god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v over_o the_o abominable_a heathen_a to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n god_n give_v they_o over_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o injudicious_a and_o undiscerning_a mind_n when_o man_n abandon_v themselves_o to_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n god_n withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o by_o his_o secret_a and_o just_a judgement_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o faculty_n of_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o good_a and_o evil._n 2_o thes_n 2._o 10_o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v come_v with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v 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 and_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n will_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n that_o man_n of_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o practice_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o cheat_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o vile_a impostor_n god_n providence_n be_v concern_v for_o man_n of_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_a intention_n but_o if_o man_n take_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n god_n take_v no_o further_a care_n of_o they_o but_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o be_v seduce_v into_o all_o those_o error_n into_o which_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v apt_a to_o lead_v they_o thus_o have_v i_o endeavour_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o show_v that_o a_o honest_a mind_n that_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n both_o because_o it_o dispose_v a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o because_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v for_o the_o security_n of_o such_o person_n there_o remain_v â—an_v objection_n to_o be_v answer_v to_o which_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v liable_a but_o this_o together_o with_o the_o inference_n which_o may_v be_v make_v from_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o john_n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o i_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n the_o last_o day_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a security_n and_o preservative_n against_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o 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 now_o there_o be_v i_o tell_v you_o two_o great_a mistake_v in_o religion_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o be_v from_o god_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o from_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o propose_v from_o this_o text_n to_o show_v how_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v a_o security_n to_o man_n against_o both_o these_o danger_n namely_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n i._o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n he_o that_o resemble_v god_n most_o be_v like_a to_o understand_v he_o best_o because_o he_o find_v those_o perfection_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o contemplate_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o nothing_o give_v a_o man_n so_o sure_a a_o notion_n of_o thing_n as_o practice_n and_o experience_n ii_o because_o such_o a_o person_n be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o therefore_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v it_o and_o to_o discern_v it_o from_o error_n that_o man_n only_o stand_v fair_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o no_o vice_n or_o lust_n because_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o corrupt_v or_o bribe_v he_o to_o seduce_v he_o and_o draw_v he_o aside_o in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n he_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o concernment_n that_o the_o contrary_a proposition_n shall_v be_v true_a have_v the_o indifferency_n of_o a_o traveller_n and_o no_o other_o interest_n but_o to_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v biased_a by_o any_o lust_n and_o addict_v to_o any_o vicious_a practice_n he_o be_v then_o a_o interest_v person_n and_o concern_v to_o make_v a_o partial_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v under_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o infidelity_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o because_o whatever_o the_o evidence_n for_o they_o be_v he_o can_v but_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o inclination_n and_o interest_n second_o another_o reason_n why_o they_o who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v a_o great_a security_n in_o discern_a truth_n from_o error_n be_v because_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o preserve_v such_o person_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n when_o man_n be_v of_o a_o teachable_a temper_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o obedient_a frame_n of_o mind_n god_n love_v to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o they_o psal_n 25._o 9_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n the_o proper_a disposition_n of_o a_o scholar_n be_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v and_o that_o which_o in_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v be_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o for_o practice_n be_v the_o end_n of_o knowledge_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v only_o happy_a in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n his_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v take_v effectual_a care_n to_o secure_v such_o a_o one_o against_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a error_n he_o that_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o know_v it_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o remain_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o to_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o in_o any_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o remove_v a_o objection_n to_o which_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v liable_a and_o then_o draw_v some_o inferâ—nces_n from_o the_o whole_a after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v some_o perhaps_o may_v ask_v be_v every_o good_a man_n then_o secure_a from_o all_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a privilege_n indeed_o