present_a but_o they_o leave_v peace_n and_o contentment_n behind_o they_o a_o peace_n that_o no_o outward_a violence_n can_v interrupt_v or_o take_v from_o we_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n have_v moreover_o this_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o all_o worldly_a joy_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o we_o can_v be_v cloy_v by_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o these_o pleasure_n nor_o by_o the_o long_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o i_o know_v that_o some_o vice_n pretend_v to_o bring_v great_a pleasure_n along_o with_o they_o and_o that_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n make_v a_o glorious_a show_n and_o be_v attend_v with_o much_o pomp_n and_o noise_n like_o the_o sport_n of_o child_n and_o fool_n which_o be_v loud_a and_o clamorous_a or_o as_o solomon_n elegant_o compare_v they_o like_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n which_o make_v a_o little_a noise_n and_o a_o sudden_a blaze_n that_o be_v present_o over_o but_o 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of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o glory_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o victorious_a over_o the_o world_n and_o give_v they_o the_o courage_n to_o resist_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o sense_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v encumber_v with_o many_o difficulty_n which_o be_v natural_o grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o a_o christian_n be_v able_a to_o comfort_v himself_o under_o all_o these_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o end_n which_o be_v everlasting_a life_n he_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o believe_v will_v not_o deny_v he_o the_o free_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o not_o that_o he_o have_v such_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n in_o store_n for_o he_o as_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v his_o present_a self_n denial_n and_o suffering_n let_v we_o now_o put_v both_o these_o together_o the_o pleasure_n of_o 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gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o 14.22_o act._n 14.22_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o through_o much_o tributation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 3.12_o 2_o tim_n 3.12_o and_o that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o strive_v and_o wrestle_v and_o run_v and_o fight_v of_o labour_v and_o watch_v and_o give_v all_o diligence_n and_o be_v there_o nothing_o grievous_a in_o all_o this_o this_o be_v a_o very_a material_a objection_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o it_o and_o that_o i_o may_v do_v it_o the_o more_o distinct_o be_v please_v to_o consider_v these_o six_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n which_o do_v chief_o concern_v the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n 2._o that_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o easiness_n of_o god_n command_n do_v all_o along_o suppose_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n 3._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n it_o shall_v exclude_v our_o after_o care_n and_o diligence_n 4._o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o much_o mitigate_v and_o allay_v by_o hope_n and_o by_o love_n 5._o there_o be_v incomparable_o more_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n than_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n 6._o if_o we_o do_v but_o put_v virtue_n and_o vice_n a_o religious_a and_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n in_o equal_a circumstance_n if_o we_o will_v but_o suppose_v a_o man_n as_o much_o accustom_a and_o inure_v to_o the_o one_o as_o he_o have_v be_v to_o the_o other_o than_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o pronounce_v that_o the_o advantage_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n i._o the_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o do_v chief_o concern_v the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o the_o general_a say_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n concern_v the_o persecute_a state_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v intend_v principal_o to_o those_o first_o time_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v equal_o extend_v to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n at_o first_o indeed_o whoever_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v thereby_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o suffering_n which_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n can_v afflict_v they_o withal_o but_o since_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o be_v patron_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v universal_o true_a that_o every_o christian_n have_v suffer_v the_o violence_n of_o persecution_n that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o rare_a case_n and_o happen_v only_o in_o some_o few_o age_n and_o to_o some_o person_n so_o that_o this_o be_v accidental_a to_o a_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o ordinary_a difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o when_o it_o happen_v god_n give_v extraordinary_a support_n and_o promise_n mighty_a reward_n to_o make_v it_o tolerable_a ii_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o easiness_n of_o god_n command_n do_v all_o along_o suppose_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n except_o only_o in_o those_o person_n who_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v train_v up_o to_o religion_n by_o the_o easy_a
