the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o as_o become_v that_o god_n who_o we_o profess_v to_o serve_v pure_a and_o holy_a grave_a and_o serious_a solemn_a and_o devout_a without_o the_o mixture_n of_o superstition_n vanity_n or_o ostentation_n the_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o high_o tend_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o those_o who_o practise_v they_o both_o in_o this_o and_o a_o better_a life_n the_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n be_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o powerful_a and_o of_o as_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a misery_n can_v be_v to_o man_n and_o wherein_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o our_o religion_n defective_a when_o the_o end_n be_v so_o desirable_a the_o mean_n so_o effectual_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o 2._o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o degenerate_a estate_n of_o man_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o recovery_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o those_o be_v repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n for_o the_o future_a now_o both_o these_o the_o gospel_n give_v man_n the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o effect_v the_o design_n it_o be_v intend_v for_o 1._o for_o repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a what_o more_o powerful_a motive_n can_v there_o be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repent_v than_o for_o god_n to_o let_v man_n know_v that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o pardon_v their_o sin_n upon_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n but_o without_o that_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v their_o folly_n and_o therefore_o to_o repent_v be_v to_o grow_v wise_a that_o he_o require_v no_o more_o from_o man_n but_o what_o every_o considerative_a man_n know_v be_v fit_v to_o be_v do_v whenever_o he_o reflect_v upon_o his_o action_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a ingratitude_n or_o disingenuity_n towards_o the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o to_o stand_v at_o defiance_n with_o god_n when_o he_o have_v shed_v his_o blood_n to_o reconcile_v god_n and_o man_n to_o each_o other_o that_o every_o step_n of_o his_o humiliation_n every_o part_n of_o the_o tragedy_n of_o his_o life_n every_o wound_n at_o his_o death_n every_o groan_n and_o sigh_v which_o he_o utter_v upon_o the_o cross_n be_v design_v by_o he_o as_o the_o most_o prevail_a rhetoric_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o be_v happy_a that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o unaccountable_a folly_n than_o by_o impenitency_n to_o lose_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o certain_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o every_o wise_a man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o think_v of_o that_o to_o continue_v in_o sin_n with_o the_o hope_n to_o repent_v be_v to_o stab_v a_o man_n self_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o cure_n that_o the_o soon_o man_n do_v it_o the_o soon_o they_o will_v find_v their_o mind_n at_o ease_n and_o that_o the_o pleasure_n they_o enjoy_v in_o forsake_v their_o sin_n be_v far_o more_o noble_a and_o manly_a than_o ever_o they_o have_v in_o commit_v they_o but_o if_o none_o of_o these_o argument_n will_v prevail_v with_o they_o perish_v they_o must_v and_o that_o avoidable_a insupportable_o and_o irrecoverable_o and_o if_o such_o argument_n as_o these_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o shall_v 2._o for_o holiness_n of_o liâ—e_z for_o christ_n do_v not_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o die_v for_o we_o mere_o that_o we_o shall_v repent_v of_o what_o be_v past_a 2.12_o by_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o what_o he_o do_v expect_v he_o have_v give_v the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o perform_v by_o the_o clearness_n of_o his_o precept_n the_o excellency_n of_o his_o own_o example_n the_o promise_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o proposition_n of_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n whereby_o he_o take_v oâ—f_o all_o the_o objection_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v against_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n the_o pretence_n of_o ignorance_n because_o his_o law_n be_v so_o clear_a the_o pretence_n of_o impossibility_n by_o his_o own_o example_n the_o pretence_n of_o infirmity_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o pretence_n of_o the_o unnecessariness_n of_o so_o great_a care_n of_o our_o action_n by_o make_v eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o depend_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o then_o reflect_v upon_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v how_o admirable_o it_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o end_n it_o be_v intend_v for_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o good_a be_v design_v by_o it_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a honour_n of_o the_o great_a contriver_n and_o manager_n of_o it_o and_o let_v not_o we_o by_o