first_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v confirm_v from_o heaven_n by_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a work_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v wrought_v but_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v once_o sufficient_o confirm_v god_n expect_v now_o that_o man_n shall_v rest_v satisfy_v with_o that_o evidence_n which_o he_o then_o give_v and_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v witness_n of_o those_o miracle_n and_o mighty_a work_n with_o which_o it_o be_v then_o attest_v nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v now_o work_v miracle_n to_o convince_v the_o obstinate_a since_o the_o evidence_n he_o have_v already_o give_v be_v sufficient_a for_o those_o who_o be_v humble_a and_o teachable_a and_o will_v render_v the_o obstinate_a inexcusable_a man_n may_v therefore_o if_o they_o please_v dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o their_o religion_n upon_o i_o know_v not_o what_o vain_a surmise_n and_o set_v up_o for_o wit_n and_o man_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a reach_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o any_o historical_a narration_n though_o never_o so_o well_o attest_v but_o in_o the_o end_n they_o will_v find_v how_o far_o this_o perverse_a and_o arrogant_a humour_n fall_v short_a of_o true_a wisdom_n when_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o they_o reject_v the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a doctrine_n which_o if_o careful_o attend_v to_o and_o obey_v be_v able_a to_o save_v their_o soul_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v how_o necessary_a a_o qualification_n humility_n be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o how_o effectual_a it_o be_v to_o make_v we_o fit_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o 4._o a_o four_o branch_n of_o duty_n very_o advantageous_a to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n be_v calmness_n of_o temper_n and_o moderation_n of_o passion_n he_o that_o come_v to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n must_v bring_v with_o he_o a_o quiet_a and_o sedate_v temper_n he_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v patient_o what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n engage_v his_o passion_n on_o either_o part_n till_o he_o have_v first_o satisfy_v his_o reason_n about_o it_o our_o passion_n be_v then_o very_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o when_o they_o promote_v our_o vigour_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v virtuous_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o when_o they_o encourage_v we_o to_o make_v a_o bold_a resistance_n against_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a and_o unworthy_a of_o we_o but_o then_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o our_o passion_n be_v due_o exercise_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o reason_n shall_v have_v first_o thorough_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o give_v in_o its_o impartial_a sentence_n before_o we_o suffer_v our_o passion_n to_o interpose_v in_o our_o examination_n of_o truth_n for_o when_o once_o our_o affection_n be_v engage_v on_o any_o side_n they_o do_v certain_o bias_n the_o judgement_n and_o make_v it_o admit_v of_o every_o small_a appearance_n or_o shadow_n of_o truth_n which_o seem_v to_o favour_v the_o opinion_n we_o have_v a_o fancy_n for_o and_o to_o reject_v with_o disdain_n the_o strong_a reason_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o what_o we_o desire_v shall_v be_v true_a man_n do_v not_o then_o sincere_o seek_v for_o truth_n but_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o true_a which_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o and_o though_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v they_o will_v not_o then_o endure_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v and_o be_v impatient_a of_o any_o contradiction_n and_o this_o be_v account_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o among_o so_o many_o writer_n of_o controversy_n so_o few_o have_v ever_o change_v the_o opinion_n they_o at_o first_o maintain_v or_o have_v yield_v the_o cause_n when_o they_o have_v be_v fair_o and_o full_o answer_v alas_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o they_o to_o renounce_v those_o belove_a notion_n which_o have_v be_v impress_v on_o their_o mind_n in_o their_o young_a year_n and_o they_o have_v rather_o take_v hold_v of_o any_o shift_n or_o evasion_n then_o grant_v they_o have_v be_v in_o a_o error_n but_o if_o they_o find_v their_o own_o reason_n begin_v to_o waver_v be_v in_o part_n convince_v by_o the_o force_n of_o contrary_a reason_n they_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o and_o fortify_v themselves_o with_o this_o consideration_n that_o such_o and_o such_o man_n be_v man_n of_o note_a learning_n and_o piety_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o of_o this_o opinion_n and_o yet_o doubtless_o they_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o those_o argument_n better_o than_o we_o do_v and_o will_v have_v yield_v to_o they_o have_v they_o think_v they_o convince_a thus_o when_o reason_n of_o itself_o will_v yield_v yet_o their_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o man_n that_o maintain_v it_o make_v they_o hold_v out_o still_o and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o glimpse_n of_o truth_n they_o dare_v not_o they_o can_v receive_v it_o but_o the_o passion_n i_o intend_v principal_o to_o speak_v of_o as_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o our_o receive_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o of_o anger_n which_o be_v a_o boisterous_a unruly_a passion_n and_o disorder_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o make_v they_o whole_o unfit_a for_o any_o impression_n of_o truth_n a_o man_n that_o be_v angry_a and_o impatient_a will_v not_o allow_v his_o adversary_n leave_v to_o speak_v out_o half_a a_o argument_n but_o present_o he_o be_v provoke_v and_o then_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v a_o reasonable_a defence_n though_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o truth_n on_o his_o side_n he_o do_v not_o then_o consider_v what_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o be_v say_v but_o cast_v out_o at_o random_n what_o his_o passion_n first_o suggest_v to_o he_o all_o his_o thought_n be_v then_o in_o commotion_n and_o like_o the_o trouble_a wave_n will_v not_o receive_v any_o perfect_a image_n of_o thing_n and_o you_o may_v as_o well_o hope_v to_o convince_v a_o mad_a man_n as_o he_o now_o this_o heat_n of_o passion_n as_o it_o make_v man_n very_o unfit_a to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o other_o so_o it_o common_o suggest_v to_o we_o very_o improper_a way_n of_o argue_v when_o we_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n produce_v those_o sharp_a and_o satirical_a treatise_n whereby_o some_o man_n endeavour_v if_o not_o to_o convince_v yet_o to_o shame_n and_o silence_v their_o adversary_n by_o expose_v their_o person_n and_o represent_v they_o to_o the_o world_n under_o odious_a character_n now_o certain_o what_o ever_o these_o man_n may_v hope_v this_o method_n of_o rail_v and_o revile_v though_o the_o person_n they_o accuse_v may_v real_o deserve_v all_o that_o be_v say_v of_o they_o yet_o i_o say_v this_o be_v not_o a_o fit_a method_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o truth_n for_o as_o the_o piety_n of_o one_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o defence_n or_o security_n for_o his_o error_n so_o neither_o aught_o it_o to_o be_v any_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v defend_v by_o a_o bad_a man_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v level_v against_o the_o person_n of_o our_o adversary_n be_v whole_o beside_o the_o purpose_n they_o tend_v only_o to_o the_o breach_n of_o charity_n not_o to_o the_o convince_a any_o man_n judgement_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o certain_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o give_v we_o so_o many_o precept_n of_o meekness_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o man_n when_o he_o so_o often_o require_v we_o not_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o brethren_n over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o jurisdiction_n when_o he_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o danger_n of_o uncharitable_a speech_n s._n matt._n v._n 22._o whosoever_o shall_v say_v to_o his_o brother_n raca_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o council_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v thou_o fool_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o hell-fire_n when_o our_o saviour_n so_o often_o inculcate_n these_o and_o the_o like_a precept_n require_v so_o humble_a and_o charitable_a demeanour_n towards_o our_o brethren_n both_o in_o thought_n &_o word_n he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o give_v the_o least_o permission_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o endeavour_v to_o propagate_v or_o defend_v any_o part_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o reproachful_a and_o contumelious_a usage_n of_o the_o person_n they_o contend_v with_o sure_o i_o be_o his_o own_o example_n be_v infinite_o different_a from_o what_o man_n practise_v in_o these_o day_n our_o saviour_n have_v certain_o more_o
