upbraid_v the_o degenerate_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n at_o this_o day_n which_o do_v so_o abound_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n so_o that_o we_o may_v cry_v out_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o read_v the_o gospel_n profectò_fw-la aut_fw-la hoc_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la evangelium_fw-la aut_fw-la nos_fw-la non_fw-la sumus_fw-la evangelici_fw-la either_o this_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o read_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v or_o we_o be_v no_o christian_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v man_n to_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o divine_a nature_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o we_o be_v degenerate_v into_o beast_n and_o devil_n wallow_v in_o abominable_a and_o filthy_a lust_n indulge_v ourselves_o in_o those_o devilish_a passion_n of_o malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o strife_n and_o discord_n of_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n of_o sedition_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v never_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o who_o have_v the_o face_n to_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o demean_v themselves_o at_o another_o rate_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o have_v their_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o the_o vicious_a practice_n of_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n to_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o hang_v over_o we_o or_o if_o they_o can_v do_v that_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n a_o sermon_n on_o 1_o peter_n iu_o 19_o wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o instruct_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o towards_o the_o heathen_a or_o gentile_n among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o more_o particular_o to_o arm_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o those_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n which_o he_o foretell_v will_v short_o overtake_v they_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v happen_v they_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v and_o startle_v at_o they_o as_o if_o some_o strange_a and_o unexpected_a thing_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o at_o the_o 12_o v_o of_o this_o chapter_n belove_v think_v it_o not_o strange_a concern_v the_o fiery_a trial_n which_o be_v to_o try_v you_o that_o be_v do_v not_o wonder_v and_o be_v not_o astonish_v at_o it_o as_o if_o some_o strange_a thing_n happen_v unto_o you_o and_o then_o he_o instruct_v they_o more_o particular_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o under_o those_o trial_n and_o suffering_n when_o they_o shall_v happen_v not_o only_o with_o patience_n which_o man_n ought_v to_o exercise_v under_o all_o kind_n of_o suffering_n upon_o what_o account_n and_o cause_n soever_o but_o with_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n consider_v the_o glorious_a example_n and_o reward_n of_o they_o v_o 13._o but_o rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o when_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v you_o may_v be_v glad_a also_o with_o exceed_a joy_n and_o at_o the_o 14._o ver_fw-la he_o tell_v they_o that_o beside_o the_o encouragement_n of_o so_o great_a a_o example_n and_o so_o glorious_a a_o reward_n they_o shall_v be_v support_v and_o assist_v in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a manner_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rest_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o glorious_a manner_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n with_o they_o v._n 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o best_a copy_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o power_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n re_v upon_o you_o that_o be_v the_o glorious_a power_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v present_a with_o you_o to_o comfort_v and_o bear_v up_o your_o spirit_n under_o these_o suffering_n but_o then_o he_o caution_n they_o to_o take_v great_a care_n that_o theiâ—_n suffering_n be_v for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n v._n 15._o but_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n or_o as_o a_o thief_n or_o as_o a_o evildoer_n that_o be_v as_o a_o offender_n in_o any_o kind_n against_o human_a law_n make_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n of_o the_o world_n or_o as_o a_o busy-body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n that_o be_v as_o a_o pragmatical_a person_n that_o meddle_v out_o of_o his_o own_o sphere_n to_o the_o disquiet_a and_o disturbance_n of_o human_a society_n for_o to_o suffer_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o account_n will_v be_v matter_n of_o shame_n and_o trouble_v but_o not_o of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n but_o if_o they_o suffer_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n this_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o shame_n and_o reproach_n to_o they_o but_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o call_v they_o to_o suffer_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n and_o upon_o so_o glorious_a a_o account_n v._o 16._o yet_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a if_o that_o be_v his_o only_a crime_n let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o let_v he_o glorify_v gâ—d_v on_o this_o behalf_n for_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o judgement_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o at_o this_o time_n for_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o end_n that_o the_o first_o calamity_n and_o suffering_n shall_v fall_v upon_o christian_n the_o peculiar_a