they_o bless_v who_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o the_o forcible_a evidence_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v they_o may_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v not_o praise_n no_o reward_n belong_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o so_o violent_a and_o irresistible_a a_o evidence_n it_o be_v the_o great_a commendation_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o against_o hope_n he_o believe_v in_o hope_n he_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o improbable_a but_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n at_o all_o to_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v because_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o dispute_n no_o objection_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o shake_v our_o assent_n unless_o we_o will_v run_v to_o the_o extremity_n of_o scepticism_n for_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o we_o must_v yield_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n this_o do_v so_o violent_o enforce_v our_o assent_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o as_o this_o will_v take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o will_v very_o much_o lessen_v that_o of_o our_o obedience_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o man_n who_o have_v see_v the_o bless_a condition_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n and_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o intolerable_a torment_n of_o sinner_n shall_v ever_o after_o be_v tempt_v know_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o will_v deprive_v he_o of_o that_o happiness_n or_o bring_v he_o into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n such_o a_o sight_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o affect_v a_o man_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v and_o leave_v such_o impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n of_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o wicked_a course_n that_o we_o may_v soon_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v conspire_v to_o kill_v one_o another_o than_o that_o such_o a_o man_n by_o consent_v to_o any_o deliberate_a act_n of_o sin_n shall_v wilful_o throw_v himself_o into_o those_o flame_n no_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v continual_o haunt_v with_o those_o fury_n he_o have_v see_v torment_v sinner_n in_o another_o world_n and_o the_o fearful_a shriek_n and_o outcry_n of_o miserable_a soul_n will_v be_v perpetual_o ring_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o the_o man_n will_v have_v so_o lively_a and_o terrible_a a_o imagination_n of_o the_o danger_n he_o be_v run_v himself_o upon_o that_o no_o temptation_n will_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o conquer_v his_o fear_n and_o to_o make_v he_o careless_a of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n after_o he_o have_v once_o see_v how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o reason_n of_o man_n obedience_n will_v be_v so_o violent_a that_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o must_v be_v very_o little_a for_o what_o praise_n be_v due_a to_o any_o man_n not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o none_o but_o a_o perfect_a mad_a man_n will_v do_v for_o certain_o that_o man_n must_v be_v beside_o himself_o that_o can_v by_o any_o temptation_n be_v seduce_v to_o live_v a_o wicked_a life_n after_o he_o have_v see_v the_o state_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o dismal_a event_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o sinful_a course_n god_n have_v design_v this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o there_o will_v hardly_o be_v any_o place_n for_o this_o if_o there_o be_v a_o free_a and_o easy_a passage_n for_o we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n to_o see_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n there_o what_o argument_n will_v it_o be_v of_o any_o man_n virtue_n to_o forbear_v sin_v after_o he_o have_v be_v in_o hell_n and_o see_v the_o miserable_a end_n of_o sinner_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o and_o last_o observation_n namely_o that_o notwithstanding_o faith_n be_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o assent_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n now_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n may_v have_v its_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v satisfy_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o of_o the_o certainty_n and_o of_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a it_o will_v not_o move_v we_o at_o all_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v good_a nor_o for_o the_o avoid_n and_o prevent_v of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o if_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o thing_n yet_o if_o we_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o slight_v it_o as_o not_o worth_a our_o regard_n but_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n which_o the_o gospel_n propound_v to_o our_o faith_n be_v fit_v to_o work_v upon_o our_o mind_n both_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o concernment_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v well_o capable_a of_o in_o this_o state_n concern_v thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n we_o have_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n argue_v we_o into_o this_o persuasion_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o from_o the_o promiscuous_a and_o unequal_a administration_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n from_o whence_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o state_n of_o thing_n after_o this_o life_n wherein_o reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v be_v equal_o distribute_v we_o have_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o these_o reason_n be_v true_a we_o have_v a_o most_o credible_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n from_o heaven_n to_o declare_v it_o to_o we_o and_o give_v we_o a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o visible_a aseension_n into_o heaven_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o evidence_n want_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o only_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a in_o this_o present_a state_n and_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o all_o this_o but_o what_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n into_o uncertainty_n which_o do_v not_o come_v under_o our_o sense_n and_o which_o we_o ourselves_o have_v not_o see_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o considerable_a interest_n to_o hinder_v man_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o to_o make_v they_o hesitate_n about_o they_o for_o as_o for_o the_o other_o world_n if_o at_o last_o there_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n our_o condition_n after_o death_n will_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v these_o thing_n because_o all_o will_v be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n but_o if_o thing_n fall_v out_o otherwise_o as_o most_o undoubted_o they_o will_v and_o our_o soul_n after_o this_o life_n do_v pass_v into_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o misery_n than_o our_o great_a interest_n plain_o lie_v in_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o this_o state_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o secure_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o by_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o govern_v all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n by_o this_o belief_n for_o as_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o life_n they_o be_v but_o short_a and_o transitory_a and_o consequent_o of_o no_o consideration_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o as_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o set_v aside_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o real_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n but_o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o promote_v and_o pursue_v to_o as_o great_a advantage_n nay_o usual_o to_o a_o far_o great_a by_o he_o that_o believe_v these_o thing_n and_o live_v according_o than_o by_o any_o other_o person_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n and_o as_o all_o vice_n be_v natural_o attend_v with_o some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n so_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a
present_a in_o hope_n to_o have_v more_o trouble_n afterward_o than_o the_o pleasure_n come_v to_o but_o especial_o no_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n in_o hope_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o afterward_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n for_o such_o sin_n without_o restitution_n and_o it_o be_v perfect_a madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n in_o hope_n of_o restore_v it_o again_o for_o so_o he_o must_v do_v that_o true_o repent_v of_o such_o a_o sin_n but_o 2._o in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o final_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o will_v certain_o be_v misery_n and_o sorrow_n how_o quiet_o soever_o a_o sinner_n may_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n or_o out_o of_o it_o misery_n will_v certain_o overtake_v he_o in_o the_o next_o unspeakable_a and_o eternal_a misery_n arise_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o sharp_a pain_n and_o those_o sad_o aggravate_v by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o future_a ease_n from_o a_o sad_a apprehension_n and_o melancholy_a reflection_n upon_o his_o inestimable_a loss_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o sinner_n shall_v be_v eternal_o separate_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o that_o miserable_a sentence_n which_o shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o the_o wicked_a depart_v from_o i_o sinner_n be_v not_o now_o sensible_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o estimate_v the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o loss_n but_o this_o stupidity_n and_o insensibleness_n of_o sinner_n continue_v only_o during_o this_o present_a state_n which_o afford_v man_n variety_n of_o object_n and_o pleasure_n to_o divert_v and_o entertain_v they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v once_o enter_v upon_o the_o other_o world_n they_o will_v then_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o take_v up_o their_o thought_n but_o the_o sad_a condition_n into_o which_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a negligence_n and_o folly_n they_o have_v plunge_v themselves_o they_o shall_v then_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n and_o with_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n at_o once_o see_v the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o feel_v their_o own_o misery_n and_o torment_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o beside_o the_o apprehension_n of_o so_o great_a a_o loss_n they_o shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o sore_a and_o sharp_a pain_n and_o how_o grievous_a those_o shall_v be_v we_o may_v conjecture_v by_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o they_o