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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we_o continue_v in_o it_o as_o if_o a_o thousand_o more_o be_v add_v to_o it_o i_o say_v if_o we_o continue_v in_o it_o for_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n of_o a_o true_a and_o pure_a profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o whosoever_o make_v it_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o sense_n something_o different_a he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n there_o be_v less_o to_o do_v to_o recover_v he_o to_o repentance_n no_o false_a principle_n be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v it_o he_o lie_v open_a to_o exhortation_n and_o persuasion_n and_o every_o serious_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n smite_v his_o very_a conscience_n he_o feel_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o there_o be_v that_o within_o he_o which_o confess_v it_o all_o and_o will_v not_o easy_o let_v he_o be_v quiet_a till_o it_o have_v make_v he_o a_o new_a man_n but_o to_o proceed_v 3._o in_o some_o person_n a_o dishonourable_a opinion_n of_o god_n may_v be_v the_o 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opinion_n of_o ourselves_o if_o we_o believe_v worthy_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v say_v that_o because_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a therefore_o he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o expect_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o we_o to_o be_v confess_v and_o adore_v not_o that_o he_o need_v we_o or_o be_v take_v with_o our_o commendation_n of_o he_o but_o because_o it_o be_v infinite_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a and_o equitable_a that_o we_o shall_v thus_o worship_v he_o and_o because_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n also_o of_o form_v our_o mind_n and_o action_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o what_o god_n be_v and_o of_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v mistake_v if_o we_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v behold_v to_o we_o for_o keep_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n or_o that_o some_o great_a interest_n of_o he_o be_v serve_v when_o religion_n get_v ground_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o there_o will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o to_o speak_v his_o praise_n and_o to_o celebrate_v his_o goodness_n and_o his_o greatness_n as_o if_o he_o be_v like_o some_o one_o of_o those_o great_a man_n who_o if_o they_o have_v flatterer_n enough_o and_o can_v make_v other_o seem_v to_o honour_v they_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n be_v very_o well_o please_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o send_v into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o ostentation_n of_o his_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o honour_n it_o be_v indeed_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o honour_v he_o before_o all_o the_o world_n with_o all_o expression_n of_o gratitude_n and_o humble_a reverence_n and_o we_o be_v most_o inexcusable_a and_o wretched_a creature_n if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o but_o the_o end_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v to_o turn_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o make_v we_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o so_o far_o as_o this_o design_n take_v so_o far_o he_o approve_v of_o we_o otherwise_o he_o have_v plain_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v from_o he_o even_o that_o sentence_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o 4._o the_o conceit_n and_o expectation_n of_o some_o unpromise_v mercy_n of_o god_n must_v necessary_o be_v one_o ingredient_n into_o the_o presumption_n oâ—_n those_o man_n that_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n be_v so_o undeniable_o plain_a that_o a_o man_n of_o sense_n who_o believe_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n can_v have_v no_o ease_n under_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o god_n will_v or_o may_v at_o least_o abate_v something_o of_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o threaten_a and_o accept_v of_o less_o perhaps_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n of_o less_o i_o say_v than_o he_o have_v require_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o confidence_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v say_v lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v and_o support_v his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n and_o expostulate_v now_o with_o he_o as_o if_o they_o always_o have_v some_o secret_a hope_n this_o will_v at_o last_o be_v accept_v though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o beforehand_o but_o to_o prevent_v this_o presumption_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v beforehand_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n which_o plain_a deal_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o that_o threaten_v punishment_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o take_v punishment_n but_o intend_v to_o prevent_v the_o fault_n yet_o when_o god_n threaten_v for_o this_o end_n and_o add_v moreover_o declaration_n upon_o the_o threaten_v that_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o prevent_v it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o he_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_v spare_v for_o all_o that_o to_o conclude_v let_v we_o serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o most_o concern_v question_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o that_o can_v say_v i_o be_v by_o my_o natural_a temper_n and_o inclination_n thus_o and_o thus_o but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v i_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o
regard_n to_o each_o consideration_n under_o these_o several_a head_n and_o 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a now_o by_o all_o thing_n we_o may_v understand_v 1._o all_o that_o happen_v in_o this_o life_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n which_o interpretation_n will_v be_v sufficient_o justify_v by_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o two_o former_a 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 we_o shall_v 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 which_o can_v be_v utter_v for_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o be_v under_o any_o affliction_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o to_o be_v deliver_v or_o to_o continue_v as_o we_o be_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o wisdom_n and_o whatever_o our_o particular_a desire_n be_v to_o wish_v in_o the_o general_n what_o god_n see_v be_v best_a for_o we_o which_o we_o can_v utter_v in_o particular_a because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a what_o that_o be_v but_o god_n know_v it_o and_o withal_o he_o know_v our_o heart_n and_o see_v that_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o be_v whole_o dispose_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o choice_n and_o then_o he_o add_v and_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v in_o particular_a what_o god_n will_v choose_v for_o we_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o whatever_o our_o lot_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o life_n it_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o best_a so_o that_o by_o all_o thing_n we_o be_v lead_v to_o understand_v all_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o thus_o they_o take_v in_o the_o prosperous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o adverse_a part_n of_o our_o life_n now_o because_o there_o be_v dangerous_a temptation_n in_o prosperity_n which_o do_v often_o prove_v hurtful_a to_o man_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n too_o it_o be_v therefore_o no_o small_a privilege_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o his_o piety_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n do_v not_o only_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o harm_n which_o may_v come_v of_o a_o plentiful_a enjoyment_n of_o worldly_a blessing_n but_o also_o make_v they_o true_o serviceable_a to_o he_o and_o to_o work_v for_o his_o good_a and_o that_o god_n will_v continue_v he_o in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o long_o as_o he_o see_v it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o but_o then_o 2._o although_o this_o meaning_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v exclude_v yet_o the_o principal_a sense_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o even_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v natural_o afraid_a of_o and_o will_v willing_o escape_v that_o be_v all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o principal_a sense_n because_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o support_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v under_o the_o trouble_v they_o endure_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o this_o meaning_n be_v chief_o intend_v so_o it_o represent_v a_o truth_n which_o will_v be_v most_o desire_v for_o 1._o relief_n be_v needful_a only_o against_o cause_n of_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n such_o as_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n be_v and_o here_o it_o be_v give_v the_o best_a man_n common_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n for_o their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n but_o we_o think_v that_o the_o prosperous_a part_n will_v take_v care_n of_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o other_o only_o that_o call_v for_o assistance_n and_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o all_o will_v grant_v that_o this_o divine_a truth_n give_v security_n where_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o security_n and_o administer_v ease_v and_o help_v in_o every_o case_n that_o require_v it_o and_o then_o 2._o because_o we_o lie_v open_a to_o innumerable_a accident_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o misfortune_n to_o which_o we_o be_v liable_a be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v particular_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n make_v our_o comfort_n and_o security_n equal_a to_o our_o danger_n for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o can_v dismay_v we_o where_o without_o exception_n to_o any_o one_o provision_n be_v make_v against_a all_o where_o the_o remedy_n will_v not_o fail_v not_o only_o if_o any_o one_o but_o if_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o which_o we_o be_v liable_a and_o 3._o because_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o alike_o grievous_a to_o every_o man_n because_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o same_o tenderness_n in_o every_o part_n of_o their_o nature_n but_o one_o thing_n affect_v this_o man_n with_o more_o grief_n and_o smart_n and_o another_o be_v more_o sensible_o wound_v by_o other_o adversity_n therefore_o the_o consolation_n afford_v by_o this_o truth_n be_v still_o more_o desirable_a inasmuch_o as_o it_o bring_v remedy_n in_o this_o case_n also_o for_o where_o all_o evil_n be_v say_v the_o worst_a be_v not_o except_v and_o last_o because_o the_o affirmation_n be_v general_a it_o be_v a_o equal_a antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o evil_a and_o against_o the_o bitterness_n of_o sorrow_n when_o it_o happen_v it_o suffer_v not_o our_o present_a enjoyment_n to_o be_v kill_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o future_a and_o it_o supply_v we_o with_o hope_n and_o patience_n when_o evil_a be_v present_a so_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n it_o be_v a_o very_a rich_a promise_n which_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o text_n since_o as_o to_o the_o occasion_n upon_o which_o a_o good_a christian_a may_v need_v comfort_n there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o it_o to_o satisfy_v he_o for_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o his_o good_a 2._o we_o be_v likewise_o to_o consider_v the_o manner_n whereby_o these_o evil_n of_o life_n produce_v good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n which_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o expression_n of_o work_v together_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a etc._n etc._n for_o here_o be_v these_o two_o particular_n to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a tendency_n in_o these_o evil_n themselves_o to_o procure_v we_o some_o good_a 2._o that_o nevertheless_o there_o must_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o other_o cause_n to_o effect_v it_o 1._o that_o they_o themselves_o do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o be_v say_v to_o work_v for_o good_a not_o only_o that_o good_a be_v wrought_v out_o from_o they_o but_o that_o they_o work_v it_o for_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o not_o improper_a and_o unfit_a mean_n for_o this_o end_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n afflict_v any_o good_a man_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o pain_n which_o he_o suffer_v no_o nor_o do_v he_o afflict_v he_o mere_o to_o show_v his_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n over_o he_o nay_o not_o always_o so_o much_o as_o to_o show_v how_o by_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n he_o can_v make_v thing_n produce_v effect_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o because_o he_o do_v in_o his_o wisdom_n see_v that_o the_o evil_n he_o send_v will_v natural_o lead_v towards_o a_o good_a end_n and_o we_o know_v it_o by_o undeniable_a experience_n that_o a_o uninterrupted_a prosperity_n in_o this_o life_n be_v that_o which_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n can_v bear_v as_o little_o as_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n worse_o for_o we_o than_o that_o mixture_n of_o one_o and_o the_o other_o which_o be_v the_o common_a portion_n of_o mankind_n now_o therefore_o because_o in_o choose_v our_o condition_n god_n have_v still_o a_o regard_n to_o that_o which_o be_v for_o our_o good_a every_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n under_o distress_n may_v not_o only_o conclude_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o be_v afflict_v but_o likewise_o in_o particular_a that_o that_o affliction_n which_o he_o be_v under_o be_v more_o for_o his_o good_a than_o another_o will_v have_v be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v for_o his_o improvement_n and_o the_o procure_n of_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v most_o needful_a for_o he_o therefore_o also_o if_o more_o burden_n than_o one_o be_v upon_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o if_o one_o follow_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o that_o none_o of_o