their_o endeavour_n in_o that_o affair_n may_v just_o be_v esteem_v a_o common_a enemy_n to_o mankind_n now_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v any_o way_n whereby_o man_n do_v more_o direct_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n and_o hinder_v the_o enlargement_n of_o it_o than_o by_o defame_v the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v entrust_v for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unsafe_a and_o unreasonable_a way_n of_o argue_v for_o any_o man_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o because_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a man_n in_o holy_a order_n be_v unfaithful_a to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o live_v not_o up_o to_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o other_o yet_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n which_o do_v extreme_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a whether_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o real_a or_o but_o suppose_a fault_n of_o man_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v or_o persuade_v other_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n for_o to_o he_o who_o believe_v a_o false_a report_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n the_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n be_v as_o effectual_a as_o though_o the_o report_n be_v true_a and_o the_o censure_n just_a and_o than_o who_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o the_o man_n who_o raise_v the_o false_a accusation_n be_v not_o as_o injurious_a to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o man_n who_o life_n be_v real_o scandalous_a what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ill_a effect_n that_o redound_v to_o the_o public_a from_o the_o uncharitable_a censuring_n of_o man_n of_o this_o public_a capacity_n will_v in_o proportion_n hold_v concern_v the_o rash_a judgement_n we_o make_v of_o private_a person_n according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n 2._o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o second_o instance_n of_o the_o ill_a effect_n which_o redound_v to_o the_o public_a by_o our_o uncharitable_a judge_v one_o another_o namely_o that_o our_o rash_a and_o censorious_a practice_n towards_o other_o provoke_v the_o like_a usage_n from_o they_o towards_o ourselves_o and_o thence_o arise_v those_o many_o feud_n and_o animosity_n mutual_a revile_n and_o bitter_a envy_n so_o visible_a among_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o a_o feud_n thus_o begin_v common_o spread_v itself_o and_o all_o our_o friend_n and_o correspondent_n be_v soon_o make_v partner_n in_o the_o quarrel_n and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v aside_o or_o allay_v those_o animosity_n which_o have_v be_v thus_o begin_v every_o man_n experience_n may_v convince_v he_o now_o i_o need_v not_o use_v any_o argument_n to_o show_v that_o division_n and_o animosity_n among_o man_n be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a society_n where_o they_o live_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n attest_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n so_o that_o we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o practice_n tend_v to_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o strife_n and_o contention_n be_v very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o public_a nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o practice_n that_o do_v more_o effectual_o tend_v that_o way_n than_o this_o of_o uncharitable_a judge_n and_o censure_v other_o man_n how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o any_o society_n be_v so_o much_o more_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a those_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v which_o cause_n division_n in_o it_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o be_v a_o society_n who_o happiness_n be_v not_o terminate_v in_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o life_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o those_o uncharitable_a censure_n which_o cause_n division_n among_o christian_n receive_v from_o hence_o a_o mighty_a aggravation_n in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hinder_v their_o present_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n but_o endanger_v their_o fall_a short_a of_o that_o eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o none_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v after_o peace_n and_o holiness_n and_o from_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v but_o add_v a_o three_o ill_a effect_n which_o this_o uncharitable_a practice_n of_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o bring_v to_o the_o public_a 3._o viz._n that_o it_o bring_v reproach_n upon_o our_o christian_a profession_n and_o upon_o that_o holy_a name_n whereby_o we_o be_v call_v for_o suppose_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o pagan_a shall_v peruse_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o shall_v read_v there_o the_o many_o precept_n which_o require_v of_o we_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n in_o our_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n shall_v they_o read_v s._n paul_n description_n of_o christian_a charity_n that_o it_o think_v no_o evil_a that_o it_o believe_v all_o thing_n and_o hope_v all_o thing_n do_v they_o consider_v the_o many_o argument_n the_o gospel_n use_v to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n and_o great_a reward_n undispensable_o depend_v upon_o our_o practice_n and_o last_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o who_o in_o his_o conversation_n among_o man_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o all_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o other_o but_o do_v himself_o exercise_v the_o great_a candour_n towards_o all_o man_n scarce_o ever_o pass_v a_o severe_a censure_n upon_o any_o but_o that_o proud_a censorious_a sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o make_v themselves_o judge_n of_o all_o other_o shall_v they_o then_o descend_v to_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_n with_o that_o excellent_a rule_n they_o pretend_v to_o and_o with_o the_o example_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o see_v how_o vast_a the_o disproportion_n be_v between_o our_o practice_n and_o profession_n they_o will_v easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o serious_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o vaunt_v of_o nor_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o saviour_n in_o give_v law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o their_o life_n nor_o expect_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v foretell_v they_o will_v find_v it_o very_o hard_a to_o reconcile_v how_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n can_v consist_v with_o many_o uncharitable_a practice_n unjust_a reproach_n and_o mutual_a enmity_n which_o the_o profess_a disciple_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v so_o easy_o tempt_v to_o thus_o beside_o the_o injury_n we_o do_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o the_o public_a society_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v feel_a member_n we_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o may_v be_v win_v over_o to_o our_o most_o holy_a profession_n do_v they_o not_o see_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o so_o manifest_o contradict_v in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n what_o they_o plead_v for_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o affection_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o particular_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n here_o use_v to_o dissuade_v from_o uncharitable_a judge_v one_o another_o because_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o this_o will_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n if_o compare_v with_o our_o great_a inability_n to_o judge_v aright_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v particular_o urge_v by_o our_o apostle_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v my_o text_n judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o both_o will_v bring_v to_o light_v the_o hide_a work_n and_o will_v make_v manifest_a the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o shall_v every_o man_n have_v praise_n of_o god_n the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o what_o man_n do_v can_v be_v determine_v bare_o from_o outward_a appearance_n which_o only_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n many_o action_n may_v proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n true_o pious_a and_o devout_a which_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o know_v the_o heart_n which_o yet_o as_o to_o man_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n and_o mistake_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o outward_a action_n of_o hypocrite_n may_v appear_v to_o man_n as_o instance_n of_o great_a piety_n and_o devotion_n when_o to_o god_n they_o be_v a_o abomination_n now_o shall_v we_o use_v the_o utmost_a of_o our_o discretion_n in_o these_o case_n we_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o these_o man_n or_o their_o action_n so_o many_o be_v the_o secret_a wind_n and_o private_a retirement_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n so_o various_a his_o thought_n and_o intention_n and_o so_o numerous_a his_o pretence_n to_o disguise_v his_o action_n that_o it_o