but_o do_v not_o we_o find_v the_o contrary_a in_o experience_n that_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o a_o weak_a head_n do_v often_o meet_v together_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n that_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v secure_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o religion_n this_o probity_n of_o mind_n and_o sincere_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o do_v it_o because_o such_o a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n give_v a_o man_n the_o best_a advantage_n to_o discern_v betwixt_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o god_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o such_o person_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o this_o because_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n notwithstanding_o a_o great_a many_o mistake_v in_o religion_n about_o thing_n not_o necessary_a for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o
lay_v it_o up_o in_o a_o napkin_n and_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n rule_n have_v long_o since_o forfeit_v it_o for_o not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a râ—lâ—_n which_o can_v end_v no_o controversy_n without_o a_o live_a judge_n ready_a at_o hand_n to_o interpret_v and_o apply_v that_o rule_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n the_o same_o objection_n lie_v against_o they_o unless_o a_o general_n council_n which_o be_v their_o live_a judge_n be_v always_o sit_v for_o the_o dâ—finitions_n of_o their_o council_n in_o write_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o and_o great_a objection_n than_o the_o write_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o in_o difference_n about_o lesser_a matter_n mutual_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n will_v secure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o difference_n remain_v undecided_a and_o in_o great_a matter_n a_o infallible_a rule_n search_v into_o with_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o due_a diligence_n and_o with_o the_o help_n of_o good_a instruction_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o extinguish_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o such_o difference_n than_o any_o infallible_a judge_n if_o there_o be_v one_o because_o a_o humble_a and_o honest_a mind_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o yield_v to_o reason_n than_o a_o perverse_a and_o cavil_v temper_n be_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n unless_o it_o be_v back_v with_o a_o inquisition_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n suppose_v herself_o infallible_a and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o she_o find_v that_o some_o question_n and_o deny_v her_o infallibility_n and_o then_o her_o sentence_n signify_v nothing_o and_o of_o those_o who_o own_o it_o many_o dispute_n the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o her_o sentence_n and_o whether_o they_o deny_v the_o infallibility_n of_o her_o sentence_n or_o dispute_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o case_n will_v it_o prove_v effectual_a to_o the_o decide_n of_o any_o difference_n but_o after_o all_o this_o provision_n which_o we_o pretend_v god_n have_v make_v for_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o man_n fall_v into_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n who_o yet_o can_v without_o great_a uncharitableness_n be_v suppose_v not_o to_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v brief_o return_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o that_o the_o same_o error_n be_v not_o equal_o damnable_a to_o all_o the_o innocent_a and_o human_o speak_v almost_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n in_o some_o person_n even_o against_o a_o fundamental_a truth_n the_o different_a capacity_n of_o man_n and_o the_o different_a mean_n of_o conviction_n afford_v to_o they_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a degree_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o a_o faulty_a will_n in_o oppose_v the_o truth_n propose_v to_o they_o all_o these_o and_o perhaps_o several_a other_o consideration_n beside_o may_v make_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o man_n error_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o they_o ii_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o matter_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n who_o only_o knowâ—th_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o men._n we_o can_v see_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n nor_o know_v all_o their_o circumstance_n and_o how_o they_o may_v have_v provoke_v god_n to_o forsake_v they_o and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o error_n and_o delusion_n because_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n god_n will_v consider_v all_o man_n circumstance_n and_o the_o disadvantage_n they_o be_v under_o for_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o make_v allowance_n to_o man_n for_o their_o invincible_a error_n and_o forgive_v they_o upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o who_o see_v the_o insincerity_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o error_n of_o their_o understanding_n do_v procee_v from_o gross_a fault_n of_o their_o life_n will_v deal_v with_o they_o according_o but_o if_o man_n be_v honest_a and_o sincere_a god_n who_o have_v say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n will_v certain_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n it_o now_o remain_v only_o to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o three_o first_o from_o this_o text_n and_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o it_o we_o may_v infer_v how_o slender_a and_o ill-grounded_a the_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o infallibility_n be_v whether_o they_o place_v it_o in_o the_o pope_n or_o in_o a_o general_n council_n or_o in_o both_o the_o last_o be_v the_o most_o general_a opinion_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o understand_v how_o infallibility_n can_v result_v from_o the_o pope_n confirmation_n of_o a_o general_n council_n when_o neither_o the_o council_n be_v infallible_a in_o frame_v its_o definition_n nor_o the_o pope_n in_o confirm_v they_o if_o the_o council_n be_v infallible_a in_o frame_v they_o then_o they_o need_v no_o confirmation_n if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o infallibility_n