well_o as_o they_o do_v the_o just_a live_v by_o that_o faith_n with_o which_o other_o perish_v how_o be_v that_o faith_n impute_v to_o they_o for_o righteousness_n which_o do_v but_o aggravate_v the_o condemnation_n of_o these_o nay_o how_o be_v that_o justify_n and_o save_v faith_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v as_o well_o as_o we_o for_o they_o assent_v and_o therefore_o believe_v and_o tremble_v because_o they_o believe_v let_v we_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o consideration_n concern_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n viz._n to_o make_v man_n attain_v to_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v and_o accept_v now_o if_o upon_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v in_o man_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o they_o will_v make_v they_o obedient_a and_o holy_a and_o therefore_o that_o the_o wicked_a want_n faith_n that_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v and_o have_v not_o that_o faith_n which_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n require_v than_o there_o will_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v why_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o and_o so_o remarkable_o say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n here_o therefore_o i_o shall_v represent_v what_o those_o thing_n be_v in_o which_o the_o force_n of_o faith_n lie_v to_o govern_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o then_o i_o may_v leave_v you_o to_o judge_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o produce_v the_o effect_n of_o holiness_n when_o they_o be_v all_o together_o and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o ungodly_a man_n now_o 2._o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v believe_v 2._o in_o the_o manner_n of_o believe_v they_o 3._o in_o the_o permanency_n of_o the_o belief_n itself_o or_o rather_o in_o the_o dwell_n of_o our_o mind_n upon_o it_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o consider_v what_o influence_n it_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v 1._o the_o truth_n we_o believe_v do_v represent_v good_a and_o evil_n to_o we_o they_o be_v not_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o we_o be_v never_o the_o better_a nor_o the_o worse_o whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o not_o but_o they_o be_v of_o very_o near_a concernment_n to_o we_o and_o be_v therefore_o fit_a to_o work_v upon_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n 2._o what_o we_o believe_v do_v represent_v to_o we_o our_o great_a good_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o what_o we_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o fear_v on_o the_o other_o if_o a_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v offer_v we_o may_v be_v disparage_v by_o a_o great_a good_a that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o it_o do_v not_o much_o inflame_v or_o move_v the_o affection_n now_o he_o that_o believe_v aright_o apprehend_v the_o joy_n of_o another_o life_n to_o be_v so_o great_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o to_o rival_n they_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o patriarch_n to_o count_v themselves_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n upon_o earth_n they_o desire_v a_o better_a i._n e._n a_o heavenly_a country_n 3._o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o this_o inheritance_n belong_v to_o we_o upon_o our_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n if_o we_o have_v absolute_a assurance_n of_o the_o heavenly_a country_n this_o faith_n may_v well_o cause_v satisfaction_n in_o the_o benefit_n but_o if_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n that_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n or_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v exclude_v if_o we_o assent_v not_o only_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n than_o our_o faith_n work_v by_o fear_n and_o hope_n and_o put_v we_o upon_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n but_o if_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o condition_n it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o obey_v because_o it_o will_v be_v so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o need_v not_o 4._o we_o be_v also_o persuade_v that_o the_o condition_n viz._n do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n possible_a otherwise_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v will_v not_o stir_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o it_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o devil_n tremble_v only_o though_o they_o believe_v because_o they_o can_v assent_v to_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o make_v to_o they_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v want_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o faith_n will_v make_v we_o miserable_a and_o desperate_a but_o not_o active_a and_o careful_a to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n in_o short_a if_o we_o believe_v the_o truth_n wherein_o the_o great_a good_a be_v promise_v and_o that_o it_o be_v promise_v upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n and_o that_o the_o condition_n be_v enforce_v by_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o great_a punishment_n and_o that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v perform_v then_o in_o this_o faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o want_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o make_v we_o fruitful_a in_o holiness_n &_o good_a work_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o this_o but_o only_o some_o part_n of_o it_o our_o unfruitfulness_n may_v well_o be_v impute_v to_o want_v of_o faith_n but_o this_o i_o confess_v do_v not_o go_v very_o far_o to_o satisfy_v the_o difficulty_n because_o many_o believe_v all_o needful_a truth_n and_o yet_o remain_v unholy_a wherefore_o let_v we_o go_v to_o the_o second_o point_n viz._n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o believe_v divine_a truth_n for_o there_o be_v very_o much_o of_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o sanctify_v we_o in_o this_o very_a thing_n let_v we_o for_o instance_n take_v the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n or_o i_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v to_o believe_v this_o considerate_o and_o distinct_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v a_o omnipresent_v be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a but_o now_o our_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v we_o circumspect_a in_o our_o action_n and_o careful_a of_o our_o thought_n but_o by_o such_o distinct_a persuasion_n and_o consideration_n as_o these_o which_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o faith_n nor_o will_v these_o distinct_a consideration_n have_v much_o power_n neither_o unless_o they_o be_v distinct_o apply_v to_o ourselves_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o he_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v with_o i_o and_o see_v i_o in_o all_o that_o i_o do_v and_o know_v every_o one_o of_o my_o secret_n and_o even_o every_o thought_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o therefore_o how_o shall_v i_o dare_v so_o much_o as_o to_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o therefore_o in_o this_o or_o in_o any_o other_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v extreme_a folly_n as_o well_o as_o sin_v to_o follow_v my_o own_o will_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o now_o all_o this_o be_v faith_n or_o believe_v true_a doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v by_o such_o distinct_a apprehension_n and_o application_n as_o these_o that_o we_o must_v be_v enable_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o to_o purify_v our_o heart_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o general_a doctrine_n and_o to_o go_v no_o far_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v operative_a much_o more_o than_o if_o we_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o if_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o one_o article_n be_v therefore_o fruitless_a because_o it_o be_v but_o general_a and_o not_o resolve_v into_o the_o awaken_n consideration_n that_o be_v under_o it_o nor_o apply_v distinct_o to_o ourselves_o under_o such_o consideration_n than_o also_o will_v the_o believe_v of_o the_o whole_a creed_n in_o this_o fashion_n without_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o application_n be_v fruitless_a also_o and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o we_o that_o we_o understand_v neither_o what_o we_o say_v nor_o whereof_o we_o affirm_v and_o than_o what_o we_o say_v and_o affirm_v can_v have_v no_o great_a force_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o mend_v our_o life_n but_o though_o this_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o resolve_v the_o unholiness_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n into_o want_n of_o faith_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o do_v not_o altogether_o satisfy_v that_o where_o faith_n be_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v there_o will_v be_v a_o holy_a mind_n and_o a_o
damnation_n and_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n write_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o they_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o faith_n that_o christ_n himself_o have_v do_v before_o they_o that_o they_o i_o say_v shall_v mean_v something_o else_o by_o the_o word_n than_o what_o it_o signify_v according_a to_o common_a use_n and_o yet_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o tell_v we_o so_o the_o writer_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v indeed_o treat_v of_o new_a subject_n viz._n of_o those_o new_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n that_o have_v be_v late_o make_v but_o when_o they_o make_v use_v of_o word_n that_o have_v a_o know_a meaning_n they_o do_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o receive_a signification_n of_o those_o word_n but_o by_o faith_n or_o believe_v man_n always_o understand_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o proposition_n and_o thus_o faith_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v describe_v most_o full_o in_o st._n john_n 11.25_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v but_o this_o be_v explain_v v._o 27._o i_o believe_v that_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o again_o john_n 8.24_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n moreover_o that_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o church_n shall_v stand_v want_v nothing_o sure_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v thus_o express_v we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o this_o because_o not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o thus_o abraham_n faith_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n be_v his_o account_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n even_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o all_o the_o holy_a man_n mention_v in_o heb._n 11._o be_v say_v to_o have_v die_v in_o faith_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n as_o to_o those_o that_o think_v there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o this_o come_v to_o they_o either_o return_v to_o this_o in_o other_o word_n or_o add_v something_o that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o those_o that_o say_v there_o must_v be_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n where_o there_o be_v true_a faith_n say_v well_o but_o then_o application_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o persuasion_n of_o or_o a_o assent_n unto_o a_o single_a proposition_n for_o instance_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v mankind_n be_v a_o general_a persuasion_n christ_n come_v for_o my_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o application_n be_v a_o particular_a one_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n therefore_o without_o holiness_n i_o shall_v not_o this_o last_o be_v but_o persuasion_n and_o there_o be_v that_o in_o the_o former_a therefore_o faith_n in_o both_o again_o if_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faith_n the_o meaning_n must_v be_v either_o that_o i_o be_o assure_v christ_n will_v save_v i_o and_o this_o be_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o say_n or_o else_o that_o i_o rely_v upon_o his_o person_n but_o a_o person_n can_v be_v believe_v otherwise_o than_o by_o believe_v something_o of_o he_o or_o something_o