allow_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o any_o probable_a hope_n of_o salvation_n he_o that_o consider_v this_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o the_o way_n of_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a and_o certain_a so_o that_o all_o that_o use_v a_o due_a diligence_n in_o the_o search_n after_o it_o may_v reasonable_o hope_v to_o obtain_v it_o or_o second_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n that_o maintain_v so_o wide_a difference_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n after_o a_o right_a manner_n the_o former_a of_o these_o viz._n that_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a and_o that_o all_o who_o use_v a_o due_a diligence_n in_o the_o search_n of_o it_o may_v not_o reasonable_o hope_v to_o find_v it_o this_o can_v be_v grant_v without_o injury_n and_o affront_n to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o justice_n for_o since_o the_o 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the_o true_a reason_n therefore_o why_o so_o many_o enquirer_n after_o knowledge_n do_v miscarry_v in_o their_o design_n and_o be_v lead_v away_o into_o strange_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n be_v not_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v obtain_v but_o because_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o search_n of_o it_o after_o a_o due_a manner_n it_o can_v therefore_o but_o seem_v necessary_a that_o while_o we_o all_o pretend_v to_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n and_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v in_o those_o important_a truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o first_o of_o all_o endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o concern_v the_o true_a way_n and_o method_n by_o which_o the_o knowledge_n we_o seek_v after_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v and_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v direct_v we_o to_o in_o these_o word_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o in_o the_o foregoing_a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n we_o read_v that_o there_o be_v great_a murmur_v among_o the_o people_n concern_v our_o saviour_n who_o about_o that_o time_n begin_v to_o show_v himself_o to_o israel_n and_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n concern_v he_o some_o say_v he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n other_o say_z nay_o but_o he_o deceive_v the_o people_n now_o to_o decide_v this_o controversy_n concern_v himself_o and_o the_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v he_o give_v they_o this_o plain_a direction_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n intimate_v thereby_o that_o they_o who_o thus_o dispute_v concern_v he_o have_v not_o that_o true_a frame_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v fit_a for_o his_o reception_n that_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o obey_v god_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o be_v so_o inquisitive_a about_o he_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o look_v for_o further_a revelation_n and_o instruction_n from_o god_n when_o they_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o that_o doctrine_n they_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v divine_a for_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o upbraid_v they_o v._o 19_o do_v not_o moses_n give_v you_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o you_o keep_v the_o law_n so_o then_o have_v the_o jew_n be_v obedient_a observer_n of_o the_o law_n as_o they_o pretend_v great_a admiration_n of_o it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v find_v so_o many_o difficulty_n in_o their_o own_n our_o saviour_n for_o the_o true_a messiah_n they_o will_v then_o easy_o have_v understand_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v be_v true_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o object_v against_o he_o but_o that_o he_o do_v eminent_o and_o exact_o fulfil_v they_o but_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o this_o strict_a connexion_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o forego_n and_o follow_v verse_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v they_o not_o as_o have_v any_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o the_o jew_n but_o as_o they_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n for_o all_o enquirer_n after_o divine_a truth_n if_o any_o man_n whosoever_o he_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_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 in_o handle_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v first_o endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v in_o order_n to_o the_o search_n of_o divine_a truth_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o certainty_n of_o success_n to_o all_o such_o as_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n after_o this_o manner_n here_o require_v 1._o for_o the_o condition_n itself_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 this_o condition_n imply_v in_o it_o these_o four_o thing_n 1._o a_o previous_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o and_o our_o obligation_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n command_v this_o belief_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o god_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o all_o inquiry_n after_o divine_a truth_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o particular_a kind_n of_o religion_n must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n suppose_v that_o some_o religious_a worship_n be_v due_a from_o man_n to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v of_o so_o natural_a a_o evidence_n and_o obligation_n that_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o have_v be_v any_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o supreme_a right_n to_o give_v law_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o our_o well-being_n and_o happiness_n do_v depend_v upon_o our_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v well-pleasing_a to_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o how_o far_o soever_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n have_v err_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n ofttimes_o attribute_v to_o he_o those_o unworthy_a passion_n and_o practice_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o yet_o still_o they_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o find_v out_o some_o way_n of_o express_v their_o homage_n to_o he_o and_o though_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n devise_v by_o the_o heathen_n be_v common_o very_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a yet_o thus_o much_o be_v abundant_o evident_a from_o their_o practice_n that_o they_o own_v a_o obligation_n to_o a_o religious_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o right_a to_o govern_v they_o and_o to_o dispose_v of_o they_o as_o he_o please_v and_o this_o sense_n of_o his_o divine_a sovereignty_n be_v necessary_o suppose_v in_o this_o condition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n for_o no_o man_n can_v intend_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o before_o persuade_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o whensoever_o it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o 2._o this_o condition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n imply_v or_o presuppose_v a_o serious_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v we_o as_o viz._n a_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o sober_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o it_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n on_o those_o spiritual_a guide_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o for_o our_o instruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o guidance_n and_o assistance_n of_o
promise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o enable_v they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o holy_a office_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o with_o such_o reverence_n as_o be_v due_a to_o the_o ambassador_n of_o god_n to_o the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n not_o that_o the_o true_o humble_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v a_o blind_a assent_n to_o whatever_o he_o hear_v deliver_v from_o a_o pulpit_n or_o that_o he_o be_v present_o to_o renounce_v his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n whenever_o it_o be_v contradict_v by_o his_o immediate_a pastor_n no_o we_o do_v not_o claim_v this_o dominion_n over_o the_o reason_n and_o conscience_n of_o our_o brethren_n we_o do_v not_o require_v a_o absolute_a assent_n to_o all_o we_o say_v only_o thus_o much_o a_o humble_a man_n will_v and_o aught_o to_o think_v his_o duty_n not_o to_o oppose_v every_o private_a scruple_n of_o his_o own_o to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o he_o live_v much_o less_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o without_o manifest_a and_o plain_a ground_n he_o ought_v rather_o to_o distrust_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o public_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n for_o further_a information_n before_o he_o be_v positive_a in_o his_o opinion_n he_o ought_v to_o apply_v himself_o with_o all_o humility_n to_o his_o superior_n to_o desire_v satisfaction_n from_o they_o and_o he_o ought_v to_o attend_v to_o they_o with_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a lest_o any_o prejudice_n or_o self-interest_n shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o persuasion_n and_o than_o if_o after_o a_o due_a diligence_n he_o find_v himself_o still_o