our_o impenitency_n and_o the_o unholiness_n of_o our_o life_n dishonour_n god_n and_o our_o saviour_n reproach_n our_o religion_n and_o condemn_v that_o by_o our_o life_n which_o we_o justify_v by_o our_o word_n for_o when_o we_o have_v say_v all_o we_o can_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a vindication_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o but_o oh_o then_o how_o unhappy_a be_v we_o that_o live_v in_o such_o a_o age_n wherein_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o know_v that_o man_n be_v christian_n unless_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v their_o word_n against_o the_o tenor_n and_o course_n of_o their_o action_n what_o be_v become_v of_o the_o purity_n the_o innocency_n the_o candour_n the_o peaceableness_n the_o sincerity_n and_o devotion_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n what_o be_v become_v of_o their_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o christian_a religion_n if_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o man_n to_o make_v our_o religion_n a_o dishonour_n and_o reproach_n to_o the_o jew_n mahometan_n and_o heathen_n can_v they_o do_v it_o by_o more_o effectual_a mean_n than_o they_o have_v do_v who_o be_v there_o that_o look_n into_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n can_v ever_o think_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o incomparable_o beyond_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o now_o christian_a rome_n so_o much_o beyond_o what_o it_o be_v while_o it_o be_v heathen_a nay_o be_v it_o not_o then_o remarkable_a in_o its_o first_o time_n for_o justice_n sincerity_n contempt_n of_o riches_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o generous_a honesty_n and_o who_o do_v not_o though_o of_o the_o same_o religion_n if_o he_o have_v any_o ingenuity_n leave_v lament_v the_o want_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n there_o now_o will_v not_o the_o sobriety_n of_o the_o very_a turk_n upbraid_v our_o excess_n and_o debauchery_n and_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o defence_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o religion_n condemn_v our_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o we_o if_o we_o have_v then_o any_o tenderness_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o any_o kindness_n for_o our_o own_o soul_n let_v we_o not_o only_o have_v the_o name_n but_o let_v we_o lead_v the_o life_n of_o christian_n let_v we_o make_v amends_o for_o all_o the_o reproach_n which_o our_o religion_n have_v suffer_v by_o the_o faction_n and_o disobedience_n of_o some_o by_o the_o oath_n and_o blasphemy_n the_o impiety_n and_o profaneness_n of_o other_o by_o the_o too_o great_a negligence_n and_o carelessness_n of_o all_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a christianity_n may_v appear_v in_o its_o true_a glory_n which_o will_v thou_o only_o be_v when_o those_o who_o name_n the_o namâ—_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o live_v iâ—_n all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n sermon_n iu._n preach_v at_o whitehall_n roman_n i._o xvi_o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o greek_a these_o word_n be_v utter_v by_o one_o who_o be_v himself_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o viz._n of_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n for_o what_o can_v we_o imagine_v else_o shall_v make_v he_o now_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o not_o long_o before_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o persecute_v all_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o one_o who_o
drunkard_n heart_n to_o ache_v and_o hand_n to_o tremble_v and_o to_o let_v fall_v the_o suppose_a fatal_a mixture_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o jollity_n and_o excess_n how_o often_o have_v person_n who_o have_v design_v the_o great_a mischief_n to_o the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o other_o when_o all_o opportunity_n have_v fall_v out_o beyond_o their_o expectation_n for_o accomplish_v their_o end_n through_o some_o sudden_a thought_n which_o have_v surprise_v they_o almost_o in_o the_o very_a act_n be_v divert_v from_o their_o intend_a purpose_n do_v ever_o any_o yet_o imagine_v that_o the_o charm_n of_o beauty_n and_o allurement_n of_o lust_n be_v so_o irresistible_a that_o if_o man_n know_v beforehand_o they_o shall_v sure_o die_v in_o the_o embrace_n of_o a_o adulterous_a bed_n they_o can_v not_o yet_o withstand_v the_o temptation_n to_o it_o if_o then_o some_o consideration_n which_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n from_o all_o the_o object_n which_o be_v present_v to_o he_o may_v quite_o hinder_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o we_o see_v in_o ioseph_n resist_v the_o importunate_a caress_n of_o his_o mistress_n what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a machine_n move_v only_o as_o outward_a object_n determine_v he_o and_o if_o the_o consideration_n of_o present_a fear_n and_o danger_n may_v divert_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o evil_a action_n shall_v not_o the_o far_o more_o weighty_a consideration_n of_o eternity_n have_v at_o least_o a_o equal_a