meekness_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n sermon_n ii_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n consider_v matth_n xi_o 6_o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o i_o have_v from_o these_o word_n propound_v to_o consider_v two_o thing_n i._o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n as_o also_o to_o inquire_v into_o those_o which_o man_n at_o this_o day_n do_v more_o especial_o insist_v upon_o against_o the_o christian_a religion_n v._n vol._n v._n and_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o ii_o how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o religion_n i_o have_v enter_v upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n when_o this_o great_a teacher_n of_o mankind_n come_v from_o god_n though_o he_o give_v all_o imaginable_a testimony_n and_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v mighty_o offend_v at_o he_o and_o deep_o prejudice_v against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o not_o both_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n i_o have_v already_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o chief_a exception_n which_o the_o jew_n make_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o have_v show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o principal_a of_o those_o exception_n which_o the_o gentile_n and_o heathen_a philosopher_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n 2._o ser._n 2._o i_o shall_v mention_v these_o four_o first_o that_o christianity_n be_v a_o great_a innovation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a institution_n of_o the_o world_n second_o they_o object_v against_o the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n three_o that_o it_o want_v demonstration_n four_o that_o the_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o a_o teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a exception_n which_o the_o heathen_a and_o especial_o their_o philosopher_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n first_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a innovation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a institution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o do_v condemn_v the_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v so_o universal_o receive_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o so_o long_a a_o continuance_n of_o time_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o this_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o they_o and_o raise_v a_o mighty_a prejudice_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n no_o prejudices_fw-la be_v so_o strong_a as_o those_o that_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o education_n and_o of_o all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n none_o so_o violent_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v remove_v as_o those_o about_o religion_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o god_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v off_o from_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o how_o absurd_a soever_o it_o be_v when_o christianity_n be_v first_o propound_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v man_n be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a and_o not_o prepossess_v with_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o may_v then_o have_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v entertain_v it_o with_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n proportionable_a to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o the_o world_n have_v for_o many_o age_n be_v bring_v up_o to_o another_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o inure_v to_o rite_n and_o superstition_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o this_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o man_n sequimur_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la qui_fw-la feliciter_fw-la secuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la suos_fw-la as_o one_o of_o the_o heathen_n say_v in_o those_o day_n we_o follow_v our_o ancestor_n who_o happy_o follow_v they_o man_n be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o condemn_v those_o opinion_n and_o custom_n in_o religion_n which_o themselves_o and_o their_o forefather_n have_v always_o embrace_v and_o follow_v and_o wise_a man_n especial_o be_v loath_a to_o admit_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n as_o religion_n be_v so_o that_o this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v a_o considerable_a prejudice_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n but_o yet_o upon_o a_o through_o examination_n this_o will_v not_o be_v find_v sufficient_a in_o reason_n to_o withhold_v man_n from_o embrace_v christianity_n if_o we_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o no_o prudent_a person_n think_v that_o the_o example_n and_o custom_n of_o his_o forefather_n oblige_v he_o to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o itself_o and_o pernicious_a to_o he_o that_o do_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a no_o danger_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o a_o false_a religion_n for_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o their_o undo_n for_o ever_o a_o man_n may_v better_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o his_o forefather_n to_o justify_v his_o error_n and_o folly_n in_o any_o other_o kind_n than_o in_o this_o which_o be_v so_o infinite_o pernicious_a in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o a_o great_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o a_o reformation_n that_o it_o make_v a_o change_n when_o thing_n be_v amiss_o it_o be_v always_o fit_a to_o amend_v and_o reform_v they_o and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o change_n the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_a do_v acknowledge_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v mix_v with_o very_o great_a folly_n and_o superstition_n and_o that_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v extreme_o corrupt_v and_o degenerate_a and_o they_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o dare_v to_o reform_v these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o oppose_v a_o effectual_a reformation_n for_o fear_v of_o a_o change_n a_o change_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o better_a though_o it_o be_v usual_o hard_a to_o be_v effect_v be_v always_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v desire_v and_o wish_v for_o 3._o the_o change_n which_o christianity_n design_v be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o exception_n that_o can_v be_v be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o main_a of_o it_o but_o the_o