they_o can_v be_v well_o spare_v but_o that_o they_o work_v together_o one_o for_o one_o good_a end_n another_z for_o another_o all_o joint_o for_o his_o true_a happiness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a with_o reference_n to_o single_a person_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o any_o body_n of_o christian_n adhere_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o watchful_a for_o a_o common_a than_o a_o particular_a interest_n and_o since_o this_o truth_n be_v mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o behalf_n of_o believer_n that_o feel_v the_o same_o trouble_n so_o that_o we_o be_v as_o to_o all_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n to_o consider_v god_n not_o as_o arbitrary_o dispose_v of_o our_o concern_v but_o rather_o as_o wise_o choose_v fit_a mean_n for_o our_o happiness_n and_o this_o consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o repel_v all_o murmur_a thought_n against_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o dispose_v we_o not_o only_o to_o contentation_n but_o even_o to_o thankfulness_n under_o the_o adversity_n of_o life_n and_o that_o because_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ill_o mean_v by_o providence_n towards_o we_o that_o they_o be_v choose_v by_o god_n as_o proper_a mean_n work_v for_o our_o good_a not_o only_o adversity_n in_o general_a but_o those_o which_o happen_v in_o particular_a more_o than_o other_o will_v have_v do_v but_o then_o 2._o there_o must_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o other_o cause_n to_o make_v they_o effectual_a for_o our_o good_a i_o can_v certain_o tell_v whether_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o phrase_n of_o work_v together_o for_o i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o the_o apostle_n may_v mean_v no_o more_o in_o this_o place_n than_o that_o all_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o god_n servant_n shall_v work_v together_o that_o be_v one_o with_o another_o promote_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o they_o in_o the_o end_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o thing_n be_v true_a that_o other_o cause_n must_v be_v present_a to_o work_v together_o with_o these_o and_o because_o the_o apostle_n know_v that_o they_o will_v be_v suppose_v therefore_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v mention_v and_o 1._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o good_a effect_n which_o his_o providence_n design_n to_o work_v in_o and_o for_o we_o that_o will_v not_o be_v want_v for_o if_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v grievous_a befall_v we_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o will_v not_o deny_v we_o that_o inward_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n towards_o a_o good_a use_n of_o it_o which_o be_v needful_a because_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o do_v we_o good_a be_v not_o of_o our_o own_o choose_n but_o he_o and_o this_o be_v one_o reasonable_a account_n of_o that_o say_n of_o david_n in_o very_a faithfulness_n thou_o have_v afflict_v i_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v good_a and_o gracious_a to_o he_o and_o this_o promise_n be_v so_o make_v good_a by_o those_o trouble_n that_o befall_v he_o and_o the_o support_v he_o have_v under_o they_o and_o by_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o dispose_v he_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n as_o much_o as_o for_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n that_o ever_o fall_v to_o his_o share_n but_o then_o 2._o something_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o convert_v all_o evil_n that_o do_v or_o may_v befall_v we_o into_o such_o advantage_n as_o may_v be_v make_v of_o they_o they_o indeed_o give_v we_o the_o opportunity_n and_o god_n give_v we_o the_o ability_n but_o then_o we_o must_v perform_v our_o duty_n they_o work_v as_o occasion_n and_o mean_n god_n work_v as_o the_o supreme_a director_n and_o mover_n but_o it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o work_v as_o the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o our_o own_o good_a and_o that_o by_o more_o consideration_n and_o more_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o tendency_n of_o worldly_a cross_n to_o do_v we_o good_a that_o they_o do_v of_o themselves_o dispose_v a_o good_a man_n to_o those_o thing_n more_o than_o ordinary_o and_o it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o say_n of_o the_o wiseman_n sorrow_n be_v better_a than_o laughter_n for_o by_o the_o sadness_n of_o the_o countenance_n the_o heart_n be_v make_v better_a that_o be_v to_o say_v 1._o it_o be_v dispose_v to_o consider_v more_o serious_o for_o it_o take_v away_o all_o that_o levity_n and_o ariness_n of_o thought_n which_o in_o some_o degree_n do_v almost_o necessary_o attend_v a_o unmixed_a prosperity_n and_o it_o do_v also_o suggest_v many_o profitable_a thought_n which_o seldom_o come_v to_o our_o mind_n at_o another_o time_n this_o very_a divine_a truth_n that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o so_o often_o think_v of_o when_o we_o need_v not_o the_o support_n of_o it_o as_o when_o we_o do_v nor_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n nor_o the_o rich_a promise_n of_o be_v raise_v up_o to_o everlasting_a life_n there_o must_v be_v the_o consideration_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o make_v all_o thing_n work_v for_o our_o good_a otherwise_o this_o text_n be_v set_v here_o in_o vain_a nor_o need_v we_o to_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n it_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o if_o without_o lay_v it_o and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n to_o heart_n they_o will_v work_v good_a for_o we_o by_o themselves_o 2._o fervent_a prayer_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o same_o end_n for_o otherwise_o the_o apostle_n need_v not_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n likewise_o also_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v in_o which_o word_n as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o apostle_n encourage_v his_o christian_n to_o earnest_a prayer_n assure_v they_o that_o in_o their_o circumstance_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n will_v guide_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a for_o they_o though_o in_o all_o their_o prayer_n for_o temporal_a thing_n to_o submit_v their_o desire_n entire_o to_o the_o will_n and_o good_a disposal_n of_o the_o almighty_a who_o will_v according_o answer_v they_o by_o do_v what_o be_v best_a for_o they_o now_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n do_v wonderful_o dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o a_o strong_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o bring_v back_o great_a consolation_n and_o strength_n from_o he_o and_o confirm_v it_o in_o a_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a resolution_n of_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o look_v for_o that_o mercy_n of_o god_n unto_o eternal_a life_n it_o be_v by_o such_o action_n of_o our_o own_o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a and_o all_o evil_n of_o life_n do_v themselves_o work_v for_o it_o by_o dispose_v we_o to_o these_o thing_n i.e._n to_o consideration_n and_o devotion_n to_o consider_v the_o sovereignty_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n our_o infinite_a concern_v in_o a_o better_a life_n more_o serious_o and_o close_o than_o we_o have_v do_v and_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o all_o needful_a thing_n more_o affectionate_o and_o hearty_o now_o where_o such_o disposition_n as_o these_o be_v follow_v there_o all_o the_o good_a fruit_n of_o worldly_a evil_n will_v grow_v plentiful_o which_o what_o they_o be_v come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a for_o ourselves_o and_o that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o use_v they_o aright_o and_o cherish_v those_o good_a inclination_n and_o disposition_n which_o they_o beget_v in_o our_o mind_n they_o will_v actual_o produce_v the_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v send_v 3._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o that_o good_a be_v for_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o what_o kind_n of_o good_a it_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o kind_n it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o evil_n and_o that_o god_n send_v the_o temporal_a evil_n to_o bring_v about_o a_o temporal_a good_a thus_o joseph_n who_o be_v design_v by_o providence_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o man_n in_o egypt_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o granary_n of_o that_o part_n of_o
according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o their_o common_a prayer_n and_o worship_n for_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o for_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n stand_v that_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o have_v be_v torment_v many_o of_o they_o not_o accept_v deliverance_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o here_o say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v etc._n etc._n have_v also_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n also_o confess_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o deni_v i_o before_o man_n shall_v be_v deny_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.8_o 9_o so_o that_o although_o confess_v christ_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o enough_o for_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o necessary_a to_o it_o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o that_o force_n that_o one_o may_v conclude_v nothing_o else_o be_v want_v and_o that_o be_v when_o we_o confess_v with_o great_a hazard_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n but_o one_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v sometime_o so_o exceed_o praiseworthy_a and_o signify_v all_o other_o necessary_a quality_n be_v because_o it_o be_v always_o a_o duty_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o breach_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n not_o to_o omit_v it_o when_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o welfare_n in_o this_o world_n require_v we_o to_o forbear_v in_o a_o word_n confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n assemble_v ourselves_o together_o for_o prayer_n baptism_n and_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o every_o other_o part_n of_o outward_a religion_n in_o which_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n stand_v be_v all_o of_o they_o require_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o charity_n to_o man_n and_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n do_v require_v it_o also_o 1._o the_o honour_n of_o god_n do_v plain_o require_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v by_o we_o i._n e._n confess_v praise_v and_o pray_v unto_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o all_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v not_o only_o in_o private_a single_o but_o in_o public_a joint_o unless_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o we_o have_v reason_n and_o speech_n give_v to_o we_o for_o transact_v common_a affair_n of_o the_o least_o moment_n and_o not_o of_o the_o great_a viz._n those_o which_o concern_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o david_n in_o the_o psalm_n call_v his_o tongue_n his_o glory_n because_o he_o do_v therewith_o praise_n and_o confess_v and_o glorify_v god_n among_o man_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v not_o only_o exhort_v to_o glorify_v god_n with_o our_o mind_n but_o with_o our_o mouth_n too_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a at_o first_o fight_n than_o that_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v as_o it_o be_v most_o fit_a he_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n and_o 2._o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o less_o requisite_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o we_o in_o charity_n be_v to_o contribute_v what_o we_o can_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o common_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n than_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o although_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o our_o very_a nature_n yet_o as_o many_o other_o natural_a inclination_n may_v be_v strange_o weaken_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v if_o it_o be_v not_o support_v by_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o what_o be_v there_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o common_a sense_n of_o religion_n than_o a_o common_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o this_o be_v every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o all_o man_n shall_v encourage_v and_o animate_v one_o another_o nor_o can_v any_o one_o single_a person_n withdraw_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o so_o do_v he_o grow_v a_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v he_o teach_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o but_o then_o 3._o above_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n require_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o for_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n but_o in_o meet_v together_o also_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a instance_n of_o outward_a profession_n for_o when_o our_o lord_n institute_v a_o church_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v afterward_o gather_v man_n to_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o he_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o gospel_n a_o part_n of_o christianity_n for_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o believer_n shall_v be_v a_o body_n or_o a_o society_n as_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o man_n that_o live_v without_o christian_a communion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o without_o christian_a profession_n can_v right_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a but_o have_v rather_o renounce_v his_o baptism_n by_o declare_v in_o effect_n that_o although_o he_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n church_n yet_o now_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o if_o the_o secret_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o