conclusion_n and_o can_v such_o a_o argumentation_n deceive_v we_o can_v have_v little_a encouragement_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o faculty_n again_o if_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o early_a revelation_n make_v to_o man_n when_o they_o be_v yet_o few_o in_o number_n and_o retain_v in_o the_o dispersion_n of_o nation_n and_o still_o preserve_v notwithstanding_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n they_o fall_v into_o as_o to_o other_o matter_n this_o must_v be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n of_o that_o revelation_n at_o first_o and_o must_v consequent_o much_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v may_v have_v be_v confirm_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o some_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o and_o thence_o derive_v and_o 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that_o day_n every_o one_o shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a that_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o man_n action_n in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n according_a to_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o they_o who_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v receive_v the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v and_o they_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a shall_v receive_v according_a to_o that_o likewise_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o full_o and_o plain_o teach_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o one_o will_v think_v man_n can_v not_o easy_o mistake_v or_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o proceed_v can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o righteous_a god_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v just_a and_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n the_o righteous_a therefore_o and_o they_o only_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o reward_n from_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a and_o they_o only_o must_v be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o so_o and_o to_o invert_v this_o method_n will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o to_o all_o the_o method_n whereby_o god_n have_v make_v himself_o know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n say_v thus_o to_o the_o almighty_a wisd_v xij_o 15._o for_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o be_v righteous_a thyself_o thou_o ordere_v all_o thing_n righteous_o think_v it_o not_o agreeable_a to_o thy_o power_n to_o condemn_v he_o who_o have_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v to_o which_o we_o may_v also_o add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o 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justice_n and_o severity_n against_o sin_n and_o that_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o he_o be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n he_o bear_v our_o grief_n and_o carry_v our_o sorrow_n he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n by_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n in_o our_o stead_n can_v be_v available_a to_o we_o or_o free_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n while_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o for_o he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n may_v live_v unto_o righteousness_n that_o so_o be_v save_v from_o our_o sin_n here_o we_o may_v be_v save_v from_o the_o wage_n of_o they_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n to_o bring_v salvation_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n thus_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o deal_n with_o mankind_n we_o can_v but_o expect_v that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v judge_v according_a to_o righteousness_n they_o who_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o and_o they_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a shall_v receive_v a_o due_a recompense_n of_o their_o evil_a deed_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o the_o several_a promise_n and_o threaten_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v all_o along_o make_v use_n of_o as_o argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o discourage_v and_o dissuade_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o do_v if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v due_a to_o any_o but_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o obedience_n or_o if_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v can_v be_v avoid_v any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o forsake_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o it_o be_v threaten_v thus_o saint_n paul_n argue_v from_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n seven_o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n thus_o again_o s._n peter_n i_o 4._o tell_v that_o by_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o
diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o effectual_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n now_o these_o and_o the_o like_a exhortation_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o to_o persuade_v we_o if_o these_o promise_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o a_o word_n in_o all_o the_o description_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a than_o this_o that_o i_o now_o plead_v for_o that_o god_n will_v reward_v every_o one_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v mention_v but_o two_o place_n more_o rom._n ij_o 6._o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n for_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n the_o other_o place_n be_v mat._n twenty-five_o where_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a description_n of_o those_o good_a work_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v reward_v and_o have_v there_o represent_v the_o vanity_n of_o those_o man_n excuse_n who_o have_v not_o wrought_v they_o he_o conclude_v with_o this_o sentence_n these_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a there_o remain_v only_o to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v wherein_o man_n shall_v receive_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o their_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a it_o be_v easy_a then_o to_o understand_v how_o much_o those_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o who_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o absolute_a and_o inconditionate_n decree_n for_o if_o god_n have_v from_o eternity_n fore-ordained_n such_o and_o such_o particular_a person_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o other_o to_o eternal_a damnation_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o their_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a then_o certain_o god_fw-we can_v proceed_v in_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o method_n before_o describe_v nor_o can_v the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v any_o force_n of_o persuasion_n to_o engage_v man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n or_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o vain_a will_v the_o apostle_n here_o make_v use_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o persuade_v man_n if_o god_n have_v before_o