people_n and_o church_n of_o god_n for_o their_o trial_n and_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o god_n be_v now_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o iâ—_n first_o begin_v at_o we_o that_o be_v at_o we_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n and_o have_v now_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o shall_v the_o end_n be_v of_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n that_o be_v how_o much_o more_o severe_o will_v god_n deal_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v that_o be_v if_o good_a man_n be_v save_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n and_o must_v through_o so_o many_o tribulation_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n what_o will_v become_v of_o all_o ungodly_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n where_o shall_v they_o appear_v how_o shall_v they_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o inference_n or_o conclusion_n in_o the_o last_o ver_fw-la of_o this_o chapter_n wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o these_o word_n upon_o the_o apostle_n forego_v discourse_n i_o shall_v explain_v the_o several_a expression_n in_o the_o text_n and_o then_o handle_v the_o main_a point_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o expression_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v these_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n what_o by_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n â—s_a unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n and_o what_o by_o well-doing_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o suffer_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n such_o as_o god_n will_v approve_v but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o probable_a because_o this_o be_v mention_v afterward_o in_o the_o follow_a expression_n of_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n that_o be_v in_o suffer_v upon_o a_o good_a account_n and_o therefore_o the_o plain_a and_o
be_v of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v he_o may_v by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o teacher_n be_v bring_v to_o understand_v they_o without_o any_o great_a pain_n and_o such_o teacher_n god_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n and_o a_o succession_n of_o they_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o word_n when_o we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a to_o all_o capacity_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a we_o mean_v that_o any_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n by_o his_o own_o diligence_n and_o care_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o in_o the_o due_a use_n of_o they_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n necessary_a to_o his_o salvation_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n more_o plain_a and_o better_o fit_v to_o teach_v a_o man_n any_o art_n or_o science_n than_o the_o bible_n be_v to_o direct_v and_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v every_o man_n fault_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n necessary_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v or_o do_v in_o order_n to_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n iii_o good_a man_n be_v likewise_o secure_v from_o fatal_a error_n in_o religion_n by_o the_o infallible_a promise_n of_o god_n if_o so_o be_v that_o with_o honest_a mind_n and_o due_a diligence_n they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o that_o purpose_n god_n have_v promise_v to_o gaide_n and_o teach_v the_o humble_a and_o meek_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o submissive_a and_o teachable_a temper_n desirous_a and_o diligent_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n prov._n 2._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o if_o thou_o incline_v thy_o ear_n to_o wisdom_n and_o apply_v thy_o heart_n to_o understanding_n yea_o if_o thou_o cry_v after_o knowledge_n and_o lift_a up_o thy_o voice_n for_o understanding_n if_o thou_o seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v thou_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o 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 he_o speak_v of_o himself_o i._n e._n he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v from_o god_n this_o be_v the_o provision_n which_o god_n have_v make_v for_o our_o security_n from_o fatal_n mistake_v in_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v a_o better_a security_n and_o more_o likely_a to_o guide_n and_o conduct_v we_o safe_o to_o heaven_n than_o any_o infallible_a church_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o it_o be_v much_o more_o certain_a that_o god_n have_v make_v this_o provision_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a church_n appoint_v and_o assist_v by_o he_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o infallible_a and_o adequate_a rule_n and_o sufficient_o plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a i_o have_v already_o prove_v and_o i_o add_v further_o that_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o so_o declare_v by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n of_o it_o for_o many_o age_n and_o that_o all_o council_n in_o their_o determination_n of_o faith_n proceed_v upon_o this_o rule_n till_o the_o second_o council_n of_o nice_a i_o have_v likewise_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v provide_v a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o his_o church_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o this_o rule_n and_o that_o we_o have_v god_n infallible_a promise_n for_o our_o security_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v if_o with_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o due_a diligence_n we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o understand_v this_o