according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o their_o common_a prayer_n and_o worship_n for_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o for_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n stand_v that_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o have_v be_v torment_v many_o of_o they_o not_o accept_v deliverance_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o here_o say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v etc._n etc._n have_v also_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n also_o confess_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o deni_v i_o before_o man_n shall_v be_v deny_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.8_o 9_o so_o that_o although_o confess_v christ_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o enough_o for_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o necessary_a to_o it_o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o that_o force_n that_o one_o may_v conclude_v nothing_o else_o be_v want_v and_o that_o be_v when_o we_o confess_v with_o great_a hazard_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n but_o one_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v sometime_o so_o exceed_o praiseworthy_a and_o signify_v all_o other_o necessary_a quality_n be_v because_o it_o be_v always_o a_o duty_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o breach_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n not_o to_o omit_v it_o when_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o welfare_n in_o this_o world_n require_v we_o to_o forbear_v in_o a_o word_n confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n assemble_v ourselves_o together_o for_o prayer_n baptism_n and_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o every_o other_o part_n of_o outward_a religion_n in_o which_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n stand_v be_v all_o of_o they_o require_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o charity_n to_o man_n and_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n do_v require_v it_o also_o 1._o the_o honour_n of_o god_n do_v plain_o require_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v by_o we_o i._n e._n confess_v praise_v and_o pray_v unto_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o all_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v not_o only_o in_o private_a single_o but_o in_o public_a joint_o unless_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o we_o have_v reason_n and_o speech_n give_v to_o we_o for_o transact_v common_a affair_n of_o the_o least_o moment_n and_o not_o of_o the_o great_a viz._n those_o which_o concern_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o david_n in_o the_o psalm_n call_v his_o tongue_n his_o glory_n because_o he_o do_v therewith_o praise_n and_o confess_v and_o glorify_v god_n among_o man_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v not_o only_o exhort_v to_o glorify_v god_n with_o our_o mind_n but_o with_o our_o mouth_n too_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a at_o first_o fight_n than_o that_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v as_o it_o be_v most_o fit_a he_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n and_o 2._o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o less_o requisite_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o we_o in_o charity_n be_v to_o contribute_v what_o we_o can_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o common_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n than_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o although_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o our_o very_a nature_n yet_o as_o many_o other_o natural_a inclination_n may_v be_v strange_o weaken_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v if_o it_o be_v not_o support_v by_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o what_o be_v there_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o common_a sense_n of_o religion_n than_o a_o common_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o this_o be_v every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o all_o man_n shall_v encourage_v and_o animate_v one_o another_o nor_o can_v any_o one_o single_a person_n withdraw_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o so_o do_v he_o grow_v a_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v he_o teach_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o but_o then_o 3._o above_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n require_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o for_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n but_o in_o meet_v together_o also_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a instance_n of_o outward_a profession_n for_o when_o our_o lord_n institute_v a_o church_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v afterward_o gather_v man_n to_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o he_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o gospel_n a_o part_n of_o christianity_n for_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o believer_n shall_v be_v a_o body_n or_o a_o society_n as_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o man_n that_o live_v without_o christian_a communion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o without_o christian_a profession_n can_v right_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a but_o have_v rather_o renounce_v his_o baptism_n by_o declare_v in_o effect_n that_o although_o he_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n church_n yet_o now_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o if_o the_o secret_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o appearance_n of_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o such_o a_o person_n will_v deserve_v very_o ill_o of_o christianity_n to_o conceal_v his_o belief_n for_o it_o be_v by_o our_o profession_n of_o it_o that_o it_o must_v be_v uphold_v in_o the_o world_n and_o propagate_v among_o those_o that_o do_v not_o yet_o receive_v it_o and_o he_o that_o dissemble_v his_o faith_n do_v therefore_o his_o part_n and_o give_v his_o consent_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o among_o other_o reason_n the_o gospel_n require_v that_o believer_n shall_v profess_v their_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o visible_a communion_n of_o worshipper_n that_o so_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v that_o wickedness_n among_o man_n that_o so_o holy_a a_o doctrine_n as_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o be_v ready_o entertain_v and_o there_o be_v that_o folly_n and_o superstition_n everywhere_o that_o so_o reasonable_a and_o excellent_a a_o worship_n as_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v be_v not_o apt_a to_o take_v with_o most_o people_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n error_n and_o superstition_n be_v thing_n that_o man_n will_v run_v into_o of_o themselves_o when_o therefore_o our_o lord_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o way_n how_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v and_o serve_v he_o do_v therefore_o make_v his_o disciple_n a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o purity_n that_o his_o doctrine_n may_v spread_v in_o the_o world_n and_o keep_v all_o the_o ground_n it_o shall_v gain_v by_o every_o man_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n for_o which_o reason_n origen_n think_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n he_o mean_v by_o the_o rock_n every_o christian_a that_o shall_v do_v as_o st._n peter_n have_v do_v i._n e._n who_o shall_v make_v open_a confession_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o st._n peter_n confess_v because_o the_o profession_n of_o every_o christian_a do_v something_o to_o support_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n a_o great_a many_o more_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o say_v unto_o christ_n lord_n lord_n i._n e._n a_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a duty_n stand_v upon_o plain_a command_n and_o plain_a reason_n nay_o so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n no_o though_o it_o shall_v bring_v never_o so_o much_o trouble_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o world_n