determine_v that_o such_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v whatsoever_o diligence_n they_o use_v on_o their_o part_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a force_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o obedience_n if_o once_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o their_o future_a state_n be_v from_o everlasting_a unalterable_o fix_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o by_o any_o neglect_n nay_o upon_o this_o supposition_n all_o the_o various_a method_n of_o persuasion_n which_o god_n use_v in_o scripture_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o better_a life_n prove_v nothing_o else_o but_o illusion_n and_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v so_o often_o by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n invite_v and_o exhort_v and_o beseech_v all_o man_n that_o they_o will_v turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o live_v when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o have_v exclude_v many_o miriads_o of_o man_n from_o any_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n by_o a_o absolute_a and_o irresistible_a decree_n which_o no_o endeavour_n of_o they_o can_v revoke_v or_o cancel_v this_o way_n of_o proceed_v can_v by_v any_o mean_n consist_v with_o that_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o all_o man_n shall_v receive_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v then_o certain_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o reward_n but_o by_o his_o own_o fault_n nor_o yet_o any_o man_n obtain_v the_o same_o but_o by_o a_o due_a diligence_n in_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n and_o perform_v those_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v promise_v 2._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o method_n of_o god_n proceed_v at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n we_o may_v also_o observe_v that_o those_o man_n do_v extreme_o mistake_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n who_o talk_v of_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o good_a work_n and_o obedience_n who_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o cry_v down_o the_o value_n of_o our_o good_a work_n as_o though_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n in_o the_o justification_n or_o salvation_n of_o a_o christian_n for_o sure_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v faith_n alone_o can_v be_v the_o whole_a condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o faith_n in_o holy_a scripture_n but_o these_o thing_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o bare_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a importance_n of_o that_o word_n faith_n but_o of_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o have_v influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o our_o practice_n and_o conversation_n a_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n and_o obedience_n thus_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o single_a virtue_n and_o separate_a from_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o be_v the_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n and_o include_v they_o in_o it_o for_o if_o we_o understand_v faith_n in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n as_o distinct_a from_o a_o holy_a conversation_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o devil_n themselves_o may_v pretend_v to_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o relief_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o misery_n to_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o glorious_a thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o know_v withal_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v final_o exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o this_o doubtless_o be_v a_o mighty_a aggravation_n of_o their_o horror_n and_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v as_o s._n james_n do_v that_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v nay_o that_o this_o belief_n do_v make_v they_o tremble_v 3._o if_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n it_o than_o follow_v that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n must_v be_v perform_v in_o our_o life_n time_n while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n now_o must_v we_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o not_o leave_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v after_o our_o death_n either_o by_o ourselves_o or_o other_o this_o i_o observe_v in_o opposition_n to_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o suppose_v that_o some_o sin_n be_v expiate_v after_o death_n and_o purge_v away_o by_o the_o fire_n of_o purgatory_n and_o by_o the_o prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v leave_v alive_a but_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a opinion_n but_o certain_o do_v much_o tend_v to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o piety_n and_o lessen_v man_n care_n of_o their_o future_a state_n as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v as_o a_o man_n go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n such_o will_v be_v his_o future_a state_n and_o he_o will_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o he_o be_v when_o he_o leave_v the_o body_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n 4._o if_o it_o be_v thus_o certain_a that_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n this_o certain_o aught_o to_o awaken_v our_o diligence_n in_o the_o business_n of_o our_o salvation_n that_o to_o day_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n we_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n that_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o our_o so_o journ_v here_o in_o fear_n for_o sure_o do_v man_n serious_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o all_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o darkness_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o man_n heart_n shall_v be_v reveal_v when_o all_o the_o close_a impiety_n which_o have_v pass_v here_o undiscerned_a shall_v be_v lay_v open_a before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n they_o will_v not_o now_o so_o fond_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o hope_n of_o secrecy_n or_o impunity_n do_v man_n serious_o reflect_v upon_o the_o terribleness_n of_o that_o great_a day_n when_o god_n shall_v appear_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o have_v not_o fear_v his_o name_n do_v they_o often_o think_v upon_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n which_o will_v then_o be_v pronounce_v against_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n this_o certain_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v put_v a_o check_n to_o the_o bold_a impiety_n of_o this_o age._n man_n will_v not_o then_o dare_v so_o open_o to_o defy_v heaven_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n who_o will_v at_o that_o day_n appear_v so_o terrible_a nor_o will_v they_o continue_v by_o their_o hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n to_o treasure_n up_o to_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a as_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o day_n ought_v to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o our_o danger_n if_o