wrong_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o force_n of_o s._n paul_n reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o avenge_v ourselves_o rom._n twelve_o 19_o dear_o belove_v avenge_v not_o yourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v write_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n vengeance_n belong_v to_o god_n the_o magistrate_n be_v god_n revenger_n therefore_o private_a person_n must_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o authority_n over_o their_o adversary_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v further_o that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o prosecute_a a_o injurious_a man_n and_o seek_v revenge_n the_o former_a of_o these_o may_v be_v do_v without_o any_o breach_n of_o charity_n or_o diminution_n of_o our_o affection_n towards_o he_o nay_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v the_o cruel_a piece_n of_o revenge_n to_o let_v man_n alone_o in_o their_o evil_a practice_n or_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o enjoy_v the_o fruit_n of_o injustice_n without_o call_v they_o to_o account_v for_o it_o the_o success_n of_o unrighteous_a action_n may_v by_o degree_n harden_v they_o in_o sin_n and_o bring_v down_o the_o severe_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o shall_v they_o escape_v humane_a justice_n so_o that_o to_o give_v a_o timely_a check_n to_o our_o neighbour_n when_o he_o deal_v unjust_o by_o we_o may_v possible_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o gain_v our_o brother_n when_o private_a admonition_n may_v not_o prove_v effectual_a so_o that_o this_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o a_o hearty_a forgiveness_n and_o unfeigned_a charity_n towards_o our_o enemy_n in_o short_a then_o we_o may_v lawful_o implead_v those_o who_o have_v do_v we_o wrong_n only_o we_o must_v observe_v great_a care_n and_o moderation_n in_o it_o we_o must_v not_o go_v to_o law_n for_o every_o trifle_a and_o light_a occasion_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o do_v it_o with_o any_o malicious_a design_n against_o the_o person_n we_o contend_v with_o for_o though_o our_o adversary_n be_v just_o punish_v yet_o if_o we_o pursue_v he_o with_o intention_n to_o gratify_v our_o own_o passion_n in_o his_o suffering_n we_o can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v find_v guiltless_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o first_o thing_n propose_v the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v love_v your_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v the_o great_a obligation_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o enforce_v 1._o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n intimate_v in_o these_o word_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o precept_n 3._o because_o our_o great_a interest_n do_v indispensable_o depend_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n express_v in_o those_o word_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n 1._o if_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n only_o as_o a_o prophet_n come_v from_o god_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n to_o make_v they_o understand_v more_o clear_o what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o they_o yet_o this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o challenge_v our_o obedience_n to_o this_o and_o all_o his_o command_n that_o god_n who_o creature_n we_o be_v on_o who_o we_o depend_v daily_o for_o our_o subsistence_n and_o well-being_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n we_o enjoy_v and_o from_o who_o alone_o we_o can_v receive_v whatever_o we_o hope_v for_o this_o god_n who_o natural_a bear_v subject_n we_o be_v have_v by_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o do_v according_o by_o he_o require_v the_o most_o entire_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o doctrine_n he_o do_v more_o frequent_o insist_v on_o or_o more_o earnest_o persuade_v we_o to_o obey_v than_o this_o of_o the_o text_n of_o love_v enemy_n the_o will_n of_o god_n whensoever_o make_v know_v to_o we_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o any_o of_o his_o law_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n bring_v with_o he_o such_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o deliver_v his_o doctrine_n with_o so_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v that_o he_o extort_a from_o his_o very_a adversary_n this_o confession_n matt._n 22._o 15._o master_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v true_a and_o teach_v
the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n this_o be_v that_o prophet_n who_o god_n himself_o speak_v of_o so_o long_o before_o to_o moses_n say_v deut._n xviii_o 18._o i_o will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n like_v unto_o thou_o and_o will_v put_v my_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n and_o he_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o all_o that_o i_o command_v he_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o word_n i_o will_v require_v it_o s._n peter_n explain_v act_n three_o 23._o where_n cite_v this_o prophecy_n he_o tell_v we_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o soul_n that_o will_v not_o hear_v that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o among_o the_o people_n if_o therefore_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n only_o as_o that_o prophet_n yet_o this_o alone_a give_v sufficient_a authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o his_o precept_n and_o he_o may_v just_o pronounce_v pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n only_o as_o a_o prophet_n it_o be_v true_a he_o be_v a_o prophet_n mighty_a in_o deed_n and_o in_o word_n but_o he_o be_v withal_o much_o more_o than_o a_o prophet_n for_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v to_o the_o 2._o heb._n i._n 1_o 2._o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n now_o if_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o ambassador_n add_v any_o weight_n or_o authority_n to_o the_o message_n he_o deliver_v then_o sure_o by_o how_o much_o great_a the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v than_o those_o other_o prophet_n and_o minister_n who_o god_n in_o former_a age_n send_v forth_o to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n so_o much_o more_o inexcusable_a must_v those_o man_n be_v who_o reject_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o this_o be_v the_o inference_n s_o paul_n make_v heb._n