christ_n law_n pass_v with_o god_n for_o righteous_a person_n these_o thing_n explain_v i_o shall_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n from_o the_o word_n before_o we_o 1._o that_o man_n may_v imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v righteous_a person_n in_o god_n eye_n to_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o he_o though_o they_o live_v impure_a and_o unrighteous_a life_n although_o they_o do_v not_o do_v righteousness_n else_o this_o caution_n have_v be_v useless_a so_o it_o have_v be_v have_v it_o be_v a_o caution_n against_o a_o error_n that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v fall_v into_o 2._o that_o this_o imagination_n be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o dangerous_a error_n so_o do_v the_o word_n themselves_o suggest_v he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n that_o be_v he_o and_o be_v only_o that_o be_v righteous_a even_o as_o christ_n be_v righteous_a not_o that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v so_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n with_o christ_n himself_o nor_o by_o his_o own_o desert_n and_o merit_n gain_v the_o favour_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o gain_v it_o without_o be_v real_o just_a and_o righteous_a as_o christ_n be_v perfect_o and_o full_o so_o first_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v that_o man_n imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v righteous_a person_n in_o god_n account_n to_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o he_o though_o they_o live_v in_o habitual_a disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o which_o point_n 1._o i_o shall_v first_o prove_v that_o this_o may_v be_v so_o 2._o and_o then_o second_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o rise_n or_o occasion_n of_o this_o error_n 3._o and_o last_o reflect_v upon_o the_o whole_a by_o way_n of_o inference_n or_o application_n and_o for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o error_n as_o this_o which_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v to_o you_o plain_o appear_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n plain_o appear_v 1._o from_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o some_o 2._o and_o second_o from_o the_o life_n of_o other_o 1._o there_o be_v some_o who_o open_o profess_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v from_o we_o to_o recommend_v we_o to_o god_n favour_n no_o condition_n on_o our_o part_n to_o gain_v acceptance_n and_o grace_n with_o he_o they_o own_v no_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o we_o but_o only_o one_o between_o god_n and_o christ_n this_o say_v they_o christ_n have_v perform_v and_o so_o reconcile_v we_o unto_o god_n without_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o condition_n on_o our_o part_n see_v saltm_n flow_n etc._n etc._n p._n 152._o wherein_o they_o palpable_o contradict_v the_o whole_a strain_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o its_o command_n threat_n and_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o the_o vow_n make_v in_o baptism_n whereby_o we_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n himself_o and_o promise_v sincere_a obedience_n to_o he_o these_o be_v they_o who_o be_v common_o style_v the_o antinomian_o which_o be_v a_o sect_n once_o very_o numerous_a in_o this_o nation_n but_o be_v now_o become_v either_o less_o numerous_a or_o more_o silent_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o this_o time_n make_v any_o long_o stay_v upon_o they_o 2._o but_o proceed_v to_o those_o who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o in_o word_n profess_v that_o man_n may_v be_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o due_o hope_v for_o life_n eternal_a though_o they_o live_v in_o habitual_a contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o christianity_n yet_o live_v as_o man_n who_o so_o believe_v and_o consequent_o may_v be_v due_o judge_v to_o cherish_v such_o a_o belief_n as_o this_o and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v divers_a and_o several_a sort_n 1._o those_o who_o profess_v or_o not_o deny_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o have_v no_o care_n no_o concernment_n for_o religion_n in_o any_o instance_n of_o their_o life_n live_v as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o all_o contradiction_n to_o its_o law_n such_o there_o be_v in_o st_n paul_n day_n as_o you_o may_v see_v phil._n 3.18_o many_o walk_v of_o who_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o often_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o croft_a of_o christ_n who_o end_n be_v destruction_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n and_o who_o glory_n be_v their_o shame_n who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n yet_o these_o very_a person_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n and_o to_o believe_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o they_o do_v so_o do_v many_o in_o our_o day_n they_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n they_o profess_v the_o hope_n of_o life_n eternal_a declare_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o they_o live_v in_o habitual_a and_o wilful_a disobedience_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n and_o institution_n which_o the_o same_o gospel_n have_v prescribe_v now_o how_o can_v these_o thing_n consist_v together_o how_o can_v they_o possible_o be_v reconcile_v unless_o these_o person_n judge_v themselves_o in_o god_n favour_n though_o they_o live_v in_o such_o disobedience_n to_o he_o can_v man_n neglect_v all_o the_o law_n all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v they_o promise_v themselves_o the_o remission_n of_o fin_n and_o eternal_a life_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o this_o neglect_n do_v they_o not_o judge_v that_o they_o may_v gain_v remission_n of_o fin_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o life_n or_o else_o at_o least_o not_o judge_v the_o contrary_a they_o do_v profess_v as_o i_o say_v before_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n salvation_n promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o give_v no_o sign_n of_o doubt_n or_o fear_v of_o fall_v short_a of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n they_o pass_v their_o day_n in_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n they_o enjoy_v the_o world_n they_o enjoy_v themselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n which_o show_v they_o have_v in_o their_o own_o thought_n reconcile_v the_o hope_n of_o future_a happiness_n with_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o sin_n 2._o another_o fort_n there_o be_v who_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v some_o concernment_n for_o religion_n yet_o whole_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o they_o spend_v their_o time_n either_o in_o speculation_n of_o thing_n remote_a from_o life_n and_o practice_n or_o in_o mere_a dispute_n about_o the_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o practice_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o own_o life_n be_v little_o better_o than_o they_o who_o neglect_v all_o religion_n they_o be_v not_o more_o careful_a of_o truth_n and_o justice_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n in_o their_o life_n than_o other_o person_n the_o same_o temptation_n that_o sway_v the_o affection_n and_o vitiate_v the_o life_n of_o other_o man_n do_v also_o sway_v and_o vitiate_v they_o they_o love_v the_o wealth_n and_o power_n and_o honour_n all_o the_o pleasure_n all_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n as_o much_o as_o they_o who_o love_v they_o most_o nor_o do_v they_o forbear_v to_o use_v any_o of_o the_o same_o method_n the_o same_o forbid_a art_n and_o way_n to_o attain_v their_o end_n that_o be_v use_v by_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o person_n they_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o speculation_n of_o useless_a notion_n or_o spend_v their_o zeal_n in_o mere_a dispute_n or_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o life_n of_o other_o but_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reform_v themselves_o yet_o all_o this_o while_o believe_v extreme_o well_o of_o themselves_o assure_v themselves_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o of_o his_o singular_a love_n to_o they_o which_o show_v they_o presume_v upon_o his_o favour_n though_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n 3._o there_o be_v some_o other_o person_n who_o proceed_v indeed_o a_o step_n further_o but_o not_o so_o far_o as_o a_o christian_a life_n who_o yet_o full_o allure_v themselves_o of_o be_v righteous_a in_o god_n account_n and_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n these_o be_v they_o who_o confess_v their_o fin_n and_o possible_o with_o bitter_a lamentation_n and_o with_o great_a accusation_n of_o themselves_o as_o in_o truth_n we_o have_v ail_v reason_n to_o do_v but_o when_o they_o have_v do_v take_v no_o care_n to_o amend_v and_o reform_v those_o very_a sin_n which_o they_o confess_v with_o so_o much_o passion_n and_o such_o invective_n against_o themselves_o or_o if_o they_o proceed_v a_o little_a further_o it_o be_v but_o to_o some_o ineffectual_a purpose_n faint_a resolution_n of_o reformation_n which_o never_o come_v to_o effect_v or_o issue_n they_o take_v the_o design_n for_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o resolution_n of_o reformation_n for_o the_o very_a repentance_n god_n require_v the_o former_a of_o these_o namely_o the_o resolution_n of_o reformation_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o
rabbi_n here_o be_v their_o haughtiness_n and_o ambition_n their_o presumption_n and_o self_n conceit_n reprove_v and_o then_o there_o censure_n and_o scorn_n of_o other_o be_v also_o detect_v and_o chastise_v matt._n 7.3_o 4_o 5._o why_o behold_v thou_o the_o mote_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o brother_n eye_n but_o consider_v not_o the_o beam_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o own_o eye_n or_o how_o will_v thou_o say_v to_o thy_o brother_n let_v i_o pull_v out_o the_o mote_n out_o of_o thy_o eye_n and_o behold_v a_o beam_n be_v in_o thy_o own_o eye_n thou_o hypocrite_n first_o cast_v out_o the_o beam_n out_o of_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o shall_v thou_o see_v clear_o to_o cast_v out_o the_o mote_n out_o of_o thy_o brother_n eye_n and_o although_o the_o pharisee_n in_o his_o prayer_n thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n particular_o that_o he_o be_v no_o extortioner_n luc._n 18.11_o yet_o one_o that_o know_v they_o much_o better_a than_o they_o themselves_o know_v they_o our_o lord_n himself_o give_v we_o another_o account_n of_o they_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o extortion_n great_o infect_v with_o it_o within_o matt._n 23.25_o and_o as_o for_o malicious_a craft_n and_o subtlety_n these_o be_v not_o obscure_o charge_v upon_o they_o by_o he_o that_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v matt._n 23.33_o you_o serpent_n you_o generation_n of_o viper_n how_o can_v you_o escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n you_o say_v he_o build_v the_o tomb_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o garnish_v the_o sepulcher_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o say_v if_o we_o have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n we_o will_v not_o have_v be_v partaker_n with_o they_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n their_o father_n be_v insomuch_o that_o they_o who_o here_o profess_v that_o they_o will_v never_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n shed_v that_o of_o the_o very_a son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o follower_n and_o disciple_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n well_o foresee_v and_o therefore_o add_v v._n 32._o fill_v you_o up_o the_o measure_n of_o your_o father_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o as_o hypocrisy_n be_v a_o mock-religion_n and_o so_o a_o abuse_n of_o true_a piety_n so_o likewise_o that_o it_o leave_v the_o hypocrite_n under_o the_o power_n of_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o animosity_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o those_o lust_n that_o be_v most_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o it_o 4._o have_v say_v so_o much_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o this_o vice_n in_o the_o three_o particular_n last_v mention_v you_o will_v not_o wonder_v at_o what_o i_o shall_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n which_o be_v that_o hypocrisy_n mighty_o tend_v to_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o true_a religion_n not_o in_o the_o hypocrite_n for_o in_o he_o it_o have_v no_o place_n at_o all_o but_o in_o the_o very_a world_n itself_o that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o all_o other_o person_n and_o this_o it_o do_v two_o several_a way_n 1._o by_o debauch_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o 2._o by_o bring_v a_o scandal_n upon_o it_o 1._o for_o first_o its_o the_o nature_n of_o hypocrisy_n to_o debauch_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a religion_n by_o turn_v it_o into_o mere_a formality_n into_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a superstition_n in_o the_o avoid_n or_o in_o the_o practise_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o and_o endless_a dispute_n about_o these_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o only_o employ_v man_n mind_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o any_o moment_n and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o study_n and_o practice_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o whole_o destroy_v christian_n charity_n fill_v man_n with_o mutual_a animosity_n and_o by_o their_o mean_n eat_v out_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o piety_n it_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o hypocrisy_n to_o accommodate_v itself_o to_o the_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o man_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n look_v no_o far_o than_o to_o the_o show_n and_o surface_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o hypocrisy_n concern_v itself_o in_o nothing_o further_o than_o to_o obtain_v the_o applause_n of_o man_n either_o in_o the_o observe_n or_o the_o avoid_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v or_o omit_v unless_o command_v by_o superior_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n while_o it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a on_o one_o hand_n to_o recommend_v a_o man_n to_o god_n if_o he_o abound_v in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o outward_a action_n such_o as_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o on_o the_o other_o while_o all_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o avoid_v all_o that_o be_v decent_a in_o appearance_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v call_v a_o ceremony_n and_o a_o man_n must_v certain_o be_v a_o saint_n that_o shall_v defy_v and_o rail_v at_o this_o true_a religion_n be_v almost_o lose_v almost_o forget_v and_o lay_v aside_o in_o the_o noise_n of_o these_o dispute_n and_o quarrel_n 2._o but_o last_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o way_n wherein_o hypocrisy_n dangerous_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v by_o the_o scandal_n which_o it_o bring_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o although_o it_o be_v very_o true_a indeed_o that_o man_n be_v general_o very_o strange_o charm_v by_o the_o show_v and_o pretence_n of_o religion_n yet_o when_o it_o appear_v as_o it_o do_v at_o last_o where_o it_o be_v not_o real_a that_o all_o these_o show_n be_v void_a of_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v but_o show_v and_o nothing_o more_o this_o make_v the_o very_a name_n of_o religion_n despicable_a odious_a and_o abhor_v it_o bring_v profaneness_n and_o infidelity_n and_o make_v the_o very_a profession_n of_o piety_n vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o world_n a_o dangerous_a and_o a_o destructive_a issue_n as_o we_o ourselves_o have_v plain_o find_v by_o our_o own_o experience_n in_o this_o nation_n hypocrisy_n be_v but_o a_o counterfeit_a coin_n never_o long_a retain_v its_o credit_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o happen_v at_o last_o among_o the_o pharisee_n for_o although_o they_o be_v in_o great_a reputation_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n yet_o i_o find_v that_o they_o lose_v it_o afterward_o and_o become_v so_o despicable_a in_o the_o nation_n that_o they_o be_v brand_v with_o scurrilous_a name_n some_o they_o call_v sechemitical_a pharisee_n such_o as_o be_v so_o for_o their_o own_o profit_n other_o they_o style_v the_o stumble_a pharisee_n who_o for_o a_o appearance_n of_o humility_n will_v scarce_o lift_v up_o their_o foot_n in_o the_o street_n other_o they_o call_v the_o wound_a pharisee_n who_o shut_v their_o eye_n as_o they_o go_v in_o the_o street_n lest_o they_o shall_v perhaps_o behold_v a_o temptation_n but_o by_o so_o do_v often_o fell_a and_o hurt_v themselves_o other_o they_o style_v the_o boast_a pharisee_n because_o they_o pretend_v not_o only_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v but_o also_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o so_o other_o approbrious_a name_n and_o title_n they_o put_v upon_o some_o other_o sort_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v at_o last_o lose_v all_o their_o credit_n among_o people_n nor_o need_v we_o question_v that_o even_o true_a religion_n itself_o become_v contemptible_a on_o that_o account_n the_o life_n be_v deride_v for_o the_o deformity_n of_o the_o picture_n the_o truth_n be_v prejudice_v by_o the_o counterfeit_n the_o fault_n and_o baseness_n of_o hypocrisy_n ascribe_v to_o true_a religion_n itself_o and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v one_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n and_o profaneness_n that_o reign_n at_o present_a in_o this_o nation_n god_n of_o his_o mercy_n remove_v the_o scandal_n and_o heal_v the_o distemper_n that_o be_v among_o we_o the_o ten_o sermon_n luk._n 12.1_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o be_v hypocrisy_n in_o these_o word_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n suggest_v to_o we_o 1._o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o evil_a which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o avoid_v this_o i_o have_v already_o finish_v 2._o the_o diligence_n that_o must_v be_v use_v if_o we_o will_v due_o observe_v the_o precept_n intimate_v in_o the_o word_n beware_v which_o show_v it_o be_v no_o such_o easy_a thing_n to_o avoid_v all_o pharisaism_n and_o hypocrisy_n as_o we_o may_v perhaps_o imagine_v it_o be_v and_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v desire_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o a_o appearance_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o religion_n in_o outward_a show_n void_a of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o recommend_v itself_o and_o strange_o to_o impose_v on_o man_n as_o such_o a_o religion_n which_o be_v