that_o he_o have_v say_v some_o there_o be_v that_o think_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o persuasion_n and_o the_o romanist_n tell_v we_o there_o must_v be_v infallibility_n in_o it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v a_o weak_a as_o well_o as_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o though_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o assent_n be_v more_o work_v and_o powerful_a yet_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o least_o last_o some_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n nay_o and_o holiness_n of_o life_n belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n but_o this_o can_v be_v because_o although_o faith_n where_o it_o be_v in_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v it_o will_v produce_v holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v sometime_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o comprehend_v those_o good_a affection_n and_o those_o good_a work_n which_o it_o cause_v yet_o sometime_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o the_o same_o so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o christian_a faith_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o now_o for_o the_o second_o point_n 2._o concern_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n attribute_v to_o it_o our_o justification_n and_o our_o holiness_n or_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o we_o will_v first_o consider_v 1._o what_o efficacy_n faith_n have_v as_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v very_o brief_o and_o plain_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o faith_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v or_o save_v in_o that_o it_o put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o good_a way_n of_o be_v justify_v and_o thus_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v faith_n because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n towards_o justification_n and_o believe_v his_o precept_n with_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n a_o more_o justify_v faith_n because_o it_o bring_v a_o man_n near_o to_o that_o state_n in_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v justify_v but_o 2._o if_o we_o speak_v of_o actual_a justification_n and_o continuance_n in_o god_n favour_n than_o not_o any_o nor_o all_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o faith_n take_v together_o but_z separate_z from_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n be_v sufficient_a for_o where_o god_n have_v make_v more_o condition_n than_o one_o necessary_a there_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o but_o one_o will_v not_o suffice_v and_o therefore_o where_o forgiveness_n and_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o one_o single_a condition_n there_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v suppose_v he_o that_o give_v a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o a_o disciple_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n shall_v not_o lose_v his_o reward_n but_o shall_v cold_a water_n wash_v away_o the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n or_o the_o injustice_n of_o pilate_n he_o that_o confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n have_v eternal_a life_n but_o still_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v nevertheless_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o where_o nothing_o less_o than_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o believe_v and_o baptism_n all_o that_o which_o in_o reason_n shall_v follow_v be_v mean_v though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v 3._o if_o we_o speak_v of_o final_a and_o irreversible_a justification_n this_o be_v neither_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o faith_n nor_o obedience_n without_o perseverance_n in_o both_o god_n do_v in_o this_o life_n justify_v true_a believer_n but_o not_o once_o for_o all_o till_o they_o have_v fight_v their_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v their_o course_n as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n forgive_v his_o servant_n and_o yet_o call_v he_o to_o account_v for_o his_o debt_n when_o he_o prove_v cruel_a to_o his_o fellow_n for_o this_o show_v that_o his_o pardon_n be_v but_o conditional_a so_o likewise_o say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n do_v unto_o you_o now_o i_o confess_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o inquiry_n give_v no_o sufficient_a account_n why_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n so_o frequent_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o rather_o seem_v to_o make_v it_o more_o unaccountable_a for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o assent_n to_o truth_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a common_a attainment_n not_o deserve_v those_o great_a thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v that_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o all_o good_a man_n have_v wrought_v righteousness_n which_o have_v be_v hold_v in_o unrighteousness_n by_o as_o many_o wicked_a and_o then_o as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o this_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n can_v that_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_a which_o the_o reprobate_n have_v as_o
godly_a life_n because_o there_o be_v many_o man_n of_o clear_a and_o active_a thought_n and_o conversant_a in_o the_o study_n of_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o confuse_a and_o indeterminate_a persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a by_o experience_n that_o some_o such_o do_v retain_v the_o faith_n but_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n consist_v viz._n 3._o the_o permanence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o constancy_n of_o frequent_a consideration_n upon_o what_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n that_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v needful_a and_o apprehend_v they_o distinct_o and_o particular_o and_o with_o application_n to_o himself_o but_o likewise_o by_o very_a much_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v make_v they_o present_a and_o habitual_a to_o himself_o and_o of_o such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v under_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o faith_n and_o he_o it_o be_v that_o overcome_v the_o world_n for_o such_o a_o believer_n have_v two_o advantage_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o make_v he_o a_o good_a man_n 1._o his_o persuasion_n or_o his_o faith_n be_v present_a to_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o most_o need_v it_o i.e._n upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o to_o say_v with_o joseph_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o now_o though_o one_o believe_v all_o the_o awaken_n doctrine_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o they_o nor_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n when_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v busy_a with_o he_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o at_o the_o time_n as_o if_o he_o 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nothing_o at_o present_a which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o too_o many_o person_n profess_v christianity_n that_o their_o belief_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v often_o absent_a than_o present_a because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v govern_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o under_o temptation_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o their_o business_n be_v to_o put_v those_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o not_o to_o fix_v they_o there_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n of_o one_o that_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v present_a to_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o help_n and_o indeed_o never_o at_o any_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o the_o second_o be_v this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o often_o as_o they_o return_v to_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o always_o believe_v they_o as_o he_o shall_v do_v under_o a_o vigorous_a apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o great_a concernment_n in_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o will_v come_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n that_o through_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o through_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o may_v obtain_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o our_o concernment_n in_o they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v just_o affect_v with_o they_o more_o than_o with_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o because_o these_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o now_o it_o be_v by_o a_o constancy_n of_o believe_v i._n e._n of_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o make_v they_o present_a to_o we_o that_o we_o come_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o right_a apprehension_n and_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o they_o nor_o will_v any_o other_o mean_n do_v without_o this_o and_o indeed_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v ineffectual_a without_o it_o and_o they_o be_v then_o effectual_a when_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o degree_n of_o faith_n the_o prayer_n that_o we_o make_v be_v unprofitable_a if_o they_o do_v not_o help_v to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o god_n and_o divine_a truth_n and_o by_o their_o frequent_a return_n make_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n natural_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o our_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o hear_v good_a doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n and_o our_o assemble_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v unprofitable_a to_o godliness_n otherwise_o than_o by_o accustom_v of_o we_o to_o think_v as_o we_o shall_v do_v that_o be_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n good_a education_n and_o good_a example_n do_v not_o otherwise_o 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health_n by_o such_o a_o method_n or_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o he_o shall_v get_v a_o estate_n or_o a_o prisoner_n that_o he_o shall_v recover_v his_o liberty_n or_o any_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o end_n in_o this_o world_n by_o such_o a_o course_n of_o mean_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o much_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v himself_o to_o try_v it_o because_o without_o any_o pain_n take_v with_o himself_o he_o be_v natural_o possess_v with_o a_o lively_a persuasion_n of_o his_o concernment_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v otherwise_o though_o the_o interest_n be_v great_a nay_o the_o great_a of_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sensible_a nor_o a_o present_a interest_n in_o comparison_n and_o so_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o we_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o by_o much_o think_n of_o it_o i._n e._n by_o many_o act_n of_o faith_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n deserve_v and_o this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o overcome_v the_o world_n which_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o new_a creature_n i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n believe_v and_o do_v contrary_a to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o make_v they_o uneasy_a under_o their_o guilt_n somewhat_o loath_a to_o commit_v sin_n and_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a when_o it_o be_v commit_v i_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n true_o so_o call_v but_o then_o they_o want_v faith_n too_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v proper_o
