the_o world_n and_o conclude_v from_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o abuse_a liberty_n that_o the_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v all_o slave_n to_o a_o few_o and_o be_v perpetual_o chain_v to_o the_o oar_n or_o condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n there_o be_v many_o time_n as_o bad_a consequence_n of_o good_a thing_n as_o of_o bad_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o all_o that_o as_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n so_o likewise_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n though_o some_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o not_o because_o religion_n be_v bad_a but_o because_o they_o be_v so_o 4._o if_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o man_n free_a choice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v necessary_o and_o constant_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o man_n for_o it_o work_v upon_o we_o not_o by_o way_n of_o force_n or_o natural_a necessity_n but_o of_o moral_a persuasion_n if_o religion_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o go_v along_o with_o it_o do_v force_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o unless_o he_o be_v thus_o violent_o force_v than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o any_o man_n to_o be_v good_a nor_o any_o crime_n and_o fault_n to_o be_v otherwise_o for_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o man_n be_v good_a will_v be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o help_v it_o and_o other_o bad_a because_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v they_o so_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o but_o religion_n do_v not_o thus_o work_v upon_o men._n it_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o short_a and_o plain_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o precept_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a disobedience_n it_o offer_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v our_o weakness_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o that_o for_o which_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o violence_n or_o necessity_n in_o all_o this_o after_o all_o man_n may_v disobey_v these_o precept_n and_o not_o be_v persuade_v by_o these_o argument_n may_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v may_v quench_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n prevail_v upon_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n against_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o consequent_o if_o the_o motiyes_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christiane_n religion_n have_v not_o a_o constant_a and_o certain_a effect_n upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n not_o but_o that_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n but_o some_o be_v so_o obstinate_o bad_a as_o not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a consideration_n it_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o 5._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n be_v as_o well_o frame_v to_o make_v man_n good_a as_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o fault_n be_v it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o good_a so_o that_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o sufficient_a objection_n either_o against_o the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o miracle_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o its_o proper_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o virtuous_a be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a original_a and_o sure_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o its_o precept_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o force_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o its_o aid_n and_o help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v and_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o all_o these_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o any_o religion_n or_o institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o reasonable_a and_o plain_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o where_o so_o perfect_o collect_v as_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o religion_n ever_o give_v man_n so_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o mighty_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n nor_o such_o gracious_a promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o such_o evidence_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v do_v which_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o hiwself_n a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n 6._o and_o last_o after_o all_o that_o have_v or_o can_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o ought_v sad_o to_o be_v lament_v by_o we_o that_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o marvellous_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o real_a objection_n against_o it_o to_o prejudice_v person_n with_o who_o it_o do_v just_o bring_v into_o doubt_n the_o goodness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o institution_n itself_o to_o see_v how_o little_o effect_v it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o excellent_a master_n in_o any_o kind_n when_o all_o the_o world_n see_v that_o most_o of_o his_o scholar_n prove_v dunce_n whatever_o commendation_n may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o art_n or_o science_n man_n will_v question_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n answerable_a to_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o serve_a god_n more_o decent_o and_o devout_o and_o of_o live_v better_a than_o other_o man_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o do_v not_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n show_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o though_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o disparage_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o it_o will_v certain_o go_v a_o great_a way_n with_o prejudice_v person_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o contrariety_n between_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n so_o notorious_a and_o palpable_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o read_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o men._n who_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o present_a age_n can_v believe_v if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v much_o less_o pretend_a to_o be_v entertain_v and_o believe_v among_o we_o nay_o among_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o more_o serious_a profession_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_o they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o malice_n and_o envy_n in_o passion_n and_o anger_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o evil_a speak_v in_o fierce_a contention_n and_o animosity_n who_o will_v believe_v that_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o these_o man_n religion_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a bible_n by_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v their_o life_n be_v full_a of_o plain_a and_o strict_a precept_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o do_v a_o hundred_o time_n with_o all_o imaginable_a severity_n and_o under_o pain_n of_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n forbid_v malice_n and_o envy_n and_o revenge_n and_o evil_a speak_n and_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o
in_o ourselves_o not_o secure_a because_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n that_o our_o resolution_n may_v be_v bear_v down_o one_o time_n or_o other_o by_o the_o assault_v of_o temptation_n if_o we_o be_v not_o continual_o vigilant_a and_o upon_o our_o guard_n not_o confident_a in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o stand_v by_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n infer_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v high_o mind_v but_o fear_v man_n may_v have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o christianity_n and_o have_v be_v sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o afterward_o may_v apostatise_v in_o the_o foul_a manner_n not_o only_o fall_v off_o to_o a_o vicious_a life_n but_o even_o desert_a the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o will_v to_o god_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o give_v we_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o this_o when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o revolt_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o from_o a_o religious_a and_o sober_a life_n to_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v into_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n can_v we_o doubt_v any_o long_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christian_n to_o fall_v away_o i_o wish_v we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o recovery_n as_o we_o be_v of_o their_o fall_v and_o that_o we_o have_v as_o many_o example_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o then_o be_v very_o vigilant_a over_o ourselves_o and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n two_o this_o show_v we_o how_o great_a a_o aggravation_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o it_o offer_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o these_o person_n be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v at_o their_o baptism_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n that_o after_o they_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o god_n grace_n and_o have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v many_o other_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o they_o that_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o this_o holy_a religion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o heighten_v and_o inflame_v their_o gild_n and_o make_v their_o case_n so_o near_o desperate_a the_o two_o great_a aggravation_n of_o crime_n be_v wilfulness_n and_o ingratitude_n if_o a_o crime_n be_v wilful_o commit_v and_o commit_v against_o one_o that_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a favour_n and_o benefit_n now_o he_o commit_v a_o fault_n wilful_o who_o do_v it_o against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n ignorance_n excuse_v for_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o evil_n he_o do_v so_o far_o the_o action_n be_v involuntary_a but_o knowledge_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wilful_a fault_n and_o this_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o christian_n because_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o the_o