reduce_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o bring_n of_o man_n back_o to_o such_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o way_n of_o worship_v he_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o man_n mind_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o design_n to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n maker_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o then_o for_o matter_n of_o practice_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o precept_n of_o temperance_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n which_o have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v even_o by_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o to_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n which_o man_n owe_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o most_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n and_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o all_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n add_v beyond_o this_o be_v mean_n and_o help_v for_o our_o direction_n and_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n for_o our_o direction_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n for_o our_o assistance_n he_o have_v promise_v the_o aid_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o for_o our_o encouragement_n he_o offer_v to_o we_o pardon_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n this_o be_v a_o short_a
and_o give_v testimony_n to_o themselves_o by_o miracle_n yet_o at_o present_a i_o desire_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o know_v and_o honest_a relator_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v and_o that_o the_o same_o credit_n be_v give_v to_o they_o which_o we_o give_v to_o livy_n and_o arian_n and_o q._n curtius_n for_o plain_a event_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v add_v withal_o that_o beside_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v they_o give_v great_a testimony_n of_o their_o integrity_n than_o any_o historian_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v for_o they_o willing_o suffer_v the_o great_a persecution_n and_o torment_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n through_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o effect_n beyond_o all_o denial_n so_o that_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n do_v depend_v here_o be_v great_a and_o more_o advantageous_a evidence_n of_o history_n than_o for_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o equal_a antiquity_n whatsoever_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o preach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n that_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_a historian_n and_o particular_o of_o celsus_n and_o porphyry_n and_o julian_n who_o be_v the_o particular_a and_o most_o learned_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o they_o whatever_o use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o they_o or_o whatever_o consequence_n we_o may_v draw_v from_o they_o and_o i_o presume_v it_o agree_v by_o all_o objector_n that_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o we_o be_v very_o unequal_a to_o our_o religion_n if_o we_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n never_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v 4._o and_o beside_o all_o this_o to_o recompense_v the_o disadvantage_n which_o we_o have_v of_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o evidence_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o confirm_v our_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o advantage_n which_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n can_v not_o have_v we_o see_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n of_o the_o success_n of_o his_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o propagate_a and_o establish_v of_o it_o full_o accomplish_v notwithstanding_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n and_o resistance_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o world_n we_o see_v the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o contempt_n which_o they_o every_o where_n suffer_v and_o that_o now_o for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n they_o have_v continue_v a_o distinct_a people_n and_o a_o spectacle_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o severity_n for_o reject_v and_o crucify_a the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o for_o a_o last_a and_o stand_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o though_o we_o live_v at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o rise_v and_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n yet_o we_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o give_v confirmation_n to_o it_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o as_o credible_a a_o manner_n as_o any_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n ever_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o thing_n remain_v to_o this_o day_n do_v give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o four_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o term_n of_o christianity_n seem_v very_o hard_a and_o to_o lay_v too_o great_a restraint_n upon_o human_a nature_n it_o command_v we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o whatever_o thing_n be_v honest_a and_o true_a and_o just_a and_o virtuous_a and_o of_o good_a report_n and_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o part_v with_o the_o dear_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n yea_o and_o with_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n now_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o hard_a term_n to_o forego_v all_o the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n which_o we_o be_v less_o assure_v of_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o religion_n in_o general_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o natural_a religion_n require_v of_o we_o all_o the_o main_a duty_n that_o christianity_n do_v and_o give_v we_o far_o less_o assurance_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n natural_a religion_n require_v piety_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n the_o due_a government_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n do_v but_o do_v not_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n by_o many_o degree_n so_o clear_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n have_v give_v we_o full_a assurance_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n so_o that_o though_o we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o a_o future_a state_n yet_o we_o have_v all_o the_o rational_a evidence_n for_o it_o that_o can_v be_v wish_v or_o expect_v and_o