if_o not_o a_o far_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o man_n mind_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o everlasting_a misery_n be_v a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o it_o so_o mean_v a_o thing_n in_o our_o esteem_n and_o value_n that_o we_o will_v not_o deny_v ourselves_o those_o sensual_a pleasure_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o which_o we_o will_v renounce_v for_o some_o present_a danger_n be_v the_o flame_n of_o another_o world_n such_o paint_a fire_n that_o they_o deserve_v only_o to_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o not_o serious_o consider_v by_o we_o fond_a man_n be_v thou_o only_o free_a to_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v thyself_o a_o strange_a fatality_n indeed_o when_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v mean_a and_o trivial_a shall_v determine_v thy_o choice_n when_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n be_v therefore_o less_o regard_v because_o they_o be_v such_o have_v thou_o no_o other_o plea_n for_o thyself_o but_o that_o thy_o sin_n be_v fatal_a thou_o have_v no_o reason_n then_o to_o believe_v but_o that_o thy_o misery_n shall_v be_v so_o too_o but_o if_o thou_o own_v a_o god_n and_o providence_n assure_v thyself_o that_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v not_o mere_a title_n of_o his_o honour_n but_o the_o real_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o he_o who_o have_v appoint_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o great_a day_n will_v then_o call_v the_o sinner_n to_o account_v not_o only_o for_o all_o his_o other_o sin_n but_o for_o offer_v to_o lay_v the_o imputation_n of_o they_o upon_o himself_o for_o if_o the_o great_a abhorrency_n of_o man_n evil_a way_n the_o rigour_n of_o his_o law_n the_o severity_n of_o his_o judgement_n the_o exactness_n of_o his_o justice_n the_o great_a care_n use_v to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o ruin_n may_v be_v any_o vindication_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n now_o and_o his_o justice_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o lay_v the_o blame_n of_o all_o our_o evil_a action_n upon_o ourselves_o as_o to_o attribute_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o our_o good_a unto_o himself_o alone_o 2._o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n those_o who_o find_v themselves_o to_o be_v free_a enough_o to_o do_v their_o soul_n mischief_n and_o yet_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o find_v nothing_o more_o ready_a to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o than_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o man_n composition_n and_o the_o degenerate_a state_n of_o the_o world_n if_o god_n have_v design_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o man_n shall_v lead_v a_o life_n free_a from_o sin_n why_o do_v he_o confine_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o a_o body_n so_o apt_a to_o taint_v and_o pollute_v it_o but_o who_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n that_o thus_o find_v fault_n with_o thy_o maker_n be_v not_o his_o kindness_n the_o great_a in_o not_o only_o give_v thou_o a_o soul_n capable_a of_o enjoy_v himself_o but_o such_o a_o habitation_n for_o it_o here_o which_o by_o the_o curiosity_n of_o its_o contrivance_n the_o number_n and_o usefulness_n of_o its_o part_n may_v be_v a_o perpetual_a and_o domestic_a testimony_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o its_o maker_n be_v not_o such_o a_o conjunction_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n necessary_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o dominion_n whâ—ch_fw-mi god_n design_v man_n for_o over_o the_o creature_n endue_v only_o with_o sense_n and_o motion_n and_o if_o we_o suppose_v this_o life_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n in_o order_n to_o a_o better_a as_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o proper_a to_o such_o a_o state_n than_o to_o have_v the_o soul_n constant_o employ_v in_o the_o government_n of_o those_o sensual_a inclination_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o body_n in_o the_o do_n of_o which_o the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o that_o virtue_n consist_v which_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o future_a happiness_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o such_o a_o composition_n the_o differencâ—_n can_v never_o have_v be_v see_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n i_o e._n between_o those_o who_o maintain_v the_o empire_n of_o reason_n assist_v by_o the_o motive_n of_o religion_n over_o all_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n and_o such_o who_o dethrone_v their_o soul_n and_o make_v they_o slave_n to_o every_o lust_n that_o will_v command_v they_o and_o if_o man_n willing_o subject_v themselves_o to_o that_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v to_o rule_v they_o have_v none_o to_o blame_v but_o themselves_o for_o it_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o excuse_n at_o all_o that_o this_o through_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n be_v grow_v the_o common_a