two_o 1._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v its_o due_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o these_o consideration_n may_v seem_v too_o remote_a as_o have_v equal_a influence_n upon_o all_o other_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v observe_v 3._o that_o our_o saviour_n authority_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a force_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o love_a enemy_n because_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v a_o continue_a example_n of_o unbounded_a goodness_n and_o love_n to_o those_o who_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o he_o give_v we_o that_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o precept_n require_v nothing_o more_o of_o we_o than_o what_o he_o practise_v towards_o ourselves_o in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n and_o can_v we_o then_o be_v unwilling_a for_o his_o sake_n to_o imitate_v his_o practice_n towards_o our_o fellow-creature_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n before_o god_n and_o become_v enemy_n to_o he_o through_o wicked_a work_n and_o liable_a to_o most_o severe_a vengeance_n than_o it_o please_v the_o father_n out_o of_o his_o most_o tender_a compassion_n and_o love_n to_o mankind_n to_o send_v his_o son_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n to_o proclaim_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o they_o who_o will_v repent_v and_o turn_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o way_n and_o will_v believe_v and_o obey_v that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o shall_v teach_v then_o it_o please_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o habitation_n of_o glory_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o our_o flesh_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o last_o to_o suffer_v a_o accurse_a ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n to_o redeem_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o insupportable_a vengeance_n which_o be_v the_o wage_n of_o they_o and_o can_v we_o think_v of_o so_o great_a condescension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o boundless_a a_o compassion_n and_o mighty_a love_n without_o be_v transport_v with_o the_o most_o fervent_a affection_n of_o soul_n to_o render_v to_o he_o all_o possible_a demonstration_n of_o thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n sure_o no_o obedience_n on_o our_o part_n can_v be_v too_o great_a a_o testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n and_o love_n to_o he_o by_o who_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n we_o be_v so_o deep_o oblige_v now_o the_o duty_n of_o love_a enemy_n be_v not_o only_o recommend_v to_o our_o practice_n by_o our_o saviour_n authority_n and_o example_n but_o be_v further_o enjoin_v as_o a_o particular_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o as_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o charity_n wherein_o they_o shall_v exceed_v other_o man_n s._n luke_n vi_fw-la 32._o if_o you_o love_v they_o which_o love_v you_o what_o thank_v have_v you_o for_o sinner_n also_o love_v those_o that_o love_v they_o and_o if_o you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o which_o do_v good_a for_o you_o what_o thank_v have_v you_o for_o sinner_n also_o do_v even_o the_o same_o and_o if_o you_o lend_v to_o they_o of_o who_o you_o hope_v to_o receive_v what_o thank_v have_v you_o for_o sinner_n also_o lend_v to_o sinner_n to_o receive_v as_o much_o again_o but_o love_v you_o your_o enemy_n and_o do_v good_a hope_v for_o nothing_o again_o so_o then_o by_o our_o saviour_n argument_n when_o we_o do_v good_a to_o friend_n only_o we_o do_v but_o as_o other_o man_n and_o mind_n only_o our_o interest_n but_o if_o our_o charity_n extend_v to_o enemy_n this_o be_v pure_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o saviour_n then_o be_v we_o proper_o call_v his_o disciple_n to_o conclude_v therefore_o this_o argument_n if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n sufficient_o make_v know_v to_o we_o have_v any_o force_n to_o oblige_v our_o practice_n if_o the_o authority_n and_o example_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v prevail_v with_o we_o if_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o goodness_n and_o love_n towards_o ourselves_o can_v deserve_v any_o suitable_a return_n from_o we_o than_o our_o saviour_n may_v and_o do_v upon_o all_o these_o account_n challenge_v your_o obedience_n to_o this_o precept_n of_o love_a enemy_n as_o the_o peculiar_a instance_n of_o your_o duty_n to_o he_o as_o the_o best_a imitation_n of_o his_o charity_n and_o true_a testimony_n of_o your_o love_n and_o gratitude_n thus_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n he_o be_v one_o who_o by_o the_o just_a authority_n and_o great_a obligation_n claim_v obedience_n to_o this_o precept_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n 2._o beside_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n if_o we_o consider_v further_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o it_o will_v appear_v much_o more_o unreasonable_a we_o shall_v disobey_v he_o for_o however_o uneasy_a this_o may_v seem_v at_o the_o first_o sight_n if_o we_o take_v our_o measure_n aright_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n that_o do_v more_o conduce_v to_o the_o quiet_a contentment_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o true_a dignity_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n 1._o if_o we_o consult_v only_o our_o present_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n this_o only_a will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n oblige_v we_o to_o pass_v by_o many_o injury_n and_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o courteous_a towards_o our_o brethren_n though_o they_o have_v be_v injurious_a to_o we_o and_o this_o will_v best_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o burdensome_a and_o uneasy_a those_o passion_n be_v which_o incline_v to_o revenge_v anger_n and_o malice_n and_o envy_n and_o jealousy_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a attendant_n of_o the_o revengeful_a man_n do_v raise_v such_o boisterous_a tempest_n such_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o can_v consist_v with_o true_a peace_n and_o serenity_n so_o that_o to_o give_v way_n to_o they_o and_o cherish_v they_o in_o their_o beginning_n be_v as_o dangerous_a to_o