rule_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o that_o purpose_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a church_n appoint_v and_o assist_v by_o god_n to_o declare_v and_o determine_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o certain_a because_o there_o be_v no_o clear_a and_o express_a text_n of_o scripture_n to_o that_o purpose_n that_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o much_o less_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v this_o power_n and_o privilege_n nay_o i_o add_v further_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n because_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n we_o can_v know_v either_o which_o be_v the_o true_a book_n of_o scripture_n or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o authority_n and_o infallible_a declaration_n of_o that_o church_n and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v first_o know_v and_o prove_v before_o we_o can_v either_o know_v the_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o till_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o nothing_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o they_o now_o to_o pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n by_o scripture_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o declare_v that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o can_v only_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o their_o church_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o shameful_a circle_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o escape_n and_o consequent_o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o infallible_a church_n be_v impossible_a according_a to_o their_o principle_n ever_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o proof_n for_o that_o god_n will_v infallible_o assist_v any_o society_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v know_v but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o some_o other_o revelation_n than_o that_o of_o scripture_n which_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v at_o all_o yes_o they_o say_v by_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o what_o those_o mark_n be_v must_v either_o be_v know_v from_o scripture_n or_o some_o other_o divine_a revelation_n and_o then_o the_o same_o difficulty_n return_v beside_o that_o one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n must_v be_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o than_o it_o must_v first_o be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n before_o we_o can_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o they_o say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v learn_v the_o true_a faith_n but_o from_o the_o true_a church_n and_o this_o run_v they_o unavoidable_o into_o another_o circle_n as_o shameful_a as_o the_o other_o so_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o they_o go_v to_o prove_v a_o infallible_a church_n they_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o a_o plain_a circle_n and_o must_v either_o prove_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n by_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o true_a church_n by_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o the_o true_a faith_n by_o the_o true_a church_n second_o this_o provision_n and_o security_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v more_o humane_a better_o accommodate_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n because_o it_o do_v not_o suppose_v and_o need_v a_o stand_n and_o perpetual_a miracle_n as_o the_o other_o way_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n do_v all_o inspiration_n be_v supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a and_o this_o infallible_a assistance_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n claim_v to_o herself_o must_v either_o be_v such_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v which_o be_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o something_o equal_a to_o it_o and_o alike_o supernatural_a but_o god_n do_v not_o work_v miracle_n without_o need_n or_o continue_v they_o when_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o they_o when_o god_n deliver_v the_o law_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n it_o be_v accompany_v with_o miracle_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o he_o send_v to_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v a_o immediate_a inspiration_n but_o their_o supreme_a judicature_n or_o their_o general_n council_n which_o they_o call_v the_o sanhedrim_n be_v not_o infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o law_n when_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n arise_v about_o it_o no_o nor_o in_o judge_v of_o true_a and_o false_a prophet_n but_o they_o determine_v this_o and_o all_o other_o emergent_a cause_n by_o the_o stand_a
of_o it_o nay_o i_o will_v go_v far_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o promise_v make_v in_o scripture_n of_o direction_n or_o assistance_n or_o security_n from_o mistake_n to_o any_o church_n but_o the_o same_o be_v make_v in_o as_o full_a and_o express_a term_n to_o every_o good_a man_n that_o sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o practice_v it_o be_v it_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o pastor_n of_o it_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o have_v not_o our_o saviour_n promise_v the_o same_o to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o word_n john_n 14._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 do_v not_o the_o apostle_n apply_v the_o same_o promise_n to_o every_o good_a christian_a heb._n 13._o 5._o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o for_o where_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o and_o i_o will_v make_v my_o abode_n with_o he_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o