endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n whether_o enjoin_v the_o duty_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o or_o promise_v those_o benefit_n and_o reward_n in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o life_n which_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o this_o very_a promise_n we_o have_v again_o repeat_v prov._n 3.32_o his_o secret_a be_v with_o the_o righteous_a it_o have_v be_v enough_o if_o god_n have_v pass_v his_o but_o once_o but_o since_o he_o have_v so_o often_o repeat_v it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v bless_v with_o a_o better_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o other_o in_o john_n 8._o the_o like_a promise_n be_v make_v and_o the_o like_a condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v be_v annex_v ver_fw-la 12._o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n shall_v know_v all_o thing_n requisite_a to_o life_n eternal_a ver_fw-la 32._o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n ver_fw-la 33._o that_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n and_o john_n 14.21_o i_o will_v love_v and_o manifest_v myself_o to_o every_o one_o that_o love_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a promise_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o other_o ground_n we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 111._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v the_o best_a most_o auspicious_a entrance_n upon_o it_o and_o they_o that_o do_v thereafter_o have_v a_o good_a understanding_n have_v good_a security_n that_o they_o can_v fail_v of_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a from_o all_o these_o promise_v we_o may_v be_v most_o assure_v that_o every_o man_n follow_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o fail_v of_o so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o will_v secure_v his_o eternal_a life_n and_o even_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o observe_v this_o rule_n if_o any_o of_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o some_o angel_n attend_v we_o constant_o observe_v all_o our_o action_n insinuate_v good_a counsel_n and_o exciting_a good_a thought_n when_o our_o passion_n grow_v wild_a and_o we_o be_v on_o the_o brink_n of_o sin_n it_o will_v infuse_v a_o great_a regard_n of_o all_o we_o do_v into_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v reckon_v ourselves_o happy_a man_n certain_o it_o be_v more_o happy_a to_o be_v under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o to_o have_v he_o who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o open_n our_o ear_n and_o seal_v instruction_n to_o we_o blessing_n our_o search_n into_o holy_a thing_n and_o accompany_v our_o meditation_n with_o a_o ready_a and_o prosperous_a apprehension_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o do_v god_n will_n because_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o be_v not_o slack_a in_o his_o promise_n but_o this_o advantage_n will_v appear_v so_o much_o the_o great_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o deliver_v up_o wicked_a man_n to_o darkness_n of_o understanding_n and_o have_v threaten_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o st._n paul_n show_v plain_o rom._n 1._o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o they_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o do_v not_o glorify_v god_n with_o that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o they_o first_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v ver_fw-la 21._o so_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o a_o reprobate_n i._n e._n a_o undiscerning_a mind_n which_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o god_n will_v deal_v so_o with_o we_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o by_o our_o work_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v though_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a warning_n in_o the_o threaten_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n rev._n 2._o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n their_o candlestick_n be_v remove_v and_o now_o they_o be_v in_o turkish_a darkness_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o ephesus_n be_v fulfil_v but_o why_o i_o beseech_v you_o shall_v that_o admonition_n be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o threaten_n there_o denounce_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n as_o well_o as_o of_o asia_n and_o to_o england_n as_o well_o as_o to_o ephesus_n and_o see_v every_o one_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o hear_v therefore_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o severity_n as_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o as_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o nation_n god_n may_v be_v provoke_v to_o deliver_v it_o up_o to_o darkness_n and_o delusion_n and_o to_o believe_v lie_n so_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o particular_a person_n he_o may_v give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o lie_a spirit_n and_o suffer_v seducer_n to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o plain_a truth_n in_o religion_n nor_o discern_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o monstrous_a error_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thes_n 2.11_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unreasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o holy_a thing_n that_o reign_v among_o many_o wicked_a man_n be_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n their_o habitual_a vice_n have_v violate_v their_o natural_a instinct_n and_o raise_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o moreover_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n wrath_n be_v upon_o they_o give_v they_o over_o to_o their_o own_o vileness_n permit_v they_o to_o run_v on_o in_o wickedness_n without_o the_o check_n and_o restraint_n of_o his_o good_a spirit_n and_o to_o defy_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o laugh_v at_o counsel_n and_o admonition_n and_o to_o make_v haste_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n thereby_o fulfil_v that_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n refer_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o wicked_a shall_v do_v wicked_o and_o