and_o their_o part_n quick_a than_o those_o of_o the_o sincere_a and_o godly_a and_o moreover_o that_o some_o wicked_a man_n have_v arrive_v to_o great_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n than_o thousand_o of_o religious_a person_n ever_o have_v to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o equality_n of_o other_o mean_n and_o ability_n he_o that_o be_v sincere_a towards_o god_n have_v many_o advantage_n above_o a_o wicked_a man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n to_o which_o the_o wicked_a may_v possible_o arrive_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n proper_a to_o the_o godly_a which_o the_o other_o continue_v as_o he_o be_v can_v never_o gain_v now_o if_o that_o which_o be_v possible_o to_o both_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o certain_o attain_v by_o the_o good_a man_n suppose_v to_o be_v equal_a in_o other_o respect_n to_o the_o wicked_a if_o there_o be_v something_o also_o that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a though_o in_o other_o respect_n never_o so_o superior_a to_o the_o good_a man_n then_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n disparage_v by_o the_o pretence_n now_o mention_v but_o we_o have_v still_o as_o great_a reason_n to_o take_v his_o method_n as_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o first_o now_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v out_o by_o the_o follow_a discourse_n first_o of_o all_o that_o suppose_v the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a to_o be_v equal_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o understanding_n and_o equal_o to_o enjoy_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n the_o former_a have_v great_a advantage_n above_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o both_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o general_a argument_n 1._o that_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n with_o a_o religious_a life_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o attain_v knowledge_n and_o that_o the_o contrary_a disposition_n and_o course_n of_o life_n render_v a_o man_n very_o unfit_a to_o discern_v divine_a truth_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v many_o great_a promise_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n make_v to_o godly_a man_n and_o to_o none_o else_o but_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n he_o have_v threaten_v and_o by_o the_o same_o justice_n do_v often_o infatuate_a the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wicked_a 1._o that_o a_o sincere_a intent_n towards_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n be_v a_o fit_a mean_n of_o itself_o to_o attain_v knowledge_n for_o in_o the_o one_a place_n it_o take_v in_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o any_o other_o way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o be_v search_v the_o scripture_n a_o good_a mean_n do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n include_v that_o for_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v search_v the_o scripture_n be_v harken_v to_o our_o sipritual_a guide_n another_o way_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o that_o labour_n among_o we_o and_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v we_o be_v a_o impartial_a examination_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n in_o christendom_n pretend_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n be_v it_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o argue_v from_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v in_o the_o command_n of_o try_v their_o doctrine_n who_o pretend_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o revelation_n be_v it_o of_o any_o use_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o ancient_a church_n if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v not_o hinder_v but_o further_v by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o always_o suppose_v a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o sincerity_n give_v a_o prosperous_a influence_n to_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o diligent_a and_o learned_a whereas_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n do_v mix_v itself_o with_o the_o study_n of_o man_n and_o infect_v they_o with_o a_o secret_a disloyalty_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o do_v most_o common_o blast_v their_o endeavour_n through_o the_o corruptness_n of_o their_o end_n make_v they_o bend_v their_o wit_n not_o so_o much_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o to_o serve_v their_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n that_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o any_o other_o way_n be_v include_v in_o this_o 2._o the_o obedient_a and_o honest_a mind_n be_v peculiar_o fit_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a and_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v but_o not_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o passion_n of_o the_o untractable_a to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n accommodate_v his_o instruction_n to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o willing_a but_o when_o he_o meet_v with_o the_o captious_a pharisee_n he_o return_v they_o answer_n like_o their_o question_n design_v rather_o to_o silence_v their_o arrogance_n than_o to_o inform_v they_o and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n for_o he_o perceive_v all_o that_o labour_n be_v lose_v upon_o man_n of_o their_o perverse_a mind_n which_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v those_o there_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o modest_a and_o disintere_v thus_o after_o they_o have_v be_v cavil_v at_o his_o doctrine_n he_o ask_v they_o who_o son_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v they_o say_v david_n if_o david_n then_o say_v he_o call_v he_o lord_n how_o be_v he_o his_o son_n where_o he_o leave_v they_o speechless_a without_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n for_o he_o know_v reason_n will_v not_o serve_v they_o so_o when_o they_o ask_v he_o by_o what_o authority_n he_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v and_o this_o after_o they_o they_o have_v know_v his_o wonderful_a work_n he_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v they_o a_o direct_a answer_n but_o reply_n to_o their_o question_n with_o another_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v it_o from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n he_o know_v they_o will_v say_v they_o can_v not_o tell_v neither_o tell_v i_o you_o say_v he_o by_o what_o authority_n i_o do_v these_o thing_n how_o evident_a and_o reasonable_a soever_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v it_o be_v not_o deliver_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o shall_v certain_o prevail_v against_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a but_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o will_v satisfy_v all_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o follow_v it_o hereby_o god_n have_v make_v great_a distinction_n between_o the_o humble_a and_o honest_a on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o proud_a and_o insincere_a on_o the_o other_o while_o the_o best_a knowledge_n be_v easy_a and_o ready_a to_o the_o former_a but_o in_o comparison_n hard_a to_o the_o latter_a 3._o due_a reverence_n and_o love_n of_o god_n word_n be_v itself_o apt_a to_o promote_v the_o understanding_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n which_o the_o good_a man_n have_v above_o all_o other_o what_o a_o man_n admire_v and_o delight_n in_o engage_v his_o whole_a soul_n and_o make_v it_o all_o attention_n and_o in_o that_o posture_n the_o mind_n apprehend_v more_o ready_o and_o clear_o on_o the_o other_o side_n no_o man_n make_v a_o good_a proficiency_n in_o that_o which_o he_o study_v with_o a_o alienate_v mind_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v since_o he_o do_v not_o put_v his_o strength_n to_o the_o work_n and_o his_o soul_n be_v hardly_o present_a with_o the_o 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life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o his_o heart_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o good_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o verse_v in_o subtle_a reason_n as_o in_o religious_a practice_n can_v be_v shake_v by_o the_o objection_n of_o a_o sophister_n because_o they_o have_v that_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o excellency_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v above_o all_o other_o argument_n they_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n and_o can_v therefore_o be_v entangle_v by_o any_o artificial_a objection_n against_o it_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o pleasure_n which_o a_o man_n find_v in_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n be_v always_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n that_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n that_o weaken_v the_o obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n 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so_o call_v also_o and_o which_o the_o scripture_n require_v either_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_v to_o some_o needful_a truth_n which_o perhaps_o do_v not_o often_o happen_v or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o distinct_a and_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o application_n to_o themselves_o which_o happen_v more_o often_o or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o frequent_a assent_v of_o a_o permanent_a persuasion_n fix_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o consideration_n which_o i_o doubt_n be_v the_o frequent_a defect_n but_o now_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o bare_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n but_o moreover_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v root_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n that_o christ_n shall_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v plain_o to_o require_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o 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he_o make_v and_o still_o preserve_v and_o more_o particular_o that_o he_o govern_v mankind_n in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n by_o prescribe_v moral_a law_n to_o he_o and_o expect_v obedience_n from_o he_o that_o he_o see_v and_z takes_z notice_n of_o all_o our_o action_n that_o he_o observe_v all_o that_o we_o do_v and_o all_o that_o we_o suffer_v and_o superintend_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o be_v clear_a by_o natural_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o providence_n and_o that_o upon_o several_a ground_n i_o shall_v instance_n but_o in_o one_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o make_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v regard_v and_o govern_v by_o he_o afterward_o i._n e_fw-la to_o be_v a_o creator_n and_o not_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o creation_n more_o