christian_n practice_n describe_v by_o way_n of_o essay_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o stephen_n skynner_n rector_n of_o buckland_n in_o hertfordshire_n and_o late_a fellow_n of_o trinity-college_n in_o cambridg_n imprimatur_fw-la novemb_n 17._o 1692._o c._n alston_n london_n print_v for_o daniel_n brown_n at_o the_o black_a swan_n and_o bible_n without_o temple-bar_n mdcxciii_o the_o preface_n it_o be_v a_o good_a observation_n that_o nothing_o have_v make_v more_o atheist_n in_o the_o world_n than_o superstition_n for_o though_o immorality_n have_v certain_o too_o great_a a_o share_n in_o this_o yet_o may_v that_o be_v reckon_v in_o one_o respect_v not_o altogether_o so_o dangerous_a to_o religion_n as_o the_o other_o immorality_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o nature_n dictate_v that_o all_o who_o be_v not_o extreme_o blind_v by_o vicious_a habit_n be_v apt_a to_o see_v into_o the_o deformity_n of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o serve_v but_o as_o a_o foil_n to_o set_v off_o the_o beauty_n of_o religion_n like_o those_o heresy_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v must_v come_v that_o they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a whereas_o superstition_n deface_v religion_n itself_o as_o much_o as_o in_o it_o lie_v represent_v it_o in_o such_o horrid_a and_o ridiculous_a shape_n that_o stander-by_n be_v rather_o apt_a to_o think_v it_o a_o mere_a invention_n of_o man_n than_o that_o a_o wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n shall_v be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o extravagancy_n and_o the_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n therefore_o be_v to_o remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o superstition_n have_v raise_v in_o man_n mind_n by_o set_v a_o true_a copy_n of_o religion_n before_o their_o eye_n this_o i_o think_v can_v no_o way_n better_o be_v do_v than_o by_o follow_v christ_n himself_o that_o great_a master_n who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n a_o main_a part_n of_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o restore_v religion_n to_o its_o native_a purity_n by_o present_v the_o original_a pattern_n of_o it_o to_o we_o in_o his_o own_o doctrine_n and_o example_n and_o to_o his_o life_n therefore_o i_o have_v confine_v myself_o without_o refer_v to_o any_o other_o place_n almost_o of_o scripture_n not_o but_o that_o i_o pay_v a_o like_a deference_n to_o every_o other_o part_n of_o god_n word_n but_o i_o suppose_v that_o whatever_o i_o find_v in_o our_o saviour_n life_n or_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o perfect_a of_o itself_o and_o i_o be_v unwilling_a to_o swell_v the_o piece_n to_o a_o great_a bulk_n than_o be_v proper_a in_o this_o way_n of_o writing_n by_o bring_v in_o every_o text_n that_o may_v seem_v pertinent_a to_o my_o purpose_n for_o which_o reason_n also_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o many_o particular_a objection_n shall_v be_v formal_o answer_v here_o though_o beside_o the_o general_a one_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v large_o to_o i_o think_v i_o have_v touch_v upon_o most_o of_o the_o other_o that_o be_v any_o thing_n material_a in_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o i_o know_v of_o none_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n but_o what_o may_v easy_o enough_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o doctrine_n here_o deliver_v i_o expect_v not_o that_o some_o person_n shall_v much_o approve_v of_o what_o i_o have_v do_v and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o be_v concern_v at_o it_o consider_v what_o sort_n of_o people_n i_o suppose_v they_o chief_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n himself_o preach_v three_o year_n to_o the_o world_n we_o know_v and_o his_o very_a adversary_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o never_o man_n speak_v as_o he_o speak_v yet_o neither_o can_v the_o power_n of_o his_o divine_a eloquence_n nor_o his_o miracle_n make_v any_o considerable_a impression_n upon_o the_o pharisee_n heart_n and_o it_o be_v little_a to_o be_v wonder_v at_o therefore_o if_o human_a labour_n prove_v altogether_o fruitless_a upon_o such_o person_n but_o there_o be_v many_o other_o i_o presume_v to_o who_o this_o work_n may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n as_o well_o for_o drive_v out_o some_o melancholy_a fear_n and_o scruple_n whereby_o well-meaning_a people_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n as_o for_o silence_v those_o unjust_a cavil_n of_o its_o lay_v slavish_a and_o unmanly_a imposition_n upon_o man_n which_o profane_a person_n be_v wont_a to_o bring_v against_o it_o nor_o do_v i_o apprehend_v the_o least_o danger_n of_o have_v this_o piece_n censure_v by_o any_o wise_a unprejudiced_a person_n as_o give_v countenance_n to_o irreligion_n whatever_o weak_a or_o brainsick_a people_n may_v think_v of_o it_o for_o i_o know_v of_o nothing_o i_o have_v mention_v in_o it_o but_o what_o i_o have_v good_a ground_n for_o from_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o example_n and_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o advocate_n for_o profaneness_n if_o any_o thing_n that_o christ_n say_v or_o do_v tend_v that_o way_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v endeavour_v what_o i_o be_v able_a to_o imitate_v the_o skilful_a musician_n here_o in_o not_o strain_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o too_o high_a a_o pitch_n for_o though_o they_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n when_o they_o be_v most_o raise_v and_o so_o please_v the_o vulgar_a best_o yet_o the_o sweetness_n and_o harmony_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o be_v lose_v by_o this_o to_o every_o judicious_a ear._n though_o neither_o have_v i_o be_v less_o cautious_a of_o slacken_v the_o string_n of_o duty_n too_o much_o and_o i_o be_o confident_a man_n will_v find_v as_o little_a encouragement_n here_o for_o looseness_n of_o manner_n as_o for_o a_o overrigid_a severity_n if_o some_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o aim_v at_o great_a perfection_n in_o many_o duty_n than_o be_v here_o require_v i_o mean_v that_o which_o such_o call_v perfection_n a_o god_n name_n let_v they_o do_v it_o their_o zeal_n may_v be_v useful_a in_o some_o respect_n though_o it_o want_v not_o several_a inconvenience_n and_o the_o time_n may_v come_v one_o day_n when_o god_n will_v say_v to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v by_o the_o prophet_n who_o require_v these_o thing_n at_o thy_o band_n but_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o run_v so_o fast_o in_o the_o course_n of_o religion_n as_o these_o man_n do_v there_o be_v no_o need_n sure_a of_o discourage_v they_o from_o try_v to_o walk_v especial_o when_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o such_o ground_n to_o belive_o that_o a_o sober_a diligence_n in_o keep_v god_n command_n will_v carry_v a_o man_n as_o soon_o to_o heaven_n as_o the_o most_o furious_a driving_n of_o man_n of_o more_o zeal_n than_o understanding_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v therefore_o that_o such_o deserve_v less_o of_o religion_n who_o recommend_v it_o to_o man_n of_o sense_n in_o rational_a way_n as_o a_o thing_n easy_a and_o natural_a to_o they_o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n than_o other_o who_o value_v themselves_o so_o much_o upon_o move_v the_o affection_n of_o common_a people_n by_o undue_a heighten_v of_o thing_n and_o make_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v next_o to_o impossibility_n i_o be_v loath_a to_o interrupt_v my_o method_n by_o any_o long_a digression_n and_o therefore_o reserve_v the_o discourse_n concern_v the_o pharisee_n hypocrisy_n for_o a_o appendix_n which_o i_o think_v i_o need_v make_v no_o apology_n for_o add_v as_o be_v sufficient_o pertinent_a to_o my_o main_a design_n for_o by_o see_v here_o what_o it_o be_v our_o saviour_n so_o often_o condemn_v the_o pharisee_n for_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v our_o own_o duty_n and_o indeed_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o much_o to_o do_v with_o the_o pharisee_n in_o all_o his_o discourse_n that_o a_o man_n can_v scarce_o apprehend_v the_o force_n and_o tendency_n of_o many_o of_o his_o precept_n without_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o people_n of_o which_o hypocrisy_n make_v so_o great_a a_o part_n however_o if_o better_a judgement_n disapprove_v the_o notion_n i_o have_v go_v upon_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o harm_n do_v it_o be_v no_o article_n of_o faith_n believe_v the_o point_n which_o way_n you_o will_n and_o if_o it_o be_v any_o way_n of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o religion_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o in_o the_o common_a notion_n than_o in_o the_o way_n that_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o the_o content_n introductory_n consideration_n touch_v our_o saviour_n life_n and_o doctrine_n in_o general_n sect._n 1_o 2_o 3._o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o doctrine_n in_o ceremonial_a respect_n and_o here_o sect._n 4._o of_o ceremony_n more_o general_o sect._n 5._o of_o reverence_n in_o outward_a worship_n sect._n 6._o of_o the_o sabbath_n