none_o of_o the_o wich_v shall_v understand_v dan._n 12.10_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o sum_n be_v this_o if_o godliness_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o have_v moreover_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n which_o the_o unrighteous_a have_v not_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n ungodly_a man_n be_v under_o so_o many_o natural_a impediment_n that_o obstruct_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o moreover_o lie_v under_o such_o severe_a threaten_n of_o blindness_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o suppose_v the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a to_o be_v equal_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o understanding_n and_o equal_o enjoy_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o former_a have_v vast_a advantage_n yet_o above_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v the_o second_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o so_o continue_v though_o in_o other_o respect_v he_o be_v never_o so_o much_o superior_a to_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o be_v the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v above_o all_o other_o thing_n confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o power_n of_o good_a principle_n to_o fortify_v he_o against_o temptation_n to_o restrain_v he_o from_o sin_n to_o keep_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n to_o render_v it_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o he_o to_o moderate_v he_o in_o his_o prosperity_n and_o to_o support_v he_o in_o adversity_n and_o by_o all_o this_o he_o understand_v the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o true_a religion_n incomparable_o better_o than_o any_o man_n who_o can_v talk_v learned_o and_o argue_v dexterous_o about_o it_o but_o never_o feel_v the_o
seem_v to_o be_v the_o plain_a yet_o he_o repeat_v the_o substance_n of_o this_o for_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v you_o your_o trespass_n but_o then_o with_o what_o face_n can_v they_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n with_o what_o quiet_a can_v they_o think_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n who_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o do_n of_o injury_n and_o wrong_n who_o be_v as_o forward_o to_o trespass_v against_o their_o brother_n as_o they_o be_v backward_o to_o forgive_v their_o brother_n trespass_n if_o i_o be_v to_o describe_v what_o a_o true_a christian_a be_v by_o take_v some_o one_o point_n of_o christian_a duty_n the_o performance_n whereof_o do_v in_o all_o reasonable_a construction_n imply_v all_o the_o rest_n it_o shall_v be_v this_o that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o will_v not_o for_o the_o world_n do_v the_o least_o injury_n but_o can_v forgive_v the_o great_a and_o god_n grant_v that_o this_o may_v be_v our_o practice_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o life_n the_o nine_o sermon_n a_o assize_n sermon_n matth_n 5.34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n neither_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o head_n because_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o come_v of_o evil_a that_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o authority_n be_v principle_n suppose_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v from_o hence_o evident_a that_o in_o great_a part_n the_o process_n of_o our_o court_n depend_v upon_o testimony_n give_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o though_o the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n there_o be_v require_v by_o humane_a authority_n yet_o the_o peculiar_a obligation_n it_o lay_v upon_o we_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a law_n be_v found_v original_o upon_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n wherefore_o though_o a_o oath_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o use_n and_o end_n of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o civil_a act_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o reason_n whereby_o it_o oblige_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v high_o conducible_a to_o the_o end_n of_o civil_a government_n to_o maintain_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o it_o must_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o make_v they_o observe_v those_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v plain_o design_v to_o secure_v the_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o a_o oath_n and_o to_o keep_v man_n at_o a_o wide_a distance_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o perjury_n such_o be_v that_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o i_o have_v read_v to_o you_o which_o therefore_o do_v not_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n than_o to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n and_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o who_o consider_v what_o a_o vast_a influence_n the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n have_v upon_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n this_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o confide_v in_o one_o another_o about_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n to_o our_o life_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v so_o often_o necessary_a to_o secure_v our_o property_n to_o save_v we_o from_o wrong_n and_o to_o make_v even_o our_o enemy_n to_o do_v we_o right_o it_o be_v this_o which_o all_o process_n in_o court_n of_o judicature_n be_v govern_v by_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o all_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o give_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n about_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v be_v no_o otherways_o decide_v it_o be_v this_o which_o must_v either_o direct_v or_o misguide_v the_o wise_a magistrate_n and_o make_v their_o sentence_n itself_o either_o right_a or_o wrong_n and_o by_o which_o we_o be_v either_o strong_o guard_v against_o injury_n or_o almost_o inevitable_o expose_v to_o it_o of_o how_o great_a consequence_n therefore_o must_v it_o be_v to_o the_o good_a of_o all_o man_n to_o have_v the_o reverence_n of_o a_o oath_n secure_v and_o to_o make_v every_o man_n tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o perjury_n since_o the_o world_n can_v be_v well-governed_a nor_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n go_v forward_o without_o the_o use_n of_o oath_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v better_o be_v without_o they_o in_o as_o many_o case_n as_o there_o be_v wherein_o man_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o be_v forswear_v and_o yet_o alas_o it_o be_v the_o daily_a complaint_n of_o our_o age_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v almost_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o although_o it_o be_v real_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o dreadful_a to_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o call_v he_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o our_o lie_n than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o play_v before_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o canon_n while_o it_o be_v fire_v yet_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o report_n which_o be_v sometime_o make_v from_o court_n of_o judicature_n there_o be_v very_o few_o peasant_n so_o pusillanimous_a but_o they_o be_v hardy_a enough_o to_o swear_v to_o any_o thing_n and_o with_o equal_a confidence_n to_o contradict_v one_o another_o in_o the_o plain_a matter_n and_o when_o under_o a_o equal_a obligation_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o invocation_n of_o the_o dreadful_a name_n of_o god_n now_o if_o we_o will_v inquire_v how_o the_o sacredness_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v grow_v into_o such_o contempt_n i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o the_o common_a and_o frequent_a use_n of_o swear_v in_o our_o ordinary_a conversation_n will_v be_v find_v at_o least_o accessary_a to_o that_o dishonour_n which_o be_v do_v to_o god_n and_o that_o mischief_n to_o man_n by_o the_o so_o frequent_a perjury_n of_o our_o age._n oath_n be_v grow_v so_o familiar_a with_o we_o that_o man_n have_v forget_v the_o nature_n and_o true_a use_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o sensible_a that_o they_o call_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n upon_o themselves_o if_o their_o testimony_n be_v not_o exact_o true_a they_o have_v be_v prostitute_v to_o the_o mean_a service_n and_o profane_v by_o common_a use_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o sacred_a obligation_n peculiar_a to_o they_o be_v forget_v when_o they_o be_v use_v in_o those_o special_a case_n for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v reserve_v therefore_o if_o we_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o recover_v the_o fear_n of_o a_o oath_n among_o our_o countryman_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o by_o mean_n contrary_a to_o those_o whereby_o it_o have_v be_v so_o general_o lose_v that_o be_v by_o abstain_v ourselves_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o by_o dissuade_v and_o restrain_v other_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v from_o that_o familiar_a and_o fashionable_a swear_v which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o our_o age_n to_o which_o end_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n and_o reason_n of_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o they_o i_o shall_v consider_v 1._o the_o law_n itself_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o 2._o the_o sanction_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o law_n viz._n 1._o the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o come_v of_o evil_a in_o the_o law_n itself_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o prohibition_n and_o the_o precept_n 1._o the_o prohibition_n which_o contain_v 1._o a_o general_a rule_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o 2._o some_o particular_a instance_n whereto_o the_o rule_n extend_v neither_o by_o heaven_n nor_o by_o earth_n nor_o by_o jerusalem_n nor_o by_o thy_o head_n 3._o the_o reason_n why_o the_o rule_n extend_v to_o these_o instance_n not_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n not_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n not_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n not_o by_o thy_o head_n for_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o general_a rule_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o from_o which_o word_n the_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n have_v contend_v that_o a_o oath_n or_o a_o appeal_n to_o god_n that_o what_o we_o say_v be_v true_a be_v in_o no_o case_n lawful_a i_o shall_v here_o show_v the_o contrary_a and_o prove_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o rule_n be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o swear_v
three_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n be_v that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v our_o endeavour_n of_o do_v his_o will_n last_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n that_o though_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a yet_o he_o have_v no_o sufficient_a inducement_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n unless_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o his_o self-denial_n his_o resolution_n and_o overcome_v his_o evil_a appetite_n his_o forego_v the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n his_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o well-doing_n will_v be_v recompense_v by_o obtain_v of_o better_a thing_n in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o advantage_n he_o forego_v to_o please_v god_n in_o the_o do_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o take_v away_o this_o plea_n almighty_a god_n have_v moreover_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v bestow_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n immortal_a of_o endless_a glory_n and_o happiness_n upon_o every_o one_o that_o persevere_fw-la in_o well-doing_n and_o the_o last_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o which_o be_v the_o proposition_n or_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n instance_a in_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o in_o behalf_n of_o all_o other_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n of_o like_a necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o all_o those_o