demonstrate_v the_o be_v of_o their_o maker_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a which_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v it_o be_v to_o deface_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v write_v within_o we_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o possible_a to_o blot_v out_o those_o testimony_n of_o his_o be_v which_o be_v leave_v without_o we_o most_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v ourselves_o in_o a_o world_n contrive_v into_o admirable_a beauty_n and_o order_n and_o furnish_v with_o that_o marvellous_a variety_n of_o thing_n excellent_a and_o ufeful_a that_o the_o whole_a scheme_n and_o fabric_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o dull_a observer_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o great_a wisdom_n and_o council_n i._n e._n of_o a_o understanding_n be_v nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o this_o world_n can_v not_o make_v itself_o nothing_n be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o a_o cause_v it_o must_v have_v if_o of_o any_o great_a effect_v it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o require_v the_o cause_n or_o at_o least_o to_o affirm_v that_o it_o have_v one_o whatever_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o can_v not_o make_v itself_o for_o that_o be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n by_o inevitable_a consequence_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o something_o there_o be_v which_o be_v so_o perfect_a it_o need_v no_o cause_n to_o produce_v it_o i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a everlasting_a be_v which_o be_v god_n the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o to_o pursue_v this_o argument_n in_o a_o more_o obvious_a but_o equal_o convince_a manner_n we_o ordinary_o distinguish_v between_o the_o work_v of_o art_n and_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o work_n of_o art_n we_o mean_v those_o effect_n that_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o skill_n of_o man_n by_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n those_o effect_n which_o be_v constant_o preserve_v and_o perform_v to_o our_o hand_n now_o that_o those_o which_o we_o call_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a skill_n as_o 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of_o human_a art_n bring_v i_o the_o vile_a and_o poor_a insect_n that_o fly_v above_o the_o ground_n or_o crawl_v upon_o it_o bring_v i_o the_o simple_a flower_n the_o most_o common_a plant_n that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o in_o the_o field_n i_o will_v show_v beyond_o contradiction_n that_o the_o beauty_n the_o proportion_n the_o part_n the_o growth_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o these_o the_o most_o contemptible_a work_n of_o nature_n do_v infinite_o transcend_v all_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o rich_a humane_a fancy_n that_o the_o near_o we_o look_v into_o the_o work_n of_o art_n the_o more_o unpolished_a and_o rude_a they_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o he_o that_o will_v please_v himself_o with_o gaze_v on_o a_o picture_n must_v view_v it_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o if_o he_o come_v too_o near_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o the_o paint_n make_v it_o look_v like_o a_o ugly_a thing_n and_o so_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o in_o all_o the_o contrivance_n of_o human_a art_n but_o as_o all_o philosopher_n know_v the_o more_o minutely_o we_o search_v into_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n even_o those_o that_o be_v most_o contemptible_a to_o see_v to_o and_o which_o vulgar_a eye_n pass_v by_o without_o observe_v if_o they_o be_v the_o snow_n that_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n the_o wing_n of_o the_o small_a fly_n or_o the_o mean_a animal_n that_o creep_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o more_o advantageous_o and_o minutely_o they_o be_v see_v the_o more_o uniformity_n smoothness_n beauty_n of_o colour_n and_o figure_n and_o variety_n of_o part_n discover_v themselves_o in_o they_o which_o plain_o show_v how_o much_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n transcend_v those_o of_o art_n now_o shall_v i_o who_o confess_v here_o be_v more_o of_o council_n wisdom_n and_o power_n see_v in_o these_o most_o ordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n than_o in_o the_o best_a effect_n of_o human_a skill_n shall_v i_o be_v ashamed_a not_o to_o confess_v the_o art_n of_o man_n in_o these_o and_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o those_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o great_a artist_n what_o shall_v i_o then_o say_v of_o the_o earth_n that_o bear_v i_o and_o nourish_v i_o of_o the_o air_n that_o be_v extend_v for_o i_o to_o breath_n in_o of_o the_o cloud_n that_o drop_v their_o fatness_n upon_o i_o of_o the_o heaven_n that_o cherish_v i_o of_o the_o sun_n that_o divide_v the_o day_n and_o night_n and_o give_v light_a and_o heat_n to_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o ornament_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o what_o of_o myself_o who_o be_o endue_v with_o a_o body_n of_o wonderful_a contrivance_n and_o with_o those_o great_a privilege_n of_o reason_n will_n and_o understanding_n be_v all_o these_o thing_n too_o without_o a_o artist_n that_o make_v they_o thus_o no_o madness_n be_v comparable_a to_o the_o but_o doubt_v that_o they_o be_v he_o that_o do_v so_o must_v either_o want_v his_o sense_n or_o his_o soul_n he_o must_v either_o deny_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v what_o he_o see_v they_o effect_n of_o great_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n or_o he_o must_v affirm_v that_o such_o effect_n there_o may_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n proportionable_a to_o they_o he_o must_v either_o say_v that_o something_o make_v itself_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v i.e._n he_o must_v affirm_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o hold_v contradiction_n to_o be_v true_a well_o then_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v know_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o those_o argument_n for_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n i_o can_v see_v wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o demonstration_n though_o some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v not_o please_v to_o call_v they_o so_o and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o he_o that_o can_v be_v a_o obstinate_a atheist_n against_o they_o will_v also_o if_o it_o be_v for_o for_o his_o interest_n deny_v that_o three_o and_o three_o be_v six_o or_o contradict_v the_o plain_a proposition_n in_o mathematics_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o work_n of_o god_n i_o will_v rather_o choose_v if_o there_o be_v any_o choice_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o believe_v all_o the_o tale_n of_o the_o roman_a legend_n as_o my_o lord_n bacon_n observe_v and_o i_o add_v though_o transubstantiation_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o scale_n than_o believe_v that_o this_o great_a body_n be_v without_o a_o mind_n that_o inform_v it_o and_o thus_o at_o last_o i_o have_v say_v something_o more_o than_o i_o intend_v upon_o the_o first_o doctrine_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v true_a by_o natural_a reason_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_a to_o be_v prove_v for_o we_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o revelation_n to_o a_o gainsayer_n since_o to_o attempt_v that_o way_n be_v to_o beg_v what_o we_o shall_v prove_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o revelation_n this_o be_v this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o belief_n whereof_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n conceive_v to_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o the_o next_o be_v in_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a because_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o be_v very_o evident_o consequent_a from_o the_o demonstration_n of_o this_o 2._o it_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o providence_n i._n e._n that_o god_n be_v the_o governor_n of_o that_o world_n which_o
he_o make_v and_o still_o preserve_v and_o more_o particular_o that_o he_o govern_v mankind_n in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n by_o prescribe_v moral_a law_n to_o he_o and_o expect_v obedience_n from_o he_o that_o he_o see_v and_z takes_z notice_n of_o all_o our_o action_n that_o he_o observe_v all_o that_o we_o do_v and_o all_o that_o we_o suffer_v and_o superintend_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o be_v clear_a by_o natural_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o providence_n and_o that_o upon_o several_a ground_n i_o shall_v instance_n but_o in_o one_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o make_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v regard_v and_o govern_v by_o he_o afterward_o i._n e_fw-la to_o be_v a_o creator_n and_o not_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o creation_n more_o particular_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o create_v such_o a_o be_v as_o man_n who_o faculty_n teach_v he_o that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o honour_v his_o creator_n and_o receive_v good_a from_o he_o and_o then_o not_o to_o regard_v whether_o he_o be_v honour_v by_o his_o creature_n or_o no_o and_o to_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o chance_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o himself_o but_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a and_o evident_a from_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n in_o their_o serviceableness_n and_o usefulness_n to_o man_n that_o god_n do_v still_o govern_v the_o material_a world_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o good_a of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a instance_n of_o his_o providence_n over_o they_o and_o that_o he_o mind_n and_o regard_v they_o now_o without_o the_o belief_n hereof_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o man_n can_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o if_o he_o mind_v not_o our_o action_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v fear_v to_o offend_v he_o or_o take_v any_o care_n to_o please_v he_o or_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v persuade_v to_o worship_n god_n if_o he_o believe_v not_o that_o god_n regard_v his_o worship_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v pretend_v why_o he_o shall_v pray_v unto_o he_o unless_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o god_n hear_v his_o prayer_n what_o consolation_n can_v he_o have_v under_o any_o distress_n what_o trust_n can_v he_o place_v upon_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n if_o he_o think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o human_a affair_n and_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o calamity_n of_o man_n and_o govern_v nothing_o by_o his_o providence_n in_o brief_a it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o whatsoever_o obligation_n to_o worship_n and_o virtue_n arise_v from_o the_o belief_n that_o there_o a_o god_n suppose_v also_o the_o belief_n of_o divine_a providence_n that_o god_n be_v the_o governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o action_n 3._o it_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o man_n believe_v that_o with_o some_o thing_n god_n be_v please_v and_o that_o with_o other_o he_o be_v offend_v i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v alter_v and_o take_v away_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v so_o good_a that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v evil_a and_o some_o thing_n so_o evil_a that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v good_a and_o if_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n such_o must_v be_v our_o persuasion_n concern_v good_a and_o evil_a for_o if_o justice_n be_v a_o indispensible_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n then_o be_v there_o a_o eternal_a relation_n between_o a_o promise_n and_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o fidelity_n and_o truth_n shall_v ever_o cease_v to_o be_v fit_v lovely_a and_o beautiful_a thing_n if_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o his_o nature_n than_o the_o relation_n between_o compassion_n and_o a_o indigent_a creature_n be_v eternal_a and_o charity_n and_o mercy_n be_v thing_n immutable_o good_a and_o thus_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o virtue_n it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereof_o they_o be_v the_o imitation_n that_o they_o can_v no_o more_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a than_o god_n can_v cease_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o disposition_n and_o practice_n contrary_a to_o they_o be_v immutable_o evil_a it_o can_v never_o be_v good_a to_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a to_o oppress_v the_o weak_a to_o be_v cruel_a and_o implacable_a to_o be_v sink_v into_o sensuality_n or_o