honour_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n than_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o it_o these_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o universal_a applause_n among_o person_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o such_o therefore_o as_o must_v mighty_o recommend_v christianity_n to_o man_n when_o they_o see_v that_o a_o effectual_a promoter_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o most_o esteem_v whereas_o shall_v christian_n have_v neglect_v these_o the_o scandal_n will_v have_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v be_v impute_v to_o their_o religion_n and_o no_o man_n will_v have_v embrace_v that_o doctrine_n which_o seem_v to_o confound_v nature_n and_o to_o root_v out_o the_o principle_n of_o mercy_n and_o truth_n the_o great_a thing_n whereby_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v maintain_v and_o this_o i_o reckon_v one_o main_a reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n make_v love_v the_o distinguish_a badge_n of_o his_o disciple_n no_o question_n but_o there_o be_v several_a mark_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n whereby_o christian_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o person_n of_o other_o religion_n but_o this_o of_o love_n be_v such_o a_o livery_n as_o appear_v beautiful_a and_o amiable_a in_o every_o body_n eye_n and_o no_o wonder_n therefore_o christ_n make_v choice_n of_o it_o as_o that_o which_o must_v needs_o redound_v much_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o its_o master_n 22._o faithfulness_n in_o deal_n be_v one_o duty_n owe_v to_o our_o neighbour_n that_o be_v necessary_a above_o all_o other_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n and_o a_o small_a matter_n of_o religion_n one_o will_v think_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v man_n right_a in_o this_o since_o nature_n itself_o abhor_v a_o contrary_a practice_n though_o indeed_o we_o find_v none_o more_o want_v in_o this_o than_o those_o that_o pretend_v most_o to_o religion_n the_o pharisee_n character_n too_o frequent_o show_v itself_o in_o such_o that_o they_o be_v grave_n which_o appear_v not_o 11.44_o luke_n 11.44_o and_o those_o that_o walk_v over_o they_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o they_o however_o scrupulous_a they_o may_v be_v in_o other_o point_n they_o can_v devour_v widow_n house_n without_o the_o least_o remorse_n and_o boast_v themselves_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a licence_n from_o heaven_n to_o deceive_v certain_o a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o religion_n this_o and_o such_o as_o make_v christianity_n too_o often_o to_o stink_v in_o the_o nostril_n of_o infidel_n and_o profane_a person_n and_o no_o question_n so_o much_o the_o worse_o by_o how_o much_o the_o person_n guilty_a of_o it_o do_v make_v profession_n of_o great_a sanctity_n in_o other_o thing_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v many_o instance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o faithfulness_n in_o our_o saviour_n life_n as_o be_v beneath_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o character_n to_o have_v virtue_n of_o so_o ordinary_a a_o size_n mention_v of_o he_o though_o in_o general_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n 2.22_o 1_o pet._n 2.22_o and_o how_o grateful_a such_o a_o character_n be_v to_o he_o we_o have_v one_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o that_o kind_n welcome_o he_o give_v to_o nathanael_n on_o account_n of_o it_o when_o be_v present_v to_o he_o he_o cry_v out_o with_o no_o less_o delight_n than_o admiration_n 1.47_o joh._n 1.47_o behold_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o by_o guile_n here_o our_o saviour_n mean_v downright_a knavery_n and_o fraud_n alone_o but_o every_o undermine_a overreach_v act_n whereby_o we_o impose_v upon_o the_o weakness_n or_o ignorance_n of_o our_o brother_n which_o be_v plain_o imply_v in_o that_o dovelike_a harmlesness_n he_o recommend_v to_o his_o follower_n 10.16_o mat._n 10.16_o and_o however_o therefore_o some_o people_n may_v value_v themselves_o upon_o their_o craftiness_n it_o be_v certain_o no_o great_a commendation_n of_o this_o quality_n that_o our_o saviour_n call_v herod_n fox_n as_o one_o of_o the_o high_a mark_n of_o his_o detestation_n of_o he_o not_o that_o our_o saviour_n design_n hereby_o to_o make_v man_n weak_a and_o unwary_a or_o fool_n in_o business_n for_o prudence_n and_o simplicity_n be_v well_o join_v together_o by_o the_o poet_n and_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o commend_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o serpent_n ibid._n ibid._n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o require_v the_o harmlesness_n of_o the_o dove_n but_o when_o wisdom_n be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o circumvent_a people_n to_o their_o damage_n it_o degenerate_v into_o guile_n and_o craft_n and_o this_o be_v so_o abominable_a in_o christ_n esteem_n that_o i_o question_v not_o but_o to_o show_v the_o pharisee_n themselves_o may_v have_v escape_v that_o odious_a censure_n of_o hypocrisy_n from_o he_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o more_o especial_o among_o other_o vice_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n that_o they_o be_v godly_a cheat_n man_n that_o walk_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o inward_o be_v raven_v wolf_n 23._o mercy_n or_o forgiveness_n of_o injury_n and_o debt_n be_v another_o duty_n owe_v to_o our_o neighbour_n which_o our_o saviour_n press_v very_o earnest_o upon_o his_o disciple_n and_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o strange_a unimitable_a pattern_n he_o propose_v about_o this_o when_o he_o command_v we_o to_o be_v merciful_a 6.36_o luk_n 6.36_o as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a think_v indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o here_o but_o what_o human_a strength_n assist_v by_o god_n grace_n be_v well_o able_a to_o perform_v and_o nothing_o beside_o but_o what_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n will_v challenge_v from_o we_o as_o to_o debt_n he_o that_o will_v not_o forgive_v these_o in_o whole_a when_o a_o debtor_n be_v altogether_o unable_a to_o pay_v or_o in_o part_n when_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v the_o poor_a man_n necessity_n very_o great_a and_o pinch_a must_v certain_o be_v reckon_v a_o very_a hard_a man_n and_o i_o believe_v no_o one_o can_v read_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o unjust_a steward_n take_v his_o poor_a debtor_n by_o the_o throat_n 18.28_o mat._n 18.28_o and_o hurry_v they_o away_o to_o goal_n without_o abhorrence_n of_o his_o cruelty_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o that_o god_n example_n oblige_v we_o to_o in_o respect_n of_o debt_n he_o himself_o forgive_v not_o such_o debt_n but_o which_o we_o be_v unable_a to_o pay_v and_o he_o require_v submission_n here_o from_o we_o and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o favour_n before_o the_o bond_n be_v cancel_v and_o it_o be_v much_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o respect_n of_o injury_n for_o be_v the_o injury_n