we_o continue_v in_o disobedience_n so_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o shall_v at_o that_o day_n be_v give_v to_o those_o that_o have_v live_v obedient_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o thereunto_o for_o what_o great_a encouragement_n to_o our_o duty_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o who_o will_v not_o willing_o forsake_v all_o the_o flatter_a joy_n and_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n that_o he_o may_v secure_v to_o himself_o such_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a that_o fade_v not_o away_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v he_o at_o that_o day_n or_o who_o will_v not_o despise_v all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n which_o may_v possible_o attend_v he_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n when_o he_o remember_v that_o these_o light_a affliction_n which_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v out_o for_o he_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n now_o the_o great_a god_n grant_v we_o all_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n always_o present_a to_o our_o mind_n that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o may_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o stand_v before_o that_o great_a tribunal_n we_o may_v be_v present_v pure_a and_o unblamable_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o that_o not_o for_o any_o merit_n of_o our_o own_o but_o through_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o power_n praise_n thanksgiving_n and_o obedience_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la
our_o repose_n and_o happiness_n as_o though_o we_o shall_v nourish_v a_o snake_n in_o our_o bosom_n which_o will_v leave_v behind_o it_o a_o incurable_a sting_n and_o perpetual_a anguish_n tell_v i_o i_o pray_v be_v any_o man_n happy_a that_o be_v easy_o provoke_v can_v he_o enjoy_v the_o same_o content_a with_o other_o man_n who_o leave_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o one_o that_o dare_v affront_v he_o to_o raise_v in_o he_o those_o tempestuous_a passion_n and_o to_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o repose_n and_o quiet_a certain_o the_o angry_a and_o revengeful_a man_n if_o he_o have_v a_o enemy_n give_v he_o the_o great_a advantage_n over_o he_o that_o can_v be_v for_o there_o be_v no_o injury_n so_o effectual_a as_o that_o which_o raise_v disturbance_n in_o the_o mind_n so_o that_o a_o malicious_a designer_n always_o do_v the_o intend_a mischief_n when_o it_o be_v direct_v against_o a_o man_n that_o indulge_v these_o passion_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o inure_n himself_o to_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n though_o his_o adversary_n seek_v to_o do_v he_o mischief_n yet_o by_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n he_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o his_o malice_n and_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o injury_n be_v perfect_a master_n of_o his_o own_o happiness_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n of_o life_n so_o happy_a no_o enjoyment_n so_o full_a of_o satisfaction_n which_o can_v give_v we_o the_o least_o content_a while_o the_o desire_n of_o revenge_n prevail_v with_o we_o and_o of_o this_o the_o hihory_n of_o haman_n be_v abundant_a evidence_n which_o we_o read_v esther_n v._n 11._o where_o haman_n have_v call_v his_o friend_n and_o kindred_n together_o and_o have_v tell_v they_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o riches_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o child_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o king_n have_v promote_v he_o and_o how_o he_o have_v advance_v he_o above_o the_o prince_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o king_n yet_o say_v he_o v._o 13._o all_o this_o avail_v i_o nothing_o so_o long_o as_o morcai_n the_o jew_n sit_v at_o the_o king_n gate_n so_o unhappy_a be_v the_o envious_a and_o revengeful_a man_n amid_o the_o great_a prosperity_n which_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v 2._o next_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o own_o mind_n this_o duty_n of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o love_a enemy_n do_v high_o conduce_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o unity_n and_o good_a will_n among_o christian_n as_o be_v the_o most_o generous_a and_o likely_a way_n to_o reduce_v our_o enemy_n to_o peace_n and_o friendly_a agreement_n with_o we_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o averse_a from_o reconciliation_n who_o will_v not_o in_o time_n be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o kindness_n and_o charity_n enmity_n will_v of_o itself_o expire_v if_o it_o be_v not_o continue_v by_o repeat_v act_n of_o unkindness_n how_o much_o rather_o when_o man_n find_v all_o their_o injury_n repay_v with_o courtesy_n all_o their_o uncharitable_a deal_n with_o good_a deed_n this_o argument_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o s._n paul_n rom._n twelve_o 20._o if_o thy_o enemy_n hunger_n feed_v he_o if_o he_o thirst_v give_v he_o drink_v for_o in_o so_o do_v thou_o shall_v heap_v coal_n of_o fire_n upon_o his_o head_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o though_o by_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v design_v to_o increase_v his_o condemnation_n before_o god_n for_o though_o possible_o that_o may_v be_v the_o event_n if_o notwithstanding_o our_o kindness_n he_o continue_v obstinate_a in_o his_o malice_n yet_o to_o design_n that_o in_o relieve_v he_o will_v indeed_o be_v the_o cruel_a piece_n of_o revenge_n and_o malice_n the_o apostle_n mean_v therefore_o be_v that_o by_o do_v good_a to_o our_o enemy_n and_o relieve_v he_o in_o his_o want_n we_o shall_v kindle_v in_o he_o that_o fervour_n of_o affection_n and_o holy_a fire_n of_o love_n to_o we_o that_o he_o may_v for_o the_o future_a become_v our_o friend_n and_o repent_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o wickedness_n this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o heap_v coal_n of_o fire_n upon_o his_o head_n and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o follow_a word_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n be_v not_o overcome_v of_o evil_a but_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a let_v no_o man_n injury_n or_o malicious_a practice_n towards_o thou_o deface_v in_o thy_o soul_n that_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n that_o incline_v thou_o to_o do_v good_a but_o endeavour_v rather_o by_o repeat_v act_n of_o charity_n towards_o thy_o enemy_n to_o overcome_v his_o enmity_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o agreement_n and_o peace_n with_o thou_o this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v great_a force_n upon_o we_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o desirable_a in_o this_o world_n than_o that_o brethren_n shall_v live_v together_o in_o unity_n nor_o any_o thing_n more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n angel_n attend_v his_o birth_n with_o this_o song_n glory_n be_v to_o god_n on_o high_a on_o earth_n peace_n good_a will_n towards_o man_n our_o saviour_n be_v often_o call_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o when_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n the_o last_o