and_o where_o thief_n do_v not_o break_v through_o and_o steal_v he_o know_v that_o where_o we_o place_v our_o happiness_n style_v our_o treasure_n in_o these_o word_n there_o shall_v we_o also_o place_v our_o heart_n for_o say_v he_o where_o your_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v your_o heart_n be_v also_o upon_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v discourse_v in_o this_o method_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v in_o what_o manner_n and_o in_o what_o degree_n man_n set_v their_o heart_n upon_o that_o which_o they_o judge_v their_o chief_a good_a whether_o it_o be_v the_o wealth_n and_o honour_n the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o bliss_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o future_a 2._o and_o then_o second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o several_a consequence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o draw_v such_o conclusion_n from_o they_o as_o deserve_v especial_a consideration_n 1._o and_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o former_a general_n 1._o the_o first_o application_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o that_o which_o they_o judge_v their_o supreme_a good_a be_v a_o fix_a and_o earnest_a desire_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o next_o to_o this_o be_v a_o firm_a design_n and_o resolution_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o gain_n of_o it_o 3._o and_o both_o these_o in_o the_o three_o place_n in_o such_o degree_n that_o if_o ever_o any_o competition_n arise_v between_o this_o end_n and_o any_o other_o this_o be_v prefer_v and_o still_o pursue_v the_o other_o neglect_v and_o lay_v aside_o 1._o the_o first_o application_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o that_o they_o judge_v their_o chief_a good_a be_v a_o fix_a and_o earnest_a desire_n of_o it_o which_o be_v so_o root_v in_o humane_a nature_n that_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o shake_v it_o off_o whole_o extinguish_v or_o remove_v it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o god_n have_v plant_v this_o desire_n in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o man_n nature_n the_o world_n will_v present_o fall_v asleep_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v drowze_v and_o slumber_v have_v nothing_o to_o quicken_v and_o to_o awake_v they_o the_o soul_n itself_o as_o busy_a and_o active_a as_o it_o be_v as_o full_a of_o various_a thought_n and_o passion_n will_v be_v as_o unactive_a in_o the_o body_n as_o the_o very_a body_n without_o the_o soul_n desire_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o action_n and_o this_o desire_n of_o be_v happy_a the_o spring_n of_o all_o our_o other_o desire_n this_o move_v and_o quicken_v all_o within_o we_o this_o put_v life_n into_o all_o our_o power_n excite_v our_o thought_n form_n our_o counsel_n lay_v our_o design_n stir_v up_o and_o animate_v all_o endeavour_n this_o hold_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n open_a this_o keep_v the_o soul_n itself_o awake_v and_o put_v it_o into_o continual_a motion_n for_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v we_o do_v it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o view_n and_o consideration_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v good_a for_o we_o and_o some_o way_n tend_v to_o our_o happiness_n remove_v this_o out_o of_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n and_o the_o clear_a reason_n that_o you_o can_v urge_v will_v never_o excite_v his_o will_n to_o choice_n much_o less_o engage_v he_o unto_o action_n he_o can_v act_v where_o he_o can_v hope_v nor_o can_v he_o hope_v where_o he_o see_v nothing_o to_o be_v desire_v say_v you_o whatsoever_o you_o can_v to_o move_v he_o he_o will_v always_o have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o himself_o the_o thing_n you_o propound_v no_o way_n tend_v to_o any_o advantage_n it_o do_v not_o serve_v any_o end_n of_o i_o and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v i_o undertake_v it_o give_v i_o that_o which_o will_v do_v i_o good_a let_v i_o see_v how_o it_o tend_v unto_o my_o welfare_n let_v i_o know_v what_o account_n i_o shall_v find_v in_o it_o prove_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v better_o for_o it_o either_o in_o this_o or_o another_o world_n and_o then_o you_o may_v persuade_v i_o to_o it_o nor_o do_v this_o desire_n of_o a_o man_n own_o happiness_n contradict_v or_o prejudice_v public_a welfare_n for_o every_o wise_a man_n understand_v that_o his_o own_o particular_a and_o private_a good_a be_v always_o involve_v in_o public_a welfare_n and_o every_o good_a man_n make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o happiness_n to_o serve_v the_o advantage_n of_o other_o person_n and_o beside_o he_o know_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v reward_v hereafter_o for_o it_o and_o although_o we_o can_v all_o be_v wise_a yet_o every_o man_n may_v at_o least_o be_v good_a but_o after_o all_o both_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a wise_a and_o unwise_a always_o desire_v and_o choose_v that_o which_o make_v at_o least_o the_o fair_a appearance_n of_o contribute_v to_o their_o own_o felicity_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n himself_o apply_v himself_o to_o this_o desire_n in_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o mankind_n when_o he_o prescribe_v his_o law_n to_o we_o he_o urge_v obedience_n to_o these_o law_n by_o promise_a happiness_n thereunto_o which_o promise_n yet_o can_v have_v no_o effect_n upon_o we_o have_v we_o no_o desire_n of_o be_v happy_a on_o the_o same_o account_n he_o threaten_v misery_n to_o the_o violation_n of_o his_o precept_n which_o yet_o will_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n can_v we_o be_v content_v to_o be_v miserable_a or_o cease_v to_o desire_v our_o own_o felicity_n it_o be_v the_o same_o method_n which_o he_o use_v in_o all_o his_o other_o address_n to_o we_o when_o he_o rebuke_n when_o he_o persuade_v when_o he_o expostulate_v and_o reason_n with_o we_o he_o still_o accommodate_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o that_o desire_n of_o be_v happy_a which_o he_o have_v ingraft_v in_o our_o nature_n as_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o all_o our_o action_n sometime_o indeed_o he_o apply_v himself_o unto_o the_o natural_a desire_n man_n have_v of_o peace_n and_o safety_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n deut._n 30.15_o see_v say_v he_o i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o this_o day_n life_n and_o good_a death_n and_o evil_a and_o after_o that_o at_o the_o 9_o v._n i_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o record_v this_o day_n against_o you_o that_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v therefore_o choose_v life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v choose_v obedience_n that_o both_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n may_v live_v but_o the_o great_a application_n make_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v address_v to_o that_o desire_n in_o man_n which_o move_v he_o both_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a to_o all_o eternity_n this_o be_v the_o promise_n say_v st_n john_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n 2.25_o and_o so_o st_n paul_n rom._n 2.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n tribulation_n and_o wrath_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_a thus_o he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o know_v our_o nature_n and_o all_o the_o spring_n of_o motion_n in_o we_o in_o all_o his_o application_n to_o we_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o that_o desire_n of_o be_v happy_a which_o he_o himself_o have_v plant_v in_o we_o as_o know_v this_o to_o be_v the_o way_n to_o gain_v a_o ready_a compliance_n from_o we_o on_o the_o same_o account_n the_o great_a deceiver_n of_o mankind_n paint_v his_o bait_n cover_v his_o snare_n gild_v his_o temptation_n with_o a_o appearance_n of_o what_o be_v good_a he_o know_v it_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o attempt_v to_o press_v we_o unto_o the_o choice_n of_o what_o be_v evil_a what_o be_v destructive_a to_o ourselves_o shall_v it_o appear_v in_o its_o own_o likeness_n and_o therefore_o he_o put_v a_o disguise_n upon_o it_o he_o bold_o tell_v the_o woman_n in_o paradise_n that_o if_o they_o will_v eat_v what_o god_n have_v forbid_v their_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v they_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n for_o if_o as_o god_n then_o sure_o wise_a and_o bless_a and_o happy_a and_o thus_o the_o temptation_n find_v success_n which_o first_o bring_v sin_n into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n as_o the_o wage_n due_a unto_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o much_o different_a method_n whereby_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o christ_n for_o he_o take_v he_o as_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o into_o a_o exceed_a high_a mountain_n and_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n
of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o he_o all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o matt._n 4.8_o 9_o observe_v what_o a_o scene_n he_o spread_v before_o he_o and_o how_o he_o varnish_n and_o paint_v it_o over_o he_o show_v he_o kingdom_n glorious_a thing_n yea_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n he_o show_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o these_o kingdom_n not_o the_o care_n not_o the_o solicitude_n not_o the_o labour_n or_o danger_n that_o attend_v they_o but_o only_o the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o they_o and_o then_o offer_v they_o all_o unto_o he_o if_o he_o will_v but_o do_v he_o homage_n for_o they_o and_o though_o the_o temptation_n make_v no_o impression_n upon_o he_o who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n yet_o be_v it_o crafty_o lay_v and_o aim_v see_v mankind_n be_v great_o prone_a to_o believe_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n the_o great_a happiness_n and_o felicity_n and_o see_v also_o that_o the_o first_o application_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o what_o they_o believe_v so_o to_o be_v be_v a_o fix_a and_o earnest_a desire_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o next_o to_o this_o be_v a_o firm_a design_n and_o resolution_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o gain_n of_o it_o from_o which_o they_o can_v be_v remove_v if_o they_o judge_v it_o possible_a to_o attain_v it_o and_o if_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o which_o alone_o they_o place_v their_o happiness_n these_o thing_n allow_v the_o great_a difficulty_n the_o hard_a labour_n the_o sharp_a resistance_n and_o opposition_n will_v scarce_o discourage_v resolution_n nor_o hinder_v endeavour_n to_o obtain_v it_o if_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o mankind_n to_o reduce_v their_o natural_a inclination_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o christ_n precept_n to_o deny_v inordinate_a sensuality_n to_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o desire_n to_o deny_v unlawful_a gain_n and_o interest_n to_o the_o desire_n of_o wealth_n and_o riches_n to_o mortify_v pride_n to_o subdue_v ambition_n and_o all_o the_o spawn_n of_o these_o vice_n envy_n malice_n and_o animosity_n to_o retain_v piety_n towards_o god_n in_o a_o profane_a and_o wicked_a age_n truth_n and_o justice_n towards_o man_n in_o a_o deceitful_a injurious_a world_n if_o it_o be_v difficult_a thus_o to_o do_v yet_o he_o that_o have_v firm_o fix_v these_o principle_n in_o his_o mind_n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o heaven_n alone_o the_o place_n of_o happiness_n will_v attempt_v to_o make_v his_o way_n thither_o through_o these_o or_o any_o other_o difficulty_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o glory_n set_v before_o he_o i_o dare_v not_o attempt_v to_o describe_v the_o reproach_n and_o contradiction_n to_o display_v the_o injury_n and_o affront_n that_o our_o lord_n endure_v throughout_o his_o life_n much_o less_o the_o agony_n of_o his_o death_n or_o his_o incomparable_a patience_n in_o they_o only_o thus_o much_o i_o shall_v observe_v that_o what_o he_o have_v of_o man_n in_o he_o be_v still_o support_v and_o bear_v up_o by_o the_o steadfast_a view_n and_o consideration_n of_o that_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o happiness_n of_o that_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o for_o this_o joy_n he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o so_o do_v be_v now_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n heb._n 12.2_o and_o what_o a_o account_n of_o the_o labour_n and_o suffering_n of_o st_n paul_n be_v that_o we_o read_v 2_o cor._n 11.23_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n in_o labour_n more_o abundant_a in_o stripe_n above_o measure_n in_o prison_n more_o frequent_a in_o death_n oft_o of_o the_o jew_n five_o time_n receive_v i_o forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o thrice_o be_v i_o beat_v with_o rod_n once_o be_v i_o stone_v thrice_o i_o suffer_v shipwreck_n a_o night_n and_o a_o day_n have_v i_o be_v in_o the_o deep_a in_o journeying_n often_o in_o peril_n of_o water_n in_o peril_n of_o robber_n in_o peril_n by_o my_o own_o countryman_n in_o peril_n by_o the_o heathen_a in_o peril_n in_o the_o city_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o sea_n in_o peril_n among_o false_a brethren_n in_o weariness_n in_o painfulness_n in_o watch_n often_o in_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n in_o fasting_n often_o in_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n beside_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o that_o which_o come_v upon_o i_o daily_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n what_o a_o accumulation_n of_o thing_n be_v here_o of_o thing_n most_o grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n heap_n upon_o heap_n of_o all_o the_o several_a trouble_n and_o danger_n which_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v expose_v unto_o in_o the_o present_a world_n but_o what_o impression_n do_v these_o calamity_n make_v on_o he_o who_o have_v design_v eternal_a happiness_n do_v he_o leave_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o it_o in_o consideration_n of_o these_o evil_n do_v he_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o future_a glory_n and_o quit_v the_o further_a pursuit_n of_o it_o and_z retreat_z to_o the_o ease_n and_o peace_n and_o safety_n which_o he_o have_v enjoy_v while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n no_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o so_o do_v that_o he_o reckon_v the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a world_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o rom._n 8.18_o and_o doubtless_o say_v he_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n for_o who_o i_o have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o i_o may_v win_v christ_n that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o his_o death_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n i_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v to_o a_o bless_a immortality_n phil._n 3.8_o 10_o 11_o 12._o to_o this_o he_o press_v through_o all_o the_o danger_n all_o the_o suffering_n that_o do_v encumber_v the_o way_n unto_o it_o this_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v his_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o resolve_v to_o be_v true_a to_o himself_o in_o the_o unwearied_a pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o although_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v something_o strange_a that_o they_o who_o employ_v all_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o perish_a thing_n of_o the_o present_a world_n that_o they_o who_o have_v no_o design_n for_o heaven_n shall_v yet_o design_v their_o own_o happiness_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o even_o they_o design_v also_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o they_o have_v mistake_v in_o their_o choice_n they_o have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v abuse_v either_o by_o the_o outward_a gloss_n and_o splendour_n that_o shine_v on_o the_o face_n of_o wealth_n and_o honour_n or_o by_o the_o ease_n they_o find_v or_o fancy_n in_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o present_a world_n and_o so_o they_o mistake_v a_o mere_a appearance_n a_o show_n a_o shadow_n of_o felicity_n instead_o of_o the_o very_a thing_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o vanity_n which_o they_o follow_v but_o a_o vanity_n under_o a_o show_n of_o happiness_n what_o so_o vain_a as_o popular_a fame_n the_o breath_n of_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a people_n yet_o fame_n be_v happiness_n such_o as_o it_o be_v unto_o the_o proud_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n unto_o the_o sensual_a and_o wealth_n and_o riches_n unto_o the_o covetous_a and_o therefore_o they_o who_o have_v place_v their_o desire_n upon_o these_o enjoyment_n in_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o they_o spare_v no_o labour_n refuse_v no_o trouble_n to_o attain_v they_o it_o be_v not_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o hope_v for_o satisfaction_n nor_o the_o sliperiness_n of_o the_o way_n unto_o it_o though_o as_o hard_o to_o climb_v as_o a_o rock_n of_o ice_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o slide_a back_n nor_o the_o difficulty_n of_o proceed_v forward_o that_o can_v obstruct_v the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o they_o will_v press_v on_o through_o the_o great_a strait_n and_o labour_n to_o climb_v the_o high_a difficulty_n if_o there_o be_v hope_n to_o attain_v unto_o it_o and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o can_v hope_v for_o any_o advantage_n by_o a_o sin_n but_o what_o they_o find_v in_o the_o sin_n itself_o they_o be_v so_o degenerate_a in_o their_o nature_n that_o they_o please_v themselves_o in_o do_v evil_a and_o this_o very_a pleasure_n they_o make_v their_o happiness_n and_o so_o they_o abandon_v themselves_o unto_o it_o although_o it_o lead_v to_o eternal_a misery_n and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a which_o be_v 3._o that_o man_n do_v so_o desire_v
r._n white_a sculp_v â—elmus_fw-la outramus_fw-la s.t.p._n s_o ti_fw-mi petri_n apud_fw-la westmonasterienses_n canonicus_n twenty_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o william_n owtram_n d.d._n prebendary_a of_o westminster_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a print_a after_o the_o author_n own_o copy_n london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st_n paul_n churchyard_n 1682._o to_o the_o reader_n reader_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o author_n of_o these_o follow_a sermon_n can_v never_o he_o prevail_v upon_o either_o by_o the_o entreaty_n of_o his_o friend_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o superior_n though_o very_o much_o urge_v by_o both_o to_o publish_v any_o of_o his_o sermon_n in_o print_n and_o his_o near_a relation_n will_v have_v pay_v that_o respect_n to_o he_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o have_v deny_v they_o to_o the_o public_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n have_v not_o a_o forward_a bookseller_n only_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o own_o profit_n thrust_v out_o into_o the_o world_n six_o sermon_n under_o his_o name_n not_o many_o month_n after_o his_o death_n to_o promote_v the_o sale_n of_o which_o he_o endeavour_v in_o a_o epistle_n before_o they_o to_o make_v the_o reader_n believe_v that_o although_o as_o he_o confess_v they_o be_v take_v from_o the_o author_n by_o a_o short-hand-man_n many_o year_n since_o yet_o they_o be_v allow_v and_o correct_v by_o himself_o that_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o sense_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o more_o perfect_a copy_n to_o be_v procure_v if_o all_o this_o have_v be_v true_a what_o right_o have_v the_o bookseller_n and_o his_o shorthand_n friend_n by_o this_o to_o publish_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o this_o author_n do_v the_o author_n correct_v they_o for_o the_o press_n or_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v the_o publish_n of_o such_o discourse_n under_o a_o man_n name_n because_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o sense_n or_o if_o no_o other_o copy_n can_v be_v procure_v be_v it_o therefore_o necessary_a to_o publish_v this_o but_o this_o pretence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o whosoever_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o this_o publisher_n so_o much_o as_o to_o buy_v and_o look_v into_o those_o sermon_n will_v find_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v correct_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o this_o author_n that_o they_o be_v never_o correct_v by_o any_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o sense_n that_o in_o very_a many_o place_n they_o be_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o and_o the_o publisher_n know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o never_o inquire_v of_o any_o of_o the_o author_n relation_n for_o any_o copy_n or_o paper_n remain_v in_o their_o hand_n if_o he_o have_v he_o may_v have_v be_v show_v three_o sermon_n upon_o the_o first_o text_n heb._n 10.38_o whereas_o he_o have_v publish_v but_o two_o of_o they_o and_o those_o two_o put_v together_o as_o one_o and_o that_o so_o imperfect_a so_o incoherent_a and_o so_o ungrammatical_a that_o the_o reader_n must_v be_v very_o kind_a if_o he_o will_v excuse_v the_o author_n in_o many_o place_n as_o well_o as_o the_o printer_n one_o may_v point_v to_o mistake_n in_o almost_o every_o page_n some_o of_o which_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o intolerable_a but_o in_o regard_n some_o friend_n