of_o a_o light_a nature_n some_o slip_v only_o of_o weakness_n or_o inadvertency_n these_o god_n pass_v by_o in_o we_o without_o particular_a repentance_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a ill_a temper_n that_o will_v not_o do_v as_o much_o as_o this_o come_v to_o to_o his_o offend_a brother_n or_o be_v they_o more_o heinous_a and_o gross_a here_o god_n expect_v confession_n of_o our_o gild_n and_o hearty_a desire_n of_o forgiveness_n before_o our_o pardon_n be_v pass_v and_o there_o be_v no_o generous_a soul_n but_o will_v accept_v a_o like_a satisfaction_n if_o punishment_n be_v necessary_a as_o it_o sometime_o be_v in_o such_o case_n for_o correct_v the_o offender_n and_o for_o the_o warn_v and_o terror_n of_o other_o god_n example_n do_v warrant_v man_n in_o this_o also_o provide_v they_o punish_v transgressor_n as_n he_o do_v out_o of_o hatred_n to_o their_o crime_n and_o not_o to_o their_o person_n so_o that_o to_o imitate_v god_n mercy_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o duty_n high_o reasonable_a and_o natural_a to_o man_n and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o great_a measure_n of_o perfection_n than_o this_o so_o we_o may_v well_o think_v christ_n require_v no_o more_o from_o we_o upon_o these_o term_n the_o forgive_a so_o often_o in_o a_o day_n as_o christ_n command_v even_o seventy_o time_n seven_o 18.22_o mat._n 18.22_o be_v no_o hard_a duty_n for_o by_o forgiveness_n there_o i_o can_v think_v christ_n mean_v a_o absolute_a pass_v by_o of_o fault_n though_o never_o so_o little_a the_o least_o fault_n when_o so_o often_o repeat_v be_v just_o interpret_v of_o obstinacy_n and_o gross_a neglect_n which_o be_v crime_n that_o high_o deserve_v punishment_n and_o therefore_o to_o forgive_v there_o be_v only_o not_o to_o bear_v malice_n or_o ill_a will_n against_o a_o man_n in_o which_o sense_n we_o may_v forgive_v though_o we_o correct_v at_o the_o same_o time_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o unreasonable_a imposition_n that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o imitate_v god_n in_o love_v and_o do_v good_a to_o those_o that_o injure_v we_o 5.44_o mat._n 5.44_o for_o god_n himself_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o take_v his_o enemy_n into_o his_o bosom_n whilst_o
the_o different_a temper_n betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n for_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v the_o last_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a law_n in_o who_o god_n will_v show_v we_o the_o severity_n of_o those_o precept_n which_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o hold_v the_o jew_n under_o but_o which_o he_o be_v please_v now_o to_o hold_v his_o church_n no_o long_o to_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o son_n who_o way_n of_o life_n therefore_o be_v a_o perfect_a reverse_n to_o that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o indeed_o such_o austerity_n as_o these_o when_o man_n take_v they_o upon_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o head_n or_o when_o they_o pretend_v to_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o observance_n as_o our_o saviour_n point_v at_o when_o he_o tell_v the_o pharisee_n 15.9_o mat._n 15.9_o that_o in_o vain_a they_o worship_v god_n teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n the_o pharisee_n pretend_v no_o ground_n for_o they_o in_o their_o law_n no_o more_o than_o the_o papist_n can_v well_o do_v in_o we_o and_o though_o in_o charity_n therefore_o we_o condemn_v they_o not_o for_o such_o extravagant_a will-worship_n as_o this_o yet_o we_o rather_o pity_v than_o commend_v they_o such_o be_v our_o saviour_n life_n and_o doctrine_n in_o respect_n of_o ceremony_n 9_o consider_v our_o saviour_n life_n in_o respect_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o you_o will_v find_v as_o little_a of_o enthusiasm_n in_o it_o in_o that_o as_o of_o scrupulousness_n or_o superstition_n in_o the_o other_o respect_n faith_n be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o piety_n and_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a nature_n in_o one_o respect_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n depend_v upon_o it_o though_o in_o this_o respect_n our_o saviour_n faith_n be_v not_o enthusiastic_a for_o our_o saviour_n real_o show_v the_o just_a pretence_n he_o make_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a faith_n by_o the_o mighty_a work_n he_o do_v whereas_o the_o faith_n of_o enthusiast_n produce_v nothing_o above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o neither_o be_v our_o saviour_n faith_n attend_v with_o those_o violent_a perturbation_n of_o mind_n and_o body_n which_o enthusiast_n be_v ever_o possess_v with_o in_o their_o pretension_n to_o revelation_n and_o prophecy_n but_o as_o faith_n be_v a_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v only_o a_o firm_a belief_n in_o and_o reliance_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o declaration_n of_o god_n whether_o with_o respect_n to_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a concern_v as_o to_o both_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o our_o saviour_n recommend_v but_o what_o every_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n both_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o subscribe_v to_o as_o to_o spiritual_a conceern_n the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v reward_v such_o in_o another_o life_n who_o diligent_o seek_v he_o in_o this_o and_o what_o be_v there_o in_o that_o more_o than_o what_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n have_v ever_o consent_v in_o and_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o dishonourable_a to_o our_o nature_n than_o to_o deny_v if_o we_o be_v bind_v also_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n propose_v the_o safe_a and_o best_a way_n of_o seek_v god_n and_o so_o of_o obtain_v a_o future_a reward_n i_o suppose_v no_o one_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n will_v think_v much_o of_o have_v that_o add_v to_o his_o creed_n nay_o and_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o that_o testimony_n with_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v if_o christian_n be_v also_o require_v to_o give_v their_o consent_n to_o some_o truth_n therein_o reveal_v which_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o humane_a reason_n to_o comprehend_v i_o think_v no_o man_n in_o common_a modesty_n can_v object_v against_o this_o especial_o whilst_o he_o consider_v withal_o the_o vast_a disproportion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o together_o with_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a faculty_n in_o discern_v the_o nature_n cand_n ause_v even_o of_o the_o most_o common_a accident_n here_o below_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o believe_v though_o we_o see_v they_o not_o and_o though_o they_o seem_v somewhat_o contrary_a to_o reason_n such_o be_v the_o earth_n hang_v upon_o nothing_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o air_n which_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o power_n of_o a_o almighty_a architect_n to_o fly_v to_o for_o the_o solution_n of_o but_o sure_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o deny_v that_o faith_n to_o supernatural_a which_o we_o give_v to_o natural_a thing_n as_o to_o temporal_a concern_v the_o sum_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n with_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o rely_v upon_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n without_o anxious_a fear_n or_o trouble_n and_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o natural_a principle_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n he_o that_o believe_v this_o hearty_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o himself_o in_o every_o condition_n and_o the_o same_o peace_n which_o he_o bring_v to_o himself_o by_o it_o he_o suffer_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o enjoy_v whilst_o some_o whine_a hypocrite_n that_o talk_v of_o nothing_o more_o than_o faith_n and_o practice_v nothing_o less_o than_o what_o faith_n direct_v be_v a_o continual_a plague_n to_o themselves_o and_o all_o about_o they_o by_o needless_a complaint_n and_o jealousy_n