legacy_n he_o bequeath_v to_o his_o disciple_n be_v peace_n my_o peace_n i_o leave_v with_o you_o my_o peace_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o nor_o ought_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n than_o this_o peace_n nor_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v unwilling_a to_o let_v go_v much_o of_o our_o right_n and_o to_o forbear_v many_o injury_n and_o to_o forego_v all_o desire_n of_o revenge_n so_o that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o peace_n and_o live_v in_o unity_n and_o godly_a love_n 3._o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n do_v high_o conduce_v to_o the_o true_a dignity_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n those_o good_a disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o incline_v we_o to_o be_v merciful_a and_o friendly_a to_o other_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o reasonable_a being_n and_o we_o be_v so_o much_o more_o perfect_a by_o how_o much_o more_o enlarge_v and_o extensive_a they_o be_v and_o less_o capable_a of_o be_v remove_v or_o change_v and_o therefore_o he_o who_o be_v so_o settle_a in_o the_o habit_n of_o do_v good_a as_o not_o to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o it_o by_o the_o injury_n and_o provocation_n of_o his_o enemy_n have_v gain_v a_o victory_n over_o himself_o far_o beyond_o what_o he_o can_v hope_v for_o in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o revenge_n and_o have_v attain_v to_o as_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o may_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o man_n be_v that_o he_o be_v create_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n whereby_o we_o attain_v a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o by_o this_o universal_a and_o unrestrained_a charity_n this_o desire_n to_o good_a to_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n that_o which_o make_v god_n the_o most_o adorable_a be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v chief_o his_o infinite_a and_o unchangeable_a goodness_n this_o reason_n be_v assign_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o love_a enemy_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o on_o the_o good_a and_o send_v rain_n on_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a and_o at_o the_o last_o verse_n conclude_v his_o discourse_n with_o this_o advice_n be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a 3._o the_o last_o argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o forgive_v and_o love_v our_o enemy_n be_v this_o that_o our_o great_a interest_n do_v indispensable_o depend_v upon_o this_o our_o practice_n of_o it_o we_o have_v all_o sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o do_v therefore_o all_o of_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n at_o his_o hand_n and_o can_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o pardon_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n if_o we_o refuse_v for_o his_o sake_n to_o forgive_v our_o brethren_n sure_o this_o be_v a_o very_a vain_a thing_n to_o hope_v for_o for_o what_o be_v there_o can_v seem_v to_o render_v our_o neighbour_n uncapable_a of_o forgiveness_n which_o do_v not_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n against_o god_n infinite_o beyond_o his_o transgression_n against_o we_o if_o our_o neighbour_n offence_n
their_o endeavour_n in_o that_o affair_n may_v just_o be_v esteem_v a_o common_a enemy_n to_o mankind_n now_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v any_o way_n whereby_o man_n do_v more_o direct_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n and_o hinder_v the_o enlargement_n of_o it_o than_o by_o defame_v the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v entrust_v for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unsafe_a and_o unreasonable_a way_n of_o argue_v for_o any_o man_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o because_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a man_n in_o holy_a order_n be_v unfaithful_a to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o live_v not_o up_o to_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o other_o yet_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n which_o do_v extreme_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a whether_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o real_a or_o but_o suppose_a fault_n of_o man_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v or_o persuade_v other_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n for_o to_o he_o who_o believe_v a_o false_a report_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n the_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n be_v as_o effectual_a as_o though_o the_o report_n be_v true_a and_o the_o censure_n just_a and_o than_o who_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o the_o man_n who_o raise_v the_o false_a accusation_n be_v not_o as_o injurious_a to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o man_n who_o life_n be_v real_o scandalous_a what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ill_a effect_n that_o redound_v to_o the_o public_a from_o the_o uncharitable_a censuring_n of_o man_n of_o this_o public_a capacity_n will_v in_o proportion_n hold_v concern_v the_o rash_a judgement_n we_o make_v of_o private_a person_n according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n 2._o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o second_o instance_n of_o the_o ill_a effect_n which_o redound_v to_o the_o public_a by_o our_o uncharitable_a judge_v one_o another_o namely_o that_o our_o rash_a and_o censorious_a practice_n towards_o other_o provoke_v the_o like_a usage_n from_o they_o towards_o ourselves_o and_o thence_o arise_v those_o many_o feud_n and_o animosity_n mutual_a revile_n and_o bitter_a envy_n so_o visible_a among_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o a_o feud_n thus_o begin_v common_o spread_v itself_o and_o all_o our_o friend_n and_o correspondent_n be_v soon_o make_v partner_n in_o the_o quarrel_n and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v aside_o or_o allay_v those_o animosity_n which_o have_v be_v thus_o begin_v every_o man_n experience_n may_v convince_v he_o now_o i_o need_v not_o use_v any_o argument_n to_o show_v that_o division_n and_o animosity_n among_o man_n be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a society_n where_o they_o live_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n attest_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n so_o that_o we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o practice_n tend_v to_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o strife_n and_o contention_n be_v very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o public_a nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o practice_n that_o do_v more_o effectual_o tend_v that_o way_n than_o this_o of_o uncharitable_a judge_n and_o censure_v other_o man_n how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o any_o society_n be_v so_o much_o more_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a those_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v which_o cause_n division_n in_o it_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o be_v a_o society_n who_o happiness_n be_v not_o terminate_v in_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o