particular_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o create_v such_o a_o be_v as_o man_n who_o faculty_n teach_v he_o that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o honour_v his_o creator_n and_o receive_v good_a from_o he_o and_o then_o not_o to_o regard_v whether_o he_o be_v honour_v by_o his_o creature_n or_o no_o and_o to_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o chance_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o himself_o but_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a and_o evident_a from_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n in_o their_o serviceableness_n and_o usefulness_n to_o man_n that_o god_n do_v still_o govern_v the_o material_a world_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o good_a of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a instance_n of_o his_o providence_n over_o they_o and_o that_o he_o mind_n and_o regard_v they_o now_o without_o the_o belief_n hereof_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o man_n can_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o god_n 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governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o action_n 3._o it_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o man_n believe_v that_o with_o some_o thing_n god_n be_v please_v and_o that_o with_o other_o he_o be_v offend_v i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v alter_v and_o take_v away_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v so_o good_a that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v evil_a and_o some_o thing_n so_o evil_a that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v good_a and_o if_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n such_o must_v be_v our_o persuasion_n concern_v good_a and_o evil_a for_o if_o justice_n be_v a_o indispensible_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n then_o be_v there_o a_o eternal_a relation_n between_o a_o promise_n and_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o fidelity_n and_o truth_n shall_v ever_o cease_v to_o be_v fit_v lovely_a and_o beautiful_a 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law_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v terrify_v and_o punish_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o evil_n when_o they_o transgress_v that_o law_n cherish_v and_o reward_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o good_a when_o they_o observe_v it_o it_o be_v this_o sense_n that_o give_v they_o courage_n and_o assurance_n when_o they_o do_v well_o and_o that_o touch_v their_o guilty_a mind_n with_o remorse_n and_o make_v they_o tremble_v when_o they_o do_v ill_a i_o will_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n in_o sin_n to_o blot_v out_o these_o apprehension_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o let_v a_o man_n conscience_n be_v sear_v never_o so_o incurable_o though_o he_o have_v no_o inward_a sense_n to_o inform_v he_o perpetual_o of_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n yet_o that_o difference_n be_v demonstrable_a to_o he_o from_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o that_o be_v the_o most_o irrefragable_a way_n of_o prove_v it_o against_o the_o most_o harden_a sinner_n but_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o belief_n hereof_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o please_a of_o god_n for_o what_o though_o a_o man_n believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n if_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v by_o the_o do_n of_o which_o god_n be_v please_v he_o will_v never_o take_v care_n to_o please_v he_o by_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v some_o thing_n there_o be_v by_o the_o do_v whereof_o god_n be_v displease_v he_o can_v never_o be_v afraid_a of_o offend_v he_o by_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n if_o he_o think_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n he_o can_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o make_v or_o observe_v any_o such_o difference_n in_o his_o action_n unless_o he_o believe_v that_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o practice_n virtue_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o rewardable_a by_o he_o nothing_o can_v effectual_o oblige_v he_o thereunto_o unless_o he_o believe_v the_o contrary_a to_o be_v evil_a displease_v and_o punishable_a no_o religious_a belief_n whatsoever_o can_v deter_v he_o from_o it_o so_o that_o to_o believe_v this_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n between_o thing_n that_o god_n be_v please_v withal_o and_o wherewith_o he_o be_v displease_v be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v and_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o fundamental_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a and_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v
know_v will_v perish_v in_o a_o little_a time_n before_o those_o that_o will_v never_o end_v which_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o which_o we_o believe_v and_o doubt_v as_o little_a of_o as_o if_o we_o see_v they_o if_o we_o choose_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o those_o unworthy_a to_o be_v choose_v by_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o they_o before_o those_o pleasure_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o the_o four_o sermon_n st._n matth_n xi_o 28._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n no_o kind_n of_o grief_n sit_v so_o heavy_a upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o that_o which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o just_a fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o because_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o promise_n of_o rest_n can_v not_o mean_v to_o exclude_v those_o that_o labour_n under_o the_o great_a weight_n but_o rather_o to_o invite_v they_o above_o all_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o this_o time_n consider_v what_o that_o rest_n be_v which_o he_o promise_v to_o guilty_a mind_n persuade_v myself_o that_o as_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v more_o profitable_a so_o none_o will_v be_v more_o welcome_a and_o grateful_a to_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v so_o bewitch_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o feel_v not_o the_o sting_n of_o it_o who_o drown_v the_o cry_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o noise_n of_o laughter_n and_o madness_n these_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v this_o miserable_a shift_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o desire_v other_o relief_n nor_o do_v they_o care_v where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o they_o who_o apprehend_v how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o that_o their_o sin_n have_v make_v they_o liable_a to_o his_o justice_n they_o indeed_o be_v prepare_v to_o obey_v the_o call_n of_o jesus_n and_o to_o try_v if_o he_o will_v perform_v what_o he_o promise_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a prerogative_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o alone_o can_v pacify_v the_o conscience_n and_o give_v ease_n to_o a_o mind_n that_o labour_v under_o the_o weighty_a care_n of_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o offend_a majesty_n of_o god_n it_o give_v that_o satisfaction_n i_o mean_v which_o in_o the_o end_n will_v not_o deceive_v and_o no_o other_o be_v to_o be_v value_v for_o what_o be_o i_o the_o better_a for_o a_o false_a assurance_n that_o all_o be_v well_o which_o perhaps_o will_v vanish_v to_o morrow_n and_o then_o leave_v i_o under_o a_o amaze_a disappointment_n which_o the_o long_o it_o last_v make_v my_o danger_n the_o great_a and_o if_o it_o last_v to_o the_o end_n of_o my_o life_n have_v all_o along_o hinder_v i_o from_o use_v the_o true_a mean_n of_o safety_n what_o be_v this_o better_a than_o a_o pleasant_a dream_n that_o hold_v a_o man_n fast_o asleep_a while_o the_o fire_n be_v rage_a in_o his_o house_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o wake_v he_o till_o the_o flame_n have_v cut_v off_o everry_n way_n by_o which_o he_o may_v escape_v therefore_o when_o our_o lord_n promise_v that_o we_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o our_o soul_n he_o do_v undoubted_o mean_a that_o repose_n of_o mind_n those_o comfort_n and_o joy_n that_o will_v not_o betray_v we_o in_o the_o end_n and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o commendation_n of_o that_o rest_n which_o he_o give_v that_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v that_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v stay_v upon_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v safe_o rely_v upon_o second_o the_o rest_n which_o he_o promise_v be_v complete_a and_o full_a and_o in_o that_o respect_n also_o be_v fit_a to_o quiet_a all_o those_o care_n and_o fear_n that_o vex_v the_o mind_n of_o miserable_a sinner_n for_o he_o have_v promise_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o give_v we_o assurance_n of_o god_n particular_a favour_n and_o protection_n nay_o and_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n in_o another_o state_n when_o this_o life_n once_o vanish_v away_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o his_o death_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n he_o have_v require_v we_o to_o be_v once_o baptize_v into_o his_o name_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o repeat_v the_o commemoration_n of_o his_o death_n and_o our_o assurance_n of_o his_o second_o come_v to_o give_v we_o life_n and_o glory_n by_o repeat_v the_o communion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o show_v forth_o his_o death_n till_o he_o