of_o the_o author_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o collect_v a_o volume_n of_o his_o sermon_n upon_o theological_a subject_n among_o which_o it_o will_v be_v most_o proper_a to_o insert_v these_o upon_o the_o 10_o of_o the_o hebrew_n concern_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n in_o connection_n with_o other_o discourse_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o these_o shall_v be_v reprint_v after_o the_o author_n own_o copy_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o publisher_n if_o he_o have_v consult_v the_o author_n friend_n may_v have_v see_v that_o the_o second_o and_o three_o sermon_n of_o providence_n upon_o st._n matt._n 10.29_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o that_o subject_a which_o it_o will_v be_v most_o proper_a to_o put_v together_o and_o publish_v if_o at_o all_o in_o a_o volume_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o the_o author_n have_v several_a sermon_n but_o beside_o that_o these_o be_v but_o apart_o of_o his_o meditation_n upon_o providence_n they_o be_v also_o very_o break_v and_o imperfect_a in_o many_o place_n though_o the_o short-hand-man_n have_v endeavour_v according_a to_o his_o skill_n in_o divinity_n to_o supply_v and_o fill_v they_o up_o of_o the_o three_o follow_v two_o of_o they_o can_v yet_o be_v find_v among_o the_o author_n paper_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o doubtful_a whether_o they_o be_v his_o or_o no_o and_o therefore_o the_o publisher_n beside_o the_o wrong_n he_o have_v do_v the_o author_n and_o the_o world_n too_o in_o expose_v his_o labour_n imperfect_o have_v also_o very_o probable_o father_v upon_o he_o those_o that_o be_v none_o of_o he_o the_o just_a indignation_n which_o the_o author_n friend_n have_v take_v to_o this_o injurious_a deal_n of_o the_o publisher_n together_o with_o report_n bring_v frequent_o to_o their_o ear_n of_o a_o design_n of_o other_o person_n to_o publish_v other_o of_o his_o sermon_n incline_v they_o though_o they_o be_v sensible_a against_o the_o author_n own_o opinion_n to_o set_v forth_o a_o volume_n at_o present_a according_a to_o his_o own_o copy_n and_o these_o twenty_o be_v late_o preach_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n and_o some_o of_o they_o in_o the_o most_o august_n and_o solemn_a audience_n and_o all_o of_o they_o design_v to_o obviate_v the_o evil_n of_o the_o age_n and_o to_o secure_a man_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v think_v not_o improper_a to_o be_v first_o offer_v to_o the_o public_a view_n the_o author_n be_v sensible_a by_o what_o artifices_fw-la what_o degree_n and_o what_o party_n of_o man_n this_o most_o excellent_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v undermine_v and_o deny_v to_o no_o man_n the_o liberty_n of_o disquisition_n and_o discourse_n he_o understand_v the_o strength_n both_o of_o their_o argument_n and_o their_o interest_n and_o the_o reader_n may_v discern_v by_o these_o sermon_n that_o he_o apprehend_v our_o danger_n to_o arise_v of_o late_a from_o a_o confederacy_n it_o may_v be_v one_o can_v say_v but_o a_o complication_n of_o enemy_n papist_n libertine_n and_o dissenter_n but_o chief_o from_o the_o first_o who_o employ_v the_o two_o latter_a to_o work_v under_o they_o and_o to_o weaken_v the_o church_n of_o england_n one_o by_o profaneness_n and_o the_o other_o by_o separation_n that_o so_o they_o may_v argue_v against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o our_o constitution_n to_o maintain_v good_a life_n and_o preserve_v unity_n and_o dispose_v those_o who_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n and_o no_o church_n to_o become_v proselyte_n to_o they_o among_o the_o libertine_n may_v be_v reckon_v that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o though_o indeed_o they_o have_v natural_a conviction_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v pretend_v to_o more_o wit_n than_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o so_o because_o they_o have_v no_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n they_o neglect_v religion_n in_o general_a for_o what_o theist_n be_v ever_o know_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o which_o notwithstanding_o he_o own_v himself_o oblige_v for_o the_o dissenter_n they_o have_v many_o different_a opinion_n among_o themselves_o some_o of_o which_o be_v here_o take_v notice_n of_o either_o ex_fw-la proposito_fw-la in_o some_o sermon_n or_o by_o the_o by_o in_o other_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a collection_n be_v a_o antidote_n very_o seasonable_a for_o the_o malignity_n of_o the_o age_n and_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n may_v have_v some_o profitable_a effect_n from_o the_o press_n as_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o hearer_n they_o have_v from_o the_o pulpit_n and_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o world_n for_o that_o end_n not_o as_o a_o character_n of_o the_o great_a ability_n of_o the_o author_n and_o his_o great_a accomplishment_n in_o almost_o all_o kind_n of_o science_n but_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o his_o zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o particular_a especial_o in_o this_o juncture_n his_o extraordinary_a skill_n in_o rabbinical_a learning_n and_o the_o use_n and_o service_n of_o it_o to_o the_o confirmation_n and_o illustration_n of_o the_o christian_a theology_n he_o have_v make_v appear_v to_o the_o learned_a world_n
man_n the_o happy_a opportunity_n of_o enjoy_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o endeavour_n and_o god_n blessing_n in_o peace_n and_o quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n without_o which_o nothing_o be_v enjoy_v but_o often_o become_v the_o great_a burden_n honour_n itself_o become_v contemptible_a and_o merit_n expose_v to_o reproach_n in_o popular_a tumult_n and_o sedition_n so_o the_o prophet_n suggest_v to_o we_o isaiah_n 3.5_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v oppress_v every_o one_o by_o another_o and_o every_o one_o by_o his_o neighbour_n the_o child_n shall_v behave_v himself_o proud_o again_o the_o ancient_a and_o the_o base_a against_o the_o honourable_a what_o advantage_n be_v large_a fortune_n when_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v security_n to_o the_o owner_n that_o they_o expose_v they_o to_o spoil_v and_o rapine_n when_o the_o fear_n of_o lose_v they_o give_v more_o trouble_n than_o the_o possession_n give_v content_a which_o be_v the_o case_n in_o unsettle_a time_n and_o last_o what_o satisfaction_n be_v it_o to_o have_v a_o numerous_a and_o hopeful_a issue_n when_o a_o man_n child_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o have_v their_o mind_n abuse_v by_o error_n by_o popery_n atheism_n or_o infidelity_n and_o their_o body_n enslave_v by_o a_o cruel_a tyranny_n so_o far_o be_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n from_o be_v comfort_n in_o such_o a_o age_n that_o they_o then_o create_v the_o great_a trouble_n now_o therefore_o happy_a be_v those_o day_n those_o fix_v and_o certain_a and_o stable_a time_n when_o every_o man_n may_v enjoy_v himself_o enjoy_v his_o friend_n possess_v his_o estate_n in_o peace_n and_o quiet_a without_o the_o dread_n of_o domestic_a trouble_n or_o foreign_a enemy_n when_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o plot_n at_o home_n or_o of_o a_o sennacherib_n from_o abroad_o to_o interrupt_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 3._o quiet_a and_o settle_a time_n discourage_v ill_o design_v man_n from_o attempt_v sedition_n and_o commotion_n they_o leave_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n to_o hope_n to_o prosper_v in_o ill_a design_n no_o expectation_n of_o success_n and_o therefore_o either_o remove_v the_o lust_n or_o put_v a_o restraint_n and_o check_n upon_o they_o whereas_o unstable_a and_o unsettled_a time_n be_v a_o open_a theatre_n for_o man_n lust_n to_o appear_v and_o act_v their_o design_n upon_o then_o be_v every_o man_n pride_n encourage_v to_o endeavour_v advancement_n by_o any_o mean_n good_a or_o evil_n it_o make_v no_o matter_n every_o man_n avarice_n put_v in_o hope_n of_o make_v spoil_n upon_o his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n private_a animositie_n of_o take_v revenge_n upon_o his_o enemy_n here_o be_v a_o door_n set_v wide_o open_a to_o all_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o passion_n which_o present_o hatch_v and_o produce_v confusion_n and_o in_o these_o confusion_n he_o that_o speak_v loud_a be_v best_a hear_v and_o most_o believe_v though_o neither_o the_o best_a nor_o wise_a man_n from_o whence_o it_o general_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o ill_a design_n which_o be_v conceive_v in_o unsettle_a time_n break_v out_o at_o last_o in_o war_n and_o tumult_n and_o end_n in_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n and_o therefore_o happy_a be_v those_o assure_a and_o settle_a time_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n give_v for_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n for_o pride_n and_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n whether_o in_o domestic_a or_o foreign_a enemy_n so_o much_o as_o to_o hope_v to_o make_v a_o change_n to_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o no_o encouragement_n to_o attempt_v it_o for_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o such_o time_n be_v of_o mighty_a moment_n and_o importance_n to_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n 2._o add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o they_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n also_o in_o order_n to_o those_o that_o be_v far_o great_a that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o those_o that_o concern_v the_o life_n to_o come_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o great_a stability_n of_o the_o time_n the_o firm_a settlement_n of_o affair_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o a_o certain_a cause_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o of_o the_o flourish_a of_o religion_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v such_o a_o cause_n hereof_o that_o religion_n can_v flourish_v without_o it_o it_o give_v the_o happy_a opportunity_n for_o the_o free_a and_o quiet_a practice_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o exhortation_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 2._o i_o exhort_v therefore_o that_o first_o of_o all_o supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o a_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n he_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o god_n blessing_n upon_o king_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o peace_n and_o quiet_a and_o then_o again_o that_o peace_n and_o quiet_a be_v the_o most_o happy_a opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n both_o of_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o all_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o men._n unquiet_a time_n be_v apt_a to_o distract_v and_o disturb_v our_o mind_n to_o create_v many_o confusion_n in_o they_o whereas_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v then_o perform_v with_o the_o great_a pleasure_n to_o ourselves_o and_o best_a acceptance_n unto_o god_n also_o when_o he_o be_v serve_v without_o distraction_n unsettle_a day_n divert_v the_o mind_n and_o thought_n of_o man_n from_o the_o consideration_n on_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v in_o a_o better_a world_n to_o secure_v their_o affair_n to_o preserve_v their_o concernment_n here_o on_o earth_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o present_a danger_n in_o such_o day_n be_v every_o man_n apt_a to_o think_v with_o himself_o how_o he_o may_v provide_v against_o that_o storm_n which_o seem_v just_o ready_a to_o fall_v upon_o he_o how_o he_o may_v secure_v his_o life_n and_o fortune_n preserve_v his_o family_n help_v his_o friend_n or_o escape_v his_o enemy_n and_o this_o general_o in_o great_a distraction_n and_o trouble_n of_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o confusion_n his_o thought_n be_v scatter_v his_o mind_n disorder_v and_o lose_v those_o divine_a affection_n which_o give_v our_o prayer_n the_o best_a success_n both_o upon_o god_n and_o upon_o ourselves_o to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v that_o unsettle_a time_n be_v as_o be_v before_o discourse_v the_o most_o encourage_v opportunity_n to_o excite_v the_o inordinate_a lust_n of_o man_n pride_n and_o avarice_n and_o animosity_n be_v apt_a to_o destroy_v mutual_a charity_n mutual_a confidence_n among_o man_n to_o leave_v they_o jealous_a one_o of_o another_o and_o so_o to_o extinguish_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n how_o bless_a therefore_o be_v those_o day_n those_o fix_a and_o stable_a and_o settle_a time_n which_o nourish_v charity_n produce_v peace_n and_o make_v man_n easy_a each_o to_o other_o when_o every_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a person_n may_v make_v his_o address_n unto_o god_n with_o fix_a attention_n with_o steadfast_a thought_n and_o with_o pure_a affection_n when_o he_o may_v pray_v for_o what_o he_o want_v and_o render_v his_o thanks_o for_o what_o he_o enjoy_v without_o interruption_n and_o distraction_n either_o by_o his_o own_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n or_o from_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o man_n when_o god_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n of_o zachary_n grant_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n may_v serve_v he_o without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n 2._o have_v thus_o give_v you_o a_o short_a account_n what_o a_o singular_a blessing_n it_o be_v to_o man_n to_o live_v in_o stable_n and_o settle_a time_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o general_n where_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o proper_a method_n whereby_o this_o blessing_n may_v be_v procure_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o time_n establish_v those_o say_v the_o prophet_n be_v wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o these_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v due_a obedience_n to_o god_n will_v in_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n owe_v to_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n perhaps_o you_o may_v think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o poor_a and_o mean_a expedient_a to_o give_v establishment_n to_o the_o time_n you_o rather_o judge_v that_o secular_a wisdom_n humane_a policy_n the_o project_n of_o subtle_a and_o crafty_a man_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o settle_v a_o nation_n and_o to_o give_v security_n to_o the_o time_n and_o true_a it_o be_v these_o may_v shist_a and_o patch_n up_o thing_n for_o a_o little_a while_n they_o
can_v we_o hope_v that_o we_o shall_v preserve_v it_o unless_o there_o be_v zeal_n oppose_v to_o zeal_n unless_o we_o be_v concern_v for_o truth_n as_o they_o concern_v themselves_o against_o it_o can_v we_o reasonable_o judge_v we_o can_v secure_v it_o no_o if_o they_o find_v that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o our_o religion_n that_o we_o show_v no_o hearty_a affection_n for_o it_o that_o we_o value_v our_o ease_n love_v our_o pleasure_n esteem_v the_o small_a concern_v and_o interest_n more_o than_o we_o prize_v and_o value_n that_o may_v they_o not_o then_o just_o conclude_v that_o we_o shall_v easy_o part_v with_o it_o and_o will_v not_o this_o excite_v their_o diligence_n and_o encourage_v attempt_n to_o take_v it_o from_o we_o may_v i_o speak_v what_o i_o very_o think_v be_v true_a it_o be_v our_o indifference_n in_o our_o religion_n the_o gross_a neglect_n that_o very_o many_o and_o the_o foul_a contempt_n that_o some_o other_o have_v clear_o show_v unto_o this_o profession_n that_o have_v give_v encouragement_n to_o our_o enemy_n to_o design_n and_o attempt_v its_o extirpation_n if_o they_o can_v say_v and_o i_o wish_v they_o may_v not_o they_o have_v no_o concernment_n for_o their_o religion_n they_o have_v no_o regard_n for_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o they_o neglect_v they_o despise_v it_o in_o life_n and_o practice_n many_o of_o they_o very_o seldom_o appear_v in_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n very_o few_o frequent_a that_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o solemn_a profession_n of_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o they_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o any_o zeal_n or_o affection_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v part_v with_o it_o upon_o very_o cheap_a and_o easy_a term_n bring_v their_o estate_n or_o ease_n and_o safety_n bring_v the_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n into_o a_o competition_n with_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o will_v abandon_v and_o quit_v the_o one_o that_o they_o may_v quiet_o enjoy_v the_o other_o they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o enjoy_v their_o estate_n ease_n and_o safety_n without_o their_o religion_n than_o their_o religion_n without_o these_o if_o we_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o design_v the_o extirpation_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o fear_v we_o shall_v find_v these_o thought_n in_o they_o and_o that_o these_o have_v encourage_v that_o design_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v resist_v than_o by_o let_v they_o know_v they_o be_v deceive_v that_o we_o have_v as_o great_a and_o warm_a a_o zeal_n for_o the_o preserve_a our_o religion_n as_o they_o for_o its_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n 2._o to_o this_o zeal_n we_o must_v add_v endeavour_n it_o be_v not_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o cause_n that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o defend_v it_o if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o just_a and_o reasonable_a it_o must_v be_v evidence_v so_o to_o be_v and_o endeavour_v use_v for_o its_o defence_n if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v so_o much_o fit_a to_o be_v plead_v if_o it_o be_v just_a it_o be_v just_a to_o appear_v and_o labour_n for_o it_o it_o do_v still_o so_o much_o the_o more_o deserve_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o every_o private_a prosessor_n of_o it_o the_o use_n of_o authority_n in_o every_o magistrate_n for_o its_o advancement_n and_o preservation_n the_o wise_a law_n will_v not_o secure_v the_o best_a religion_n if_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o secure_v they_o can_v neither_o plead_v nor_o execute_v themselves_o they_o rather_o excite_v contempt_n and_o scorn_n and_o irritate_fw-la enemy_n to_o opposition_n where_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o without_o any_o countenance_n from_o the_o magistrate_n now_o therefore_o it_o will_v still_o retain_v the_o reform_a religion_n reform_v i_o say_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o pain_n of_o our_o forefather_n and_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o very_a blood_n of_o many_o of_o they_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o deliver_v it_o down_o to_o our_o posterity_n as_o they_o transmit_v it_o unto_o we_o we_o must_v upon_o every_o fair_a occasion_n profess_v our_o hearty_a belief_n of_o it_o profess_v our_o zeal_n for_o its_o defence_n maintain_v its_o truth_n against_o opposer_n give_v no_o occasion_n to_o they_o to_o think_v that_o fraud_n or_o force_n hope_n or_o fear_n reward_n or_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v ever_o chase_v or_o remove_v we_o from_o it_o and_o may_v not_o the_o diligence_n of_o our_o enemy_n for_o the_o subversion_n of_o our_o faith_n awake_v our_o mind_n excite_v our_o diligence_n to_o maintain_v it_o if_o they_o insinuate_v and_o intrude_v into_o all_o society_n all_o place_n all_o degree_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n and_o use_v the_o utmost_a of_o their_o skill_n to_o seduce_v they_o and_o impose_v upon_o they_o to_o move_v they_o both_o by_o hope_n and_o fear_n to_o embrace_v their_o error_n and_o delusion_n shall_v we_o be_v idle_a or_o remiss_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n in_o the_o secure_n of_o real_a truth_n have_v they_o so_o much_o of_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n for_o mere_a vanity_n and_o superstition_n and_o have_v we_o none_o for_o real_a piety_n be_v they_o so_o active_a as_o that_o they_o compass_n sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v man_n proselyte_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v we_o no_o care_n