other_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n without_o which_o we_o can_v do_v those_o thing_n that_o please_v god_n be_v comprehend_v in_o and_o lie_v between_o those_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o low_a of_o they_o that_o god_n be_v and_o the_o high_a and_o last_o of_o they_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n etc._n etc._n have_v thus_o show_v you_o what_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o encourage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n i_o shall_v speak_v more_o distinct_o and_o yet_o brief_o to_o each_o of_o they_o show_v how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o what_o force_n and_o efficacy_n the_o belief_n of_o they_o have_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o 1._o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v without_o revelation_n we_o can_v have_v assurance_n thereof_o because_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o mere_a natural_a light_n that_o god_n will_v actual_o pardon_v a_o sinner_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o sinner_n be_v obnoxious_a and_o liable_a to_o just_a punishment_n and_o to_o inflict_v a_o just_a punishment_n be_v consistent_a with_o goodness_n so_o that_o we_o can_v argue_v mere_o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v otherways_o abundant_o express_v to_o we_o that_o god_n will_v remit_v that_o punishment_n because_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o goodness_n not_o to_o remit_v it_o that_o god_n therefore_o will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o remit_v his_o right_n to_o punish_v they_o as_o they_o deserve_v depend_v mere_o upon_o his_o own_o pleasure_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o not_o and_o consequent_o it_o must_v be_v a_o secret_a to_o we_o till_o he_o be_v please_v to_o manifest_v it_o to_o we_o by_o revelation_n and_o we_o that_o do_v believe_v that_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v do_v believe_v it_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n in_o which_o gospel_n it_o be_v plain_o declare_v that_o god_n will_v pardon_v those_o that_o repent_v the_o great_a and_o evident_a design_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v this_o to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n upon_o this_o motive_n that_o they_o shall_v obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n if_o they_o obey_v that_o call_v to_o repentance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n that_o which_o be_v promise_v be_v pardon_n the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v promise_v be_v repentance_n both_o which_o afford_v a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n for_o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n what_o do_v it_o signify_v but_o this_o that_o he_o will_v not_o reckon_v his_o former_a sin_n to_o he_o and_o that_o all_o his_o future_a act_n of_o obedience_n shall_v be_v reckon_v to_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n now_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o hereby_o all_o those_o jealousy_n of_o the_o power_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n which_o can_v dishearten_v the_o sinner_n from_o seek_v to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o by_o submission_n and_o repentance_n be_v utter_o remove_v hereby_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v neither_o inxorable_a nor_o implacable_a his_o prayer_n will_v be_v hear_v his_o repentance_n will_v be_v accept_v and_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n open_v by_o which_o he_o may_v return_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n now_o he_o that_o believe_v this_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o live_v so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n for_o the_o future_a for_o as_o nothing_o do_v more_o deep_o engage_v man_n in_o a_o obstinate_a and_o unreclaimable_a course_n of_o wickedness_n than_o the_o apprehension_n that_o they_o have_v sin_v beyond_o hope_n of_o pardon_n so_o nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o soften_v they_o into_o disposition_n of_o repentance_n than_o the_o kind_n and_o merciful_a offer_n of_o forgiveness_n which_o he_o make_v who_o have_v it_o both_o in_o his_o right_n and_o in_o his_o power_n to_o destroy_v they_o this_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o in_o the_o carriage_n of_o man_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o suffer_v as_o kind_o impression_n from_o the_o gentleness_n and_o charity_n of_o god_n as_o we_o do_v from_o the_o good_a nature_n of_o man_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o no_o one_o man_n have_v be_v so_o rude_a and_o ungrateful_a to_o another_o as_o every_o sinner_n have_v be_v to_o his_o maker_n and_o as_o true_a it_o be_v that_o no_o misery_n can_v equal_v that_o which_o will_v befall_v he_o from_o the_o unappeasedness_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o therefore_o no_o gentleness_n and_o mercy_n no_o tenderness_n and_o charity_n be_v comparable_a to_o that_o which_o god_n have_v express_v towards_o he_o in_o proclaim_v himself_o ready_a to_o pardon_v upon_o repentance_n it_o be_v true_a we_o see_v there_o be_v such_o inflexible_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v mend_v by_o forgiveness_n and_o the_o kind_a usage_n there_o be_v man_n of_o such_o incorrigible_a temper_n that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o better_a for_o god_n pardon_n or_o the_o king_n but_o then_o these_o be_v veary_a hateful_a person_n and_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v pity_v but_o if_o man_n be_v reclaimable_a by_o kindness_n as_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v what_o can_v soon_o melt_v they_o into_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n than_o that_o their_o great_a and_o bountiful_a creator_n against_o who_o no_o man_n can_v sin_v without_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a baseness_n because_o he_o sin_n against_o the_o great_a goodness_n against_o who_o no_o man_n can_v sin_v without_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o great_a misery_n because_o he_o sin_n against_o the_o great_a power_n that_o he_o i_o say_v shall_v bear_v so_o tender_a a_o regard_n to_o his_o lose_a and_o undo_v creature_n as_o to_o forbear_v