worldliness_n no_o power_n in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n no_o will_n no_o authority_n can_v make_v it_o ever_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o most_o comely_a fit_v due_a thing_n for_o a_o creature_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n to_o praise_v his_o god_n to_o honour_v he_o in_o all_o his_o perfection_n to_o love_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o trust_v in_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n to_o reverence_v his_o great_a and_o holy_a majesty_n and_o to_o obey_v his_o will_n in_o all_o thing_n the_o rectitude_n and_o duty_n hereof_o can_v be_v alter_v any_o more_o than_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o mathematical_a proposition_n upon_o this_o belief_n depend_v the_o persuasion_n that_o worship_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o the_o contrary_n displease_v to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n be_v immutable_o good_a and_o love_n that_o which_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a this_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v that_o also_o which_o be_v wrought_v into_o our_o very_a nature_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o want_v a_o revelation_n be_v yet_o subject_a to_o this_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v terrify_v and_o punish_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o evil_n when_o they_o transgress_v that_o law_n cherish_v and_o reward_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o good_a when_o they_o observe_v it_o it_o be_v this_o sense_n that_o give_v they_o courage_n and_o assurance_n when_o they_o do_v well_o and_o that_o touch_v their_o guilty_a mind_n with_o remorse_n and_o make_v they_o tremble_v when_o they_o do_v ill_a i_o will_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n in_o sin_n to_o blot_v out_o these_o apprehension_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o let_v a_o man_n conscience_n be_v sear_v never_o so_o incurable_o though_o he_o have_v no_o inward_a sense_n to_o inform_v he_o perpetual_o of_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n yet_o that_o difference_n be_v demonstrable_a to_o he_o from_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o that_o be_v the_o most_o irrefragable_a way_n of_o prove_v it_o against_o the_o most_o harden_a sinner_n but_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o belief_n hereof_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o please_a of_o god_n for_o what_o though_o a_o man_n believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n if_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v by_o the_o do_n of_o which_o god_n be_v please_v he_o will_v never_o take_v care_n to_o please_v he_o by_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v some_o thing_n there_o be_v by_o the_o do_v whereof_o god_n be_v displease_v he_o can_v never_o be_v afraid_a of_o offend_v he_o by_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n if_o he_o think_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n he_o can_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o make_v or_o observe_v any_o such_o difference_n in_o his_o action_n unless_o he_o believe_v that_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o practice_n virtue_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o rewardable_a by_o he_o nothing_o can_v effectual_o oblige_v he_o thereunto_o unless_o he_o believe_v the_o contrary_a to_o be_v evil_a displease_v and_o punishable_a no_o religious_a belief_n whatsoever_o can_v deter_v he_o from_o it_o so_o that_o to_o believe_v this_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n between_o thing_n that_o god_n be_v please_v withal_o and_o wherewith_o he_o be_v displease_v be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v and_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o fundamental_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a and_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v
necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o life_n as_o bread_n etc._n etc._n in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o bestow_v upon_o his_o child_n we_o must_v understand_v all_o spiritual_a help_n necessary_a for_o our_o improvement_n in_o religion_n and_o virtue_n viz._n which_o hold_v the_o same_o proportion_n to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n which_o bread_n etc._n etc._n hold_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o body_n this_o upon_o our_o ask_n i._n e._n upon_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o it_o we_o may_v promise_v ourselves_o from_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n to_o we_o since_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o to_o we_o viz._n such_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a help_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o god_n will_v give_v to_o none_o of_o we_o less_o and_o he_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o expect_v more_o now_o be_v not_o this_o evident_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o god_n himself_o will_v cherish_v and_o maintain_v we_o will_v help_v and_o support_v we_o will_v prosper_v and_o guard_v we_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o we_o have_v we_o such_o a_o patron_n and_o defender_n to_o overlook_v and_o care_n for_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fall_v by_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o want_n of_o necessary_a help_n and_o yet_o can_v we_o be_v dishearten_v and_o dismay_v can_v our_o courage_n and_o resolution_n leave_v we_o can_v our_o heart_n sink_v within_o we_o when_o such_o powerful_a aid_n be_v near_o when_o such_o mighty_a encouragement_n be_v by_o we_o be_v it_o not_o from_o hence_o plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v fail_v of_o do_v those_o thing_n wherewith_o god_n will_v be_v please_v and_o his_o favour_n obtain_v but_o it_o must_v be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o slothfulness_n in_o not_o obtain_v by_o his_o own_o endeavour_n or_o in_o not_o improve_n by_o his_o good_a action_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n wherewith_o he_o may_v have_v arrive_v to_o a_o regenerate_v estate_n and_o persevere_v therein_o for_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o feign_a but_o a_o sincere_a promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v and_o increase_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v real_a it_o can_v imply_v no_o less_o and_o it_o need_v not_o imply_v any_o more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o our_o spiritual_a need_n and_o if_o that_o provision_n be_v not_o effectual_a in_o the_o event_n no_o body_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o ourselves_o the_o belief_n therefore_o of_o this_o article_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o be_v a_o motive_n of_o great_a force_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n both_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n spirit_n make_v to_o we_o be_v sufficient_a to_o encourage_v we_o against_o all_o our_o fear_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o own_o weakness_n to_o overcome_v they_o and_o likewise_o because_o it_o can_v but_o show_v we_o what_o great_a aggravation_n our_o sin_n must_v receive_v if_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o because_o thereby_o we_o resist_v and_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 4._o the_o last_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n fundamental_a to_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o this_o point_n of_o belief_n be_v not_o knowable_a but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n because_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v reward_v our_o diligent_a seek_v of_o he_o or_o no_o for_o if_o it_o be_v discoverable_a by_o natural_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v not_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o pardon_v our_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n assist_v our_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o if_o all_o this_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o divine_a goodness_n yet_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o give_v we_o any_o other_o confidence_n about_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o pardon_n and_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n which_o be_v excite_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o say_v the_o high_a confidence_n we_o can_v arrive_v unto_o about_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o can_v amount_v reasonable_o to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o hereupon_o we_o shall_v be_v exempt_v and_o release_v from_o that_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o our_o sin_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v pardon_v sinner_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o such_o excellent_a and_o useful_a law_n as_o shall_v tend_v to_o their_o advantage_n in_o this_o life_n and_o which_o shall_v recompense_v the_o obedience_n of_o they_o with_o a_o present_a reward_n and_o thereupon_o shall_v remit_v the_o penalty_n due_a to_o sin_n this_o must_v needs_o argue_v as_o great_a goodness_n in_o god_n as_o any_o sinner_n can_v with_o reason_n or_o modesty_n expect_v the_o manifestation_n of_o towards_o himself_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v over_o and_o above_o requite_v our_o imperfect_a if_o sincere_a obedience_n with_o free_a and_o ample_a reward_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o those_o reward_n shall_v be_v the_o high_a and_o full_a which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o long_o as_o our_o being_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o than_o immortal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n than_o a_o eternal_a crown_n of_o righteousness_n than_o life_n everlasting_a than_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o angel_n than_o the_o glorious_a and_o happy_a employment_n of_o spirit_n make_v perfect_a than_o the_o sight_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o this_o be_v such_o abundant_a benignity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o sinner_n that_o it_o can_v flow_v from_o nothing_o but_o self-moving_a goodness_n free_a grace_n and_o unsought_a kindness_n and_o benevolence_n this_o can_v never_o be_v know_v by_o we_o but_o by_o god_n almighty_n revelation_n of_o his_o purpose_n and_o intention_n so_o to_o do_v if_o we_o will_v labour_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o with_o modesty_n can_v never_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o if_o the_o declare_a promise_n of_o god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o have_v not_o give_v we_o confidence_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v therefore_o want_v no_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n he_o who_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n call_v we_o to_o repentance_n promise_v pardon_n thereupon_o and_o acceptance_n and_o assistance_n have_v moreover_o by_o the_o same_o messenger_n who_o have_v declare_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n his_o secret_a and_o hide_a purpose_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n towards_o sinner_n by_o he_o i_o say_v he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a into_o a_o state_n of_o immortal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n reserve_v for_o they_o in_o the_o heaven_n this_o also_o after_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v a_o pregnant_a and_o strong_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n since_o as_o the_o rest_n show_v the_o possibility_n thereof_o so_o this_o satisfi_v we_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o we_o thereby_o since_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v our_o rewarder_n if_o we_o diligent_o seek_v he_o if_o indeed_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v make_v for_o our_o advantage_n to_o accept_v of_o god_n pardon_n and_o to_o study_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o future_a the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o 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hence_o not_o to_o judge_v of_o this_o case_n by_o the_o outward_a appearance_n only_o or_o by_o the_o present_a state_n of_o man_n circumstance_n in_o this_o world_n as_o to_o this_o point_n whether_o it_o be_v well_o or_o ill_o with_o a_o man_n it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n so_o considerable_a what_o his_o outward_a condition_n be_v as_o what_o use_n he_o make_v