life_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o those_o uncharitable_a censure_n which_o cause_n division_n among_o christian_n receive_v from_o hence_o a_o mighty_a aggravation_n in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hinder_v their_o present_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n but_o endanger_v their_o fall_a short_a of_o that_o eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o none_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v after_o peace_n and_o holiness_n and_o from_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v but_o add_v a_o three_o ill_a effect_n which_o this_o uncharitable_a practice_n of_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o bring_v to_o the_o public_a 3._o viz._n that_o it_o bring_v reproach_n upon_o our_o christian_a profession_n and_o upon_o that_o holy_a name_n whereby_o we_o be_v call_v for_o suppose_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o pagan_a shall_v peruse_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o shall_v read_v there_o the_o many_o precept_n which_o require_v of_o we_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n in_o our_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n shall_v they_o read_v s._n paul_n description_n of_o christian_a charity_n that_o it_o think_v no_o evil_a that_o it_o believe_v all_o thing_n and_o hope_v all_o thing_n do_v they_o consider_v the_o many_o argument_n the_o gospel_n use_v to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n and_o great_a reward_n undispensable_o depend_v upon_o our_o practice_n and_o last_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o who_o in_o his_o conversation_n among_o man_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o all_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o other_o but_o do_v himself_o exercise_v the_o great_a candour_n towards_o all_o man_n scarce_o ever_o pass_v a_o severe_a censure_n upon_o any_o but_o that_o proud_a censorious_a sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o make_v themselves_o judge_n of_o all_o other_o shall_v they_o then_o descend_v to_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_n with_o that_o excellent_a rule_n they_o pretend_v to_o and_o with_o the_o example_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o see_v how_o vast_a the_o disproportion_n be_v between_o our_o practice_n and_o profession_n they_o will_v easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o serious_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o vaunt_v of_o nor_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o saviour_n in_o give_v law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o their_o life_n nor_o expect_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v foretell_v they_o will_v find_v it_o very_o hard_a to_o reconcile_v how_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n can_v consist_v with_o many_o uncharitable_a practice_n unjust_a reproach_n and_o mutual_a enmity_n which_o the_o profess_a disciple_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v so_o easy_o tempt_v to_o thus_o beside_o the_o injury_n we_o do_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o the_o public_a society_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v feel_a member_n we_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o may_v be_v win_v over_o to_o our_o most_o holy_a profession_n do_v they_o not_o see_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o so_o manifest_o contradict_v in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n what_o they_o plead_v for_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o affection_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o particular_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n here_o use_v to_o dissuade_v from_o uncharitable_a judge_v one_o another_o because_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o this_o will_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n if_o compare_v with_o our_o great_a inability_n to_o judge_v aright_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v particular_o urge_v by_o our_o apostle_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v my_o text_n judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o both_o will_v bring_v to_o light_v the_o hide_a work_n and_o will_v make_v manifest_a the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o shall_v every_o man_n have_v praise_n of_o god_n the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o what_o man_n do_v can_v be_v determine_v bare_o from_o outward_a appearance_n which_o only_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n many_o action_n may_v proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n true_o pious_a and_o devout_a which_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o know_v the_o heart_n which_o yet_o as_o to_o man_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n and_o mistake_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o outward_a action_n of_o hypocrite_n may_v appear_v to_o man_n as_o instance_n of_o great_a piety_n and_o devotion_n when_o to_o god_n they_o be_v a_o abomination_n now_o shall_v we_o use_v the_o utmost_a of_o our_o discretion_n in_o these_o case_n we_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o these_o man_n or_o their_o action_n so_o many_o be_v the_o secret_a wind_n and_o private_a retirement_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n so_o various_a his_o thought_n and_o intention_n and_o so_o numerous_a his_o pretence_n to_o disguise_v his_o action_n that_o it_o
his_o good_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o though_o god_n will_v infuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o a_o miracle_n but_o that_o those_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v blessed_v by_o he_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o old_a oeconomy_n the_o jew_n be_v refer_v to_o moses_n for_o their_o instruction_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o these_o man_n and_o their_o successor_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n in_o order_n to_o instruction_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o these_o themselves_o we_o may_v have_v recourse_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o as_o a_o certain_a guide_n to_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o to_o their_o successor_n we_o have_v recourse_n in_o our_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a ministry_n who_o derive_v their_o commission_n by_o a_o continue_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v impower_v by_o christ_n to_o ordain_v other_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o office_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o these_o person_n thus_o impower_v all_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o apply_v themselves_o with_o humility_n and_o diligence_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n abovementioned_a he_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n 3._o this_o condition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n imply_v further_a that_o in_o our_o search_n after_o divine_a truth_n and_o in_o our_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v we_o we_o must_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o our_o knowledge_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v