his_o right_n to_o punish_v they_o and_o allure_v they_o to_o amendment_n by_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o because_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o have_v rather_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v this_o if_o any_o thing_n must_v needs_o work_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o humble_a our_o will_n and_o dissolve_v our_o affection_n into_o a_o disposition_n of_o the_o most_o ready_a and_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o he_o for_o the_o future_a again_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o this_o pardon_n be_v offer_v to_o sinner_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o belief_n thereof_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o strong_a foundation_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n for_o that_o repentance_n upon_o the_o condition_n whereof_o pardon_n be_v promise_v be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o a_o real_a conversion_n from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n it_o be_v neither_o make_v up_o of_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n
or_o wish_v and_o propose_v to_o be_v better_o nor_o of_o external_a penance_n fruitless_a ceremony_n vain_a commutation_n purchase_v dispensation_n and_o buy_v indulgency_n not_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o put_v together_o be_v repentance_n any_o man_n that_o have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n may_v plain_o perceive_v that_o the_o repentance_n to_o which_o pardon_n be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v altogether_o as_o broad_a and_o as_o long_o as_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n so_o that_o god_n almighty_n have_v not_o issue_v out_o his_o pardon_n to_o any_o one_o sinner_n in_o absolute_a and_o irrespective_a term_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o his_o good_a nature_n whether_o he_o will_v thank_v he_o for_o it_o or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v be_v kind_a and_o leave_v his_o sin_n or_o ungrateful_a and_o continue_v in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v very_o foolish_a who_o fancy_n themselves_o such_o darling_n of_o heaven_n that_o for_o their_o sake_n god_n have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n in_o determine_v to_o pardon_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n now_o to_o prevent_v all_o such_o presumption_n and_o fond_a conceit_n it_o be_v as_o plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n will_v not_o lose_v his_o right_n to_o our_o obedience_n as_o that_o he_o will_v forbear_v to_o use_v his_o right_n to_o punish_v we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v forbear_v that_o no_o long_o when_o he_o see_v his_o goodness_n do_v not_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n the_o same_o divine_a revelation_n which_o assure_v we_o god_n be_v so_o good_a that_o he_o will_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n do_v likewise_o assure_v we_o he_o be_v so_o just_a and_o wise_a as_o to_o pardon_v he_o only_o upon_o his_o repentance_n and_o indeed_o to_o pardon_v the_o incorrigible_a be_v not_o mercy_n but_o weakness_n he_o only_o be_v in_o a_o compassionable_a condition_n that_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n and_o sin_n no_o more_o see_v then_o repentance_n consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o be_v the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o that_o out_o pardon_v be_v infallible_o secure_a upon_o that_o condition_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o this_o there_o arise_v a_o most_o pregnant_a and_o forcible_a engagement_n to_o the_o great_a care_n we_o can_v exert_v of_o live_v in_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 2._o the_o second_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n this_o likewise_o be_v only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n see_v if_o god_n have_v please_v he_o may_v have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o rigour_n of_o that_o original_a law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o require_v unsinning_a duty_n and_o according_a to_o which_o no_o sinner_n can_v be_v justify_v i.e._n he_o may_v have_v measure_v our_o repentance_n the_o condition_n of_o our_o pardon_n by_o our_o amendment_n according_a to_o the_o strictness_n of_o that_o law_n without_o make_v any_o abatement_n for_o human_a frailty_n for_o invincible_a ignorance_n for_o surprise_v and_o those_o undueness_n of_o passion_n and_o those_o inadvertency_n which_o be_v thing_n of_o daily_a incursion_n but_o have_v it_o be_v thus_o little_a comfort_n can_v we_o have_v have_v from_o the_o belief_n that_o god_n will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a if_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o nothing_o for_o that_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v short_a of_o that_o absolute_a perfection_n which_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n to_o arrive_v unto_o for_o he_o that_o proffer_v a_o benefit_n upon_o term_n impossible_a to_o the_o receiver_n do_v but_o disquiet_v he_o the_o more_o take_v away_o with_o the_o one_o hand_n what_o he_o give_v with_o the_o other_o therefore_o almighty_a god_n further_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n have_v not_o only_o promise_v to_o pardon_v our_o former_a sin_n upon_o that_o condition_n but_o he_o have_v so_o describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n what_o that_o life_n be_v which_o for_o the_o future_a he_o will_v accept_v and_o be_v please_v withal_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v deter_v from_o attempt_v his_o service_n by_o any_o jealousy_n of_o his_o austerity_n and_o rigour_n towards_o we_o that_o which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o be_v to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o service_n and_o duty_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v a_o natural_a emanation_n from_o and_o a_o real_a expression_n of_o such_o a_o love_n to_o he_o which_o be_v to_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a that_o we_o may_v serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n now_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n i._n e._n to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o