appearance_n of_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o such_o a_o person_n will_v deserve_v very_o ill_o of_o christianity_n to_o conceal_v his_o belief_n for_o it_o be_v by_o our_o profession_n of_o it_o that_o it_o must_v be_v uphold_v in_o the_o world_n and_o propagate_v among_o those_o that_o do_v not_o yet_o receive_v it_o and_o he_o that_o dissemble_v his_o faith_n do_v therefore_o his_o part_n and_o give_v his_o consent_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o among_o other_o reason_n the_o gospel_n require_v that_o believer_n shall_v profess_v their_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o visible_a communion_n of_o worshipper_n that_o so_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v that_o wickedness_n among_o man_n that_o so_o holy_a a_o doctrine_n as_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o be_v ready_o entertain_v and_o there_o be_v that_o folly_n and_o superstition_n everywhere_o that_o so_o reasonable_a and_o excellent_a a_o worship_n as_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v be_v not_o apt_a to_o take_v with_o most_o people_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n error_n and_o superstition_n be_v thing_n that_o man_n will_v run_v into_o of_o themselves_o when_o therefore_o our_o lord_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o way_n how_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v and_o serve_v he_o do_v therefore_o make_v his_o disciple_n a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o purity_n that_o his_o doctrine_n may_v spread_v in_o the_o world_n and_o keep_v all_o the_o ground_n it_o shall_v gain_v by_o every_o man_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n for_o which_o reason_n origen_n think_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n he_o mean_v by_o the_o rock_n every_o christian_a that_o shall_v do_v as_o st._n peter_n have_v do_v i._n e._n who_o shall_v make_v open_a confession_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o st._n peter_n confess_v because_o the_o profession_n of_o every_o christian_a do_v something_o to_o support_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n a_o great_a many_o more_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o say_v unto_o christ_n lord_n lord_n i._n e._n a_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a duty_n stand_v upon_o plain_a command_n and_o plain_a reason_n nay_o so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n no_o though_o it_o shall_v bring_v never_o so_o much_o trouble_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o world_n
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
eleven_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n and_o a_o paraphrase_n and_o note_n upon_o the_o first_o second_o third_z four_o five_o seven_o and_o eight_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n with_o a_o discourse_n of_o church-vnity_n and_o direction_n how_o in_o this_o divide_a state_n of_o christendom_n to_o keep_v within_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o william_n clagett_n d._n d._n late_a preacher_n to_o the_o honourable_a society_n of_o grays-inn_n imprimatur_fw-la april_n 25._o 1693._o geo._n royse_n r._n r._n in_o christo_n patriac_n dom._n dom._n johanni_n archiep._n cantuar._n a_o sacris_fw-la dome_v the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over-against_o st._n dunstan's-church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1699._o the_o content_n sermon_n i._n romans_z 1.17_o for_o herein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n sermon_n ii_o &_o iii_o heb._n 11.6_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 sermon_n iu._n matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n sermon_n v._o &_o vi._n rom._n 8.28_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 sermon_n vii_o preach_v at_o court_n eccles_n 3.15_o for_o that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v now_o and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v already_o have_v be_v and_o god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a sermon_n viii_o a_o assize_n sermon_n matth._n 5.38_o 39_o 40_o 41._o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o resist_v not_o evil_a but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o the_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o also_o and_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 and_o whosoever_o shall_v compel_v thou_o to_o go_v a_o mile_n go_v with_o he_o twain_o sermon_n ix_o a_o assize_n sermon_n matth._n 5.34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n neither_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o head_n because_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o come_v of_o evil_a sermon_n x._o matth._n 7.21_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 heaven_n sermon_n xi_o john_n 7.17_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n a_o paraphrase_n and_o note_n upon_o the_o first_o second_o third_z four_o five_o seven_o and_o eight_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n a_o discourse_n of_o church-unity_n with_o direction_n how_o in_o this_o divide_a state_n of_o christendom_n to_o keep_v within_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o preface_n if_o it_o may_v recommend_v a_o book_n to_o declare_v the_o author_n of_o the_o discourse_n it_o contain_v the_o reader_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o this_o be_v another_o volume_n of_o dr._n clagett_n work_n never_o extant_a before_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n he_o preach_v at_o court_n and_o at_o assize-time_n and_o upon_o such_o like_a public_a occasion_n which_o therefore_o cost_v he_o some_o pain_n more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o the_o preparation_n as_o likewise_o do_v other_o sermon_n in_o this_o collection_n particular_o that_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n his_o sudden_a thought_n upon_o a_o subject_a be_v so_o marvellous_a good_a that_o they_o seem_v to_o flow_v from_o a_o fountain_n of_o reason_n and_o discover_v a_o great_a readiness_n of_o judgement_n in_o he_o but_o they_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o full_a discourse_n which_o he_o take_v any_o time_n and_o a_o particular_a care_n to_o compose_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o write_v the_o paraphrase_n publish_v in_o this_o volume_n be_v this_o it_o be_v intend_v as_o i_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o a_o commentary_n upon_o the_o whole_a bible_n shall_v be_v set_v forth_o by_o divine_n of_o our_o church_n for_o such_o a_o work_n be_v too_o big_a for_o one_o or_o two_o be_v to_o be_v divide_v among_o a_o sufficient_a select_a number_n every_o one_o of_o they_o take_v his_o part_n to_o expound_v and_o dr._n clagett_n make_v choice_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n this_o be_v a_o brave_a and_o noble_a design_n which_o i_o hope_n be_v not_o quite_o lay_v aside_o for_o see_v in_o our_o age_n god_n have_v raise_v up_o such_o excellent_a man_n in_o this_o church_n as_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v scarce_o any_o where_o else_o so_o very_o eminent_a and_o so_o celebrate_v for_o their_o admirable_a composure_n their_o write_n and_o sermon_n it_o be_v great_a pity_n methinks_v that_o a_o church_n of_o england-exposition_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v want_v all_o the_o while_n forasmuch_o as_o this_o will_v be_v altogether_o as_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n as_o any_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n our_o worthy_n have_v do_v and_o be_v there_o ever_o able_a man_n and_o fit_a for_o the_o work_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n since_o the_o time_n of_o that_o inspiration_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v in_o the_o late_a reign_n those_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v examine_v which_o the_o romanist_n quote_v for_o their_o cause_n and_o the_o show_v clear_o that_o popery_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n do_v very_o good_a service_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o be_v a_o general_a exposition_n of_o all_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o scripture_n put_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o same_o man_n this_o will_v rescue_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v text_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o sectary_n and_o heretic_n whatsoever_o i_o need_v not_o show_v at_o large_a how_o vast_a will_v be_v the_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o work_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o now_o and_o in_o age_n to_o come_v dr._n clagett_n who_o exceed_o approve_v the_o design_n be_v very_o forward_o to_o prepare_v his_o part_n in_o the_o work_n he_o publish_v his_o paraphrase_n upon_o the_o six_o chapter_n first_o by_o itself_o because_o he_o see_v that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o papist_n to_o make_v proselyte_n boast_v much_o of_o some_o passage_n in_o that_o chapter_n as_o undeniable_o prove_v transubstantiation_n but_o his_o intent_n be_v to_o go_v through_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n and_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o exposition_n if_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o continue_v his_o life_n here_o be_v also_o add_v a_o small_a tract_n concern_v church-vnity_n show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o division_n a_o discourse_n that_o be_v very_o seasonable_a then_o when_o it_o be_v write_v and_o be_v so_o still_o these_o several_a discourse_n of_o the_o excellent_a author_n i_o have_v send_v into_o the_o world_n not_o doubt_v but_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o that_o use_v and_o benefit_n to_o all_o that_o read_v they_o which_o be_v my_o end_n in_o the_o publication_n of_o they_o n._n c._n the_o first_o sermon_n rom_n i._o 17._o for_o therein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n these_o word_n be_v a_o reason_n give_v of_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o therein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v etc._n etc._n i._n e._n because_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n what_o that_o righteousness_n be_v which_o he_o will_v accept_v from_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n signify_v that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v and_o which_o he_o will_v accept_v from_o man_n and_o what_o this_o righteousness_n be_v be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n plain_o represent_v to_o we_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o must_v be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o justification_n now_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_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 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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 if_o you_o consider_v with_o i_o the_o very_a deep_a and_o yet_o clear_a sense_n of_o these_o excellent_a word_n the_o first_o clause_n of_o they_o contain_v a_o general_a proposition_n but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n the_o second_o contain_v a_o proof_n of_o that_o proposition_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v etc._n etc._n by_o compare_v the_o proposition_n prove_v with_o the_o proof_n thereof_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o understand_v every_o phrase_n and_o word_n of_o the_o text._n for_o if_o we_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o please_a god_n in_o the_o general_a proposition_n let_v we_o see_v what_o answer_v thereunto_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o please_a god_n be_v mean_v the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o to_o come_v to_o god_n be_v a_o obvious_a phrase_n signify_v to_o worship_n god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v suppose_v as_o the_o apostle_n form_n of_o argue_v make_v it_o necessary_a that_o to_o worship_n god_n or_o to_o come_v to_o he_o be_v to_o please_v he_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o to_o please_v god_n signify_v the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o god_n because_o the_o apostle_n intent_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o general_a proposition_n be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n of_o each_o part_n thereof_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v all_o along_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n beside_o