custom_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o that_o be_v in_o itself_o so_o great_a a_o tyrant_n that_o there_o be_v no_o resist_v the_o power_n of_o it_o if_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v sober_a righteous_a and_o good_a we_o must_v have_v live_v in_o another_o age_n than_o we_o live_v in_o to_o have_v excuse_v these_o two_o command_n from_o a_o palpable_a contradiction_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o have_v forewarn_v we_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v lead_v aside_o by_o the_o soft_a and_o easy_a compliance_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n as_o we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o be_v he_o have_v offer_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o of_o that_o spirit_n of_o he_o 4.4_o which_o be_v great_a than_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n he_o have_v promise_v we_o those_o weapon_n whereby_o we_o may_v withstand_v the_o torrent_n of_o wickedness_n in_o the_o world_n with_o far_o great_a success_n than_o the_o old_a cragii_n gaul_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v in_o the_o inundation_n of_o their_o country_n who_o custom_n be_v to_o be_v drown_v with_o their_o arm_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a folly_n in_o we_o to_o be_v so_o because_o we_o have_v not_o only_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o resistance_n but_o we_o understand_v the_o danger_n beforehand_o if_o we_o once_o forsake_v the_o strict_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o goodness_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v ourselves_o to_o whatever_o have_v get_v retainer_n enough_o to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o custom_n we_o may_v know_v where_o we_o begin_v but_o we_o can_v where_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o end_n for_o every_o fresh_a assault_n make_v the_o breach_n wide_o at_o which_o more_o enemy_n may_v come_v in_o still_o so_o that_o when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o under_o their_o power_n we_o be_v content_v for_o our_o own_o ease_n to_o call_v they_o friend_n which_o be_v the_o unhappy_a consequence_n of_o too_o easy_a yield_n at_o first_o till_o at_o last_o the_o great_a slavery_n to_o sin_n be_v account_v but_o good_a humour_n and_o a_o gentile_a compliance_n with_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o when_o man_n be_v persuade_v either_o through_o fear_n or_o too_o great_a easiness_n to_o disuse_n that_o strict_a eye_n which_o they_o have_v before_o to_o their_o action_n it_o ofttimes_o fall_v out_o with_o they_o
neither_o eat_a bread_n nor_o drink_a wine_n and_o you_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n a_o very_a severe_a devil_n sure_o and_o one_o of_o the_o strict_a order_n among_o they_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n that_o these_o be_v his_o continual_a employment_n but_o what_o can_v we_o have_v soon_o think_v than_o that_o those_o person_n who_o make_v the_o devil_n the_o author_n of_o so_o much_o mortification_n and_o severity_n of_o life_n shall_v present_o have_v entertain_v religion_n in_o a_o more_o free_a and_o please_a humour_n but_o this_o will_v not_o take_v neither_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v eat_v and_o drink_v i._n e._n be_v remarkable_a for_o none_o of_o those_o rigour_n and_o austerity_n which_o they_o condemn_v in_o john_n and_o applaud_v in_o the_o pharisee_n and_o then_o present_o they_o censure_v he_o as_o a_o gluttonous_a man_n and_o a_o wine-bibber_n a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n v_o 34._o i._n e._n the_o utmost_a excess_n that_o any_o course_n of_o life_n be_v capable_a of_o they_o present_o apply_v to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o design_n in_o all_o their_o action_n than_o to_o recommend_v true_a piety_n and_o goodness_n to_o they_o so_o impossible_a it_o be_v by_o any_o mean_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n think_v fit_a to_o use_v to_o persuade_v they_o into_o any_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o person_n who_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o see_v how_o refractory_a and_o perverse_a they_o be_v in_o interpret_n every_o thing_n to_o the_o worse_o and_o censure_v the_o way_n which_o infinite_a wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o reclaim_v they_o by_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o malice_n and_o obstinacy_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o but_o if_o they_o be_v man_n of_o teachable_a spirit_n who_o by_o a_o usual_a hebraism_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o wisdom_n they_o will_v see_v reason_n enough_o to_o admire_v approve_v and_o justify_v all_o the_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n for_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o all_o her_o child_n that_o which_o i_o main_o design_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o hence_o be_v that_o although_o the_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o unjust_a cavil_n and_o exception_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n yet_o there_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o teachable_a