great_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o clear_a light_n that_o ever_o mankind_n have_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o the_o gospel_n bring_v be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o free_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o so_o that_o we_o who_o sin_n after_o baptism_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o great_a blessing_n which_o the_o gospel_n bestow_v on_o mankind_n be_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o we_o because_o they_o never_o enjoy_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n never_o have_v those_o blessing_n confer_v upon_o they_o which_o christian_n be_v partaker_n of_o so_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o those_o severe_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n hear_v how_o our_o saviour_n aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n of_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o they_o and_o their_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o express_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n luke_o 12._o 47_o 48._o the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o the_o mean_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o talent_n commit_v to_o our_o trust_n of_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o a_o severe_a account_n will_v be_v take_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o we_o be_v wilful_a offender_n there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o we_o and_o little_a hope_n of_o pardon_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i_o know_v the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o particular_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v in_o proportion_n true_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n which_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o who_o after_o they_o have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n reform_v by_o it_o do_v again_o relapse_n into_o any_o vicious_a course_n do_v thereby_o render_v their_o condition_n very_o dangerous_a so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21._o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o do_v when_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o and_o the_o inestimable_a blessing_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o confer_v upon_o we_o we_o live_v in_o any_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a course_n our_o sin_n be_v not_o of_o a_o common_a rate_n when_o they_o have_v so_o much_o of_o wilfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o they_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o live_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n what_o vengeance_n shall_v be_v pour_v on_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v etc._n etc._n three_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o upon_o every_o failing_n and_o infirmity_n be_v afraid_a they_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v restore_v by_o repentance_n there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v of_o a_o dark_a and_o melancholy_a temper_n be_v apt_a to_o represent_v thing_n worse_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o and_o do_v many_o time_n fancy_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o great_a crime_n in_o the_o do_n or_o neglect_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o nature_n be_v indifferent_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o aggravate_v and_o blow_v up_o every_o little_a infirmity_n into_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o extenuate_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a enough_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a infelicity_n of_o melancholy_a person_n to_o look_v upon_o their_o fault_n as_o black_a and_o great_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o hear_v and_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o gross_a and_o
proper_a pain_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a but_o that_o his_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o grievous_a suffering_n undergo_v for_o our_o sake_n and_o upon_o our_o account_n be_v of_o that_o value_n and_o esteem_n with_o god_n and_o his_o voluntary_a sacrifice_n of_o himself_o in_o our_o stead_n so_o high_o acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v to_o he_o that_o he_o thereupon_o be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n with_o mankind_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o engage_v himself_o to_o forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o those_o who_o sincere_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o upon_o the_o cross_n be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o that_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o which_o god_n be_v enter_v with_o mankind_n and_o not_o only_o the_o confirmation_n but_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o for_o which_o reason_n the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n four_o and_o last_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o powerful_a and_o perpetual_a intercession_n for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o especial_o intimate_v and_o intend_v in_o that_o expression_n here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o which_o word_n of_o his_o be_v perfect_v do_v as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o more_o immediate_o refer_v to_o his_o suffering_n and_o the_o reward_n that_o follow_v they_o his_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n where_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o by_o which_o perpetual_a and_o most_o prevalent_a intercession_n of_o he_o he_o procure_v all_o those_o benefit_n to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o which_o he_o purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o death_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o perfect_a restitution_n to_o his_o favour_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o a_o sincere_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o strengthen_v we_o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o to_o preserve_v we_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o apostle_n call_v obtain_v of_o mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n ch_n 4._o v._n 16._o of_o this_o epist_n our_o bless_a saviour_n now_o that_o he_o be_v advance_v into_o heaven_n and_o exalt_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a do_v out_o of_o the_o tender_a affection_n and_o compassion_n to_o mankind_n still_o prosecute_v that_o great_a and_o merciful_a design_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v begin_v by_o he_o here_o on_o earth_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o meritorious_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n do_v offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v plead_v our_o cause_n with_o god_n and_o represent_v to_o he_o all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o obtain_v a_o favourable_a answer_n of_o our_o petition_n put_v up_o to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o all_o necessary_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o strength_n proportionable_a to_o our_o temptation_n and_o infirmity_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v upon_o our_o sincere_a repentance_n our_o prayer_n be_v gracious_o answer_v our_o want_n be_v abundant_o supply_v and_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v plentiful_o afford_v to_o we_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o well_o do_v to_o comfort_v we_o in_o affliction_n to_o support_v we_o under_o the_o great_a trial_n and_o suffering_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n as_o the_o purchase_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o perfect_a and_o finish_v of_o it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n for_o we_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o ch_n 7._o v._n 25._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o he_o die_v once_o to_o purchase_v salvation_n for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o but_o receive_v the_o full_a benefit_n of_o this_o purchase_n he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o and_o thus_o he_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o that_o be_v he_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o salvation_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o now_o that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o be_v as_o intent_n to_o procure_v our_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n and_o as_o tender_o concern_v for_o we_o as_o when_o he_o live_v here_o among_o we_o upon_o earth_n as_o when_o he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n a_o offer_n for_o our_o sin_n for_o he_o appear_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o which_o he_o assume_v for_o our_o sake_n which_o be_v make_v subject_a to_o and_o sensible_a of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o which_o be_v tempt_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v as_o we_o be_v only_o without_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o know_v how_o to_o pity_v and_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v and_o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o own_o suffering_n be_v prompt_v to_o a_o compassionate_a sense_n of_o we_o and_o never_o cease_v in_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o to_o plead_v our_o cause_n with_o god_n and_o to_o intercede_v powerful_o on_o our_o behalf_n so_o that_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n intercession_n on_o our_o behalf_n be_v found_v in_o the_o redemption_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n he_o represent_v to_o god_n on_o our_o behalf_n as_o the_o high_a priest_n under_o the_o law_n do_v enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v and_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o blood_n intercede_v for_o the_o people_n so_o christ_n by_o his_o own_o blood_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ch_z 9_o v._n 12._o he_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n that_o be_v into_o heaven_n itself_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n explain_v himself_o v._o 24._o christ_n be_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n which_o be_v make_v with_o hand_n but_o into_o heaven_n itself_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o and_o ch_z 10._o v._n 12._o speak_v of_o christ_n appear_v for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n this_o man_n say_v he_o after_o he_o have_v offer_v one_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n for_o ever_o that_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o perpetual_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o intercede_v for_o we_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n mediation_n and_o intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n be_v found_v in_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o he_o pay_v on_o earth_n in_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o we_o from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n reason_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n by_o who_o we_o be_v to_o address_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o his_o mediation_n be_v found_v in_o his_o ransom_n or_o the_o price_n which_o he_o pay_v for_o our_o redemption_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n in_o express_a word_n but_o sure_o he_o mean_v so_o if_o by_o say_v there_o be_v one_o god_n he_o mean_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n for_o they_o