in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o mighty_a displeasure_n of_o anger_n and_o omnipotence_n meet_v together_o far_o great_a than_o can_v be_v describe_v by_o any_o pain_n and_o suffering_n which_o we_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n for_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o what_o omnipotent_a justice_n can_v do_v to_o sinner_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n one_o will_v think_v this_o be_v misery_n enough_o and_o need_v no_o frather_o aggravation_n but_o yet_o it_o have_v two_o terrible_a one_o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n make_v present_a suffering_n more_o sharp_a and_o sensible_a for_o as_o nothing_o commend_v pleasure_n more_o and_o give_v a_o quick_a relish_n to_o happiness_n than_o precedent_a pain_n and_o suffering_n for_o perhaps_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n than_o in_o the_o sudden_a ease_n which_o a_o man_n find_v after_o a_o sharp_a fit_a of_o the_o stone_n so_o nothing_o enrage_v affliction_n more_o and_o set_v a_o keen_a edge_n upon_o misery_n than_o to_o pass_v into_o great_a pain_n immediate_o out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n this_o be_v the_o sting_a aggravation_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n torment_n that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n he_o have_v receive_v his_o good_a thing_n and_o have_v fair_v so_o delicious_o every_o day_n but_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o all_o be_v the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o duration_n of_o this_o misery_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o such_o expression_n as_o do_v signify_v the_o long_a and_o most_o interminable_a duration_n depart_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n matth._n 25._o and_o mark_v 9_o 43._o where_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v and_o in_o the_o revel_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o intermission_n and_o without_o end_n and_o this_o sure_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o misery_n for_o a_o man_n to_o lie_v under_o the_o great_a torment_n and_o to_o be_v in_o despair_n of_o ever_o find_v the_o least_o ease_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v thing_n together_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n for_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o reward_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o and_o will_v certain_o overtake_v they_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v in_o a_o wise_a man_n choice_n and_o indeed_o the_o choice_n be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v strange_o forsake_v of_o his_o reason_n and_o blind_v by_o sense_n who_o do_v not_o prefer_v that_o course_n of_o life_n which_o will_v probable_o make_v he_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n but_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o next_o there_o remain_v now_o only_a the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n suppose_v this_o choice_n to_o be_v reasonable_a to_o inquire_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o make_v a_o quite_o contrary_a choice_n how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o wide_o mistake_v as_o to_o prefer_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n before_o conscience_n and_o religion_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o great_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o as_o brief_a a_o account_n as_o i_o can_v and_o so_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n this_o wrong_a choice_n general_o proceed_v from_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n from_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o from_o want_n of_o consideration_n or_o of_o both_o 1._o one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n be_v unbelief_n either_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o either_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o recompense_n of_o another_o life_n or_o they_o be_v not_o so_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o man_n do_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v he_o that_o think_v of_o be_v religious_a must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v infidel_n as_o to_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o great_a many_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o waver_a their_o faith_n be_v rather_o negative_a they_o do_v not_o disbelieve_v these_o thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o firm_o persuade_v of_o they_o their_o faith_n be_v rather_o a_o opinion_n than_o a_o root_a and_o well_o ground_a persuasion_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a a_o principle_n of_o action_n and_o like_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o moses_n and_o other_o worthy_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n for_o where_o faith_n be_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n it_o will_v have_v proportionable_a effect_n upon_o the_o resolution_n and_o will_n of_o man_n but_o where_o it_o be_v but_o weak_a it_o be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o efficacy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o forsake_fw-mi religion_n and_o cleave_v to_o this_o present_a world_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o push_n choose_v rather_o to_o sin_n than_o to_o suffer_v and_o will_v rather_o quit_v the_o truth_n than_o endure_v persecution_n for_o it_o these_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n describe_v who_o receive_v receive_v the_o
great_a and_o conspicuous_a be_v we_o very_o persuade_v that_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v one_o day_n be_v verify_v and_o make_v good_a what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v we_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n how_o will_v the_o lively_a thought_n of_o another_o world_n raise_v we_o above_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o set_v we_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a temptation_n that_o this_o world_n can_v assault_v we_o withal_o and_o make_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o regard_n to_o eternity_n and_o to_o that_o solemn_a and_o dreadful_a account_n which_o we_o must_v one_o day_n make_v to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o want_n of_o a_o firm_a and_o steady_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v our_o devotion_n so_o dead_a and_o heartless_a and_o our_o resolution_n of_o do_v better_a so_o weak_a and_o inconsistent_a this_o it_o be_v that_o make_v we_o so_o easy_a a_o prey_n to_o every_o temptation_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o look_v so_o much_o big_a than_o they_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o more_o tempt_a and_o the_o evil_n of_o it_o more_o terrible_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o in_o all_o dispute_v betwixt_o our_o conscience_n and_o our_o interest_n to_o hold_v the_o balance_n so_o unequal_o and_o to_o put_v our_o foot_n upon_o the_o light_a scale_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o weigh_v down_o the_o other_o in_o a_o word_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o strength_n or_o weakness_n of_o our_o faith_n our_o obedience_n to_o god_n will_v be_v more_o or_o less_o constant_a uniform_a and_o perfect_a because_o faith_n be_v the_o great_a source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 5._o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o ordinary_a stroke_n of_o god_n providence_n upon_o ourselves_o or_o near_a relation_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o most_o of_o these_o be_v easy_o compare_v with_o abraham_n case_n it_o require_v a_o prodigious_a strength_n of_o faith_n to_o perform_v so_o miraculous_a a_o act_n of_o obedience_n 6._o and_o last_o we_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o disobey_v the_o easy_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n former_a dispensation_n this_o be_v a_o grievous_a commandment_n which_o god_n give_v to_o abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n indeed_o and_o which_o of_o we_o can_v have_v be_v able_a to_o hear_v it_o but_o if_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o call_v we_o to_o the_o more_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o his_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n we_o must_v after_o the_o example_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n not_o think_v much_o to_o deny_v or_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n for_o he_o no_o not_o life_n itself_o but_o even_o this_o which_o be_v the_o hard_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v easy_a than_o what_o god_n put_v upon_o abraham_n for_o it_o do_v not_o offer_v near_o the_o violence_n to_o nature_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n in_o a_o good_a cause_n as_o it_o will_v do_v to_o put_v a_o child_n to_o death_n with_o our_o own_o hand_n beside_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a comfort_n and_o support_v and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n that_o be_v express_o promise_v to_o our_o obedience_n and_o self_n denial_n in_o such_o a_o case_n encouragement_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o very_a difficult_a duty_n easy_a and_o whilst_o i_o be_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o holy_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o hazard_n and_o hardship_n that_o may_v attend_v it_o i_o have_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o of_o humane_a resolution_n but_o with_o all_o a_o most_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v those_o who_o sincere_o love_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o they_o be_v able_a i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o consideration_n more_o to_o show_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o abraham_n case_n and_o we_o god_n command_v he_o to_o do_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o easy_a commandment_n and_o that_o he_o may_v effectual_o oblige_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n he_o have_v do_v that_o for_o we_o which_o he_o require_v abraham_n to_o do_v for_o he_o he_o have_v not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n his_o only_a son_n but_o have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o death_n for_o we_o all_o and_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o he_o love_v we_o that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o son_n for_o we_o what_o god_n require_v of_o abraham_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v shall_v be_v execute_v but_o one_o great_a design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o that_o immense_a love_n and_o kindness_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o all_o mankind_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o son_n as_o a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o as_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o express_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v make_v to_o abraham_n so_o the_o most_o express_a and_o lively_a type_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v abraham_n offering_n up_o his_o son_n and_o as_o st._n hierom_n tell_v we_o from_o a_o ancient_a and_o constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o mountain_n in_o moriah_n