to_o any_o thing_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v so_o reveal_v or_o else_o absolute_o that_o whoever_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v now_o although_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o passage_n forecited_a speak_v one_o syllable_n concern_v doctrine_n reveal_v by_o god_n yet_o i_o affirm_v and_o so_o will_v any_o man_n else_o that_o a_o assent_n to_o any_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n if_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o infallibility_n upon_o supposition_n which_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o if_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o yet_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o mr._n s_n book_n be_v to_o prove_v this_o which_o i_o believe_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o so_o senseless_a as_o to_o deny_v but_o if_o he_o mean_v absolute_o that_o whoever_o assent_v to_o any_o 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motive_n of_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o my_o discourse_n there_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o however_o i_o be_o content_v to_o join_v issue_n with_o mr._n s._n upon_o both_o these_o point_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o motive_n upon_o which_o any_o man_n believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v absolute_o conclusive_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o it_o be_v necessary_a mr._n s._n several_a time_n affirm_v in_o his_o book_n but_o how_o unreasonable_o appear_v from_o certain_a and_o daily_a experience_n very_o many_o christian_n such_o as_o st._n austin_n speak_v of_o as_o save_v not_o by_o the_o quickness_n of_o their_o understanding_n but_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o belief_n do_v believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o incompetent_a ground_n and_o their_o 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motive_n thereto_o whether_o church_n authority_n or_o any_o other_o on_o his_o part_n that_o so_o believe_v here_o be_v a_o man_n of_o their_o own_o church_n avow_v this_o position_n that_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a i_o desire_v mr._n s._n who_o be_v the_o very_a rule_n of_o controversy_n to_o do_v justice_n upon_o this_o false_a guide_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o mr._n s._n attempt_n to_o prove_v this_o assertion_n and_o that_o by_o a_o very_a pleasant_a and_o surprise_v argument_n which_o be_v this_o the_o profound_a mystery_n oâ—_n faith_n he_o tell_v we_o 9â—_n we_o faith_n vind_z p._n 9â—_n must_v needs_o seem_v to_o some_o viz._n those_o who_o have_v no_o light_n but_o their_o pure_a natural_a reason_n 89._o reason_n p._n 89._o as_o he_o say_v before_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a which_o therefore_o nothing_o but_o a_o motive_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n seem_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v conquer_v so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n they_o real_o true_a what_o mr._n s._n here_o mean_v by_o a_o motive_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a i_o can_v divine_v unless_o he_o mean_v a_o real_a seem_a impossibility_n but_o be_v that_o as_o it_o will_v do_v mr._n s._n in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v that_o a_o motive_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o have_v and_o use_v the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o must_v needs_o seem_v to_o he_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a in_o my_o opinion_n these_o two_o seem_a impossibility_n be_v so_o equal_o match_v that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o draw_a battle_n between_o they_o suppose_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v transubstantiation_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o very_a profound_a mystery_n and_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o mr._n s_n phrase_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o seem_o impossible_a that_o i_o know_v no_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n strong_a enough_o to_o cope_v with_o it_o and_o i_o challenge_v mr._n s._n to_o instance_n in_o any_o motive_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v both_o to_o our_o understanding_n and_o our_o sense_n more_o plain_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a than_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v evident_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o he_o can_v how_o can_v he_o reasonable_o expect_v that_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v believe_v it_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v infallible_o secure_v of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o particular_o of_o the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o expression_n in_o it_o can_v possible_o bear_v any_o other_o sense_n and_o these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n i_o instance_n in_o in_o the_o passage_n so_o often_o mention_v and_o to_o these_o mr._n s._n ought_v to_o have_v speak_v if_o he_o intend_v to_o have_v confute_v that_o passage_n but_o he_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o speak_v distinct_o know_v his_o best_a play_n to_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o that_o all_o his_o safety_n lie_v in_o the_o confusion_n and_o obscurity_n of_o his_o talk_n now_o that_o to_o have_v a_o infallible_a security_n in_o these_o particular_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n be_v evident_a upon_o these_o two_o account_n because_o faith_n may_v be_v without_o this_o infallible_a security_n and_o because_o in_o the_o particular_n