be_v join_v together_o and_o the_o very_a same_o expression_n use_v concern_v both_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n that_o be_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n but_o then_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n endeavour_n to_o avoid_v this_o plain_a text_n by_o distinguish_v between_o a_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n and_o a_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n but_o now_o if_o christ_n mediation_n by_o way_n of_o intercession_n be_v found_v in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o redemption_n then_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n than_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o so_o that_o the_o power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n be_v found_v in_o his_o ransom_n that_o be_v the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n in_o virtue_n whereof_o alone_o he_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v most_o plain_o assert_v so_o that_o all_o other_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o be_v exclude_v from_o offering_n and_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n beside_o our_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o life_n for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o intercession_n be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o that_o be_v who_o put_v up_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o the_o alone_a virtue_n of_o his_o mediation_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o if_o his_o intercession_n be_v available_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a so_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o apply_v to_o any_o other_o whether_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o even_o the_o bless_a virgin_n if_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o intercession_n be_v limit_v to_o those_o who_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o namely_o what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v explain_v first_o negative_o and_o then_o positive_o one_a negative_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o own_v of_o christ_n for_o our_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o will_v be_v accept_v in_o this_o case_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n by_o which_o we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o understand_v all_o that_o profession_n of_o religion_n which_o fall_v short_a of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o name_n and_o religion_n the_o mere_a belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o own_n of_o he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n no_o nor_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o he_o and_o profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o communicate_v in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n no_o though_o this_o be_v set_v off_o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a manner_n by_o prophesy_v and_o work_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n many_o shall_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wondrous_a work_n we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o have_v hear_v thou_o preach_v in_o our_o street_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o without_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o gain_v we_o admission_n into_o heaven_n two_o positive_o that_o which_o god_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o will_v accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n be_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o a_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o they_o that_o harken_v to_o he_o that_o be_v to_o they_o that_o do_v so_o hear_v and_o believe_v his_o gospel_n as_o to_o obey_v it_o to_o they_o and_o no_o other_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v what_o obedience_n it_o be_v which_o the_o gospel_n exact_v as_o a_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n in_o all_o those_o who_o hope_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o virtual_a and_o a_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n a_o perfect_a and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o they_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o term_n will_v give_v we_o a_o distinct_a conception_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o one_a there_o be_v a_o virtual_a and_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o a_o actual_a obedience_n i_o mean_v the_o practice_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o several_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o course_n and_o tenor_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n when_o out_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n man_n do_v show_v forth_o their_o work_n and_o by_o the_o outward_a action_n of_o their_o life_n do_v give_v real_a testimony_n of_o their_o piety_n justice_n sobriety_n humility_n meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n as_o occasion_n be_v minister_v for_o the_o practice_n and_o exercise_n of_o they_o by_o a_o virtual_a obedience_n i_o mean_v a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o holiness_n and_o equity_n of_o its_o precept_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o of_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o threaten_n and_o a_o true_a repentance_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v obedience_n in_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n for_o he_o who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o do_v true_o repent_v of_o the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n be_v firm_o resolve_v to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o prevent_v or_o hinder_v this_o man_n actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a life_n but_o only_o the_o want_n of_o time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o do_v hearty_o embrace_v it_o and_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o true_a and_z and_o live_a god_n but_o perhaps_o be_v cut_v off_o soon_o after_o as_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v but_o new_o gain_v to_o christianity_n be_v present_o put_v to_o death_n and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o that_o profession_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o in_o this_o case_n a_o virtual_a obedience_n be_v in_o such_o person_n a_o sufficient_a qualification_n for_o eternal_a life_n but_o where_o there_o be_v time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n there_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n do_v sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o resolve_v upon_o a_o better_a life_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o afterward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n put_v this_o resolution_n in_o practice_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o persevere_v in_o a_o holy_a course_n his_o first_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n though_o it_o be_v sincere_a will_v not_o avail_v he_o to_o salvation_n nay_o if_o
the_o charitable_a man_n will_v not_o have_v the_o least_o portion_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o worse_a objection_n than_o all_o these_o make_v by_o some_o grave_a man_n who_o will_v be_v glad_a under_o a_o pretence_n of_o piety_n to_o slip_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o it_o savour_v of_o popery_n to_o press_v good_a work_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n upon_o man_n as_o if_o we_o can_v merit_v heaven_n by_o they_o so_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o be_v charitable_a out_o of_o a_o pious_a fear_n as_o they_o pretend_v lest_o hereby_o they_o shall_v entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n but_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v i_o doubt_v covetousness_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o objection_n however_o it_o be_v fit_v it_o shall_v be_v answer_v and_o 1._o i_o say_v that_o no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o prejudice_v either_o by_o his_o education_n or_o interest_n can_v think_v that_o a_o creature_n can_v merit_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o that_o we_o can_v possible_o do_v be_v antecedent_o due_a much_o less_o that_o we_o can_v merit_v so_o great_a a_o reward_n as_o that_o of_o eternal_a happiness_n 2._o though_o we_o deny_v the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n yet_o we_o firm_o believe_v the_o necessity_n of_o they_o to_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o do_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v meritorious_a unless_o a_o man_n be_v so_o vainglorious_a as_o to_o think_v heaven_n not_o worth_a the_o have_v unless_o he_o purchase_v it_o himself_o at_o a_o valuable_a consideration_n and_o now_o let_v i_o earnest_o entreat_v you_o as_o you_o love_v god_n and_o your_o own_o soul_n not_o to_o neglect_v this_o duty_n lest_o you_o bring_v yourselves_o to_o the_o same_o miserable_a state_n with_o this_o rich_a man_n to_o who_o the_o least_o charity_n that_o can_v be_v ask_v be_v deny_v our_o saviour_n have_v purposely_o leave_v this_o parable_n on_o record_n to_o be_v a_o testimony_n and_o a_o witness_n to_o we_o lest_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o same_o place_n of_o torment_n and_o if_o any_o ask_v i_o according_a to_o what_o proportion_n of_o his_o estate_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v charitable_a i_o can_v determine_v that_o only_o let_v no_o man_n neglect_v his_o duty_n because_o i_o can_v and_o it_o may_v be_v no_o one_o else_o can_v tell_v he_o the_o exact_a proportion_n of_o his_o charity_n to_o his_o estate_n there_o be_v some_o duty_n that_o be_v strict_o determine_v as_o those_o of_o justice_n but_o god_n have_v