to_o secure_v ourselves_o at_o least_o at_o home_n do_v they_o neglect_v no_o opportunity_n do_v they_o omit_v no_o endeavour_n no_o not_o the_o foul_a and_o most_o unlawful_a to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v their_o religion_n and_o be_v we_o asleep_a be_v we_o in_o a_o maze_n be_v we_o in_o a_o dream_n while_o we_o shall_v defend_v and_o secure_v we_o awake_v we_o then_o from_o that_o security_n and_o from_o that_o coldness_n and_o indifference_n from_o that_o remissness_n and_o neglect_n which_o give_v encouragement_n to_o our_o enemy_n to_o attempt_v the_o destruction_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o may_v if_o not_o in_o time_n reform_v exceed_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o deliver_v we_o up_o into_o their_o hand_n 3._o let_v we_o all_o awake_a while_o it_o be_v day_n and_o unite_v ourselves_o in_o joint_a endeavour_n the_o three_o particular_a i_o propose_v to_o defend_v and_o propagate_v our_o religion_n let_v we_o join_v together_o in_o the_o clear_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o it_o let_v we_o coustant_o attend_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n where_o the_o religion_n be_v profess_v let_v we_o frequent_o join_v in_o the_o celebration_n of_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o communion_n with_o christ_n our_o head_n but_o the_o apt_a and_o clear_a signification_n of_o our_o communion_n each_o with_o other_o let_v we_o mutual_o counsel_n and_o advise_v let_v we_o encourage_v one_o another_o to_o retain_v and_o hold_v fast_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n strive_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o our_o adversary_n 4._o which_o be_v the_o four_o of_o these_o method_n which_o our_o apostle_n here_o propound_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o so_o be_v that_o which_o we_o profess_v our_o faith_n be_v that_o which_o our_o bless_a lord_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v to_o man_n he_o confirm_v it_o by_o many_o mighty_a miracle_n he_o die_v on_o the_o cross_n he_o rise_v again_o he_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n he_o give_v the_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o holy_a fellow_n to_o preach_v and_o propagate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n these_o and_o several_a after_o they_o for_o divers_a age_n lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o its_o defence_n and_o make_v it_o victorious_a in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n make_v against_o it_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o fear_v the_o wit_n or_o malice_n the_o craft_n or_o strength_n that_o any_o enemy_n can_v use_v against_o it_o if_o we_o will_v be_v faithful_a ourselves_o to_o it_o we_o can_v at_o most_o but_o die_v for_o it_o and_o have_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o encourage_v we_o so_o to_o do_v if_o ever_o the_o time_n which_o god_n forbid_v shall_v call_v for_o that_o what_o say_v our_o lord_n in_o this_o case_n luk._n 12.4_o 5._o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v forewarn_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v have_v power_n to_o cast_v into_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o fear_v god_n and_o nothing_o but_o god_n only_o fear_v he_o and_o you_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o fear_v any_o other_o thing_n but_o he_o only_o he_o can_v discover_v the_o
very_a name_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o lord_n remain_v a_o firm_a and_o stable_a truth_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n 2._o see_v that_o this_o promise_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n universal_a only_o and_o not_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n this_o may_v suggest_v a_o severe_a caution_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o plant_v careful_o to_o study_v their_o preservation_n and_o due_o to_o mind_n and_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o that_o purpose_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v not_o fail_v in_o the_o fail_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n see_v that_o no_o particular_a church_n have_v the_o warranty_n of_o any_o promise_n from_o he_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o lose_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o any_o particular_a place_n or_o nation_n shall_v become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n exchange_v plain_a and_o wholesome_a truth_n for_o fond_a speculation_n and_o opinion_n if_o they_o shall_v turn_v factious_a and_o schismatical_a neglect_v their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o pastor_n if_o they_o be_v dissolute_a in_o their_o manner_n and_o confute_v their_o profession_n in_o their_o life_n they_o do_v in_o effect_n dissolve_v themselves_o and_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o what_o be_v more_o provoke_v god_n to_o bring_v confusion_n and_o ruin_n upon_o they_o they_o be_v these_o miscarriage_n that_o open_v the_o way_n to_o the_o turk_n and_o saracen_n to_o overflow_v the_o eastern_a church_n and_o let_v mahometism_n into_o the_o world_n they_o be_v the_o same_o that_o bring_v that_o deluge_n of_o goth_n and_o vandal_n and_o barbarous_a nation_n upon_o the_o west_n and_o what_o may_v happen_v upon_o ourselves_o for_o the_o same_o miscarriage_n that_o be_v among_o we_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o we_o can_v tell_v unless_o those_o evil_n be_v reform_v which_o plain_o threaten_v destruction_n to_o we_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o christ_n admonition_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n may_v due_o he_o apply_v to_o we_o remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v rev._n 2.5_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o promise_a safety_n and_o protection_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o people_n where_o they_o neglect_v their_o own_o safety_n where_o they_o wilful_o violate_v his_o law_n that_o he_o threaten_v destruction_n and_o ruin_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n to_o which_o our_o lord_n make_v this_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n full_a not_o prevail_v against_o it_o this_o be_v clear_v 2._o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o far_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o lord_n make_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n secure_v it_o from_o error_n and_o defection_n 1._o and_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o it_o secure_v it_o from_o such_o error_n as_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n for_o wheresoever_o these_o prevail_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v in_o they_o which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o christ_n promise_n make_v to_o his_o church_n in_o this_o place_n error_n in_o matter_n fundamental_a destroy_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o promise_n which_o assure_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o church_n assure_v we_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n which_o shall_v not_o err_v in_o fundamental_o that_o be_v to_o say_v which_o shall_v profess_v all_o christian_a doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n 2._o but_o than_o second_o although_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o lord_n secure_v the_o universal_a church_n from_o error_n in_o fundamental_a point_n yet_o i_o conceive_v it_o do_v not_o secure_v it_o from_o error_n in_o thing_n not_o fundamental_a i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o church_n universal_a of_o any_o age_n even_o since_o the_o decease_n of_o christ_n apostle_n have_v actual_o err_v even_o in_o thing_n of_o less_o concernment_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o this_o promise_n do_v not_o secure_v it_o from_o such_o error_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o church_n may_v err_v in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o fundamental_a and_o yet_o continue_v a_o true_a church_n for_o as_o a_o particular_a or_o single_a person_n may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a christian_a although_o he_o mistake_v in_o lesser_a matter_n in_o such_o as_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n so_o also_o may_v a_o society_n of_o man_n be_v a_o true_a church_n although_o they_o err_v in_o the_o like_a matter_n error_n in_o matter_n of_o less_o concernment_n do_v no_o more_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n than_o lesser_a irregularity_n in_o practice_n and_o certain_o such_o irregularity_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o it_o there_o be_v something_o of_o faction_n and_o something_o of_o profaneness_n also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n one_o be_v of_o paul_n another_o of_o apollo_n another_o of_o cephas_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o 4._o and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n one_o be_v hungry_a and_o another_o be_v drink_v and_o the_o rich_a despise_a and_o contemn_v the_o poor_a 1_o cor._n 11.21_o which_o certain_o be_v no_o small_a miscarriage_n and_o yet_o s._n paul_n do_v still_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a church_n and_o so_o he_o style_v they_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o there_o be_v not_o many_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n whereunto_o s._n john_n write_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n himself_o as_o unto_o true_a christian_a church_n but_o have_v some_o considerable_a fault_n in_o they_o for_o thus_o be_v our_o lord_n bring_v in_o as_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v etc._n etc._n revel_v 2.5_o to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n revel_v 2.14_o to_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezebel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o seduce_v my_o servant_n etc._n etc._n revel_v 2.20_o to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n revel_v 3.2_o to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a so_o then_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n unless_o thou_o reform_v in_o due_a time_n revel_v 3.16_o 18._o the_o sum_n be_v this_o as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n where_o there_o be_v defect_n in_o point_n of_o practice_n so_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n also_o where_o there_o be_v defect_n in_o point_n of_o truth_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o in_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v fundamental_a to_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o since_o this_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n import_v no_o more_o but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o true_a church_n it_o do_v not_o secure_v the_o same_o church_n from_o error_n in_o matter_n not_o fundamental_a and_o now_o to_o reflect_v upon_o this_o point_n 1._o hence_o we_o learn_v what_o it_o have_v be_v that_o have_v preserve_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o that_o church_n in_o all_o its_o several_a danger_n and_o hazard_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o christianity_n namely_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o this_o his_o stable_n and_o gracious_a promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n which_o faithfulness_n will_v appear_v more_o signal_n if_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o short_a reflection_n upon_o the_o several_a danger_n and_o trial_n that_o have_v in_o several_a and_o divers_a age_n assault_v the_o church_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n 1._o and_o first_o of_o all_o when_o that_o church_n and_o faith_n do_v first_o appear_v they_o be_v assault_v by_o persecution_n by_o persecution_n from_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o that_o both_o by_o the_o tongue_n and_o the_o sword_n the_o scribes_z and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o philosopher_n also_o among_o the_o gentile_n bend_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o confute_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o
this_o end_n that_o it_o be_v a_o hope_n of_o the_o very_a happiness_n god_n have_v promise_v unless_o it_o expect_v that_o happiness_n upon_o those_o term_n and_o no_o other_o whereupon_o it_o be_v promise_v in_o tha_z gospel_n and_o those_o be_v faith_n work_v by_o love_n those_o be_v as_o god_n himself_o declare_v to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n whence_o that_o of_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 12._o vers_fw-la 14._o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n he_o that_o hope_v for_o happiness_n without_o these_o term_n can_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o hope_n be_v any_o way_n move_v to_o practice_v these_o so_o far_o be_v such_o a_o hope_n as_o that_o from_o move_a man_n unto_o their_o duty_n that_o it_o give_v they_o the_o very_o great_a encouragement_n to_o live_v in_o the_o perfect_a neglect_n of_o they_o what_o need_v they_o to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o their_o vicious_a appetite_n and_o desire_n what_o need_v they_o to_o offer_v any_o violence_n to_o their_o sinful_a lust_n and_o inclination_n why_o shall_v they_o part_v with_o a_o right_a hand_n why_o shall_v they_o pluck_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n forego_v the_o pleasure_n lose_v the_o profit_n of_o any_o lust_n if_o they_o can_v hope_v for_o eternal_a glory_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o reconcile_v the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n with_o all_o the_o desire_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o soft_a indulgence_n to_o those_o desire_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o that_o hope_v which_o purge_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n must_v be_v a_o hope_n of_o that_o happiness_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v upon_o those_o term_n and_o those_o only_a whereupon_o it_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n 3._o and_o yet_o further_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o firm_a assurance_n of_o arrive_v at_o that_o eternal_a happinef_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o term_n that_o shall_v enable_v we_o to_o perform_v they_o conjecture_n be_v too_o weak_a a_o thing_n to_o overcome_v those_o strong_a temptation_n that_o dare_v man_n into_o sin_n and_o folly_n no_o man_n will_v deny_v himself_o what_o he_o feel_v to_o gratify_v his_o sensual_a appetite_n at_o the_o present_a upon_o mere_a guess_n of_o what_o may_v possible_o be_v hereafter_o strong_a desire_n be_v not_o subdue_v by_o weak_a hope_n man_n will_v not_o deny_v their_o present_a ease_n their_o present_a pleasure_n their_o present_a joy_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n upon_o mere_a probability_n and_o peradventure_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a of_o something_o future_a before_o they_o part_v with_o what_o they_o have_v they_o will_v be_v sure_a of_o something_o better_o before_o they_o forsake_v what_o they_o feel_v or_o apprehend_v to_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a at_o the_o present_a and_o it_o be_v want_v of_o this_o assurance_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o former_a day_n that_o make_v its_o precept_n and_o institution_n so_o ineffectual_a in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o lactantius_n then_o observe_v omnia_fw-la ibi_fw-la conjecturis_fw-la aguntur_fw-la &_o ideo_fw-la nemo_fw-la paret_fw-la quia_fw-la nemo_fw-la vult_fw-la in_o incertum_fw-la laborare_fw-la philosophy_n afford_v but_o mere_a conjecture_n in_o the_o point_n of_o suture_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n observe_v its_o precept_n because_o no_o man_n will_v labour_v at_o all_o adventure_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o that_o hope_v which_o shall_v effectual_o persuade_v with_o man_n to_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n must_v be_v a_o firm_a and_o strong_a assurance_n of_o gain_v the_o happiness_n god_n have_v promise_v upon_o the_o term_n that_o he_o require_v sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o precept_n 4._o but_o now_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o temptation_n which_o daily_o assault_v he_o in_o this_o state_n sincere_o to_o obey_v those_o precept_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o further_a qualification_n that_o be_v require_v in_o that_o hope_n which_o shall_v enable_v we_o so_o to_o do_v which_o be_v that_o it_o whole_o ground_n itself_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o move_v a_o man_n to_o apply_v to_o god_n for_o the_o assistance_n and_o help_n thereof_o in_o the_o purify_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n nature_n will_v never_o raise_v itself_o to_o a_o supernatural_a state_n of_o life_n or_o to_o a_o supernatural_a end_n man_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n earthy_a and_o in_o no_o capacity_n so_o to_o elevate_v his_o own_o thought_n so_o to_o advance_v his_o own_o desire_n as_o to_o prepare_v and_o fit_v himself_o for_o that_o happiness_n which_o lie_v in_o likeness_n to_o god_n himself_o in_o perfect_a purity_n and_o incorruption_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o therefore_o that_o hope_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v successless_a must_v fail_v to_o cleanse_v and_o purge_v our_o heart_n to_o purify_v we_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a which_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o far_o instruct_v as_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o apply_v to_o god_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o a_o work_n above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o now_o to_o recollect_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o point_n that_o hope_v which_o fix_v on_o that_o happiness_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n consist_v in_o purity_n and_o immortality_n which_o be_v a_o hope_n of_o this_o happiness_n upon_o those_o term_n and_o those_o only_a whereupon_o it_o be_v there_o promise_v to_o we_o which_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o full_a assurance_n of_o that_o happiness_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o term_n which_o ground_n itself_o upon_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o that_o performance_n and_o therefore_o move_v to_o apply_v to_o god_n by_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o assistance_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v when_o so_o desire_v that_o be_v the_o hope_n the_o apostle_n intend_v in_o these_o word_n that_o be_v the_o hope_n that_o purify_v we_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o second_o general_n 2._o where_o i_o be_o to_o show_v the_o several_a way_n whereby_o it_o have_v these_o effect_n upon_o we_o and_o these_o i_o refer_v to_o two_o particular_n 1._o this_o hope_n move_v and_o excite_v to_o strong_a endeavour_n in_o order_n unto_o this_o end_n namely_o the_o purify_n of_o ourselves_o 2._o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v but_o render_v those_o endeavour_n true_o effectual_a unto_o that_o end_n 1._o it_o move_v to_o strong_a endeavour_n in_o order_n unto_o this_o great_a design_n which_o be_v the_o purify_n of_o ourselves_o from_o all_o our_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o have_v firm_o fix_v the_o soul_n upon_o future_a glory_n and_o immortality_n as_o its_o only_a happiness_n and_o perfection_n the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v fit_a or_o worthy_a to_o be_v make_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o life_n and_o also_o fix_v and_o settle_v this_o as_o a_o most_o sure_a and_o certain_a truth_n that_o the_o purify_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o that_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n god_n have_v make_v we_o all_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v forbear_v to_o love_v ourselves_o nor_o can_v that_o creature_n forbear_v to_o desire_v his_o own_o happiness_n that_o can_v forbear_v to_o love_v himself_o nor_o can_v the_o desire_n of_o that_o enjoyment_n wherein_o a_o man_n have_v place_v his_o happiness_n cease_v to_o urge_v and_o press_v endeavour_n in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o suppose_v we_o then_o that_o a_o man_n believe_v that_o true_a happiness_n lie_v in_o the_o purity_n and_o immortality_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o his_o kingdom_n suppose_v he_o believe_v that_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o attain_v this_o happiness_n suppose_v these_o thing_n fix_v and_o settle_v upon_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n can_v we_o imagine_v but_o that_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o end_n shall_v most_o effectual_o excite_v and_o move_v he_o to_o purify_v himself_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a will_v he_o not_o be_v content_a to_o resist_v his_o sinful_a lust_n and_o appetite_n subdue_v his_o inordinate_a inclination_n in_o consideration_n of_o such_o a_o happiness_n will_v he_o not_o be_v content_a to_o deny_v himself_o all_o the_o unlawful_a joy_n