come_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o reveal_v and_o the_o authority_n which_o he_o deliver_v to_o his_o church_n be_v all_o a_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o take_v his_o word_n for_o all_o this_o because_o he_o be_v by_o mighty_a proof_n demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o thus_o far_o all_o thing_n be_v as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o and_o nothing_o as_o yet_o appear_v but_o that_o we_o may_v discharge_v every_o unquiet_a thought_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o jesus_n but_o in_o the_o three_o place_n let_v we_o also_o consider_v the_o condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o this_o rest_n and_o this_o true_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o easy_a since_o no_o more_o be_v require_v then_o come_v to_o jesus_n for_o it_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o etc._n etc._n for_o whatever_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o condition_n we_o may_v hope_v that_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a thing_n which_o be_v express_v by_o so_o easy_a a_o word_n and_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o its_o meaning_n elsewhere_o our_o saviour_n say_v i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v so_o that_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o gentle_a condition_n because_o there_o be_v so_o much_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o and_o we_o can_v have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o they_o and_o i_o doubt_v most_o man_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o rest_v here_o without_o travel_v any_o far_o and_o so_o without_o question_n they_o may_v if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n there_o be_v not_o only_o gracious_a promise_n but_o holy_a precept_n also_o and_o that_o so_o great_a a_o stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o keep_v they_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v before_o our_o sin_n remain_v and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o we_o for_o say_v our_o saviour_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n now_o if_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v he_o in_o this_o too_o then_o come_v to_o christ_n must_v of_o necessity_n signify_v more_o than_o bare_a believe_v even_o do_v his_o will_n also_o which_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n be_v express_v by_o learning_n of_o he_o and_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o we_o and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o begin_v to_o fall_v in_o our_o opinion_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o lord_n invitation_n because_o he_o seem_v to_o take_v away_o with_o one_o word_n what_o he_o promise_v with_o another_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n he_o offer_v rest_n on_o the_o other_o he_o require_v labour_n but_o yet_o he_o that_o be_v truth_n have_v say_v that_o if_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o we_o shall_v find_v rest_n and_o withal_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v discourage_v with_o the_o condition_n learn_v of_o i_o say_v he_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n i._n e._n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o submit_v to_o my_o rule_n for_o i_o do_v not_o impose_v they_o in_o pride_n or_o for_o my_o own_o sake_n but_o in_o charity_n for_o you_o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o for_o it_o be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a and_o now_o we_o be_v get_v thus_o far_o we_o may_v with_o this_o encouragement_n venture_v to_o the_o end_n and_o dare_v to_o look_v upon_o every_o circumstance_n which_o seem_v to_o make_v our_o duty_n grievous_a there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o they_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o the_o christian_a law_n require_v and_o the_o penalty_n
of_o disobedience_n 1._o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o require_v a_o more_o exceed_a righteousness_n than_o either_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o christian_a baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o regeneration_n whether_o to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n because_o they_o must_v become_v new_a man_n and_o as_o it_o be_v bear_v again_o by_o live_v up_o to_o those_o divine_a principle_n and_o holy_a rule_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o practise_v that_o piety_n and_o purity_n and_o charity_n in_o all_o their_o conversation_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o than_o enough_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o single_a person_n or_o of_o society_n in_o this_o world_n but_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o here_o be_v these_o cause_n of_o complaint_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o severe_a restraint_n lay_v upon_o our_o natural_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n which_o often_o carry_v we_o as_o violent_o to_o those_o satisfaction_n which_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n forbid_v as_o to_o those_o which_o it_o allow_v there_o be_v in_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n the_o love_n either_o of_o pleasure_n or_o greatness_n or_o revenge_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o inclination_n for_o the_o most_o part_n stiffen_v by_o custom_n so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v a_o christian_n without_o self-denial_n and_o put_v himself_o to_o pain_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v so_o grievous_a that_o as_o jesus_n himself_o have_v describe_v it_o it_o may_v be_v like_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o pull_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n 2._o his_o law_n have_v make_v no_o allowance_n for_o the_o prevail_a opinion_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o common_a account_n to_o forgive_v one_o injury_n be_v to_o be_v expose_v to_o another_o to_o refuse_v a_o challenge_n be_v to_o be_v mark_v for_o a_o coward_n to_o use_v plain_a deal_n be_v the_o way_n to_o die_v a_o beggar_n and_o to_o neglect_v several_a opportunity_n of_o gain_n or_o pleasure_n though_o for_o conscience_n sake_n be_v to_o go_v for_o a_o fool._n but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a thing_n to_o lie_v under_o contempt_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n without_o consideration_n of_o this_o hard_a case_n have_v tie_v we_o up_o to_o contrary_a rule_n and_o express_o require_v we_o not_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o world_n 3._o we_o must_v guard_v ourselves_o against_o innumerable_a temptation_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o lust_n covetousness_n envy_n ambition_n and_o the_o like_a inordinate_a affection_n to_o which_o a_o christian_a must_v by_o no_o mean_n consent_v the_o very_a opportunity_n of_o do_v ill_a be_v in_o some_o case_n hard_a to_o be_v refuse_v and_o moreover_o every_o sin_n have_v its_o proper_a incentives_n which_o beset_v we_o in_o all_o place_n and_o these_o be_v so_o busy_a and_o importunate_a that_o some_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v religious_a without_o retire_v from_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o what_o rest_n can_v there_o be_v in_o perpetual_a circumspection_n and_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o yet_o jesus_n himself_o think_v this_o necessary_a for_o we_o watch_n and_o pray_v say_v he_o that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n 4._o the_o law_n of_o christ_n prescribe_v to_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o overt_a action_n he_o that_o do_v not_o defile_v his_o neighbour_n bed_n may_v be_v a_o adulterer_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n if_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o forbear_v the_o action_n what_o pain_n must_v be_v take_v to_o conquer_v the_o desire_n to_o make_v it_o a_o obedient_a slave_n and_o not_o suffer_v it_o so_o much_o as_o to_o dispute_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o case_n neither_o body_n nor_o mind_n neither_o deed_n nor_o thought_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o terrible_a law_n but_o we_o must_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o suffer_v yet_o if_o need_n be_v we_o must_v take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v always_o in_o mind_n prepare_v to_o endure_v reproach_n the_o loss_n of_o good_n yea_o and_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o this_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o chastisement_n for_o the_o present_a be_v joyous_a but_o grievous_a so_o that_o in_o give_v up_o our_o name_n to_o christ_n we_o seem_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o a_o sea_n of_o trouble_n instead_o of_o make_v to_o a_o haven_n of_o rest_n he_o that_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v jesus_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v but_o that_o which_o make_v all_o more_o grievous_a be_v the_o second_o cause_n of_o complaint_n 2._o the_o penalty_n of_o disobedience_n for_o this_o be_v no_o less_o than_o exclusion_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o more_o intolerable_a sentence_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o those_o shall_v receive_v that_o never_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v in_o which_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o shall_v come_v forth_o they_o that_o have_v do_v good_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o life_n and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o damnation_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o