where_o abraham_n be_v command_v to_o sacrifice_n isaac_n be_v mount_n calvary_n where_o our_o lord_n also_o be_v crucify_a and_o offer_v up_o that_o by_o this_o one_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o once_o offer_v he_o may_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o now_o to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o god_n even_o our_o father_n and_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o first_o beget_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o honour_n thanksgiving_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n mdclxxxvii_o before_o the_o princess_n ann._n heb._n xi_o 24_o 25._o by_o faith_n moses_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n the_o text_n set_v before_o we_o a_o great_a pattern_n of_o self-denial_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n whereof_o i_o will_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o passage_n do_v refer_v when_o moses_n be_v bear_v his_o parent_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o cruel_a law_n which_o pharaoh_n have_v make_v that_o all_o the_o male_a child_n of_o the_o hebrew_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n after_o they_o have_v hide_v he_o three_o month_n do_v at_o last_o expose_v he_o in_o a_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n upon_o the_o river_n nile_n and_o commit_v he_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o they_o despair_v to_o conceal_v any_o long_o by_o their_o own_o care_n pharaoh_n daughter_n come_v by_o the_o river_n side_n espy_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n on_o he_o and_o guess_v he_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hebrew_n child_n call_v for_o a_o hebrew_n nurse_n to_o take_v care_n of_o he_o who_o as_o the_o prviodence_n of_o god_n have_v order_v it_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o child_n be_v own_o mother_n as_o he_o grow_v up_o pharaoh_n daughter_n take_v care_n of_o his_o education_n in_o all_o princely_a quality_n and_o adopt_v he_o for_o her_o son_n and_o pharaoh_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o be_v without_o son_n design_v he_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n moses_n refuse_v this_o great_a offer_n but_o why_o do_v he_o refuse_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v present_v to_o he_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v bring_v about_o in_o so_o strange_a a_o manner_n and_o when_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v probable_o have_v have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o have_v ease_v the_o israelite_n of_o their_o cruel_a bondage_n and_o perhaps_o have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o reduce_v that_o great_a kingdom_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o true_a god_n
word_n with_o joy_n and_o endure_v for_o a_o while_n but_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v not_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o word_n but_o their_o faith_n have_v take_v no_o deep_a root_n and_o therefore_o it_o wither_v the_o weakness_n and_o waver_v of_o man_n faith_n make_v they_o unstable_a and_o inconstant_a in_o their_o course_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o divide_v betwixt_o two_o interest_n that_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o the_o double_a mind_a man_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n it_o be_v general_o a_o true_a rule_n so_o much_o waver_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o man_n so_o much_o weakness_n there_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o any_o man_n firm_o believe_v let_v he_o attend_v to_o his_o action_n more_o than_o to_o his_o profession_n if_o any_o man_n live_v so_o as_o no_o man_n that_o hearty_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n can_v live_v it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v firm_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v he_o do_v but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n than_o word_n there_o be_v testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o man_n action_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o do_v best_a declare_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o man._n do_v man_n firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v it_o in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v short_o appear_v before_o he_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o action_n to_o he_o and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v unspeakable_o and_o eternal_o happy_a but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a those_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n or_o interest_n have_v desert_v the_o faith_n or_o live_v wicked_a life_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n i_o say_v be_v man_n firm_o persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o wrong_a choice_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n upon_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o i'faith_o even_o in_o temporal_a matter_n be_v a_o mighty_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o will_v make_v man_n to_o attempt_v and_o undergo_v strange_a and_o difficult_a thing_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o operative_a and_o powerful_a because_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o it_o present_v to_o we_o be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v tempt_v or_o terrify_v we_o withal_o will_v we_o but_o by_o faith_n make_v present_a to_o our_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n and_o be_v we_o as_o very_o persuade_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o our_o view_n how_o shall_v we_o despise_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n and_o with_o what_o ease_n shall_v we_o resist_v and_o repel_v all_o those_o temptation_n which_o will_v seduce_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n or_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v effectual_o remove_v all_o those_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n which_o man_n fancy_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o most_o thing_n will_v be_v easy_a 2._o another_o reason_n of_o this_o wrong_a choice_n be_v want_n of_o consideration_n for_o this_o will_v strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v it_o more_o vigorous_a and_o powerful_a and_o indeed_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v well_o root_v and_o establishould_n do_v suppose_v a_o wise_a and_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o themselves_o serious_o how_o much_o religion_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o to_o be_v true_a to_o it_o and_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o sense_n and_o to_o be_v transport_v with_o present_a thing_n but_o do_v not_o consider_v our_o future_a and_o last_a interest_n and_o the_o whole_a duration_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o man_n be_v hurry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a and_o sensible_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o take_v time_n to_o think_v of_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v serious_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v the_o shortness_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o its_o punishment_n shall_v resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n if_o man_n do_v but_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o the_o dreadful_a punishment_n of_o another_o world_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n as_o we_o see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o do_v they_o can_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n to_o renounce_v the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o all_o their_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v nay_o not_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o for_o as_o our_o saviour_n reason_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o forsake_v our_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n or_o consideration_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o ever_o any_o of_o we_o be_v tempt_v in_o this_o kind_n let_v that_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o judge_n be_v continual_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosever_v shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o thank_v god_n to_o see_v so_o many_o in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o hour_n of_o temptation_n to_o adhere_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n and_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o earthly_a consideration_n and_o advantage_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o hold_v their_o religion_n so_o fast_o and_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o it_o gives_z great_a hope_n that_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o can_v give_v we_o peace_n whilst_o we_o live_v and_o comfort_v when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o after_o death_n secure_a to_o we_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n large_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o last_v as_o our_o soul_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n 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proof_n and_o notwithstanding_o any_o pretend_a authority_n or_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n that_o impose_v they_o will_v have_v no_o more_o consideration_n and_o regard_n of_o they_o than_o of_o the_o confident_a dictate_v and_o assertion_n of_o any_o enthusiast_n whatsoever_o because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o any_o man_n confidence_n if_o the_o argument_n and_o reason_n which_o he_o bring_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o it_o we_o see_v in_o experience_n that_o confidence_n be_v general_o ill_o ground_v and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o passion_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o be_v common_o make_v use_n of_o like_o fury_n and_o force_n to_o supply_v for_o the_o weakness_n and_o want_n of_o argument_n if_o a_o man_n can_v prove_v what_o he_o say_v by_o good_a argument_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o confidence_n to_o back_n and_o support_v it_o we_o may_v at_o any_o time_n trust_v a_o plain_a and_o substantial_a reason_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o make_v 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not_o do_v it_o joshua_n 24._o 15._o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v well_o resolve_v of_o peter_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v too_o confident_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n when_o he_o say_v to_o our_o saviour_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i._o 2._o another_o sort_n of_o temptation_n and_o which_o be_v common_o more_o powerful_a than_o example_n be_v worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a bait_n to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o apt_a to_o work_v very_o strong_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o and_o upon_o the_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n of_o other_o some_o man_n be_v tempt_v by_o necessity_n which_o many_o time_n make_v they_o do_v ugly_a and_o reproachful_a thing_n and_o like_o esau_n