unconvince_v yet_o still_o humility_n will_v oblige_v he_o not_o to_o judge_v those_o who_o differ_v from_o he_o nor_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o he_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n which_o he_o be_v not_o full_o convince_v to_o be_v be_v unlawful_a now_o he_o that_o proce_v with_o this_o humility_n and_o deliberation_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o those_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n which_o seem_v doubtful_a to_o he_o this_o humble_a temper_n will_v either_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o superior_n or_o at_o least_o will_v secure_v he_o from_o the_o danger_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o error_n for_o simple_a error_n be_v not_o dangerous_a in_o itself_o unless_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o culpable_a cause_n or_o unless_o it_o lead_v to_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n and_o this_o a_o humble_a man_n will_v hardly_o be_v tempt_v to_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o private_a opinion_n 4._o a_o humble_a and_o modest_a man_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o yield_v to_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o matter_n he_o inquire_v about_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v not_o require_v great_a evidence_n for_o reveal_v truth_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v of_o and_o indeed_o the_o want_n of_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n may_v just_o be_v account_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n many_o disputer_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o wit_n and_o part_n to_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v a_o paradox_n and_o to_o stand_v their_o ground_n against_o all_o opposition_n these_o man_n seek_v not_o truth_n but_o victory_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o as_o to_o amuse_v other_o and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v a_o objection_n which_o they_o think_v their_o adversary_n can_v answer_v they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v unanswerable_a and_o think_v that_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o all_o positive_a argument_n whatsoever_o now_o this_o perverse_a and_o conceit_a way_n of_o dispute_v render_v man_n very_o unfit_a to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n in_o any_o kind_n of_o science_n but_o especial_o in_o religion_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o proof_n but_o that_o a_o perverse_a and_o unteachable_a spirit_n may_v find_v some_o kind_n of_o evasion_n to_o abate_v the_o force_n of_o they_o and_o may_v raise_v some_o kind_n of_o groundless_a suspicion_n that_o possible_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v there_o represent_v the_o evidence_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o these_o day_n do_v in_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o historical_a truth_n of_o those_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v attest_v by_o as_o credible_a witness_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n ever_o be_v and_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o or_o better_a proof_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o still_o a_o man_n that_o be_v perverse_a and_o obstinate_a may_v say_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o convince_a than_o that_o of_o witness_n that_o see_v be_v believe_v and_o if_o i_o can_v see_v some_o of_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_v wrought_v now_o which_o be_v report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n i_o will_v believe_v but_o as_o for_o these_o historical_a narration_n if_o either_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v or_o do_v intend_v to_o deceive_v or_o delude_v posterity_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o either_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v those_o relation_n be_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o now_o although_o it_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suppose_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n shall_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n so_o cheerful_o in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o be_v satisfy_v about_o it_o themselves_o or_o with_o intention_n to_o deceive_v other_o though_o this_o be_v the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o think_v so_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n what_o further_a argument_n can_v be_v use_v to_o convince_v he_o for_o what_o further_a evidence_n can_v we_o expect_v of_o any_o man_n sincerity_n in_o what_o he_o say_v than_o that_o he_o will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o attest_v it_o as_o they_o do_v and_o then_o for_o their_o knowledge_n in_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v well_o appeal_v to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n wherewith_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v that_o such_o man_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n yet_o still_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n be_v not_o so_o great_a evidence_n as_o that_o of_o sense_n though_o it_o be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o a_o man_n that_o be_v resolve_v to_o yield_v to_o nothing_o but_o sensible_a demonstration_n must_v expect_v to_o go_v away_o unsatisfied_a as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o it_o be_v not_o now_o capable_a of_o that_o kind_n of_o evidence_n but_o now_o a_o humble_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n that_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n in_o order_n to_o practice_n such_o a_o one_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o obstinate_a and_o refractory_a in_o his_o proceed_n he_o will_v content_v himself_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o the_o thing_n he_o inquire_v about_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v require_v no_o great_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o those_o perverse_a disputer_n who_o be_v not_o content_a with_o that_o rational_a evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v not_o be_v convince_v though_o they_o see_v a_o miracle_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o in_o a_o like_a case_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o believe_v though_o one_o arise_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v at_o first_o confirm_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o miracle_n but_o afterward_o they_o be_v to_o be_v content_a with_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o father_n concern_v it_o and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n upon_o that_o evidence_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o great_a miracle_n even_o the_o resurrection_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o case_n be_v now_o the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n at_o the_o
conscience_n be_v as_o it_o be_v bribe_v in_o their_o testimony_n by_o the_o love_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n now_o if_o we_o lie_v aside_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n those_o that_o act_n by_o no_o principle_n of_o reason_n at_o all_o and_o those_o who_o be_v manifest_o corrupt_v by_o their_o lust_n and_o smother_v and_o contradict_v their_o own_o reason_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v esteem_v fit_a man_n to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o judge_n of_o truth_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v any_o not_o reducible_a to_o one_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n be_v infinite_o a_o less_o number_n than_o those_o who_o have_v be_v constant_a witness_n to_o and_o assertor_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o that_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o they_o and_o of_o life_n itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o infer_v that_o though_o the_o father_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v consider_v only_o as_o witness_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o general_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o yet_o their_o example_n add_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o choice_n in_o be_v religious_a though_o we_o have_v no_o further_a motive_n to_o it_o than_o this_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o who_o renounce_v religion_n do_v it_o either_o without_o or_o against_o their_o reason_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o competent_a evidence_n on_o their_o side_n who_o do_v so_o but_o the_o force_n of_o their_o example_n before_o mention_v will_v be_v yet_o more_o considerable_a to_o engage_v we_o to_o imitate_v their_o patience_n if_o we_o consider_v 2._o the_o great_a difference_n between_o their_o state_n and_o we_o and_o the_o far_o great_a advantage_n we_o enjoy_v above_o they_o how_o far_o their_o knowledge_n extend_v beyond_o the_o the_o principle_n before_o mention_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a nor_o necessary_a to_o determine_v but_o thus_o much_o be_v plain_a that_o their_o condition_n be_v much_o more_o imperfect_a than_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a the_o promise_n they_o receive_v be_v mysterious_a and_o unevident_a but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o case_n be_v much_o otherwise_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n under_o which_o the_o promise_a messiah_n be_v obscure_o