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
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
untoward_a accident_n of_o life_n as_o any_o of_o they_o ever_o be_v for_o here_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n encouragement_n and_o assistance_n to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a therein_o as_o there_o ever_o be_v and_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o same_o cause_n still_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n those_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v now_o with_o god_n have_v the_o same_o appetite_n and_o passion_n to_o govern_v that_o we_o have_v they_o endure_v the_o same_o temptation_n and_o overcome_v they_o they_o have_v the_o same_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o have_v and_o be_v encompass_v with_o infirmity_n and_o yet_o they_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n not_o to_o be_v admire_v and_o court_v by_o man_n but_o to_o be_v see_v and_o reward_v of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o have_v the_o same_o god_n to_o trust_v that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n to_o direct_v we_o the_o same_o promise_v to_o inflame_v we_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v we_o the_o same_o everlasting_a reward_n to_o encourage_v we_o which_o they_o have_v so_o that_o god_n have_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o and_o let_v not_o we_o i_o beseech_v you_o make_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n between_o ourselves_o and_o they_o as_o to_o miss_v of_o that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o they_o once_o enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o that_o infinite_a reward_n which_o they_o have_v in_o part_n attain_v to_o in_o a_o better_a a_o reward_n so_o vast_a that_o it_o be_v all_o one_o within_o a_o trifle_n whether_o with_o or_o without_o tribulation_n whether_o with_o ease_n or_o difficulty_n with_o pleasure_n or_o pain_n we_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n prepare_v we_o by_o his_o his_o holy_a word_n by_o his_o gracious_a spirit_n by_o his_o wise_a providence_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o now_o to_o god_n almighty_a the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o thanks_o and_o praise_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o eight_o sermon_n a_o assize_n sermon_n matth_n v._o 38_o 39_o 40._o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o resist_v not_o evil_a but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o the_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o also_o and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v sue_v thou_o at_o the_o law_n and_o take_v away_o thy_o coat_n let_v he_o have_v thy_o cloak_n also_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v compel_v thou_o to_o go_v a_o mile_n go_v with_o he_o twain_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a that_o the_o duty_n here_o prescribe_v be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n and_o to_o some_o principle_n of_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v currant_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o very_o easy_a matter_n to_o persuade_v most_o man_n to_o practise_v it_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o they_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o speculation_n fit_a for_o the_o pulpit_n but_o if_o we_o pretend_v to_o offer_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n for_o daily_a use_n we_o must_v pardon_v they_o there_o for_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v by_o any_o mean_n to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v pursue_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o or_o regard_n of_o the_o daily_a occurrence_n of_o life_n what_o live_v will_v there_o be_v for_o we_o in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o shall_v forgive_v injury_n and_o wrong_n as_o fast_o as_o they_o be_v do_v and_o put_v up_o affront_v as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v put_v upon_o we_o this_o will_v encourage_v the_o insolent_a man_n that_o have_v do_v we_o one_o injury_n to_o offer_v a_o great_a and_o by_o our_o tameness_n in_o bear_v the_o injustice_n of_o one_o man_n we_o invite_v another_o to_o deal_v as_o ill_o by_o we_o or_o worse_o than_o the_o former_a which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v affront_v by_o every_o scoundrel_n and_o trample_v upon_o at_o every_o man_n pleasure_n no_o but_o let_v we_o make_v man_n afraid_a of_o presume_v to_o do_v we_o any_o harm_n by_o let_v they_o see_v what_o other_o have_v get_v by_o it_o we_o must_v make_v they_o example_n that_o dare_v put_v any_o contempt_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o will_v live_v quiet_o and_o maintain_v our_o honour_n and_o when_o other_o sees_z how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o provoke_v we_o we_o shall_v be_v respect_v and_o court_v by_o they_o they_o will_v be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v we_o and_o think_v themselves_o happy_a in_o our_o friendship_n but_o to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o under_o abuse_n be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v scorn_v and_o insult_v over_o by_o every_o body_n tell_v they_o of_o forgive_a injury_n that_o want_v a_o spirit_n to_o resent_v they_o and_o have_v not_o courage_n enough_o to_o revenge_v they_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n fit_a for_o none_o but_o coward_n or_o fool_n either_o for_o those_o that_o be_v so_o dull_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v a_o affront_n or_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o dare_v not_o return_v it_o but_o it_o come_v too_o late_o for_o man_n of_o honour_n and_o mettle_n that_o know_v what_o be_v their_o interest_n and_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o they_o shall_v expose_v themselves_o to_o injury_n and_o abuse_n when_o they_o have_v strength_n and_o courage_n enough_o to_o guard_v themselves_o from_o they_o thus_o in_o truth_n they_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o they_o plain_o show_v by_o their_o action_n revenge_v every_o little_a disrespect_n or_o affront_v or_o injury_n of_o any_o kind_n by_o return_v a_o equal_a or_o very_o often_o a_o vast_o great_a mischief_n upon_o the_o wrongdoer_n and_o this_o to_o secure_v themselves_o as_o they_o pretend_v from_o further_a wrong_n by_o make_v all_o that_o observe_v it_o careful_a to_o forbear_v offend_v they_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o will_v be_v encourage_v to_o