and_o ingenuous_a mind_n concern_v the_o wisdom_n of_o they_o before_o i_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o examine_v those_o which_o concern_v our_o present_a subject_n viz._n the_o life_n and_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n it_o will_v take_v very_o much_o off_o from_o the_o force_n of_o they_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o thus_o it_o have_v always_o be_v and_o suppose_v humane_a nature_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v scarce_o conceivable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o not_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o reasonable_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o at_o all_o any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v act_v foolish_o or_o inconsiderate_o but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o must_v never_o expect_v to_o see_v all_o man_n either_o wise_a or_o pious_a either_o to_o have_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o thing_n or_o a_o love_n of_o religion_n so_o long_o we_o shall_v always_o find_v there_o will_v be_v some_o who_o will_v be_v quarrel_v with_o religion_n when_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o practice_v it_o i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o those_o who_o make_v a_o mere_a jest_n and_o scoff_n at_o religion_n of_o which_o our_o age_n have_v so_o many_o instance_n but_o of_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v of_o a_o degree_n above_o the_o other_o though_o far_o enough_o short_a of_o any_o true_a and_o solid_a wisdom_n who_o yet_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v consider_v because_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o slender_a offer_n at_o reason_n in_o what_o they_o say_v some_o pretend_v they_o be_v not_o only_o unsatisfied_a with_o the_o particular_a way_n of_o institute_v religion_n any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o present_a interest_n which_o be_v the_o only_a god_n they_o worship_v but_o to_o make_v all_o sure_a the_o foundation_n even_o of_o natural_a religion_n itself_o can_v escape_v their_o cavil_n and_o exception_n they_o have_v find_v out_o a_o index_n expurgatorius_fw-la for_o those_o impression_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o use_v their_o utmost_a art_n to_o obscure_v since_o they_o can_v extinguish_v those_o lively_a character_n of_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o large_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n religion_n be_v no_o more_o to_o they_o but_o a_o unaccountable_a fear_n and_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o spiritual_a substance_n even_o of_o that_o without_o which_o we_o can_v never_o know_v what_o a_o contradiction_n mean_v be_v say_v to_o imply_v one_o but_o if_o for_o quietness_n sake_n and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o content_v their_o own_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o the_o world_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o admit_v of_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v a_o mighty_a concession_n from_o those_o who_o have_v so_o much_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o then_o to_o ease_v their_o mind_n of_o such_o troublesome_a companion_n as_o their_o fear_n be_v they_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o dispossess_v he_o of_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o deny_v his_o providence_n and_o care_n of_o humane_a affair_n they_o be_v content_v he_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o excellent_a be_v that_o shall_v do_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o signify_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n or_o rather_o than_o he_o may_v be_v style_v a_o almighty_a sardanapalus_n that_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n that_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o business_n will_v quite_o spoil_v his_o happiness_n or_o if_o the_o activity_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n may_v make_v they_o think_v that_o such_o a_o excellent_a be_v may_v sometime_o draw_v the_o curtain_n and_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n than_o every_o advantage_n which_o another_o have_v get_v above_o they_o and_o every_o cross_a accident_n which_o befall_v themselves_o which_o by_o the_o power_n of_o self-flattery_n most_o man_n have_v learn_v to_o call_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n serve_v they_o for_o mighty_a charge_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o divine_a providence_n thus_o either_o god_n shall_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n at_o all_o or_o if_o he_o do_v it_o must_v be_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o they_o please_v and_o approve_v of_o or_o else_o they_o will_v erect_v a_o high_a court_n of_o justice_n upon_o he_o and_o condemn_v the_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n because_o he_o can_v not_o please_v his_o discontent_a subject_n and_o as_o if_o he_o be_v indeed_o arraign_v at_o such_o a_o bar_n every_o weak_a and_o peevish_a exception_n shall_v be_v cry_v up_o for_o evidence_n when_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a