of_o it_o now_o and_o how_o it_o will_v end_v hereafter_o take_v he_o with_o all_o the_o worldly_a prosperity_n about_o he_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v wish_v but_o do_v not_o present_o pronounce_v he_o bless_v nor_o wish_v thyself_o as_o he_o be_v there_o be_v other_o thing_n of_o great_a concern_n than_o those_o that_o appear_v which_o ought_v to_o come_v under_o consideration_n do_v not_o his_o fullness_n lead_v he_o to_o forget_v god_n do_v not_o his_o pleasure_n carry_v he_o away_o into_o intemperance_n do_v not_o his_o greatness_n lift_v he_o up_o with_o pride_n be_v not_o his_o affection_n captivate_v by_o this_o world_n be_v his_o fortune_n make_v to_o administer_v to_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n or_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o will_v he_o be_v the_o better_a or_o the_o worse_a for_o they_o in_o the_o end_n these_o be_v the_o material_a question_n no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v envy_v that_o abuse_n good_a thing_n to_o his_o own_o hurt_n and_o undo_v himself_o with_o prosperity_n and_o certain_o he_o be_v in_o the_o much_o happy_a condition_n who_o convert_v all_o adversity_n to_o a_o good_a use_n and_o grow_v better_a within_o by_o be_v worse_o without_o who_o turn_v himself_o to_o god_n more_o effectual_o by_o repentance_n and_o prayer_n upon_o ever_o pain_n or_o loss_n that_o he_o sustain_v who_o cleave_v fast_o to_o his_o god_n for_o be_v forsake_v by_o the_o world_n and_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v unquiet_a without_o he_o take_v the_o more_o care_n to_o keep_v all_o quiet_a and_o calm_a within_o and_o to_o make_v his_o true_a 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the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o do_v it_o always_o go_v along_o with_o a_o cheerful_a countenance_n it_o be_v no_o visible_a estate_n but_o a_o secret_a treasure_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v find_v all_o the_o former_a thing_n about_o a_o man_n still_o thou_o must_v look_v into_o his_o mind_n to_o know_v infallible_o whether_o he_o have_v gain_v this_o or_o not_o and_o so_o much_o reason_n and_o no_o more_o thou_o have_v to_o believe_v all_o be_v well_o with_o he_o as_o thou_o have_v to_o take_v he_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o who_o love_v god_n and_o be_v belove_v by_o he_o so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o our_o whole_a estate_n here_o in_o this_o world_n by_o outward_a thing_n because_o all_o the_o true_a happiness_n of_o man_n which_o they_o have_v in_o present_a possession_n lie_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o if_o they_o have_v it_o not_o there_o they_o have_v it_o not_o at_o all_o much_o less_o be_v we_o to_o measure_v it_o by_o outward_a appearance_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v in_o reversion_n when_o it_o be_v once_o see_v to_o what_o account_n the_o good_a or_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n turn_v at_o last_o how_o a_o man_n have_v improve_v himself_o in_o patience_n in_o charity_n in_o faith_n in_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o in_o dependence_n upon_o the_o world_n then_o we_o can_v more_o certain_o pronounce_v whether_o it_o have_v be_v well_o or_o ill_o with_o he_o all_o along_o and_o all_o will_v understand_v it_o clear_o when_o it_o be_v once_o see_v who_o shall_v appear_v with_o christ_n in_o glory_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v in_o good_a circumstance_n who_o do_v not_o only_o in_o all_o condition_n repose_v themselves_o upon_o god_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o to_o who_o all_o thing_n that_o befall_v they_o be_v work_v for_o a_o good_a that_o be_v yet_o unseen_a but_o will_v certain_o be_v manifest_v in_o due_a time_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v a_o good_a that_o will_v short_o begin_v and_o never_o end_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a but_o then_o 3._o if_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n then_o may_v a_o good_a man_n without_o any_o abatement_n of_o his_o present_a comfort_n reckon_v upon_o all_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o this_o world_n for_o he_o know_v that_o future_a ill_n will_n as_o certain_o work_v for_o his_o good_a as_o if_o they_o be_v present_a and_o though_o they_o be_v suppose_v and_o as_o yet_o uncertain_a yet_o the_o good_a be_v certain_a upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o evil_n happen_v and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o be_v able_a to_o count_v upon_o adversity_n without_o disturbance_n for_o this_o be_v one_o way_n to_o reap_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n without_o suffer_v they_o to_o do_v we_o any_o hurt_n we_o shall_v not_o stake_v our_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n upon_o they_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o uncertain_a they_o be_v nor_o let_v our_o affection_n cling_v too_o much_o to_o they_o because_o they_o may_v slip_v from_o we_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a we_o shall_v use_v they_o with_o sobriety_n and_o charity_n and_o thankfulness_n not_o know_v but_o in_o a_o little_a time_n this_o may_v be_v all_o the_o comfort_n we_o shall_v take_v in_o they_o but_o most_o man_n do_v not_o care_v to_o think_v of_o the_o future_a any_o other_o way_n but_o in_o that_o of_o self-flattery_n to_o morrow_n shall_v be_v as_o to_o day_n and_o much_o more_o abundant_o they_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a day_n far_o from_o they_o and_o can_v endure_v to_o consider_v it_o till_o it_o be_v upon_o they_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o put_v it_o off_o any_o long_o and_o then_o how_o can_v comfort_n find_v a_o way_n into_o their_o heart_n who_o belove_a enjoyment_n be_v sudden_o go_v and_o nothing_o be_v leave_v but_o the_o guilty_a remembrance_n of_o have_v abuse_v they_o to_o folly_n and_o lust_n i_o know_v not_o what_o difference_n there_o may_v be_v upon_o other_o account_n between_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n yield_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o those_o pleasure_n which_o fool_n reap_v from_o they_o on_o the_o other_o but_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n sufficient_o to_o the_o good_a man_n advantage_n that_o the_o comfort_n he_o find_v in_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o principle_n of_o truth_n he_o do_v not_o conceal_v the_o truth_n from_o himself_o he_o do_v not_o go_v on_o in_o a_o vain_a presumption_n as_o if_o these_o thing_n will_v always_o last_v but_o use_v they_o as_o thing_n that_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o love_v they_o as_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v lose_v and_o without_o trust_v they_o do_v from_o time_n to_o time_n take_v all_o the_o relief_n and_o pleasure_n that_o a_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v from_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o sit_v uneasy_a upon_o his_o spirit_n because_o he_o know_v that_o while_n they_o last_o they_o shall_v work_v for_o his_o good_a and_o when_o they_o fail_v that_o shall_v do_v so_o too_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o extravagant_o soever_o a_o licentious_a man_n please_v himself_o and_o indulge_v his_o appetite_n in_o his_o prosperity_n he_o be_v all_o the_o while_o beholden_a to_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v and_o foolish_a presumption_n for_o his_o present_a enjoyment_n tell_v he_o of_o the_o fickleness_n of_o his_o fortune_n and_o the_o changeableness_n of_o the_o world_n in_o its_o best_a estate_n that_o he_o be_v well_o to_o day_n but_o
may_v be_v as_o ill_a to_o morrow_n and_o if_o he_o believe_v this_o it_o strike_v he_o into_o a_o dulness_n and_o damp_n his_o spirit_n and_o spoil_v all_o his_o gaiety_n if_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o then_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o he_o live_v in_o the_o fool_n be_v paradise_n and_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o be_v merry_a by_o keep_v himself_o in_o ignorance_n and_o take_v care_v not_o to_o think_v belove_a if_o a_o man_n have_v nothing_o but_o this_o world_n to_o trust_v to_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v melancholy_a and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a sign_n if_o we_o can_v endure_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v fail_v we_o one_o time_n or_o other_o but_o have_v rather_o live_v on_o without_o presage_v the_o least_o alteration_n in_o our_o affair_n till_o it_o happen_v avoidable_a and_o thus_o many_o person_n dream_v out_o their_o day_n without_o so_o much_o as_o reflect_v serious_o upon_o the_o most_o common_a and_o yet_o most_o concern_v they_o in_o the_o world_n viz._n that_o they_o must_v die_v and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v almost_o draw_v to_o the_o last_o gasp_n the_o physician_n must_v in_o charity_n give_v they_o still_o some_o hope_n of_o life_n lest_o they_o shall_v die_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n a_o plain_a sign_n that_o they_o never_o count_v upon_o their_o mortality_n to_o any_o purpose_n but_o lay_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o their_o welfare_n upon_o this_o life_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o without_o consider_v how_o weak_a a_o foundation_n they_o build_v upon_o all_o along_o it_o become_v we_o as_o we_o be_v man_n and_o much_o more_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n to_o take_v this_o life_n as_o it_o be_v and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o as_o they_o be_v and_o to_o affect_v they_o no_o far_o and_o next_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o eternal_a state_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v in_o comparison_n to_o which_o this_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n there_o be_v no_o belief_n that_o make_v a_o serious_a contemplation_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o more_o easy_a and_o quiet_a than_o that_o of_o this_o truth_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n for_o sure_o that_o belief_n which_o support_v any_o man_n under_o any_o evil_n when_o it_o be_v present_a will_v not_o let_v he_o feel_v any_o disturbance_n at_o all_o from_o the_o possibility_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v not_o present_a 4._o let_v i_o therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n conclude_v all_o with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o piety_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o present_a motive_n that_o then_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o truth_n belong_v to_o we_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a if_o we_o be_v to_o study_v what_o to_o wish_v and_o may_v have_v it_o for_o the_o wish_v i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o desire_v for_o the_o quiet_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o give_v we_o the_o true_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n than_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v know_v it_o and_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o it_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v want_v to_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o it_o but_o that_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n if_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o choice_n whether_o we_o will_v have_v a_o assure_a interest_n in_o this_o promise_n and_o in_o that_o grace_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o will_v make_v it_o good_a or_o whether_o we_o shall_v from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v the_o disposal_n of_o our_o own_o condition_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o particular_a desire_n and_o be_v always_o master_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v very_a fool_n to_o trust_v ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o take_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n even_o this_o very_a folly_n will_v show_v how_o unfit_a we_o be_v to_o be_v our_o own_o carver_n and_o what_o foolish_a work_n shall_v we_o make_v if_o we_o be_v whole_o to_o dispose_v of_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o devise_v thing_n to_o our_o own_o hurt_n and_o be_v always_o gratify_v a_o present_a appetite_n and_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n till_o we_o have_v lose_v all_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o our_o passion_n we_o shall_v grow_v wanton_a and_o self-willed_a and_o nothing_o will_v be_v able_a to_o please_v we_o or_o make_v we_o happy_a