very_a possible_a and_o the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o obedience_n therefore_o must_v be_v so_o too_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o love_n to_o god_n that_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o due_a love_n to_o god_n be_v consistent_a with_o sin_n of_o mere_a frailty_n of_o unaffected_a ignorance_n of_o unavoidable_a surprise_n because_o these_o sin_n neither_o proceed_v from_o a_o evil_a will_n nor_o be_v whole_o vincible_a in_o our_o present_a state_n but_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o due_a love_n to_o god_n can_v consist_v with_o deliberate_a much_o less_o with_o presumptuous_a sin_n it_o can_v consist_v with_o wilful_a much_o less_o with_o customary_a transgression_n of_o know_a and_o open_a law_n it_o can_v consist_v with_o sin_n proceed_v from_o affect_a ignorance_n much_o less_o with_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n which_o it_o be_v in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o avoid_v it_o can_v consist_v with_o these_o kind_n of_o sin_n because_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n commit_v they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o can_v but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o forbear_v they_o but_o he_o that_o love_v god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n will_v do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o please_v he_o and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v accept_v by_o almighty_a god_n i._n e._n he_o be_v reckon_v by_o he_o a_o righteous_a man_n and_o according_a to_o the_o moderation_n and_o gentleness_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n not_o account_v a_o sinner_n in_o which_o sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o so_o that_o as_o for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o do_v indeed_o stand_v as_o much_o condemn_v and_o will_v as_o as_o certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o original_a law_n or_o the_o first_o covenant_n if_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o by_o those_o measure_n for_o those_o sin_n i_o say_v they_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n or_o the_o second_o covenant_n because_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a who_o be_v our_o highpriest_n and_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n through_o who_o intercession_n they_o be_v remit_v upon_o our_o keep_n from_o all_o wilful_a sin_n and_o our_o endeavour_n after_o perfection_n but_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i._n e._n the_o sacrifice_n offer_v for_o we_o will_v not_o avail_v to_o make_v such_o sin_n consistent_a with_o a_o justifiable_a state_n no_o they_o must_v be_v actual_o repent_v of_o and_o forsake_v it_o be_v only_o upon_o those_o term_n that_o our_o sacrifice_n remain_v in_o force_n and_o power_n to_o obtain_v our_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n here_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v just_a occasion_n to_o proceed_v upon_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o difference_n between_o sin_n of_o weakness_n and_o sin_n of_o wilfulness_n to_o show_v as_o exact_o as_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v wherein_o lie_v that_o sincerity_n of_o obedience_n which_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v and_o which_o he_o will_v be_v please_v with_o we_o for_o but_o this_o will_v be_v to_o slide_v into_o a_o argument_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o general_a
after_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n upon_o new_a obedience_n it_o will_v indeed_o be_v very_o grievous_a to_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v so_o perfect_a a_o law_n under_o so_o bad_a a_o penalty_n for_o then_o if_o a_o temptation_n shall_v once_o prevail_v we_o be_v irrecoverable_o lose_v i_o say_v if_o we_o have_v violate_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n heretofore_o we_o be_v in_o a_o desperate_a case_n though_o we_o shall_v never_o do_v the_o like_a again_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o we_o though_o we_o have_v heinous_o fail_v of_o our_o duty_n yet_o we_o may_v with_o good_a comfort_n repair_v our_o past_a neglect_n by_o future_a diligence_n be_v assure_v that_o if_o we_o do_v god_n will_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o our_o former_a sin_n so_o that_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o a_o snare_n nor_o make_v perfect_a that_o occasion_n may_v be_v take_v against_o we_o but_o that_o we_o at_o length_n may_v be_v perfect_a too_o and_o for_o ever_o bless_v be_v his_o name_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o accept_v repentance_n that_o grace_n which_o give_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n some_o good_a hope_n if_o they_o will_v lay_v hold_n upon_o it_o in_o time_n and_o without_o which_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v have_v no_o hope_n at_o all_o 2._o the_o utmost_a perfection_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v be_v not_o expect_v but_o upon_o a_o gradual_a improvement_n and_o such_o improvement_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n grievous_a it_o be_v intolerable_o hard_a indeed_o if_o we_o be_v oblige_v under_o penalty_n of_o damnation_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n all_o at_o once_o which_o burden_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o who_o leave_v all_o to_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n if_o it_o will_v not_o turn_v to_o good_a account_n to_o grow_v better_a to_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n of_o our_o high_a call_n to_o die_v unto_o sin_n daily_o and_o live_v unto_o righteousness_n but_o why_o be_v god_n patient_a and_o long-suffering_a towards_o we_o why_o do_v he_o allow_v we_o one_o year_n after_o another_o but_o that_o we_o may_v recover_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v we_o as_o we_o repent_v and_o to_o accept_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grow_v better_a and_o this_o be_v great_a grace_n to_o every_o man_n but_o most_o of_o all_o to_o he_o who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o can_v present_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o i._n e._n to_o do_v well_o universal_o