worship_n viz._n all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o moral_a goodness_n such_o as_o justice_n and_o mercy_n fidelity_n and_o truth_n meekness_n and_o patience_n sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o it_o be_v true_a of_o these_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o of_o worship_n that_o without_o faith_n they_o can_v be_v perform_v because_o they_o be_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n be_v please_v withal_o and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o general_a that_o without_o faith_n we_o can_v please_v he_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o understand_v the_o phrase_n of_o please_a god_n when_o the_o apostle_n say_v without_o faith_n we_o can_v please_v he_o viz._n without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n more_o distinct_o thus_o without_o faith_n a_o man_n can_v love_v god_n or_o fear_v he_o or_o trust_v in_o he_o or_o obey_v he_o or_o honour_v he_o in_o his_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v righteous_a and_o charitable_a meek_n and_o humble_a sober_a and_o temperate_a or_o in_o a_o word_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v true_o religious_a in_o his_o life_n and_o action_n if_o it_o be_v inquire_v 2._o what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n let_v we_o look_v to_o the_o follow_a word_n again_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o faith_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v 1._o in_o general_n a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o proposition_n or_o a_o assent_n thereunto_o that_o it_o be_v true_a for_o he_o say_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v therefore_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o this_o proposition_n be_v true_a viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o faith_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v likewise_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o to_o believe_v therefore_o or_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o that_o faith_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o consequent_o by_o faith_n be_v here_o mean_v in_o general_a a_o persuasion_n concern_v any_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n that_o it_o be_v true_a 2._o by_o consequence_n also_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o must_v believe_v if_o we_o will_v please_v god_n we_o find_v more_o particular_o that_o the_o faith_n without_o which_o we_o can_v please_v god_n be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o be_v proper_a argument_n and_o motive_n induce_v a_o man_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v for_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o plain_o it_o be_v that_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v a_o reason_n why_o man_n shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v he_o he_o say_v also_o that_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o alike_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o to_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o rewarder_n be_v a_o reason_n or_o motive_n induce_v a_o man_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n or_o doctrine_n which_o be_v proper_a motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n beside_o those_o here_o mention_v that_o be_v proper_a motive_n to_o religion_n because_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v as_o i_o note_v before_o be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n to_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o general_a proposition_n although_o therefore_o there_o be_v other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v motive_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n yet_o if_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o a_o man_n can_v be_v induce_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n that_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o apostle_n purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v other_o doctrine_n of_o like_a use_n with_o these_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o due_a place_n if_o it_o be_v inquire_v 3._o whether_o by_o impossible_a the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n mean_v proper_o something_o that_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a or_o more_o large_o something_o that_o be_v exceed_o difficult_a or_o high_o improbable_a as_o sometime_o the_o word_n be_v use_v to_o that_o purpose_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v to_o be_v resolve_v by_o consider_v also_o the_o follow_a proposition_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o worship_n and_o virtue_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n without_o this_o belief_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n but_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o belief_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n necessary_a that_o the_o former_a be_v because_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o that_o man_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v bare_o possible_a he_o may_v worship_n god_n upon_o a_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o bare_a hope_n that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n etc._n etc._n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o woeful_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o power_n of_o those_o temptation_n we_o be_v under_o it_o be_v so_o utter_o improbable_a that_o without_o this_o belief_n man_n shall_v set_v themselves_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n that_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o speak_v it_o may_v be_v rank_v with_o thing_n impossible_a so_o that_o i_o do_v thus_o understand_v the_o apostle_n as_o to_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v the_o impossibility_n of_o please_a god_n without_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o sort_n he_o have_v give_v we_o one_o instance_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o also_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n so_o necessary_a 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philosopher_n know_v the_o more_o minutely_o we_o search_v into_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n even_o those_o that_o be_v most_o contemptible_a to_o see_v to_o and_o which_o vulgar_a eye_n pass_v by_o without_o observe_v if_o they_o be_v the_o snow_n that_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n the_o wing_n of_o the_o small_a fly_n or_o the_o mean_a animal_n that_o creep_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o more_o advantageous_o and_o minutely_o they_o be_v see_v the_o more_o uniformity_n smoothness_n beauty_n of_o colour_n and_o figure_n and_o variety_n of_o part_n discover_v themselves_o in_o they_o which_o plain_o show_v how_o much_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n transcend_v those_o of_o art_n now_o shall_v i_o who_o confess_v here_o be_v more_o of_o council_n wisdom_n and_o power_n see_v in_o these_o most_o ordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n than_o in_o the_o best_a effect_n of_o human_a skill_n shall_v i_o be_v ashamed_a not_o to_o confess_v the_o art_n of_o man_n in_o these_o and_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o those_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o great_a artist_n what_o shall_v i_o then_o say_v of_o the_o earth_n that_o bear_v i_o and_o nourish_v i_o of_o the_o air_n that_o be_v extend_v for_o i_o to_o breath_n in_o of_o the_o cloud_n that_o drop_v their_o fatness_n upon_o i_o of_o the_o heaven_n that_o cherish_v i_o of_o the_o sun_n that_o divide_v the_o day_n and_o night_n and_o give_v light_a and_o heat_n to_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o ornament_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o what_o of_o myself_o who_o be_o endue_v with_o a_o body_n of_o wonderful_a contrivance_n and_o with_o those_o great_a privilege_n of_o reason_n will_n and_o understanding_n be_v all_o these_o thing_n too_o without_o a_o artist_n that_o make_v they_o thus_o no_o madness_n be_v comparable_a to_o the_o but_o doubt_v that_o they_o be_v he_o that_o do_v so_o must_v either_o want_v his_o sense_n or_o his_o soul_n he_o must_v either_o deny_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v what_o he_o see_v they_o effect_n of_o great_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n or_o he_o must_v affirm_v that_o such_o effect_n there_o may_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n proportionable_a to_o they_o he_o must_v either_o say_v that_o something_o make_v itself_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v i.e._n he_o must_v affirm_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o hold_v contradiction_n to_o be_v true_a well_o then_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v know_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o those_o argument_n for_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n i_o can_v see_v wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o demonstration_n though_o some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v not_o please_v to_o call_v they_o so_o and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o he_o that_o can_v be_v a_o obstinate_a atheist_n against_o they_o will_v also_o if_o it_o be_v for_o for_o his_o interest_n deny_v that_o three_o and_o three_o be_v six_o or_o contradict_v the_o plain_a proposition_n in_o mathematics_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o work_n of_o god_n i_o will_v rather_o choose_v if_o there_o be_v any_o choice_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o believe_v all_o the_o tale_n of_o the_o roman_a legend_n as_o my_o lord_n bacon_n observe_v and_o i_o add_v though_o transubstantiation_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o scale_n than_o believe_v that_o this_o great_a body_n be_v without_o a_o mind_n that_o inform_v it_o and_o thus_o at_o last_o i_o have_v say_v something_o more_o than_o i_o intend_v upon_o the_o first_o doctrine_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v true_a by_o natural_a reason_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_a to_o be_v prove_v for_o we_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o revelation_n to_o a_o gainsayer_n since_o to_o attempt_v that_o way_n be_v to_o beg_v what_o we_o shall_v prove_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o revelation_n this_o be_v this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o belief_n whereof_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n conceive_v to_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o the_o next_o be_v in_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a because_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o be_v very_o evident_o consequent_a from_o the_o demonstration_n of_o this_o 2._o it_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o providence_n i._n e._n that_o god_n be_v the_o governor_n of_o that_o world_n which_o
know_v will_v perish_v in_o a_o little_a time_n before_o those_o that_o will_v never_o end_v which_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o which_o we_o believe_v and_o doubt_v as_o little_a of_o as_o if_o we_o see_v they_o if_o we_o choose_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o those_o unworthy_a to_o be_v choose_v by_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o they_o before_o those_o pleasure_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o the_o four_o sermon_n st._n matth_n xi_o 28._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n no_o kind_n of_o grief_n sit_v so_o heavy_a upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o that_o which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o just_a fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o because_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o promise_n of_o rest_n can_v not_o mean_v to_o exclude_v those_o that_o labour_n under_o the_o great_a weight_n but_o rather_o to_o invite_v they_o above_o all_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o this_o time_n consider_v what_o that_o rest_n be_v which_o he_o promise_v to_o guilty_a mind_n persuade_v myself_o that_o as_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v more_o profitable_a so_o none_o will_v be_v more_o welcome_a and_o grateful_a to_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v so_o bewitch_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o feel_v not_o the_o sting_n of_o it_o who_o drown_v the_o cry_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o noise_n of_o laughter_n and_o madness_n these_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v this_o miserable_a shift_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o desire_v other_o relief_n nor_o do_v they_o care_v where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o they_o who_o apprehend_v how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o that_o their_o sin_n have_v make_v they_o liable_a to_o his_o justice_n they_o indeed_o be_v prepare_v to_o obey_v the_o call_n of_o jesus_n and_o to_o try_v if_o he_o will_v perform_v what_o he_o promise_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a prerogative_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o alone_o can_v pacify_v the_o conscience_n and_o give_v ease_n to_o a_o mind_n that_o labour_v under_o the_o weighty_a care_n of_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o offend_a majesty_n of_o god_n it_o give_v that_o satisfaction_n i_o mean_v which_o in_o the_o end_n will_v not_o deceive_v and_o no_o other_o be_v to_o be_v value_v for_o what_o be_o i_o the_o better_a for_o a_o false_a assurance_n that_o all_o be_v well_o which_o perhaps_o will_v vanish_v to_o morrow_n and_o then_o leave_v i_o under_o a_o amaze_a disappointment_n which_o the_o long_o it_o last_v make_v my_o danger_n the_o great_a and_o if_o it_o last_v to_o the_o end_n of_o my_o life_n have_v all_o along_o hinder_v i_o from_o use_v the_o true_a mean_n of_o safety_n what_o be_v this_o better_a than_o a_o pleasant_a dream_n that_o hold_v a_o man_n fast_o asleep_a while_o the_o fire_n be_v rage_a in_o his_o house_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o wake_v he_o till_o the_o flame_n have_v cut_v off_o everry_n way_n by_o which_o he_o may_v escape_v therefore_o when_o our_o lord_n promise_v that_o we_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o our_o soul_n he_o do_v undoubted_o mean_a that_o repose_n of_o mind_n those_o comfort_n and_o joy_n that_o will_v not_o betray_v we_o in_o the_o end_n and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o commendation_n of_o that_o rest_n which_o he_o give_v that_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v that_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v stay_v upon_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v safe_o rely_v upon_o second_o the_o rest_n which_o he_o promise_v be_v complete_a and_o full_a and_o in_o that_o respect_n also_o be_v fit_a to_o quiet_a all_o those_o care_n and_o fear_n that_o vex_v the_o mind_n of_o miserable_a sinner_n for_o he_o have_v promise_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o give_v we_o assurance_n of_o god_n particular_a favour_n and_o protection_n nay_o and_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n in_o another_o state_n when_o this_o life_n once_o vanish_v away_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o his_o death_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n he_o have_v require_v we_o to_o be_v once_o baptize_v into_o his_o name_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o repeat_v the_o commemoration_n of_o his_o death_n and_o our_o assurance_n of_o his_o second_o come_v to_o give_v we_o life_n and_o glory_n by_o repeat_v the_o communion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o show_v forth_o his_o death_n till_o he_o come_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o reveal_v and_o the_o authority_n which_o he_o deliver_v to_o his_o church_n be_v all_o a_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o take_v his_o word_n for_o all_o this_o because_o he_o be_v by_o mighty_a proof_n demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o thus_o far_o all_o thing_n be_v as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o and_o nothing_o as_o yet_o appear_v but_o that_o we_o may_v discharge_v every_o unquiet_a thought_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o jesus_n but_o in_o the_o three_o place_n let_v we_o also_o consider_v the_o condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o this_o rest_n and_o this_o true_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o easy_a since_o no_o more_o be_v require_v then_o come_v to_o jesus_n for_o it_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o etc._n etc._n for_o whatever_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o condition_n