much_o more_o than_o man_n have_v for_o those_o adventure_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n which_o they_o frequent_o make_v in_o this_o world_n and_o think_v themselves_o reasonable_a in_o so_o do_v 2._o the_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o they_o be_v high_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v against_o our_o religion_n if_o it_o do_v set_v we_o at_o liberty_n from_o those_o restraint_n what_o can_v be_v more_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o command_v man_n to_o be_v just_a and_o charitable_a and_o peaceable_a and_o what_o more_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o can_v reflect_v more_o upon_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o indulge_v and_o allow_v man_n in_o any_o vice_n contrary_a to_o these_o it_o show_v man_n be_v glad_a to_o make_v any_o thing_n a_o objection_n against_o christianity_n when_o they_o lie_v hold_v of_o that_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v make_v ten_o time_n more_o clamour_n against_o it_o for_o the_o contrary_n 3._o as_o for_o most_o of_o those_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n so_o much_o both_o for_o our_o private_a and_o public_a advantage_n that_o set_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n they_o be_v real_o good_a for_o we_o and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o lay_v they_o upon_o we_o we_o ought_v in_o reason_n in_o order_n to_o our_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o have_v lay_v they_o upon_o ourselves_o if_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n i_o know_v man_n will_v not_o have_v such_o strong_a and_o forcible_a obligation_n to_o these_o duty_n but_o yet_o i_o say_v though_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n in_o order_n to_o temporal_a end_n to_o their_o health_n and_o quiet_v and_o reputation_n and_o safety_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o the_o private_a and_o public_a prosperity_n of_o mankind_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v temperate_a and_o chaste_a and_o just_a and_o peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o kind_a and_o oblige_v to_o one_o another_o rather_o than_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o religion_n do_v not_o create_v those_o restraint_n arbitrary_o but_o require_v those_o thing_n of_o we_o which_o our_o reason_n and_o a_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o advantage_n which_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o without_o
that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v all_o slave_n to_o a_o few_o and_o be_v perpetual_o chain_v to_o the_o oar_n or_o condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n there_o be_v many_o time_n as_o bad_a consequence_n of_o good_a thing_n as_o of_o bad_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o all_o that_o as_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n so_o likewise_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n though_o some_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o not_o because_o religion_n be_v bad_a but_o because_o they_o be_v so_o 4._o if_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o man_n free_a choice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v necessary_o and_o constant_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o man_n for_o it_o work_v upon_o we_o not_o by_o way_n of_o force_n or_o natural_a necessity_n but_o of_o moral_a persuasion_n if_o religion_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o go_v along_o with_o it_o do_v force_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o unless_o he_o be_v thus_o violent_o force_v than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o any_o man_n to_o be_v good_a nor_o any_o crime_n and_o fault_n to_o be_v otherwise_o for_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o man_n be_v good_a will_v be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o help_v it_o and_o other_o bad_a because_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v they_o so_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o but_o religion_n do_v not_o thus_o work_v upon_o men._n it_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o short_a and_o plain_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o precept_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a disobedience_n it_o offer_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v our_o weakness_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o that_o for_o which_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o violence_n or_o necessity_n in_o all_o this_o after_o all_o man_n may_v disobey_v these_o precept_n and_o not_o be_v persuade_v by_o these_o argument_n may_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v may_v quench_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n prevail_v upon_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n against_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o consequent_o if_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v not_o a_o constant_a and_o certain_a effect_n upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n not_o but_o that_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n but_o some_o be_v so_o obstinate_o bad_a as_o not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a consideration_n it_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o 5._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n be_v as_o well_o frame_v to_o make_v man_n good_a as_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o fault_n be_v it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o good_a so_o that_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o sufficient_a objection_n either_o against_o the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o miracle_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o its_o proper_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o virtuous_a be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a original_a and_o sure_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o its_o precept_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o force_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o its_o aid_n and_o help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v and_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o all_o those_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o any_o religion_n or_o institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o reasonable_a and_o plain_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o where_o so_o perfect_o collect_v as_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o religion_n ever_o give_v man_n so_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o mighty_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n