by_o what_o rule_n the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_n shall_v be_v judge_v the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v you_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o now_o that_o we_o have_v hear_v these_o thing_n we_o may_v be_v exceed_o amaze_v as_o our_o lord_n first_o disciple_n be_v when_o they_o hear_v the_o like_a and_o say_v who_o then_o can_v be_v save_v or_o at_o least_o where_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o promise_n be_v so_o hard_a and_o the_o consequence_n so_o terrible_a if_o we_o fail_v of_o the_o condition_n that_o the_o extreme_a danger_n and_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n seem_v to_o create_v a_o new_a trouble_n not_o well_o consistent_a with_o the_o promise_a rest_n he_o be_v indeed_o true_a and_o faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v but_o whilst_o my_o soul_n be_v trouble_v how_o can_v i_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v at_o rest_n how_o therefore_o shall_v we_o bring_v these_o thing_n together_o the_o truth_n be_v nothing_o have_v more_o exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n than_o to_o find_v out_o expedient_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o have_v that_o experience_n of_o human_a frailty_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v on_o the_o other_o that_o i_o never_o lend_v my_o ear_n more_o willing_o than_o to_o he_o that_o show_v i_o a_o easy_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o attaque_v my_o affection_n to_o so_o much_o advantage_n that_o i_o can_v have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o his_o way_n and_o nothing_o but_o evident_a want_n of_o truth_n can_v make_v i_o afraid_a to_o trust_v it_o some_o have_v say_v that_o christ_n himself_o have_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o our_o stead_n and_o that_o upon_o our_o faith_n his_o righteousness_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o justification_n this_o i_o confess_v will_v cut_v the_o knot_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o untie_v for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o gospel_n do_v not_o only_o release_v i_o from_o punishment_n but_o from_o duty_n too_o but_o where_o have_v our_o lord_n or_o his_o apostle_n say_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n indeed_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o save_v i_o from_o god_n angry_a justice_n and_o that_o because_o he_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n offer_v in_o my_o stead_n but_o i_o find_v that_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o i_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o that_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v they_o in_o my_o stead_n too_o nor_o can_v i_o conceive_v how_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o follow_v his_o example_n if_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v into_o a_o good_a reason_n why_o we_o need_v not_o follow_v it_o so_o that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o save_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o become_v a_o new_a man_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o other_o merit_n can_v and_o these_o man_n not_o willing_a to_o trust_v their_o own_o invention_n
do_v at_o last_o confess_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o they_o say_v far_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n leave_v to_o that_o freedom_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o will_n to_o become_v regenerate_v but_o than_o what_o comfort_n do_v this_o persuasion_n leave_v why_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o regeneration_n and_o holiness_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o a_o almighty_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n such_o as_o that_o whereby_o god_n will_v at_o last_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a now_o i_o confess_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o become_v a_o good_a man_n this_o way_n because_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o irresistible_a grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o refuse_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n if_o it_o be_v in_o my_o power_n to_o refuse_v it_o but_o what_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o promise_n of_o such_o grace_n nay_o what_o if_o it_o have_v unless_o i_o know_v how_o to_o obtain_v it_o or_o that_o i_o be_v one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o can_v not_o miss_v it_o what_o if_o i_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o common_a way_n of_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o work_v out_o my_o salvation_n and_o what_o if_o all_o this_o will_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o if_o i_o have_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o be_v this_o the_o rest_n that_o jesus_n have_v promise_v we_o shall_v find_v to_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o therefore_o try_v another_o expedient_a what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o severe_a fast_n and_o penance_n will_v the_o punish_n of_o my_o body_n satisfy_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n this_o i_o think_v will_v almost_o do_v the_o business_n because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a pain_n to_o deny_v a_o crave_v lust_n to_o stop_v a_o grow_a passion_n and_o to_o resist_v a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o wicked_a pleasure_n or_o unjust_a gain_n or_o desire_a revenge_n than_o to_o go_v through_o a_o reasonable_a course_n of_o outward_a mortification_n but_o can_v these_o thing_n compensate_a for_o the_o omission_n of_o necessary_a duty_n or_o satisfy_v for_o the_o commission_n of_o know_a sin_n when_o under_o a_o more_o imperfect_a law_n god_n refuse_v hard_a thing_n than_o these_o shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n no_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n bodily_a austerity_n no_o doubt_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o profitable_a for_o our_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o express_v a_o just_a indignation_n at_o ourselves_o for_o have_v sin_v when_o to_o break_v the_o wicked_a custom_n they_o be_v impose_v as_o penalty_n and_o revenge_n to_o be_v inflict_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v commit_v any_o wicked_a action_n when_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o inward_a trouble_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o make_v we_o weary_a of_o sin_v and_o use_v to_o starve_v and_o mortify_v the_o evil_a appetite_n for_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o keep_v the_o body_n in_o subjection_n but_o if_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v profitable_a unto_o godliness_n and_o help_v to_o make_v the_o soul_n the_o better_a we_o be_v still_o drive_v back_o to_o that_o hard_a point_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o that_o without_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a life_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o god_n pardon_n i_o shall_v try_v but_o one_o refuge_n more_o which_o indeed_o give_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o relief_n and_o that_o be_v what_o comfort_n may_v be_v have_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n wherewith_o christ_n entrust_v his_o church_n when_o he_o say_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v now_o this_o assure_v i_o that_o when_o the_o church_n receive_v i_o by_o baptism_n into_o her_o communion_n she_o give_v i_o a_o right_n to_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o if_o she_o deprive_v i_o of_o it_o by_o excommunication_n she_o can_v by_o absolution_n restore_v i_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v never_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n by_o schism_n nor_o lose_v it_o by_o contempt_n of_o her_o censure_n but_o then_o i_o doubt_v the_o church_n can_v forgive_v sin_n more_o effectual_o than_o god_n do_v who_o be_v thus_o represent_v to_o forgive_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o forgive_v his_o servant_n ten_o thousand_o talent_n he_o forgive_v he_o indeed_o and_o yet_o he_o require_v the_o debt_n afterward_o upon_o his_o unmercifulness_n to_o his_o fellow-servant_n which_o evident_o show_v that_o the_o pardon_n be_v but_o conditional_a so_o likewise_o say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n do_v unto_o you_o and_o the_o church_n can_v do_v more_o than_o god_n do_v who_o himself_o require_v condition_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o give_v to_o man_n the_o power_n of_o dispense_n absolute_a pardon_n unless_o we_o can_v think_v that_o to_o ratify_v the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n he_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o disannul_v his_o own_o and_o because_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o all_o who_o sin_n be_v either_o remit_v or_o retain_v in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o field_n where_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n grow_v together_o the_o time_n not_o be_v yet_o come_v for_o a_o exact_a separation_n for_o these_o reason_n all_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n do_v then_o only_o ensure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n when_o the_o key_n do_v not_o err_v but_o what_o if_o my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o the_o key_n do_v err_v and_o that_o whilst_o i_o do_v not_o forfeit_v the_o church_n peace_n by_o scandalous_a crime_n i_o do_v yet_o depart_v from_o god_n by_o hide_a iniquity_n can_v the_o err_a key_n open_a to_o i_o the_o gate_n of_o