be_v only_o in_o the_o pope_n that_o confirm_v they_o and_o then_o it_o be_v the_o pope_n only_o that_o be_v infallible_a but_o no_o man_n that_o read_v these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n will_v ever_o imagine_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n whoever_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v be_v secure_v from_o all_o fatal_a error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n much_o less_o that_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o judge_v what_o doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n and_o what_o not_o for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o of_o their_o pope_n have_v be_v notorious_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n nay_o bellarmine_n himself_o acknowledge_v that_o for_o a_o succession_n of_o fifty_o pope_n together_o there_o be_v not_o one_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n that_o sit_v in_o that_o chair_n and_o some_o of_o their_o pope_n have_v be_v condemn_v and_o depose_v for_o heresy_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o govern_v part_n of_o that_o church_n will_v bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v infallible_a but_o if_o this_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v true_a that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o his_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n then_o every_o honest_a man_n that_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n to_o infallibility_n and_o a_o clear_a text_n for_o it_o than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a bible_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n what_o will_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n give_v that_o theâ—e_n be_v but_o as_o express_v a_o text_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o pope_n as_o this_o be_v for_o the_o security_n of_o every_o good_a man_n in_o his_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n which_o make_v infallibility_n needless_a what_o a_o unsufferable_a noise_n and_o what_o endless_a triumph_n will_v they_o make_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v any_o where_o say_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o sit_v in_o st._n peter_n chair_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o my_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n have_v there_o be_v but_o such_o a_o text_n as_o this_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v trouble_v with_o their_o impertinent_a citation_n of_o text_n and_o their_o remote_a and_o blind_a inference_n from_o pasce_fw-la oves_fw-la and_o super_fw-la hanc_fw-la petram_fw-la feed_v my_o sheep_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n to_o prove_v the_o pope_n infallibility_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n or_o reason_n ever_o extend_v the_o text_n i_o be_o speak_v to_o so_o far_o as_o to_o attempt_v to_o prove_v from_o it_o the_o infallibility_n of_o every_o good_a man_n but_o only_o his_o security_n from_o â—atal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o religion_n the_o large_a promise_n that_o be_v make_v in_o scripture_n of_o security_n from_o error_n and_o mistake_v about_o divine_a thing_n be_v make_v to_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o we_o must_v conclude_v several_a pope_n to_o have_v be_v the_o further_a from_o infallibility_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o compendious_a way_n to_o persuade_v man_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o fable_n than_o to_o set_v up_o a_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a man_n for_o the_o oracle_n
for_o reveal_v religion_n the_o only_a design_n of_o that_o be_v to_o revive_v and_o improve_v the_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o all_o our_o reason_n about_o divine_a revelation_n be_v necessary_o gather_v by_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o vain_a and_o confident_a pretence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o if_o any_o doctrine_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o which_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n he_o measure_v it_o by_o those_o steady_a and_o sure_a notion_n which_o he_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perâ—ections_n and_o by_o those_o he_o will_v easy_o discern_v whether_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o likely_a to_o proceed_v from_o he_o he_o will_v consider_v the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o a_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n such_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v bring_v it_o he_o will_v not_o receive_v it_o if_o it_o be_v he_o will_v not_o reject_v it_o upon_o every_o idle_a pretence_n and_o frivolous_a exception_n that_o prejudice_v and_o ill_o mind_a man_n may_v make_v against_o it_o but_o after_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o give_v to_o his_o own_o revelation_n and_o if_o the_o person_n that_o bring_v it_o have_v the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o case_n it_o be_v a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o if_o he_o carry_v on_o no_o earthly_a interest_n and_o design_n by_o it_o but_o do_v by_o his_o life_n and_o action_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n in_o this_o case_n a_o good_a man_n who_o mind_n be_v free_a from_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n will_v easy_o assent_v that_o this_o man_n doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o this_o be_v the_o evidence_n which_o our_o saviour_n offer_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o vindication_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n joh._n 7._o 18._o he_o that_o speak_v of_o himself_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n but_o he_o that_o seek_v his_o glory_n that_o send_v he_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o no_o unrighteousness_n be_v in_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v hereby_o may_v you_o distinguish_v one_o that_o real_o come_v from_o god_n from_o a_o impostor_n if_o any_o man_n seek_v his_o own_o glory_n you_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n have_v not_o send_v he_o but_o whatever_o he_o pretend_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o he_o who_o by_o his_o life_n and_o the_o course_n of_o his_o action_n demonstrate_v that_o he_o seek_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o not_o