leave_v our_o charity_n to_o be_v a_o freewill_n offer_v in_o the_o proportion_n of_o this_o duty_n every_o one_o must_v determine_v himself_o by_o prudence_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n god_n have_v leave_v this_o duty_n undetermined_a to_o try_v the_o largeness_n of_o our_o heart_n towards_o he_o only_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o be_v abundant_a in_o this_o grace_n he_o have_v promise_v that_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o charity_n shall_v be_v the_o degree_n of_o our_o happiness_n 2_o cor._n 9_o 6._o he_o that_o sow_v plentiful_o shall_v reap_v plentiful_o but_o let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o do_v something_o in_o this_o kind_n any_o part_n of_o our_o estate_n rather_o than_o none_o i_o will_v conclude_v with_o that_o excellent_a counsel_n of_o the_o son_n of_o syrach_n eccl._n 4._o my_o son_n defraud_v not_o the_o poor_a and_o make_v not_o the_o needy_a eye_n to_o wait_v long_o make_v not_o a_o hungry_a soul_n sorrowful_a neither_o provoke_v a_o man_n in_o his_o distress_n add_v not_o more_o trouble_n to_o a_o heart_n that_o be_v vex_v defer_v not_o to_o give_v to_o he_o that_o be_v in_o need_n reject_v not_o the_o supplication_n of_o the_o afflict_a nor_o turn_v away_o thy_o face_n from_o a_o poor_a man_n turn_v not_o away_o thy_o eye_n from_o the_o needy_a and_o give_v he_o none_o occasion_n to_o curse_v thou_o for_o if_o he_o curse_v thou_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o soul_n his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v hear_v of_o he_o that_o make_v he_o let_v it_o not_o grieve_v thou_o to_o bow_v down_o thy_o ear_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o give_v he_o a_o friendly_a answer_n with_o meekness_n be_v as_o a_o father_n to_o the_o fatherless_a and_o instead_o of_o a_o husband_n to_o their_o mother_n so_o shall_v thou_o be_v as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o he_o shall_v love_v thou_o more_o than_o thy_o mother_n do_v sermon_n xi_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n sermon_n ii_o luke_n xvi_o 19_o 20._o there_o be_v a_o certain_a rich_a man_n which_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n and_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a beggar_n name_v lazarus_n which_o be_v lay_v at_o his_o gate_n full_a of_o sore_n i_o proceed_v to_o our_o second_o observation_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v poor_a and_o miserable_a in_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o dear_a to_o god_n this_o beggar_n lazarus_n though_o he_o be_v so_o much_o slight_v and_o despise_v in_o his_o life-time_n by_o this_o great_a rich_a man_n yet_o it_o appear_v when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v that_o he_o be_v not_o neglect_v by_o god_n for_o he_o give_v his_o angel_n charge_v concern_v he_o to_o convey_v he_o to_o happiness_n v._n 22._o the_o beggar_n die_v and_o be_v carry_v into_o abraham_n bosom_n but_o this_o truth_n be_v not_o only_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o a_o parable_n but_o exemplify_v in_o the_o life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n never_o be_v any_o man_n so_o dear_a to_o god_n as_o he_o be_v for_o he_o be_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n his_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o yet_o how_o poor_a and_o mean_a be_v his_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n insomuch_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v offend_v at_o he_o and_o can_v not_o own_o one_o that_o appear_v in_o so_o much_o meanness_n for_o the_o true_a messiah_n he_o be_v bear_v of_o mean_a parent_n and_o persecute_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v he_o be_v destitute_a of_o worldly_a accommodation_n the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n god_n can_v have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n with_o majesty_n and_o great_a glory_n and_o have_v make_v all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o have_v bow_v before_o he_o and_o pay_v homage_n to_o he_o but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n choose_v rather_o that_o he_o shall_v appear_v in_o a_o poor_a and_o humble_a in_o a_o suffering_n and_o afflict_a condition_n to_o confound_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o world_n who_o measure_v the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o these_o outward_a thing_n and_o think_v that_o god_n hate_v all_o those_o who_o he_o permit_v to_o be_v afflict_v now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o give_v a_o great_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o goodness_n and_o suffer_v may_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o person_n than_o in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n yet_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o bruise_v he_o and_o to_o put_v he_o to_o grief_n affliction_n in_o this_o world_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n hatred_n that_o they_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chastn_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v those_o he_o design_n for_o great_a thing_n hereafter_o he_o train_v up_o by_o great_a hardship_n in_o this_o world_n and_o by_o many_o tribulation_n prepare_v they_o for_o a_o kingdom_n this_o course_n god_n take_v more_o especial_o in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n the_o poor_a chief_o be_v those_o that_o receive_v the_o gospel_n not_o many_o mighty_a nor_o many_o noble_a but_o the_o base_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v despise_v do_v god_n choose_v harken_v my_o belove_a brethren_n say_v st._n james_n ch_n 2._o 5._o have_v not_o god_n choose_v the_o poor_a in_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o now_o this_o consideration_n shall_v persuade_v to_o patience_n under_o the_o great_a suffering_n and_o affliction_n in_o this_o world_n god_n may_v be_v our_o father_n and_o chasten_v we_o severe_o nay_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v rather_o a_o argument_n that_o he_o be_v so_o god_n may_v love_v we_o
reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a because_o that_o principle_n in_o worldly_a and_o sensual_a man_n which_o pursue_v earthly_a thing_n be_v in_o those_o who_o be_v unregenerate_a entire_a and_o undivided_a and_o consequent_o the_o affection_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n do_v all_o tend_v one_o way_n and_o run_v out_o towards_o those_o thing_n in_o a_o full_a and_o undivided_a stream_n whereas_o good_a man_n be_v but_o regenerate_v in_o part_n and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o yet_o their_o affection_n be_v divide_v and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a struggle_a and_o conslict_v between_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o spiritual_a principle_n do_v clear_o prevail_v and_o get_v a_o perfect_a victory_n over_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n man_n affection_n to_o the_o world_n be_v entire_a and_o unbroken_a and_o therefore_o they_o pursue_v these_o thing_n with_o all_o their_o might_n but_o the_o best_a man_n be_v but_o good_a in_o part_n and_o that_o heavenly_a principle_n which_o be_v in_o they_o be_v very_o much_o hinder_v in_o its_o operation_n by_o a_o contrary_a principle_n our_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a inclination_n which_o be_v hardly_o ever_o perfect_o subdue_v and_o bring_v under_o in_o this_o world_n three_o the_o worldly_a man_n faith_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_v of_o present_a and_o sensible_a thing_n be_v common_o strong_a than_o a_o good_a man_n faith_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_v of_o thing_n future_a and_o eternal_a now_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_v be_v the_o great_a principle_n which_o govern_v and_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o men._n if_o a_o man_n be_v once_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o and_o possess_v with_o good_a hope_n of_o obtain_v it_o and_o great_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o miss_v it_o this_o man_n may_v almost_o be_v put_v upon_o any_o thing_n the_o merchant_n traffic_v and_o the_o husbandman_n blow_v and_o sow_n in_o faith_n and_o hope_n because_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o bread_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o life_n and_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v so_o bless_v his_o labour_n that_o he_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o they_o and_o plain_o see_v that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o take_v this_o pain_n he_o must_v starve_v but_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o believe_v and_o hope_v and_o fear_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n as_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n do_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v i_o how_o i_o know_v this_o i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o visible_a in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n and_o endeavour_n of_o men._n good_a man_n be_v seldom_o so_o effectual_o and_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o their_o own_o say_n and_o proverb_n man_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o honesty_n be_v the_o best_a policy_n or_o as_o solomon_n express_v it_o that_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o walk_v sure_o as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n believe_v their_o own_o maxim_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v too_o honest_a to_o live_v that_o plain_o deal_v be_v a_o jewel_n but_o he_o that_o wear_v it_o shall_v die_v a_o beggar_n few_o man_n hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o powerful_a and_o vigorous_a and_o have_v so_o sensible_a a_o effect_n upon_o their_o life_n as_o the_o worldly_a man_n hope_n of_o gain_n and_o advantage_n man_n be_v not_o so_o afraid_a to_o swear_v as_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v treason_n they_o ae_z not_o so_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o another_o world_n as_o of_o the_o danger_n to_o which_o some_o crime_n against_o the_o law_n of_o man_n do_v expose_v their_o temporal_a life_n and_o safety_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v many_o time_n venture_v to_o offend_v god_n rather_o than_o incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o human_a law_n four_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v but_o one_o design_n and_o be_v whole_o intent_n upon_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n he_o that_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o mind_n may_v easy_o be_v skilled_a and_o excel_v it_o when_o a_o man_n make_v