everlasting_a life_n i_o will_v fain_o believe_v that_o the_o bring_n of_o these_o secret_a sin_n to_o light_n and_o purpose_v to_o offend_v no_o more_o will_v help_v at_o last_o and_o that_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n can_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v make_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n but_o o_o bless_a jesus_n how_o can_v i_o believe_v that_o thy_o most_o holy_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o rule_n whereby_o to_o confess_v sin_n and_o to_o purpose_n against_o it_o instead_o of_o a_o rule_n oblige_v i_o to_o forsake_v it_o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n if_o we_o leave_v that_o one_o path_n of_o obedience_n we_o may_v try_v a_o thousand_o byway_n but_o the_o truth_n which_o can_v be_v corrupt_v will_v send_v we_o back_o again_o to_o that_o plain_a truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n which_o like_o the_o flame_a sword_n that_o turn_v every_o way_n keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n against_o all_o ungodly_a and_o unrighteous_a man_n if_o therefore_o that_o rest_n which_o our_o lord_n promise_v be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o must_v find_v it_o in_o that_o way_n if_o we_o find_v it_o at_o all_o let_v we_o therefore_o try_v for_o better_a success_n here_o than_o we_o have_v yet_o have_v let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o exactness_n of_o rule_n and_o the_o indispensableness_n of_o obedience_n must_v needs_o make_v we_o uneasy_a under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christianity_n or_o rather_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o mitigate_v all_o the_o severity_n of_o its_o law_n without_o make_v any_o of_o they_o void_a now_o the_o first_o mitigation_n i_o shall_v consider_v be_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n leave_v room_n for_o repentance_n of_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o which_o grace_n we_o have_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o when_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n st._n paul_n command_v the_o church_n to_o forgive_v and_o comfort_v he_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o with_o overmuch_a sorrow_n and_o sure_o as_o god_n forgive_v those_o open_a scandal_n for_o which_o the_o penitent_a be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o upon_o repentance_n he_o will_v forgive_v those_o secret_a offence_n too_o which_o can_v make_v no_o forfeiture_n of_o church-communion_n if_o
be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o bear_v and_o if_o another_o man_n be_v in_o possession_n of_o something_o that_o be_v thou_o detain_v thy_o right_n from_o thou_o and_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o considerable_a then_o if_o thou_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o relieve_v thyself_o but_o by_o law_n thou_o shall_v not_o in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o run_v present_o to_o counsel_n and_o commence_v a_o suit_n but_o bear_v such_o lesser_a injury_n with_o silence_n and_o patience_n so_o that_o a_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o go_v to_o law_n for_o small_a matter_n not_o only_a when_o his_o right_n be_v uncertain_a but_o when_o it_o be_v clear_a not_o only_o where_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o invite_v such_o another_o injury_n as_o he_o bear_v at_o present_a but_o where_o there_o be_v and_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v as_o plain_a to_o that_o purpose_n as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o nothing_o less_o can_v be_v understand_v by_o they_o the_o three_o instance_n be_v this_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v compel_v thou_o to_o go_v a_o mile_n go_v with_o he_o twain_o and_o under_o this_o instance_n be_v contain_v all_o little_a infringement_n of_o our_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n which_o some_o man_n be_v exceed_o tender_a of_o and_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o make_v a_o great_a combustion_n rather_o than_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v invade_v in_o the_o least_o degree_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o if_o the_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o press_v man_n for_o public_a carriage_n shall_v compel_v thou_o to_o go_v a_o mile_n unjust_o that_o be_v one_o four_o part_n above_o the_o ordinary_a stage_n that_o the_o law_n appoint_v which_o be_v but_o a_o small_a matter_n thou_o shall_v not_o make_v a_o quarrel_n about_o it_o though_o thy_o patience_n may_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o his_o compel_v thou_o the_o next_o time_n to_o go_v two_o mile_n more_o than_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o so_o likewise_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o our_o freedom_n and_o immunity_n be_v light_o invade_v if_o too_o much_o service_n be_v require_v if_o a_o office_n be_v put_v upon_o a_o man_n which_o be_v some_o breach_n upon_o his_o privilege_n though_o he_o may_v sustain_v it_o without_o great_a inconveniency_n in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n it_o be_v the_o plain_a command_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v no_o public_a complaint_n nor_o prosecute_v the_o person_n at_o law_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o our_o privilege_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o true_a account_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o instance_n the_o manner_n of_o our_o saviour_n expression_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v and_o to_o the_o way_n of_o discourse_n in_o that_o time_n but_o the_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v be_v a_o rule_n for_o all_o time_n and_o place_n and_o oblige_v every_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n i._n e._n altogether_o to_o remit_v tolerable_a and_o small_a injury_n whether_o against_o body_n or_o reputation_n as_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n or_o estate_n and_o possession_n as_o in_o the_o second_o or_o freedom_n and_o privilege_n as_o in_o the_o three_o and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o the_o limitation_n of_o the_o rule_n belong_v to_o the_o general_a prohibition_n resist_v not_o evil_a and_o that_o 1._o because_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v mean_v that_o no_o kind_n of_o injury_n be_v to_o be_v resist_v there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o add_v any_o particular_a instance_n of_o evil_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v resist_v 2._o if_o the_o great_a as_o well_o as_o the_o least_o injury_n be_v not_o to_o be_v redress_v by_o course_n of_o law_n then_o see_v our_o saviour_n be_v please_v to_o tell_v we_o under_o what_o injury_n in_o particular_a he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o he_o will_v have_v instance_a in_o the_o great_a for_o all_o man_n be_v certain_o more_o unwilling_a to_o bear_v a_o great_a than_o a_o less_o wrong_n if_o therefore_o no_o kind_n of_o evil_n be_v to_o be_v resist_v if_o this_o have_v be_v his_o meaning_n he_o will_v have_v say_v if_o thy_o enemy_n seek_v to_o take_v away_o thy_o life_n or_o to_o ruin_v thy_o estate_n or_o to_o deprive_v thou_o of_o thy_o liberty_n thou_o shall_v not_o guard_v thyself_o against_o he_o by_o the_o law_n of_o thy_o country_n and_o then_o these_o instance_n have_v certain_o show_v that_o the_o general_a prohibition_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v without_o any_o limitation_n at_o all_o for_o this_o be_v a_o true_a conclusion_n i_o must_v bear_v the_o great_a injury_n without_o complaint_n therefore_o i_o must_v bear_v the_o less_o but_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v i_o must_v bear_v the_o less_o therefore_o i_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o great_a wherefore_o i_o say_v since_o it_o have_v be_v our_o saviour_n intention_n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o right_v ourselves_o against_o any_o injury_n by_o course_n of_o law_n the_o instance_n mention_v do_v not_o come_v home_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v therefore_o plain_a that_o be_v not_o his_o meaning_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o will_v now_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o represent_v from_o our_o saviour_n rule_n what_o a_o christian_a may_v and_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v when_o he_o be_v provoke_v by_o the_o rudeness_n or_o injure_v by_o the_o malice_n or_o any_o way_n usurp_v upon_o by_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o all_o private_a revenge_n whether_o of_o great_a or_o lesser_a wrong_n be_v utter_o unlawful_a and_o the_o truth_n be_v for_o man_n to_o go_v about_o to_o right_v themselves_o any_o other_o way_n after_o a_o injury_n receive_v than_o by_o course_n of_o law_n that_o need_v not_o to_o have_v be_v forbid_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o it_o be_v unlawful_a before_o and_o it_o be_v unjust_a in_o every_o man_n though_o much_o more_o unbecoming_a a_o christian_n than_o any_o one_o else_o since_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o set_v a_o example_n of_o that_o forgiveness_n and_o meekness_n of_o spirit_n as_o for_o some_o injury_n to_o seek_v no_o redress_n at_o all_o no_o not_o by_o legal_a proceed_n how_o strange_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o then_o that_o the_o way_n of_o personal_a revenge_n shall_v grow_v into_o fashion_n and_o credit_n among_o christian_n a_o way_n of_o revenge_n so_o direct_o contrary_a not_o only_o to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n religion_n but_o to_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o