for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n to_o sell_v their_o birthright_n and_o blessing_n covetousness_n tempt_v other_o to_o be_v of_o that_o religion_n which_o give_v they_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o great_a earthly_a advantage_n either_o for_o the_o increase_n or_o secure_v of_o their_o estate_n when_o they_o find_v that_o they_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n they_o will_v forsake_v the_o one_o and_o cleave_v to_o the_o other_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a temptation_n to_o many_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o a_o frequent_a cause_n of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n a_o eager_a desire_n of_o riches_n and_o too_o great_a a_o value_n for_o they_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o but_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v or_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n this_o be_v the_o temptation_n which_o draw_v off_o demas_n from_o his_o religion_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n ambition_n be_v likewise_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o proud_a and_o aspire_a mind_n and_o make_v many_o man_n false_a to_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o find_v it_o a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o preferment_n and_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o that_o be_v the_o best_a religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a worldly_a advantage_n and_o will_v raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a dignity_n the_o devil_n understand_v very_o well_o the_o force_n of_o this_o temptation_n when_o he_o set_v upon_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o reserve_v it_o for_o the_o last_o assault_n he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o say_v to_o he_o all_z this_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o and_o when_o he_o see_v this_o will_v not_o prevail_v he_o give_v he_o over_o in_o despair_n and_o leave_v he_o but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o very_a dazzle_a temptation_n yet_o there_o be_v consideration_n of_o that_o weight_n to_o be_v set_v over-against_o it_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o infinite_a concernment_n of_o it_o to_o our_o immortal_a soul_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o quench_v this_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o put_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o to_o render_v all_o the_o riches_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o as_o the_o very_a
this_o case_n of_o renounce_v our_o religion_n unless_o it_o be_v very_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v out_o of_o which_o a_o man_n recover_v himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o as_o st._n peter_n do_v or_o the_o suffer_a be_v so_o extreme_a as_o to_o put_v a_o man_n beside_o himself_o for_o the_o time_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n of_o renounce_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n god_n will_v not_o admit_v fear_n for_o a_o just_a excuse_n of_o our_o apostasy_n which_o if_o it_o be_v unrepented_a of_o and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o repentance_n in_o that_o case_n as_o very_o difficult_a will_v be_v our_o ruin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v give_v we_o such_o fair_a warn_v of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o we_o enter_v into_o religion_n upon_o these_o term_n with_o a_o profess_a expectation_n of_o suffer_v and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n if_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v our_o lord_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o again_o he_o that_o love_v life_n itself_o more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o unfaithful_a generation_n of_o he_o will_v i_o be_v ashamed_a before_o my_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o therefore_o to_o master_n and_o subdue_v this_o fear_n our_o saviour_n have_v propound_v great_a object_n of_o terror_n to_o we_o and_o a_o danger_n infinite_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v which_o every_o man_n run_v himself_o wilful_o upon_o who_o shall_v quit_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffering_n luke_o 12._o 4_o 5._o fear_v not_o they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o after_o that_o have_v nothing_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o this_o dreadful_a hazard_n every_o man_n expose_v himself_o who_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n venture_v thus_o to_o offend_v god_n these_o be_v the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n speak_v of_o by_o st._n john_n who_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o particular_a namely_o that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v contain_v these_o two_o part_n i._n a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o true_a and_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o show_v i._n negative_o what_o be_v not_o mean_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o and_o i_o mention_v these_o two_o particular_n 1._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o 2._o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n and_o examination_n man_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n for_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o offer_v be_v always_o to_o be_v hear_v i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n positive_o to_o explain_v the_o mean_v of_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n of_o in_o his_o baptism_n not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o and_o then_o i_o procee_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o mention_v these_o follow_v particular_n as_o probable_o imply_v and_o comprehend_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n under_o both_o which_o head_n i_o give_v several_a instance_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n impose_v with_o great_a confidence_n upon_o the_o world_n some_o without_o and_o other_o plain_o against_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o persecution_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o two_o other_o particular_n which_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o 4._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n god_n have_v plain_o declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o what_o will_v certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o it_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v i._n e._n without_o true_a contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o forsake_v of_o they_o we_o shall_v perish_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o no_o fornicator_n or_o adulterer_n or_o idolater_n or_o covetous_a person_n nor_o any_o one_o that_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o sin_n shall_v have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o christ._n there_o be_v as_o great_a and_o unpassable_a a_o gulf_n fix_v between_o heaven_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o when_o man_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o debauch_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reconcile_v a_o wicked_a life_n with_o any_o reasonable_a and_o wellgrounded_n hope_v of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n no_o church_n have_v that_o privilege_n to_o save_v a_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o those_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n all_o religion_n be_v equal_a in_o this_o that_o a_o bad_a man_n can_v be_v save_v in_o none_o of_o they_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v their_o church_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a concern_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o they_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v in_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o intention_n
a_o much_o clear_a revelation_n and_o much_o great_a assurance_n than_o former_a age_n and_o generation_n have_v and_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o this_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o hope_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o of_o obtain_v the_o happiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o incur_v the_o misery_n of_o another_o world_n this_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n with_o so_o much_o patience_n to_o bear_v the_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n with_o so_o much_o constancy_n to_o venture_v upon_o the_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n expose_v they_o to_o under_o the_o former_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n though_o good_a man_n receive_v good_a hope_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n yet_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o obscure_o reveal_v to_o they_o and_o the_o great_a inducement_n of_o obedience_n be_v temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o promise_n of_o long_a life_n and_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o prosperity_n in_o that_o good_a land_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o the_o threaten_n of_o war_n and_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n and_o be_v deliver_v into_o captivity_n but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n and_o the_o great_a argument_n that_o bear_v sway_n with_o christian_n be_v the_o promise_v of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n and_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o be_v now_o the_o great_a principle_n that_o govern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o good_a man_n for_o what_o will_v not_o man_n do_v that_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o as_o they_o do_v demean_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n it_o will_v fare_v with_o they_o in_o the_o other_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o observation_n namely_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o assent_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o sense_n this_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o opposition_n betwixt_o faith_n and_o sight_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v we_o believe_v these_o thing_n and_o be_v confident_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o though_o we_o never_o see_v they_o and_o consequent_o can_v possible_o have_v that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n which_o those_o have_v who_o enjoy_v the_o one_o and_o endure_v the_o other_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v thing_n arise_v from_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o they_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o any_o thing_n be_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n and_o this_o be_v so_o firm_a and_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o the_o utmost_a pretence_n of_o a_o rational_a demonstration_n man_n will_v trust_v their_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n against_o any_o subtlety_n of_o reason_n whatsoever_o but_o there_o be_v inferior_a degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v thing_n as_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o person_n every_o way_n credible_a and_o this_o assurance_n we_o have_v in_o this_o state_n