it_o be_v a_o noble_a strain_n of_o philosophy_n that_o our_o saviour_n express_v himself_o in_o about_o that_o undisturbed_a content_n which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o quiet_v his_o soul_n with_o in_o consideration_n of_o god_n providence_n 6.34_o mat._n 6.34_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o the_o morrow_n but_o let_v the_o morrow_n take_v think_v for_o itself_o sufficient_a for_o the_o day_n be_v the_o evil_a thereof_o 10._o i_o ove_fw-la of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o genuine_a effect_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o eternal_a beget_v son_n towards_o his_o father_n we_o may_v well_o think_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o leave_v infinite_o behind_o it_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n yet_o do_v we_o see_v little_a of_o those_o transport_v of_o passion_n in_o his_o love_n which_o mystical_a people_n talk_v so_o much_o of_o and_o which_o make_v the_o love_n of_o god_n a_o duty_n no_o less_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v than_o practise_v he_o tell_v we_o indeed_o in_o one_o place_n 14.11_o john_n 10.30_o john_n 14.11_o that_o he_o and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o and_o in_o another_o that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o the_o father_n but_o such_o place_n relate_v to_o his_o hypostatical_a union_n with_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n for_o any_o to_o pretend_v to_o beside_o himself_o and_o there_o be_v little_a ground_n therefore_o from_o hence_o for_o those_o extravagant_a expression_n which_o contemplative_a rhapsodists_n love_v to_o speak_v in_o of_o be_v unite_v by_o love_n to_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o be_v transfuse_v into_o god_n when_o christ_n speak_v of_o love_n as_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o we_o we_o have_v no_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o and_o to_o love_n god_n then_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o duty_n and_o choice_n 14.21_o john_n 14.21_o as_o we_o count_v he_o a_o be_v high_o worthy_a to_o be_v serve_v by_o we_o before_o all_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o strain_v our_o faculty_n to_o such_o romantic_a height_n as_o the_o people_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o talk_n of_o to_o do_v this_o for_o though_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n 12.30_o mark_v 12.30_o and_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o all_o our_o strength_n what_o be_v this_o more_o than_o to_o express_v our_o love_n towards_o he_o in_o obey_v his_o command_n with_o readiness_n and_o sincerity_n as_o we_o usual_o mean_v in_o common_a speech_n when_o we_o cry_v we_o will_v do_v such_o a_o thing_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v dispose_v with_o willingness_n and_o affection_n to_o do_v it_o there_o be_v no_o notion_n of_o divine_a love_n more_o sublime_a than_o those_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o plato_n and_o his_o heathen_a follower_n from_o who_o it_o be_v plain_a our_o mystical_a divinity_n take_v its_o rise_n but_o such_o aught_o to_o have_v strong_a head_n that_o soar_v aloft_o as_o they_o do_v and_o if_o vulgar_a soul_n be_v bind_v to_o aim_v at_o such_o contemplative_a perfection_n as_o these_o talk_n of_o we_o shall_v want_v more_o bedlam_n than_o church_n nor_o
according_a to_o the_o original_a pattern_n but_o multitude_n in_o a_o fond_a imitatiod_n enter_v themselves_o into_o monastery_n too_o often_o as_o a_o cloak_n of_o idleness_n to_o serve_v their_o belly_n and_o their_o lust_n more_o than_o god_n it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a say_v of_o a_o ancient_a father_n to_o such_o people_n thou_o separate_v thyself_o from_o the_o world_n that_o no_o body_n may_v see_v thou_o but_o who_o do_v thou_o benefit_n by_o this_o have_v thou_o be_v what_o thou_o be_v think_v thou_o if_o every_o one_o have_v do_v as_o thou_o do_v and_o our_o saviour_n plain_o lead_v the_o way_n to_o the_o father_n in_o this_o he_o be_v not_o for_o such_o perfection_n in_o religion_n as_o destroy_v one_o main_a end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o make_v man_n helpful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o one_o another_o but_o he_o divide_v the_o law_n into_o two_o great_a commandment_n 39_o mat._n 22.38_o 39_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neigh_n bour_o which_o he_o make_v alike_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o so_o be_v not_o for_o have_v one_o of_o these_o to_o swallow_v up_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o other_o though_o if_o one_o must_v necessary_o be_v omit_v at_o any_o time_n 12.7_o mat._n 12.7_o he_o be_v even_o for_o prefer_v work_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n before_o sacrifice_n for_o his_o own_o part_n the_o great_a business_n of_o his_o life_n be_v to_o go_v about_o 10.38_o act_n 10.38_o do_v good_a not_o to_o sit_v muse_v continual_o by_o himself_o by_o which_o he_o bring_v no_o less_o glory_n to_o god_n than_o benefit_n to_o mankind_n nor_o do_v our_o saviour_n prescribe_v any_o set_a rule_n what_o time_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v employ_v upon_o act_n of_o devotion_n but_o leave_v this_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n to_o proportion_v the_o time_n according_a to_o his_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n to_o be_v sure_a to_o begin_v and_o end_v the_o day_n with_o god_n be_v the_o least_o he_o require_v from_o we_o as_o be_v that_o which_o natural_a religion_n teach_v to_o be_v necessary_a and_o yet_o will_v some_o man_n make_v a_o conscience_n of_o this_o though_o they_o work_v six_o day_n in_o the_o week_n according_a to_o god_n gracious_a allowance_n i_o question_v not_o but_o they_o serve_v god_n as_o acceptable_o in_o profit_v the_o world_n by_o their_o lawful_a calling_n as_o the_o severe_a recluse_n in_o bend_v his_o knee_n continual_o before_o god_n 14._o repentance_n be_v a_o duty_n so_o near_o akin_a to_o piety_n that_o i_o know_v no_o place_n more_o proper_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o than_o this_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o a_o very_a solemn_a and_o severe_a nature_n and_o such_o as_o habitual_a sinner_n must_v expect_v much_o trouble_n and_o contention_n with_o themselves_o about_o before_o they_o bring_v it_o to_o perfection_n though_o certain_o such_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o complain_v of_o any_o hardship_n in_o this_o duty_n as_o have_v bring_v they_o upon_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o they_o have_v much_o more_o ground_n to_o admire_v god_n goodness_n in_o allow_v any_o place_n at_o all_o to_o repentance_n than_o to_o charge_v his_o justice_n with_o severity_n in_o make_v the_o term_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n so_o difficult_a be_v they_o much_o more_o grievous_a to_o we_o than_o real_o they_o be_v for_o indeed_o as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o duty_n but_o what_o we_o ourselves_o shall_v count_v reasonable_a be_v it_o payable_a to_o any_o of_o we_o to_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o a_o fault_n who_o be_v there_o that_o admit_v a_o gross_a offender_n to_o mercy_n without_o this_o who_o likewise_o that_o reckon_v such_o a_o one_o worthy_a of_o new_a favour_n without_o actual_a sign_n as_o well_o as_o promise_n of_o amendment_n though_o here_o i_o see_v no_o necessity_n for_o those_o height_n of_o sorrow_n which_o some_o insist_v upon_o so_o much_o as_o the_o only_a true_a mark_n of_o sincerity_n in_o this_o duty_n and_o which_o by_o unwary_a application_n have_v run_v so_o many_o into_o melancholy_n madness_n and_o despair_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v very_o little_a ground_n for_o it_o in_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n about_o repentance_n his_o design_n be_v rather_o to_o mend_v than_o to_o break_v people_n heart_n by_o this_o duty_n whence_o we_o may_v observe_v 19.8_o luke_n 19.8_o zacheus_n repentance_n be_v describe_v by_o a_o act_n of_o restitution_n alone_o and_o st._n matthew'_v by_o follow_v christ_n 29._o luke_n 5.28_o 29._o and_o entertain_v he_o at_o a_o feast_n