be_v it_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v she_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o promise_v make_v to_o every_o good_a man_n john_n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o will_v manifest_v myself_o to_o he_o that_o be_v god_n will_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n have_v god_n promise_v to_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n use_v the_o same_o metaphor_n concern_v every_o man_n that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n mat._n 7._o 24._o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o be_v like_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n so_o that_o if_o to_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n signify_v infallibility_n it_o belong_v to_o every_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o practise_v what_o he_o know_v as_o much_o as_o to_o any_o church_n when_o man_n be_v enable_v by_o god_n to_o work_v miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o those_o doctrine_n but_o without_o this_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o person_n or_o church_n to_o pretend_v to_o it_o because_o they_o offer_v no_o evidence_n â—it_a to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o they_o be_v so_o assist_v and_o i_o do_v not_o hear_v that_o the_o pope_n among_o all_o his_o privilege_n do_v pretend_v to_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n second_o from_o hence_o likewise_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o error_n and_o infidelity_n in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o infidel_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o of_o his_o will_n it_o be_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o god_n but_o because_o man_n interest_n and_o lust_n make_v they_o partial_a and_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o recommend_v it_o to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o conscience_n so_o that_o as_o st._n paul_n argue_v if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o if_o man_n do_v but_o stand_v indifferent_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o sway_v by_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o lust_n or_o passion_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o man_n that_o have_v the_o gospel_n fair_o propose_v to_o he_o will_v continue_v a_o infidel_n if_o man_n do_v but_o true_o live_v up_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n they_o will_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v so_o suitable_a thereto_o be_v from_o god_n three_o and_o last_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n do_v we_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v mistake_v about_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n let_v we_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o do_v his_o will._n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o their_o vicious_a practice_n the_o best_a way_n certain_o to_o preserve_v a_o right_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o take_v great_a 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and_o to_o embrace_v gross_a error_n and_o delusion_n we_o may_v almost_o certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v some_o worldly_a interest_n or_o lust_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o so_o our_o saviour_n have_v likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n be_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o st._n peter_n exhortation_n the_o 2_o d_o of_o pet._n 3._o 17_o 18._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o luke_n xii_o 15._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v among_o all_o the_o irregular_a appetite_n of_o man_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v more_o common_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o of_o a_o more_o universal_a bad_a influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n than_o this_o of_o covetousness_n and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v of_o this_o vice_n i_o shall_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o a_o great_a many_o other_o even_o of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n truth_n and_o religion_n of_o which_o covetousness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o common_a cause_n so_o that_o if_o i_o can_v contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o this_o great_a distemper_n of_o man_n mind_n i_o shall_v in_o so_o do_v remove_n that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o his_o hearer_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v in_o which_o word_n be_v these_o threâ—_n thing_n observable_a first_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o caution_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v he_o double_v it_o to_o show_v the_o great_a need_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o caution_n or_o the_o vice_n which_o our_o
off_o from_o all_o employment_n lest_o you_o put_v they_o in_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o be_v undo_v have_v a_o care_n of_o leave_v they_o no_o other_o business_n but_o to_o spend_v what_o you_o have_v leave_v they_o if_o you_o do_v so_o they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n do_v that_o work_v very_o effectual_o and_o make_v as_o much_o haste_n to_o be_v poor_a as_o you_o do_v to_o make_v they_o rich._n if_o man_n can_v but_o be_v content_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o their_o child_n they_o may_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n better_o for_o themselves_o by_o dispose_v what_o they_o have_v to_o spare_v in_o charity_n three_o other_o will_v fain_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o this_o duty_n at_o present_a by_o tell_v what_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v that_o be_v when_o