mind_n or_o conscience_n as_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o heathen_n or_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n or_o last_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o christian_a education_n as_o the_o state_n of_o those_o among_o ourselves_o be_v who_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o inquire_v more_o near_o into_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o suppose_v we_o a_o man_n already_o instruct_v by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n in_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o practice_n desirous_a of_o further_a knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o live_v up_o to_o those_o principle_n he_o be_v already_o instruct_v in_o resolve_v also_o to_o submit_v obedient_o to_o whatsoever_o else_o upon_o his_o further_a enquiry_n he_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n such_o a_o man_n thus_o prepare_v by_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o thus_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v belong_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o success_n to_o those_o that_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o this_o preparation_n and_o here_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v brief_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v before_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v therefore_o that_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o universal_o as_o though_o no_o man_n who_o be_v sincere_o resolve_v to_o obey_v god_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o kind_n of_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o this_o be_v contradict_v by_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n for_o it_o will_v be_v very_o uncharitable_a to_o suppose_v that_o among_o most_o of_o the_o dissent_v party_n in_o religion_n who_o maintain_v great_a controversy_n with_o one_o another_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v some_o person_n true_o devout_a and_o sincere_a on_o both_o side_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n true_o religious_a shall_v not_o err_v at_o all_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v lead_v into_o such_o error_n as_o be_v dangerous_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o salvation_n and_o indeed_o the_o promise_n in_o this_o place_n be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o so_o general_a term_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o require_v any_o large_a interpretation_n than_o this_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o now_o beliver_v to_o you_o whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v extend_v beyond_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o he_o shall_v receive_v satisfaction_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n true_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a and_o that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o deliver_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n 2._o he_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v also_o concern_v those_o particular_a truth_n which_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n these_o two_o thing_n will_v be_v the_o undoubted_a effect_n of_o a_o religious_a frame_n of_o mind_n of_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a to_o all_o who_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o that_o preparation_n and_o this_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o natural_a influence_n that_o a_o religious_a temper_n of_o mind_n have_v upon_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v it_o fit_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o divine_a truth_n 2._o the_o peculiar_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n good_a spirit_n which_o always_o accompany_v a_o true_o religious_a man_n to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o former_a and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o religious_a duty_n have_v a_o natural_a efficacy_n upon_o the_o mind_n to_o clear_v its_o discern_a faculty_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o understanding_n and_o give_v a_o full_a assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v by_o instance_v in_o some_o particular_a duty_n which_o be_v of_o a_o natural_a obligation_n which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o each_o of_o which_o single_o consider_v have_v a_o very_a immediate_a influence_n upon_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o consideration_n of_o which_o it_o will_v also_o appear_v that_o the_o contrary_a vice_n to_o these_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n the_o duty_n i_o shall_v particular_o insist_v on_o be_v these_o 1._o simplicity_n of_o mind_n without_o prejudice_n 2._o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n 3._o humility_n 4._o calmness_n of_o temper_n 5._o prayer_n to_o god_n these_o be_v all_o duty_n of_o a_o natural_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v presume_v ignorant_a of_o nor_o unwilling_a to_o practice_v they_o if_o he_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o that_o preparation_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o 1._o he_o that_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o this_o intention_n to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n concern_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o such_o a_o one_o will_v bring_v with_o he_o a_o honest_a simplicity_n of_o mind_n not_o bias_v by_o prejudice_n or_o preconceive_a opinion_n such_o a_o one_o will_v consider_v with_o himself_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o his_o own_o fancy_n or_o petty_a reason_n that_o a_o strong_a imagination_n can_v make_v those_o thing_n article_n of_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v and_o therefore_o he_o will_v bring_v with_o he_o no_o preconceive_a opinion_n which_o he_o will_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v aside_o upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o distort_v and_o wrest_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n to_o that_o sense_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o former_o have_v but_o will_v ready_o yield_v up_o all_o his_o former_a notion_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o we_o be_v natural_o oblige_v to_o this_o simplicity_n of_o judgement_n in_o all_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n be_v evident_a because_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o dispute_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o challenge_v from_o our_o