one_o thing_n his_o whole_a business_n no_o wonder_n if_o he_o be_v very_o know_v and_o wise_a in_o that_o now_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n mind_n worldly_a thing_n and_o have_v no_o care_n and_o concernment_n for_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v a_o say_n i_o think_v of_o thomas_n aquinas_n cave_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la qui_fw-la unicum_fw-la legit_fw-la librum_fw-la he_o be_v a_o dangerous_a man_n that_o read_v but_o one_o book_n he_o that_o give_v his_o mind_n but_o to_o one_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o any_o man_n at_o that_o application_n to_o one_o thing_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n gain_v a_o man_n perfect_a experience_n in_o it_o and_o experience_n furnish_v he_o with_o observation_n about_o it_o and_o these_o make_v he_o wise_a and_o prudent_a in_o that_o thing_n but_o good_a man_n though_o they_o have_v a_o great_a affection_n for_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n yet_o the_o business_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o life_n do_v very_o much_o divert_v and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o care_n of_o better_a thing_n they_o be_v divide_v between_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o and_o though_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n necessary_a in_o comparison_n yet_o the_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n be_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o though_o our_o soul_n be_v our_o main_a care_n yet_o some_o consideration_n must_v be_v have_v of_o our_o body_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o service_n of_o our_o soul_n some_o provision_n must_v be_v make_v for_o their_o present_a support_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o these_o earthy_a tabernacle_n and_o this_o will_v necessary_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o we_o can_v always_o and_o whole_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o mind_n they_o as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n do_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n 5th_o and_o last_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v a_o great_a compass_n and_o liberty_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o worldly_a design_n than_o good_a man_n have_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o interest_n the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o their_o end_n but_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o straight_o lace_v quocunque_fw-la modo_fw-la rem_fw-la they_o be_v resolve_v upon_o the_o point_n and_o will_v stick_v at_o no_o mean_n to_o compass_v their_o end_n they_o do_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o nice_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n invent_v by_o speculative_a and_o scrupulous_a man_n to_o puzzle_v business_n and_o to_o hinder_v and_o disappoint_v great_a design_n if_o ahab_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o naboth_n vineyard_n and_o naboth_n will_v not_o let_v he_o be_v honest_a and_o have_v it_o for_o a_o valuable_a consideration_n he_o will_v try_v to_o get_v it_o a_o cheap_a way_n naboth_n shall_v by_o false_a witness_n be_v make_v a_o traitor_n and_o his_o vineyard_n by_o this_o mean_n shall_v be_v forfeit_v to_o he_o and_o thus_o the_o unjust_a steward_n in_o the_o parable_n provide_v for_o himself_o he_o wrong_v his_o lord_n to_o secure_v a_o retreat_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n only_o remain_v to_o make_v some_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o application_n and_o one_a notwithstanding_o the_o commendation_n which_o have_v be_v give_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v value_v and_o admire_v it_o be_v indeed_o great_a in_o its_o way_n and_o kind_n but_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o little_a and_o low_a purpose_n employ_v about_o the_o concernment_n of_o a_o short_a time_n and_o a_o few_o day_n about_o the_o worst_a and_o mean_a part_n of_o ourselves_o and_o accompany_v with_o the_o neglect_n of_o great_a and_o better_a thing_n such_o as_o concern_v our_o soul_n and_o our_o whole_a duration_n even_o our_o happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o the_o world_n admire_v and_o cry_v up_o for_o wisdom_n be_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n who_o judge_v of_o thing_n according_a to_o truth_n but_o vanity_n and_o folly_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n say_v st._n paul_n be_v
of_o we_o which_o our_o reason_n and_o a_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o advantage_n which_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o without_o any_o consideration_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o most_o case_n urge_v we_o to_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n beside_o that_o it_o do_v not_o now_o happen_v so_o frequent_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n nay_o very_o seldom_o in_o comparison_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a both_o because_o religion_n offer_v to_o we_o in_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a suffering_n a_o happiness_n unspeakable_o great_a than_o that_o which_o we_o forego_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o when_o it_o happen_v god_n do_v extraordinary_o enable_v man_n to_o go_v through_o it_o with_o courage_n and_o comfort_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o in_o great_a number_n of_o all_o temper_n and_o age_n do_v voluntary_o choose_v to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o these_o suffering_n when_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o they_o but_o fair_a term_n of_o retreat_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o by_o their_o enemy_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n when_o a_o man_n suffer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o can_v help_v it_o and_o another_o thing_n when_o man_n may_v avoid_v suffer_v in_o the_o former_a case_n man_n submit_v to_o necessity_n and_o bear_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o latter_a case_n if_o man_n suffer_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o firm_o believe_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o suffer_v cheerful_o and_o with_o joy_n as_o most_o of_o the_o martyr_n do_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o god_n afford_v they_o extraordinary_a support_n in_o their_o suffering_n and_o then_o the_o case_n be_v not_o very_o hard_a when_o religion_n put_v they_o upon_o nothing_o but_o what_o it_o give_v they_o cause_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o five_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o to_o break_v the_o courage_n and_o vigour_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o the_o precept_n of_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o the_o like_a this_o objection_n have_v make_v a_o great_a noise_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v urge_v by_o man_n of_o great_a reputation_n and_o a_o deep_a insight_n into_o the_o temper_n of_o man_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v particular_o insist_v upon_o by_o machiavelli_n and_o very_o likely_a it_o may_v though_o i_o think_v that_o elsewhere_o he_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v with_o term_n of_o respect_n not_o only_o of_o religion_n in_o general_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o which_o seem_v very_o much_o to_o contradict_v the_o other_o he_o say_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o livy_n ch._n 11._o that_o the_o greatness_n and_o success_n of_o rome_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o their_o piety_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o rome_n be_v more_o indebt_v to_o numa_n pompilius_n for_o settle_v religion_n among_o they_o than_o to_o romulus_n the_o founder_n of_o their_o state_n and_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v be_v much_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o say_v he_o without_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o military_a discipline_n religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o good_a law_n and_o good_a discipline_n and_o particular_o he_o commend_v the_o samnite_n who_o betake_v themselves_o to_o religion_n as_o their_o last_o and_o best_a remedy_n to_o make_v man_n courageous_a nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o raise_v man_n spirit_n than_o religion_n but_o howsoever_o this_o objection_n be_v i_o dare_v appeal_n both_o to_o reason_n and_o experience_n for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o 1._o to_o reason_n and_o that_o as_o to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n principle_n of_o the_o great_a resolution_n and_o true_a courage_n it_o teach_v man_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o most_o rational_a ground_n to_o despise_v danger_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o the_o great_a and_o most_o formidable_a evil_n in_o this_o world_n and_o this_o principle_n be_v likely_a to_o inspire_v man_n with_o the_o great_a courage_n for_o what_o need_n he_o fear_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n who_o fear_v not_o death_n after_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v fear_v and_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v by_o give_v man_n the_o assurance_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o happiness_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o secure_n of_o this_o happiness_n it_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o to_o exercise_v a_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o free_v a_o man_n from_o all_o inward_a and_o torment_a fear_n of_o what_o may_v happen_v to_o he_o after_o death_n this_o make_v the_o righteous_a man_n to_o be_v as_o solomon_n say_v bold_a as_o a_o lion_n nothing_o render_v a_o man_n more_o undaunted_a as_o to_o death_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o than_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o have_v wilful_o displease_v he_o who_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o that_o a_o good_a man_n be_v secure_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n may_v upon_o that_o account_n reasonable_o hope_v for_o a_o great_a happiness_n after_o death_n than_o other_o man_n whereas_o a_o bad_a man_n if_o he_o be_v sober_a and_o have_v his_o sense_n awake_v to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o thing_n can_v but_o be_v afraid_a to_o die_v and_o be_v extreme_o anxious_a and_o solicitous_a what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o in_o another_o world_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v make_v the_o stout_a