they_o can_v keep_v what_o they_o have_v no_o long_o it_o seem_v than_o thou_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o thy_o executor_n to_o do_v good_a in_o thy_o stead_n this_o show_v thou_o have_v no_o great_a heart_n to_o the_o business_n when_o thou_o deferre_v it_o as_o long_o as_o ever_o thou_o can_v but_o why_o will_v thou_o trust_v another_o with_o the_o disposal_n of_o thy_o charity_n rather_o than_o thyself_o this_o be_v hardly_o to_o offer_v either_o a_o reasonable_a or_o a_o live_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n to_o do_v good_a only_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a it_o be_v well_o that_o god_n have_v make_v all_o man_n mortal_a and_o that_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v otherwise_o some_o man_n will_v never_o do_v good_a at_o all_o wherefore_o set_v aside_o these_o and_o all_o other_o excuse_n which_o will_v not_o be_v admit_v nor_o will_v any_o of_o we_o have_v the_o face_n to_o plead_v they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n i_o say_v setting_z aside_o all_o excuse_n whatsoever_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o do_v good_a with_o what_o we_o have_v whilst_o we_o can_v and_o to_o that_o end_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o some_o portion_n of_o what_o god_n have_v blessed_v we_o withal_o for_o the_o use_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n and_o let_v it_o bear_v some_o decent_a proportion_n to_o what_o god_n have_v give_v we_o there_o be_v never_o want_v of_o proper_a object_n for_o our_o large_a charity_n and_o now_o less_o than_o ever_o beside_o those_o at_o home_n which_o present_v themselves_o to_o we_o in_o great_a number_n every_o day_n god_n have_v send_v we_o many_o from_o abroad_o who_o call_v loud_o upon_o we_o for_o our_o pity_n and_o help_v both_o as_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o great_a extremity_n and_o be_v sufferer_n in_o the_o best_a cause_n that_o of_o our_o common_a religion_n which_o ought_v now_o to_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o than_o ever_o let_v we_o show_v mercy_n now_o as_o we_o expect_v mercy_n from_o other_o in_o any_o day_n of_o our_o distress_n in_o this_o world_n and_o as_o ever_o we_o hope_v when_o ever_o we_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n to_o find_v mercy_n with_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o day_n consider_v what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o let_v this_o extraordinary_a kind_n of_o caution_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o your_o mind_n take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v a_o sermon_n on_o matth_n vi_o 33._o but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n our_o saviour_n do_v in_o a_o long_a discourse_n caution_n his_o disciple_n against_o a_o inordinate_a care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o he_o conclude_v with_o a_o strict_a charge_n to_o make_v religion_n their_o first_o and_o great_a concernment_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o take_v care_n to_o secure_v to_o themselves_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o handle_n of_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v explain_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n second_o what_o by_o seek_v of_o these_o three_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o necessary_a and_o plain_a direction_n which_o if_o we_o observe_v we_o can_v miscarry_v in_o this_o matter_n four_o i_o shall_v set_v before_o you_o some_o of_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o mind_v of_o this_o great_a interest_n and_o concernment_n among_o which_o i_o shall_v particular_o consider_v the_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n here_o use_v in_o the_o text_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o 1._o i_o shall_v explain_v to_o you_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v two_o famous_a acceptation_n of_o this_o phrase_n and_o both_o of_o they_o very_o frequent_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n sometime_o it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o by_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n mark_v 1._o 15._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o be_v the_o state_n or_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o approach_v and_o ready_a to_o take_v place_n luke_n 17._o 20._o the_o pharisee_n demand_v of_o our_o saviour_n when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v that_o be_v when_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v commence_v he_o answer_v they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n that_o be_v not_o with_o any_o temporal_a pomp_n and_o splendour_n so_o as_o to_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o people_n after_o it_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v vain_o imagine_v but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v among_o you_o not_o within_o you_o as_o our_o translation_n have_v improper_o render_v it_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o tell_v they_o be_v already_o come_v unto_o you_o the_o messiah_n be_v among_o you_o and_o you_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o he_o in_o the_o like_a sense_n this_o phrase_n be_v use_v mat._n 21._o 43._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v use_v mat._n 11._o 11._o where_n speak_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n our_o saviour_n say_v that_o among_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n there_o have_v not_o rise_v a_o great_a than_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o great_a person_n than_o he_o under_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o yet_o he_o that_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v great_a than_o he_o now_o though_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o