vindication_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v scorn_v and_o contemn_v but_o this_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o argue_v the_o obnoxiousness_n of_o he_o who_o be_v so_o accuse_v but_o the_o great_a injustice_n of_o those_o who_o dare_v pass_v sentence_n where_o it_o be_v neither_o in_o their_o power_n to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o action_n nor_o if_o it_o be_v to_o call_v he_o in_o question_n for_o his_o proceed_n with_o man_n but_o so_o great_a be_v the_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o it_o love_v to_o be_v condemn_v what_o it_o can_v comprehend_v and_o there_o needs_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n give_v concern_v the_o many_o dispute_n in_o the_o world_n about_o divine_a providence_n than_o that_o god_n be_v wise_a and_o we_o be_v not_o but_o will_v fain_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o while_o man_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a they_o will_v be_v always_o quarrel_v and_o those_o who_o contend_v the_o most_o do_v it_o that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o other_o to_o see_v when_o they_o know_v themselves_o they_o do_v not_o nay_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o plain_a and_o evident_a but_o the_o reason_n of_o some_o man_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o it_o than_o their_o sense_n be_v as_o it_o appear_v in_o he_o who_o can_v not_o otherwise_o confute_v the_o philosopher_n argument_n against_o motion_n but_o by_o move_v before_o he_o so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o most_o certain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o cavil_n of_o man_n who_o employ_v their_o wit_n to_o do_v it_o and_o certain_o those_o ought_v not_o to_o stagger_v man_n faith_n in_o matter_n of_o
the_o motion_n of_o grace_n thou_o have_v resist_v the_o check_n of_o conscience_n thou_o have_v stifle_v and_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o kind_n thou_o have_v commit_v shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n to_o condemn_v thou_o o_o that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o wisdom_n to_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n in_o time_n that_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v persuade_v we_o to_o break_v off_o all_o our_o sin_n by_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o to_o lâ—ve_v so_o that_o we_o may_v die_v with_o comfort_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o eternal_a joy_n sermon_n xii_o preach_v at_o whitehall_n february_n 18_o the_o 1672._o matthew_n xvi_o 26._o for_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o â—wn_a soul_n or_o what_o shall_v he_o give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o twenty_o four_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v our_o saviour_n there_o lay_v down_o such_o hard_a condition_n of_o man_n be_v his_o disciple_n as_o be_v to_o all_o appearance_n more_o likely_a to_o have_v drive_v away_o those_o which_o he_o have_v already_o than_o to_o have_v draw_v any_o other_o after_o he_o for_o he_o require_v no_o less_o than_o the_o great_a readiness_n to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o that_o to_o no_o mean_a a_o degree_n than_o the_o loss_n of_o what_o be_v most_o precious_a to_o man_n in_o this_o world_n in_o their_o life_n which_o be_v employ_v in_o those_o word_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v only_o design_v to_o have_v make_v himself_o great_a by_o the_o number_n of_o his_o follower_n if_o he_o have_v intend_v a_o kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o jew_n imagine_v he_o will_v have_v make_v more_o easy_a condition_n of_o be_v his_o disciple_n he_o will_v have_v choose_v another_o way_n to_o have_v attain_v his_o end_n and_o make_v use_v of_o more_o please_a and_o popular_a argument_n to_o have_v persuade_v the_o people_n to_o follow_v he_o when_o the_o eastern_a impostor_n afterward_o begin_v to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o new_a religion_n he_o take_v a_o method_n as_o contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n as_o his_o religion_n and_o design_n be_v he_o know_v the_o greatness_n and_o honour_n the_o pleasure_n and_o the_o pomp_n of_o this_o world_n be_v the_o thâ—ngs_v most_o passionate_o love_v and_o admire_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o he_o fit_v his_o religion_n to_o the_o natural_a inclination_n of_o man_n and_o propose_v such_o mean_n of_o advance_v it_o as_o be_v most_o like_a to_o make_v man_n great_a by_o undertake_v they_o and_o man_n be_v never_o so_o willing_a to_o be_v cheat_v by_o any_o religion_n as_o that_o which_o comply_v with_o their_o present_a interest_n and_o gratify_v their_o sensual_a inclination_n in_o this_o case_n there_o need_v not_o many_o argument_n to_o court_v person_n to_o embrace_v that_o which_o they_o be_v so_o strong_o incline_v to_o before_o and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o religion_n do_v they_o great_a service_n when_o it_o allow_v what_o they_o most_o desire_v and_o make_v they_o sin_n with_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n but_o that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n