do_v if_o the_o present_a injury_n be_v tame_o pass_v by_o and_o nothing_o do_v to_o revenge_v it_o but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o objection_n be_v well_o foresee_v by_o our_o saviour_n he_o know_v it_o will_v be_v pretend_v against_o the_o duty_n of_o forgive_a injury_n that_o this_o will_v be_v to_o pull_v great_a inconvenience_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o invite_v every_o body_n that_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o get_v by_o it_o to_o multiply_v injury_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o forgiveness_n in_o those_o very_a term_n that_o imply_v he_o consider_v the_o objection_n well_o enough_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o resist_v not_o evil_a resist_v not_o the_o evil_a or_o the_o injurious_a man_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o thy_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o also_o the_o latter_a word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n as_o if_o i_o be_v to_o offer_v myself_o to_o a_o second_o stroke_n after_o i_o have_v be_v strike_v once_o but_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n i._n e._n venture_v a_o second_o injury_n rather_o than_o go_v about_o to_o be_v revenge_v of_o the_o first_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v never_o so_o probable_a that_o the_o wrongdoer_n will_v take_v heart_n by_o thy_o meekness_n to_o add_v another_o abuse_n to_o the_o former_a thou_o shall_v not_o secure_v thyself_o by_o revenge_n for_o all_o that_o and_o so_o if_o any_o man_n will_v sue_v thou_o at_o the_o law_n and_o take_v away_o thy_o coat_n let_v he_o have_v thy_o cloak_n also_o not_o that_o i_o be_o present_o to_o part_v with_o more_o to_o he_o than_o he_o have_v unjust_o get_v by_o a_o wrong_a verdict_n but_o that_o i_o be_o to_o venture_v another_o loss_n rather_o than_o be_v revenge_v for_o the_o first_o and_o so_o be_v the_o other_o instance_n to_o be_v understand_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o the_o objection_n that_o one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v against_o his_o rule_n though_o if_o this_o matter_n have_v not_o be_v so_o plain_o imply_v one_o will_v think_v a_o little_a modesty_n will_v serve_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o it_o be_v better_a for_o we_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o will_n than_o by_o our_o own_o foolish_a reason_n at_o least_o if_o we_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v christian_n we_o shall_v not_o think_v much_o to_o take_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o do_v as_o he_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
according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o their_o common_a prayer_n and_o worship_n for_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o for_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n stand_v that_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o have_v be_v torment_v many_o of_o they_o not_o accept_v deliverance_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o here_o say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v etc._n etc._n have_v also_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n also_o confess_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o deni_v i_o before_o man_n shall_v be_v deny_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.8_o 9_o so_o that_o although_o confess_v christ_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o enough_o for_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o necessary_a to_o it_o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o that_o force_n that_o one_o may_v conclude_v nothing_o else_o be_v want_v and_o that_o be_v when_o we_o confess_v with_o great_a hazard_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n but_o one_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v sometime_o so_o exceed_o praiseworthy_a and_o signify_v all_o other_o necessary_a quality_n be_v because_o it_o be_v always_o a_o duty_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o breach_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n not_o to_o omit_v it_o when_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o welfare_n in_o this_o world_n require_v we_o to_o forbear_v in_o a_o word_n confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n assemble_v ourselves_o together_o for_o prayer_n baptism_n and_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o every_o other_o part_n of_o outward_a religion_n in_o which_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n stand_v be_v all_o of_o they_o require_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o charity_n to_o man_n and_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n do_v require_v it_o also_o 1._o the_o honour_n of_o god_n do_v plain_o require_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v by_o we_o i._n e._n confess_v praise_v and_o pray_v unto_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o all_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v not_o only_o in_o private_a single_o but_o in_o public_a joint_o unless_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o we_o have_v reason_n and_o speech_n give_v to_o we_o for_o transact_v common_a affair_n of_o the_o least_o moment_n and_o not_o of_o the_o great_a viz._n those_o which_o concern_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o david_n in_o the_o psalm_n call_v his_o tongue_n his_o glory_n because_o he_o do_v therewith_o praise_n and_o confess_v and_o glorify_v god_n among_o man_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v not_o only_o exhort_v to_o glorify_v god_n with_o our_o mind_n but_o with_o our_o mouth_n too_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a at_o first_o fight_n than_o that_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v as_o it_o be_v most_o fit_a he_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n and_o 2._o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o less_o requisite_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o we_o in_o charity_n be_v to_o contribute_v what_o we_o can_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o common_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n than_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o although_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o our_o very_a nature_n yet_o as_o many_o other_o natural_a inclination_n may_v be_v strange_o weaken_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v if_o it_o be_v not_o support_v by_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o what_o be_v