any_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o own_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n in_o he_o that_o be_v no_o falsehood_n or_o design_n to_o deceive_v for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v sometime_o signify_v you_o may_v conclude_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v no_o deceiver_n or_o impostor_n and_o if_o any_o man_n sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o may_v by_o such_o mark_n and_o character_n as_o these_o judge_v of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n because_o he_o that_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a thing_n second_o such_o a_o person_n be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o therefore_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v it_o and_o to_o discern_v it_o from_o error_n he_o that_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v sway_v and_o bias_v by_o any_o interest_n or_o lust_n for_o his_o great_a interest_n be_v to_o please_v god_n and_o he_o make_v all_o his_o other_o interest_n and_o concernment_n to_o stoop_v and_o yield_v to_o that_o but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v govern_v by_o any_o earthly_a interest_n or_o design_n he_o will_v measure_v all_o thing_n by_o that_o and_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o entertain_v any_o thing_n that_o cross_v it_o and_o to_o judge_v equal_o of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o his_o interest_n this_o our_o saviour_n give_v for_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o great_a rabbi_n and_o teacher_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o believe_v and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 5._o 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o if_o man_n have_v any_o other_o design_n in_o religigion_n than_o to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o reject_v the_o most_o divine_a truth_n because_o these_o be_v calculate_v not_o to_o approve_v we_o to_o man_n but_o to_o god_n and_o as_o vainglory_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n so_o likewise_o do_v every_o other_o lust_n make_v a_o man_n partial_a in_o his_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o clap_v a_o false_a bias_n upon_o his_o understanding_n which_o carry_v it_o off_o from_o truth_n and_o make_v it_o to_o lean_v towards_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v most_o favourable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o lust_n a_o vicious_a man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o entertain_v those_o truth_n which_o will_v cross_v and_o check_v he_o in_o his_o course_n he_o have_v make_v the_o truth_n his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v himself_o concern_v to_o oppose_v it_o and_o rise_v up_o against_o it_o the_o light_n of_o it_o offend_v he_o and_o therefore_o he_o shut_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v not_o see_v it_o those_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n which_o be_v from_o god_n reprove_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o discover_v the_o deformity_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o bad_a man_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n likewise_o give_v of_o the_o fierce_a enmity_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n joâ—_n 3._o 19_o 20._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 the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n be_v a_o dead_a weight_n upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o able_a to_o draw_v down_o the_o scale_n against_o the_o clear_a truth_n for_o though_o it_o be_v absolute_o in_o no_o man_n power_n to_o believe_v or_o to_o disbelieve_v what_o he_o will_v yet_o man_n life_n have_v many_o time_n a_o great_a influence_n upon_o their_o understanding_n to_o make_v assent_n easy_a or_o difficult_a and_o as_o we_o be_v forward_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o so_o be_v we_o very_o backward_o and_o slow_a in_o yield_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o cross_v our_o inclination_n man_n that_o allow_v themselves_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n will_v not_o easy_o believe_v those_o doctrine_n which_o charge_v man_n so_o strict_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o holiness_n and_o purity_n this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v always_o use_v to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o shine_v into_o they_o and_o certain_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o infidelity_n be_v to_o debauch_v they_o in_o their_o life_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o man_n in_o the_o last_o time_n 2_o thes_n 2._o 12._o they_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n when_o man_n once_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a practice_n infidelity_n become_v their_o interest_n because_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o defend_v and_o excuse_v a_o wicked_a life_n but_o by_o deny_v the_o truth_n which_o oppose_v it_o and_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o that_o man_n only_o stand_v fair_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o no_o vice_n or_o lust_n because_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o corrupt_v or_o bribe_v he_o to_o
elsewhere_o express_o make_v it_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n heb._n 5._o 9_o christ_n be_v there_o say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o thereby_o imply_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n but_o those_o that_o obey_v the_o gospel_n heb._n 12._o 14._o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n rom._n 2._o 7_o 8_o 9_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n god_n will_v give_v eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v contentious_a and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil._n i_o can_v well_o imagine_v what_o can_v reasonable_o be_v answer_v to_o such_o plain_a text_n but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o be_v common_o answer_v namely_o that_o god_n give_v the_o condition_n which_o he_o require_v and_o therefore_o though_o these_o promise_v run_v in_o a_o conditional_a form_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v absolute_a because_o he_o that_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o another_o upon_o a_o condition_n which_o he_o will_v also_o perform_v do_v in_o effect_n make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n