more_o particular_o express_v in_o the_o text._n many_o there_o be_v who_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a after_o truth_n but_o they_o have_v ofttimes_o very_o different_a and_o undue_a end_n in_o their_o enquiry_n sometime_o they_o do_v it_o to_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n sometime_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o maintain_v their_o party_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o with_o some_o plausible_a show_n of_o reason_n sometime_o they_o do_v it_o for_o ostentation_n and_o vainglory_n that_o they_o may_v appear_v wise_a and_o more_o learned_a than_o their_o neighbour_n and_o sometime_o they_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n as_o other_o man_n do_v their_o merchandise_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o gain_n of_o it_o and_o provide_v for_o their_o subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n now_o now_o all_o these_o several_a sort_n of_o enquirer_n may_v possible_o attain_v the_o several_a end_n they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v grow_v learned_a and_o wise_a in_o the_o ordinary_a account_n of_o man_n they_o may_v grow_v rich_a and_o gain_v esteem_n and_o applause_n among_o man_n and_o in_o this_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n but_o still_o they_o may_v want_v the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v of_o which_o be_v not_o attainable_a by_o any_o that_o do_v not_o intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n this_o alone_a make_v they_o capable_a of_o a_o full_a and_o sensible_a conviction_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v talk_v superficial_o about_o religious_a matter_n or_o that_o can_v give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v dispute_v learned_o about_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o decide_v controverfy_v not_o every_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o accomplish_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o our_o saviour_n sense_n no_o he_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n absolute_o and_o entire_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v receive_v a_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n concern_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o than_o can_v be_v gain_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n and_o most_o convince_a demonstration_n he_o shall_v find_v in_o his_o soul_n a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v such_o as_o shall_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubtfulness_n or_o dispute_v 4._o we_o must_v not_o only_o intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o this_o as_o the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o enquiry_n but_o we_o must_v actual_o endeavour_v to_o discharge_v those_o duty_n we_o already_o know_v if_o we_o hope_v to_o attaim_v to_o a_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n in_o our_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o neglect_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o he_o already_o know_v he_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o submit_v to_o those_o further_a instruction_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o in_o this_o place_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v to_o exact_v this_o qualification_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v practice_v those_o duty_n they_o already_o know_v if_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o otherwise_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a way_n of_o proceed_v to_o persuade_v man_n first_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o to_o promise_v they_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o enter_v upon_o a_o way_n of_o live_v so_o strict_a and_o severe_a as_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v without_o be_v satisfy_v before_o hand_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o that_o be_v true_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v there_o require_v and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o great_a duty_n and_o interest_n to_o obey_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o sad_a experience_n that_o many_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v yet_o very_o backward_o to_o practice_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o but_o how_o much_o more_o unwilling_o will_v they_o undertake_v this_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o they_o have_v obey_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n here_o speak_v of_o must_v in_o part_n be_v understand_v of_o those_o previous_a instruction_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v our_o saviour_n have_v before_o receive_v the_o jew_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n here_o direct_v his_o discourse_n have_v the_o instruction_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n from_o who_o they_o may_v have_v understand_v the_o principal_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n will_v doubtless_o have_v be_v a_o great_a preparation_n for_o their_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o for_o those_o enquirer_n after_o truth_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n no_o man_n can_v ordinary_o grow_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a society_n to_o a_o age_n capable_a of_o such_o inquiry_n but_o must_v have_v be_v competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n in_o the_o substantial_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n those_o three_o great_a branch_n of_o duty_n which_o s._n paul_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o themselves_o of_o so_o evident_a a_o obligation_n that_o no_o man_n who_o have_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n especial_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o live_v so_o suppose_v we_o then_o a_o man_n competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n whether_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o his_o
spirit_n to_o continue_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o guide_v it_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o to_o assist_v and_o govern_v every_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o that_o be_v indispensable_o require_v of_o he_o god_n himself_o have_v a_o singular_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o good_a man_n as_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n tell_v we_o psal_n cxlvij_o ii_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o in_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v condescend_v to_o dwell_v and_o inhabit_v with_o such_o person_n which_o i_o conceive_v can_v be_v understand_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a near_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o good_a man_n that_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v and_o succour_v they_o in_o whatsoever_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o john_n fourteen_o 23._o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o and_o then_o sure_o be_v blessed_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o a_o guest_n they_o can_v want_v any_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o conclude_v then_o what_o remain_v now_o but_o if_o we_o desire_v knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o religion_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o seek_v it_o in_o this_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v viz._n with_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o true_a knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v he_o that_o seek_v in_o this_o way_n shall_v not_o miscarry_v for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o serm._n iu._n heb._n xij_o 1._o wherefore_o see_v we_o also_o be_v compass_v with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o those_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n who_o live_v before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o word_n i_o have_v now_o read_v be_v a_o inference_n from_o their_o example_n that_o we_o also_o have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glorious_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o mighty_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o endure_a affliction_n may_v from_o thence_o be_v excite_v to_o a_o like_a vigour_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o christian_a profession_n so_o that_o the_o word_n contain_v these_o two_o thing_n worthy_a our_o consideration_n a_o exhortation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o exhortation_n in_o these_o word_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o exhortation_n in_o these_o word_n see_v we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o exhortation_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a in_o holy_a scripture_n than_o to_o represent_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a under_o the_o similitude_n of_o such_o other_o employment_n as_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o require_v the_o most_o exact_a care_n and_o vigilance_n in_o those_o who_o undertake_v they_o sometime_o we_o be_v compare_v to_o soldier_n who_o must_v be_v always_o upon_o the_o guard_n sometime_o to_o traveller_n and_o pilgrim_n who_o have_v a_o long_a and_o hazardous_a journey_n to_o make_v sometime_o to_o those_o who_o strive_v for_o mastery_n in_o public_a game_n now_o these_o several_a sort_n of_o employment_n do_v all_o presuppose_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o those_o who_o undertake_v they_o do_v propose_v to_o themselves_o some_o great_a and_o considerable_a end_n some_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v pass_v through_o great_a industry_n and_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o the_o case_n be_v not_o unlike_a in_o our_o christian_a profession_n we_o have_v a_o glorious_a prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_v set_v before_o we_o we_o have_v a_o exceed_o great_a reward_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o we_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n and_o just_a rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o bestow_v on_o such_o as_o overcome_v but_o then_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v this_o reward_n and_o crown_n upon_o any_o other_o condition_n than_o that_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o as_o man_n who_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n manful_o and_o courageous_o who_o have_v strive_v lawful_o and_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n the_o similitude_n use_v in_o the_o text_n be_v take_v from_o those_o trial_n of_o skill_n those_o public_a exercise_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o olympic_a game_n now_o for_o those_o who_o run_v in_o a_o race_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v if_o they_o hope_v to_o gain_v the_o victory_n in_o proportion_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v express_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o they_o must_v free_v themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a burden_n from_o all_o their_o loose_a garment_n which_o may_v clog_v or_o entangle_v they_o in_o their_o way_n they_o must_v lay_v away_o every_o weight_n 2._o they_o must_v be_v active_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o course_n they_o must_v run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o they_o 3._o they_o must_v continue_v their_o vigour_n and_o courage_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o run_v with_o patience_n that_o be_v with_o perseverance_n and_o continuance_n in_o well-doing_n now_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apply_v these_o several_a circumstance_n to_o our_o christian_a duty_n and_o i_o shall_v consider_v each_o of_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v that_o what_o be_v here_o metaphorical_o express_v by_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o s._n paul_n elsewhere_o teach_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n and_o call_v the_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o which_o s._n john_n call_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o so_o many_o clog_n and_o weight_n that_o press_v down_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v it_o dull_a and_o unactive_a and_o divert_v it_o from_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o lay_v aside_o these_o encumbrance_n the_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o these_o affection_n and_o desire_n and_o from_o the_o love_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o nay_o of_o our_o life_n itself_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o duty_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o preparation_n for_o our_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o that_o without_o so_o do_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v christ_n disciple_n mat._n xuj_o 24._o jesus_n say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o s._n mat._n x._o 38._o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o now_o that_o the_o renounce_n and_o forsake_v our_o carnal_a lust_n and_o desire_n be_v most_o general_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o deny_v ourselves_o i_o conceive_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o it_o be_v make_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o all_o that_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n not_o only_o those_o who_o suffer_v persecution_n but_o all_o that_o will_v be_v christian_n must_v in_o their_o proportion_n deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v universal_a not_o limit_v to_o any_o time_n or_o place_n or_o other_o circumstance_n but_o equal_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n luke_n fourteen_o 26._o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o