whole_o exclude_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o sense_n of_o this_o phrase_n very_o usual_a likewise_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o which_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n argument_n and_o discourseâ—_n and_o so_o it_o signify_v that_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o glory_n which_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v advance_v to_o in_o another_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v before_o forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v so_o solicitous_a about_o take_v you_o no_o thought_n say_v what_o shall_v we_o eat_v or_o what_o shall_v we_o drink_v or_o wherewithal_o shall_v we_o be_v clothe_v and_o then_o it_o follow_v in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o this_o inordinate_a and_o solicitous_a care_n about_o worldly_a thing_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v be_v not_o so_o solicitous_a about_o the_o conveniency_n and_o necessary_n of_o this_o life_n as_o about_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o and_o the_o mean_n to_o it_o and_o this_o sense_n of_o this_o phrase_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v so_o very_o frequent_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o give_v particular_a instance_n of_o it_o second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o righteousness_n seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n righteousness_n in_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n signify_v the_o particular_a virtue_n of_o justice_n
genuine_a sense_n of_o this_o expression_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n will_n and_o the_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v appoint_v to_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n shall_v demean_v themselves_o so_o and_o so_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v those_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o call_v to_o suffer_v and_o this_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o like_a expression_n chap._n 3._o of_o this_o epist_n ver_fw-la 17._o for_o it_o be_v better_a if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o that_o be_v if_o god_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o and_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n than_o for_o evil-doing_a second_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n as_o to_o a_o faithful_a creator_n that_o be_v to_o deposit_v our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o a_o word_n ourselves_o into_o the_o hand_n and_o custody_n of_o his_o merciful_a care_n and_o providence_n who_o make_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o will_v faithful_o keep_v what_o we_o commit_v to_o he_o for_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n he_o be_v engage_v to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o will_v not_o abandon_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v for_o good_a man_n to_o support_v they_o in_o their_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o to_o reward_v they_o for_o it_o and_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o great_a encouragement_n in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o god_n cause_n and_o truth_n to_o commit_v our_o soul_n to_o his_o care_n and_o custody_n our_o soul_n that_o be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o a_o word_n ourselves_o for_o so_o the_o word_n soul_n be_v frequent_o use_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n psal_n 7._o 5._o let_v the_o enemy_n persecute_v my_o soul_n and_o take_v it_o that_o be_v my_o life_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n yea_o let_v he_o tread_v doâ—n_o my_o life_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o psal_n 54._o 3._o oppressor_n seek_v after_o my_o soul_n and_o psal_n 59_o 3._o they_o lie_v in_o waâ—t_n for_o my_o soul_n that_o be_v my_o life_n and_o psal_n 16._o 10._o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n my_o soul_n that_o be_v myself_o thou_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n but_o will_v raise_v i_o up_o to_o life_n again_o and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n mar._n 8._o 35._o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o same_o shall_v save_v it_o the_o same_o word_n which_o be_v here_o render_v life_n in_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n be_v render_v soul_n for_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 that_o be_v his_o life_n and_o so_o likewise_o joâ—_n 12._o 25._o he_o that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n in_o the_o original_a the_o word_n signify_v soul_n he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v who_o neglect_v and_o expose_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o life_n eternal_a and_o luke_n 9_o 25._o that_o which_o the_o other_o evangelist_n render_v by_o the_o word_n soul_n or_o life_n he_o render_v himself_o for_o what_o be_v a_o man_n advantage_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v himself_o and_o so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n be_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n three_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n by_o well-doing_n be_v here_o mean_v a_o fix_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o do_v our_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o hazard_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 7._o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n it_o signify_v sometime_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o charity_n but_o in_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o chap._n 2._o 15._o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well-doing_n that_o be_v by_o a_o resolute_a constancy_n in_o a_o good_a course_n you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a