concern_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n we_o believe_v with_o great_a reason_n that_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n concern_v they_o which_o be_v the_o high_a kind_n of_o evidence_n in_o itself_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reasonable_a assurance_n we_o can_v desire_v that_o god_n have_v testify_v these_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n which_o thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n to_o deny_v that_o this_o fall_v very_o much_o short_a of_o that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n which_o those_o person_n have_v concern_v these_o thing_n who_o be_v now_o in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o have_v the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o intimate_v here_o in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o opposition_n of_o faith_n and_o sight_n but_o be_v plain_o express_v in_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 10._o we_o know_v now_o but_o in_o part_n but_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o that_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v in_o this_o life_n be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o comparison_n to_o what_o we_o shall_v have_v hereafter_o and_o verse_n 12._o we_o now_o see_v as_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o a_o riddle_n in_o which_o there_o be_v always_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o obscurity_n all_o which_o expression_n be_v certain_o intend_v by_o way_n of_o abatement_n and_o diminution_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n or_o imperfect_a the_o apostle_n mean_v faith_n and_o hope_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o shall_v cease_v when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a meaning_n vision_n and_o sight_n be_v come_v we_o see_v likewise_o in_o experience_n that_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o this_o life_n be_v accompany_v with_o doubt_v concern_v these_o thing_n and_o all_o doubt_v be_v a_o degree_n of_o uncertainty_n but_o those_o bless_a soul_n who_o be_v enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o those_o miserable_a wretch_n who_o lie_v groan_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n can_v possible_o if_o they_o will_v have_v any_o doubt_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o however_o contentious_a man_n may_v dispute_v against_o common_a sense_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o truth_n that_o i_o will_v not_o labour_v in_o the_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o reasonable_a while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o state_n to_o expect_v that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n which_o the_o sight_n and_o sensible_a experience_n of_o they_o will_v give_v we_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o our_o present_a state_n will_v not_o admit_v it_o and_o 2._o if_o it_o will_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v have_v it_o 1._o our_o present_a state_n will_v not_o admit_v it_o for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v have_v that_o sensible_a experiment_n and_o trial_n how_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o other_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v remote_a from_o we_o and_o far_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n and_o we_o can_v have_v any_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o they_o till_o we_o ourselves_o enter_v into_o that_o state_n those_o who_o be_v already_o past_a into_o it_o know_v how_o thing_n be_v those_o happy_a soul_n who_o live_v in_o the_o revive_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v possess_v of_o those_o joy_n which_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v understand_v these_o thing_n in_o another_o manner_n and_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a assurance_n concern_v they_o than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a spirit_n who_o feel_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o be_v plunge_v into_o the_o horror_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n do_v believe_v upon_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o have_v other_o kind_n of_o conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o that_o state_n and_o the_o insupportable_a misery_n of_o it_o than_o any_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n 2._o if_o our_o present_a state_n will_v admit_v of_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o assurance_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o such_o a_o overpower_v evidence_n will_v quite_o take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o much_o lessen_v that_o of_o obedience_n put_v the_o case_n that_o every_o man_n some_o considerable_a time_n before_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n be_v permit_v to_o visit_v the_o other_o world_n to_o assure_v he_o how_o thing_n be_v there_o to_o view_v the_o mansion_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o to_o survey_v the_o dark_a and_o loathsome_a prison_n of_o the_o damn_a to_o hear_v the_o lamentable_a outcry_n of_o miserable_a and_o despair_v soul_n and_o to_o see_v the_o inconceivable_a anguish_n and_o torment_n they_o be_v in_o after_o this_o what_o virtue_n will_v it_o be_v in_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n he_o that_o have_v be_v there_o and_o see_v they_o can_v not_o disbelieve_v they_o if_o he_o will_v faith_n in_o this_o case_n will_v not_o be_v virtue_n but_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o pronounce_v
you_o and_o will_v pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n to_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v and_o those_o who_o be_v seduce_v by_o these_o teacher_n he_o charge_v they_o with_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n quit_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o embrace_v another_o gospel_n v._o 6._o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o who_o thus_o pervert_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v plain_o guilty_a of_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o they_o who_o quit_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v thus_o pervert_v christianity_n be_v in_o a_o most_o dangerous_a state_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n remove_v unto_o another_o gospel_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o iii_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v very_o heinous_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o affront_n it_o be_v to_o god_n and_o how_o great_a a_o contempt_n of_o he_o when_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o send_v no_o less_o person_n than_o his_o own_o son_n out_o of_o his_o own_o bosom_n to_o do_v it_o and_o have_v give_v such_o testimony_n to_o he_o from_o heaven_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o he_o have_v transmit_v down_o to_o we_o so_o faithful_a a_o record_n of_o this_o revelation_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o when_o we_o ourselves_o have_v so_o often_o declare_v our_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o revelation_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o deny_v it_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o or_o to_o embrace_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o this_o certain_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o great_a affront_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n to_o declare_v that_o either_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o god_n say_v or_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fear_v what_o he_o can_v do_v so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o ep._n 5._o 10._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n and_o all_o along_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o apostle_n set_v himself_o to_o aggravate_v this_o sin_n call_v it_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n ch._n 3_o 12._o and_o he_o frequent_o call_v it_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o be_v of_o all_o sin_n the_o great_a and_o most_o heinous_a ch._n 10._o 26._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o discourse_n for_o have_v exhort_v they_o before_o v_o 23._o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o he_o immediate_o add_v for_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o and_o ch._n 12_o 1._o let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v we_o that_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o be_v then_o so_o strong_o tempt_v by_o that_o fierce_a persecution_n which_o attend_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o add_v let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o that_o be_v let_v we_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n against_o the_o suffering_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o christian_a course_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o man_n be_v just_o condemn_v for_o it_o john_n 3._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v but_o to_o desert_v the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o to_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a sin_n opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n may_v proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n which_o be_v a_o great_a extenuation_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o after_o all_o his_o violent_a persecution_n of_o christianity_n he_o find_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n to_o revolt_v from_o the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n this_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n the_o apostle_n make_v wilfulness_n a_o usual_a ingredient_n into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o this_o sin_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o effectual_a disparagement_n of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o consider_v what_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n speak_v against_o it_o because_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o and_o of_o which_o they_o have_v have_v no_o trial_n and_o experience_n but_o he_o that_o fall_v off_o from_o religion_n after_o he_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v try_v it_o and_o dislike_v it_o and_o pretend_v to_o leave_v it_o because_o he_o have_v not_o find_v that_o truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o which_o he_o expect_v and_o upon_o long_a experience_n of_o it_o see_v reason_n to_o prefer_v another_o religion_n before_o it_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o despiteful_a to_o religion_n than_o this_o and_o more_o likely_a to_o bring_v it_o into_o contempt_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n v._n 29._o of_o this_o chapter_n call_v it_o a_o trample_n under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o profane_a thing_n and_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n for_o we_o can_v put_v a_o great_a scorn_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n nor_o upon_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o come_v down_o in_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o than_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o to_o renounce_v this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o forsake_v this_o religion_n but_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o see_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n it_o expose_v man_n to_o which_o be_v the_o iv._o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v and_o this_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o a_o most_o terrible_a manner_n not_o only_o in_o this_o epistle_n but_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o sin_n be_v place_v in_o the_o high_a rank_n of_o pardonable_a sin_n and_o next_o to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n speak_v very_o doubtful_o of_o the_o pardonableness_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o be_v near_o akin_a to_o that_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o 6_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o a_o very_a severe_a manner_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o have_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o the_o solemn_a profession_n of_o it_o in_o baptism_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v baptize_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n that_o be_v regeneration_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_n religion_n and_o endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o gospel