justice_n for_o let_v but_o this_o principle_n be_v once_o admit_v let_v it_o be_v publish_v in_o the_o world_n that_o every_o man_n may_v right_v himself_o his_o own_o way_n when_o he_o be_v injure_v by_o another_o and_o what_o horrible_a consequence_n must_v it_o need_v produce_v for_o when_o one_o man_n have_v wrong_v and_o abuse_v another_o to_o allow_v the_o injure_a party_n to_o right_v himself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o personal_a revenge_n be_v to_o provoke_v the_o wrongdoer_n to_o a_o new_a attempt_n against_o he_o and_o by_o consequence_n to_o prolong_v and_o continue_v the_o quarrel_n till_o it_o be_v end_v in_o the_o destruction_n either_o of_o the_o one_o of_o the_o other_o what_o a_o woeful_a thing_n be_v it_o that_o if_o once_o a_o injury_n be_v do_v and_o contention_n be_v begin_v between_o two_o man_n to_o conclude_v that_o they_o must_v never_o be_v reconcile_v but_o proceed_v to_o mischief_n each_o other_o till_o one_o of_o they_o be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o yet_o that_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o private_a revenge_n which_o therefore_o no_o man_n shall_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n to_o that_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o humanity_n beside_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o unjust_a thing_n to_o do_v evil_a to_o another_o because_o i_o have_v receive_v injury_n from_o he_o for_o a_o man_n can_v just_o be_v both_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o party_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n as_o every_o man_n be_v who_o presume_v to_o vindicate_v his_o own_o wrong_n he_o that_o complain_v be_v not_o to_o give_v sentence_n and_o then_o to_o execute_v it_o but_o to_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o indifferent_a person_n or_o to_o common_a justice_n that_o the_o redress_n may_v be_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o law_n but_o if_o he_o take_v revenge_n for_o himself_o as_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n so_o neither_o have_v he_o any_o power_n to_o be_v so_o whatever_o evil_a he_o determine_v to_o inflict_v upon_o his_o enemy_n he_o be_v unjust_o resolve_v upon_o and_o if_o he_o succeed_v it_o be_v unjust_o do_v for_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o to_o punish_v his_o adversary_n vengeance_n be_v god_n only_a and_o
that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n etc._n etc._n nay_o 2._o notwithstanding_o this_o and_o the_o like_a forewarning_n yet_o man_n have_v and_o do_v in_o this_o manner_n delude_v themselves_o inasmuch_o as_o our_o saviour_n upon_o this_o occasion_n tell_v his_o disciple_n before_o hand_n many_o shall_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o certain_o be_v speak_v of_o those_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o live_v in_o the_o early_a day_n of_o the_o church_n whilst_o mirales_n be_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o terrible_a instance_n of_o the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o this_o kind_n of_o presumption_n that_o some_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o only_o see_v but_o do_v miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v yet_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o they_o who_o have_v faith_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n out_o of_o other_o shall_v not_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o dispossess_v themselves_o of_o their_o vile_a lust_n and_o to_o cleanse_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o when_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o wealth_n become_v the_o reward_n of_o profess_v christianity_n the_o instance_n of_o this_o folly_n and_o madness_n grow_v still_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o open_a and_o man_n more_o easy_o pass_v for_o christian_n than_o in_o former_a time_n though_o they_o be_v as_o lustful_a and_o revengeful_a as_o vain_a and_o insolent_a and_o altogether_o as_o worldly_a and_o vicious_a as_o other_o man_n they_o then_o come_v into_o the_o church_n with_o more_o ease_n and_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o it_o with_o more_o difficulty_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o under_o a_o discipline_n less_o severe_a than_o in_o former_a time_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o upon_o the_o increase_n of_o bad_a example_n there_o be_v still_o more_o and_o more_o who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v themselves_o christian_n in_o nothing_o else_o but_o in_o name_n and_o profession_n and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v two_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n can_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o to_o rest_v upon_o so_o false_a a_o foundation_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n as_o a_o mere_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v such_o person_n in_o life_n and_o soul_n as_o their_o profession_n require_v now_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a cause_n be_v this_o that_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v thus_o deceive_v and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o a_o mistake_n how_o pernicious_a soever_o it_o be_v than_o he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o believe_v it_o no_o mistake_n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n whereof_o the_o text_n be_v a_o part_n speak_v against_o causeless_a anger_n and_o a_o adulterous_a eye_n and_o a_o revengeful_a spirit_n and_o vainglory_n and_o worldly_a solicitude_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v often_o as_o hard_o to_o reform_v as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pull_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n especial_o where_o a_o corrupt_a inclination_n be_v confirm_v by_o custom_n in_o sin_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n why_o man_n will_v conceit_v any_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o foolish_a rather_o than_o they_o will_v feel_v a_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o wicked_a way_n it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o man_n have_v have_v some_o experience_n of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o his_o conversation_n become_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o find_v more_o pleasure_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o man_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o temperate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n than_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n but_o whilst_o one_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o lust_n of_o passion_n his_o indulgence_n to_o his_o own_o appetite_n be_v like_o drink_n to_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o till_o he_o recover_v his_o health_n know_v no_o other_o pleasure_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o great_a torment_n to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v deny_v it_o now_o they_o be_v those_o rule_n of_o christianity_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o passion_n our_o manner_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o conversation_n that_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o the_o obligation_n to_o profess_v a_o religion_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n among_o those_o that_o do_v so_o do_v not_o of_o itself_o thwart_o they_o otherways_o than_o it_o bring_v the_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o act_v according_o in_o all_o our_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o man_n will_v fain_o believe_v that_o their_o care_n in_o one_o part_n shall_v supply_v the_o defect_n in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v stand_v they_o in_o good_a stead_n although_o they_o do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficulty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o all_o concern_v for_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o be_v to_o come_v up_o thorough_o to_o that_o which_o religion_n require_v and_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o this_o difficulty_n i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o i_o will_v not_o only_o say_v as_o difficult_a but_o more_o difficult_a for_o we_o to_o become_v mere_a atheist_n and_o infidel_n than_o even_o bad_a man_n have_v make_v it_o to_o become_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n for_o he_o have_v leave_v those_o natural_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v give_v such_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o grow_v downright_a atheist_n or_o even_a unbeliever_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v what_o we_o can_v we_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o sense_n and_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o evil_a course_n of_o life_n easy_a to_o ourselves_o it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v by_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v self-condemned_n without_o any_o relief_n and_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o put_v some_o cheat_n upon_o ourselves_o consistent_a with_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v by_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o a_o diligent_a profession_n of_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n take_v together_o viz._n the_o unwillingness_n of_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o other_o that_o have_v not_o only_o make_v many_o person_n take_v up_o this_o false_a way_n of_o comfort_v themselves_o but_o have_v also_o make_v they_o easy_a to_o receive_v divers_a error_n which_o help_v to_o support_v this_o to_o expect_v spiritual_a relief_n from_o thing_n blessed_v by_o man_n without_o any_o appointment_n from_o god_n and_o to_o place_n religion_n in_o thing_n which_o have_v neither_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o divine_a authority_n to_o make_v they_o valuable_a certain_o if_o it_o be_v either_o easy_a for_o mankind_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o if_o they_o can_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o break_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n on_o the_o other_o it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o hard_a thing_n to_o corrupt_v religion_n than_o experience_n have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v conscience_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o will_v be_v while_o the_o world_n endure_v and_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v lust_n and_o passion_n vice_n and_o wickedness_n more_o or_o less_o among_o man_n so_o long_o also_o they_o will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o believe_v those_o doctrine_n that_o promise_v security_n without_o a_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o more_o mistake_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o comfort_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n