men._n and_o ver_fw-la 20._o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o sâ—ffer_v for_o it_o that_o be_v if_o when_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n you_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n and_o chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 6._o as_o long_o as_o you_o do_v well_o and_o be_v not_o afraid_a with_o any_o amazement_n that_o be_v be_v resolute_a and_o constant_a in_o do_v your_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o threaten_n and_o terror_n and_o ver_fw-la 17._o for_o it_o be_v better_a if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o that_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n than_o for_o evil-doing_a that_o be_v for_o your_o religion_n and_o constancy_n in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n as_o christian_n and_o not_o as_o criminal_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n so_o that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v wherefore_o be_v forewarn_v of_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n the_o sum_n of_o my_o direction_n and_o advice_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v this_o that_o since_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v suffer_v upon_o this_o account_n commit_v yourselves_o in_o the_o constant_a discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o particular_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n as_o the_o faithful_a creator_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o particular_a point_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o first_o that_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n second_o always_o provide_v that_o we_o do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n if_o we_o step_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o god_n providence_n will_v not_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n three_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n afford_v to_o we_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n first_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n truth_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n and_o good_a assurance_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o not_o 2._o how_o far_o they_o may_v rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o these_o suffering_n 3._o what_o â—â—ound_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o more_o particular_a and_o especial_a care_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o case_n of_o such_o suffering_n 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n truth_n and_o when_o not_o in_o these_o case_n first_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o not_o renounce_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o open_o declare_v against_o it_o and_o apostatise_v from_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o all_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n about_o suffer_v for_o religion_n do_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o religion_n or_o other_o and_o among_o christian_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n
no_o express_v and_o direct_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o common_a sense_n because_o the_o admit_v of_o transubstantiation_n do_v undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n whatsoever_o and_o do_v more_o immediate_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o yea_o though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o this_o doctrine_n yet_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o reason_n and_o truth_n and_o a_o just_a animosity_n and_o indignation_n at_o confident_a nonsense_n a_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o generous_a mind_n will_v as_o soon_o be_v bring_v to_o declare_v or_o swear_v that_o twice_o two_o do_v not_o make_v four_o but_o five_o as_o to_o profess_v his_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o though_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a consequence_n and_o concernment_n yet_o all_o truth_n be_v of_o god_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n though_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o all_o truth_n at_o all_o time_n yet_o we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o deny_v or_o renounce_v any_o truth_n nor_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o a_o know_a falsehood_n or_o error_n for_o it_o be_v mere_o because_o of_o the_o intrinsical_a evil_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n think_v it_o worth_a his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n so_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o joh._n 18._o 37._o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o these_o plain_a instance_n to_o which_o most_o other_z case_n may_v be_v reduce_v when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o truth_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o or_o three_o case_n wherein_o man_n may_v seem_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n but_o can_v true_o be_v say_v to_o do_v so_o first_o when_o man_n rash_o expose_v themselves_o to_o danger_n and_o run_v upon_o suffering_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n thus_o several_a of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n voluntary_o expose_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v not_o call_v in_o question_n and_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n offer_v themselves_o to_o martyrdom_n when_o none_o inquire_v after_o they_o this_o in_o the_o gracious_a interpretation_n of_o god_n who_o know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o zeal_n be_v please_v to_o overlook_v the_o indiscreet_a forwardness_n and_o rashness_n of_o it_o may_v be_v accept_v for_o a_o kind_n of_o martyrdom_n but_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v justify_v