man_n breathe_v afraid_a to_o venture_v upon_o death_n when_o he_o see_v hell_n beyond_o it_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v some_o monster_n of_o man_n who_o may_v have_v so_o far_o suppress_v the_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o stupefy_v their_o conscience_n as_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n to_o have_v conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o of_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o but_o this_o happen_v but_o to_o a_o very_a few_o as_o the_o poet_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o epicurean_a fellix_fw-la qui_fw-la potuit_fw-la rerum_fw-la cognoscere_fw-la causas_fw-la atque_fw-la metus_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o inexorabile_fw-la fatum_fw-la subjecit_fw-la pedibus_fw-la strepitumque_fw-la acherontis_fw-la avari_fw-la there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o attain_v to_o this_o temper_n and_o but_o at_o some_o time_n so_o that_o if_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n do_v general_o break_v the_o firmness_n of_o man_n spirit_n it_o remain_v that_o nothing_o but_o religion_n can_v general_o give_v man_n courage_n against_o death_n and_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v eminent_o to_o those_o who_o live_v according_a to_o it_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o conquer_a death_n for_o we_o and_o give_v we_o assurance_n of_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o another_o life_n 2._o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o such_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o in_o reason_n tend_v to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o break_v their_o true_a courage_n but_o only_o to_o regulate_v it_o and_o take_v away_o the_o fierceness_n and_o brutishness_n of_o it_o this_o we_o see_v in_o experience_n that_o man_n of_o the_o true_a courage_n have_v many_o time_n lest_o of_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o passion_n and_o fierceness_n those_o who_o be_v better_o breed_v be_v common_o of_o more_o gentle_a and_o civil_a disposition_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o therefore_o want_v true_a courage_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o roughness_n and_o foolhardiness_n of_o man_n of_o rude_a breed_n so_o in_o a_o true_a christian_a courage_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o humility_n not_o that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v very_o courageous_a there_o be_v much_o of_o this_o in_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o man_n which_o religion_n do_v not_o quite_o alter_v but_o that_o which_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o maintain_v be_v that_o christianity_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o man_n courage_n and_o that_o caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la suppose_v man_n of_o equal_a temper_n no_o man_n have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v valiant_a as_o he_o that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o bluster_a and_o boisterous_a and_o rash_a courage_n but_o a_o sober_a and_o
own_o book_n and_o writer_n but_o even_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o reformation_n christianity_n at_o first_o wrought_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n we_o have_v clear_a and_o full_a testimony_n from_o what_o the_o apostle_n write_v concern_v the_o several_a church_n which_o they_o plant_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n what_o hearty_a unity_n and_o affection_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n even_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o make_v man_n bring_v in_o their_o private_a estate_n and_o possession_n for_o the_o common_a support_n of_o their_o brethren_n we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o city_n of_o corinth_n by_o the_o account_n which_o strabo_n give_v of_o it_o be_v a_o very_a vicious_a and_o luxurious_a place_n as_o most_o in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v by_o st._n paul_n what_o a_o strange_a reformation_n the_o christian_a religion_n make_v in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o many_o of_o they_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o effeminate_a nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o such_o a_o profligate_v course_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o crime_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o first_o rate_n from_o which_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o many_o be_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n together_o with_o the_o co-operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o ancient_a father_n in_o their_o apology_n for_o christianity_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n tertullian_n tell_v the_o roman_a governor_n that_o their_o prison_n be_v full_a of_o malefactor_n commit_v for_o several_a crime_n but_o they_o be_v all_o heathen_n de_fw-fr vestris_fw-la semper_fw-la aestuat_fw-la carcer_fw-la their_o prison_n be_v throng_v with_o criminal_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n to_o be_v find_v commit_v there_o for_o such_o crime_n nemo_fw-la illic_fw-la christianus_n nisi_fw-la hoc_fw-la tantùm_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o christian_n in_o their_o prison_n but_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o malefactor_n that_o have_v be_v christian_n they_o leave_v their_o religion_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o those_o enormity_n and_o afterward_o he_o add_v that_o if_o christian_n be_v irregular_a in_o their_o life_n they_o be_v no_o long_o account_v christian_n but_o be_v banish_v from_o their_o communion_n as_o unworthy_a of_o it_o and_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n what_o a_o sudden_a and_o strange_a change_n christianity_n have_v make_v in_o several_a of_o the_o most_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a person_n and_o what_o a_o visible_a reformation_n there_o present_o appear_v in_o the_o live_v of_o the_o worst_a man_n after_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o these_o testimony_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a because_o they_o be_v public_a appeal_n to_o our_o adversary_n which_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o who_o be_v so_o persecute_v and_o hate_v as_o the_o christian_n be_v will_v have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o have_v make_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v notorious_o true_a even_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judge_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o we_o have_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o i_o shall_v produce_v two_o remarkable_a testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o one_o of_o they_o from_o the_o pen_n of_o one_o of_o the_o bitter_a enemy_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n ever_o have_v pliny_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n give_v he_o a_o account_n that_o have_v examine_v the_o christian_n set_v aside_o the_o superstition_n of_o their_o way_n he_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n that_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v before_o day_n and_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o bind_v themselves_o by_o a_o solemn_a oath_n or_o sacrament_n not_o to_o any_o wicked_a purpose_n but_o not_o to_o steal_v nor_o rob_v nor_o commit_v adultery_n nor_o break_v their_o faith_n nor_o detain_v the_o pledge_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n be_v to_o oblige_v themselves_o in_o the_o strict_a manner_n against_o the_o great_a vice_n and_o crime_n which_o methinks_v be_v a_o great_a testimony_n from_o a_o enemy_n and_o a_o judge_n one_o who_o will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o discover_v their_o fault_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o inquire_v into_o they_o my_o other_o witness_n be_v julian_n the_o emperor_n and_o apostate_n who_o in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n tell_v we_o the_o christian_n do_v severe_o punish_v sedition_n and_o impiety_n and_o afterward_o exhort_v the_o heathen_a priest_n to_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n and_o especial_o alm_n towards_o the_o poor_a he_o tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o to_o mend_v this_o fault_n because_o say_v he_o the_o galilean_n take_v advantage_n of_o our_o neglect_n in_o this_o kind_n have_v very_o much_o strengthen_v their_o impiety_n for_o so_o he_o call_v their_o religion_n by_o be_v very_a intent_n upon_o these_o office_n and_o exemplary_a in_o their_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a whereby_o they_o gain_v many_o over_o to_o they_o and_o in_o his_o 49th_o epist_n to_o arsacius_n the_o highpriest_n of_o galatia_n he_o recommend_v to_o he_o among_o other_o mean_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o paganism_n the_o build_n of_o hospital_n and_o great_a liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o other_o for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n that_o the_o impious_a galilean_n shall_v not_o only_o maintain_v their_o own_o poor_a but_o we_o also_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o outdo_v we_o in_o this_o virtue_n nothing_o but_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v extort_a so_o full_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a humanity_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o christian_n from_o so_o bitter_a a_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o julian_n be_v if_o he_o own_v it_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v very_o great_a and_o exemplary_a so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o very_a great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n when_o it_o first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o any_o religion_n the_o force_n of_o any_o institution_n be_v best_a see_v in_o the_o primitive_a effect_n of_o it_o before_o it_o be_v weaken_v and_o dispirited_a by_o those_o corruption_n which_o in_o time_n be_v apt_a to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o best_a thing_n for_o all_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v common_o more_o vigorous_a and_o have_v great_a effect_n at_o first_o than_o afterward_o and_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v apt_a in_o time_n to_o degenerate_v and_o to_o contract_v soil_n and_o rust_n and_o it_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v bewail_v and_o by_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v resist_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o extreme_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o christianity_n in_o the_o space_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n have_v abate_v much_o of_o its_o first_o strength_n and_o vigour_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v several_a circumstance_n that_o give_v christianity_n mighty_a advantage_n at_o first_o especial_o the_o miraculous_a power_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v full_a of_o conviction_n to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o dispose_v they_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o the_o persecute_v and_o suffer_a state_n that_o christian_n be_v general_o in_o which_o make_v those_o who_o embrace_v the_o profession_n to_o be_v general_o serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o it_o and_o keep_v up_o a_o continual_a heat_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o that_o religion_n which_o cost_v they_o so_o dear_a and_o for_o which_o they_o suffer_v