name_n sake_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o self-denial_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v of_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o a_o readiness_n and_o willingness_n when_o ever_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o to_o quit_v all_o our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o the_o dear_a of_o all_o other_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o any_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffering_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o precept_n here_o in_o the_o text._n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o strict_a and_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n rather_o than_o to_o forsake_v and_o renounce_v they_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o or_o be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o that_o be_v upon_o these_o term_n he_o must_v be_v my_o disciple_n in_o this_o manner_n he_o must_v follow_v i_o and_o in_o the_o text_n i_o mention_v before_o he_o declare_v again_o that_o he_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o quit_v all_o his_o relation_n and_o even_a life_n itself_o for_o his_o sake_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o and_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o bear_v his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n nor_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n if_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o if_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o of_o any_o temporal_a suffering_n we_o shall_v renounce_v and_o deny_v he_o he_o threaten_v to_o deny_v we_o before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n i._n e._n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o sentence_n we_o to_o everlasting_a misery_n matth._n 10._o 32._o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o mark_v 8._o 38._o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n that_o be_v when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o that_o judgement_n for_o that_o by_o his_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o he_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o go_v before_o v._o 26_o 27._o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o than_o it_o follow_v whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n but_o because_o some_o have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o require_v thus_o much_o of_o christian_n but_o all_o that_o he_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o our_o heart_n but_o not_o to_o make_v any_o outward_a profession_n of_o his_o religion_n when_o the_o magistrate_n forbid_v it_o and_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o suffer_v for_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o examine_v what_o be_v pretend_v for_o so_o strange_a a_o assertion_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v the_o leviathan_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o not_o bind_v to_o confess_v christ_n but_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o deny_v he_o in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n require_v we_o so_o to_o do_v his_o word_n be_v these_o what_o if_o the_o sovereign_n forbid_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n he_o answer_v such_o forbid_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n because_o belief_n and_o unbelief_n never_o follow_v man_n command_n but_o what_o say_v he_o if_o we_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a prince_n to_o say_v with_o our_o tongue_n we_o believe_v not_o must_v we_o obey_v such_o command_n to_o this_o he_o answer_v that_o profession_n with_o the_o tongue_n be_v but_o a_o external_n thing_n and_o no_o more_o than_o any_o other_o gesture_n whereby_o we_o signify_v our_o obedience_n and_o wherein_o a_o christian_a hold_v firm_o in_o his_o heart_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n which_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n allow_v to_o naaman_n but_o what_o then_o say_v he_o shall_v i_o answer_v to_o our_o saviour_n say_v whosoever_o deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n his_o answer_n be_v this_o we_o may_v say_v that_o whatsoever_o a_o subject_a be_v compel_v to_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n and_o do_v it_o not_o in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n the_o action_n be_v not_o he_o but_o his_o sovereign_n nor_o be_v it_o he_o that_o in_o this_o case_n deny_v christ_n before_o man_n but_o his_o governor_n and_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n but_o can_v any_o man_n that_o in_o good_a earnest_n pay_v any_o degree_n of_o reverence_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n think_v to_o baffle_v such_o plain_a word_n by_o so_o frivolous_a a_o answer_n there_o be_v no_o man_n doubt_n but_o if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v command_v man_n to_o deny_v christ_n he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a sin_n in_o so_o do_v but_o if_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o every_o man_n must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n how_o will_v this_o excuse_v he_o that_o deny_v christ_n or_o break_v any_o other_o commandment_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n that_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o deny_v he_o though_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v command_v they_o to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o in_o that_o very_a place_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o confess_v or_o deny_v he_o before_o man_n he_o put_v this_o very_a case_n of_o their_o be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n for_o confess_v he_o matth._n 10._o 17._o beware_v say_v he_o of_o man_n for_o they_o will_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o the_o council_n and_o they_o will_v scourge_v you_o in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n but_o what_o testimony_n will_v this_o be_v against_o they_o if_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o deny_v christ_n at_o their_o command_n but_o our_o saviour_n go_v on_o and_o tell_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n v_o 19_o but_o when_o they_o shall_v deliver_v you_o up_o take_v you_o no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o very_a hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v but_o what_o need_v of_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a assistance_n in_o the_o case_n if_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o deny_v he_o when_o they_o be_v require_v by_o the_o magistrate_n to_o do_v it_o and_o then_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o discourse_n he_o bid_v they_o v_o 28._o not_o to_o fear_v they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v that_o be_v not_o to_o deny_v he_o for_o fear_v of_o any_o temporal_a punishment_n or_o suffer_v the_o magistrate_n can_v inflict_v upon_o they_o but_o to_o fear_v and_o obey_v he_o who_o can_v destroy_v body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n and_o upon_o this_o discourse_n our_o saviour_n conclude_v v_o 32_o 33._o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o now_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o that_o our_o saviour_n require_v his_o disciple_n to_o make_v confession_n of_o he_o before_o king_n and_o governor_n and_o not_o to_o deny_v he_o for_o fear_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v do_v
another_o world_n yet_o according_a to_o a_o right_a estimate_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o those_o who_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n this_o which_o we_o call_v self-denial_n be_v in_o truth_n and_o reality_n but_o a_o more_o commendable_a sort_n of_o self-love_n because_o we_o do_v herein_o most_o effectual_o consult_v and_o secure_a and_o advance_v our_o own_o happiness_n 4._o and_o last_o since_o god_n have_v be_v please_v for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n to_o excuse_v we_o from_o this_o hard_a part_n of_o self-denial_n let_v we_o not_o grudge_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o in_o lesser_a matter_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n to_o miss_v a_o good_a place_n or_o to_o quit_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n much_o less_o let_v we_o think_v much_o to_o renounce_v our_o vice_n and_o to_o thwart_v our_o evil_a inclination_n for_o his_o sake_n as_o naaman_n servant_n say_v to_o he_o concern_v the_o mean_n prescribe_v by_o the_o prophet_n for_o his_o cure_n if_o he_o have_v bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v wash_v and_o be_v clean_a so_o since_o god_n impose_v no_o hard_a term_n upon_o we_o than_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v glad_o and_o thankful_o submit_v to_o they_o this_o i_o know_v be_v difficult_a to_o some_o to_o mortify_v their_o earthly_a member_n to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n of_o it_o it_o be_v like_a cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o pluck_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n some_o be_v so_o strong_o addict_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o vice_n that_o they_o can_v with_o more_o ease_n despise_v life_n in_o many_o case_n than_o thus_o deny_v themselves_o but_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o more_o of_o self-denial_n in_o it_o than_o a_o man_n deny_v himself_o when_o he_o be_v mortal_o sick_a and_o wound_a in_o be_v content_a to_o be_v cure_a and_o willing_a to_o be_v well_o this_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o our_o temporal_a prejudice_n and_o inconvenience_n and_o it_o direct_o conduce_v to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o can_v light_o receive_v any_o prejudice_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n since_o god_n do_v not_o call_v we_o to_o suffer_v we_o shall_v do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o he_o since_o he_o do_v not_o put_v we_o to_o testify_v our_o love_n to_o he_o by_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o he_o we_o shall_v