nor_o such_o gracious_a promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o such_o evidence_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v do_v which_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n 6._o and_o last_o after_o all_o that_o have_v or_o can_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o ought_v sad_o to_o be_v lament_v by_o we_o that_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o marvellous_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o real_a objection_n against_o it_o to_o prejudice_v person_n with_o who_o it_o do_v just_o bring_v into_o doubt_n the_o goodness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o institution_n itself_o to_o see_v how_o little_o effect_v it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o excellent_a master_n in_o any_o kind_n when_o all_o the_o world_n see_v that_o most_o of_o his_o scholar_n prove_v dunce_n whatever_o commendation_n may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o art_n or_o science_n man_n will_v question_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n answerable_a to_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o serve_a god_n more_o decent_o and_o devout_o and_o of_o live_v better_a than_o other_o man_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o do_v not_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n show_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o though_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o disparage_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o it_o will_v certain_o go_v a_o great_a way_n with_o prejudice_v person_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o contrariety_n between_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n so_o notorious_a and_o palpable_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o read_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o men._n who_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o present_a age_n can_v believe_v if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v much_o less_o pretend_a to_o be_v entertain_v and_o believe_v among_o we_o nay_o among_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o more_o serious_a profession_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_o they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o malice_n and_o envy_n in_o passion_n and_o anger_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o evil_a speak_v in_o fierce_a contention_n and_o animosity_n who_o will_v believe_v that_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o these_o man_n religion_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a bible_n by_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v their_o life_n be_v full_a of_o plain_a and_o strict_a precept_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o do_v a_o hundred_o time_n with_o all_o imaginable_a severity_n and_o under_o pain_n of_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n forbid_v malice_n and_o envy_n and_o revenge_n and_o evil_a speak_n and_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o tell_v we_o so_o plain_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n oblige_v man_n to_o put_v off_o all_o these_o and_o that_o if_o any_o
sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n i_o come_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n to_o show_v that_o this_o method_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n which_o be_v call_v the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n because_o it_o consist_v so_o much_o in_o external_a rite_n and_o observance_n which_o be_v but_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o which_o when_o they_o be_v come_v that_o law_n do_v expire_v of_o itself_o and_o be_v out_o of_o date_n the_o obligation_n and_o observance_n of_o it_o be_v no_o long_o necessary_a but_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n come_v in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o and_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o sincere_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v no_o long_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o that_o external_a and_o servile_a and_o imperfect_a dispensation_n which_o consist_v in_o circumcision_n and_o in_o almost_o a_o endless_a number_n of_o external_a ceremony_n these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n so_o often_o speak_v of_o by_o st._n paul_n concern_v which_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o only_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o to_o a_o man_n justification_n and_o salvation_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o both_o which_o opinion_n st._n paul_n call_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n but_o there_o be_v no_o where_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v either_o by_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n that_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v in_o substance_n the_o moral_a law_n clear_v and_o perfect_v be_v not_o necessary_a to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v our_o saviour_n express_a direction_n to_o the_o young_a man_n who_o ask_v what_o good_a thing_n he_o shall_v do_v that_o he_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n if_o thou_o will_v say_v he_o enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o that_o he_o may_v understand_v what_o commandment_n he_o mean_v he_o instance_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o the_o precept_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v full_a and_o express_a to_o this_o purpose_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o that_o be_v these_o precept_n which_o i_o have_v deliver_v and_o do_v they_o not_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n that_o be_v act_v and_o inspire_v by_o charity_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v that_o charity_n or_o love_n which_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o which_o text_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o what_o be_v available_a with_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o st._n james_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o work_n of_o obedience_n our_o faith_n be_v make_v perfect_a and_o that_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o sure_o a_o dead_a faith_n will_v neither_o justify_v nor_o save_v any_o man._n st._n john_n likewise_o very_o earnest_o caution_n we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o any_o such_o doctrine_n as_o will_v take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n little_a child_n say_v he_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a as_o he_o be_v righteous_a to_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o my_o