tell_v we_o so_o plain_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n oblige_v man_n to_o put_v off_o all_o these_o and_o that_o if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n that_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a do_v man_n read_v and_o hear_v these_o thing_n every_o day_n and_o profess_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o live_v as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o persuade_v they_o be_v false_a what_o can_v we_o conclude_v from_o hence_o but_o either_o that_o this_o be_v not_o christianity_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o we_o be_v no_o christian_n so_o that_o if_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o primitive_a christian_n shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o converse_v among_o we_o how_o will_v he_o wonder_v to_o see_v the_o face_n and_o complexion_n of_o christianity_n alter_v from_o what_o it_o be_v in_o their_o day_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o name_n and_o title_n which_o we_o bear_v will_v soon_o guess_v we_o to_o be_v any_o thing_n than_o christian_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o quit_v ourselves_o of_o this_o objection_n and_o to_o wash_v away_o the_o reproach_n of_o it_o but_o to_o mend_v and_o reform_v our_o life_n till_o this_o be_v do_v it_o be_v unavoidable_a but_o the_o vicious_a manner_n of_o man_n will_v affect_v our_o religion_n with_o obloquy_n and_o reproach_n and_o derive_v a_o ill_a conceit_n and_o opinion_n of_o it_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o i_o can_v see_v how_o christianity_n can_v ever_o gain_v much_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n till_o it_o be_v better_o adorn_v and_o recommend_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o nay_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o fear_v that_o if_o god_n do_v not_o raise_v up_o some_o great_a and_o eminent_a instrument_n to_o awaken_v the_o world_n out_o of_o this_o stupid_a lethargy_n that_o christianity_n will_v every_o day_n decline_v and_o the_o world_n will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n be_v overrun_v with_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n for_o vice_n and_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n which_o be_v the_o reign_a disease_n of_o christendom_n when_o they_o have_v run_v their_o course_n and_o sinisht_v their_o circle_n do_v all_o natural_o end_n and_o meet_v in_o atheism_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v time_n for_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n to_o appear_v and_o effectual_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o that_o which_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v by_o any_o other_o mean_v and_o of_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o a_o terrible_a and_o fearful_a intimation_n in_o that_o question_n of_o he_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n upon_o earth_n our_o saviour_n have_v not_o positive_o affirm_v it_o and_o god_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v not_o make_v it_o and_o find_v it_o true_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v by_o god_n assistance_n give_v the_o best_a satisfaction_n i_o can_v to_o the_o most_o material_a exception_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n the_o ii_o thing_n remain_v brief_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o escape_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v against_o religion_n bless_a be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n first_o that_o prejudice_n do_v many_o time_n sway_v and_o bias_n man_n against_o the_o plain_a and_o clear_a truth_n we_o see_v in_o daily_a experience_n what_o a_o false_a byass_n prejudice_n put_v upon_o man_n understanding_n man_n that_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n and_o with_o what_o difficulty_n be_v they_o persuade_v of_o their_o mistake_n nay_o they_o have_v hardly_o the_o patience_n to_o be_v tell_v they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n much_o less_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v offer_v against_o it_o how_o do_v the_o passion_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n blind_v they_o and_o lead_v they_o aside_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v most_o favourable_a to_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n how_o partial_o do_v man_n lean_v to_o that_o part_n which_o make_v most_o for_o their_o advantage_n though_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n now_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n be_v a_o great_a slavery_n of_o the_o understanding_n if_o there_o be_v no_o worse_a consequence_n of_o our_o error_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v excellent_o that_o the_o truth_n make_v man_n free_a you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a second_o prejudice_n do_v not_o only_o by_o ass_n man_n against_o the_o plain_a truth_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n prejudices_fw-la against_o religion_n occasion_n mistake_v of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o may_v lead_v man_n to_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n nay_o many_o time_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o another_o concernment_n than_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o the_o writer_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n or_o eloquence_n or_o any_o other_o human_a art_n or_o science_n if_o a_o man_n prejudice_n make_v he_o err_v in_o these_o matter_n the_o thing_n be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n but_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n three_o the_o consequence_n of_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la in_o these_o thing_n prove_v many_o time_n fatal_a and_o destructive_a to_o they_o man_n may_v upon_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n man_n may_v oppose_v the_o truth_n so_o obstinate_o and_o perverse_o as_o to_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v certain_a ruin_n and_o swift_a destruction_n upon_o themselves_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v who_o by_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o persecute_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n till_o wrath_n come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o entertain_v prejudices_fw-la against_o religion_n and_o by_o consider_v only_o the_o wrong_a side_n of_o thing_n to_o fortify_v our_o prejudices_fw-la to_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o entrench_v ourselves_o so_o strong_o in_o our_o error_n that_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o convince_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o have_v any_o access_n to_o we_o or_o make_v any_o impression_n upon_o we_o but_o all_o this_o while_n we_o do_v in_o truth_n undermine_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o be_v secret_o work_v our_o own_o ruin_n and_o while_o we_o think_v we_o be_v oppose_v a_o enemy_n we_o be_v destroy_v ourselves_o for_o who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o prosper_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o firm_a and_o immovable_a rock_n against_o which_o the_o more_o violent_o we_o dash_v ourselves_o the_o more_o miserable_o we_o shall_v be_v split_v and_o shatter_v our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n have_v be_v to_o many_o and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n but_o he_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o those_o who_o be_v offend_v at_o he_o whosoever_o shall_v fall_v on_o this_o stone_n shall_v be_v break_v but_o upon_o whosoever_o it_o shall_v fall_v it_o shall_v grind_v he_o to_o powder_n and_o therefore_o well_o may_v he_o say_v here_o in_o the_o text_n bless_a be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o four_o there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v against_o religion_n thus_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o among_o we_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o education_n be_v remove_v yet_o there_o be_v still_o many_o who_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o be_v prejudice_v against_o religion_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n few_o man_n be_v so_o impartial_a in_o consider_v thing_n as_o not_o to_o be_v