show_v it_o by_o a_o great_a care_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n god_n be_v please_v to_o exercise_v the_o first_o christian_n with_o great_a suffering_n and_o to_o try_v their_o love_n and_o constancy_n to_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a manner_n by_o severity_n and_o contempt_n by_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n by_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n by_o the_o extremity_n of_o torment_n and_o by_o resist_v even_o unto_o blood_n by_o be_v kill_v for_o his_o sake_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o appoint_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v their_o way_n to_o heaven_n very_o sharp_a and_o painful_a and_o to_o hedge_v it_o in_o as_o it_o be_v with_o thorn_n on_o every_o side_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o through_o many_o tribulation_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n thus_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n and_o resolution_n to_o submit_v to_o this_o duty_n if_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a at_o any_o time_n of_o our_o life_n to_o call_v we_o to_o it_o but_o if_o he_o be_v please_v to_o excuse_v we_o from_o it_o and_o to_o let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o we_o which_o may_v lawful_o be_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n since_o we_o have_v so_o good_a a_o pattern_n for_o it_o there_o will_v be_v another_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o we_o which_o will_v take_v up_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o be_v to_o serve_v he_o without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n before_o the_o family_n nou._n 1._o 1686._o heb._n xi_o 13._o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o these_o all_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o apostle_n have_v declare_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o faith_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n whereby_o good_a man_n be_v act_v and_o whereby_o they_o be_v support_v under_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n verse_n 38._o now_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o chapter_n he_o make_v it_o his_o main_a business_n to_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o at_o large_a the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o first_o tell_v we_o what_o kind_n of_o faith_n he_o mean_v viz._n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n not_o present_a and_o visible_a to_o sense_n but_o invisible_a and_o future_a ver._n 1._o now_o faith_n say_v he_o be_v the_o confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v faith_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v invisible_a to_o sense_n as_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o thing_n which_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o as_o the_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n and_o then_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v by_o particular_a and_o famous_a instance_n that_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o and_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o this_o abel_n and_o enoch_n and_o noah_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n joseph_n and_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o famous_a hero_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n and_o please_v god_n and_o do_v all_o those_o eminent_a act_n of_o obedience_n and_o self-denial_n which_o be_v record_v of_o they_o they_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o they_o dread_v his_o threaten_n and_o rely_v upon_o his_o promise_n of_o future_a and_o invisible_a good_a thing_n they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o a_o full_a persuasion_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o though_o they_o do_v not_o live_v to_o see_v they_o actual_o fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v all_o these_o say_v he_o speak_v of_o those_o eminent_a saint_n which_o he_o have_v instance_a in_o before_o all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o this_o be_v speak_v with_o a_o more_o particular_a regard_n to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n to_o who_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o conquest_n and_o possession_n of_o a_o fruitful_a land_n be_v make_v and_o of_o a_o numerous_a offspring_n among_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o messiah_n in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v these_o promise_v they_o do_v not_o live_v to_o see_v accomplish_v and_o make_v good_a in_o their_o day_n but_o they_o hearty_o believe_v they_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v embrace_v they_o in_o their_o arm_n and_o be_v put_v into_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o they_o and_o they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n this_o say_v and_o acknowledgement_n more_o particular_o and_o immediate_o refer_v to_o those_o say_n of_o the_o patriarch_n abraham_n and_o jacob_n which_o we_o find_v record_v gen._n 23._o 4._o where_o abraham_n say_v to_o the_o son_n of_o heth_n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o sojourner_n with_o you_o and_o gen._n 47._o 9_o where_o jacob_n say_v to_o pharaoh_n the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n be_v a_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n few_o and_o evil_n have_v the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n of_o my_o life_n be_v these_o good_a man_n be_v stranger_n and_o sojourner_n in_o a_o land_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o be_v they_o afterward_o they_o dwell_v in_o it_o themselves_o as_o stranger_n but_o
be_v in_o expectation_n that_o it_o will_v one_o day_n become_v the_o inheritance_n of_o their_o posterity_n now_o in_o this_o as_o by_o a_o type_n and_o shadow_n the_o apostle_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o condition_n of_o good_a man_n while_o they_o be_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n they_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n for_o a_o time_n as_o the_o patriarch_n do_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o be_v in_o expectation_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o settle_a condition_n hereafter_o they_o desire_v a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a say_v the_o apostle_n at_o the_o 16_o vers_fw-la of_o this_o chapter_n that_o which_o i_o design_v from_o these_o word_n be_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o awaken_v we_o to_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o same_o condition_n that_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o holy_a man_n that_o be_v go_v before_o we_o be_v in_o in_o this_o world_n and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n psal._n 39_o 12._o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n with_o thou_o and_o a_o sojourner_n as_o all_o my_o father_n be_v it_o be_v a_o condition_n very_o troublesome_a and_o very_a unsettled_a such_o as_o that_o of_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n use_v to_o be_v this_o we_o must_v all_o acknowledge_v if_o we_o judge_v right_o of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o better_a and_o happy_a condition_n in_o reversion_n so_o it_o follow_v just_a after_o they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n that_o be_v that_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n this_o bear_v up_o the_o patriarch_n under_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o trouble_n of_o their_o pilgrimage_n that_o they_o expect_v a_o inheritance_n and_o a_o quiet_a and_o settle_a possession_n of_o that_o good_a land_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o answerable_o to_o which_o good_a man_n do_v expect_v after_o the_o few_o and_o evil_a day_n of_o their_o pilgrimage_n in_o this_o world_n be_v over_o a_o bless_a inheritance_n in_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a and_o with_o bless_a abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a they_o look_v for_o a_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o that_o good_a patriarch_n at_o the_o ten_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v very_o frequent_a not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o in_o other_o author_n to_o represent_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n by_o that_o of_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n in_o a_o foreign_a country_n for_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o man_n and_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o be_v by_o far_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a part_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o native_n of_o heaven_n and_o but_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n shall_v be_v over_o be_v design_v to_o return_v to_o that_o heavenly_a country_n from_o which_o they_o come_v and_o to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o phil._n 3._o 20._o that_o christian_n have_v relation_n to_o heaven_n as_o their_o native_a place_n and_o country_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n so_o we_o render_v the_o word_n but_o they_o proper_o signify_v that_o christian_n be_v member_n of_o that_o city_n and_o society_n which_o be_v above_o and_o though_o they_o converse_v at_o present_a here_o below_o while_o they_o be_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n yet_o heaven_n be_v the_o country_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o whither_o they_o be_v continual_o tend_v sedes_fw-la ubi_fw-la fata_fw-la quietas_fw-la ostendunt_fw-la where_o a_o quiet_a habitation_n and_o a_o perpetual_a rest_n be_v design_v and_o prepare_v for_o they_o this_o acknowledgement_n david_n make_v concern_v himself_o and_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n 1_o chron._n 29._o 15._o for_o we_o be_v stranger_n before_o thou_o and_o sojourner_n as_o be_v all_o our_o father_n our_o day_n on_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o a_o shadow_n and_o there_o be_v none_o abide_v so_o likewise_o st._n peter_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 17._o pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n and_o chap._n 2._o v._n 11._o dear_o belove_v i_o beseech_v you_o as_o strangers_z and_o pilgrim_n abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lusts._n and_o not_o only_o the_o inspire_a writer_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o heathen_a author_n do_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o this_o allusion_n plato_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o common_a say_n and_o almost_o in_o every_o man_n mouth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o pilgrimage_n and_o tully_n in_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n de_fw-fr senectute_n concern_v old_a age_n bring_v in_o cato_n describe_v our_o passage_n out_o of_o this_o world_n not_o as_o a_o departure_n from_o our_o home_n but_o like_o a_o man_n leave_v his_o inn_n in_o which_o he_o have_v lodge_v for_o a_o night_n or_o two_o ex_fw-la vitâ_fw-la istâ_fw-la discedo_fw-la tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la hospitio_fw-la non_fw-la tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la domo_fw-la commorandi_fw-la enim_fw-la natura_fw-la diversorium_fw-la nobis_fw-la non_fw-la habitandi_fw-la dedit_fw-la when_o i_o leave_v