but_o any_o thing_n almost_o to_o make_v we_o miserable_a and_o in_o who_o hand_n be_v we_o most_o safe_a in_o our_o own_o who_o shall_v undo_v ourselves_o even_o with_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o hurtful_a or_o in_o god_n who_o will_v make_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o good_a in_o themselves_o to_o work_v for_o our_o good_a can_v we_o be_v better_o provide_v for_o than_o to_o be_v take_v care_n of_o by_o infinite_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o power_n he_o that_o make_v we_o know_v our_o nature_n better_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o he_o love_v we_o more_o wise_o than_o we_o love_v ourselves_o and_o he_o can_v do_v infinite_o more_o for_o we_o than_o we_o can_v do_v for_o ourselves_o what_o have_v we_o therefore_o to_o do_v but_o with_o entire_a obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o put_v ourselves_o under_o his_o guidance_n and_o protection_n and_o to_o beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v we_o to_o resign_v all_o our_o affair_n to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o send_v we_o that_o which_o he_o see_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o we_o if_o my_o whole_a fortune_n in_o the_o world_n depend_v upon_o a_o affair_n too_o intricate_a for_o my_o skill_n and_o far_o beyond_o my_o power_n to_o manage_v sure_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o welcome_a than_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o a_o friend_n upon_o who_o fidelity_n i_o can_v rely_v with_o the_o great_a confidence_n and_o of_o who_o wisdom_n i_o can_v make_v no_o doubt_n if_o he_o will_v undertake_v it_o for_o i_o and_o if_o he_o direct_v i_o what_o to_o do_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a method_n and_o require_v i_o to_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o himself_o and_o whole_o to_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o event_n certain_o i_o shall_v at_o once_o follow_v his_o direction_n and_o ease_v my_o mind_n of_o all_o far_a care_n such_o be_v the_o case_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o to_o god_n only_o we_o be_v to_o pay_v absolute_a obedience_n and_o in_o god_n only_o we_o can_v put_v a_o absolute_a confidence_n our_o great_a business_n be_v to_o be_v happy_a and_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n beyond_o our_o skill_n and_o power_n to_o effect_v for_o ourselves_o but_o god_n have_v undertake_v it_o for_o we_o only_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o rule_n a_o plain_a rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v which_o do_v not_o require_v cunning_a and_o subtlety_n but_o simplicity_n and_o honesty_n to_o follow_v it_o for_o the_o 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because_o he_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n we_o may_v believe_v that_o all_o his_o providence_n over_o we_o be_v ground_v upon_o reason_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n though_o we_o do_v not_o discern_v they_o in_o particular_a and_o that_o they_o will_v all_o contribute_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o happiness_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o at_o present_a only_o we_o must_v love_v he_o and_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o we_o must_v not_o alienate_v ourselves_o from_o he_o by_o a_o evil_a heart_n and_o wicked_a action_n but_o conform_v our_o will_n to_o his_o will_n and_o our_o conversation_n to_o his_o law_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o want_n of_o this_o
last_o he_o use_v much_o what_o the_o same_o variety_n of_o method_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v learn_v to_o fear_v before_o he_o the_o main_a thing_n intend_v i_o conceive_v be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o as_o with_o the_o circumstance_n our_o world_o condition_n in_o which_o he_o have_v set_v we_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n since_o as_o he_o govern_v by_o steady_a rule_n of_o providence_n so_o he_o govern_v by_o steady_a rule_n of_o duty_n and_o our_o condition_n in_o both_o respect_n be_v very_o much_o the_o same_o with_o they_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o and_o we_o can_v be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n make_v our_o obedience_n hard_o to_o we_o but_o other_o have_v be_v in_o the_o like_a to_o forgive_v injury_n though_o they_o be_v great_a be_v no_o new_a burden_n for_o no_o man_n perhaps_o have_v live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o have_v meet_v with_o great_a 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therefore_o they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v allow_v it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o we_o conclude_v true_o when_o we_o compare_v our_o own_o circumstance_n with_o other_o man_n and_o conclude_v to_o our_o own_o disadvantage_n as_o if_o god_n require_v easy_a thing_n of_o they_o than_o he_o do_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o wise_o do_v to_o begin_v with_o a_o inquiry_n which_o be_v almost_o certain_a to_o end_v in_o a_o false_a judgement_n especial_o when_o we_o make_v a_o false_a judgement_n to_o excuse_v a_o evil_a practice_n but_o then_o if_o it_o be_v allowable_a for_o man_n thus_o to_o argue_v in_o excuse_n for_o themselves_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o good_a a_o world_n as_o our_o father_n find_v it_o for_o my_o affair_n in_o it_o do_v not_o succeed_v so_o well_o as_o another_o man_n and_o my_o temptation_n be_v great_a than_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o excusable_a if_o i_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o piety_n and_o integrity_n of_o other_o if_o this_o i_o say_v be_v once_o allow_v how_o hard_o will_v it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o please_v man_n and_o to_o keep_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v say_v because_o of_o the_o perpetual_a false_a judgement_n we_o shall_v make_v in_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o other_o every_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o temptation_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o time_n in_o which_o he_o live_v and_o of_o his_o own_o temper_n and_o of_o his_o proper_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n in_o the_o world_n will_v think_v providence_n have_v be_v partial_a against_o he_o and_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n press_v hard_a upon_o himself_o than_o upon_o any_o other_o person_n a_o poor_a man_n will_v think_v his_o rich_a neighbour_n have_v more_o time_n and_o great_a obligation_n to_o serve_v god_n than_o himself_o the_o wealthy_a man_n will_v believe_v that_o the_o poor_a man_n have_v more_o leisure_n for_o prayer_n and_o few_o temptation_n to_o 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and_o the_o like_a between_o thyself_o and_o those_o that_o live_v in_o this_o or_o that_o live_v in_o former_a age_n for_o thou_o be_v likely_a to_o make_v but_o a_o foolish_a judgement_n and_o will_v unavoidable_o run_v into_o great_a mistake_n in_o make_v the_o comparison_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thy_o sin_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n nor_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o last_o and_o terrible_a day_n but_o do_v thou_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v impartial_a and_o to_o have_v temper_v the_o season_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o different_a condition_n of_o person_n with_o a_o wise_a equality_n with_o a_o unerring_a judgement_n and_o do_v thou_o give_v up_o thyself_o to_o follow_v and_o to_o comply_v with_o his_o wise_a providence_n and_o though_o his_o judgement_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o yet_o thou_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o his_o way_n towards_o thyself_o be_v so_o wise_a and_o so_o good_a that_o at_o last_o thou_o shall_v not_o wish_v there_o have_v be_v the_o least_o alteration_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v far_o and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o suppose_v that_o in_o some_o notable_a respect_n thy_o case_n may_v differ_v from_o another_o man_n yet_o this_o difference_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o make_v any_o material_a difference_n between_o thy_o obligation_n and_o he_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v nor_o can_v we_o be_v less_o oblige_v so_o to_o do_v than_o our_o forefather_n be_v for_o in_o every_o age_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v now_o and_o in_o every_o age_n god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a and_o
that_o under_o the_o same_o motive_n and_o obligation_n without_o any_o difference_n so_o considerable_a as_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n one_o way_n or_o other_o for_o let_v the_o world_n go_v which_o way_n it_o will_v a_o impious_a man_n be_v a_o fool_n and_o a_o wretch_n and_o the_o righteous_a man_n be_v happy_a and_o wise_a for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o certain_o that_o be_v a_o very_a good_a condition_n and_o a_o good_a world_n for_o thou_o in_o which_o thou_o may_v be_v as_o good_a as_o thou_o please_v to_o be_v what_o condition_n can_v be_v better_o for_o a_o man_n than_o that_o which_o put_v he_o under_o the_o immediate_a protection_n and_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o only_o the_o disposer_n of_o long_a life_n and_o wealth_n and_o honour_n and_o security_n but_o of_o a_o great_a thing_n than_o all_o these_o and_o that_o be_v a_o content_a and_o cheerful_a mind_n nay_o if_o thou_o will_v go_v and_o learn_v thorough_o all_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o good_a christian_a some_o of_o they_o as_o thou_o will_v find_v will_v guard_v thou_o against_o the_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n of_o other_o other_o will_v conciliate_v their_o friendship_n and_o good_a will_n and_o all_o together_o will_v breed_v reverence_n and_o high_a esteem_n and_o thou_o will_v find_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o st._n peter_n say_v of_o his_o time_n who_o will_v harm_v you_o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a let_v it_o be_v once_o plain_a that_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o good_a but_o especial_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o the_o miserable_a and_o all_o man_n will_v rise_v up_o and_o call_v thou_o bless_v and_o if_o need_n be_v thou_o shall_v be_v assist_v by_o those_o that_o have_v not_o the_o heart_n to_o do_v such_o thing_n themselves_o and_o shall_v feel_v the_o benefit_n of_o what_o humanity_n they_o have_v if_o they_o have_v any_o leave_v let_v it_o it_o be_v once_o plain_a that_o thou_o be_v 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bad_a one_o if_o they_o will_v not_o do_v you_o any_o good_a yet_o that_o they_o will_v do_v you_o no_o harm_n all_o which_o be_v not_o only_o probable_a in_o the_o speculation_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n verify_v by_o experience_n and_o therefore_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o shall_v seem_v that_o god_n lay_v no_o heavy_a burden_n upon_o one_o than_o another_o but_o that_o he_o still_o require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a but_o suppose_v thing_n shall_v not_o always_o happen_v according_a to_o common_a rule_n but_o sometime_o leave_v their_o ordinary_a course_n as_o suppose_v a_o righteous_a man_n must_v suffer_v for_o his_o righteousness_n then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v leave_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o world_n and_o go_v to_o that_o of_o a_o better_a and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o suppose_v that_o so_o incomparable_a a_o state_n of_o blessing_n reserve_v for_o a_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o just_o esteem_v and_o earnest_o desire_v by_o he_o 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wrong_n if_o it_o do_v but_o bless_v i_o with_o a_o quiet_a mind_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o a_o steady_a government_n of_o my_o passion_n with_o meekness_n and_o easiness_n to_o forgive_v with_o the_o sweet_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n which_o when_o all_o be_v do_v be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o serene_a enjoyment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o this_o now_o these_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o good_a man_n have_v build_v their_o resolution_n and_o their_o practice_n of_o virtue_n for_o they_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n