text_n that_o christ_n become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o so_o that_o no_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n shall_v be_v any_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n for_o so_o long_o as_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v but_o assert_v and_o secure_v 1_o st_z that_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 2_o dly_z that_o we_o stand_v continual_o in_o need_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v that_o obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o 3_o dly_z that_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v found_v in_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n confer_v these_o blessing_n upon_o we_o not_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o only_o for_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n i_o say_v so_o long_o as_o we_o assert_v these_o three_o thing_n we_o give_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n any_o where_o ascribe_v to_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o express_v these_o thing_n more_o full_o and_o distinct_o that_o no_o man_n may_v imagine_v that_o whilst_o we_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n we_o have_v any_o design_n to_o derogate_v in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o only_o to_o engage_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n by_o convince_a they_o of_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v be_v in_o plain_a english_a no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o he_o may_v get_v to_o heaven_n and_o whoever_o find_v fault_n with_o this_o doctrine_n find_v fault_n with_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n therein_o reveal_v to_o mankind_n which_o offer_v salvation_n to_o man_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n than_o these_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o to_o preach_v and_o press_v this_o doctrine_n be_v certain_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v so_o to_o pursue_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o plain_o and_o express_o declare_v by_o st._n paul_n tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n have_v this_o effect_n upon_o we_o than_o we_o may_v with_o confidence_n wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o then_o he_o add_v these_o thing_n teach_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n that_o be_v declare_v and_o inculcate_v this_o doctrine_n and_o rebuke_v severe_o those_o who_o teach_v or_o practice_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o he_o repeat_v it_o again_o with_o a_o more_o vehement_a charge_n to_o titus_n to_o press_v upon_o man_n the_o necessity_n of_o
duty_n enjoin_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n which_o word_n be_v metaphorical_a i_o shall_v strip_v they_o of_o the_o metaphor_n that_o so_o we_o may_v see_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o they_o now_o by_o this_o metaphor_n or_o rather_o allegory_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v plain_o intend_v 1_o st_o the_o course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a life_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v here_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o a_o way_n which_o every_o man_n that_o will_v come_v to_o heaven_n must_v walk_v in_o for_o so_o st._n matth._n who_o express_v this_o more_o full_o make_v mention_n of_o a_o way_n as_o well_o as_o a_o gate_n by_o which_o we_o must_v enter_v into_o it_o strait_n be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o this_o though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v by_o st._n luke_n be_v necessary_o understand_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o by_o the_o strait_a gate_n that_o be_v into_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n 2_o dly_z the_o first_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v here_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o a_o strait_a gate_n for_o the_o gate_n at_o which_o we_o enter_v and_o the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o walk_v can_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a course_n 3_o dly_z our_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o this_o course_n be_v represent_v by_o strive_v a_o word_n which_o have_v a_o great_a force_n and_o emphasis_n in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o earnest_a contention_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o olympic_a game_n by_o those_o who_o strive_v for_o mastery_n in_o run_v or_o wrestle_v or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o exercise_n which_o be_v there_o use_v second_o here_o be_v a_o reason_n add_v to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n or_o duty_n for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a that_o be_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o that_o will_v do_v something_o in_o christianity_n and_o make_v some_o faint_a attempt_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n who_o yet_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o firm_a resolution_n and_o earnestness_n of_o endeavour_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o first_o part_n of_o they_o namely_o the_o duty_n or_o exhortation_n to_o handle_v these_o three_o point_n very_o useful_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o 1_o st_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a course_n 2_o dly_z the_o firm_a resolution_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n that_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o conquer_a of_o these_o difficulty_n 3_o dly_z that_o these_o difficulty_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o insuperable_a as_o to_o be_v a_o just_a discouragement_n to_o our_o endeavour_n if_o we_o will_v strive_v we_o may_v master_v they_o first_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a course_n and_o these_o be_v either_o from_o ourselves_o or_o from_o something_o without_o we_o 1._o from_o ourselves_o from_o the_o original_a corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n and_o custom_n contract_v by_o vicious_a practice_n our_o nature_n be_v vitiate_a and_o deprave_a incline_v to_o evil_a and_o impotent_a to_o good_a beside_o that_o be_v habituate_v to_o sin_n and_o vice_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o infinite_a difficulty_n to_o break_v off_o a_o custom_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n another_o way_n now_o because_o this_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n it_o be_v represent_v by_o a_o strait_a gate_n which_o be_v hard_o to_o get_v through_o 2._o there_o be_v likewise_o other_o difficulty_n from_o without_o as_o namely_o the_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v