1._o easie_n 2._o pleasant_n and_o 3._o fit_a to_o promote_v and_o serve_v those_o end_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v apt_a to_o propound_v unto_o themselves_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o make_v a_o outward_a show_n of_o piety_n while_o the_o lust_n be_v suffer_v to_o dwell_v within_o and_o man_n natural_o love_v their_o ease_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o content_v themselves_o with_o that_o which_o have_v a_o fair_a resemblance_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v favourable_a to_o the_o lust_n to_o love_v and_o embrace_v it_o on_o that_o account_n man_n never_o quarrel_v with_o religion_n till_o it_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o lust_n they_o use_v it_o as_o herod_n do_v the_o baptist_n speak_v it_o fair_a and_o treat_v it_o kind_o and_o bear_v fair_a regard_n to_o it_o while_o it_o be_v content_a to_o oblige_v no_o further_o than_o to_o some_o plausible_a outward_a action_n it_o be_v never_o difficult_a till_o it_o require_v they_o to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v the_o lust_n within_o and_o those_o peculiar_a lust_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v predominant_a in_o themselves_o till_o it_o demand_v a_o eye_n or_o a_o hand_n something_o that_o be_v dear_a or_o ufeful_a to_o they_o here_o it_o be_v that_o they_o forsake_v it_o and_o cast_v it_o off_o when_o it_o grow_v press_v and_o importunate_a in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o appetite_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o it_o will_v indulge_v the_o lust_n within_o if_o it_o will_v permit_v pride_n and_o avarice_n and_o animosity_n to_o dwell_v there_o and_o content_v itself_o to_o paint_v and_o gild_v the_o outward_a man_n if_o it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o these_o external_a show_n and_o action_n which_o be_v plausible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o thwart_v no_o secular_a end_n and_o interest_n no_o carnal_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n they_o be_v ready_a enough_o to_o entertain_v it_o now_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o hypocrisy_n it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o those_o thing_n this_o as_o i_o former_o show_v at_o large_a be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v confine_v it_o to_o outward_a action_n and_o further_a yet_o to_o those_o that_o make_v the_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n add_v hereto_o a_o due_a care_n to_o omit_v the_o evil_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_o and_o gross_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v excuse_v either_o by_o misinterpret_v the_o law_n or_o by_o blind_a the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o make_v their_o religion_n strange_o spread_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o through_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n we_o be_v all_o apt_a to_o study_v for_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n all_o mankind_n desire_v happiness_n but_o they_o desire_v it_o may_v cost_v they_o nothing_o to_o attain_v it_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o gnostic_n make_v it_o lawful_a to_o deny_v christ_n to_o abjure_v christianity_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o spiritual_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v glad_a to_o accommodate_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n not_o to_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n but_o to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o mankind_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o absolve_v from_o sin_n upon_o mere_a profession_n of_o repentance_n to_o promise_v forgiveness_n and_o life_n eternal_a to_o they_o that_o will_v undergo_v the_o penance_n although_o they_o will_v not_o forsake_v the_o sin_n a_o easy_a religion_n easy_o recommend_v itself_o to_o man_n acceptance_n and_o inclination_n such_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n such_o in_o truth_n be_v all_o hypocrisy_n and_o therefore_o scarce_o to_o be_v avoid_v without_o considerable_a care_n and_o diligence_n 2._o and_o second_o what_o be_v more_o considerable_a hypocrisy_n be_v not_o only_o a_o easy_a but_o a_o pleasant_a religion_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o exercise_v it_o elf_n in_o censure_v the_o vice_n scorn_v the_o person_n and_o oppose_v the_o religion_n of_o other_o man_n all_o which_o thing_n as_o they_o pass_v for_o religion_n with_o many_o man_n so_o be_v they_o so_o far_o from_o be_v troublesome_a that_o they_o be_v singular_a gratification_n to_o pride_n and_o envy_n and_o animosity_n 1._o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n that_o be_v hypocrisy_n much_o consist_v in_o censure_v the_o vice_n of_o other_o person_n they_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o every_o man_n life_n except_o their_o own_o they_o have_v a_o reproof_n for_o every_o man_n fault_n great_a or_o small_a while_o they_o be_v indulgent_a to_o themselves_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o every_o other_o man_n behaviour_n far_o more_o than_o in_o their_o own_o life_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o as_o i_o observe_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n that_o they_o lay_v heavy_a burden_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v on_o other_o man_n shoulder_n but_o that_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o move_v they_o with_o one_o of_o their_o finger_n matth._n 23.4_o he_o tell_v we_o how_o sharp_a and_o quick_a they_o be_v in_o espy_v a_o mote_n in_o their_o brother_n eye_n not_o consider_v the_o beam_n in_o their_o own_o matth._n 7.3_o which_o as_o it_o pass_v for_o religion_n among_o the_o man_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o use_v it_o so_o it_o be_v grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o natural_a passion_n of_o mankind_n it_o gratify_v pride_n and_o self-conceit_n it_o gratify_v anger_n and_o animosity_n it_o feed_v self-love_n with_o great_a content_n as_o make_v the_o person_n very_o think_v that_o he_o himself_o have_v a_o detestation_n unto_o evil_n because_o he_o censure_v it_o in_o other_o person_n how_o eloquent_a and_o how_o free_a of_o speech_n be_v those_o man_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o condemn_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o person_n how_o do_v the_o word_n gush_v like_o water_n from_o a_o fountain_n what_o heat_n what_o warmth_n what_o zeal_n and_o passion_n may_v you_o discover_v in_o their_o language_n and_o whence_o do_v all_o this_o rhetoric_n flow_v what_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o this_o eloquence_n but_o the_o pleasure_n they_o take_v in_o the_o reproof_n in_o the_o rebuke_n of_o their_o neighbour_n sin_n so_o pleasant_a be_v it_o and_o delightful_a to_o censure_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n 2._o add_v hereunto_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n very_o grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o sinful_a passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o lie_v not_o only_o in_o censure_v the_o fault_n but_o deride_v the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o much_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n how_o much_o our_o very_a lord_n himself_o be_v scorn_v and_o deride_v by_o the_o pharisee_n but_o that_o which_o i_o now_o observe_v be_v this_o that_o it_o pass_v for_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n among_o some_o person_n to_o speak_v contemptuous_o of_o other_o man_n to_o scorn_v a_o priest_n to_o deride_v a_o bishop_n to_o mock_v and_o scorn_v a_o whole_a profession_n be_v judge_v by_o some_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o invent_v opprobrious_a name_n and_o fable_n to_o forge_v to_o receive_v and_o spread_v report_n false_a and_o scandalous_a and_o disgraceful_a concern_v their_o person_n and_o their_o life_n be_v now_o become_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n with_o many_o man_n they_o do_v not_o only_o not_o accuse_v themselves_o for_o this_o but_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o it_o they_o do_v noton_o not_o believe_v themselves_o the_o worse_a but_o better_a man_n for_o so_o do_v this_o be_v their_o religion_n this_o be_v their_o piety_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o prize_v and_o value_v themselves_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v deny_v this_o they_o will_v have_v very_o little_a to_o say_v little_a to_o plead_v for_o their_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n at_o all_o if_o you_o shall_v strip_v they_o of_o their_o zeal_n in_o scorn_v those_o they_o ought_v to_o value_v if_o you_o shall_v quench_v all_o that_o heat_n that_o appear_v in_o anger_n and_o animosity_n against_o the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n if_o you_o shall_v require_v what_o god_n do_v what_o be_v command_v in_o the_o gosspel_n to_o show_v their_o religion_n in_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o christian_a charity_n in_o patience_n gentleness_n and_o humility_n in_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v rom._n 14.17_o you_o will_v find_v they_o far_o from_o be_v that_o which_o they_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v namely_o true_a and_o real_a christian_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v it_o be_v so_o pleasant_a be_v it_o be_v so_o grateful_a
god_n for_o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o life_n 1_o john_n 5.12_o the_o twelve_o sermon_n philip._n 1.10_o that_o you_o may_v approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a although_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n never_o enjoin_v any_o thing_n to_o man_n but_o what_o consider_v all_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n likewise_o be_v useful_a and_o convenient_a for_o they_o though_o indifferent_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n such_o be_v the_o numerous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n law_n yet_o be_v there_o other_o instance_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v immutable_o good_a in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o proper_a for_o all_o age_n so_o be_v these_o two_o general_a duty_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o so_o be_v the_o particular_a branch_n of_o they_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o with_o very_o little_a exception_n be_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o impartial_o try_v and_o weigh_v can_v but_o be_v approve_v as_o good_a even_o by_o they_o that_o do_v not_o practice_v they_o but_o a_o general_a assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n not_o apply_v to_o particular_a instance_n of_o life_n and_o action_n be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o approbation_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o design_n for_o although_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v in_o the_o greek_a sometime_o signify_v something_o less_o than_o a_o bare_a assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o be_v to_o try_v and_o examine_v only_o as_o where_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o prove_v all_o thing_n 1_o thess_n 5.21_o yet_o here_o it_o signify_v much_o more_o here_o as_o also_o in_o other_o place_n it_o import_v such_o a_o clear_a and_o settle_a judgement_n of_o what_o be_v good_a as_o be_v accompany_v with_o resolution_n to_o practice_v what_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v so_o this_o appear_v from_o what_o the_o apostle_n join_v in_o the_o same_o period_n with_o it_o sincerity_n and_o a_o blameless_a life_n and_o these_o retain_v unto_o the_o end_n for_o so_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o word_n that_o you_o may_v approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a that_o you_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o without_o offence_n till_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o appear_v from_o the_o style_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n speak_v for_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n be_v part_n of_o a_o prayer_n wherein_o after_o his_o usual_a custom_n of_o salute_v the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o write_v ver_fw-la 1._o and_o pray_v grace_n and_o peace_n for_o they_o from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n ver_fw-la 2._o after_o his_o thanks_o render_v to_o god_n for_o their_o fellowship_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n of_o the_o eighteen_o chapter_n he_o further_o pray_v that_o their_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n and_o that_o they_o may_v approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a be_v then_o the_o apostle_n pray_v this_o for_o they_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o singular_a concernment_n to_o they_o and_o be_v a_o cold_a assent_n of_o mind_n a_o ineffectual_a approbation_n of_o what_o be_v excellent_a be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o concern_v at_o all_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o so_o hearty_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o what_o be_v far_o more_o than_o this_o such_o a_o approbation_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o upon_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a survey_n of_o all_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o their_o nature_n issue_n and_o effect_n both_o in_o this_o and_o the_o other_o world_n end_v in_o a_o certain_a determination_n never_o to_o deviate_v from_o what_o be_v good_a so_o then_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o suppose_v that_o the_o 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we_o that_o it_o be_v 1._o both_o a_o effectual_a cure_n of_o all_o the_o disease_n of_o our_o mind_n consider_v absolute_o in_o themselves_o and_o 2._o also_o a_o constant_a guide_n and_o monitor_n in_o every_o instance_n of_o our_o life_n first_o a_o guide_n to_o discover_v our_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o second_o a_o monitor_n to_o press_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o steady_a perseverance_n in_o that_o practice_n whatsoeever_n may_v tempt_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n 1._o if_o we_o survey_v the_o several_a malady_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o disease_n of_o humane_a understanding_n there_o be_v first_o ignorance_n second_o doubt_v and_o three_o vanity_n ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v true_a and_o useful_a or_o scepticism_n and_o doubt_n in_o what_o be_v so_o or_o vanity_n in_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o thing_n impertinent_a and_o useless_a to_o we_o though_o we_o may_v have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o they_o first_o the_o first_o disease_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v ignorance_n of_o that_o which_o be_v true_o good_a for_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v so_o be_v the_o proper_a perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n because_o it_o be_v make_v to_o know_v this_o and_o every_o thing_n be_v perfect_a in_o its_o end_n so_o the_o ignorance_n of_o what_o it_o be_v make_v to_o know_v be_v its_o great_a malady_n and_o imperfection_n ignorance_n be_v that_o disease_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o utter_a blindness_n be_v in_o the_o eye_n that_o imperfection_n in_o the_o understanding_n which_o darkness_n will_v be_v in_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n it_o be_v that_o which_o death_n be_v unto_o life_n its_o proper_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n it_o hide_v the_o face_n of_o truth_n from_o we_o it_o eclipse_n all_o the_o lustre_n of_o goodness_n it_o put_v we_o under_o the_o power_n of_o error_n which_o vitiate_v and_o pervert_v our_o choice_n and_o do_v not_o only_o lead_v to_o danger_n but_o also_o reconcile_v we_o to_o it_o now_o just_a contrary_n to_o these_o effect_n be_v those_o of_o clear_a and_o stable_a judgement_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o life_n and_o happiness_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n expression_n be_v of_o the_o approbation_n of_o thing_n excellent_a truth_n be_v to_o the_o mind_n as_o light_v to_o the_o sun_n its_o proper_a lustre_n and_o perfection_n beside_o it_o powerful_o recommend_v and_o set_v off_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a it_o show_v it_o in_o its_o native_a colour_n and_o give_v it_o the_o advantage_n due_a unto_o it_o so_o that_o to_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n philip._n 4.8_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v that_o deserve_v our_o love_n it_o be_v so_o represent_v in_o the_o mind_n when_o the_o mind_n be_v due_o inform_v by_o truth_n that_o it_o commend_v itself_o to_o choice_n and_o gain_v the_o possession_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o as_o we_o natural_o desire_v and_o love_n what_o our_o mind_n recommend_v unto_o we_o as_o good_a in_o itself_o and_o for_o we_o likewise_o so_o the_o hearty_a love_n of_o what_o be_v good_a be_v the_o gain_v the_o very_a thing_n we_o love_v for_o there_o be_v this_o remarkable_a difference_n between_o the_o love_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a and_o that_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v love_v these_o other_o thing_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o he_o that_o love_v good_a or_o evil_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n by_o so_o do_v the_o consequence_n of_o which_o discourse_n be_v this_o that_o the_o approbation_n of_o thing_n excellent_a a_o clear_a and_o stable_a