we_o may_v hope_v that_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a thing_n which_o be_v express_v by_o so_o easy_a a_o word_n and_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o its_o meaning_n elsewhere_o our_o saviour_n say_v i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v so_o that_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o gentle_a condition_n because_o there_o be_v so_o much_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o and_o we_o can_v have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o they_o and_o i_o doubt_v most_o man_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o rest_v here_o without_o travel_v any_o far_o and_o so_o without_o question_n they_o may_v if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n there_o be_v not_o only_o gracious_a promise_n but_o holy_a precept_n also_o and_o that_o so_o great_a a_o stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o keep_v they_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v before_o our_o sin_n remain_v and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o we_o for_o say_v our_o saviour_n 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 now_o if_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v he_o in_o this_o too_o then_o come_v to_o christ_n must_v of_o necessity_n signify_v more_o than_o bare_a believe_v even_o do_v his_o will_n also_o which_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n be_v express_v by_o learning_n of_o he_o and_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o we_o and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o begin_v to_o fall_v in_o our_o opinion_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o lord_n invitation_n because_o he_o seem_v to_o take_v away_o with_o one_o word_n what_o he_o promise_v with_o another_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n he_o offer_v rest_n on_o the_o other_o he_o require_v labour_n but_o yet_o he_o that_o be_v truth_n have_v say_v that_o if_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o we_o shall_v find_v rest_n and_o withal_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v discourage_v with_o the_o condition_n learn_v of_o i_o say_v he_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n i._n e._n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o submit_v to_o my_o rule_n for_o i_o do_v not_o impose_v they_o in_o pride_n or_o for_o my_o own_o sake_n but_o in_o charity_n for_o you_o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o for_o it_o be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a and_o now_o we_o be_v get_v thus_o far_o we_o may_v with_o this_o encouragement_n venture_v to_o the_o end_n and_o dare_v to_o look_v upon_o every_o circumstance_n which_o seem_v to_o make_v our_o duty_n grievous_a there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o they_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o the_o christian_a law_n require_v and_o the_o penalty_n
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 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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 it_o be_v say_v that_o by_o this_o argue_n a_o man_n that_o contrive_v for_o his_o own_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n can_v hope_v that_o it_o will_v work_v for_o his_o good_a when_o he_o have_v compass_v it_o because_o he_o choose_v for_o himself_o as_o absolute_o as_o if_o he_o pull_v calamity_n upon_o his_o own_o head_n it_o be_v easy_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v not_o his_o own_o chooser_n in_o that_o case_n as_o he_o will_v be_v in_o this_o for_o he_o that_o bring_v evil_a upon_o himself_o or_o neglect_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v it_o do_v absolute_o choose_v it_o but_o so_o do_v not_o he_o choose_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n that_o contrive_v for_o they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o honesty_n and_o religion_n for_o he_o still_o leave_v the_o issue_n to_o providence_n this_o can_v only_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o by_o way_n of_o injustice_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o sin_n grasp_v at_o worldly_a prosperity_n it_o be_v of_o these_o true_o say_v that_o they_o will_v be_v rich_a and_o great_a and_o make_v their_o fortune_n here_o that_o they_o trust_v not_o in_o god_n but_o lean_a to_o their_o own_o will_n that_o they_o refer_v nothing_o to_o his_o wisdom_n but_o will_v dispose_v absolute_o of_o themselves_o and_o no_o less_o true_a will_v this_o be_v of_o a_o man_n who_o on_o the_o other_o side_n shall_v abandon_v himself_o to_o adversity_n and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o in_o both_o case_n god_n wisdom_n be_v no_o way_n acknowledge_v and_o submit_v to_o his_o grace_n can_v be_v expect_v 3._o to_o both_o these_o consideration_n let_v we_o add_v that_o of_o the_o natural_a aversion_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o to_o pain_n and_o want_v and_o other_o evil_n of_o the_o body_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o text_n infer_v no_o obligation_n to_o inflict_v they_o voluntary_o upon_o ourselves_o but_o be_v very_o well_o consistent_a with_o our_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n to_o avoid_v they_o as_o to_o these_o evil_n it_o can_v never_o be_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o fear_v they_o when_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n nor_o feel_v they_o when_o they_o be_v present_a nor_o desire_v to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o they_o because_o these_o be_v the_o necessary_a result_v of_o our_o nature_n all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v be_v that_o we_o shall_v fear_v they_o moderate_o in_o proportion_n to_o what_o they_o be_v and_o bear_v they_o patient_o admit_v those_o comfort_n under_o they_o which_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v and_o remove_v they_o by_o all_o such_o mean_n as_o will_v not_o bring_v great_a mischief_n upon_o we_o but_o let_v no_o man_n think_v that_o because_o religion_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o extinguish_v the_o sense_n of_o bodily_a good_a and_o evil_a
hence_o not_o to_o judge_v of_o this_o case_n by_o the_o outward_a appearance_n only_o or_o by_o the_o present_a state_n of_o man_n circumstance_n in_o this_o world_n as_o to_o this_o point_n whether_o it_o be_v well_o or_o ill_o with_o a_o man_n it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n so_o considerable_a what_o his_o outward_a condition_n be_v as_o what_o use_n he_o make_v of_o it_o now_o and_o how_o it_o will_v end_v hereafter_o take_v he_o with_o all_o the_o worldly_a prosperity_n about_o he_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v wish_v but_o do_v not_o present_o pronounce_v he_o bless_v nor_o wish_v thyself_o as_o he_o be_v there_o be_v other_o thing_n of_o great_a concern_n than_o those_o that_o appear_v which_o ought_v to_o come_v under_o consideration_n do_v not_o his_o fullness_n lead_v he_o to_o forget_v god_n do_v not_o his_o pleasure_n carry_v he_o away_o into_o intemperance_n do_v not_o his_o greatness_n lift_v he_o up_o with_o pride_n be_v not_o his_o affection_n captivate_v by_o this_o world_n be_v his_o fortune_n make_v to_o administer_v to_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n or_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o will_v he_o be_v the_o better_a or_o the_o worse_a for_o they_o in_o the_o end_n these_o be_v the_o material_a question_n no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v envy_v that_o abuse_n good_a thing_n to_o his_o own_o hurt_n and_o undo_v himself_o with_o prosperity_n and_o certain_o he_o be_v in_o the_o much_o happy_a condition_n who_o convert_v all_o adversity_n to_o a_o good_a use_n and_o grow_v better_a within_o by_o be_v worse_o without_o who_o turn_v himself_o to_o god_n more_o effectual_o by_o repentance_n and_o prayer_n upon_o ever_o pain_n or_o loss_n that_o he_o sustain_v who_o cleave_v fast_o to_o his_o god_n for_o be_v forsake_v by_o the_o world_n and_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v unquiet_a without_o he_o take_v the_o more_o care_n to_o keep_v all_o quiet_a and_o calm_a within_o and_o to_o make_v his_o true_a happiness_n fast_o and_o firm_a to_o himself_o such_o a_o man_n may_v seem_v unhappy_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n but_o happiness_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o dwell_v within_o door_n and_o do_v not_o often_o show_v itself_o abroad_o we_o can_v seldom_o tell_v where_o it_o live_v by_o outward_a sign_n therefore_o do_v not_o seek_v for_o it_o any_o where_o but_o in_o god_n and_o in_o thy_o own_o mind_n think_v not_o that_o thou_o have_v find_v it_o when_o thou_o see_v a_o man_n encompass_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n it_o do_v not_o pass_v from_o one_o man_n to_o another_o with_o silver_n and_o gold_n it_o neither_o go_v nor_o come_v with_o house_n and_o land_n it_o do_v not_o descend_v with_o title_n and_o inheritance_n it_o do_v not_o wait_v in_o a_o retinue_n of_o servant_n nor_o mingle_v itself_o with_o flatterer_n it_o be_v not_o serve_v up_o at_o a_o plentiful_a table_n nor_o be_v it_o put_v on_o with_o fine_a clothes_n no_o nor_o keep_v or_o lose_v with_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o do_v it_o always_o go_v along_o with_o a_o cheerful_a countenance_n it_o be_v no_o visible_a estate_n but_o a_o secret_a treasure_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v find_v all_o the_o former_a thing_n about_o a_o man_n still_o thou_o must_v look_v into_o his_o mind_n to_o know_v infallible_o whether_o he_o have_v gain_v this_o or_o not_o and_o so_o much_o reason_n and_o no_o more_o thou_o have_v to_o believe_v all_o be_v well_o with_o he_o as_o thou_o have_v to_o take_v he_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o who_o love_v god_n and_o be_v belove_v by_o he_o so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o our_o whole_a estate_n here_o in_o this_o world_n by_o outward_a thing_n because_o all_o the_o true_a happiness_n of_o man_n which_o they_o have_v in_o present_a possession_n lie_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o if_o they_o have_v it_o not_o there_o they_o have_v it_o not_o at_o all_o much_o less_o be_v we_o to_o measure_v it_o by_o outward_a appearance_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v in_o reversion_n when_o it_o be_v once_o see_v to_o what_o account_n the_o good_a or_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n turn_v at_o last_o how_o a_o man_n have_v improve_v himself_o in_o patience_n in_o charity_n in_o faith_n in_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o in_o dependence_n upon_o the_o world_n then_o we_o can_v more_o certain_o pronounce_v whether_o it_o have_v be_v well_o or_o ill_o with_o he_o all_o along_o and_o all_o will_v understand_v it_o clear_o when_o it_o be_v once_o see_v who_o shall_v appear_v with_o christ_n in_o glory_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v in_o good_a circumstance_n who_o do_v not_o only_o in_o all_o condition_n repose_v themselves_o upon_o god_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o to_o who_o all_o thing_n that_o befall_v they_o be_v work_v for_o a_o good_a that_o be_v yet_o unseen_a but_o will_v certain_o be_v manifest_v in_o due_a time_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v a_o good_a that_o will_v short_o begin_v and_o never_o end_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a but_o then_o 3._o if_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n then_o may_v a_o good_a man_n without_o any_o abatement_n of_o his_o present_a comfort_n reckon_v upon_o all_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o this_o world_n for_o he_o know_v that_o future_a ill_n will_n as_o certain_o work_v for_o his_o good_a as_o if_o they_o be_v present_a and_o though_o they_o be_v suppose_v and_o as_o yet_o uncertain_a yet_o the_o good_a be_v certain_a upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o evil_n happen_v and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o be_v able_a to_o count_v upon_o adversity_n without_o disturbance_n for_o this_o be_v one_o way_n to_o reap_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n without_o suffer_v they_o to_o do_v we_o any_o hurt_n we_o shall_v not_o stake_v our_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n upon_o they_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o uncertain_a they_o be_v nor_o let_v our_o affection_n cling_v too_o much_o to_o they_o because_o they_o may_v slip_v from_o we_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a we_o shall_v use_v they_o with_o sobriety_n and_o charity_n and_o thankfulness_n not_o know_v but_o in_o a_o little_a time_n this_o may_v be_v all_o the_o comfort_n we_o shall_v take_v in_o they_o but_o most_o man_n do_v not_o care_v to_o think_v of_o the_o future_a any_o other_o way_n but_o in_o that_o of_o self-flattery_n to_o morrow_n shall_v be_v as_o to_o day_n and_o much_o more_o abundant_o they_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a day_n far_o from_o they_o and_o can_v endure_v to_o consider_v it_o till_o it_o be_v upon_o they_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o put_v it_o off_o any_o long_o and_o then_o how_o can_v comfort_n find_v a_o way_n into_o their_o heart_n who_o belove_a enjoyment_n be_v sudden_o go_v and_o nothing_o be_v leave_v but_o the_o guilty_a remembrance_n of_o have_v abuse_v they_o to_o folly_n and_o lust_n i_o know_v not_o what_o difference_n there_o may_v be_v upon_o other_o account_n between_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n yield_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o those_o pleasure_n which_o fool_n reap_v from_o they_o on_o the_o other_o but_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n sufficient_o to_o the_o good_a man_n advantage_n that_o the_o comfort_n he_o find_v in_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o principle_n of_o truth_n he_o do_v not_o conceal_v the_o truth_n from_o himself_o he_o do_v not_o go_v on_o in_o a_o vain_a presumption_n as_o if_o these_o thing_n will_v always_o last_v but_o use_v they_o as_o thing_n that_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o love_v they_o as_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v lose_v and_o without_o trust_v they_o do_v from_o time_n to_o time_n take_v all_o the_o relief_n and_o pleasure_n that_o a_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v from_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o sit_v uneasy_a upon_o his_o spirit_n because_o he_o know_v that_o while_n they_o last_o they_o shall_v work_v for_o his_o good_a and_o when_o they_o fail_v that_o shall_v do_v so_o too_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o extravagant_o soever_o a_o licentious_a man_n please_v himself_o and_o indulge_v his_o appetite_n in_o his_o prosperity_n he_o be_v all_o the_o while_o beholden_a to_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v and_o foolish_a presumption_n for_o his_o present_a enjoyment_n tell_v he_o of_o the_o fickleness_n of_o his_o fortune_n and_o the_o changeableness_n of_o the_o world_n in_o its_o best_a estate_n that_o he_o be_v well_o to_o day_n but_o