adversary_n as_o our_o undoubted_a right_n that_o he_o will_v hear_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v without_o prejudice_n and_o therefore_o we_o also_o ought_v to_o bring_v with_o we_o to_o a_o religious_a debate_n the_o same_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n which_o we_o expect_v from_o other_o and_o indeed_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n be_v high_o necessary_a and_o very_o advantageous_a to_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o truth_n for_o certain_o the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n be_v very_o great_a to_o darken_v man_n mind_n and_o to_o mould_v they_o into_o such_o apprehension_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o man_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o party_n and_o prepossess_v with_o the_o distinguish_a opinion_n of_o their_o sect_n easy_o find_v way_n to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o sense_n to_o make_v it_o agree_v with_o the_o analogy_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o their_o darling_n notion_n when_o i_o speak_v of_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n in_o the_o search_n after_o divine_a truth_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o we_o must_v call_v in_o question_n all_o kind_n of_o preconception_n we_o have_v have_v concern_v religious_a matter_n some_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o religion_n of_o so_o great_a certainty_n and_o evidence_n that_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o otherwise_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v he_o such_o be_v those_o preconception_n we_o have_v concern_v the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v most_o wise_a just_a powerful_a faithful_a
his_o good_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o though_o god_n will_v infuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o a_o miracle_n but_o that_o those_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v blessed_v by_o he_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o old_a oeconomy_n the_o jew_n be_v refer_v to_o moses_n for_o their_o instruction_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o these_o man_n and_o their_o successor_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n in_o order_n to_o instruction_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o these_o themselves_o we_o may_v have_v recourse_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o as_o a_o certain_a guide_n to_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o to_o their_o successor_n we_o have_v recourse_n in_o our_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a ministry_n who_o derive_v their_o commission_n by_o a_o continue_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v impower_v by_o christ_n to_o ordain_v other_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o office_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o these_o person_n thus_o impower_v all_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o apply_v themselves_o with_o humility_n and_o diligence_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n abovementioned_a he_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n 3._o this_o condition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n imply_v further_a that_o in_o our_o search_n after_o divine_a truth_n and_o in_o our_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v we_o we_o must_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o our_o knowledge_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v more_o particular_o express_v in_o the_o text._n many_o there_o be_v who_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a after_o truth_n but_o they_o have_v ofttimes_o very_o different_a and_o undue_a end_n in_o their_o enquiry_n sometime_o they_o do_v it_o to_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n sometime_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o maintain_v their_o party_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o with_o some_o plausible_a show_n of_o reason_n sometime_o they_o do_v it_o for_o ostentation_n and_o vainglory_n that_o they_o may_v appear_v wise_a and_o more_o learned_a than_o their_o neighbour_n and_o sometime_o they_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n as_o other_o man_n do_v their_o merchandise_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o gain_n of_o it_o and_o provide_v for_o their_o subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n now_o now_o all_o these_o several_a sort_n of_o enquirer_n may_v possible_o attain_v the_o several_a end_n they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v grow_v learned_a and_o wise_a in_o the_o ordinary_a account_n of_o man_n they_o may_v grow_v rich_a and_o gain_v esteem_n and_o applause_n among_o man_n and_o in_o this_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n but_o still_o they_o may_v want_v the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v of_o which_o be_v not_o attainable_a by_o any_o that_o do_v not_o intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n this_o alone_a make_v they_o capable_a of_o a_o full_a and_o sensible_a conviction_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v talk_v superficial_o about_o religious_a matter_n or_o that_o can_v give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v dispute_v learned_o about_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o decide_v controverfy_v not_o every_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o accomplish_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o our_o saviour_n sense_n no_o he_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n absolute_o and_o entire_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v receive_v a_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n concern_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o than_o can_v be_v gain_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n and_o most_o convince_a demonstration_n he_o shall_v find_v in_o his_o soul_n a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v such_o as_o shall_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubtfulness_n or_o dispute_v 4._o we_o must_v not_o only_o intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o this_o as_o the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o enquiry_n but_o we_o must_v actual_o endeavour_v to_o discharge_v those_o duty_n we_o already_o know_v if_o we_o hope_v to_o attaim_v to_o a_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n in_o