present_o and_o the_o theif_n upon_o the_o cross_n 42._o luke_n 23.41_o 42._o by_o humble_a confession_n of_o his_o gild_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o not_o one_o word_n all_o the_o while_n of_o any_o excessive_a sorrow_n that_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v in_o his_o exhortation_n to_o these_o or_o any_o other_o person_n it_o be_v true_a the_o prophet_n often_o endeavour_v to_o awaken_v the_o jew_n from_o their_o spiritual_a security_n by_o call_v upon_o they_o to_o howl_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o rend_v their_o heart_n with_o like_a term_n of_o rouse_a rhetoric_n agreeable_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o old_a law_n which_o be_v deliver_v at_o first_o in_o thunder_n and_o tempest_n but_o such_o who_o study_v to_o imitate_v the_o prophet_n style_n rather_o than_o christ_n i_o think_v scarce_o consider_v aright_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o for_o sure_a our_o saviour_n have_v harden_v sinner_n enough_o to_o deal_v with_o to_o provoke_v he_o to_o this_o style_n have_v it_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o temper_n though_o still_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v there_o be_v much_o of_o the_o hyperbole_n in_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n no_o unusual_a figure_n among_o they_o and_o after_o all_o they_o themselves_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o afflict_a the_o soul_n as_o turn_v from_o wickedness_n 58.5_o isa_n 58.5_o and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a that_o god_n call_v repentance_n not_o that_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v otherwise_o than_o commendable_a in_o every_o degree_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a sign_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o excellent_a mean_n of_o conversion_n it_o be_v half_a way_n towards_o amendment_n of_o any_o fault_n to_o be_v thorough_o possess_v with_o trouble_n and_o grief_n for_o it_o and_o happy_a therefore_o be_v he_o who_o heart_n be_v tender_a and_o his_o soul_n touch_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o folly_n and_o ingratitude_n in_o offend_a god_n can_v with_o david_n and_o st._n peter_n melt_v into_o tear_n present_o at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o past_a crime_n but_o that_o which_o be_v laudable_a or_o useful_a be_v not_o always_o necessary_a and_o i_o think_v there_o be_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o this_o as_o in_o any_o other_o case_n for_o there_o be_v many_o natural_a circumstance_n of_o age_n sex_n and_o constitution_n of_o body_n that_o cause_n great_a difference_n in_o people_n inclination_n to_o sorrow_n as_o the_o weak_a and_o more_o tender_a they_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o they_o be_v general_o wrought_v upon_o by_o this_o passion_n childhood_n and_o old_a age_n be_v more_o subject_n to_o it_o than_o manhood_n woman_n more_o than_o man_n soft_a and_o gentle_a nature_n more_o than_o rough_a and_o manly_a disposition_n but_o sure_a salvation_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o which_o people_n can_v no_o way_n help_v and_o if_o some_o therefore_o who_o upon_o the_o most_o sensible_a affliction_n be_v not_o able_a to_o shed_v a_o tear_n as_o there_o be_v many_o of_o this_o temper_n shall_v with_o dry_a eye_n confess_v their_o sin_n before_o god_n this_o certain_o shall_v never_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o bar_n to_o their_o acceptance_n with_o he_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n life_n and_o doctrine_n in_o respect_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n 15._o look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n life_n in_o respect_n of_o duty_n relate_v to_o ourselves_o and_o it_o be_v altogether_o of_o a_o piece_n with_o what_o have_v hitherto_o be_v observe_v his_o conduct_n here_o do_v more_o especial_o show_v we_o the_o free_a and_o generous_a temper_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o enslave_v but_o to_o ennoble_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o regulate_v our_o passion_n aright_o be_v one_o main_a branch_n of_o these_o and_o as_o to_o this_o our_o saviour_n be_v undoubted_o the_o great_a master_n of_o his_o passion_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n know_v for_o what_o other_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o only_a in_o word_n he_o practise_v in_o deed_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o trial_n therefore_o so_o severe_a as_o to_o alter_v the_o evenness_n of_o his_o mind_n when_o a_o cato_n and_o a_o
the_o romanist_n object_n against_o we_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o such_o good_a work_n as_o these_o though_o i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o enough_o defy_v they_o to_o make_v good_a their_o charge_n when_o a_o reverend_a author_n in_o king_n james_n the_o first_o be_v time_n have_v give_v we_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o charity_n bestow_v upon_o college_n hospital_n free-school_n and_o the_o like_a pious_a uses_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o sixty_o year_n since_o the_o reformation_n amount_v to_o a_o million_o of_o money_n that_o which_o he_o challenge_v any_o age_n of_o popery_n to_o parallel_v in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o i_o think_v this_o age_n have_v give_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o our_o adversary_n of_o the_o respect_n they_o bear_v to_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o those_o liberal_a contribution_n they_o have_v make_v of_o late_a to_o distress_a stranger_n as_o well_o as_o in_o every_o other_o instance_n of_o charity_n which_o also_o ought_v the_o more_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o free_a generous_a way_n from_o the_o voluntary_a motion_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o benefactor_n alone_o not_o grudge_o or_o of_o necessity_n as_o it_o frequent_o happen_v in_o former_a time_n when_o people_n be_v fright_v into_o charity_n by_o their_o confessor_n sore_o against_o their_o will_n only_o to_o make_v composition_n for_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n may_v our_o light_n still_o so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 26._o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o seem_v beneath_o our_o saviour_n care_n and_o therefore_o beside_o these_o great_a duty_n that_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o neighbour_n he_o insist_o upon_o other_o that_o may_v seem_v of_o lesser_a moment_n though_o they_o be_v of_o no_o small_a comfort_n to_o those_o among_o who_o we_o converse_v such_o particular_o be_v that_o of_o not_o be_v angry_a with_o our_o brother_n rash_o or_o without_o a_o cause_n for_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o destroy_v the_o blessing_n of_o society_n more_o than_o this_o vice_n of_o anger_n 21.19_o prov._n 21.19_o what_o solomon_n say_v of_o a_o angry_a woman_n be_v certain_o as_o true_a of_o a_o angry_a man_n it_o be_v better_a to_o live_v in_o a_o wilderness_n than_o where_o such_o be_v beside_o that_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o vice_n be_v oftentimes_o very_o mischievous_a and_o fatal_a anger_n be_v a_o passion_n of_o a_o very_a bloody_a and_o desperate_a nature_n wherever_o it_o be_v suffer_v to_o grow_v to_o a_o head_n it_o know_v no_o rule_n or_o bound_n the_o two_o son_n of_o zebedee_n will_v have_v destroy_v a_o whole_a city_n in_o a_o mad_a fit_a of_o this_o passion_n have_v christ_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o furnish_v they_o with_o instrument_n of_o revenge_n as_o they_o be_v to_o call_v for_o they_o and_o we_o have_v multitude_n of_o instance_n in_o every_o age_n of_o people_n murder_v their_o dear_a friend_n and_o do_v other_o thing_n in_o their_o anger_n which_o have_v prove_v wound_n to_o their_o reputation_n and_o their_o mind_n never_o to_o be_v cure_v in_o this_o world_n wherefore_o our_o saviour_n press_v the_o duty_n of_o not_o be_v angry_a under_o as_o great_a obligation_n as_o any_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o less_o a_o danger_n attend_v the_o breach_n of_o it_o than_o that_o of_o the_o judgement_n 5.22_o mat._n 5.22_o and_o