as_o if_o a_o man_n promise_v another_o such_o a_o estate_n upon_o condition_n he_o pay_v such_o a_o sum_n for_o it_o and_o do_v promise_n withal_o to_o furnish_v he_o with_o that_o sum_n this_o in_o effect_n amount_v to_o a_o absolute_a promise_n of_o the_o estate_n and_o this_o be_v very_o well_o argue_v if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o but_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o work_v the_o condition_n in_o we_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n god_n may_v and_o oftentimes_o do_v prevent_v man_n by_o his_o grace_n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n but_o to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o and_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o continue_v his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o we_o unless_o we_o will_v use_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n nay_o in_o case_n we_o do_v not_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o take_v away_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n from_o we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o only_o seem_v to_o be_v conditional_a but_o be_v real_o so_o and_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v doubt_v of_o this_o who_o consider_v how_o frequent_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o covenant_n since_o a_o covenant_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o do_v imply_v a_o mutual_a obligation_n between_o the_o party_n that_o enter_v into_o it_o but_o if_o the_o gospel_n contain_v only_a blessing_n which_o be_v promise_v on_o god_n part_n without_o any_o thing_n require_v to_o be_v do_v and_o perform_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o blessing_n than_o the_o gospel_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o promise_n or_o deed_n of_o gift_n make_v over_o certain_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n to_o we_o but_o can_v in_o no_o propriety_n of_o language_n in_o the_o world_n be_v call_v a_o covenant_n but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o as_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v than_o the_o promise_n be_v plain_o conditional_a to_o instance_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n repent_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o that_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o you_o repent_v of_o your_o sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o not_o otherwise_o can_v there_o be_v any_o plain_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n than_o be_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v your_o trespass_n but_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n who_o be_v infinite_o gracious_a in_o offer_v such_o great_a blessing_n to_o we_o upon_o any_o condition_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v grant_v to_o man_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n let_v they_o behave_v themselves_o as_o they_o will._n four_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v to_o consider_v when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o these_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a upon_o good_a ground_n to_o apply_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a namely_o when_o they_o find_v the_o condition_n of_o these_o promise_n in_o themselves_o and_o not_o till_o then_o when_o a_o man_n have_v true_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o forsake_v they_o and_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n and_o when_o he_o do_v from_o his_o heart_n forgive_v those_o that_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o have_v lay_v down_o all_o animosity_n against_o they_o and_o thought_n of_o revenge_n then_o have_v he_o a_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o may_v apply_v to_o himself_o in_o particular_a what_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o general_a that_o god_n will_v blot_v out_o all_o his_o transgression_n and_o remember_v his_o iniquity_n no_o more_o when_o a_o man_n do_v constant_o and_o earnest_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v to_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o and_o do_v faithful_o make_v use_n of_o that_o strength_n and_o assistance_n which_o god_n afford_v he_o than_o he_o may_v expect_v the_o continuance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o further_a degree_n of_o it_o when_o a_o man_n make_v it_o the_o constant_a and_o sinsincere_a endeavour_n of_o his_o life_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a and_o be_v effectual_o teach_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n than_o he_o may_v with_o comfort_n and_o joy_n wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n then_o he_o may_v with_o confidence_n depend_v upon_o god_n in_o sure_a and_o certain_a hope_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v when_o he_o can_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n than_o he_o may_v likewise_o triumph_v as_o he_o do_v henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o in_o that_o day_n upon_o these_o term_n and_o in_o these_o case_n man_n may_v upon_o good_a ground_n apply_v to_o themselves_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o far_o as_o any_o man_n be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v so_o far_o he_o must_v necessary_o question_v his_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v this_o doctrine_n too_o uncomfortable_a and_o be_v willing_a to_o reject_v it_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o man_n may_v cheat_v themselves_o if_o they_o please_v but_o most_o certain_o they_o will_v never_o find_v any_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n in_o any_o other_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a account_n of_o a_o man_n confidence_n and_o good_a hope_n in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o apply_v any_o promise_n to_o himself_o before_o he_o find_v the_o condition_n in_o himself_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o either_o fancy_n or_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a course_n which_o many_o take_v to_o advise_v and_o exhort_v man_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n to_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a unbelief_n in_o not_o doint_v it_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o exhort_v man_n to_o be_v to_o â—ndeavour_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v any_o blessing_n to_o