our_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o neglect_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o he_o already_o know_v he_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o submit_v to_o those_o further_a instruction_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o in_o this_o place_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v to_o exact_v this_o qualification_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v practice_v those_o duty_n they_o already_o know_v if_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o otherwise_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a way_n of_o proceed_v to_o persuade_v man_n first_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o to_o promise_v they_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o enter_v upon_o a_o way_n of_o live_v so_o strict_a and_o severe_a as_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v without_o be_v satisfy_v before_o hand_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o that_o be_v true_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v there_o require_v and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o great_a duty_n and_o interest_n to_o obey_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o sad_a experience_n that_o many_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v yet_o very_o backward_o to_o practice_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o but_o how_o much_o more_o unwilling_o will_v they_o undertake_v this_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o they_o have_v obey_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n here_o speak_v of_o must_v in_o part_n be_v understand_v of_o those_o previous_a instruction_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v our_o saviour_n have_v before_o receive_v the_o jew_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n here_o direct_v his_o discourse_n have_v the_o instruction_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n from_o who_o they_o may_v have_v understand_v the_o principal_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n will_v doubtless_o have_v be_v a_o great_a preparation_n for_o their_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o for_o those_o enquirer_n after_o truth_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v whole_o 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joy_n which_o it_o afford_v we_o in_o this_o spiritual_a race_n which_o infinite_o over-ballance_n all_o the_o false_a pleasure_n we_o forsake_v and_o all_o the_o difficulty_n we_o undergo_v in_o undertake_v this_o enterprise_n and_o last_o i_o may_v put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n reproach_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n which_o will_v certain_o attend_v we_o if_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o indifference_n we_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o glorious_a prize_n all_o which_o argument_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o to_o awake_v and_o excite_v our_o utmost_a industry_n and_o vigour_n to_o promote_v our_o vigilance_n and_o to_o confirm_v strengthen_v and_o maintain_v our_o courage_n constancy_n and_o resolution_n to_o go_v on_o steadfast_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o but_o the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a argument_n will_v be_v too_o large_a a_o scope_n 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not_o be_v without_o his_o witness_n in_o all_o age_n who_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o this_o faith_n and_o assurance_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o it_o without_o waver_v now_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v die_v in_o this_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v here_o call_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n be_v yet_o but_o a_o very_a few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o have_v live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v despise_v and_o reject_v all_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n to_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o reply_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o testimony_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o number_n and_o noise_n of_o those_o that_o affirm_v any_o thing_n but_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o evidence_n they_o give_v now_o a_o few_o man_n who_o give_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o they_o understand_v perfect_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v other_o be_v 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obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o heroic_a spirit_n recite_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n they_o be_v man_n of_o find_a mind_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o glorious_a thing_n they_o do_v and_o suffer_v many_o of_o which_o be_v at_o large_a record_v in_o sacred_a story_n they_o know_v the_o value_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o other_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o disgrace_n and_o pain_n and_o want_v and_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o these_o thing_n without_o a_o mighty_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o believe_v concern_v god_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o reward_v they_o after_o this_o life_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o wisdom_n that_o he_o know_v when_o and_o how_o to_o do_v it_o better_o than_o they_o can_v choose_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o but_o then_o on_o the_o contrary_a for_o those_o that_o have_v reject_v this_o belief_n or_o at_o least_o have_v not_o live_v answerable_o to_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v only_o a_o rash_a inconsiderate_a multitude_n of_o no_o understanding_n in_o these_o matter_n who_o never_o take_v time_n to_o think_v whether_o religion_n have_v any_o real_a foundation_n in_o nature_n or_o reason_n or_o not_o and_o therefore_o these_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n in_o the_o case_n and_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o witness_n for_o those_o other_o who_o have_v live_v wicked_o and_o have_v yet_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o ground_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o these_o be_v most_o of_o they_o self-condemned_n and_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o
diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o effectual_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n now_o these_o and_o the_o like_a exhortation_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o to_o persuade_v we_o if_o these_o promise_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o a_o word_n in_o all_o the_o description_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a than_o this_o that_o i_o now_o plead_v for_o that_o god_n will_v reward_v every_o one_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v mention_v but_o two_o place_n more_o rom._n ij_o 6._o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n for_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n the_o other_o place_n be_v mat._n twenty-five_o where_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a description_n of_o those_o good_a work_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v reward_v and_o have_v there_o represent_v the_o vanity_n of_o those_o man_n excuse_n who_o have_v not_o wrought_v they_o he_o conclude_v with_o this_o sentence_n these_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a there_o remain_v only_o to_o draw_v some_o 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virtue_n or_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o vain_a will_v the_o apostle_n here_o make_v use_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o persuade_v man_n if_o god_n have_v before_o determine_v that_o such_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v whatsoever_o diligence_n they_o use_v on_o their_o part_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a force_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o obedience_n if_o once_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o their_o future_a state_n be_v from_o everlasting_a unalterable_o fix_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o by_o any_o neglect_n nay_o upon_o this_o supposition_n all_o the_o various_a method_n of_o persuasion_n which_o god_n use_v in_o scripture_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o better_a life_n prove_v nothing_o else_o but_o illusion_n and_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v so_o often_o by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n invite_v and_o exhort_v and_o beseech_v all_o man_n that_o they_o will_v turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o live_v when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o have_v exclude_v many_o miriads_o of_o man_n from_o any_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n by_o a_o absolute_a and_o irresistible_a decree_n which_o no_o endeavour_n of_o they_o can_v revoke_v or_o cancel_v this_o way_n of_o proceed_v can_v by_v any_o mean_n consist_v with_o that_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o all_o man_n shall_v receive_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v then_o certain_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o reward_n but_o by_o his_o own_o fault_n nor_o yet_o any_o man_n obtain_v the_o same_o but_o by_o a_o due_a diligence_n in_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n and_o perform_v those_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v promise_v 2._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o method_n of_o god_n proceed_v at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n we_o may_v also_o observe_v that_o those_o man_n do_v extreme_o mistake_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n who_o talk_v of_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o good_a work_n and_o obedience_n who_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o cry_v down_o the_o value_n of_o our_o good_a work_n as_o though_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n in_o the_o justification_n or_o salvation_n of_o a_o christian_n for_o sure_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v faith_n alone_o can_v be_v the_o whole_a condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o faith_n in_o holy_a scripture_n but_o these_o thing_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o bare_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a importance_n of_o that_o word_n faith_n but_o of_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o have_v influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o our_o practice_n and_o conversation_n a_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n and_o obedience_n thus_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o single_a virtue_n and_o separate_a from_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o be_v the_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n and_o include_v they_o in_o it_o for_o if_o we_o understand_v faith_n in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n as_o distinct_a from_o a_o holy_a conversation_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o devil_n themselves_o may_v pretend_v to_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o relief_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a 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shall_v at_o that_o day_n be_v give_v to_o those_o that_o have_v live_v obedient_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o thereunto_o for_o what_o great_a encouragement_n to_o our_o duty_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o who_o will_v not_o willing_o forsake_v all_o the_o flatter_a joy_n and_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n that_o he_o may_v secure_v to_o himself_o such_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a that_o fade_v not_o away_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v he_o at_o that_o day_n or_o who_o will_v not_o despise_v all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n which_o may_v possible_o attend_v he_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n when_o he_o remember_v that_o these_o light_a affliction_n which_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v out_o for_o he_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n now_o the_o great_a god_n grant_v we_o all_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n always_o present_a to_o our_o mind_n that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o may_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o stand_v before_o that_o great_a tribunal_n we_o may_v be_v present_v pure_a and_o unblamable_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o that_o not_o for_o any_o merit_n of_o our_o own_o but_o through_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o power_n praise_n thanksgiving_n and_o obedience_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la