not_o because_o they_o expect_v the_o riches_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n in_o recompense_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o justice_n not_o that_o they_o think_v their_o virtue_n will_v be_v a_o fence_n about_o all_o they_o have_v to_o secure_v their_o good_n from_o rapine_n their_o name_n from_o reproach_n their_o person_n from_o affront_v and_o injury_n and_o this_o course_n of_o life_n from_o common_a or_o uncommon_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n they_o do_v not_o hope_v to_o make_v a_o gainful_a traffic_n with_o heaven_n by_o their_o prayer_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n it_o be_v true_a god_n have_v often_o blessed_v good_a man_n with_o strange_a prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o be_v not_o their_o end_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will._n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v by_o faith_n by_o faith_n they_o wrought_v righteousness_n i._n e._n they_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v because_o they_o expect_v a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o though_o not_o always_o with_o the_o idolised_a pleasure_n and_o greatness_n no_o not_o always_o with_o the_o ease_n and_o quiet_a of_o this_o life_n yet_o without_o fail_n with_o those_o pure_a and_o 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use_v leave_v for_o his_o reason_n that_o his_o conscience_n be_v no_o long_o in_o his_o own_o keep_n and_o that_o he_o be_v now_o fit_a to_o herd_n with_o the_o beast_n that_o follow_v the_o foremost_a without_o discretion_n the_o law_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v immutable_a and_o another_o man_n violation_n of_o they_o give_v i_o no_o dispensation_n to_o do_v so_o too_o i_o may_v not_o prostitute_v my_o conscience_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o man_n who_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o i_o if_o they_o call_v my_o resolution_n not_o to_o provoke_v my_o maker_n a_o humour_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o be_v a_o fool_n not_o to_o be_v tenacious_a of_o my_o own_o humour_n in_o this_o case_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o right_n shall_v go_v over_o to_o he_o that_o be_v wrong_n unless_o he_o that_o set_v the_o evil_a example_n can_v change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v evil_a not_o to_o be_v evil_a and_o sin_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v other_o thing_n than_o what_o they_o be_v last_o the_o common_a way_n of_o excuse_v rash_a oath_n by_o plead_v a_o habit_n impli_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v for_o this_o be_v but_o to_o confess_v that_o a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n a_o evil_a custom_n be_v the_o height_n of_o wickedness_n thus_o both_o by_o show_v what_o those_o disposition_n be_v which_o lead_v to_o common_a swear_v and_o by_o consider_v the_o excuse_n that_o be_v usual_o frame_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o it_o i_o have_v discover_v the_o immorality_n thereof_o and_o that_o it_o come_v of_o evil_a i_o may_v here_o add_v the_o authority_n of_o wise_a man_n who_o have_v no_o particular_a revelation_n to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o and_o yet_o condemn_v this_o practice_n and_o dissuade_v all_o man_n from_o it_o for_o these_o person_n can_v discover_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v evil_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n plato_n write_v smart_o against_o swear_v upon_o light_a cause_n hierocles_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o truth_n to_o confirm_v it_o light_o with_o a_o oath_n epictetus_n give_v this_o advice_n avoid_v swear_v altogether_o if_o thou_o can_v if_o not_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v in_o a_o word_n the_o wise_a and_o sober_a heathen_n be_v general_o of_o this_o mind_n that_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v reserve_v for_o case_n of_o necessity_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o common_a swear_v be_v not_o in_o use_n among_o any_o but_o stage-player_n and_o slave_n nor_o do_v we_o ordinary_o meet_v with_o oath_n in_o any_o of_o their_o writer_n except_v the_o comedian_n and_o some_o of_o their_o dissolute_a poet_n but_o the_o grave_a man_n and_o philosopher_n take_v not_o the_o liberty_n themselves_o and_o dehort_v other_o from_o it_o and_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o its_o immorality_n for_o what_o so_o many_o wise_a man_n agree_v in_o condemn_v seem_v to_o be_v condemn_v as_o evil_a by_o reason_n common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o possible_o such_o as_o i_o have_v offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n so_o great_a a_o shame_n and_o ignominy_n it_o be_v to_o christian_n to_o allow_v themselves_o in_o a_o custom_n so_o easy_a avoidable_a that_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n however_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o disciple_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v thus_o have_v i_o finish_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o subject_n have_v be_v willing_a to_o say_v all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n proper_a to_o oppose_v a_o custom_n tend_v so_o manifest_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o our_o nation_n and_o the_o discredit_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o scandal_n of_o christian_a society_n and_o final_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n soul_n for_o ever_o for_o without_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n whereof_o this_o be_v one_o which_o i_o have_v be_v preach_v to_o you_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o which_o reason_n if_o i_o have_v choose_v any_o other_o command_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n to_o discourse_v upon_o i_o have_v be_v as_o vehement_a in_o urge_v you_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o that_o as_o i_o have_v be_v in_o press_v this_o now_o the_o god_n of_o mercy_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v walk_v before_o he_o blameless_a and_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o follower_n of_o jesus_n to_o he_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n praise_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n the_o ten_o sermon_n matth_n vii_o 21._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o point_n determine_v in_o these_o word_n be_v of_o the_o high_a concernment_n to_o we_o in_o the_o world_n viz._n who_o of_o those_o that_o hope_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n shall_v not_o and_o who_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o former_a be_v describe_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o text_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n the_o latter_a in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n let_v we_o first_o consider_v the_o former_a part_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o clause_n oppose_v to_o it_o be_v evident_o to_o be_v thus_o interpret_v not_o any_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n and_o do_v no_o more_o than_o say_v so_o but_o neglect_v the_o do_v of_o god_n will_n not_o any_o such_o person_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o call_v christ_n lord_n be_v mean_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n be_v mean_v a_o vehement_a profession_n of_o it_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n what_o religion_n we_o be_v of_o for_o instance_n when_o we_o do_v not_o only_o not_o renounce_v our_o baptism_n and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v call_v christian_n and_o call_v ourselves_o so_o which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o most_o careless_a professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n but_o when_o also_o we_o do_v solemn_o confess_v that_o faith_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o we_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o frequent_v the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o show_v forth_o his_o death_n and_o join_v in_o public_a prayer_n and_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a profession_n and_o contend_v against_o error_n than_o we_o be_v those_o that_o call_v christ_n lord_n lord_n i._n e._n who_o make_v a_o vehement_a profession_n that_o we_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o follower_n now_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o do_v this_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o plain_a meaning_n be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o exclude_v this_o outward_a profession_n as_o unnecessary_a but_o that_o he_o make_v it_o insufficient_a of_o itself_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n 1._o he_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v it_o as_o unnecessary_a or_o as_o a_o condition_n that_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v spare_v he_o say_v upon_o another_o occasion_n you_o call_v i_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o you_o say_v well_o for_o so_o i_o be_o john_n 13.13_o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n so_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v to_o salvation_n rom._n 10.10_o nay_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v to_o confess_v christ_n and_o his_o truth_n public_o in_o the_o world_n that_o no_o danger_n will_v excuse_v we_o from_o it_o for_o the_o do_n of_o this_o if_o need_v be_v we_o must_v venture_v all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o in_o this_o life_n nay_o and_o life_n itself_o it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n whoever_o will_v come_v after_o i_o must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o it_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n add_v to_o holy_a live_n that_o have_v make_v martyr_n of_o saint_n since_o it_o be_v proper_o for_o confess_v christ_n with_o their_o mouth_n for_o contend_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o truth_n against_o error_n for_o serve_v god_n in_o religious_a assembly_n
and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a when_o it_o bring_v little_a or_o none_o at_o all_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o have_v doubtless_o be_v a_o true_a say_n if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v notevery_a one_o that_o in_o other_o thing_n do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o also_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n i._n e._n who_o do_v moreover_o make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o be_v my_o disciple_n this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v true_a but_o than_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o instruct_v and_o useful_a a_o admonition_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o text_n because_o it_o be_v incomparable_o more_o certain_a that_o he_o who_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n will_v out_o ward_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o every_o one_o who_o do_v profess_v it_o will_v live_v according_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n lay_v his_o caution_n where_o the_o danger_n be_v and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o 2d_o point_v that_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v moreover_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n i._n e._n that_o we_o shall_v do_v his_o will_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o in_o general_a that_o our_o affection_n and_o practice_n shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o truth_n we_o profess_v which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o plain_a if_o we_o once_o come_v serious_o to_o consider_v it_o that_o there_o be_v as_o little_a need_n of_o proof_n to_o make_v it_o out_o as_o one_o will_v think_v there_o be_v of_o this_o caution_n of_o our_o saviour_n not_o to_o trust_v in_o outward_a profession_n when_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o profess_v what_o be_v a_o profess_a christian_a but_o one_o that_o declare_v himself_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o unrighteous_a the_o unmerciful_a the_o unclean_a the_o ungodly_a shall_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n one_o that_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o his_o chief_a business_n be_v to_o be_v save_v and_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o whilst_o himself_o live_v in_o ungodliness_n and_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o worldly_a lust_n he_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a