very_o rage_v and_o violent_a in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n represent_v by_o the_o ruggedness_n and_o roughness_n of_o the_o way_n as_o st._n matth._n express_v it_o chap._n 7.14_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d confragosa_fw-la est_fw-la via_fw-la so_o grotius_n render_v it_o the_o way_n be_v craggy_a full_a of_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n so_o that_o these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a difficulty_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n indisposition_n from_o within_o and_o opposition_n from_o without_o 1._o indisposition_n from_o within_o and_o this_o make_v religion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o difficult_a because_o it_o check_v we_o at_o our_o very_a first_o entrance_n upon_o our_o christian_a course_n and_o make_v we_o unwilling_a to_o set_v out_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o those_o vicious_a habit_n which_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_n we_o have_v contract_v do_v strong_o incline_v we_o the_o contrary_a way_n so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v offer_v great_a force_n and_o violence_n to_o himself_o that_o will_v conquer_v this_o difficulty_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o break_v off_o a_o vicious_a habit_n and_o to_o get_v loose_a from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o next_o to_o a_o natural_a impossibility_n chap._n 13.23_o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a this_o require_v great_a strive_v indeed_o nothing_o show_v the_o spirit_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o man_n more_o than_o to_o contend_v with_o a_o inveterate_a habit_n for_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n strive_v against_o the_o very_a bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o set_v a_o man_n against_o all_o the_o world_n than_o to_o make_v he_o fight_v with_o himself_o and_o yet_o this_o every_o man_n must_v do_v who_o from_o any_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n betake_v himself_o serious_o to_o religion_n he_o must_v as_o it_o be_v lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o and_o fight_v with_o the_o man_n he_o be_v before_o and_o this_o in_o scripture_n be_v emphatical_o express_v to_o we_o by_o crucify_a the_o old_a man_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o first_o enter_v upon_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a course_n of_o life_n be_v represent_v as_o two_o person_n or_o party_n at_o civil_a war_n one_o with_o another_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a man_n so_o that_o whoever_o will_v be_v a_o christian_n must_v put_v off_o himself_o and_o become_v another_o man_n and_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o quit_v himself_o 2._o in_o our_o christian_a course_n we_o must_v likewise_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o great_a opposition_n from_o without_o bless_a be_v god_n christianity_n have_v general_o be_v for_o many_o age_n free_a from_o this_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v the_o first_o profession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v then_o indeed_o a_o very_a steep_a and_o craggy_a way_n very_o rough_a and_o thorny_a not_o to_o be_v travel_v in_o without_o sweat_n and_o blood_n then_o the_o danger_n and_o hazard_n of_o that_o profession_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v encounter_v by_o a_o mere_a moral_a resolution_n and_o the_o natural_a strength_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o persecution_n that_o attend_v it_o be_v so_o hot_a and_o the_o torment_n which_o threaten_v it_o so_o terrible_a that_o the_o sensual_a and_o inconsiderate_a part_n of_o mankind_n will_v rather_o venture_v hell_n at_o a_o distance_n than_o run_v themselves_o upon_o so_o present_a and_o evident_a a_o danger_n but_o since_o these_o age_n of_o persecution_n this_o difficulty_n have_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n remove_v not_o but_o that_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v still_o its_o enemy_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v not_o let_v loose_a as_o they_o be_v in_o those_o time_n it_o be_v still_o persecute_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o malice_n and_o reproach_n but_o not_o to_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o unreasonable_a men._n in_o the_o calm_a time_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o man_n can_v be_v a_o strict_a and_o sincere_a christian_a without_o be_v liable_a to_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n without_o deny_v himself_o many_o of_o those_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o those_o who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o strict_a law_n of_o christianity_n may_v make_v to_o themselves_o so_o that_o at_o all_o time_n it_o require_v a_o good_a degree_n of_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n to_o persevere_v in_o a_o holy_a course_n and_o to_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o
world_n and_o to_o withstand_v its_o temptation_n to_o be_v harmless_a and_o blameless_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n not_o to_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o eminent_a and_o frequent_a example_n of_o vice_n and_o carry_v down_o with_o the_o stream_n of_o a_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a age._n so_o that_o though_o our_o difficulty_n be_v not_o always_o the_o same_o and_o equal_a to_o those_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n encounter_v yet_o there_o be_v enough_o to_o exercise_v our_o best_a resolution_n and_o care_n though_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n be_v break_v and_o the_o son_n of_o anak_n be_v destroy_v out_o of_o the_o land_n yet_o some_o of_o the_o old_a inhabitant_n be_v still_o leave_v to_o be_v thorn_n in_o our_o side_n and_o prick_v in_o our_o eye_n that_o true_a religion_n may_v always_o have_v something_o to_o exercise_v its_o force_n and_o vigour_n upon_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o point_n the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a course_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o the_o earnest_a endeavour_n that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o conquer_a of_o these_o difficulty_n and_o to_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o will_v set_v upon_o it_o in_o good_a earnest_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v require_v 1_o st_o a_o mighty_a resolution_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a course_n 2_o dly_z great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n to_o carry_v we_o on_o in_o it_o 3_o dly_z a_o invincible_a constancy_n