represent_v of_o old_a be_v now_o exchange_v for_o the_o substance_n itself_o now_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v now_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o than_o they_o have_v in_o that_o he_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o give_v he_o for_o we_o all_o we_o have_v a_o better_a prospect_n of_o the_o promise_a reward_n we_o have_v now_o clear_a promise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o assist_v and_o support_v we_o in_o all_o our_o trial_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o run_v our_o race_n with_o patience_n these_o and_o many_o other_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n we_o enjoy_v these_o encouragement_n to_o practice_v we_o have_v receive_v beyond_o what_o the_o father_n be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n refer_v to_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n these_o all_o have_v obtain_v a_o good_a report_n through_o say_v receive_v not_o the_o promise_n god_n have_v provide_v some_o better_a thing_n for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v perfect_a now_o the_o inference_n from_o this_o consideration_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a for_o if_o the_o father_n before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o receive_v not_o those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o exercise_v so_o great_a degree_n of_o faith_n so_o mighty_a a_o confidence_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n as_o to_o endure_v such_o bitter_a thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o we_o read_v they_o do_v how_o strong_o shall_v this_o excite_v and_o provoke_v our_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n to_o follow_v after_o they_o in_o this_o glorious_a enterprise_n and_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v ashamed_a and_o blush_v to_o read_v the_o history_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o virtue_n if_o we_o who_o enjoy_v so_o many_o advantage_n above_o they_o do_v yet_o come_v short_a of_o their_o bravery_n and_o resolution_n and_o constant_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n aught_o to_o have_v this_o further_a influence_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o like_o cheerful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o reward_n the_o crown_n we_o seek_v for_o the_o hard_a duty_n require_v of_o we_o have_v be_v long_o since_o accomplish_v by_o they_o and_o accomplish_v with_o such_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n such_o ravish_a apprehension_n of_o the_o joy_n set_v before_o they_o as_o perfect_o over-balanced_n all_o the_o difficulty_n they_o meet_v with_o and_o make_v they_o joyful_a and_o courageous_a amid_o the_o most_o severe_a torture_n let_v no_o man_n then_o pretend_v that_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v keep_v that_o his_o law_n be_v hard_a or_o grievous_a to_o be_v do_v since_o we_o have_v see_v they_o fulfil_v in_o so_o high_a a_o manner_n and_o that_o under_o a_o more_o imperfect_a dispensation_n than_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o state_n of_o those_o manifest_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o our_o task_n which_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o their_o example_n but_o they_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v very_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a worthy_a our_o choice_n and_o constant_a embrace_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o great_a danger_n and_o persecution_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o shall_v have_v express_v so_o constant_a a_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v for_o its_o sake_n it_o be_v a_o fansiful_a supposition_n of_o tully_n that_o if_o virtue_n can_v be_v see_v by_o bodily_a eye_n it_o will_v appear_v so_o comely_a and_o amiable_a so_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a that_o man_n will_v need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o embrace_v it_o i_o will_v not_o say_v this_o supposition_n be_v altogether_o extravagant_a because_o it_o may_v fair_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o great_a example_n of_o virtue_n some_o of_o which_o have_v appear_v in_o all_o age_n to_o vindicate_v its_o practice_n from_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n under_o which_o the_o folly_n and_o slothfulness_n of_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o represent_v it_o in_o brave_a and_o heroic_a example_n virtue_n appear_v as_o it_o be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n visible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o most_o stupid_a and_o insensible_a since_o there_o be_v none_o so_o barbarous_a and_o savage_a who_o will_v not_o follow_v a_o true_o virtuous_a man_n with_o reverence_n and_o applause_n though_o they_o see_v he_o ofttimes_o cloud_v by_o affliction_n and_o oppress_v by_o the_o malicious_a and_o unjust_a the_o truth_n be_v no_o kind_n of_o argument_n have_v great_a advantage_n of_o persuasion_n and_o leave_v we_o more_o without_o excuse_n than_o good_a and_o virtuous_a example_n other_o may_v speak_v great_a thing_n in_o commendation_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o reward_v prepare_v for_o it_o but_o if_o notwithstanding_o they_o live_v not_o as_o they_o teach_v there_o be_v a_o easy_a answer_n to_o be_v make_v to_o such_o exhortation_n and_o we_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o reply_v sure_o these_o man_n do_v not_o real_o believe_v what_o they_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v we_o for_o if_o they_o do_v it_o will_v be_v their_o interest_n to_o practice_v virtue_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o why_o do_v they_o neglect_v it_o but_o when_o man_n teach_v we_o by_o example_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n than_o they_o may_v urge_v their_o precept_n with_o good_a assurance_n and_o we_o have_v no_o excuse_n or_o pretence_n leave_v why_o we_o shall_v not_o follow_v and_o imitate_v they_o the_o saint_n therefore_o and_o martyr_n who_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o such_o glorious_a memorial_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o patient_a suffering_n for_o conscience_n sake_n do_v herein_o give_v we_o the_o most_o powerful_a
appearance_n we_o must_v all_o appear_v all_o man_n that_o ever_o live_v or_o shall_v live_v upon_o the_o earth_n high_a or_o low_o rich_a or_o poor_a no_o order_n or_o degree_n of_o man_n except_v we_o must_v all_o than_o make_v our_o appearance_n 5._o there_o be_v something_o considerable_a in_o the_o appearance_n itself_o doctor_n hammond_n interpret_v the_o phrase_n we_o must_v appear_v only_o with_o analogy_n to_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n among_o man_n that_o as_o prisoner_n at_o the_o bar_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v set_v in_o a_o conspicuous_a place_n in_o order_n to_o their_o trial_n so_o we_o also_o must_v give_v our_o appearance_n before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o more_o important_a signification_n and_o must_v be_v understand_v not_o only_o of_o our_o be_v actual_o present_a at_o god_n tribunal_n but_o we_o must_v appear_v or_o be_v make_v manifest_a as_o the_o same_o word_n be_v interpret_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n and_o then_o the_o apostle_n mean_v thus_o much_o that_o all_o our_o hide_a action_n and_o secret_a design_n which_o be_v now_o undiscovered_a by_o man_n shall_v then_o at_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v manifest_a and_o lay_v open_a to_o we_o before_o god_n and_o all_o his_o holy_a angel_n we_o have_v now_o many_o way_n to_o hide_v ourselves_o and_o to_o disguise_v our_o action_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n we_o can_v now_o put_v on_o the_o mask_n and_o garb_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n and_o appear_v as_o such_o to_o the_o world_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o wickedness_n and_o deceit_n but_o at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n all_o these_o art_n will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o our_o false_a pretence_n will_v then_o be_v discover_v our_o disguise_n pull_v off_o our_o hypocrisy_n make_v visible_a and_o manifest_a inasmuch_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v 6._o here_o be_v the_o method_n that_o will_v be_v use_v at_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n every_o one_o shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a 7._o here_o be_v the_o use_n s_o paul_n make_v of_o all_o these_o consideration_n know_v therefore_o these_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v assure_v how_o dreadful_a this_o appearance_n and_o the_o event_n of_o it_o will_v be_v we_o persuade_v man_n that_o they_o will_v now_o behave_v themselves_o as_o man_n that_o must_v then_o appear_v but_o to_o insist_v particular_o on_o all_o these_o circumstance_n will_v be_v too_o large_a a_o exercise_n of_o your_o patience_n i_o shall_v therefore_o confine_v my_o discourse_n to_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o remind_v you_o of_o those_o ground_n and_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o we_o must_v appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n 2._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o method_n of_o proceed_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n every_o man_n shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a 3._o i_o shall_v draw_v some_o inference_n