there_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o common_a sense_n of_o religion_n than_o a_o common_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o this_o be_v every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o all_o man_n shall_v encourage_v and_o animate_v one_o another_o nor_o can_v any_o one_o single_a person_n withdraw_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o so_o do_v he_o grow_v a_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v he_o teach_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o but_o then_o 3._o above_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n require_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o for_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n but_o in_o meet_v together_o also_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a instance_n of_o outward_a profession_n for_o when_o our_o lord_n institute_v a_o church_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v afterward_o gather_v man_n to_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o he_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o gospel_n a_o part_n of_o christianity_n for_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o believer_n shall_v be_v a_o body_n or_o a_o society_n as_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o man_n that_o live_v without_o christian_a communion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o without_o christian_a profession_n can_v right_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a but_o have_v rather_o renounce_v his_o baptism_n by_o declare_v in_o effect_n that_o although_o he_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n church_n yet_o now_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o if_o the_o secret_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o appearance_n of_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o such_o a_o person_n will_v deserve_v very_o ill_o of_o christianity_n to_o conceal_v his_o belief_n for_o it_o be_v by_o our_o profession_n of_o it_o that_o it_o must_v be_v uphold_v in_o the_o world_n and_o propagate_v among_o those_o that_o do_v not_o yet_o receive_v it_o and_o he_o that_o dissemble_v his_o faith_n do_v therefore_o his_o part_n and_o give_v his_o consent_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o among_o other_o reason_n the_o gospel_n require_v that_o believer_n shall_v profess_v their_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o visible_a communion_n of_o worshipper_n that_o so_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v that_o wickedness_n among_o man_n that_o so_o holy_a a_o doctrine_n as_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o be_v ready_o entertain_v and_o there_o be_v that_o folly_n and_o superstition_n everywhere_o that_o so_o reasonable_a and_o excellent_a a_o worship_n as_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v be_v not_o apt_a to_o take_v with_o most_o people_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n error_n and_o superstition_n be_v thing_n that_o man_n will_v run_v into_o of_o themselves_o when_o therefore_o our_o lord_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o way_n how_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v and_o serve_v he_o do_v therefore_o make_v his_o disciple_n a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o purity_n that_o his_o doctrine_n may_v spread_v in_o the_o world_n and_o keep_v all_o the_o ground_n it_o shall_v gain_v by_o every_o man_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n for_o which_o reason_n origen_n think_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n he_o mean_v by_o the_o rock_n every_o christian_a that_o shall_v do_v as_o st._n peter_n have_v do_v i._n e._n who_o shall_v make_v open_a confession_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o st._n peter_n confess_v because_o the_o profession_n of_o every_o christian_a do_v something_o to_o support_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n a_o great_a many_o more_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o say_v unto_o christ_n lord_n lord_n i._n e._n a_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a duty_n stand_v upon_o plain_a command_n and_o plain_a reason_n nay_o so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n no_o though_o it_o shall_v bring_v never_o so_o much_o trouble_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o world_n
indeed_o to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o that_o mistake_n that_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o real_a power_n of_o it_o but_o alas_o where_o truth_n be_v profess_v without_o the_o mixture_n of_o any_o doctrinal_a error_n of_o this_o kind_n there_o be_v still_o too_o much_o room_n leave_v for_o this_o practical_a error_n of_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o whilst_o some_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o sin_n by_o error_n do_v not_o other_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n hope_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v overlook_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o opposition_n to_o those_o error_n and_o the_o profess_v and_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o clear_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o a_o necessity_n of_o actual_a reformation_n in_o order_n to_o god_n pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o we_o disclaim_v all_o manner_n of_o way_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o effectual_a repentance_n and_o a_o thorough_a change_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n but_o my_o brethren_n let_v we_o lay_v one_o particular_a serious_o to_o heart_n under_o this_o general_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o our_o very_a profession_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o the_o natural_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o it_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v not_o that_o holy_a life_n which_o be_v necessary_a and_o if_o the_o unavoidableness_n of_o profess_v some_o religion_n and_o the_o desire_n we_o have_v to_o keep_v our_o sin_n too_o work_v this_o way_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o make_v we_o trust_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o profession_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o one_o error_n as_o pernicious_a if_o we_o continue_v in_o it_o as_o if_o a_o thousand_o more_o be_v add_v to_o it_o i_o say_v if_o we_o continue_v in_o it_o for_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n of_o a_o true_a and_o pure_a profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o