for_o he_o may_v now_o begin_v his_o repentance_n well_o though_o he_o can_v yet_o complete_a it_o he_o may_v forbear_v the_o outward_a sin_n though_o he_o can_v yet_o repress_v the_o inordinacy_n of_o his_o desire_n he_o may_v avoid_v the_o temptation_n which_o he_o can_v resist_v he_o may_v pray_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o may_v attend_v to_o good_a exhortation_n and_o make_v good_a resolution_n and_o think_v of_o they_o afterward_o and_o desire_v the_o counsel_n and_o prayer_n of_o good_a man_n he_o may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v all_o and_o by_o do_v those_o which_o at_o present_a be_v in_o his_o power_n he_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o enable_v himself_o to_o do_v those_o which_o at_o present_a be_v not_o now_o that_o be_v no_o grievous_a task_n which_o will_v easy_o go_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o which_o we_o may_v therefore_o make_v easy_a by_o a_o early_a beginning_n and_o allow_v ourselves_o time_n for_o it_o 3._o as_o we_o grow_v more_o exact_a in_o obedience_n to_o christ_n so_o our_o uneasiness_n under_o it_o wear_v away_o and_o at_o length_n it_o end_v in_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o perfect_a delight_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o self-denial_n and_o the_o resist_n of_o temptation_n will_v at_o first_o be_v painful_a especial_o to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v use_v to_o live_v without_o rule_n and_o restraint_n and_o there_o may_v be_v some_o colour_n for_o complaint_n if_o this_o will_v always_o last_v but_o the_o more_o earnest_o we_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o first_o discouragement_n will_v vanish_v the_o fast_o but_o more_o particulary_a 1._o it_o be_v not_o so_o hard_a to_o begin_v well_o as_o our_o prejudice_n and_o want_n of_o experience_n represent_v it_o for_o we_o begin_v with_o the_o help_n of_o mighty_a argument_n such_o as_o can_v be_v equal_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n have_v a_o strong_a influence_n upon_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o freewill_n especial_o when_o join_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n be_v there_o any_o difficulty_n in_o be_v concern_v for_o everlasting_a salvation_n in_o be_v afraid_a of_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o yet_o where_o this_o concern_n be_v it_o can_v be_v hard_o to_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n of_o a_o new_a life_n it_o be_v not_o grievous_a to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n who_o be_v our_o creator_n and_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o grievous_a thing_n for_o his_o sake_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v for_o our_o own_o too_o to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n beside_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o to_o grapple_v with_o our_o unruly_a affection_n by_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n upon_o motive_n and_o the_o use_n of_o our_o natural_a liberty_n but_o have_v moreover_o promise_v the_o assistance_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o blessing_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o be_v it_o hard_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o being_n the_o god_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o with_o earnest_a prayer_n at_o least_o twice_o a_o day_n to_o beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v endue_v we_o with_o wisdom_n and_o patience_n and_o safe_o guide_v we_o through_o all_o the_o discouragement_n of_o this_o world_n the_o importunity_n of_o fleshly_a desire_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n till_o we_o find_v every_o good_a work_n habitual_a and_o delightful_a and_o this_o one_o thing_n viz._n fervent_a prayer_n make_v a_o wonderful_a alteration_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o bring_v a_o kind_n of_o new_a soul_n into_o a_o man_n again_o no_o soon_o be_v repentance_n well_o begin_v but_o a_o man_n begin_v to_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n without_o his_o wont_a consternation_n he_o be_v no_o long_o in_o a_o strait_a between_o the_o dread_n of_o god_n justice_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o prevail_a love_n of_o his_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o nor_o constrain_v to_o put_v god_n out_o of_o all_o his_o thought_n or_o to_o be_v in_o pain_n under_o they_o final_o now_o that_o he_o have_v conquer_v his_o first_o aversion_n he_o be_v sure_a of_o a_o complete_a victory_n if_o he_o pursue_v his_o end_n which_o be_v a_o comfort_n that_o the_o wise_a of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o in_o their_o way_n how_o many_o be_v they_o that_o covet_v wealth_n and_o greatness_n with_o the_o same_o greediness_n labour_n for_o it_o with_o the_o same_o industry_n contrive_v for_o it_o with_o the_o same_o wit_n and_o wait_v for_o it_o with_o the_o same_o patience_n but_o this_o with_o very_o different_a success_n one_o of_o they_o thrive_v and_o another_o decay_v as_o fast_o and_o for_o one_o that_o come_v to_o riches_n and_o honour_n perhaps_o ten_o find_v the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o care_n reward_v with_o nothing_o but_o experience_n of_o this_o world_n uncertainty_n nay_o in_o these_o thing_n chance_n be_v often_o see_v to_o do_v more_o than_o wisdom_n and_o the_o wary_a and_o diligent_a man_n be_v disappoint_v while_o the_o lazy_a and_o foolish_a prosper_v but_o whoever_o make_v it_o his_o design_n and_o business_n to_o be_v save_v and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o to_o be_v good_a who_o find_v it_o too_o hard_a for_o he_o these_o and_o many_o other_o argument_n and_o invitation_n a_o man_n shall_v meet_v with_o at_o his_o first_o set_v out_o to_o run_v the_o race_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n which_o wonderful_o break_v the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o undertake_n but_o 2._o when_o he_o have_v arrive_v to_o a_o spirit_n and_o habit_n of_o obedience_n then_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n perfect_o make_v good_a to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o his_o soul_n then_o he_o can_v with_o full_a advantage_n compare_v that_o sweet_a freedom_n he_o enjoy_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n with_o that_o servitude_n in_o which_o he_o once_o be_v to_o inordinate_a desire_n to_o foolish_a hope_n and_o to_o those_o sour_a affection_n of_o malice_n envy_n and_o revengefulness_n which_o be_v to_o the_o soul_n what_o the_o stone_n and_o strangury_n