person_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o more_o ridiculous_a than_o a_o man_n that_o have_v skill_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o proper_a business_n of_o his_o call_v by_o which_o he_o must_v live_v as_o the_o concern_v of_o another_o world_n be_v above_o all_o our_o interest_n in_o this_o for_o such_o a_o man_n to_o maintain_v the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o profession_n such_o a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o profession_n that_o he_o expose_v himself_o to_o have_v the_o lie_v give_v he_o by_o the_o world_n such_o a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o faith_n that_o his_o own_o conscience_n one_o will_v think_v shall_v give_v he_o the_o lie_n too_o but_o yet_o as_o plain_v a_o case_n as_o it_o be_v that_o mere_a profession_n without_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o save_v we_o our_o saviour_n nevertheless_o think_v fit_a here_o and_o elsewhere_o plain_o to_o admonish_v we_o of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v there_o will_v be_v man_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o how_o plain_a soever_o the_o mistake_n be_v of_o trust_v to_o profession_n without_o a_o practice_n answerable_a to_o it_o yet_o man_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o fall_v into_o that_o mistake_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v hereupon_o take_v occasion_n to_o speak_v to_o 1._o that_o experience_n have_v prove_v the_o proneness_n of_o mankind_n to_o this_o folly_n of_o presume_v upon_o mere_a profession_n that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o they_o 2._o what_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o so_o wretched_a a_o conceit_n so_o void_a of_o all_o shadow_n or_o pretence_n to_o reason_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o i_o shall_v need_v to_o insist_v but_o little_a upon_o it_o because_o alas_o the_o thing_n be_v too_o apparent_a in_o our_o own_o day_n and_o every_o man_n that_o be_v guilty_a have_v a_o testimony_n of_o it_o from_o his_o own_o conscience_n if_o he_o will_v hearken_v to_o it_o too_o plain_a to_o be_v deny_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o this_o folly_n and_o madness_n among_o the_o jew_n especial_o among_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n their_o father_n have_v for_o 400_o year_n be_v cure_v of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o fondness_n of_o the_o god_n of_o their_o neighbour_n round_o about_o they_o they_o have_v smart_v too_o severe_o for_o that_o ever_o to_o return_v to_o it_o again_o but_o they_o soon_o fall_v to_o make_v the_o profession_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o law_n a_o dispensation_n for_o luxury_n and_o injustice_n and_o unmercifulness_n and_o wicked_a live_n instead_o of_o a_o restraint_n from_o it_o plain_o show_v thereby_o that_o their_o father_n do_v not_o like_o the_o true_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v too_o good_a for_o they_o since_o their_o posterity_n not_o dare_v to_o revolt_v from_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o it_o yet_o soon_o learned_a to_o reconcile_v it_o with_o a_o licentious_a practice_n nay_o if_o we_o will_v take_v st._n paul_n word_n who_o do_v not_o use_v to_o reprove_v without_o cause_n they_o think_v that_o the_o same_o sin_n which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o with_o the_o gentile_n will_v not_o have_v so_o bad_a a_o construction_n make_v of_o they_o nor_o be_v so_o displease_v to_o god_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o gentile_n for_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o rom._n 2._o they_o judge_v the_o gentile_n for_o do_v evil_a thing_n and_o do_v they_o themselves_o think_v all_o the_o while_n to_o escape_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o they_o have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n among_o they_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o posterity_n god_n service_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n sacrifice_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o wash_n and_o divers_a ordinance_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o which_o they_o put_v their_o trust_n and_o believe_v that_o no_o israelite_n shall_v go_v without_o his_o portion_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v in_o this_o state_n our_o saviour_n find_v they_o they_o trust_v in_o moses_n and_o say_v we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n they_o build_v and_o garnish_v the_o tomb_n of_o the_o prophet_n those_o very_a prophet_n that_o have_v be_v so_o ill_o entertain_v by_o their_o forefather_n for_o declare_v against_o their_o sin_n and_o because_o they_o do_v this_o external_a honour_n to_o the_o monument_n of_o those_o good_a man_n they_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o follow_v their_o instruction_n be_v full_a of_o hypocrisy_n and_o iniquity_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n now_o this_o be_v so_o notorious_a in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o have_v be_v so_o for_o some_o age_n before_o it_o seem_v needful_a that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v warn_v against_o the_o like_a fatal_a mistake_n into_o which_o there_o be_v no_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v jealous_a they_o will_v fall_v for_o by_o how_o much_o a_o great_a person_n jesus_n be_v than_o moses_n and_o his_o sacrifice_n more_o excellent_a than_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n and_o his_o religion_n a_o more_o rational_a and_o perfect_a religion_n than_o any_o that_o have_v be_v before_o so_o much_o great_a danger_n there_o may_v be_v least_o man_n shall_v trust_v to_o their_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n without_o a_o holy_a heart_n and_o life_n if_o the_o jew_n can_v say_v we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o quiet_v their_o guilty_a fear_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v christian_n will_v say_v we_o have_v christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n our_o deliverer_n and_o saviour_n and_o make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o it_o if_o they_o trust_v in_o moses_n there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o other_o will_v hereafter_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n and_o think_v themselves_o safe_a enough_o by_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o he_o no_o less_o than_o the_o jew_n have_v do_v before_o of_o moses_n and_o consequent_o great_a reason_n for_o this_o earnest_a admonition_n not_o every_o one_o
life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o his_o heart_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o good_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o verse_v in_o subtle_a reason_n as_o in_o religious_a practice_n can_v be_v shake_v by_o the_o objection_n of_o a_o sophister_n because_o they_o have_v that_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o excellency_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v above_o all_o other_o argument_n they_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n and_o can_v therefore_o be_v entangle_v by_o any_o artificial_a objection_n against_o it_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o pleasure_n which_o a_o man_n find_v in_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n be_v always_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n that_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n that_o weaken_v the_o obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o be_v sweet_a to_o the_o carnal_a man_n because_o they_o can_v put_v he_o in_o possession_n of_o great_a joy_n in_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v that_o good_a title_n to_o it_o which_o can_v only_o be_v found_v upon_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n therefore_o it_o be_v neither_o false_a nor_o allowable_a always_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o experience_n a_o man_n have_v of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o persuasion_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o many_o misguide_a soul_n have_v do_v but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o goodness_n a_o man_n shall_v understand_v the_o power_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o other_o by_o experience_n better_a than_o he_o can_v by_o mere_a speculation_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v never_o so_o full_o understand_v as_o by_o do_v they_o and_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n be_v never_o so_o thorough_o feel_v as_o when_o it_o make_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o the_o understanding_n submit_v to_o it_o now_o the_o best_a way_n to_o avoid_v argue_v to_o ourselves_o fallacious_o from_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n which_o those_o persuasion_n yield_v that_o tend_v to_o carnal_a security_n the_o best_a way_n i_o say_v to_o avoid_v this_o be_v to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n rule_n by_o lay_v the_o foundation_n even_o of_o experimental_a knowledge_n in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o with_o all_o sincerity_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n because_o than_o we_o shall_v never_o argue_v from_o experience_n but_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o of_o those_o principle_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v that_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o believe_v divine_a truth_n there_o be_v those_o joy_n in_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o can_v never_o be_v thorough_o understand_v but_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o till_o he_o have_v taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a god_n be_v solomon_n say_v that_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v never_o thorough_o understand_v this_o till_o we_o walk_v in_o they_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o find_v this_o reward_n but_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o other_o but_o as_o imperfect_o as_o the_o pencil_n do_v life_n and_o motion_n the_o best_a description_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o subject_n and_o if_o we_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n we_o can_v full_o conceive_v it_o nay_o most_o common_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v thing_n flat_a and_o insipid_a and_o the_o representation_n of_o they_o be_v nauseous_a and_o irksome_a to_o the_o carnal_a worldling_n and_o he_o be_v hardly_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n to_o understand_v it_o than_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a can_v apprehend_v that_o say_n of_o solomon_n true_o light_n be_v sweet_a and_o a_o pleasant_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o behold_v the_o sun_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o if_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n in_o do_v his_o will_n be_v a_o great_a advantage_n towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o the_o wicked_a man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o speculation_n if_o also_o that_o knowledge_n be_v gain_v by_o it_o which_o the_o insincere_a have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o if_o the_o righteous_a do_v not_o only_o better_a apprehend_v the_o weight_n of_o argument_n but_o understand_v more_o by_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a then_o have_v we_o great_a reason_n to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n method_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 only_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v this_o blessing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v procure_v to_o ourselves_o either_o by_o my_o discourse_n or_o by_o your_o hear_n what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v our_o saviour_n word_n no_o nor_o by_o grant_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o illustration_n of_o they_o but_o only_o by_o put_v ourselves_o serious_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o this_o way_n by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o general_n hold_v good_a of_o this_o in_o particular_a that_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o lord_n method_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o good_a knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n can_v be_v thorough_o judge_v till_o we_o have_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o those_o that_o have_v make_v trial_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v finis_fw-la