of_o hellfire_n and_o to_o show_v of_o how_o great_a esteem_v it_o be_v in_o god_n sight_n he_o represent_v it_o as_o such_o without_o which_o god_n will_v accept_v no_o sacrifice_n from_o we_o 24._o 24._o leave_v thy_o gift_n at_o the_o altar_n therefore_o he_o say_v go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n not_o that_o our_o saviour_n will_v make_v his_o disciple_n hereby_o such_o poor_a passive_a creature_n as_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o express_v their_o resentment_n with_o show_n of_o anger_n upon_o just_a occasion_n for_o by_o command_v we_o not_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o our_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n he_o plain_o insinuate_v that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o man_n may_v have_v just_a cause_n of_o be_v angry_a and_o we_o find_v therefore_o that_o he_o himself_o look_v upon_o the_o pharisee_n with_o anger_n at_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n 3.5_o mark_v 3.5_o and_o that_o by_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o prophetic_a office_n he_o call_v herod_n fox_n in_o way_n of_o indignation_n 13.32_o luke_n 13.32_o when_o the_o message_n be_v bring_v that_o herod_n have_v a_o design_n to_o kill_v he_o wherefore_o it_o be_v only_o some_o excess_n and_o irregularity_n of_o this_o passion_n that_o our_o saviour_n reprove_v when_o he_o condemn_v anger_n as_o a_o vice_n as_o when_o it_o break_v out_o upon_o trivial_a occasion_n when_o it_o be_v disproportion_v to_o its_o cause_n when_o it_o swell_v to_o immoderate_a height_n when_o it_o rankle_v and_o breed_v bad_a blood_n in_o we_o every_o of_o which_o be_v thing_n not_o only_o so_o mischievous_a in_o their_o consequence_n but_o so_o unseemly_a in_o themselves_o beside_o that_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o forbid_v they_o our_o own_o conscience_n will_v have_v do_v it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o wise_a or_o brave_a man_n therefore_o but_o though_o he_o may_v be_v take_v sometime_o in_o such_o indecency_n be_v ashamed_a of_o himself_o afterward_o whilst_o the_o blood_n indeed_o be_v up_o and_o the_o mouth_n swell_v with_o big_a word_n a_o man_n appear_v to_o himself_o very_o great_a and_o he_o lord_n it_o with_o no_o small_a pride_n and_o tyranny_n over_o those_o who_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n or_o interest_n not_o to_o oppose_v he_o but_o he_o that_o stand_v by_o and_o consider_v the_o poor_a ground_n upon_o which_o this_o deal_n ado_n be_v often_o make_v be_v so_o far_o from_o admire_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o man_n soul_n that_o he_o do_v but_o pity_v his_o weakness_n all_o the_o while_n they_o be_v the_o shallow_a stream_n that_o be_v general_o most_o noisy_a and_o most_o subject_a to_o overflow_v and_o a_o man_n therefore_o that_o value_v his_o reputation_n will_v keep_v a_o strict_a hand_n over_o himself_o about_o this_o passion_n though_o he_o have_v no_o other_o obligation_n to_o restrain_v he_o 27._o censoriousness_n be_v another_o vice_n opposite_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n which_o may_v seem_v of_o lesser_a moment_n to_o our_o neighbour_n good_a though_o it_o cause_v none_o of_o the_o least_o uneasiness_n to_o he_o this_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o reflect_v upon_o the_o pharisee_n for_o who_o it_o may_v seem_v reckon_v it_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o holiness_n to_o judge_v other_o people_n fault_n than_o to_o correct_v their_o own_o and_o all_o their_o discourse_n therefore_o run_v upon_o this_o subject_n and_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pray_v to_o god_n but_o they_o must_v tell_v he_o of_o their_o neighbour_n fault_n and_o thank_v he_o that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n 18.11_o luke_n 18.11_o not_o as_o this_o publican_n it_o be_v much_o the_o worse_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o their_o censoriousness_n be_v general_o attend_v with_o pride_n and_o uncharitable_a aggravation_n though_o it_o have_v be_v bad_a enough_o have_v it_o be_v only_o a_o supercilious_a reprove_v their_o neighbour_n continual_o for_o lesser_a fault_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n to_o condemn_v than_o that_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o their_o own_o pedantic_a way_n of_o walk_v for_o this_o be_v what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o their_o behold_v the_o mote_n in_o their_o brother_n eye_n 3._o mat._n 7.1_o 3._o which_o give_v occasion_n to_o his_o precept_n of_o not_o judge_v and_o indeed_o this_o must_v render_v converse_v so_o very_o uneasy_a to_o man_n and_o consequent_o religion_n so_o uncomfortable_a a_o thing_n when_o upon_o every_o appearance_n of_o evil_n they_o must_v be_v discipline_v and_o school_v by_o their_o friend_n that_o it_o be_v more_o to_o be_v fear_v they_o shall_v be_v harden_v against_o all_o reproof_n than_o to_o be_v hope_v they_o shall_v amend_v by_o it_o which_o be_v the_o great_a dis-service_n we_o can_v do_v either_o to_o religion_n or_o our_o neighbour_n soul_n no_o question_n but_o to_o reprove_v people_n with_o candour_n and_o discretion_n be_v a_o excellent_a duty_n in_o itself_o and_o there_o be_v no_o office_n of_o love_n more_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o true_a friendship_n but_o to_o perform_v this_o aright_o require_v more_o of_o temper_n and_o prudence_n than_o the_o vulgar_a be_v general_o master_n of_o and_o that_o man_n
may_v use_v all_o caution_n therefore_o in_o it_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n more_o solicitous_a in_o condemn_v the_o opposite_a extreme_a than_o in_o enforce_v the_o duty_n particular_o where_o reproof_n be_v like_a to_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a christ_n have_v give_v we_o advice_n very_o plain_o in_o a_o prudential_a way_n not_o to_o expose_v religion_n and_o ourselves_o in_o such_o case_n 7.6_o mat._n 7.6_o give_v not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a unto_o dog_n neither_o cast_v your_o pearl_n before_o swine_n lest_o they_o trample_v they_o under_o foot_n and_o turn_v again_o and_o rend_v you_o though_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o without_o some_o reserve_v to_o parent_n and_o minister_n and_o master_n of_o family_n and_o the_o like_a who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n in_o reprove_v those_o commit_v to_o their_o charge_n as_o there_o be_v much_o less_o danger_n of_o their_o reproof_n be_v despise_v by_o such_o than_o by_o stranger_n or_o friend_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o their_o office_n to_o do_v this_o which_o few_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o not_o to_o make_v some_o allowance_n for_o and_o more_o especial_o these_o have_a authority_n on_o their_o side_n to_o back_v their_o reproof_n with_o correction_n where_o the_o former_a work_n not_o the_o effect_n design_v this_o as_o to_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o doctrine_n in_o respect_n of_o duty_n relate_v to_o our_o neighbour_n 28._o i_o shall_v now_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o discourse_n but_o that_o i_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o answer_v some_o general_a objection_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o rigid_a observance_n of_o many_o duty_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v be_v much_o beyond_o the_o measure_n prescribe_v here_o especial_o in_o respect_n of_o temperance_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n mortification_n and_o the_o like_a self-denying_a virtue_n and_o now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o must_v declare_v that_o i_o can_v think_v the_o primitive_a christian_n practice_n a_o adequate_a rule_n of_o walk_v to_o we_o for_o though_o their_o zeal_n be_v certain_o much_o to_o be_v admire_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_a in_o some_o thing_n they_o go_v as_o much_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o prudence_n as_o of_o their_o duty_n particular_o in_o the_o case_n of_o martyrdom_n a_o thing_n they_o grow_v so_o fond_a of_o in_o a_o little_a time_n as_o to_o run_v themselves_o wilful_o into_o danger_n and_o even_o to_o provoke_v their_o persecutor_n