this_o world_n say_v he_o i_o look_v upon_o myself_o as_o depart_v out_o of_o a_o inn_n and_o not_o as_o quit_v my_o own_o home_n and_o habitation_n nature_n have_v assign_v this_o world_n to_o we_o as_o a_o place_n to_o sojourn_v but_o not_o to_o devil_n in_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o text_n concern_v the_o patriarch_n they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o concern_v all_o christian_n chap._n 13._o 14._o here_o we_o have_v no_o continue_a city_n but_o we_o seek_v one_o to_o come_v but_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o follow_v the_o metaphor_n too_o close_o and_o to_o vex_v and_o torture_v it_o by_o pursue_v all_o those_o little_a parallel_n and_o similitude_n which_o a_o lively_a fancy_n may_v make_v or_o find_v betwixt_o the_o condition_n of_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n and_o the_o life_n of_o man_n during_o he_o abide_v and_o passage_n through_o this_o world_n i_o will_v insist_v only_o upon_o two_o thing_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v design_v and_o intend_v by_o this_o metaphor_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unsettled_a they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n 2._o it_o imply_v a_o tendency_n to_o a_o future_a settle_v and_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o happy_a condition_n into_o which_o we_o shall_v enter_v when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n after_o the_o text_n they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n for_o they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n that_o be_v they_o that_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o have_v live_v in_o such_o a_o restless_a and_o uncertain_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n travel_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o as_o the_o patriarch_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n do_v and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n in_o which_o he_o solemn_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n do_v hereby_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o expect_v some_o happy_a condition_n hereafter_o wherein_o that_o great_a promise_n of_o god_n will_v be_v make_v good_a to_o they_o to_o the_o full_a and_o these_o be_v two_o very_a weighty_a and_o useful_a consideration_n that_o we_o shall_v both_o understand_v our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o our_o future_a hope_n and_o expectation_n after_o our_o departure_n out_o of_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v demean_v ourselves_o suitable_o to_o both_o these_o condition_n both_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n in_o this_o world_n and_o likewise_o as_o it_o become_v those_o who_o seek_v and_o expect_v a_o better_a country_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o world_n i_o shall_v brief_o speak_v to_o both_o these_o and_o then_o show_v what_o effect_n and_o influence_n the_o serious_a meditation_n of_o these_o two_o point_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o
in_o this_o world_n which_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o gracious_a providence_n and_o care_n of_o good_a man_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o itself_o extreme_o credible_a have_v thus_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v dispatch_v the_o two_o particular_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v what_o influence_n these_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o these_o our_o hope_n and_o expectation_n as_o to_o another_o life_n if_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o look_v for_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a this_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o we_o in_o these_o follow_a respect_n which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_v but_o very_o brief_o mention_v 1._o let_v we_o entangle_v and_o encumber_v ourselves_o as_o little_a as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o our_o pilgrimage_n let_v we_o not_o engage_v our_o affection_n too_o far_o in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o continue_v and_o settle_v in_o it_o but_o to_o pass_v through_o it_o a_o little_a will_v serve_v for_o our_o passage_n and_o accommodation_n in_o this_o journey_n and_o beyond_o that_o why_o shall_v we_o so_o earnest_o covet_v and_o seek_v more_o 2._o if_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n than_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o blameless_o and_o inoffensive_o remember_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o people_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o those_o among_o who_o we_o live_v will_v be_v very_o curious_a and_o observant_a of_o our_o manner_n and_o carriage_n 3._o let_v we_o be_v cheerful_a and_o patient_a under_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n they_o who_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a country_n must_v expect_v to_o encounter_v many_o injury_n and_o affront_v and_o to_o be_v put_v to_o great_a difficulty_n and_o hazard_n which_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bear_v with_o that_o cheerfulness_n as_o man_n that_o be_v upon_o a_o journey_n use_v to_o bear_v foul_a way_n and_o bad_a wether_n and_o inconvenient_a lodging_n and_o accommodation_n 4._o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o future_a hope_n shall_v set_v we_o above_o the_o fondness_n of_o life_n and_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n for_o our_o mind_n will_v never_o be_v raise_v to_o their_o true_a pitch_n and_o hight_n till_o we_o have_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n conquer_v these_o two_o passion_n and_o make_v they_o subject_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o for_o this_o present_a life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o what_o do_v we_o see_v in_o they_o that_o shall_v make_v we_o so_o strange_o to_o dote_v upon_o they_o quae_fw-la miseri_fw-la lucis_fw-la tam_fw-la dira_fw-la cupido_fw-la this_o world_n at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o a_o very_a indifferent_a place_n and_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o bear_v himself_o towards_o it_o with_o the_o most_o indifferent_a affection_n that_o be_v always_o willing_a to_o leave_v it_o and_o yet_o patient_a to_o stay_v in_o it_o as_o long_o as_o god_n please_v 5._o we_o shall_v always_o prefer_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o all_o the_o world_n because_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n more_o valuable_a if_o our_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o do_v survive_v in_o another_o world_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o thus_o st._n paul_n reason_v with_o himself_o from_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o i_o exercise_v myself_o always_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n last_o if_o we_o be_v sojourner_n and_o traveller_n we_o shall_v often_o think_v of_o our_o end_n and_o careful_o mind_v the_o way_n to_o it_o our_o end_n be_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n when_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n inquire_v of_o our_o saviour_n the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n say_v good_a master_n what_o good_a thing_n shall_v i_o do_v that_o i_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n his_o answer_n to_o he_o be_v if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n we_o may_v easy_o mistake_v our_o way_n for_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 and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o therefore_o we_o shall_v often_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o david_n do_v psalm_n 119._o 19_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n hide_v not_o thy_o commandment_n from_o i_o and_o psalm_n 139._o 23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n xi_o 13._o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o these_o all_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o etc._n etc._n i_o have_v late_o in_o this_o place_n upon_o a_o particular_a day_n and_o occasion_n begin_v to_o handle_v these_o word_n i_o shall_v brief_o give_v you_o the_o head_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v and_o proceed_v to_o what_o remain_v and_o that_o which_o i_o design_v from_o this_o text_n be_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o awaken_v we_o to_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o same_o condition_n that_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o be_v in_o in_o this_o world_n and_o we_o may_v all_o of_o we_o say_v with_o david_n psal._n 39_o 12._o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n with_o thou_o and_o a_o sojourner_n as_o all_o my_o father_n be_v it_o be_v very_o frequent_a not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o in_o other_o author_n to_o represent_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n by_o that_o of_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n in_o a_o far_a country_n for_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o man_n and_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o be_v by_o far_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a part_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o native_n of_o heaven_n and_o but_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v be_v design_v to_o return_v to_o that_o heavenly_a country_n from_o which_o they_o come_v and_o to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o metaphor_n i_o insist_v only_o upon_o two_o thing_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v design_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o 1._o that_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unsettled_a they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n ii_o it_o imply_v a_o tendency_n to_o a_o future_a settlement_n and_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o happy_a condition_n into_o which_o we_o shall_v enter_v when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o these_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v two_o very_a weighty_a and_o useful_a consideration_n that_o we_o shall_v both_o understand_v our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o our_o future_a hope_n and_o expectation_n after_o our_o departure_n out_o of_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v demean_v ourselves_o suitable_o to_o both_o these_o condition_n both_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o those_o who_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n in_o this_o world_n and_o likewise_o as_o it_o become_v those_o who_o seek_v and_o expect_v a_o better_a country_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o world_n i._o that_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unsettled_a and_o this_o be_v principal_o intend_v by_o the_o metaphor_n of_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n such_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n they_o have_v no_o constant_a abide_v and_o fix_v habitation_n but_o be_v continual_o wander_v from_o one_o kingdom_n and_o country_n to_o another_o in_o which_o travel_n they_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o great_a many_o danger_n and_o suffering_n affront_v and_o injury_n as_o we_o read_v at_o large_a in_o the_o history_n of_o their_o travel_n