so_o aâ—_n to_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o pattern_n and_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n for_o though_o god_n may_v be_v please_v to_o excuse_v the_o weakness_n of_o a_o well-meaning_a zeal_n yet_o he_o can_v approve_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suffer_v cheerful_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n when_o he_o call_v we_o to_o fight_v this_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o resist_v unto_o blood_n and_o when_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o strait_a that_o we_o must_v either_o die_v for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n or_o deny_v they_o to_o suffer_v i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n with_o courage_n and_o patience_n be_v one_o of_o the_o noble_a of_o all_o the_o christian_a virtue_n but_o to_o be_v perfect_a volunteer_n and_o to_o run_v ourselves_o upon_o suffering_n when_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o they_o look_v rather_o like_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n which_o though_o god_n may_v merciful_o excuse_v and_o pardon_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o action_n for_o the_o good_a mean_v of_o it_o yet_o he_o can_v never_o perfect_o approve_v and_o accept_v of_o it_o but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v little_a need_n nowa-day_n to_o caution_n man_n against_o this_o rashness_n it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o resolution_n to_o suffer_v when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o it_o second_o nor_o can_v man_n be_v true_o say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v not_o for_o their_o faith_n but_o their_o fancy_n and_o for_o the_o wilful_a and_o affect_a error_n of_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n as_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o in_o heat_n and_o passion_n they_o call_v superstition_n and_o idoltary_a and_o for_o their_o own_o false_a opinion_n in_o religion_n which_o they_o mistake_v for_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o this_o case_n their_o mistake_n about_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o nor_o turn_v their_o suffering_n into_o martyrdom_n and_o yet_o many_o man_n have_v certain_o suffer_v for_o their_o own_o mistake_n for_o as_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o delude_v as_o to_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n when_o they_o kill_v his_o faithful_a servant_n so_o likewise_o may_v they_o be_v so_o far_o deceive_v as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o their_o own_o culpable_a error_n and_o mistake_v but_o this_o be_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_v not_o the_o wisdom_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o but_o that_o which_o come_v from_o beneath_o and_o be_v like_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v heat_n without_o light_n three_o and_o last_o nor_o can_v man_n true_o be_v say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o the_o open_a profession_n and_o defence_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o all_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a truth_n yet_o he_o be_v under_o no_o such_o obligation_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o unless_o he_o be_v call_v to_o deny_v they_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v either_o to_o declare_v or_o defend_v they_o he_o may_v hold_v his_o peace_n at_o other_o time_n and_o be_v silent_a about_o they_o especial_o when_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o they_o will_v probable_o do_v no_o good_a to_o other_o and_o will_v certain_o do_v hurt_v to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o zealous_a endeavour_n to_o propagate_v such_o truth_n will_v be_v to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o good_a say_v of_o erasmus_n if_o we_o understand_v it_o as_o i_o believe_v he_o mean_v it_o of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a adeo_fw-la invisâ—_n sunt_fw-la mihi_fw-la discordiâ—_n ut_fw-la veritas_fw-la etiam_fw-la contentiosa_fw-la displiceat_fw-la i_o be_o say_v he_o so_o perfect_a a_o hater_n of_o discord_n that_o i_o be_o even_o displease_v with_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o contention_n as_o a_o man_n be_v never_o to_o deny_v truth_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o if_o he_o suffer_v upon_o that_o account_n he_o can_v justify_v it_o to_o his_o own_o prudence_n nor_o have_v comfort_n in_o such_o suffering_n because_o he_o bring_v they_o needless_o upon_o himself_o and_o no_o man_n can_v have_v comfort_n but_o in_o suffer_v for_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o namely_o when_o man_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n namely_o how_o far_o man_n may_v rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o provide_v we_o do_v what_o become_v we_o and_o be_v our_o duty_n on_o our_o part_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v on_o his_o part_n to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o his_o cause_n one_o of_o these_o three_o way_n first_o to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o violent_a degree_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v which_o will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n or_o second_o in_o case_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a temptation_n and_o trial_n to_o give_v we_o the_o extraordinary_a support_v and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n or_o else_o three_o in_o case_n of_o a_o temporary_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n to_o raise_v we_o up_o by_o repentance_n and_o a_o great_a resolution_n and_o constancy_n under_o suffering_n i_o shall_v speak_v several_o to_o these_o 1._o either_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o