mention_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v have_v 1._o because_o faith_n may_v be_v without_o this_o infallible_a security_n he_o that_o be_v so_o assure_v of_o the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o text_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v plain_o deliver_v as_o to_o see_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v thereof_o may_v real_o assent_v to_o those_o doctrine_n trine_n though_o he_o have_v no_o infallible_a security_n and_o a_o assent_n so_o ground_v i_o affirm_v to_o have_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n for_o what_o degree_n of_o assent_n and_o what_o security_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v from_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o whoever_o be_v so_o assure_v of_o the_o authority_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o to_o live_v according_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o sure_o such_o a_o belief_n as_o will_v save_v a_o man_n have_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n though_o it_o be_v not_o infallible_a and_o if_o god_n have_v sufficient_o
provide_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n of_o all_o capacity_n it_o be_v no_o such_o reflection_n upon_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o mr._n s._n imagine_v that_o he_o have_v not_o take_v care_n that_o every_o man_n faith_n shall_v arrive_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n nor_o do_v our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o not_o have_v make_v this_o provision_n deserve_v to_o be_v esteem_v by_o all_o the_o world_n not_o a_o wise_a lawgiver_n but_o a_o mere_a ignoramus_n and_o impostor_n as_o 77._o as_o labyvinthus_n cantuariensis_n p._n 77._o one_o of_o his_o fellow_n controvertist_n speak_v with_o reverence_n beside_o this_o assertion_n that_o infallibility_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o assent_n which_o we_o call_v faith_n be_v plain_o false_a upon_o another_o account_n also_o because_o faith_n admit_v of_o degree_n but_o infallibility_n have_v none_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o weak_a and_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n but_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o a_o weak_a and_o strong_a infallibility_n infallibility_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o know_a faculty_n and_o consequent_o the_o firm_a degree_n of_o assent_n upon_o the_o firm_a ground_n and_o which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o but_o will_v mr._n s._n say_v that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o assent_n admit_v of_o degree_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o increase_n infallibility_n be_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v now_o i_o desire_v mr._n s._n to_o show_v i_o the_o degree_n of_o absolute_a impossibility_n and_o if_o he_o can_v do_v that_o and_o consequent_o there_o may_v be_v degree_n of_o infallibility_n yet_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o mr._n s._n will_v think_v fit_a to_o call_v any_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n a_o weak_a faith_n or_o assent_n 2._o because_o a_o infallible_a security_n in_o the_o particular_n mention_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v have_v i_o mean_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o without_o miracle_n and_o particular_a revelation_n because_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v incapable_a of_o it_o the_o utmost_a security_n we_o have_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o any_o book_n be_v humane_a testimony_n and_o all_o humane_a testimony_n be_v fallible_a for_o this_o plain_a reason_n because_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o though_o mr._n s._n in_o defence_n of_o his_o belove_a tradition_n be_v please_v to_o say_v that_o humane_a testimony_n in_o some_o case_n be_v infallible_a yet_o i_o think_v no_o man_n before_o he_o be_v ever_o so_o hardy_a as_o to_o maintain_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o fallible_a man_n be_v infallible_a i_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v in_o many_o case_n certain_a that_o be_v such_o as_o a_o considerate_a man_n may_v prudent_o rely_v and_o proceed_v upon_o and_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o and_o such_o as_o none_o but_o a_o obstinate_a man_n or_o a_o fool_n can_v deny_v and_o that_o thus_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o his_o own_o church_n desine_fw-la certainty_n mr._n s._n if_o he_o will_v but_o vouchsafe_v to_o read_v such_o book_n may_v have_v learn_v from_o possunt_fw-la from_o de_fw-fr lo._n theol._n lib._n 11._o c._n 4._o certa_fw-la apud_fw-la homines_fw-la ea_fw-la sunt_fw-la quae_fw-la negari_fw-la sine_fw-la pervicacia_fw-la &_o stultitia_fw-la non_fw-la possunt_fw-la melchior_n canus_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o firmness_n of_o humane_a testimony_n in_o some_o case_n which_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v infallible_a define_v it_o thus_o those_o thing_n be_v certain_a among_o man_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o obstinacy_n and_o folly_n i_o know_v mr._n s._n be_v please_v to_o say_v that_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n be_v all_o one_o and_o he_o be_v the_o first_o man_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o ever_o say_v it_o and_o yet_o perhaps_o some_o body_n may_v have_v be_v before_o he_o in_o it_o for_o i_o remember_v tully_n say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o foolish_a but_o some_o philosopher_n or_o other_o have_v say_v it_o i_o be_o sure_a mr._n s_n own_o philosopher_n mr._n wh._n contradict_v he_o in_o this_o most_o