that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n first_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o this_o will_v appear_v upon_o these_o follow_a account_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v and_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n 3._o from_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n and_o belief_n of_o all_o nation_n 4._o from_o the_o particular_a revelation_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o holy_a scripture_n 1._o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o examine_v the_o natural_a power_n we_o be_v endue_v with_o they_o will_v afford_v we_o great_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o account_v for_o our_o action_n here_o and_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v according_a to_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o do_v one_o and_o eschew_v the_o other_o be_v natural_o write_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v wicked_a without_o violence_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o best_a faculty_n every_o man_n bear_v about_o with_o he_o a_o secret_a monitor_n in_o his_o bosom_n which_o upon_o the_o temptation_n to_o evil_n do_v faithful_o forewarn_v he_o of_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o commission_n of_o evil_n do_v afflict_v his_o soul_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o guilt_n and_o with_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o punishment_n due_a upon_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v a_o secret_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n natural_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o good_a man_n which_o be_v a_o exceed_a support_n and_o comfort_n to_o he_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o enable_v he_o to_o bear_v many_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n which_o ofttimes_o attend_v he_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n his_o conscience_n breed_v in_o he_o a_o strong_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n of_o some_o future_a recompense_n for_o his_o good_a deed_n now_o that_o conscience_n be_v thus_o active_a and_o busy_a to_o forewarn_v man_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v and_o to_o set_v before_o they_o in_o order_n the_o evil_n they_o have_v do_v and_o to_o support_v they_o in_o do_v good_a every_o man_n that_o give_v himself_o the_o leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n may_v be_v convince_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n or_o if_o we_o will_v rather_o learn_v from_o the_o experience_n of_o other_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v a_o crowd_n of_o witness_n which_o give_v we_o large_a description_n of_o the_o unsupportable_a burden_n a_o trouble_a spirit_n and_o the_o great_a comfort_n and_o security_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o now_o will_v we_o know_v the_o true_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o those_o hope_n and_o fear_n which_o the_o conscience_n natural_o suggest_v to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o they_o can_v be_v assign_v but_o this_o that_o they_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n forewarn_v we_o of_o another_o state_n after_o this_o when_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v recompense_v according_a to_o that_o they_o have_v do_v here_o for_o that_o the_o fear_n and_o disquiet_v of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n be_v indeed_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o temporal_a punishment_n or_o of_o the_o law_n of_o man_n as_o some_o vain_o suppose_v be_v sufficient_o evident_a in_o that_o those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n and_o above_o the_o fear_n of_o any_o earthly_a tribunal_n have_v yet_o be_v the_o great_a example_n of_o this_o force_n of_o conscience_n the_o story_n of_o caligula_n be_v in_o every_o body_n mouth_n and_o be_v indeed_o a_o signal_n instance_n of_o this_o truth_n he_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o so_o unlimited_a a_o sovereignty_n over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n and_o exercise_v his_o power_n with_o so_o extravagant_a a_o cruelty_n be_v yet_o upon_o every_o flash_n of_o lightning_n and_o clap_n of_o thunder_n awaken_v to_o a_o sense_n and_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o that_o god_n who_o at_o other_o time_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o defy_v but_o not_o to_o dwell_v upon_o a_o single_a instance_n a_o further_a evidence_n that_o these_o fear_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n be_v most_o remarkable_a in_o those_o action_n which_o be_v do_v in_o secret_a and_o far_o remove_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n for_o though_o we_o seek_v the_o dark_a retirement_n where_o no_o mortal_a eye_n can_v trace_v our_o step_n or_o behold_v our_o do_n yet_o there_o our_o conscience_n be_v as_o a_o thousand_o witness_n continual_o upbraid_v we_o with_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o afflict_v we_o with_o terror_n which_o can_v proceed_v from_o nothing_o else_o but_o from_o a_o secret_a conviction_n of_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o power_n and_o knowledge_n reach_v to_o all_o place_n even_o to_o our_o most_o secret_a retirement_n and_o who_o will_v one_o day_n bring_v upon_o we_o punishment_n proportionable_a to_o our_o deserve_n i_o will_v not_o insist_v long_o upon_o this_o argument_n than_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o s._n paul_n himself_o seem_v
conclusion_n and_o can_v such_o a_o argumentation_n deceive_v we_o can_v have_v little_a encouragement_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o faculty_n again_o if_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o early_a revelation_n make_v to_o man_n when_o they_o be_v yet_o few_o in_o number_n and_o retain_v in_o the_o dispersion_n of_o nation_n and_o still_o preserve_v notwithstanding_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n they_o fall_v into_o as_o to_o other_o matter_n this_o must_v be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n of_o that_o revelation_n at_o first_o and_o must_v consequent_o much_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v may_v have_v be_v confirm_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o some_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o and_o thence_o derive_v and_o 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of_o all_o their_o ungodly_a deed_n which_o they_o have_v ungodly_a commit_v and_o of_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o ungodly_a sinner_n have_v speak_v against_o he_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o and_o most_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n 4._o the_o particular_a revelation_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o needless_a to_o recite_v they_o to_o you_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n must_v understand_v that_o be_v one_o chief_a article_n of_o our_o christian_a profession_n nothing_o more_o plain_o reveal_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o inculcate_v than_o that_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v the_o method_n of_o proceed_v at_o that_o day_n every_o one_o shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a that_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o man_n action_n in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n according_a to_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o they_o who_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v receive_v the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v and_o they_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a shall_v receive_v according_a to_o that_o likewise_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o full_o and_o plain_o teach_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o one_o will_v think_v man_n can_v not_o easy_o mistake_v or_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o proceed_v can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o righteous_a god_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v just_a and_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n the_o righteous_a therefore_o and_o they_o only_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o reward_n from_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a and_o they_o only_o must_v be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o so_o and_o to_o invert_v this_o method_n will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o to_o all_o the_o method_n whereby_o god_n have_v make_v himself_o know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n say_v thus_o to_o the_o almighty_a wisd_v xij_o 15._o for_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o be_v righteous_a thyself_o thou_o ordere_v all_o thing_n righteous_o think_v it_o not_o agreeable_a to_o thy_o power_n to_o condemn_v he_o who_o have_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v to_o which_o we_o may_v also_o add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o purity_n and_o justice_n to_o reward_v the_o unrighteous_a and_o disobedient_a and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o have_v all_o along_o declare_v the_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o the_o great_a severity_n against_o those_o that_o continue_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sin_n only_o that_o bring_v misery_n and_o death_n into_o the_o world_n for_o by_o one_o man_n disobedience_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o