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confidence_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v say_v lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v and_o support_v his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n and_o expostulate_v now_o with_o he_o as_o if_o they_o always_o have_v some_o secret_a hope_n this_o will_v at_o last_o be_v accept_v though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o beforehand_o but_o to_o prevent_v this_o presumption_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v beforehand_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n which_o plain_a deal_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o that_o threaten_v punishment_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o take_v punishment_n but_o intend_v to_o prevent_v the_o fault_n yet_o when_o god_n threaten_v for_o this_o end_n and_o add_v moreover_o declaration_n upon_o the_o threaten_v that_o 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shall_v commit_v such_o crime_n as_o these_o not_o only_o without_o regret_n and_o horror_n but_o with_o a_o cheerful_a conscience_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o heaven_n in_o reward_n of_o their_o action_n wherefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o my_o understanding_n in_o most_o plain_a and_o evident_a matter_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v weak_a than_o a_o child_n or_o a_o idiot_n i_o will_v never_o engage_v myself_o with_o the_o contentious_a and_o factious_a i_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o trust_v myself_o with_o a_o party_n and_o will_v not_o serve_v a_o cause_n but_o acknowledge_v a_o mistake_n though_o it_o be_v my_o friend_n and_o follow_v truth_n wherever_o it_o lead_v i_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n than_o this_o that_o when_o man_n be_v lead_v aside_o by_o their_o worldly_a interest_n when_o their_o reputation_n be_v engage_v and_o they_o be_v make_v fast_o to_o a_o party_n their_o understanding_n be_v so_o 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such_o disease_n as_o shatter_v the_o understanding_n and_o dull_a the_o apprehension_n they_o that_o always_o swim_v in_o sensual_a delight_n meet_v with_o rough_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n sometime_o that_o shake_v their_o body_n and_o at_o length_n reason_n like_o a_o drown_a pilot_n drop_v off_o and_o be_v drown_v in_o pleasure_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o the_o epicure_n grow_v crazy_a before_o his_o time_n and_o when_o his_o airy_a fancy_n be_v evaporate_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n and_o his_o wit_n be_v grow_v flat_a and_o unweild_o he_o himself_o become_v contemptible_a to_o the_o young_a debauchee_n that_o reign_v in_o his_o stead_n temperance_n and_o regular_n live_v have_v a_o kind_a influence_n upon_o the_o intellectual_a ability_n of_o man_n to_o nourish_v and_o preserve_v they_o and_o lengthen_v they_o and_o all_o the_o while_n to_o make_v they_o more_o fit_a for_o their_o proper_a employment_n but_o much_o more_o be_v they_o requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o a_o good_a understanding_n of_o divine_a truth_n because_o it_o require_v a_o serious_a consideration_n &_o diligent_a attention_n which_o the_o epicure_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o because_o she_o be_v spiritual_a and_o the_o mind_n can_v converse_v with_o she_o while_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o fume_n of_o sensuality_n because_o she_o be_v of_o a_o purify_n nature_n and_o not_o more_o a_o enemy_n to_o uncleanness_n than_o the_o voluptuary_n be_v averse_a from_o she_o good_a reason_n therefore_o have_v st._n james_n when_o he_o show_v how_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o word_n with_o meekness_n to_o exhort_v we_o that_o we_o lie_v aside_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n in_o a_o word_n the_o bent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n have_v such_o a_o sway_n over_o the_o understanding_n that_o daily_a experience_n show_v how_o the_o same_o thing_n appear_v different_o to_o man_n nay_o to_o the_o same_o man_n according_a to_o the_o temper_n they_o be_v in_o for_o 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a_o child_n that_o understand_v nothing_o but_o play_n but_o fall_v upon_o some_o discourse_n that_o tend_v to_o get_v drop_v but_o the_o hint_n of_o a_o good_a bargain_n he_o greedy_o embrace_v every_o word_n and_o be_v as_o apprehensive_a as_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o guilty_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o fortify_v themselves_o against_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o their_o belove_a sin_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o why_o sin_n do_v more_o or_o less_o bar_v up_o the_o understanding_n against_o divine_a truth_n man_n love_v darkeness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a now_o the_o conclusion_n from_o all_o this_o be_v evident_a on_o the_o one_o side_n one_o habitual_a worldly_a lust_n be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v the_o true_a apprehensive_a of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o who_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n who_o labour_n to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n be_v fit_a to_o receive_v divine_a truth_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o sincere_a intention_n towards_o god_n remove_v all_o those_o impediment_n which_o obstruct_v the_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o moreover_o give_v several_a advantage_n of_o its_o own_o towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n therefore_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n for_o that_o end_n a_o scorner_n seek_v wisdom_n and_o find_v it_o not_o but_o knowledge_n be_v easy_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v 2._o there_o be_v many_o great_a promise_n of_o knowledge_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n peculiar_a to_o good_a man_n but_o god_n have_v in_o justice_n threaten_v and_o by_o the_o same_o justice_n he_o do_v often_o infatuate_a the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wicked_a now_o if_o goodness_n do_v of_o itself_o lead_v to_o knowledge_n if_o there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a blessing_n that_o go_v along_o with_o the_o sincere_a man_n to_o prosper_v his_o endeavour_n after_o knowledge_n what_o great_a advantage_n can_v we_o desire_v in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n than_o those_o which_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n entitle_v we_o too_o thus_o the_o very_a text_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o promise_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v we_o have_v our_o saviour_n word_n for_o it_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v make_v it_o good_a and_o it_o appear_v by_o other_o place_n that_o something_o more_o be_v here_o mean_v than_o that_o knowledge_n be_v natural_o promote_v by_o goodness_n in_o psal_n 25.9_o it_o be_v say_v the_o meek_a he_o will_v guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o immediate_o again_o the_o meek_a he_o will_v teach_v his_o way_n now_o certain_o here_o be_v something_o promise_v to_o the_o meek_a that_o be_v not_o common_a to_o other_o and_o the_o guidance_n and_o teach_v which_o be_v promise_v denote_v clear_o a_o blessing_n on_o their_o understanding_n but_o now_o if_o this_o be_v promise_v to_o meekness_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o god_n will_v more_o plentiful_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n to_o those_o who_o add_v to_o meekness_n purity_n and_o temperance_n and_o to_o that_o a_o universal_a love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o promise_n be_v repeat_v again_o to_o such_o person_n ver_fw-la 14._o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n where_o god_n covenant_n explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o his_o secret_n and_o by_o his_o way_n ver_fw-la 9_o that_o way_n of_o god_n in_o ver_fw-la 10._o be_v say_v to_o be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n reveal_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o secret_a in_o former_a age_n so_o that_o the_o good_a man_n he_o that_o sincere_o love_v truth_n and_o intend_v obedience_n be_v here_o promise_v a_o signal_n blessing_n on_o his_o