clear_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o rushworth_n dialogue_n where_o explicate_v the_o term_n moral_a certainty_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o understand_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o make_v the_o cause_n always_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n though_o it_o take_v not_o away_o the_o absolute_a possibility_n of_o work_v other_o way_n and_o this_o present_o after_o he_o tell_v we_o ought_v absolute_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o true_a certainty_n and_o the_o author_n consider_v as_o mistake_v in_o undervalue_v it_o so_o that_o accord_v to_o mr._n wh._n true_a certainty_n may_v consist_v with_o a_o possibility_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o consequent_o mr._n s._n be_v mistake_v in_o think_v certainty_n and_o infallibility_n to_o be_v all_o one_o nay_o i_o do_v not_o sin_v any_o two_o of_o they_o agree_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o notion_n of_o infallibility_n and_o certainty_n mr._n wh._n say_v that_o what_o some_o call_v moral_a certainty_n be_v true_a certainty_n though_o it_o do_v not_o take_v away_o a_o possibility_n of_o the_o contrary_n mr._n s._n assert_n the_o direct_a contrary_n that_o moral_a certainty_n be_v only_a probability_n because_o it_o do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o contrary_n the_o guide_n in_o controversy_n 135._o controversy_n p._n 135._o differ_v from_o they_o both_o and_o make_v moral_a certain_a and_o infallible_a all_o one_o i_o desire_v that_o they_o will_v agree_v these_o matter_n among_o themselves_o before_o they_o quarrel_n with_o we_o about_o they_o in_o brief_a then_o though_o moral_a certainty_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o probability_n which_o can_v only_o produce_v a_o doubt_n full_a assent_n yet_o it_o be_v also_o frequent_o use_v for_o a_o firm_a and_o undoubted_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v fit_a full_o to_o satisfy_v a_o prudent_a man_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o have_v always_o use_v this_o term._n but_o now_o infallibility_n be_v a_o absolute_a security_n of_o the_o understanding_n from_o all_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n in_o what_o it_o believe_v and_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n for_o the_o understanding_n to_o be_v thus_o secure_v either_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o by_o supernatural_a assistance_n but_o no_o humane_a understanding_n be_v absolute_o secure_v from_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n by_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o i_o think_v all_o mankind_n except_o mr._n s._n have_v hitherto_o grant_v it_o follow_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v infallible_a in_o any_o thing_n but_o by_o supernatural_a assistance_n nor_o do_v ever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o infallibility_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n as_o every_o one_o know_v that_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o their_o learned_a man_n and_o mr._n cressy_n in_o his_o 89._o his_o p._n 88_o 89._o answer_n to_o dr._n pierce_n have_v not_o the_o face_n to_o contend_v for_o any_o other_o infallibility_n but_o this_o that_o the_o immutable_a god_n can_v actual_o preserve_v a_o mutable_a creature_n from_o actual_a mutation_n but_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n agree_v with_o he_o in_o what_o immediate_o follow_v concern_v the_o omniscience_n of_o a_o creature_n that_o god_n who_o be_v absolute_o omniscient_a can_v teach_v a_o rational_a creature_n all_o truth_n necessary_a or_o expedient_a to_o be_v know_v so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n may_v have_v much_o ignorance_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o sort_n omniscient_a within_o a_o determinate_a sphere_n omniscient_a within_o a_o determinate_a sphere_n be_v a_o infinite_a within_o a_o finite_a sphere_n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o very_a pretty_a sort_n of_o know_v all_o thing_n which_o may_v consist_v with_o a_o ignorance_n of_o many_o thing_n of_o all_o the_o controvertist_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o except_o mr._n s._n mr._n cressy_n be_v the_o happy_a at_o these_o smart_n and_o ingenious_a kind_n of_o reason_v as_o to_o the_o other_o particular_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o book_n it_o be_v likewise_o plain_o impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v deliver_v in_o such_o clear_a and_o certain_a word_n as_o be_v absolute_o incapable_a of_o any_o other_o sense_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o may_v be_v so_o plain_a as_o that_o any_o unprejudiced_a and_o reasonable_a man_n may_v certain_o understand_v they_o how_o many_o definition_n and_o axiom_n etc._n etc._n be_v there_o in_o euclid_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o man_n be_v universal_o agree_v and_o think_v themselves_o undoubted_o certain_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o word_n in_o which_o they_o be_v express_v may_v possible_o bear_v another_o sense_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o
doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v not_o so_o general_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o as_o of_o the_o other_o be_v because_o the_o interest_n and_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v more_o concern_v in_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o but_o whatever_o uncertainty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n oral_a tradition_n be_v so_o far_o from_o afford_v we_o any_o help_n in_o this_o case_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o uncertain_a and_o less_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o especial_o if_o we_o may_v take_v that_o to_o be_v the_o traditionary_a sense_n of_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o decretal_n of_o their_o pope_n and_o the_o act_n of_o some_o of_o their_o council_n than_o which_o never_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n more_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o whence_o may_v we_o expect_v to_o have_v the_o infallible_a traditional_a sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o not_o from_o the_o head_n and_o representative_n of_o their_o church_n this_o may_v abundant_o suffice_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o that_o passage_n which_o mr._n s._n make_v such_o a_o rude_a clamour_n about_o as_o if_o i_o have_v therein_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o dare_v never_o trust_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o view_n of_o those_o word_n of_o i_o upon_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o ground_v this_o calumny_n but_o the_o world_n understand_v well_o enough_o that_o all_o this_o be_v but_o a_o shift_n of_o mr._n she_o be_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o party_n and_o a_o pitiful_a art_n to_o avoid_v the_o vindication_n of_o sure-footing_a a_o task_n he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o undertake_v and_o yet_o the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o book_n which_o he_o call_v faith_n vindicate_v etc._n etc._n be_v to_o prove_v that_o which_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o man_n live_v ever_o deny_v viz._n that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o though_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o plain_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o prove_v it_o so_o foolish_o as_o will_v make_v any_o man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a of_o itself_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o he_o prove_v it_o from_o logic_n and_o nature_n and_o metaphysic_n and_o ethic_n etc._n etc._n i_o wonder_v he_o do_v not_o do_v it_o likewise_o from_o arithmetic_n and_o geometry_n the_o principle_n whereof_o he_o 93._o he_o sure-footing_a p._n 93._o tell_v we_o be_v concern_v in_o demonstrate_v the_o certainty_n of_o oral_a tradition_n he_o may_v also_o have_v proceed_v to_o astrology_n and_o palmistry_n and_o chemistry_n and_o have_v show_v how_o each_o of_o these_o lend_v their_o assistance_n to_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n for_o that_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o his_o etc._n his_o faith_n vindic_n p._n 6.7_o etc._n etc._n argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o subject_a and_o predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la in_o faith-proposition_n because_o forsooth_o whoever_o affirm_v any_o proposition_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a affirm_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a very_o true_a but_o will_v any_o man_n argue_v that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o subject_a predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la for_o be_v the_o proposition_n true_a or_o false_a these_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o both_o that_o be_v they_o be_v subject_a predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la but_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v a_o taste_n of_o his_o clear_a style_n and_o way_n of_o reason_v i_o shall_v for_o his_o satisfaction_n transcribe_v mr._n s_n whole_a argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_a his_o word_n be_v these_o our_o argument_n from_o the_o copula_fw-la be_v particular_o strengthen_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_v in_o the_o proposition_n we_o speak_v of_o i_o mean_v in_o such_o speech_n as_o affirm_v such_o and_o such_o point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a 12._o p._n 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o for_o true_a mean_n existent_a in_o proposition_n which_o express_v only_o the_o a_o est_fw-fr of_o a_o thing_n as_o most_o point_n of_o faith_n do_v which_o speak_v abstract_o and_o tell_v not_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o speak_v of_o consist_v or_o the_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o proposition_n christian_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v be_v full_o express_v thus_o a_o trinity_n be_v existent_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o those_o point_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o thing_n or_o action_n past_a as_o creation_n be_v etc._n etc._n for_o existent_n be_v the_o predicate_a in_o these_o two_o only_o affix_v to_o another_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a such_o subject_n shall_v neither_o have_v be_v nor_o not_o have_v be_v or_o have_v be_v and_o have_v not_o be_v at_o once_o as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o thing_n shall_v neither_o be_v nor_o not_o be_v at_o present_a or_o both_o be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o present_a regard_v then_o steadfast_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o predicate_v existent_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o express_v the_o utmost_a actuality_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o as_o take_v in_o the_o posture_n it_o bear_v in_o those_o proposition_n that_o actual_o exercise_v that_o be_v the_o utmost_a actuality_n in_o its_o most_o actual_a state_n that_o be_v as_o absolute_o exclude_v all_o manner_n or_o least_o degree_n of_o potentiality_n and_o consequent_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v otherwise_o