judgement_n in_o they_o be_v not_o only_o the_o cure_n of_o ignorance_n the_o first_o disease_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o what_o be_v more_o than_o i_o say_v at_o first_o a_o powerful_a and_o a_o sovereign_a medicine_n to_o the_o distemper_n of_o our_o will_n to_o all_o our_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o passion_n second_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o malady_n of_o our_o mind_n from_o which_o it_o be_v a_o like_a deliverance_n and_o that_o be_v scepticism_n and_o suspense_n in_o thing_n both_o evident_a and_o useful_a to_o we_o for_o general_a assurance_n and_o general_a doubt_n to_o believe_v every_o thing_n and_o nothing_o at_o all_o be_v equal_a distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n although_o of_o very_o different_a kind_n the_o one_o proceed_v from_o vain_a confidence_n the_o other_o from_o the_o weak_a suspicion_n of_o a_o shatter_a and_o break_a understanding_n there_o be_v some_o man_n that_o can_v make_v themselves_o believe_v any_o thing_n even_o that_o their_o sense_n be_v deceive_v though_o due_o apply_v to_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o yet_o pretend_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o from_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o miracle_n the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o sense_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o sense_n so_o do_v they_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n other_o have_v rather_o deceive_v themselves_o by_o the_o sophistry_n of_o their_o own_o wit_n in_o nice_a and_o uncertain_a speculation_n than_o content_a or_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v ignorant_a in_o thing_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v useless_a but_o then_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o this_o be_v a_o levity_n of_o understanding_n to_o pretend_v certainty_n in_o thing_n uncertain_a so_o be_v it_o a_o more_o unhappy_a weakness_n and_o a_o great_a craziness_n of_o understanding_n to_o doubt_v and_o suspend_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v both_o evident_a and_o useful_a likewise_o a_o man_n may_v doubt_v in_o thing_n impertinent_a to_o life_n and_o happiness_n without_o any_o danger_n or_o fear_v either_o because_o he_o neither_o real_o be_v nor_o judge_n himself_o concern_v in_o they_o but_o if_o he_o be_v doubtful_a in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o his_o great_a concernment_n lie_v if_o he_o question_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n if_o he_o call_v divine_a revelation_n in_o question_n if_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o very_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o he_o scruple_n what_o christ_n have_v bring_v to_o light_n eternal_a life_n and_o immortality_n if_o he_o be_v under_o suspense_n and_o fear_v what_o be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n immortal_a if_o he_o question_v what_o he_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o happy_a or_o miserable_a or_o neither_o of_o both_o that_o be_v as_o the_o very_a brute_n that_o perish_v if_o he_o be_v hold_v in_o suspense_n and_o doubt_v of_o such_o important_a thing_n as_o these_o what_o reel_n and_o fluctuation_n of_o mind_n what_o anxiety_n and_o pang_n of_o heart_n what_o irresolution_n in_o life_n and_o practice_n must_v these_o uncertainty_n bring_v upon_o he_o this_o be_v part_n of_o that_o very_a bondage_n from_o which_o our_o saviour_n come_v to_o free_v we_o who_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o through_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o deliver_v they_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n heb._n 2.15_o which_o very_o deliverance_n christ_n have_v wrought_v by_o the_o clear_a discovery_n and_o certain_a proof_n of_o life_n eternal_a and_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o it_o for_o so_o have_v he_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a foundation_n of_o clear_a and_o certain_a and_o stable_a judgement_n both_o in_o our_o duty_n and_o reward_n and_o so_o deliver_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o suspense_n and_o doubt_n in_o their_o only_a true_a and_o great_a concernment_n three_o now_o for_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o apply_v itself_o to_o useless_a thing_n the_o last_o disease_n of_o the_o understanding_n this_o also_o be_v effectual_o cure_v by_o the_o approbation_n of_o thing_n excellent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o sound_a judgement_n in_o all_o our_o duty_n and_o reward_n for_o such_o a_o judgement_n can_v fall_v to_o divert_v our_o thought_n from_o needless_a thing_n from_o vain_a speculation_n from_o idle_a subtlety_n from_o trivial_a question_n from_o angry_a contention_n and_o dispute_v about_o impertinent_a and_o useless_a thing_n the_o itch_n whereof_o have_v be_v a_o epidemical_a disease_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n in_o most_o age_n and_o profession_n in_o the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o heathen_a in_o the_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o schoolman_n among_o the_o christian_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o mahometan_a imposture_n which_o be_v a_o trifle_n from_o beginning_n to_o end_v multitude_n of_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v upon_o impertinent_a and_o trivial_a subject_n multitude_n of_o library_n hive_n be_v fill_v with_o troublesome_a and_o unuseful_a rubbish_n with_o the_o ruin_n of_o humane_a understanding_n for_o all_o the_o vanity_n we_o find_v in_o book_n be_v first_o of_o all_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v the_o complaint_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o the_o heathen_a that_o all_o the_o philosopher_n before_o socrates_n employ_v their_o study_n in_o the_o speculation_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o very_o small_a concernment_n and_o do_v not_o only_o all_o that_o while_o neglect_v the_o culture_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n but_o leave_v the_o very_a thing_n they_o study_v in_o the_o same_o obscurity_n they_o find_v they_o in_o socrates_n indeed_o make_v a_o attempt_n to_o transfer_v knowledge_n from_o useless_a thing_n into_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o certain_o the_o attempt_n be_v great_a but_o the_o success_n be_v not_o such_o but_o that_o still_o many_o professor_n of_o wisdom_n misspend_v their_o study_n in_o useless_a trifle_n and_o obscurity_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o make_v no_o man_n better_o nor_o ignorance_n any_o man_n ever_o the_o worse_a the_o same_o disease_n have_v long_o reign_v among_o the_o jew_n those_o of_o their_o writing_n that_o be_v most_o trifle_a fable_n in_o history_n and_o tattle_v in_o dispute_n so_o be_v their_o very_a talmud_n itself_o be_v most_o of_o all_o value_v among_o they_o this_o first_o begin_v among_o the_o pharisee_n and_o be_v so_o infection_n in_o that_o nation_n and_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v remove_v when_o it_o have_v once_o seize_v the_o mind_n that_o several_a proselyte_n to_o christianity_n abuse_v themselves_o and_o trouble_v other_o with_o foolish_a question_n and_o genealogy_n and_o contention_n and_o strive_n about_o the_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n reprehend_v as_o unprofitable_a and_o vain_a tit._n 3.9_o these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o he_o describe_v 1_o tim._n 6.4_o 5._o who_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n whereof_o come_v envy_n strife_n rail_n evil_a surmizing_n perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o they_o that_o make_v the_o great_a pretence_n of_o strive_v for_o truth_n lose_v piety_n nay_o truth_n itself_o while_o they_o pretend_v to_o strive_v for_o it_o now_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o same_o dust_n have_v be_v raise_v by_o the_o schoolman_n among_o the_o christian_n that_o the_o same_o vanity_n and_o curiosity_n have_v have_v all_o the_o same_o effect_n but_o this_o i_o think_v i_o may_v aver_v that_o whatsoever_o wit_n the_o schoolman_n show_v in_o the_o subject_n whereupon_o they_o treat_v the_o choice_n of_o many_o of_o those_o subject_n demonstrate_v a_o strange_a want_n of_o judgement_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v this_o discourse_n to_o clear_v the_o use_n to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o sound_a judgement_n in_o the_o thing_n the_o apostle_n style_v excellent_a in_o thing_n pertinent_a to_o life_n and_o happiness_n which_o very_a judgement_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o effectual_a cure_n of_o all_o this_o vanity_n of_o understanding_n that_o divert_v the_o mind_n from_o its_o proper_a food_n from_o solid_a useful_a pertinent_a truth_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o to_o trivial_a dispute_n and_o speculation_n which_o after_o all_o a_o man_n pain_n and_o study_n leave_v his_o mind_n vain_a and_o empty_a his_o temper_n proud_a and_o supercilious_a and_o his_o life_n for_o any_o thing_n gain_v by_o they_o utter_o unreform_v and_o vicious_a so_o be_v not_o he_o that_o stedy_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a for_o the_o very_a excellency_n of_o these_o thing_n thorough_o digest_v and_o approve_v clear_v his_o thought_n and_o feed_v his_o mind_n and_o calm_v
his_o affection_n and_o correct_v exorbitant_a heat_n and_o passion_n and_o powerful_o move_v and_o incline_v the_o soul_n to_o sobriety_n patience_n and_o humility_n so_o be_v the_o three_o disease_n of_o the_o mind_n its_o vanity_n in_o useless_a speculation_n together_o with_o the_o effect_n hereof_o perfect_o cure_v by_o sound_a judgement_n in_o thing_n excellent_a and_o worthy_a knowledge_n 2._o add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o the_o same_o judgement_n be_v a_o constant_a guide_n and_o faithful_a monitor_n to_o all_o our_o duty_n in_o every_o instance_n of_o life_n and_o action_n 1._o a_o guide_n it_o be_v that_o point_v out_o the_o way_n to_o life_n eternal_a through_o all_o the_o variety_n and_o uncertainty_n that_o perplex_v the_o mind_n and_o pervert_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o that_o want_v it_o a_o guide_n it_o be_v that_o do_v not_o stoop_v to_o groundless_a dictate_v that_o be_v not_o fright_v with_o bold_a anathema_n nor_o yet_o mislead_v by_o soft_a persuasion_n by_o fair_a pretence_n or_o show_n of_o piety_n no_o man_n confidence_n shall_v amuse_v it_o no_o man_n zeal_n impose_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v say_v lo_o here_o be_v christ_n here_o a_o unerring_a way_n to_o life_n if_o it_o be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n no_o he_o be_v not_o there_o but_o here_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o imposture_n under_o the_o name_n of_o infallibility_n nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o superstition_n under_o a_o mask_n of_o external_a piety_n but_o here_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n here_o be_v his_o doctrine_n true_o preach_v here_o be_v his_o ordinance_n pure_a and_o entire_a without_o humane_a mixture_n and_o invention_n he_o that_o have_v clear_a and_o stable_a judgement_n in_o the_o thing_n the_o apostle_n style_v excellent_a know_v what_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o to_o practise_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o this_o noise_n and_o clamour_n he_o be_v not_o put_v upon_o demur_n first_o to_o doubt_v and_o then_o to_o put_v off_o and_o delay_v his_o duty_n till_o interest_n passion_n or_o example_n till_o the_o hope_n or_o fear_n of_o the_o present_a world_n prejudice_n and_o beguile_v his_o judgement_n much_o less_o by_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n to_o pursue_v a_o crime_n instead_o of_o a_o duty_n and_o think_v he_o be_v do_v god_n service_n when_o he_o be_v violate_v god_n law_n break_v the_o peace_n of_o a_o church_n or_o state_n or_o censure_v those_o who_o he_o ought_v to_o honour_n such_o be_v the_o singular_a help_n we_o have_v from_o the_o approbation_n of_o thing_n excellent_a from_o stable_a judgement_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o constant_a guide_n unto_o we_o to_o show_v we_o what_o our_o duty_n be_v in_o every_o instance_n of_o life_n and_o action_n 2._o nor_o be_v it_o only_o a_o ready_a guide_n but_o a_o faithful_a monitor_n to_o these_o duty_n for_o judgement_n inform_v by_o practical_a truth_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o conscience_n and_o conscience_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conscience_n be_v a_o domestic_a god_n conscience_n be_v god_n vicegerent_n in_o we_o which_o both_o declare_v our_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o powerful_o press_v we_o to_o obedience_n no_o man_n offend_v it_o but_o wound_n himself_o no_o man_n follow_v it_o but_o find_v content_a in_o so_o do_v whence_o that_o practice_n of_o st_n paul_n record_v in_o his_o own_o word_n act_n 24.16_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o certain_o do_v we_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o all_o the_o several_a consideration_n that_o recommend_v our_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o then_o so_o six_o these_o consideration_n in_o our_o thought_n as_o to_o turn_v they_o into_o a_o stable_a judgement_n this_o will_v so_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o choice_n and_o practice_n of_o what_o be_v good_a as_o that_o neither_o the_o hope_n nor_o fear_n the_o charm_n nor_o dread_v of_o the_o present_a world_n shall_v move_v we_o to_o a_o wilful_a sin_n let_v a_o man_n consider_v that_o his_o duty_n be_v make_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n who_o have_v make_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o have_v make_v himself_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n by_o so_o do_v and_o be_v so_o have_v all_o authority_n to_o command_v we_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o these_o law_n be_v good_a and_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o as_o high_o tend_v to_o the_o welfare_n both_o of_o society_n and_o single_a person_n let_v he_o consider_v with_o what_o variety_n of_o application_n god_n recommend_v our_o duty_n to_o we_o how_o he_o exhort_v invite_v and_o entreat_v how_o he_o expostulate_v and_o reason_n with_o we_o how_o he_o upbraid_v and_o chide_v our_o folly_n in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n let_v he_o consider_v what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o do_v hereafter_o that_o he_o may_v persuade_v we_o to_o obedience_n that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o both_o from_o sin_n and_o punishment_n and_o promise_v his_o grace_n to_o assist_v obedience_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o reward_v it_o and_o have_v consider_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o digest_v the_o consideration_n of_o they_o into_o a_o firm_a and_o settle_a judgement_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o such_o a_o judgement_n shall_v not_o persuade_v a_o free_a choice_n and_o ready_a practice_n of_o every_o thing_n thus_o recommend_v to_o he_o especial_o if_o he_o shall_v further_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o principle_n within_o himself_o and_o what_o the_o temptation_n also_o without_o that_o urge_v he_o to_o reject_v his_o duty_n and_o what_o unhappy_a and_o sad_a effect_n attend_v the_o wilful_a rejection_n of_o it_o the_o principle_n within_o that_o corrupt_v our_o choice_n and_o practice_n too_o be_v as_o st_n john_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 2.16_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n sensuality_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n infatuation_n as_o well_o as_o sin_n and_o torment_n as_o well_o as_o infatuation_n especial_o in_o their_o effect_n and_o issue_n in_o the_o care_n and_o envy_n and_o animosity_n which_o they_o kindle_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o temptation_n that_o move_v these_o vain_a desire_n be_v bodily_a pleasure_n secular_a riches_n and_o the_o esteem_n of_o vain_a man_n for_o none_o but_o such_o can_v value_v a_o proud_a ambitious_a person_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n even_o these_o which_o be_v not_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o mean_a man_n in_o the_o world_n these_o which_o bring_v regret_v and_o pang_n care_n and_o anxiety_n death_n and_o misery_n along_o with_o they_o that_o tempt_v we_o to_o forsake_v our_o duty_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o offer_v themselves_o in_o recompense_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o innocence_n the_o loss_n of_o holiness_n and_o true_a righteousness_n the_o very_a image_n of_o god_n himself_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o offer_v themselves_o in_o recompense_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o care_n of_o his_o good_a providence_n over_o we_o nay_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o present_v themselves_o in_o exchange_n for_o our_o immortal_a soul_n the_o loss_n whereof_o can_v be_v make_v up_o by_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n itself_o for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n say_v our_o saviour_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n mark_v 8.36_o 37._o so_o then_o let_v a_o man_n take_v a_o exact_a survey_n of_o all_o that_o recommend_v his_o duty_n and_o of_o all_o that_o move_v he_o to_o forsake_v it_o and_o then_o compare_v they_o both_o together_o and_o the_o comparison_n will_v be_v thus_o on_o one_o hand_n there_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n who_o have_v all_o authority_n to_o command_v he_o on_o the_o other_o his_o own_o extravagant_a passion_n urge_v he_o to_o forsake_v that_o law_n on_o one_o hand_n behold_v all_o the_o virtue_n all_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n on_o the_o other_o all_o its_o sin_n and_o folly_n all_o its_o degeneracy_n and_o decay_n on_o one_o hand_n there_o be_v stable_a joy_n peace_n of_o conscience_n peace_n with_o god_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n on_o the_o there_o muddy_a and_o fleet_a pleasure_n mix_v with_o abundance_n of_o regret_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n clear_a and_o settle_a hope_n of_o future_a life_n and_o immortality_n on_o the_o other_o want_n of_o these_o hope_n nay_o the_o fear_n and_o dread_v of_o eternal_a misery_n now_o when_o a_o man_n make_v
to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v propose_v so_o do_v it_o not_o concern_v any_o but_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v true_o and_o upon_o true_a account_n that_o be_v to_o say_v with_o the_o proper_a argument_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n if_o his_o doctrine_n be_v not_o true_o propose_v it_o be_v not_o real_o his_o doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o preacher_n and_o it_o be_v not_o any_o man_n own_o opinion_n but_o it_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n belong_v and_o then_o further_o if_o the_o very_a true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o propound_v by_o true_a argument_n by_o those_o argument_n and_o demonstration_n which_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n have_v afford_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o may_v possible_o fail_v of_o gain_v credit_n for_o want_n of_o true_a and_o proper_a evidence_n if_o man_n shall_v labour_v to_o prove_v the_o gospel_n by_o argument_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o not_o by_o miracle_n and_o prediction_n not_o by_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a argument_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o its_o proof_n the_o weakness_n of_o they_o that_o do_v propose_v it_o may_v prejudice_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v propose_v and_o that_o with_o those_o very_a man_n themselves_o who_o be_v dispose_v to_o entertain_v it_o 2._o now_o these_o be_v they_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n when_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v his_o will_n if_o any_o man_n say_v christ_n will_v do_v his_o will_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o be_v so_o dispose_v so_o affect_v towards_o god_n as_o that_o he_o be_v i_o willing_a to_o do_v or_o suffer_v whatsoever_o god_n shall_v require_v of_o he_o when_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n require_v it_o whosoever_o be_v upright_o and_o sincere_a not_o prejudice_v by_o any_o inordinate_a lust_n by_o pride_n or_o avarice_n or_o sensuality_n but_o willing_a to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n this_o man_n will_v believe_v the_o gospel_n when_o true_o and_o sufficient_o propound_v to_o he_o propound_v as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o 2._o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o consequent_a if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o 1._o in_o which_o consequent_a the_o doctrine_n be_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o that_o which_o he_o teach_v be_v his_o gospel_n 2._o and_o then_o whereas_o it_o be_v further_o add_v that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o our_o lord_n speak_v of_o himself_o or_o whether_o he_o speak_v of_o god_n this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o doubt_n at_o all_o whether_o he_o speak_v of_o god_n or_o not_o but_o as_o a_o peremptorory_n affirmation_n that_o what_o he_o speak_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o whosoever_o be_v so_o dispose_v and_o incline_v as_o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_v will_v ready_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n when_o true_o and_o sufficient_o propound_v to_o he_o these_o thing_n explain_v the_o observation_n the_o word_n offer_v we_o be_v this_o that_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a inclination_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n command_v be_v a_o most_o powerful_a preparation_n to_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o none_o but_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o prepare_v do_v ever_o believe_v or_o understand_v it_o for_o experience_n often_o hew_v the_o contrary_a this_o it_o show_v in_o all_o thole_n person_n who_o believe_v it_o and_o yet_o obey_v it_o not_o and_o of_o these_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v great_a number_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o they_o who_o be_v real_o thus_o dispose_v be_v under_o a_o powerful_a preparation_n to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o several_a reason_n for_o 1._o first_o of_o all_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o be_v thus_o prepare_v whole_a heart_n and_o will_n be_v sincere_o bend_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n