to_o put_v they_o to_o death_n as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v no_o such_o advice_n to_o his_o disciple_n 10.23_o mat._n 10.23_o to_o fly_v from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n and_o this_o they_o do_v sometime_o in_o way_n scarce_o warrantable_a such_o be_v that_o of_o apphianus_n a_o famous_a martyr_n of_o palestine_n hold_v the_o perfect_a vrbanus_n hand_n when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o sacrifice_n insomuch_o that_o the_o church_n think_v fit_a at_o last_o in_o several_a council_n to_o blame_v this_o unnatural_a and_o overzealous_a ambition_n and_o neither_o be_v their_o austerity_n less_o strain_v beyond_o the_o limit_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n origen_n choose_v to_o lie_v upon_o the_o ground_n and_o walk_v barefoot_a many_o year_n be_v more_o i_o be_o sure_a than_o any_o law_n of_o christ_n oblige_v he_o to_o as_o likewise_o be_v those_o severe_a rule_n of_o temperance_n which_o he_o and_o other_o observe_v in_o those_o day_n of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o one_o alcibiades_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o live_v upon_o bread_n and_o water_n for_o a_o long_a time_n till_o it_o be_v beveal_v say_v the_o historian_n to_o attalus_n the_o martyr_n that_o the_o man_n do_v not_o well_o in_o refuse_v god_n creature_n and_o give_v offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brethren_n upon_o which_o alcibiades_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v as_o other_o people_n and_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o it_o and_o the_o same_o must_v be_v say_v as_o to_o their_o renounce_v the_o world_n to_o that_o degree_n many_o of_o they_o as_o well_o nigh_o to_o fall_v under_o the_o apostle_n censure_n 5.8_o 1_o tim._n 5.8_o of_o not_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o at_o least_o to_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o voluntary_a humility_n 2.18_o col._n 2.18_o and_o neglect_v the_o body_n which_o the_o same_o apostle_n declare_v to_o have_v only_o a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o they_o and_o it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o insist_v upon_o every_o other_o duty_n wherein_o the_o zeal_n of_o those_o time_n be_v wont_a to_o supererogate_v as_o in_o watch_n and_o fast_n in_o vow_n of_o chastity_n in_o unmerciful_a penance_n and_o the_o like_a 29._o though_o here_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o order_v thing_n at_o this_o rate_n as_o well_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o be_v already_o convert_v as_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o in_o those_o time_n for_o consider_v what_o persecution_n the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v to_o lie_v under_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o necessary_a to_o infuse_v such_o principle_n as_o these_o into_o their_o mind_n by_o this_o mean_v their_o voluntary_a austerity_n become_v a_o sort_n of_o harden_v to_o they_o to_o make_v they_o fit_a soldier_n for_o that_o severe_a service_n they_o be_v call_v to_o for_o it_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n for_o such_o to_o endure_v long_o and_o cruel_a imprisonment_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o lie_v upon_o the_o bare_a earth_n and_o fare_v coarse_o in_o their_o ordinary_a way_n of_o life_n and_o this_o must_v mighty_o take_v off_o from_o the_o pain_n and_o terror_n of_o those_o torture_n which_o they_o daily_o see_v inflict_v upon_o other_o and_o be_v at_o last_o condemn_v to_o themselves_o this_o make_v the_o great_a champion_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o mount_v the_o stage_n to_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o their_o fellow-sufferer_n lest_o through_o weakness_n or_o tenderness_n of_o body_n they_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o renounce_v their_o faith_n as_o not_o be_v use_v to_o such_o ascetic_a discipline_n than_o for_o any_o misery_n they_o see_v prepare_v for_o themselves_o of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o blandina_fw-la a_o martyr_n of_o france_n though_o by_o a_o admirable_a fortitude_n she_o frustrate_v the_o fear_n of_o her_o friend_n as_o well_o as_o the_o expectation_n of_o her_o enemy_n and_o of_o much_o great_a necessity_n be_v their_o contempt_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n for_o engage_v they_o to_o maintain_v their_o profession_n with_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n amid_o the_o persecution_n they_o lie_v under_o for_o man_n that_o be_v wed_v to_o the_o world_n be_v very_o loath_a to_o be_v divorce_v from_o it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o difficult_a than_o for_o such_o to_o follow_v christ_n who_o be_v fast_o tie_v to_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n the_o first_o christian_n look_v upon_o these_o thing_n as_o little_o better_a than_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o life_n and_o like_o true_a sojourner_n therefore_o upon_o earth_n they_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o just_o enough_o to_o bear_v their_o charge_n to_o heaven_n so_o if_o persecution_n seize_v their_o estate_n it_o be_v but_o like_o rob_v they_o of_o a_o upper_a garment_n which_o they_o have_v little_a need_n of_o and_o which_o they_o be_v ready_a enough_o to_o throw_v off_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o doubtful_a choice_n to_o such_o whether_o they_o shall_v part_v with_o this_o or_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o they_o know_v be_v a_o treasure_n to_o they_o to_o all_o eternity_n if_o persecution_n reach_v their_o life_n also_o it_o bring_v they_o but_o the_o soon_o to_o their_o journey_n be_v end_n they_o know_v and_o they_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o content_v with_o this_o who_o propose_v so_o small_a a_o share_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n 30._o nor_o do_v i_o less_o admire_v god_n gracious_a providence_n in_o order_v thing_n at_o this_o rate_n on_o account_n of_o the_o gentile_n of_o those_o time_n there_o be_v no_o mean_n more_o likely_a than_o this_o for_o convert_v they_o for_o these_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o principle_n which_o the_o philosophy_n of_o that_o age_n run_v very_o much_o upon_o and_o we_o no_o where_n meet_v with_o great_a example_n of_o severity_n of_o manner_n as_o to_o temperance_n and_o mortification_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o school_n of_o the_o heathen_n will_v at_o least_o pretend_v to_o in_o those_o time_n the_o stoic_n be_v extreme_o rigid_a this_o way_n who_o bid_v
sincere_o enough_o to_o be_v right_a and_o especial_o such_o as_o these_o be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n to_o inculcate_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n upon_o other_o whatever_o their_o own_o fail_n may_v be_v and_o therefore_o though_o our_o saviour_n condemn_v the_o pharisee_n in_o this_o place_n for_o lay_v heavy_a burden_n upon_o man_n shoulder_n which_o themselves_o will_v not_o touch_v this_o argue_v not_o the_o hypocrisy_n but_o the_o vanity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n in_o strain_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o impracticable_a height_n and_o condemn_v other_o uncharitable_o for_o every_o lesser_a slip_n when_o themselves_o be_v daily_o guilty_a of_o much_o great_a crime_n 6._o wherefore_o in_o fine_a a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n i_o think_v though_o he_o know_v it_o not_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o design_n contrary_a to_o his_o profession_n of_o holiness_n but_o to_o do_v contrary_a to_o they_o that_o rank_n he_o among_o such_o person_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o pharisee_n hypocrisy_n the_o pharisee_n be_v such_o person_n as_o wise_a agur_n speak_v of_o 30.12_o prov._n 30.12_o who_o be_v pure_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o wash_v from_o their_o filthiness_n man_n that_o appear_v not_o only_o to_o other_o but_o to_o themselves_o very_o righteous_a person_n and_o they_o have_v no_o small_a reason_n to_o think_v thus_o of_o themselves_o have_v piety_n and_o temperance_n and_o the_o like_a duty_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n