which_o be_v radical_o destroy_v when_o all_o potentiality_n be_v take_v away_o this_o discourse_n hold_v which_o in_o right_a to_o truth_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o affirm_v unconcern_v in_o the_o drollery_n of_o any_o opposer_n to_o be_v more_o than_o mathematical_o demonstrative_a it_o follow_v inevitable_o that_o whoso_o be_v bind_v to_o profess_v a_o trinity_n incarnation_n etc._n etc._n be_v or_o be_v existent_a be_v also_o bind_v to_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v not_o existent_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a these_o point_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v false_a the_o same_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o distinction_n or_o division_n apply_v to_o our_o predicate_a existent_n as_o find_v in_o these_o proposition_n for_o can_v that_o predicate_v bear_v a_o pertinent_a distinction_n express_v this_o and_o the_o other_o respect_n or_o thus_o and_o thus_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v according_a to_o one_o of_o these_o respect_n or_o thus_o consider_v and_o not_o be_v according_a to_o another_o that_o be_v another_o way_n consider_v but_o this_o evasion_n be_v here_o impossible_a for_o either_o those_o distinguish_a notion_n must_v be_v more_o potential_a or_o antecedent_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o existent_n and_o then_o they_o neither_o reach_v existent_a nor_o 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all_o those_o fine_a and_o free_a operation_n which_o the_o ignorant_a attribute_n to_o spirit_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o his_o belief_n and_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v find_v any_o person_n pretend_v to_o reason_n or_o wit_n that_o can_v assent_v to_o such_o a_o heap_n of_o absurdity_n which_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o palpable_a that_o they_o may_v be_v feel_v so_o that_o if_o every_o man_n have_v his_o due_n it_o will_v certain_o fall_v to_o the_o atheist_n share_n to_o be_v the_o most_o credulous_a person_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v thing_n upon_o the_o slight_a reason_n for_o he_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o only_o he_o find_v himself_o he_o know_v not_o why_o incline_v to_o believe_v so_o and_o to_o laugh_v at_o those_o that_o do_v not_o ii_o the_o second_o imputation_n be_v singularity_n the_o affectation_n whereof_o be_v unbecoming_a a_o wise_a man_n to_o this_o charge_n i_o answer_v i._o if_o by_o religion_n 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of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n great_a interest_n and_o happiness_n i_o think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a account_n for_o any_o man_n to_o give_v why_o he_o do_v not_o live_v as_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n do_v that_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o die_v as_o they_o do_v and_o to_o perish_v with_o they_o he_o be_v not_o dispose_v to_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o to_o be_v miserable_a for_o company_n he_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o have_v his_o last_o end_n like_o they_o who_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n and_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n 2._o it_o be_v very_o commendable_a to_o be_v singular_a in_o
any_o excellency_n and_o i_o have_v show_v that_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a excellency_n to_o be_v singular_a in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v wise_a and_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a be_v not_o a_o disparagement_n but_o a_o praise_n every_o man_n will_v choose_v to_o be_v thus_o singular_a iii_o the_o three_o imputation_n be_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o foolish_a bargain_n because_o they_o who_o be_v religious_a hazard_n the_o part_n with_o a_o present_a and_o certain_a happiness_n for_o that_o which_o be_v future_a and_o uncertain_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v of_o future_a reward_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n bless_a be_v he_o who_o have_v believe_v and_o not_o see_v and_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v be_v 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turkey_n or_o spain_n yet_o do_v venture_v their_o whole_a estate_n in_o traffic_n thither_o though_o they_o have_v no_o mathematical_a demonstration_n but_o only_o moral_a assurance_n that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o man_n every_o day_n eat_v and_o drink_v though_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v demonstrate_v out_o of_o euclid_n or_o apollonius_n that_o his_o baker_n or_o brewer_n or_o cook_n have_v not_o convey_v poison_n into_o his_o meat_n or_o drink_n and_o that_o man_n that_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a and_o cautious_a as_o not_o to_o eat_v or_o drink_v till_o he_o can_v demonstrate_v this_o to_o himself_o i_o know_v no_o other_o remedy_n for_o he_o but_o that_o in_o great_a gravity_n and_o wifedom_n he_o must_v die_v for_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o for_o any_o man_n to_o urge_v that_o though_o man_n in_o temporal_a affair_n proceed_v upon_o moral_a assurance_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a assurance_n require_v to_o make_v man_n seek_v heaven_n and_o avoid_v hell_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a for_o such_o a_o assurance_n of_o thing_n as_o will_v make_v man_n circumspect_a and_o careful_a to_o avoid_v a_o lesser_a dangér_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o awaken_v man_n much_o more_o to_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o great_a