to_o carry_v we_o through_o it_o and_o make_v we_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n 1_o st_o a_o mighty_a resolution_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a course_n for_o want_v of_o this_o most_o man_n miscarry_v and_o stumble_v at_o the_o very_a threshold_n and_o never_o get_v through_o the_o strait_a gate_n never_o master_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o first_o entrance_n many_o be_v well_o dispose_v towards_o religion_n and_o have_v fit_n of_o good_a inclination_n that_o way_n especial_o in_o their_o young_a and_o tender_a year_n but_o they_o want_v firmness_n of_o resolution_n to_o conquer_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religi-and_a virtuous_a life_n like_o the_o young_a man_n that_o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n well_o incline_v to_o do_v some_o good_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n he_o give_v back_o he_o be_v divide_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o world_n and_o have_v not_o resolution_n enough_o to_o part_v with_o all_o for_o he_o many_o man_n i_o doubt_v not_o have_v frequent_a thought_n and_o deliberation_n about_o a_o better_a course_n of_o life_n and_o be_v in_o a_o good_a mind_n to_o take_v up_o and_o break_v off_o that_o lewd_a and_o riotous_a course_n they_o be_v in_o but_o they_o can_v bring_v themselves_o to_o a_o fix_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n and_o yet_o without_o this_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v the_o double_a mind_a man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n there_o must_v be_v no_o indifferency_n and_o irresoluteness_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o will_v be_v christian_n we_o must_v not_o stop_v at_o the_o gate_n but_o resolve_v to_o press_v in_o we_o see_v that_o man_n can_v take_v up_o peremptory_a resolution_n in_o other_o matter_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n and_o they_o can_v be_v true_a and_o steadfast_a to_o these_o resolution_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o man_n resolve_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o happy_a and_o stand_v to_o these_o resolution_n and_o make_v they_o good_a god_n be_v more_o ready_a to_o assist_v and_o strengthen_v these_o kind_n of_o resolution_n than_o any_o other_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o man_n have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o resolve_v upon_o any_o thing_n as_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n no_o other_o resolution_n can_v do_v a_o man_n that_o good_a and_o bring_v he_o that_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n that_o this_o will_n 2_o dly_z the_o business_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o require_v a_o mighty_a resolution_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a course_n so_o likewise_o a_o great_a diligence_n to_o carry_v we_o on_o in_o it_o when_o we_o be_v get_v through_o the_o strait_a gate_n we_o must_v account_v to_o meet_v with_o many_o difficulty_n in_o our_o way_n there_o be_v in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n many_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v which_o require_v great_a pain_n and_o care_n many_o temptation_n to_o be_v resist_v which_o will_v keep_v we_o continual_o upon_o our_o guard_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o way_n be_v up_o hill_n and_o not_o to_o be_v climb_v without_o labour_n and_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a that_o be_v with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a to_o follow_v holiness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o pursue_v it_o with_o great_a earnestness_n nothing_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v of_o value_n be_v to_o be_v have_v upon_o other_o term_n and_o we_o have_v low_a thought_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o think_v any_o pain_n too_o much_o to_o get_v thither_o 3_o dly_z the_o business_n of_o religion_n require_v a_o invincible_a constancy_n to_o carry_v we_o through_o it_o and_o to_o make_v we_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n resolution_n may_v make_v a_o good_a entrance_n but_o it_o require_v great_a constancy_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n to_o hold_v out_o in_o a_o good_a course_n a_o good_a resolution_n may_v be_v take_v up_o upon_o a_o present_a heat_n and_o may_v cool_v again_o but_o nothing_o but_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a temper_n of_o mind_n will_v make_v a_o man_n persevere_v and_o yet_o without_o this_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o reach_v heaven_n he_o that_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o god_n soul_n will_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o god_n put_v this_o case_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o determine_v it_o ezekiel_n 18.24_o when_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n shall_v he_o live_v all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o he_o shall_v die_v nay_o so_o far_o will_v his_o righteousness_n be_v from_o avail_v he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o persevere_v in_o it_o that_o it_o will_v render_v his_o condition_n much_o worse_o to_o have_v go_v so_o far_o towards_o heaven_n and_o at_o last_o to_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o it_o so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 2.20_o 21._o for_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o point_n namely_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o a_o christian_a life_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o insuperable_a as_o to_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o discouragement_n to_o our_o endeavour_n all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v with_o no_o design_n to_o damp_n but_o rather_o to_o quicken_v our_o industry_n for_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o christ_n yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a no_o not_o this_o commandment_n of_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v manifest_a by_o take_v these_o four_o thing_n into_o consideration_n 1._o the_o assistance_n which_o the_o gospel_n offer_v to_o we_o god_n have_v there_o promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o conquer_v all_o those_o difficulty_n indeed_o if_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o to_o the_o impotency_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o cope_v with_o these_o difficulty_n every_o temptation_n will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o every_o little_a opposition_n will_v discourage_v we_o but_o god_n be_v with_o we_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o too_o hard_o for_o he_o if_o