whosoever_o make_v it_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o sense_n something_o different_a he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n there_o be_v less_o to_o do_v to_o recover_v he_o to_o repentance_n no_o false_a principle_n be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v it_o he_o lie_v open_a to_o exhortation_n and_o persuasion_n and_o every_o serious_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n smite_v his_o very_a conscience_n he_o feel_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o there_o be_v that_o within_o he_o which_o confess_v it_o all_o and_o will_v not_o easy_o let_v he_o be_v quiet_a till_o it_o have_v make_v he_o a_o new_a man_n but_o to_o proceed_v 3._o in_o some_o person_n a_o dishonourable_a opinion_n of_o god_n may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o expect_v his_o reward_n without_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o purity_n and_o charity_n i_o fear_v there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o confession_n of_o his_o name_n with_o prayer_n and_o thansgiving_n and_o other_o holy_a office_n of_o religion_n that_o by_o these_o thing_n man_n may_v give_v he_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o hear_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o work_n applaud_v by_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v perform_v they_o have_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o his_o thanks_o and_o favour_n but_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o have_v but_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o seem_v to_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o who_o perhaps_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o take_v great_a delight_n in_o our_o own_o praise_n and_o love_n to_o be_v flatter_v into_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o if_o we_o believe_v worthy_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v say_v that_o because_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a therefore_o he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o expect_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o we_o to_o be_v confess_v and_o adore_v not_o that_o he_o need_v we_o or_o be_v take_v with_o our_o commendation_n of_o he_o but_o because_o it_o be_v infinite_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a and_o equitable_a that_o we_o shall_v thus_o worship_v he_o and_o because_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n also_o of_o form_v our_o mind_n and_o action_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o what_o god_n be_v and_o of_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v mistake_v if_o we_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v behold_v to_o we_o for_o keep_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n or_o that_o some_o great_a interest_n of_o he_o be_v serve_v when_o religion_n get_v ground_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o there_o will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o to_o speak_v his_o praise_n and_o to_o celebrate_v his_o goodness_n and_o his_o greatness_n as_o if_o he_o be_v like_o some_o one_o of_o those_o great_a man_n who_o if_o they_o have_v flatterer_n enough_o and_o can_v make_v other_o seem_v to_o honour_v they_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n be_v very_o well_o please_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o send_v into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o ostentation_n of_o his_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o honour_n it_o be_v indeed_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o honour_v he_o before_o all_o the_o world_n with_o all_o expression_n of_o gratitude_n and_o humble_a reverence_n and_o we_o be_v most_o inexcusable_a and_o wretched_a creature_n if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o but_o the_o end_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v to_o turn_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o make_v we_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o so_o far_o as_o this_o design_n take_v so_o far_o he_o approve_v of_o we_o otherwise_o he_o have_v plain_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v from_o he_o even_o that_o sentence_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o 4._o the_o conceit_n and_o expectation_n of_o some_o unpromise_v mercy_n of_o god_n must_v necessary_o be_v one_o ingredient_n into_o the_o presumption_n oâ—_n those_o man_n that_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n be_v so_o undeniable_o plain_a that_o a_o man_n of_o sense_n who_o believe_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n can_v have_v no_o ease_n under_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o god_n will_v or_o may_v at_o least_o abate_v something_o of_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o threaten_a and_o accept_v of_o less_o perhaps_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n of_o less_o i_o say_v than_o he_o have_v require_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o confidence_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v say_v lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v and_o support_v his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n and_o expostulate_v now_o with_o he_o as_o if_o they_o always_o have_v some_o secret_a hope_n this_o will_v at_o last_o be_v accept_v though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o beforehand_o but_o to_o prevent_v this_o presumption_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v beforehand_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n which_o plain_a deal_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o that_o threaten_v punishment_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o take_v punishment_n but_o intend_v to_o prevent_v the_o fault_n yet_o when_o god_n threaten_v for_o this_o end_n and_o add_v moreover_o declaration_n upon_o the_o threaten_v that_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o prevent_v it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o he_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_v spare_v for_o all_o that_o to_o conclude_v let_v we_o serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o most_o concern_v question_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o that_o can_v say_v i_o be_v by_o my_o natural_a temper_n and_o inclination_n thus_o and_o thus_o but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v i_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o
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