such_o a_o assurance_n as_o will_v sharpen_v man_n desire_n and_o quicken_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o lesser_a good_a ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o animate_v man_n more_o powerful_o and_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o a_o great_a vigour_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_o great_a for_o why_o the_o same_o assurance_n shall_v not_o operate_v as_o well_o in_o a_o great_a danger_n as_o in_o a_o less_o in_o a_o great_a good_a as_o in_o a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a one_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n unless_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o greatness_n of_o a_o evil_a danger_n be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o run_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o any_o good_a and_o happiness_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o dishearten_v man_n from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v with_o reason_n entreat_v such_o as_o be_v atheistical_o incline_v to_o consider_v these_o thing_n serious_o and_o impartial_o and_o if_o there_o be_v weight_n in_o these_o consideration_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v to_o they_o to_o sway_v with_o reasonable_a man_n i_o will_v beg_v of_o such_o that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bias_v by_o prejudice_n or_o passion_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o lust_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n to_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n first_o i_o will_v entreat_v they_o serious_o and_o diligent_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v of_o so_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n to_o every_o man_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n deserve_v our_o serious_a study_n and_o consideration_n these_o principle_n of_o religion_n do_v for_o what_o can_v import_v we_o more_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o than_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o not_o whether_o our_o soul_n shall_v perish_v with_o our_o body_n or_o be_v immortal_a and_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o in_o that_o eternal_a state_n which_o remain_v for_o man_n after_o this_o life_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o according_a as_o they_o have_v demean_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o be_v of_o infinite_a consequence_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v diligent_o about_o they_o and_o to_o satisfy_v our_o mind_n concern_v they_o one_o way_n or_o other_o for_o these_o be_v not_o matter_n to_o be_v slight_o and_o superficial_o think_v upon_o much_o less_o as_o the_o way_n of_o atheistical_a man_n be_v to_o be_v play_v and_o jest_v withal_o there_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o light_n and_o inconsiderate_a person_n than_o profane_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o that_o man_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o interest_n who_o love_v to_o be_v jest_v with_o edge_a tool_n and_o to_o play_v with_o life_n and_o death_n this_o be_v the_o very_a madman_n that_o solomon_n speak_v of_o 26.18_o prov._n 26.18_o who_o cast_v firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n and_o say_v be_o i_o not_o in_o sport_n to_o examine_v severe_o and_o debate_v serious_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a of_o a_o wise_a man_n but_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v turn_v religion_n into_o raillery_n and_o think_v to_o confute_v it_o by_o two_o or_o three_o bold_a jest_n this_o man_n do_v not_o render_v religion_n but_o himself_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o considerate_a man_n because_o he_o sport_n with_o his_o own_o life_n if_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a yet_o they_o concern_v we_o so_o near_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o and_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a and_o evident_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a by_o vain_a and_o frothy_a man_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o wise_a person_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v abuse_v by_o be_v put_v into_o a_o fool_n coat_n and_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a poem_n may_v be_v debase_v and_o make_v vile_a by_o be_v turn_v into_o burlesque_fw-la but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o large_o in_o my_o next_o discourse_n so_o that_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n that_o will_v not_o trifle_v away_o his_o soul_n and_o fool_n himself_o into_o irrecoverable_a misery_n with_o the_o great_a seriousness_n to_o inquire_v into_o these_o matter_n whether_o
ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o plain_a and_o safe_a path_n of_o religion_n which_o will_v entertain_v we_o with_o pleasure_n all_o along_o in_o the_o way_n and_o crown_v we_o with_o happiness_n at_o the_o end_n 2_o tim_n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o nevertheless_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o translate_a foundation_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a signification_n of_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o instrument_n of_o contract_n whereby_o two_o party_n do_v oblige_v themselves_o mutual_o to_o each_o other_o and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o what_o follow_v concern_v the_o seal_n assix_v to_o it_o which_o be_v very_o fuitable_a to_o a_o covenant_n but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o a_o foundation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o the_o learned_a grotius_n have_v observe_v there_o