when_o god_n be_v please_v out_o of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o contrive_v the_o way_n of_o our_o recovery_n and_o to_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o our_o redemption_n he_o will_v not_o admit_v we_o to_o term_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n without_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o severity_n against_o sin_n and_o that_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o he_o be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n he_o bear_v our_o grief_n and_o carry_v our_o sorrow_n he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n by_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n in_o our_o stead_n can_v be_v available_a to_o we_o or_o free_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n while_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o for_o he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n may_v live_v unto_o righteousness_n that_o so_o be_v save_v from_o our_o sin_n here_o we_o may_v be_v save_v from_o the_o wage_n of_o they_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n to_o bring_v salvation_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n thus_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o deal_n with_o mankind_n we_o can_v but_o expect_v that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v judge_v according_a to_o righteousness_n they_o who_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o and_o they_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a shall_v receive_v a_o due_a recompense_n of_o their_o evil_a deed_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o the_o several_a promise_n and_o threaten_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v all_o along_o make_v use_n of_o as_o argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o discourage_v and_o dissuade_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o do_v if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v due_a to_o any_o but_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o obedience_n or_o if_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v can_v be_v avoid_v any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o forsake_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o it_o be_v threaten_v thus_o saint_n paul_n argue_v from_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n seven_o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n thus_o again_o s._n peter_n i_o 4._o tell_v that_o by_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o
clear_a right_n on_o his_o side_n than_o any_o man_n can_v now_o pretend_v to_o but_o be_v entertain_v with_o the_o great_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o if_o any_o injury_n may_v just_o provoke_v our_o rage_n and_o passion_n those_o offer_v to_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o the_o most_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a nature_n but_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v he_o revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o he_o render_v not_o evil_a for_o evil_n nor_o rail_v for_o rail_v but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o and_o now_o can_v any_o man_n pretend_v to_o own_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o saviour_n precept_n and_o example_n and_o yet_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n and_o virulency_n of_o speech_n towards_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o some_o of_o our_o zealous_a disputant_n do_v in_o these_o day_n s._n judas_n tell_v we_o that_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o he_o contend_v with_o the_o devil_n he_o dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o presume_v to_o do_v it_o in_o our_o religious_a debate_n with_o our_o christian_a brethren_n who_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v notwithstanding_o our_o misconception_n of_o they_o may_v be_v in_o truth_n the_o child_n of_o god_n though_o fall_v into_o error_n in_o a_o word_n to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a he_o that_o will_v learn_v must_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v contradict_v and_o hear_v with_o patience_n what_o may_v be_v say_v be_v it_o never_o so_o opposite_a to_o his_o former_a notion_n or_o to_o his_o present_a wish_n otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v hardly_o capable_a to_o judge_v aright_o again_o he_o that_o will_v instruct_v and_o convince_v other_o must_v do_v it_o also_o with_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n confute_v error_n with_o all_o the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n he_o be_v able_a but_o spare_v the_o person_n he_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v for_o if_o by_o reproach_n and_o contumely_n he_o provoke_v their_o passion_n who_o he_o shall_v instruct_v he_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o all_o his_o reason_n by_o discompose_v those_o faculty_n which_o shall_v judge_v of_o it_o 5._o the_o five_o point_n of_o duty_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o as_o have_v great_a influence_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v prayer_n to_o god_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o natural_a obligation_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o many_o precept_n of_o ancient_a philosopher_n concern_v it_o pythagoras_n in_o particular_a advice_n to_o undertake_v no_o work_n to_o endeavour_v nothing_o without_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o he_o subjoin_v to_o many_o other_o precept_n of_o virtue_n as_o the_o compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o and_o sure_o if_o the_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v necessary_a in_o all_o our_o concern_v it_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o our_o search_n of_o divine_a truth_n for_o to_o who_o shall_v we_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n but_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v and_o the_o same_o philosopher_n immediate_o after_o his_o precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o his_o direction_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o bless_v and_o perfect_a our_o endeavour_n he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a benefit_n that_o will_v redound_v to_o we_o thereby_o that_o we_o shall_v by_o so_o do_v gain_n the_o knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o much_o different_a from_o what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n have_v in_o itself_o a_o natural_a efficacy_n to_o clear_v the_o understanding_n and_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o sure_o if_o philosopher_n by_o the_o force_n of_o natural_a principle_n understand_v the_o necessity_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n in_o all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o that_o prayer_n be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v we_o who_o have_v receive_v better_a mean_n of_o instruction_n than_o they_o have_v can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o point_n of_o duty_n especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o full_a of_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n require_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o all_o our_o exigency_n and_o assure_v we_o of_o success_n by_o so_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o thus_o particular_o luke_n xi_o 9_o our_o saviour_n advise_v we_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o and_o then_o follow_v v._o 13._o if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o s._n james_n yet_o more_o near_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n direct_v we_o to_o make_v our_o humble_a address_n to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n james_n 1._o 5._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n plenteous_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o i_o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v on_o some_o particular_a duty_n each_o of_o which_o single_o consider_v have_v a_o very_a great_a efficacy_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o from_o whence_o the_o inference_n will_v be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a that_o if_o the_o practice_n of_o each_o of_o these_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o in_o our_o search_n after_o knowledge_n then_o sure_o where_o these_o be_v all_o unite_a they_o can_v ordinary_o fail_v of_o their_o desire_a effect_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v further_o that_o the_o condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v be_v not_o complete_v in_o our_o observance_n of_o those_o particular_a duty_n abovementioned_a but_o in_o a_o universal_a and_o impartial_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v already_o know_v to_o we_o and_o in_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o further_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o upon_o perusal_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o man_n thus_o qualify_v beside_o the_o natural_a efficacy_n of_o virtue_n to_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o receive_v the_o gospel_n have_v moreover_o a_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n to_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n and_o to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o account_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n proposition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o any_o who_o seek_v for_o truth_n with_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o