may_v be_v as_o ill_a to_o morrow_n and_o if_o he_o believe_v this_o it_o strike_v he_o into_o a_o dulness_n and_o damp_n his_o spirit_n and_o spoil_v all_o his_o gaiety_n if_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o then_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o he_o live_v in_o the_o fool_n be_v paradise_n and_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o be_v merry_a by_o keep_v himself_o in_o ignorance_n and_o take_v care_v not_o to_o think_v belove_a if_o a_o man_n have_v nothing_o but_o this_o world_n to_o trust_v to_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v melancholy_a and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a sign_n if_o we_o can_v endure_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v fail_v we_o one_o time_n or_o other_o but_o have_v rather_o live_v on_o without_o presage_v the_o least_o alteration_n in_o our_o affair_n till_o it_o happen_v avoidable_a and_o thus_o many_o person_n dream_v out_o their_o day_n without_o so_o much_o as_o reflect_v serious_o upon_o the_o most_o common_a and_o yet_o most_o concern_v they_o in_o the_o world_n viz._n that_o they_o must_v die_v and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v almost_o draw_v to_o the_o last_o gasp_n the_o physician_n must_v in_o charity_n give_v they_o still_o some_o hope_n of_o life_n lest_o they_o shall_v die_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n a_o plain_a sign_n that_o they_o never_o count_v upon_o their_o mortality_n to_o any_o purpose_n but_o lay_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o their_o welfare_n upon_o this_o life_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o without_o consider_v how_o weak_a a_o foundation_n they_o build_v upon_o all_o along_o it_o become_v we_o as_o we_o be_v man_n and_o much_o more_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n to_o take_v this_o life_n as_o it_o be_v and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o as_o they_o be_v and_o to_o affect_v they_o no_o far_o and_o next_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o eternal_a state_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v in_o comparison_n to_o which_o this_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n there_o be_v no_o belief_n that_o make_v a_o serious_a contemplation_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o more_o easy_a and_o quiet_a than_o that_o of_o this_o truth_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n for_o sure_o that_o belief_n which_o support_v any_o man_n under_o any_o evil_n when_o it_o be_v present_a will_v not_o let_v he_o feel_v any_o disturbance_n at_o all_o from_o the_o possibility_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v not_o present_a 4._o let_v i_o therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n conclude_v all_o with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o piety_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o present_a motive_n that_o then_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o truth_n belong_v to_o we_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a if_o we_o be_v to_o study_v what_o to_o wish_v and_o may_v have_v it_o for_o the_o wish_v i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o desire_v for_o the_o quiet_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o give_v we_o the_o true_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n than_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v know_v it_o and_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o it_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v want_v to_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o it_o but_o that_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n if_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o choice_n whether_o we_o will_v have_v a_o assure_a interest_n in_o this_o promise_n and_o in_o that_o grace_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o will_v make_v it_o good_a or_o whether_o we_o shall_v from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v the_o disposal_n of_o our_o own_o condition_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o particular_a desire_n and_o be_v always_o master_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v very_a fool_n to_o trust_v ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o take_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n even_o this_o very_a folly_n will_v show_v how_o unfit_a we_o be_v to_o be_v our_o own_o carver_n and_o what_o foolish_a work_n shall_v we_o make_v if_o we_o be_v whole_o to_o dispose_v of_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o devise_v thing_n to_o our_o own_o hurt_n and_o be_v always_o gratify_v a_o present_a appetite_n and_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n till_o we_o have_v lose_v all_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o our_o passion_n we_o shall_v grow_v wanton_a and_o self-willed_a and_o nothing_o will_v be_v able_a to_o please_v we_o or_o make_v we_o happy_a but_o any_o thing_n almost_o to_o make_v we_o miserable_a and_o in_o who_o hand_n be_v we_o most_o safe_a in_o our_o own_o who_o shall_v undo_v ourselves_o even_o with_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o hurtful_a or_o in_o god_n who_o will_v make_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o good_a in_o themselves_o to_o work_v for_o our_o good_a can_v we_o be_v better_o provide_v for_o than_o to_o be_v take_v care_n of_o by_o infinite_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o power_n he_o that_o make_v we_o know_v our_o nature_n better_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o he_o love_v we_o more_o wise_o than_o we_o love_v ourselves_o and_o he_o can_v do_v infinite_o more_o for_o we_o than_o we_o can_v do_v for_o ourselves_o what_o have_v we_o therefore_o to_o do_v but_o with_o entire_a obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o put_v ourselves_o under_o his_o guidance_n and_o protection_n and_o to_o beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v we_o to_o resign_v all_o our_o affair_n to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o send_v we_o that_o which_o he_o see_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o we_o if_o my_o whole_a fortune_n in_o the_o world_n depend_v upon_o a_o affair_n too_o intricate_a for_o my_o skill_n and_o far_o beyond_o my_o power_n to_o manage_v sure_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o welcome_a than_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o a_o friend_n upon_o who_o fidelity_n i_o can_v rely_v with_o the_o great_a confidence_n and_o of_o who_o wisdom_n i_o can_v make_v no_o doubt_n if_o he_o will_v undertake_v it_o for_o i_o and_o if_o he_o direct_v i_o what_o to_o do_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a method_n and_o require_v i_o to_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o himself_o and_o whole_o to_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o event_n certain_o i_o shall_v at_o once_o follow_v his_o direction_n and_o ease_v my_o mind_n of_o all_o far_a care_n such_o be_v the_o case_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o to_o god_n only_o we_o be_v to_o pay_v absolute_a obedience_n and_o in_o god_n only_o we_o can_v put_v a_o absolute_a confidence_n our_o great_a business_n be_v to_o be_v happy_a and_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n beyond_o our_o skill_n and_o power_n to_o effect_v for_o ourselves_o but_o god_n have_v undertake_v it_o for_o we_o only_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o rule_n a_o plain_a rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v which_o do_v not_o require_v cunning_a and_o subtlety_n but_o simplicity_n and_o honesty_n to_o follow_v it_o for_o the_o rest_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o bring_v it_o about_o and_o to_o dispose_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o best_a in_o order_n to_o our_o good_a and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v any_o doubt_n remain_v in_o our_o heart_n why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v to_o commend_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o repentance_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o then_o why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v whether_o it_o will_v go_v well_o with_o we_o at_o last_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v hide_v from_o god_n or_o that_o his_o will_n shall_v change_v if_o multitude_n of_o care_n can_v distract_v he_o or_o length_n of_o business_n tire_v he_o or_o any_o one_o passage_n of_o our_o life_n escape_v he_o if_o his_o power_n can_v be_v at_o a_o stand_n or_o his_o goodness_n cease_v if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o then_o indeed_o we_o may_v sometime_o question_v whether_o those_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o we_o be_v for_o the_o best_a but_o because_o he_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n we_o may_v believe_v that_o all_o his_o providence_n over_o we_o be_v ground_v upon_o reason_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n though_o we_o do_v not_o discern_v they_o in_o particular_a and_o that_o they_o will_v all_o contribute_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o happiness_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o at_o present_a only_o we_o must_v love_v he_o and_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o we_o must_v not_o alienate_v ourselves_o from_o he_o by_o a_o evil_a heart_n and_o wicked_a action_n but_o conform_v our_o will_n to_o his_o will_n and_o our_o conversation_n to_o his_o law_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o want_n of_o this_o
that_o disable_v we_o from_o cast_v our_o care_n upon_o he_o in_o god_n there_o be_v strong_a confidence_n but_o if_o our_o confidence_n in_o he_o be_v not_o strong_a it_o be_v not_o because_o his_o providence_n and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o truth_n will_v not_o bear_v it_o but_o because_o our_o gild_n will_v not_o bear_v it_o our_o evil_a conscience_n our_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n or_o something_o or_o other_o that_o estrange_v we_o from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o they_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o because_o they_o live_v without_o respect_n to_o his_o law_n but_o also_o because_o they_o live_v without_o any_o relief_n or_o benefit_n by_o his_o promise_n and_o because_o they_o live_v in_o this_o world_n without_o love_v and_o fear_v god_n they_o sustain_v the_o present_a punishment_n of_o live_v in_o this_o world_n without_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o i._n e._n without_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o life_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v afford_v the_o like_a wherefore_o beloved_n let_v we_o remember_v upon_o who_o this_o blessedness_n come_v and_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o lose_v our_o part_n in_o it_o to_o which_o end_n we_o must_v look_v back_o upon_o our_o past_a sin_n to_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o look_v forward_o upon_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o our_o life_n with_o a_o unalterable_a resolution_n not_o to_o forfeit_v our_o interest_n in_o the_o special_a grace_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o any_o worldly_a good_a or_o the_o avoid_n of_o any_o worldly_a evil_n which_o to_o do_v be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n because_o we_o know_v that_o if_o we_o love_v god_n and_o be_v call_v according_a to_o purpose_n i._n e._n as_o i_o explain_v it_o be_v true_a to_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n than_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a let_v we_o brethren_n lay_v these_o thing_n to_o heart_n for_o the_o more_o we_o think_v of_o they_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v confirm_v in_o a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o they_o they_o will_v be_v a_o direction_n and_o a_o comfort_n to_o we_o as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v nay_o and_o they_o will_v support_v we_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o then_o they_o have_v do_v all_o our_o work_n for_o we_o for_o the_o last_o enemy_n that_o be_v to_o be_v destroy_v be_v death_n and_o death_n itself_o shall_v work_v the_o great_a good_a of_o all_o for_o we_o in_o deliver_v of_o we_o from_o this_o evil_a body_n which_o our_o saviour_n will_v change_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o glorious_a body_n according_a to_o his_o wonderful_a work_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n unto_o himself_o wherefore_o my_o belove_a be_v you_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n the_o seven_o sermon_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o court_n eccles_n iii_o 15._o that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v now_o and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v already_o have_v be_v and_o god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o text_n that_o which_o have_v be_v now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v already_o be_v be_v in_o sense_n the_o same_o with_o v._n 9_o ch_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n under_o the_o sun_n that_o be_v as_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n go_v on_o the_o same_o event_n come_v about_o again_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o god_n repuire_v that_o which_o be_v past_a seem_v to_o have_v this_o meaning_n that_o god_n still_o require_v the_o same_o behaviour_n from_o we_o that_o he_o have_v ever_o require_v of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o which_o two_o consideration_n be_v intend_v to_o promote_v the_o general_a end_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n i._n e._n to_o make_v man_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n i_o intend_v to_o illustrate_v both_o and_o to_o show_v how_o useful_a they_o be_v for_o that_o purpose_n now_o these_o say_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o many_o other_o moral_a and_o proverbial_a say_n be_v where_o what_o be_v universal_o affirm_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o to_o the_o great_a part_n the_o meaning_n