shall_v command_v he_o the_o same_o person_n will_v not_o neglect_v the_o use_n of_o sincere_a and_o true_a endeavour_n to_o inform_v himself_o especial_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o threaten_v no_o less_o than_o death_n eternal_a to_o they_o that_o refuse_v and_o disobey_v it_o and_o promise_v everlasting_a happiness_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o whosoever_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_v when_o he_o know_v it_o be_v willing_a to_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o the_o same_o probity_n the_o same_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o will_n which_o do_v dispose_v he_o to_o the_o one_o dispose_v he_o also_o to_o the_o other_o he_o that_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o know_v god_n will_v will_v not_o obey_v it_o though_o he_o know_v it_o he_o that_o will_v obey_v it_o when_o he_o know_v it_o will_v labour_v sincere_o to_o know_v it_o also_o and_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a step_n to_o gain_v the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n of_o it_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n that_o any_o one_o man_n refute_v the_o gospel_n who_o due_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o miracle_n do_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o nicodemus_n consider_v these_o miracle_n conclude_v that_o christ_n be_v send_v of_o god_n rabbi_n say_v he_o we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o john_n 3.2_o lydia_n attend_v to_o the_o gospel_n ready_o believe_v and_o entertain_v it_o act_n 16.14_o the_o berean_o who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o consider_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o ancitient_a prophecy_n ready_o believe_v and_o entertain_v it_o act_n 17_o 12._o nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o any_o person_n who_o do_v impartial_o apply_v himself_o to_o consider_v it_o and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o do_v ever_o refuse_v or_o disbelieve_v it_o which_o be_v no_o small_a or_o obscure_a evidence_n that_o whosoever_o use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o every_o sincere_a person_n do_v shall_v not_o fail_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n due_o and_o right_o propound_v to_o he_o 2._o add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o a_o true_a and_o hearty_a inclination_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n command_v remove_v those_o inward_a disposition_n of_o pride_n and_o avarice_n and_o sensuality_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n truth_n have_v no_o enemy_n but_o vice_n man_n never_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n but_o upon_o some_o prejudice_n they_o have_v against_o it_o nor_o be_v they_o prejudice_v against_o the_o gospel_n but_o by_o their_o lust_n which_o it_o forbid_v and_o threaten_v with_o most_o severe_a punishment_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v truth_n be_v reject_v and_o disbelieved_a because_o disgu_v and_o disrelished_a it_o be_v disrelished_a because_o it_o forbid_v because_o it_o reprove_v and_o control_v those_o lust_n to_o which_o man_n have_v enthrall_v themselves_o which_o hold_v they_o in_o bondage_n and_o captivity_n 1._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v command_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v so_o suitable_a to_o our_o reason_n they_o be_v so_o plain_o good_a for_o the_o world_n they_o do_v so_o evident_o design_v our_o happiness_n they_o be_v every_o way_n so_o become_v god_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o prejudice_n of_o man_n unreasonable_a lust_n and_o passion_n that_o can_v persuade_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o law_n prescribe_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o the_o live_a god_n especial_o since_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o these_o law_n be_v confirm_v with_o many_o and_o great_a miracle_n can_v any_o man_n live_v make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o not_o that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o do_v to_o man_n as_o we_o will_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o be_v he_o not_o prejudice_v by_o his_o lust_n be_v it_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o want_n of_o willingness_n to_o do_v god_n will_v that_o can_v raise_v a_o scruple_n in_o any_o
man_n mind_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v his_o will_n or_o not_o and_o though_o the_o gospel_n in_o some_o case_n that_o be_v when_o truth_n be_v contradict_v require_v we_o rather_o to_o suffer_v for_o it_o than_o to_o forsake_v or_o to_o deny_v it_o yet_o see_v suffering_n in_o this_o case_n evident_o tend_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v also_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n eternal_a this_o very_a love_n of_o patient_a suffering_n in_o this_o case_n can_v offend_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o but_o those_o that_o be_v prejudice_v by_o their_o lust_n those_o who_o will_v not_o do_v god_n will_v although_o sufficient_o propound_v to_o they_o 2._o as_o for_o those_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o do_v not_o contain_v matter_n of_o practice_n since_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o contradiction_n nothing_o at_o all_o of_o absurdness_n in_o they_o since_o those_o that_o declare_v matter_n of_o fact_n as_o that_o our_o lord_n live_v and_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o and_o send_v the_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n be_v attest_v by_o universal_a consent_n of_o those_o that_o can_v not_o but_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o abuse_v it_o since_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v clear_o confirm_v by_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n we_o can_v imagine_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v doubt_v or_o disbelieve_v they_o save_v only_a prejudice_n against_o the_o precept_n against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o same_o gospel_n wherein_o these_o doctrine_n be_v reveal_v so_o that_o whosoever_o be_v so_o dispose_v as_o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_v be_v under_o a_o effectual_a preparation_n to_o believe_v and_o entertain_v the_o gospel_n whensoever_o due_o propound_v to_o he_o 3._o add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v the_o upright_a and_o sincere_a and_o that_o a_o willingness_n to_o do_v god_n will_v whensoever_o we_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o sincerity_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o luk._n 11.9_o and_o afterward_o at_o the_o 13_o verse_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o to_o who_o be_v this_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v if_o unto_o all_o that_o pray_v for_o it_o much_o more_o to_o they_o that_o sincere_o ask_v it_o to_o these_o at_o least_o or_o else_o to_o none_o to_o these_o although_o to_o no_o other_o person_n the_o meek_a say_v david_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n psal_n 25.9_o and_o more_o express_o at_o the_o 14_o verse_n 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 they_o will_v he_o bless_v with_o his_o assistance_n they_o will_v he_o guide_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n they_o will_v he_o govern_v and_o direct_v for_o as_o he_o sometime_o offer_v his_o grace_n to_o they_o that_o refuse_v to_o entertain_v it_o so_o he_o never_o deny_v it_o to_o they_o that_o do_v sincere_o desire_v and_o use_v it_o now_o then_o to_o conclude_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n be_v they_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o use_v the_o best_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v it_o be_v they_o be_v free_a from_o those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o hinder_v the_o understanding_n of_o it_o be_v they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o guide_v and_o assist_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n hence_o we_o conclude_v what_o we_o have_v observe_v that_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a inclination_n to_o do_v god_n will_v be_v a_o most_o effectual_a preparation_n to_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n now_o for_o the_o use_n of_o this_o point_n 1._o hence_o you_o see_v that_o god_n be_v not_o want_v to_o those_o person_n who_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v assistance_n from_o he_o to_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v his_o will_n when_o it_o be_v due_o discover_v to_o they_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v may_v assure_v himself_o of_o god_n assistance_n to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o needful_a truth_n into_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n whosoever_o be_v not_o thus_o dispose_v can_v just_o expect_v assistance_n from_o he_o for_o why_o shall_v god_n make_v know_v his_o will_n where_o it_o be_v certain_a before_o hand_n that_o it_o will_v it_o not_o be_v comply_v withal_o why_o shall_v he_o discourse_v his_o will_n to_o they_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o serve_v their_o lust_n whatsoever_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v nay_o to_o they_o who_o will_v scarce_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o contradict_v their_o lust_n and_o passion_n though_o never_o so_o due_o propound_v to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o false_a insincere_a person_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o his_o own_o corruption_n god_n have_v not_o promise_v that_o they_o shall_v fee_v who_o suffer_v their_o lust_n to_o shut_v their_o eye_n who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o have_v the_o light_n nor_o be_v their_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o promise_n this_o full_o acquit_v god_n providence_n that_o he_o have_v token_n sufficient_a care_n so_o to_o recommend_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o thing_n needful_a for_o salvation_n to_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n that_o whosoever_o be_v dispose_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n command_v which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o suggest_v shall_v easy_o know_v and_o entertain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n such_o be_v the_o course_n that_o god_n have_v take_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o none_o will_v complain_v of_o want_n of_o evidence_n but_o only_o those_o that_o want_v integrity_n those_o who_o will_v not_o do_v god_n will_v although_o they_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v to_o blame_v themselves_o and_o consequent_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o their_o infidelity_n or_o misbelief_n 2._o but_o than_o second_o see_v they_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_v find_v the_o gospel_n so_o attest_v as_o that_o they_o who_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o shall_v know_v and_o understand_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n hence_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n and_o misbelief_n wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v the_o gospel_n forbid_v the_o gospel_n threaten_v the_o sinful_a lust_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n cavil_v and_o quarrel_n and_o contradict_v it_o they_o hate_v that_o doctrine_n which_o reprove_v they_o and_o will_v not_o believe_v what_o they_o hate_v although_o it_o flash_n in_o their_o very_a face_n these_o man_n see_v see_v not_o and_o hear_v they_o hear_v not_o say_v our_o lord_n and_o in_o they_o be_v fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n which_o say_v by_o hear_v you_o shall_v hear_v and_o shall_v not_o understand_v and_o see_v you_o shall_v see_v and_o shall_v not_o perceive_v matt._n 13.14_o and_o as_o there_o be_v some_o who_o disbelieve_v the_o whole_a gospel_n mere_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o lust_n so_o other_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n gross_o mistake_v and_o misunderstand_v it_o they_o will_v admit_v no_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o sin_n what_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o enjoy_v their_o lust_n and_o hope_v for_o pardon_v notwithstanding_o man_n who_o resolve_v to_o retain_v their_o lust_n who_o will_v not_o part_v with_o their_o darling_n sin_n upon_o any_o condition_n whatsoever_o must_v search_v out_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n find_v out_o other_o term_n of_o salvation_n than_o what_o the_o gospel_n have_v propound_v let_v the_o gospel_n be_v never_o so_o express_v in_o the_o denunciation_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o those_o sin_n they_o live_v in_o they_o must_v find_v out_o some_o art_n and_o shift_n to_o evade_v and_o escape_v the_o plain_a truth_n by_o some_o reserve_v or_o false_a gloss_n by_o cloud_v what_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o express_o say_v and_o that_o by_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o if_o thy_o right_a eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v if_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o and_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n offend_v thou_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o for_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o thou_o that_o one_o of_o thy_o
member_n shall_v perish_v and_o not_o that_o thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o hell_n matt._n 5.29_o 30._o these_o man_n must_v find_v out_o some_o distinction_n whereby_o they_o may_v retain_v that_o eye_n whereby_o they_o may_v reserve_v that_o hand_n secure_v their_o dear_o belove_a lust_n and_o yet_o escape_v the_o flame_n of_o hell_n it_o shall_v be_v answer_v to_o these_o and_o all_o other_o like_o expression_n either_o that_o this_o be_v legal_a doctrine_n and_o that_o christ_n have_v so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n as_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o for_o they_o to_o do_v but_o to_o rely_v on_o his_o righteousness_n or_o else_o as_o it_o be_v on_o another_o hand_n that_o they_o will_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o those_o sin_n which_o they_o will_v not_o forsake_v they_o will_v confess_v they_o to_o the_o priest_n they_o will_v receive_v his_o absolution_n they_o will_v most_o due_o perform_v the_o penance_n which_o be_v prescribe_v they_o by_o the_o priest_n give_v so_o much_o alm_n say_v so_o many_o prayer_n pass_v through_o a_o course_n of_o so_o many_o fast_n and_o when_o they_o have_v find_v out_o these_o shift_n then_o will_v they_o believe_v their_o sin_n forgive_v although_o they_o wilful_o still_o retain_v they_o they_o will_v believe_v that_o this_o be_v so_o in_o spite_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o and_o the_o plain_a design_n of_o christianity_n they_o will_v have_v a_o creed_n which_o shall_v allow_v they_o in_o their_o lust_n though_o clear_o contrary_a to_o that_o gospel_n which_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o from_o whence_o observe_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v secure_a of_o truth_n who_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o real_a piety_n nor_o be_v he_o likely_a to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o obey_v it_o 3._o hence_o we_o understand_v that_o the_o only_a safe_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n aright_o to_o know_v what_o true_a religion_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n eternal_a be_v such_o a_o sincere_a disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o render_v we_o willing_a to_o obey_v whatsoever_o god_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o for_o so_o be_v the_o gospel_n propound_v to_o we_o that_o whosoever_o be_v so_o dispose_v will_v ready_o believe_v and_o entertain_v it_o upon_o the_o evidence_n which_o attend_v it_o see_v nothing_o obscure_v nothing_o eclipse_n this_o evidence_n but_o a_o aversation_n to_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v command_v in_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n no_o precept_n no_o promise_n or_o threat_v in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n that_o contradict_v the_o hope_n or_o interest_n of_o any_o man_n that_o be_v real_o good_a it_o be_v no_o interest_n of_o good_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o christ_n shall_v not_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o judge_v it_o by_o these_o law_n which_o be_v prescribe_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v no_o interest_n of_o good_a man_n that_o any_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v command_v which_o be_v command_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o every_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v forbid_v which_o the_o same_o gospel_n do_v forbid_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v most_o suitable_a not_o only_o to_o the_o judgement_n and_o reason_n but_o to_o the_o inclination_n of_o good_a man_n that_o god_n shall_v command_v we_o to_o love_v himself_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o that_o he_o shall_v command_v all_o the_o virtue_n that_o be_v command_v in_o the_o gospel_n truth_n justice_n temperance_n patience_n meekness_n humility_n and_o the_o like_a that_o he_o shall_v forbid_v what_o be_v forbid_v pride_n and_o covetousness_n and_o animosity_n fornication_n adultery_n and_o excess_n it_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o reason_n and_o hope_n that_o he_o shall_v distribute_v reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n according_a to_o man_n behaviour_n here_o and_o whosoever_o be_v thus_o prepare_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n will_v neither_o reject_v nor_o misbelieve_v it_o nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n especial_o see_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o guide_v and_o assist_v they_o with_o his_o spirit_n who_o be_v resign_v unto_o his_o will_n and_o willing_a to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v they_o observe_v we_o then_o the_o great_a security_n that_o good_a man_n have_v of_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n which_o be_v needful_a unto_o their_o salvation_n observe_v what_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o be_v guide_v into_o all_o such_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v upright_o and_o sincere_a it_o be_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_v willing_a to_o do_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o require_v of_o we_o if_o you_o find_v this_o willingness_n in_o yourselves_o suffer_v not_o yourselves_o to_o be_v overbear_v with_o their_o confidence_n who_o vain_o boast_v of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o most_o pernicious_a error_n and_o in_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o scripture_n truth_n be_v plain_a to_o they_o that_o love_v it_o to_o they_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v it_o but_o as_o for_o they_o that_o be_v insincere_a that_o have_v no_o hearty_a love_n to_o it_o the_o plain_a thing_n be_v obscure_a to_o they_o shower_n and_o snare_n be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o froward_a prov._n 22.5_o which_o way_n soever_o they_o turn_v themselves_o 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 god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n 2_o thes_n 10.11_o 4._o now_o therefore_o let_v the_o consideration_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o point_n persuade_v sincerity_n towards_o god_n persuade_v to_o willingness_n to_o obedience_n in_o every_o instance_n whatsoever_o sincerity_n be_v that_o which_o do_v dispose_v we_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v all_o needful_a truth_n sincerity_n be_v that_o which_o god_n will_v bless_v with_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n sincerity_n be_v that_o which_o he_o will_v reward_v not_o only_o with_o his_o conduct_n here_o but_o also_o with_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o everlasting_a life_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o fourteen_o sermon_n malach._n 1._o 6._o if_o then_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n be_v thus_o a_o son_n honour_v his_o father_n and_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n if_o then_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n there_o be_v several_a relative_a name_n or_o title_n give_v to_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n among_o which_o be_v these_o of_o father_n and_o master_n he_o be_v style_v our_o father_n because_o we_o receive_v life_n from_o he_o he_o be_v call_v our_o master_n because_o he_o have_v a_o just_a dominion_n over_o we_o and_o because_o he_o be_v such_o a_o father_n to_o we_o as_o have_v create_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o therefore_o be_v we_o entire_o he_o and_o because_o we_o be_v entire_o so_o therefore_o be_v he_o such_o a_o master_n as_o have_v most_o absolute_a and_o most_o sovereign_a dominion_n over_o we_o upon_o which_o account_n he_o may_v and_o do_v require_v the_o high_a love_n and_o fear_v and_o the_o most_o sincere_a obedience_n from_o we_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o in_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o prophet_n here_o apply_v himself_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o expostulation_n if_o then_o i_o be_v father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o these_o two_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v honour_n and_o fear_v apart_o and_o distinct_o from_o one_o another_o but_o rather_o observe_v that_o such_o a_o honour_n be_v due_a to_o god_n as_o comprehend_v a_o fear_n in_o it_o and_o such_o a_o fear_n as_o also_o contain_v a_o honour_n in_o it_o from_o both_o which_o thing_n put_v together_o there_o result_v a_o filial_a awe_n or_o reverence_n which_o be_v compound_v of_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o love_n to_o god_n as_o he_o be_v our_o father_n and_o then_o of_o fear_n as_o he_o be_v our_o master_n this_o reverence_n than_o be_v the_o duty_n suggest_v in_o the_o word_n before_o we_o which_o i_o shall_v pursue_v in_o this_o method_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o the_o degree_n of_o reverence_n which_o god_n require_v 2._o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o