submit_v to_o it_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o have_v already_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o do_v his_o will_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o afford_v such_o further_a mean_n of_o instruction_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n mat._n twenty-five_o 29._o unto_o every_o man_n that_o have_v that_o be_v who_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o what_o he_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n every_o one_o who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v up_o to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n he_o have_v god_n will_v give_v to_o he_o such_o further_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o shall_v be_v suitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o he_o and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o great_a signal_n example_n in_o cornelius_n the_o good_a centurion_n act_v 10._o who_o prayer_n and_o alm_n while_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o christ_n religion_n be_v so_o far_o accept_v by_o god_n that_o he_o be_v please_v miraculous_o to_o direct_v he_o to_o peter_n for_o further_a instruction_n what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v now_o although_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o sincere_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n shall_v be_v thus_o miraculous_o instruct_v as_o cornelius_n be_v yet_o god_n have_v give_v we_o abundant_a assurance_n that_o no_o such_o person_n shall_v miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o necessary_a knowledge_n for_o to_o this_o end_n god_n have_v give_v his_o holy_a
spirit_n to_o continue_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o guide_v it_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o to_o assist_v and_o govern_v every_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o that_o be_v indispensable_o require_v of_o he_o god_n himself_o have_v a_o singular_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o good_a man_n as_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n tell_v we_o psal_n cxlvij_o ii_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o in_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v condescend_v to_o dwell_v and_o inhabit_v with_o such_o person_n which_o i_o conceive_v can_v be_v understand_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a near_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o good_a man_n that_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v and_o succour_v they_o in_o whatsoever_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o john_n fourteen_o 23._o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o and_o then_o sure_o be_v blessed_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o a_o guest_n they_o can_v want_v any_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o conclude_v then_o what_o remain_v now_o but_o if_o we_o desire_v knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o religion_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o seek_v it_o in_o this_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v viz._n with_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o true_a knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v he_o that_o seek_v in_o this_o way_n shall_v not_o miscarry_v for_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 serm._n iu._n heb._n xij_o 1._o wherefore_o see_v we_o also_o be_v compass_v with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o those_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n who_o live_v before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o word_n i_o have_v now_o read_v be_v a_o inference_n from_o their_o example_n that_o we_o also_o have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glorious_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o mighty_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o endure_a affliction_n may_v from_o thence_o be_v excite_v to_o a_o like_a vigour_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o christian_a profession_n so_o that_o the_o word_n contain_v these_o two_o thing_n worthy_a our_o consideration_n a_o exhortation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o exhortation_n in_o these_o word_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o exhortation_n in_o these_o word_n see_v we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o exhortation_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a in_o holy_a scripture_n than_o to_o represent_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a under_o the_o similitude_n of_o such_o other_o employment_n as_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o require_v the_o most_o exact_a care_n and_o vigilance_n in_o those_o who_o undertake_v they_o sometime_o we_o be_v compare_v to_o soldier_n who_o must_v be_v always_o upon_o the_o guard_n sometime_o to_o traveller_n and_o pilgrim_n who_o have_v a_o long_a and_o hazardous_a journey_n to_o make_v sometime_o to_o those_o who_o strive_v for_o mastery_n in_o public_a game_n now_o these_o several_a sort_n of_o employment_n do_v all_o presuppose_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o those_o who_o undertake_v they_o do_v propose_v to_o themselves_o some_o great_a and_o considerable_a end_n some_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v pass_v through_o great_a industry_n and_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o the_o case_n be_v not_o unlike_a in_o our_o christian_a profession_n we_o have_v a_o glorious_a prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_v set_v before_o we_o we_o have_v a_o exceed_o great_a reward_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o we_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n and_o just_a rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o bestow_v on_o such_o as_o overcome_v but_o then_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v this_o reward_n and_o crown_n upon_o any_o other_o condition_n than_o that_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o as_o man_n who_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n manful_o and_o courageous_o who_o have_v strive_v lawful_o and_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n the_o similitude_n use_v in_o the_o text_n be_v take_v from_o those_o trial_n of_o skill_n those_o public_a exercise_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o olympic_a game_n now_o for_o those_o who_o run_v in_o a_o race_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v if_o they_o hope_v to_o gain_v the_o victory_n in_o proportion_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v express_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o they_o must_v free_v themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a burden_n from_o all_o their_o loose_a garment_n which_o may_v clog_v or_o entangle_v they_o in_o their_o way_n they_o must_v lay_v away_o every_o weight_n 2._o they_o must_v be_v active_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o course_n they_o must_v run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o they_o 3._o they_o must_v continue_v their_o vigour_n and_o courage_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o run_v with_o patience_n that_o be_v with_o perseverance_n and_o continuance_n in_o well-doing_n now_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apply_v these_o several_a circumstance_n to_o our_o christian_a duty_n and_o i_o shall_v consider_v each_o of_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v that_o what_o be_v here_o metaphorical_o express_v by_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o s._n paul_n elsewhere_o teach_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n and_o call_v the_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o which_o s._n john_n call_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o so_o many_o clog_n and_o weight_n that_o press_v down_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v it_o dull_a and_o unactive_a and_o divert_v it_o from_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o lay_v aside_o these_o encumbrance_n the_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o these_o affection_n and_o desire_n and_o from_o the_o love_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o nay_o of_o our_o life_n itself_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o duty_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o preparation_n for_o our_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o that_o without_o so_o do_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v christ_n disciple_n mat._n xuj_o 24._o jesus_n say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o s._n mat._n x._o 38._o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o now_o that_o the_o renounce_n and_o forsake_v our_o carnal_a lust_n and_o desire_n be_v most_o general_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o deny_v ourselves_o i_o conceive_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o it_o be_v make_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o all_o that_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n not_o only_o those_o who_o suffer_v persecution_n but_o all_o that_o will_v be_v christian_n must_v in_o their_o proportion_n deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v universal_a not_o limit_v to_o any_o time_n or_o place_n or_o other_o circumstance_n but_o equal_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n luke_n fourteen_o 26._o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o