can_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o diversity_n of_o event_n to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o man_n life_n or_o in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n observe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o every_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o season_n and_o a_o time_n to_o every_o purpose_n under_o heaven_n a_o time_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o a_o time_n to_o die_v a_o time_n to_o plant_v and_o a_o time_n to_o pluck_v up_o that_o which_o be_v plant_v etc._n etc._n nor_o can_v the_o meaning_n be_v that_o nothing_o happen_v in_o one_o age_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o have_v happen_v in_o every_o age._n for_o sometime_o 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not_o new_a since_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a have_v frequent_o return_v heretofore_o and_o when_o we_o be_v go_v will_v be_v repeat_v again_o so_o that_o still_o god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a now_o because_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o these_o consideration_n be_v of_o great_a use_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o strong_a impression_n i_o shall_v try_v to_o show_v that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o if_o we_o take_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o but_o that_o that_o which_o have_v be_v shall_v be_v now_o and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v already_o shall_v have_v be_v 1._o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o they_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o mankind_n be_v compound_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o world_n always_o do_v and_o ever_o will_v consist_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o in_o a_o just_a and_o wise_a government_n in_o constant_a obedience_n to_o it_o in_o peace_n and_o security_n in_o prosperous_a undertake_n in_o have_v good_a parent_n and_o good_a child_n and_o good_a relation_n in_o a_o good_a name_n in_o competent_a maintenance_n in_o liberty_n and_o health_n and_o in_o agreeable_a conversation_n there_o be_v no_o new_a sort_n of_o happiness_n peculiar_a to_o one_o age_n which_o be_v not_o as_o desirable_a by_o another_o nor_o any_o kind_n of_o misery_n that_o one_o have_v suffer_v but_o another_o must_v feel_v the_o same_o uneasiness_n and_o pain_n under_o it_o when_o it_o happen_v and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a that_o happen_v to_o man_n which_o make_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o history_n
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 evil_a and_o sin_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v other_o thing_n than_o what_o they_o be_v last_o the_o common_a way_n of_o excuse_v rash_a oath_n by_o plead_v a_o habit_n impli_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v for_o this_o be_v but_o to_o confess_v that_o a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n a_o evil_a custom_n be_v the_o height_n of_o wickedness_n thus_o both_o by_o show_v what_o those_o disposition_n be_v which_o lead_v to_o common_a swear_v and_o by_o consider_v the_o excuse_n that_o be_v usual_o frame_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o it_o i_o have_v discover_v the_o immorality_n thereof_o and_o that_o it_o come_v of_o evil_a i_o may_v here_o add_v the_o authority_n of_o wise_a man_n who_o have_v no_o particular_a revelation_n to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o and_o yet_o condemn_v this_o practice_n and_o dissuade_v all_o man_n from_o it_o for_o these_o person_n can_v discover_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v evil_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n plato_n write_v smart_o against_o swear_v upon_o light_a cause_n hierocles_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o truth_n to_o confirm_v it_o light_o with_o a_o oath_n epictetus_n give_v this_o advice_n avoid_v swear_v altogether_o if_o thou_o can_v if_o not_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v in_o a_o word_n the_o wise_a and_o sober_a heathen_n be_v general_o of_o this_o mind_n that_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v reserve_v for_o case_n of_o necessity_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o common_a swear_v be_v not_o in_o use_n among_o any_o but_o stage-player_n and_o slave_n nor_o do_v we_o ordinary_o meet_v with_o oath_n in_o any_o of_o their_o writer_n except_v the_o comedian_n and_o some_o of_o their_o dissolute_a poet_n but_o the_o grave_a man_n and_o philosopher_n take_v not_o the_o liberty_n themselves_o and_o dehort_v other_o from_o it_o and_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o 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
that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n etc._n etc._n nay_o 2._o notwithstanding_o this_o and_o the_o like_a forewarning_n yet_o man_n have_v and_o do_v in_o this_o manner_n delude_v themselves_o inasmuch_o as_o our_o saviour_n upon_o this_o occasion_n tell_v his_o disciple_n before_o hand_n many_o shall_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o certain_o be_v speak_v of_o those_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o live_v in_o the_o early_a day_n of_o the_o church_n whilst_o mirales_n be_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o terrible_a instance_n of_o the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o this_o kind_n of_o presumption_n that_o some_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o only_o see_v but_o do_v miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v yet_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o they_o who_o have_v faith_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n out_o of_o other_o shall_v not_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o dispossess_v themselves_o of_o their_o vile_a lust_n and_o to_o cleanse_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o when_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o wealth_n become_v the_o reward_n of_o profess_v christianity_n the_o instance_n of_o this_o folly_n and_o madness_n grow_v still_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o open_a and_o man_n more_o easy_o pass_v for_o christian_n than_o in_o former_a time_n though_o they_o be_v as_o lustful_a and_o revengeful_a as_o vain_a and_o insolent_a and_o altogether_o as_o worldly_a and_o vicious_a as_o other_o man_n they_o then_o come_v into_o the_o church_n with_o more_o ease_n and_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o it_o with_o more_o difficulty_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o under_o a_o discipline_n less_o severe_a than_o in_o former_a time_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o upon_o the_o increase_n of_o bad_a example_n there_o be_v still_o more_o and_o more_o who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v themselves_o christian_n in_o nothing_o else_o but_o in_o name_n and_o profession_n and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v two_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n can_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o to_o rest_v upon_o so_o false_a a_o foundation_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n as_o a_o mere_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v such_o person_n in_o life_n and_o soul_n as_o their_o profession_n require_v now_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a cause_n be_v this_o that_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v thus_o deceive_v and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o a_o mistake_n how_o pernicious_a soever_o it_o be_v than_o he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o believe_v it_o no_o mistake_n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n whereof_o the_o text_n be_v a_o part_n speak_v against_o causeless_a anger_n and_o a_o adulterous_a eye_n and_o a_o revengeful_a spirit_n and_o vainglory_n and_o worldly_a solicitude_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v often_o as_o hard_o to_o reform_v as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pull_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n especial_o where_o a_o corrupt_a inclination_n be_v confirm_v by_o custom_n in_o sin_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n why_o man_n will_v conceit_v any_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o foolish_a rather_o than_o they_o will_v feel_v a_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o wicked_a way_n it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o man_n have_v have_v some_o experience_n of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o his_o conversation_n become_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o find_v more_o pleasure_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o man_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o temperate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n than_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n but_o whilst_o one_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o lust_n of_o passion_n his_o indulgence_n to_o his_o own_o appetite_n be_v like_o drink_n to_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o till_o he_o recover_v his_o health_n know_v no_o other_o pleasure_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o great_a torment_n to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v deny_v it_o now_o they_o be_v those_o rule_n of_o christianity_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o passion_n our_o manner_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o conversation_n that_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o the_o obligation_n to_o profess_v a_o religion_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n among_o those_o that_o do_v so_o do_v not_o of_o itself_o thwart_o they_o otherways_o than_o it_o bring_v the_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o act_v according_o in_o all_o our_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o man_n will_v fain_o believe_v that_o their_o care_n in_o one_o part_n shall_v supply_v the_o defect_n in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v stand_v they_o in_o good_a stead_n although_o they_o do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficulty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o all_o concern_v for_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o be_v to_o come_v up_o thorough_o to_o that_o which_o religion_n require_v and_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o this_o difficulty_n i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o i_o will_v not_o only_o say_v as_o difficult_a but_o more_o difficult_a for_o we_o to_o become_v mere_a atheist_n and_o infidel_n than_o even_o bad_a man_n have_v make_v it_o to_o become_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n for_o he_o have_v leave_v those_o natural_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v give_v such_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o grow_v downright_a atheist_n or_o even_a unbeliever_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v what_o we_o can_v we_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o sense_n and_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o evil_a course_n of_o life_n easy_a to_o ourselves_o it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v by_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v self-condemned_n without_o any_o relief_n and_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o put_v some_o cheat_n upon_o ourselves_o consistent_a with_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v by_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o a_o diligent_a profession_n of_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n take_v together_o viz._n the_o unwillingness_n of_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o other_o that_o have_v not_o only_o make_v many_o person_n take_v up_o this_o false_a way_n of_o comfort_v themselves_o but_o have_v also_o make_v they_o easy_a to_o receive_v divers_a error_n which_o help_v to_o support_v this_o to_o expect_v spiritual_a relief_n from_o thing_n blessed_v by_o man_n without_o any_o appointment_n from_o god_n and_o to_o place_n religion_n in_o thing_n which_o have_v neither_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o divine_a authority_n to_o make_v they_o valuable_a certain_o if_o it_o be_v either_o easy_a for_o mankind_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o if_o they_o can_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o break_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n on_o the_o other_o it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o hard_a thing_n to_o corrupt_v religion_n than_o experience_n have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v conscience_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o will_v be_v while_o the_o world_n endure_v and_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v lust_n and_o passion_n vice_n and_o wickedness_n more_o or_o less_o among_o man_n so_o long_o also_o they_o will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o believe_v those_o doctrine_n that_o promise_v security_n without_o a_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o more_o mistake_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o comfort_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n