contradiction_n to_o it_o 4._o to_o which_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o consideration_n to_o produce_v this_o reverence_n towards_o god_n both_o in_o itself_o and_o in_o it_o essect_v and_o to_o restrain_v we_o from_o all_o contradiction_n to_o it_o 1._o and_o for_o the_o first_o the_o degree_n of_o reverence_n which_o god_n require_v can_v be_v no_o jest_n than_o the_o very_o great_a that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o for_o whereas_o the_o reverence_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n conlist_n as_o i_o say_v of_o love_n and_o fear_v 1._o both_o these_o be_v express_o require_v by_o god_n in_o the_o very_o high_a and_o great_a measure_n such_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o love_n to_o god_n command_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o matt._n 22.37_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n to_o which_o he_o add_v that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o indispensable_o that_o be_v require_v this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o such_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o fear_n also_o which_o christ_n command_v towards_o god_n luk._n 12.4_o 5._o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v forewarn_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o which_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v have_v power_n to_o cast_v into_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o where_o both_o the_o motive_n which_o he_o propound_v pound_n to_o excite_v and_o awake_v this_o fear_n in_o we_o which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o very_a danger_n of_o hell_n itself_o and_o the_o reduplication_n of_o the_o command_n fear_v he_o who_o i_o shall_v mention_v to_o you_o yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o evident_o show_v that_o god_n require_v the_o high_a measure_n of_o fear_n from_o we_o 2._o now_o god_n have_v demand_v the_o grrate_a measure_n of_o filial_a reverence_n of_o love_n and_o fear_n 1._o in_o conformity_n to_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n both_o in_o itself_o and_o towards_o we_o and_o to_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n which_o he_o have_v over_o we_o and_o all_o his_o creature_n which_o be_v most_o absolute_a and_o entire_a he_o be_v so_o good_a as_o that_o he_o merit_v our_o high_a love_n he_o be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o demand_v the_o high_a fear_n he_o be_v such_o a_o father_n as_o that_o his_o admirable_a bounty_n to_o we_o aught_o to_o inflame_v all_o within_o we_o with_o the_o great_a love_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o he_o be_v such_o a_o master_n whole_a infinite_a greatness_n in_o himself_o and_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o aught_o to_o create_v the_o great_a fear_n 2._o especial_o see_v that_o low_a measure_n of_o love_n and_o fear_n than_o those_o we_o have_v for_o any_o thing_n else_o will_v not_o secure_v our_o duty_n to_o he_o for_o suppose_v we_o love_v any_o thing_n or_o person_n in_o all_o the_o world_n more_o than_o we_o love_v god_n himself_o then_o when_o that_o thing_n or_o that_o person_n come_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o the_o love_n we_o have_v for_o either_o of_o these_o will_v overcome_v our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o cause_v the_o neglect_n or_o the_o violation_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o thus_o in_o truth_n it_o come_v to_o pal_o that_o the_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n the_o delight_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n resist_v and_o baffle_v and_o overcome_v man_n obligation_n to_o god_n almighty_a they_o love_v these_o thing_n more_o than_o they_o love_v god_n himself_o and_o so_o that_o love_n command_v their_o will_n rule_v their_o affection_n govern_v their_o thought_n form_n their_o design_n in_o contradiction_n to_o god_n command_n and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n they_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o the_o world_n to_o the_o wealth_n and_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v enslave_v and_o overcome_v by_o their_o inordinate_a love_n to_o they_o for_o of_o who_o a_o man_n be_v overcome_v of_o the_o same_o be_v he_o bring_v in_o bondage_n 2_o pet._n 2.19_o and_o then_o again_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n suppose_v we_o fear_v any_o person_n or_o thing_n more_o than_o god_n and_o his_o displeasure_n and_o the_o severe_a effect_n thereof_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o the_o great_a fear_n must_v conquer_v and_o overcome_v the_o less_o whensoever_o there_o fall_v a_o contest_v between_o they_o it_o will_v so_o infatuate_a and_o blind_a the_o man_n possess_v and_o overawe_v by_o it_o as_o to_o throw_v he_o into_o a_o great_a danger_n namely_o that_o of_o future_a misery_n that_o he_o may_v at_o present_a escape_n a_o lesser_a that_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o wealth_n or_o power_n or_o reputation_n any_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o loss_n whereof_o he_o more_o resent_v than_o that_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o reward_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o lord_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o allow_v no_o fear_n of_o the_o very_a loss_n of_o life_n itself_o in_o compare_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n displeasure_n luk._n 12.4_o 5._o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o allow_v no_o love_n neither_o to_o the_o near_a relation_n and_o concernment_n which_o may_v not_o due_o be_v style_v hatred_n and_o be_v so_o style_v by_o he_o himself_o in_o comparison_n with_o that_o we_o owe_v to_o he_o luk._n 14.26_o namely_o because_o the_o great_a love_n and_o the_o great_a fear_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o high_a reverence_n be_v due_a to_o god_n a_o less_o reverence_n than_o this_o be_v will_v not_o answer_v god_n express_a command_n less_o than_o this_o will_v not_o comport_v with_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n in_o itself_o with_o his_o admirable_a bounty_n towards_o we_o or_o with_o his_o entire_a dominion_n over_o we_o less_o than_o this_o will_v not_o secure_v our_o duty_n to_o he_o 2._o have_v thus_o dispatch_v the_o first_o general_n where_o i_o have_v show_v the_o degree_n of_o reverence_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n proceed_v we_o now_o unto_o the_o second_o namely_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o the_o rather_o insist_v upon_o because_o there_o be_v few_o but_o will_v at_o least_o profess_v a_o awe_n pretend_v a_o reverence_n to_o god_n almighty_a but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o this_o profession_n be_v true_a and_o real_a no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o a_o singular_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v forbid_v so_o true_a be_v this_o that_o the_o very_a pretence_n of_o love_n or_o fear_v to_o god_n almighty_a without_o the_o study_n of_o obedience_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o irreverence_n as_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o this_o a_o contempt_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o suppose_v he_o capable_a to_o be_v deceive_v by_o mere_a profession_n and_o pretence_n or_o to_o be_v charm_v and_o please_v by_o flattery_n where_o he_o know_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o sincerity_n fear_v itself_o where_o it_o be_v serious_a be_v join_v as_o it_o be_v in_o every_o person_n with_o a_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o himself_o can_v fail_v to_o command_v a_o care_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v the_o person_n fear_v fear_n carry_v danger_n in_o its_o eye_n and_o danger_n lay_v a_o severe_a restraint_n upon_o every_o appetite_n and_o inclination_n that_o lead_v unto_o it_o danger_n excite_v we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v and_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o it_o when_o it_o be_v due_o apprehend_v insomuch_o that_o the_o clear_a and_o firm_a belief_n join_v with_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o misery_n threaten_v to_o disobedience_n can_v but_o check_v and_o restrain_v we_o from_o it_o the_o serious_a belief_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v can_v consist_v with_o wilful_a sin_n and_o disobedience_n for_o such_o belief_n will_v either_o subdue_v and_o overcome_v the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o sin_n or_o else_o these_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n eclipse_v and_o extinguish_v that_o belief_n they_o can_v possible_o dwell_v together_o man_n can_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o evil_a while_o they_o enjoy_v no_o pleasure_n in_o it_o they_o can_v enjoy_v no_o pleasure_n in_o it_o while_o they_o so_o believe_v as_o to_o dread_v the_o punishment_n threaten_v to_o it_o their_o lust_n will_v be_v so_o uneasy_a to_o they_o be_v under_o the_o awe_n of_o fear_n and_o dread_n that_o they_o will_v be_v force_v to_o cast_v they_o off_o for_o their_o own_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o those_o age_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v clearly_a teach_v and_o understand_v produce_v the_o best_a and_o the_o worst_a man_n too_o for_o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v propose_v in_o the_o simplicity_n and_o
reason_n be_v because_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o follow_a discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o matter_n of_o history_n or_o prediction_n but_o only_o of_o matter_n of_o law_n and_o precept_n 2._o and_o then_o further_o as_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n signify_v the_o precept_n deliver_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o when_o our_o lord_n assure_v his_o hearer_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v those_o precept_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o thwart_v or_o oppose_v or_o contradict_v they_o or_o any_o thing_n which_o god_n design_v in_o they_o for_o so_o be_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d take_v in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o scripture_n 3._o and_o last_o when_o he_o further_o add_v that_o he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v those_o precept_n his_o sense_n necessary_o must_v be_v this_o that_o he_o come_v to_o advance_v and_o improve_v or_o accomplish_v whatsoever_o god_n intend_v in_o they_o have_v now_o sufficient_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n before_o we_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o several_a part_n contain_v in_o they_o 1._o and_o first_o of_o all_o of_o the_o negative_a part_n i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n 2._o and_o second_o of_o that_o which_o be_v affirmative_a but_o i_o be_o come_v to_o fulfil_v they_o in_o my_o discourse_n on_o both_o which_o part_n it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o consider_v the_o several_a kind_n of_o law_n or_o precept_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n moral_a ceremonial_a and_o judicial_a apart_o or_o several_o by_o themselves_o 1._o and_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o negative_a part_n plain_o it_o be_v 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o our_o lord_n do_v no_o way_n contradict_v any_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n but_o leave_v his_o follower_n under_o perpetual_a obligation_n to_o obey_v all_o precept_n of_o that_o kind_n all_o thing_n say_v he_o whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o to_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n matt._n 7.12_o where_o we_o find_v he_o confirm_v that_o general_a rule_n which_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n have_v deliver_v touch_v our_o duty_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n and_o consequent_o settle_v all_o particular_a act_n of_o duty_n which_o the_o moral_a law_n require_v towards_o they_o by_o the_o confirmation_n of_o that_o rule_n the_o same_o be_v do_v as_o to_o our_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n matt._n 22.37_o 39_o where_o he_o establish_v and_o approve_v the_o two_o great_a command_n of_o the_o law_n that_o we_o love_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o whereunto_o he_o present_o add_v these_o word_n on_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n aim_v at_o in_o all_o their_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n and_o these_o have_v christ_n confirm_v and_o ratify_v but_o no_o way_n prejudice_v by_o the_o gospel_n i_o say_v not_o now_o how_o much_o more_o holy_a rule_n of_o life_n our_o lord_n have_v give_v in_o several_a case_n than_o be_v give_v by_o the_o law_n or_o prophet_n of_o that_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n anon_o all_o that_o i_o now_o observe_v unto_o you_o be_v that_o a_o addition_n of_o high_a precept_n of_o obedience_n be_v no_o destruction_n or_o violation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o high_a as_o they_o but_o real_o a_o improvement_n of_o they_o just_o as_o the_o growth_n of_o a_o child_n to_o a_o man_n be_v no_o destruction_n but_o a_o improvement_n of_o the_o person_n or_o as_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o virtue_n include_v but_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o less_o from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o although_o our_o lord_n have_v add_v perfect_a rule_n of_o holiness_n than_o the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n have_v deliver_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o destroy_v they_o by_o so_o do_v but_o further_o improve_v what_o they_o design_v but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o reconcil_a our_o saviour_n word_n i_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n with_o what_o he_o do_v as_o to_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o law_n but_o with_o what_o befall_v its_o other_o branch_n namely_o the_o ceremonial_a and_o judicial_a both_o which_o part_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n after_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v in_o it_o and_o yet_o in_o truth_n he_o do_v not_o destroy_v either_o of_o they_o in_o the_o sense_n wherein_o destruction_n be_v take_v in_o these_o word_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o do_v not_o oppose_v or_o contradict_v they_o or_o otherwise_o behave_v himself_o towards_o they_o than_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n 2._o he_o do_v not_o violate_v much_o less_o oppose_v any_o precept_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o cause_v the_o law_n itself_o to_o cease_v not_o by_o any_o opposition_n to_o it_o but_o by_o remove_a all_o occasion_n of_o any_o further_a use_n of_o it_o as_o the_o law_n of_o war_n be_v not_o violate_v but_o cease_v and_o take_v no_o place_n in_o peace_n he_o introduce_v that_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n design_v the_o introduce_v the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v foreshadowed_a in_o that_o law_n and_o so_o he_o make_v it_o cease_v and_o vanish_v not_o by_o oppose_v or_o contradict_v but_o by_o accomplish_v the_o end_n of_o it_o as_o it_o will_v further_o appear_v to_o you_o when_o i_o shall_v show_v how_o he_o fufil_v it_o 3._o nor_o last_o do_v our_o lord_n destroy_v that_o be_v violate_v or_o contradict_v the_o judicial_a part_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n namely_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n for_o that_o law_n fall_v of_o itself_o in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n when_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v destroy_v when_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n be_v carry_v away_o into_o captivity_n when_o the_o whole_a government_n be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o country_n become_v a_o roman_a province_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n and_o so_o a_o end_n of_o those_o law_n whereby_o that_o commonwealth_n be_v govern_v for_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n be_v not_o give_v save_v only_o to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n nor_o be_v they_o design_v to_o continue_v long_o than_o the_o commonwealth_n itself_o continue_v so_o that_o when_o this_o be_v once_o dissolve_v those_o also_o fell_a of_o their_o own_o accord_n without_o any_o violation_n offer_v unto_o they_o by_o our_o saviour_n from_o all_o which_o several_a consideration_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o destroy_v or_o oppose_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n or_o any_o precept_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o behave_v himself_o to_o either_o of_o they_o as_o one_o that_o come_v to_o oppose_v or_o thwart_v they_o so_o careful_a be_v he_o to_o give_v no_o scandal_n to_o create_v no_o real_a offence_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o contradict_v in_o any_o precept_n moral_a ceremonial_a or_o judicial_a which_o the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n have_v establish_v 2._o have_v show_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o negative_a part_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n which_o be_v that_o he_o come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v either_o the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o other_o part_n wherein_o he_o affirm_v that_o he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v they_o that_o be_v as_o i_o have_v before_o explain_v it_o to_o improve_v and_o accomplish_v what_o they_o contain_v and_o what_o be_v main_o design_v in_o they_o and_o here_o proceed_v in_o that_o method_n which_o i_o have_v use_v in_o the_o former_a part_n 1._o i_o first_o observe_v that_o our_o bless_a lord_n fulfil_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o law_n by_o give_v strict_a rule_n of_o holiness_n than_o either_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n have_v former_o give_v unto_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o the_o receive_a sense_n among_o the_o best_a of_o their_o interpreter_n and_o no_o doubt_n in_o several_a case_n strict_a than_o moses_n himself_o design_v and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n wherein_z st_n chrysostom_n and_o tertullian_n and_o divers_a other_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n affirm_v our_o saviour_n to_o have_v fulfil_v the_o moral_a law_n as_o well_o as_o by_o personal_a obedience_n to_o it_o they_o teach_v that_o he_o fill_v up_o those_o vacuity_n that_o moses_n have_v leave_v in_o moral_a duty_n because_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v they_o