require_v of_o we_o by_o god_n but_o their_o great_a fault_n be_v that_o rest_v altogether_o in_o performance_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o become_v careless_a of_o other_o duty_n no_o less_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n such_o more_o especial_o be_v those_o that_o be_v call_v social_n virtue_n for_o they_o neglect_v those_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n our_o saviour_n say_v judgement_n 23.23_o mat._n 23.23_o mercy_n and_o faith_n where_o by_o judgement_n he_o mean_v justice_n by_o mercy_n charity_n by_o faith_n faithfulness_n in_o deal_n by_o all_o of_o these_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n these_o the_o pharisee_n make_v little_a account_n of_o as_o duty_n of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n which_o even_o heathen_n and_o sinner_n for_o so_o their_o spiritual_a pride_n prompt_v they_o to_o call_v every_o one_o almost_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o sect_n practise_v but_o whatever_o the_o pharisee_n may_v think_v of_o such_o duty_n 22.36_o mat._n 22.36_o our_o saviour_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o no_o other_o than_o the_o one_o half_a of_o religion_n and_o this_o of_o such_o esteem_n in_o his_o sight_n that_o the_o most_o specious_a holiness_n be_v but_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o pageantry_n and_o mock_n show_v with_o he_o when_o such_o substantial_a duty_n be_v neglect_v it_o be_v by_o these_o therefore_o that_o he_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o know_v hypocrite_n as_o by_o their_o fruit_n 7.16_o mat._n 7.16_o and_o by_o the_o same_o mark_n he_o himself_o judge_v of_o the_o pharisee_n because_o these_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n appear_v not_o in_o their_o life_n but_o how_o fair_a or_o promise_a soever_o the_o tree_n may_v seem_v they_o be_v either_o whole_o barren_a in_o good_a work_n or_o else_o produce_v fruit_n quite_o contrary_a to_o expectation_n fruit_n that_o be_v noxious_a and_o fatal_a to_o such_o who_o converse_v with_o they_o therefore_o do_v our_o saviour_n pronounce_v they_o to_o be_v hypocrite_n 23.14_o mat._n 23.14_o therefore_o do_v he_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a damnation_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n hypocrisy_n as_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v most_o just_a and_o true_a in_o itself_o so_o do_v it_o best_o agree_v with_o that_o common_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o a_o pharisaical_a righteousness_n whereby_o we_o do_v mean_v a_o counterfeit_n one_o but_o a_o vain_a and_o empty_a one_o that_o consist_v in_o form_n of_o godliness_n deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o which_o ought_v to_o show_v itself_o in_o good_a work_n 7._o nor_o ought_v this_o to_o be_v reckon_v a_o vain_a subject_n of_o discourse_n now-a_a day_n for_o though_o the_o pharisee_n have_v long_o since_o be_v dead_a and_o rot_a in_o their_o grave_n yet_o be_v their_o principle_n and_o practice_n still_o stir_v among_o we_o and_o there_o be_v many_o it_o be_v to_o be_v sear_v to_o who_o the_o name_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi be_v sufficient_o odious_a who_o yet_o by_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o pharisee_n hypocrisy_n reckon_v it_o a_o great_a perfection_n in_o religion_n to_o imitate_v they_o in_o their_o most_o distinguish_a quality_n for_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n wherein_o the_o great_a pretender_n to_o religion_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o show_n of_o holiness_n that_o they_o mind_n little_a else_o ard_n this_o with_o no_o less_o satisfaction_n to_o themselves_o than_o applause_n and_o admiration_n from_o the_o people_n insomuch_o that_o if_o christ_n be_v to_o appear_v again_o upon_o earth_n with_o those_o innocent_a freedom_n he_o allow_v himself_o in_o here_o and_o a_o strict_a pharisee_fw-mi at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o long_a prayer_n and_o a_o face_n disfigure_v and_o eyelid_n continual_o lift_v up_o and_o a_o brow_n knit_v at_o every_o little_a liberty_n man_n take_v though_o without_o offence_n to_o god_n it_o be_v little_a to_o be_v question_v if_o some_o be_v to_o be_v the_o judge_n which_o will_v be_v reckon_v the_o great_a saint_n of_o the_o two_o our_o saviour_n modesty_n and_o good_a work_n will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n weigh_v as_o little_a among_o such_o for_o turn_v the_o scale_n on_o his_o side_n as_o the_o pharisee_n pride_n and_o injustice_n will_v hinder_v it_o from_o turn_v the_o other_o way_n such_o sin_n as_o these_o be_v reckon_v at_o worst_a but_o speck_n in_o god_n child_n which_o god_n will_v not_o be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v and_o such_o therefore_o as_o shall_v make_v a_o better_a show_n among_o some_o people_n when_o gild_v over_o by_o a_o specious_a holiness_n than_o the_o virtue_n of_o other_o man_n who_o conversation_n be_v not_o altogether_o so_o formal_a as_o long_o as_o such_o principle_n and_o practice_n as_o these_o be_v thus_o take_v in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v certain_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o show_v the_o dangerousness_n of_o they_o which_o i_o think_v sufficient_o appear_v in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o pharisee_n for_o it_o be_v these_o chief_o we_o see_v that_o occasion_v those_o many_o woe_n which_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v against_o they_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o half-face_n religion_n which_o look_v fair_a towards_o god_n but_o be_v full_a of_o pride_n and_o the_o like_a deformity_n on_o the_o other_o side_n carrying_z guile_n and_o oppression_n in_o it_o towards_o their_o neighbour_n and_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o approve_v this_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o no_o other_o than_o hypocrite_n for_o it_o so_o odious_a in_o his_o esteem_n be_v these_o vice_n of_o they_o which_o many_o make_v so_o light_a of_o that_o not_o their_o fast_n and_o prayer_n not_o their_o attendance_n upon_o ordinance_n not_o all_o their_o zeal_n and_o strictness_n in_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n can_v recommend_v they_o to_o one_o good_a word_n from_o he_o when_o attend_v with_o such_o moral_a defect_n as_o these_o certain_o a_o plain_a argument_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o moral_a precept_n and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v those_o ashamed_a who_o upbraid_v our_o church_n with_o insist_v upon_o such_o precept_n and_o pretend_v to_o make_v distinction_n betwixt_o preach_a christ_n and_o these_o as_o if_o to_o preach_v christ_n be_v any_o thing_n else_o than_o to_o preach_v those_o duty_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o duty_n that_o be_v urge_v upon_o man_n practice_n by_o christ_n under_o more_o press_a circumstance_n than_o these_o though_o god_n forbid_v here_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v think_v any_o way_n to_o vilify_v the_o duty_n of_o real_a piety_n so_o as_o to_o prefer_v moral_a duty_n before_o they_o much_o less_o to_o reckon_v they_o of_o small_a weight_n in_o themselves_o for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o all_o our_o soul_n 22.38_o mat._n 22.38_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o this_o be_v that_o under_o christ_n which_o sanctify_v every_o moral_a work_n we_o do_v these_o be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n when_o not_o act_v with_o a_o design_n of_o please_a god_n and_o set_v forth_o his_o glory_n thereby_o but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o be_v that_o second_o commandment_n which_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o first_o 39_o ibid._n 39_o and_o that_o without_o do_v this_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n there_o be_v no_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n in_o a_o somewhat_o parallel_v case_n though_o the_o former_a aught_o to_o be_v do_v this_o latter_a aught_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v leave_v undo_v and_o there_o be_v no_o less_o danger_n in_o omit_v one_o than_o the_o other_o finis_fw-la