of_o christianity_n that_o as_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v a_o design_n for_o this_o world_n so_o it_o have_v rise_v and_o spread_v itself_o by_o way_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o splendour_n and_o greatness_n of_o it_o for_o it_o overcome_v by_o suffering_n increase_v by_o persecution_n and_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n of_o its_o follower_n he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v the_o great_a example_n of_o suffer_v himself_o and_o he_o bid_v his_o disciple_n not_o to_o think_v much_o of_o follow_v their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n though_o it_o be_v to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v how_o much_o startle_v and_o surprise_v his_o disciple_n be_v at_o such_o discourse_n as_o these_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n come_v to_o he_o with_o great_a expectation_n of_o honour_n and_o advancement_n by_o he_o and_o no_o less_o will_v content_v some_o of_o they_o than_o be_v his_o high_a favourite_n and_o minister_n of_o state_n sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o at_o his_o left_a hand_n in_o his_o kingdom_n they_o have_v already_o in_o their_o imaginaon_n share_v the_o preferment_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o kingdom_n among_o themselves_o and_o be_v often_o contend_v about_o pre-eminence_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a among_o they_o insomuch_o that_o when_o christ_n now_o the_o time_n of_o his_o suffering_n approach_v begin_v more_o plain_o to_o discourse_v to_o they_o of_o his_o own_o suffering_n at_o jerusalem_n v_o 21._o st._n peter_n either_o out_o of_o his_o natural_a forwardness_n and_o heat_n or_o be_v elevate_v by_o the_o good_a opinion_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v express_v of_o he_o before_o v_o 17._o take_v upon_o he_o very_o solemn_o to_o rebuke_v he_o for_o ever_o think_v to_o submit_v himself_o to_o so_o mean_v a_o condition_n be_v it_o far_o from_o thou_o lord_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o v_o 22._o upon_o which_o jesus_n not_o only_o reprove_v peter_n with_o great_a smartness_n and_o severity_n as_o savour_v more_o of_o the_o pomp_n and_o ease_n of_o the_o world_n than_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o his_o kingdom_n v._n 23._o but_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o must_v no_o long_o dream_v of_o the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o vain_a fancy_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n of_o this_o life_n but_o if_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_o his_o disciple_n they_o must_v prepare_v for_o persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n they_o must_v value_v their_o religion_n above_o their_o life_n for_o the_o time_n be_v now_o come_v on_o they_o must_v part_v with_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o prepare_v beforehand_o by_o self-denial_n and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n they_o will_v run_v great_a hazard_n of_o lose_v their_o soul_n for_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n show_v 1._o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n whosoever_o will_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o v_o 25._o i._n e._n instead_o of_o this_o short_a and_o uncertain_a life_n which_o will_v spend_v itself_o in_o a_o little_a time_n he_o shall_v have_v one_o infinite_o more_o valuable_a and_o therefore_o no_o exchange_n can_v be_v better_o make_v than_o that_o of_o lay_v down_o such_o a_o life_n as_o this_o for_o one_o of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o glory_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n elsewhere_o explain_v it_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o life_n eternal_a st._n joh._n 12.25_o 2._o the_o great_a folly_n of_o lose_v this_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o present_a life_n or_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o he_o first_o lay_v down_o a_o certain_a truth_n v_o 25._o for_o whosoever_o shall_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o then_o discover_v the_o folly_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n by_o compare_v such_o a_o man_n gain_n and_o his_o loss_n together_o suppose_v he_o shall_v obtain_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v hope_v for_o in_o this_o world_n for_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n wherein_o we_o may_v consider_v these_o three_o particular_n 1._o the_o possibility_n suppose_v of_o lose_v the_o soul_n though_o a_o man_n shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n 2._o the_o hazard_n imply_v of_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o folly_n express_v of_o lose_v the_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n 1._o the_o possibility_n suppose_v of_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o another_o world_n for_o the_o force_n of_o our_o saviour_n argument_n depend_v whole_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o another_o state_n and_o its_o capacity_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n therein_o for_o set_v that_o aside_o there_o can_v be_v no_o