use_v ancient_o to_o be_v inscription_n on_o foundation-stone_n and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v seal_n may_v likewise_o signify_v a_o inscription_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n will_v be_v very_a current_n thus_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o inscription_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v signify_v a_o inscription_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o a_o inscription_n upon_o a_o seal_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o a_o foundation_n but_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o a_o covenant_n or_o mutual_a obligation_n and_o according_o the_o seal_v affix_v to_o this_o instrument_n or_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n say_v to_o have_v a_o inscription_n on_o both_o side_n agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n contract_v on_o god_n part_n there_o be_v this_o impress_n or_o inscription_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o that_o be_v god_n will_v own_v and_o reward_v those_o that_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o and_o on_o our_o part_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n for_o to_o name_v the_o name_n of_o any_o one_o or_o to_o have_v his_o name_n call_v upon_o by_o we_o do_v according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o this_o phrase_n among_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o be_v denominate_v from_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v frequent_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o new_a 2.7_o jam._n 2.7_o do_v they_o not_o blaspheme_v that_o worthy_a name_n by_o the_o which_o you_o be_v call_v that_o be_v the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o expression_n 14._o 1_o pet._n 〈◊〉_d 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o sixteenth_o verse_n vary_v if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a so_o that_o to_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v often_o take_v strict_o for_o injustice_n or_o unrighteousness_n but_o sometime_o use_v more_o large_o for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o general_a and_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v use_v here_o in_o the_o text_n because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o context_n to_o restrain_v it_o to_o any_o particular_a kind_n of_o sin_n or_o vice_n and_o because_o christianity_n lay_v a_o equal_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o sin_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n that_o be_v every_o christian_a oblige_v himself_o by_o his_o procession_n to_o renounce_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n 2._o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o answer_v this_o obligation_n i._o what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o holy_a example_n and_o to_o have_v solemn_o engage_v himself_o to_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o these_o and_o then_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o live_v according_o 1._o he_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a gospel_n to_o assent_v to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o theatning_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o great_a design_n the_o proper_a intention_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o direct_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n it_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n and_o christ_n not_o with_o any_o design_n to_o entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o bare_a speculation_n of_o those_o truth_n but_o to_o better_a our_o life_n for_o every_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o proper_a argument_n against_o sin_n and_o a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o obedience_n the_o whole_a history_n of_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o discourse_n and_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o death_n do_v all_o tend_v to_o this_o the_o ultimate_a issue_n of_o all_o be_v the_o destroy_n of_o sin_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 3.8_o 1_o joh._n 3.8_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o this_o be_v most_o express_o and_o full_o declare_v to_o we_o tit._n 2.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._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 look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v 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 unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v strict_o command_v holiness_n and_o that_o universal_a the_o purity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o chastity_n of_o our_o body_n 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 5.22_o 1_o thes_n 5.22_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n 1.15_o 1_o pet._n 1.15_o to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n they_o require_v we_o to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v attainable_a by_o we_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a 5.48_o mat._n 5.48_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n â—_o â—_o cor._n 7._o â—_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n peter_n that_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v give_v to_o we_o that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n 1.4_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o that_o we_o may_v give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o brotherly-kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o powerful_a argument_n against_o sin_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o gospel_n the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n