life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o his_o heart_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o good_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o verse_v in_o subtle_a reason_n as_o in_o religious_a practice_n can_v be_v shake_v by_o the_o objection_n of_o a_o sophister_n because_o they_o have_v that_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o excellency_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v above_o all_o other_o argument_n they_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n and_o can_v therefore_o be_v entangle_v by_o any_o artificial_a objection_n against_o it_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o pleasure_n which_o a_o man_n find_v in_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n be_v always_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n that_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n that_o weaken_v the_o obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o be_v sweet_a to_o the_o carnal_a man_n because_o they_o can_v put_v he_o in_o possession_n of_o great_a joy_n in_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v that_o good_a title_n to_o it_o which_o can_v only_o be_v found_v upon_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n therefore_o it_o be_v neither_o false_a nor_o allowable_a always_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o experience_n a_o man_n have_v of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o persuasion_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o many_o misguide_a soul_n have_v do_v but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o goodness_n a_o man_n shall_v understand_v the_o power_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o other_o by_o experience_n better_a than_o he_o can_v by_o mere_a speculation_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v never_o so_o full_o understand_v as_o by_o do_v they_o and_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n be_v never_o so_o thorough_o feel_v as_o when_o it_o make_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o the_o understanding_n submit_v to_o it_o now_o the_o best_a way_n to_o avoid_v argue_v to_o ourselves_o fallacious_o from_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n which_o those_o persuasion_n yield_v that_o tend_v to_o carnal_a security_n the_o best_a way_n i_o say_v to_o avoid_v this_o be_v to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n rule_n by_o lay_v the_o foundation_n even_o of_o experimental_a knowledge_n in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o with_o all_o sincerity_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n because_o than_o we_o shall_v never_o argue_v from_o experience_n but_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o of_o those_o principle_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v that_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o believe_v divine_a truth_n there_o be_v those_o joy_n in_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o can_v never_o be_v thorough_o understand_v but_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o till_o he_o have_v taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a god_n be_v solomon_n say_v that_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v never_o thorough_o understand_v this_o till_o we_o walk_v in_o they_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o find_v this_o reward_n but_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o other_o but_o as_o imperfect_o as_o the_o pencil_n do_v life_n and_o motion_n the_o best_a description_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o subject_n and_o if_o we_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n we_o can_v full_o conceive_v it_o nay_o most_o common_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v thing_n flat_a and_o insipid_a and_o the_o representation_n of_o they_o be_v nauseous_a and_o irksome_a to_o the_o carnal_a worldling_n and_o he_o be_v hardly_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n to_o understand_v it_o than_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a can_v apprehend_v that_o say_n of_o solomon_n true_o light_n be_v sweet_a and_o a_o pleasant_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o behold_v the_o sun_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o if_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n in_o do_v his_o will_n be_v a_o great_a advantage_n towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o the_o wicked_a man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o speculation_n if_o also_o that_o knowledge_n be_v gain_v by_o it_o which_o the_o insincere_a have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o if_o the_o righteous_a do_v not_o only_o better_a apprehend_v the_o weight_n of_o argument_n but_o understand_v more_o by_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a then_o have_v we_o great_a reason_n to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n method_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n only_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v this_o blessing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v procure_v to_o ourselves_o either_o by_o my_o discourse_n or_o by_o your_o hear_n what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v our_o saviour_n word_n no_o nor_o by_o grant_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o illustration_n of_o they_o but_o only_o by_o put_v ourselves_o serious_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o this_o way_n by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o general_n hold_v good_a of_o this_o in_o particular_a that_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o lord_n method_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o good_a knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n can_v be_v thorough_o judge_v till_o we_o have_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o those_o that_o have_v make_v trial_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v finis_fw-la