joy_n which_o it_o afford_v we_o in_o this_o spiritual_a race_n which_o infinite_o over-ballance_n all_o the_o false_a pleasure_n we_o forsake_v and_o all_o the_o difficulty_n we_o undergo_v in_o undertake_v this_o enterprise_n and_o last_o i_o may_v put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n reproach_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n which_o will_v certain_o attend_v we_o if_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o indifference_n we_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o glorious_a prize_n all_o which_o argument_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o to_o awake_v and_o excite_v our_o utmost_a industry_n and_o vigour_n to_o promote_v our_o vigilance_n and_o to_o confirm_v strengthen_v and_o maintain_v our_o courage_n constancy_n and_o resolution_n to_o go_v on_o steadfast_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o but_o the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a argument_n will_v be_v too_o large_a a_o scope_n for_o the_o time_n allot_v to_o this_o exercise_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n confine_v my_o thought_n to_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n martyr_n and_o holy_a confessor_n who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o this_o glorious_a race_n and_o have_v already_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o patience_n wherefore_o see_v we_o also_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n martyr_n or_o witness_v in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a sense_n be_v usual_o restrain_v to_o such_o only_a who_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n i_o find_v no_o such_o limitation_n of_o it_o any_o of_o these_o who_o be_v either_o great_a example_n of_o obedience_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n any_o who_o bare_a witness_n to_o divine_a truth_n though_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o suffer_v death_n for_o that_o testimony_n be_v indifferent_o style_v by_o that_o name_n the_o father_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n can_v all_o be_v account_v martyr_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n however_o they_o all_o help_n to_o make_v up_o the_o number_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v here_o call_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n now_o the_o force_n of_o their_o witness_n and_o example_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o a_o like_a diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o they_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o who_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o therefore_o that_o our_o labour_n and_o industry_n in_o our_o christian_a race_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a i_o mention_v this_o truth_n more_o particular_o because_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o only_a creed_n which_o all_o the_o saint_n recite_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n agree_v in_o some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v true_a have_v a_o great_a prospect_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o messiah_n to_o come_v abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v his_o day_n jacob_n prophecy_n of_o he_o be_v very_o punctual_a and_o particular_a the_o other_o prophet_n give_v witness_n to_o he_o but_o yet_o it_o appear_v not_o that_o all_o there_o mention_v have_v any_o knowledge_n at_o all_o either_o that_o he_o be_v to_o come_v or_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v or_o suffer_v for_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n lay_v down_o that_o viz._n that_o god_n be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o as_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o their_o belief_n in_o confidence_n of_o which_o they_o willing_o undergo_v so_o many_o trial_n and_o temptation_n with_o such_o bravery_n and_o undaunted_a resolution_n if_o therefore_o we_o look_v upon_o these_o man_n only_o as_o give_v testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n yet_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o our_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o do_v justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o choice_n in_o be_v religious_a and_o serve_v the_o same_o god_n on_o who_o they_o believe_v and_o forsake_v all_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o they_o do_v before_o we_o since_o we_o have_v the_o same_o conviction_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o have_v that_o our_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o be_v further_o confirm_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o this_o by_o their_o patience_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o same_o profession_n and_o by_o their_o cheerful_a suffer_a persecution_n for_o it_o by_o their_o suffering_n we_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n at_o least_o that_o we_o be_v not_o singular_a in_o this_o our_o persuasion_n concern_v god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v without_o his_o witness_n in_o all_o age_n who_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o this_o faith_n and_o assurance_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o it_o without_o waver_v now_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v die_v in_o this_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v here_o call_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n be_v yet_o but_o a_o very_a few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o have_v live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v despise_v and_o reject_v all_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n to_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o reply_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o testimony_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o number_n and_o noise_n of_o those_o that_o affirm_v any_o thing_n but_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o evidence_n they_o give_v now_o a_o few_o man_n who_o give_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o they_o understand_v perfect_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v other_o be_v 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obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o heroic_a spirit_n recite_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n they_o be_v man_n of_o find_a mind_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o glorious_a thing_n they_o do_v and_o suffer_v many_o of_o which_o be_v at_o large_a record_v in_o sacred_a story_n they_o know_v the_o value_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o other_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o disgrace_n and_o pain_n and_o want_v and_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o these_o thing_n without_o a_o mighty_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o believe_v concern_v god_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o reward_v they_o after_o this_o life_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o wisdom_n that_o he_o know_v when_o and_o how_o to_o do_v it_o better_o than_o they_o can_v choose_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o but_o then_o on_o the_o contrary_a for_o those_o that_o have_v reject_v this_o belief_n or_o at_o least_o have_v not_o live_v answerable_o to_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v only_o a_o rash_a inconsiderate_a multitude_n of_o no_o understanding_n in_o these_o matter_n who_o never_o take_v time_n to_o think_v whether_o religion_n have_v any_o real_a foundation_n in_o nature_n or_o reason_n or_o not_o and_o therefore_o these_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n in_o the_o case_n and_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o witness_n for_o those_o other_o who_o have_v live_v wicked_o and_o have_v yet_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o ground_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o these_o be_v most_o of_o they_o self-condemned_n and_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o