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 though_o in_o other_o respect_n never_o so_o superior_a to_o the_o good_a man_n then_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n disparage_v by_o the_o pretence_n now_o mention_v but_o we_o have_v still_o as_o great_a reason_n to_o take_v his_o method_n as_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o first_o now_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v out_o by_o the_o follow_a discourse_n first_o of_o all_o 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 to_o enjoy_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n the_o former_a have_v great_a advantage_n above_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o both_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o general_a argument_n 1._o that_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n with_o a_o religious_a life_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o attain_v knowledge_n and_o that_o the_o contrary_a disposition_n and_o course_n of_o life_n render_v a_o man_n very_o unfit_a to_o discern_v divine_a truth_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v many_o great_a promise_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n make_v to_o godly_a man_n and_o to_o none_o else_o but_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n he_o have_v threaten_v and_o by_o the_o same_o justice_n do_v often_o infatuate_a the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wicked_a 1._o that_o a_o sincere_a intent_n towards_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n be_v a_o fit_a mean_n of_o itself_o to_o attain_v knowledge_n for_o in_o the_o one_a place_n it_o take_v in_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o any_o other_o way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o be_v search_v the_o scripture_n a_o good_a mean_n do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n include_v that_o for_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v search_v the_o scripture_n be_v harken_v to_o our_o sipritual_a guide_n another_o way_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o that_o labour_n among_o we_o and_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v we_o be_v a_o impartial_a examination_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n in_o christendom_n pretend_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n be_v it_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o argue_v from_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v in_o the_o command_n of_o try_v their_o doctrine_n who_o pretend_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o revelation_n be_v it_o of_o any_o use_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o ancient_a church_n if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v not_o hinder_v but_o further_v by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o always_o suppose_v a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o sincerity_n give_v a_o prosperous_a influence_n to_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o diligent_a and_o learned_a whereas_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n do_v mix_v itself_o with_o the_o study_n of_o man_n and_o infect_v they_o with_o a_o secret_a disloyalty_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o do_v most_o common_o blast_v their_o endeavour_n through_o the_o corruptness_n of_o their_o end_n make_v they_o bend_v their_o wit_n not_o so_o much_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o to_o serve_v their_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n that_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o any_o other_o way_n be_v include_v in_o this_o 2._o the_o obedient_a and_o honest_a mind_n be_v peculiar_o fit_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a and_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v but_o not_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o passion_n of_o the_o untractable_a to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n accommodate_v his_o instruction_n to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o willing_a but_o when_o he_o meet_v with_o the_o captious_a pharisee_n he_o return_v they_o answer_n like_o their_o question_n design_v rather_o to_o silence_v their_o arrogance_n than_o to_o inform_v they_o and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n for_o he_o perceive_v all_o that_o labour_n be_v lose_v upon_o man_n of_o their_o perverse_a mind_n which_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v those_o there_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o modest_a and_o disintere_v thus_o after_o they_o have_v be_v cavil_v at_o his_o doctrine_n he_o ask_v they_o who_o son_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v they_o say_v david_n if_o david_n then_o say_v he_o call_v he_o lord_n how_o be_v he_o his_o son_n where_o he_o leave_v they_o speechless_a without_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n for_o he_o know_v reason_n will_v not_o serve_v they_o so_o when_o they_o ask_v he_o by_o what_o authority_n he_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v and_o this_o after_o they_o they_o have_v know_v his_o wonderful_a work_n he_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v they_o a_o direct_a answer_n but_o reply_n to_o their_o question_n with_o another_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v it_o from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n he_o know_v they_o will_v say_v they_o can_v not_o tell_v neither_o tell_v i_o you_o say_v he_o by_o what_o authority_n i_o do_v these_o thing_n how_o evident_a and_o reasonable_a soever_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v it_o be_v not_o deliver_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o shall_v certain_o prevail_v against_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a but_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o will_v satisfy_v all_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o follow_v it_o hereby_o god_n have_v make_v great_a distinction_n between_o the_o humble_a and_o honest_a on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o proud_a and_o insincere_a on_o the_o other_o while_o the_o best_a knowledge_n be_v easy_a and_o ready_a to_o the_o former_a but_o in_o comparison_n hard_a to_o the_o latter_a 3._o due_a reverence_n and_o love_n of_o god_n word_n be_v itself_o apt_a to_o promote_v the_o understanding_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n which_o the_o good_a man_n have_v above_o all_o other_o what_o a_o man_n admire_v and_o delight_n in_o engage_v his_o whole_a soul_n and_o make_v it_o all_o attention_n and_o in_o that_o posture_n the_o mind_n apprehend_v more_o ready_o and_o clear_o on_o the_o other_o side_n no_o man_n make_v a_o good_a proficiency_n in_o that_o which_o he_o study_v with_o a_o alienate_v mind_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v since_o he_o do_v not_o put_v his_o strength_n to_o the_o work_n and_o his_o soul_n be_v hardly_o present_a with_o the_o business_n he_o be_v about_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v we_o give_v why_o man_n that_o be_v accurate_a at_o one_o sort_n of_o business_n be_v heavy_a and_o inapprehensive_a at_o other_o for_o the_o soul_n in_o itself_o have_v a_o capacity_n equal_o open_a to_o the_o embrace_v of_o all_o reason_n that_o therefore_o which_o make_v the_o difference_n must_v be_v their_o value_n of_o and_o delight_n in_o one_o subject_n and_o their_o aversion_n from_o the_o other_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o if_o david_n as_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o be_v wise_a than_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n and_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o his_o teacher_n themselves_o for_o say_v he_o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o the_o
endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n whether_o enjoin_v the_o duty_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o or_o promise_v those_o benefit_n and_o reward_n in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o life_n which_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o this_o very_a promise_n we_o have_v again_o repeat_v prov._n 3.32_o his_o secret_a be_v with_o the_o righteous_a it_o have_v be_v enough_o if_o god_n have_v pass_v his_o but_o once_o but_o since_o he_o have_v so_o often_o repeat_v it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v bless_v with_o a_o better_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o other_o in_o john_n 8._o the_o like_a promise_n be_v make_v and_o the_o like_a condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v be_v annex_v ver_fw-la 12._o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n shall_v know_v all_o thing_n requisite_a to_o life_n eternal_a ver_fw-la 32._o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n ver_fw-la 33._o that_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n and_o john_n 14.21_o i_o will_v love_v and_o manifest_v myself_o to_o every_o one_o that_o love_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a promise_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o other_o ground_n we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 111._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v the_o best_a most_o auspicious_a entrance_n upon_o it_o and_o they_o that_o do_v thereafter_o have_v a_o good_a understanding_n have_v good_a security_n that_o they_o can_v fail_v of_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a from_o all_o these_o promise_v we_o may_v be_v most_o assure_v that_o every_o man_n follow_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o fail_v of_o so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o will_v secure_v his_o eternal_a life_n and_o even_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o observe_v this_o rule_n if_o any_o of_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o some_o angel_n attend_v we_o constant_o observe_v all_o our_o action_n insinuate_v good_a counsel_n and_o exciting_a good_a thought_n when_o our_o passion_n grow_v wild_a and_o we_o be_v on_o the_o brink_n of_o sin_n it_o will_v infuse_v a_o great_a regard_n of_o all_o we_o do_v into_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v reckon_v ourselves_o happy_a man_n certain_o it_o be_v more_o happy_a to_o be_v under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o to_o have_v he_o who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o open_n our_o ear_n and_o seal_v instruction_n to_o we_o blessing_n our_o search_n into_o holy_a thing_n and_o accompany_v our_o meditation_n with_o a_o ready_a and_o prosperous_a apprehension_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o do_v god_n will_n because_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o be_v not_o slack_a in_o his_o promise_n but_o this_o advantage_n will_v appear_v so_o much_o the_o great_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o deliver_v up_o wicked_a man_n to_o darkness_n of_o understanding_n and_o have_v threaten_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o st._n paul_n show_v plain_o rom._n 1._o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o they_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o do_v not_o glorify_v god_n with_o that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o they_o first_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v ver_fw-la 21._o so_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o a_o reprobate_n i._n e._n a_o undiscerning_a mind_n which_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o god_n will_v deal_v so_o with_o we_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o by_o our_o work_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v though_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a warning_n in_o the_o threaten_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n rev._n 2._o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n their_o candlestick_n be_v remove_v and_o now_o they_o be_v in_o turkish_a darkness_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o ephesus_n be_v fulfil_v but_o why_o i_o beseech_v you_o shall_v that_o admonition_n be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o threaten_n there_o denounce_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n as_o well_o as_o of_o asia_n and_o to_o england_n as_o well_o as_o to_o ephesus_n and_o see_v every_o one_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o hear_v therefore_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o severity_n as_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o as_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o nation_n god_n may_v be_v provoke_v to_o deliver_v it_o up_o to_o darkness_n and_o delusion_n and_o to_o believe_v lie_n so_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o particular_a person_n he_o may_v give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o lie_a spirit_n and_o suffer_v seducer_n to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o plain_a truth_n in_o religion_n nor_o discern_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o monstrous_a error_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thes_n 2.11_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unreasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o holy_a thing_n that_o reign_v among_o many_o wicked_a man_n be_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n their_o habitual_a vice_n have_v violate_v their_o natural_a instinct_n and_o raise_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o moreover_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n wrath_n be_v upon_o they_o give_v they_o over_o to_o their_o own_o vileness_n permit_v they_o to_o run_v on_o in_o wickedness_n without_o the_o check_n and_o restraint_n of_o his_o good_a spirit_n and_o to_o defy_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o laugh_v at_o counsel_n and_o admonition_n and_o to_o make_v haste_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n thereby_o fulfil_v that_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n refer_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o wicked_a shall_v do_v wicked_o and_o none_o of_o the_o wich_v shall_v understand_v dan._n 12.10_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o sum_n be_v this_o if_o godliness_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o have_v moreover_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n which_o the_o unrighteous_a have_v not_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n ungodly_a man_n be_v under_o so_o many_o natural_a impediment_n that_o obstruct_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o moreover_o lie_v under_o such_o severe_a threaten_n of_o blindness_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o suppose_v the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a to_o be_v equal_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o understanding_n and_o equal_o enjoy_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o former_a have_v vast_a advantage_n yet_o above_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v the_o second_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o so_o continue_v though_o in_o other_o respect_v he_o be_v never_o so_o much_o superior_a to_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o be_v the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v above_o all_o other_o thing_n confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o power_n of_o good_a principle_n to_o fortify_v he_o against_o temptation_n to_o restrain_v he_o from_o sin_n to_o keep_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n to_o render_v it_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o he_o to_o moderate_v he_o in_o his_o prosperity_n and_o to_o support_v he_o in_o adversity_n and_o by_o all_o this_o he_o understand_v the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o true_a religion_n incomparable_o better_o than_o any_o man_n who_o can_v talk_v learned_o and_o argue_v dexterous_o about_o it_o but_o never_o feel_v the_o