sway_v by_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n as_o to_o keep_v the_o balance_n of_o their_o judgement_n even_o and_o to_o suffer_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o reason_n to_o weigh_v with_o they_o we_o general_o pretend_v to_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v all_o travel_n towards_o heaven_n but_o few_o of_o we_o have_v the_o indifferency_n of_o traveller_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o find_v out_o the_o fair_a and_o the_o easy_a way_n but_o to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_a way_n and_o to_o go_v in_o it_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o we_o our_o end_n shall_v always_o be_v in_o our_o eye_n and_o we_o shall_v choose_v our_o way_n only_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o not_o consider_v our_o inclination_n so_o much_o as_o our_o design_n nor_o choose_v those_o principle_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o present_a desire_n but_o those_o which_o will_v most_o certain_o bring_v we_o to_o happiness_n at_o the_o last_o and_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n firm_o believe_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o will_v do_v let_v we_o then_o be_v persuade_v by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n i_o hope_v you_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n satisfy_v that_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o aught_o much_o to_o move_v a_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man._n if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v take_v so_o much_o care_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o make_v any_o certain_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o they_o and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n let_v we_o next_o consider_v whether_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o christian_a and_o with_o half_a that_o reason_n pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n that_o christianity_n be_v able_a to_o produce_v for_o itself_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o the_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v or_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n or_o the_o divine_a confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a and_o if_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v concern_v it_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n our_o belief_n of_o it_o signify_v nothing_o without_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o if_o this_o be_v once_o resolve_v upon_o the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v will_v cease_v for_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n the_o true_a ground_n of_o most_o man_n prejudice_n against_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o obey_v it_o and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o great_a objection_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o man_n mind_n against_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o they_o can_v profess_v to_o believe_v it_o without_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o not_o comply_v with_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n sermon_n iu._n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n prove_v by_o his_o resurrection_n rom_n i._o 4._o and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a st_n paul_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n according_a to_o his_o custom_n in_o the_o rest_n style_v himself_o a_o apostle_n particular_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o by_o god_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o main_a subject_n whereof_o be_v jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n who_o as_o he_o be_v according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n so_o according_a to_o his_o humane_a nature_n he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o also_o the_o son_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v the_o weakness_n and_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o david_n that_o be_v of_o his_o posterity_n by_o his_o mother_n who_o be_v of_o that_o house_n and_o line_n make_a of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n v._o 3._o but_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v manifest_v in_o he_o especial_o in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o according_a to_o his_o humane_a nature_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n be_v concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o phrase_n of_o christ_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o most_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n do_v signify_v predestinate_v decree_v determine_v but_o it_o likewise_o signify_v that_o which_o be_v define_v declare_v demonstrate_v put_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n our_o translation_n render_v it_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n though_o according_a to_o the_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n he_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o manifest_v itself_o in_o he_o especial_o in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n that_o be_v mighty_o powerful_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v so_o so_o as_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o follow_v 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worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o way_n or_o other_o eminent_o manifest_v in_o he_o i_o say_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o lord_n and_o giver_n of_o life_n as_o he_o be_v call_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o as_o man_n be_v natural_o say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o those_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o life_n and_o be_v so_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o he_o have_v life_n communicate_v to_o he_o from_o the_o father_n by_o a_o immediate_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n first_o at_o his_o conception_n which_o be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o conception_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n overshadow_v as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o then_o at_o his_o resurrection_n when_o after_o his_o death_n he_o be_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n raise_v to_o life_n again_o now_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n only_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v real_o so_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o conception_n but_o this_o be_v secret_a and_o invisible_a but_o most_o eminent_o and_o remarkable_o so_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o resurrection_n which_o be_v open_a and_o visible_a to_o all_o 1._o upon_o account_n of_o his_o conception_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o be_v
lay_v the_o main_a stress_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v condemn_v he_o by_o their_o law_n they_o charge_v he_o with_o this_o in_o his_o life-time_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 10._o 36._o say_v you_o of_o he_o who_o the_o father_n have_v sanctify_v and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n thou_o blaspheme_v because_o i_o say_v i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o when_o he_o be_v arraign_v before_o the_o chief_a priest_n they_o accuse_v he_o of_o this_o and_o he_o own_v this_o charge_n that_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o they_o judge_v he_o guilty_a of_o death_n matth._n 26._o 65_o 66._o then_o the_o highpriest_n rend_v his_o clothes_n and_o say_v he_o have_v speak_v blasphemy_n what_o further_a need_n have_v we_o of_o witness_n behold_v now_o you_o have_v hear_v his_o blasphemy_n what_o think_v you_o they_o answer_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o death_n and_o when_o pilate_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o they_o still_o instance_n in_o this_o as_o his_o crime_n john_n 19_o 7._o we_o have_v a_o law_n and_o by_o our_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v because_o he_o make_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v the_o crime_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o and_o for_o which_o he_o be_v crucify_v and_o put_v to_o death_n god_n by_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o take_v he_o up_o into_o heaven_n give_v testimony_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v no_o impostor_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o vain_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n god_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v a_o mighty_a demonstration_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n give_v testimony_n to_o he_o at_o his_o baptism_n and_o by_o the_o mighty_a work_n that_o appear_v in_o he_o in_o his_o life_n time_n but_o he_o be_v most_o eminent_o and_o remarkable_o justify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a god_n hereby_o bear_v he_o witness_n that_o he_o be_v unjust_o condemn_v and_o that_o he_o assume_v nothing_o to_o himself_o but_o what_o of_o right_n do_v belong_v to_o he_o when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v for_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v more_o remarkable_o vindicate_v and_o more_o clear_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o than_o by_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o two_o god_n do_v consequent_o hereby_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n be_v prove_v by_o his_o resurrection_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v by_o he_o and_o that_o what_o he_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o this_o none_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o know_v and_o to_o report_v true_o to_o mankind_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o because_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o great_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o one_o article_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v sufficient_a to_o a_o man_n salvation_n rom._n 10._o 9_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n infer_v the_o 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the_o sum_n and_o abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n infer_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n for_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a after_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v but_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n 2_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a assure_v we_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o of_o the_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o no_o man_n that_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o ever_o doubt_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n so_o that_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a god_n have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o more_o especial_o to_o these_o three_o purpose_n one_a to_o raise_v our_o mind_n above_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v but_o man_n convince_v of_o this_o great_a and_o obvious_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n between_o a_o few_o day_n and_o everlasting_a age_n will_v we_o but_o sometime_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o what_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n die_v man_n have_v of_o this_o world_n how_o vain_a and_o empty_a a_o thing_n it_o appear_v to_o they_o how_o like_o a_o pageant_n and_o shadow_n it_o look_v as_o it_o pass_v away_o from_o they_o methinks_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a temptation_n to_o any_o man_n to_o forget_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o present_a delight_n and_o allurement_n of_o sense_n we_o shall_v be_v strong_o intent_n upon_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o world_n and_o almost_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o vast_a eternity_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o enter_v into_o for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o world_n this_o vast_a and_o howl_a wilderness_n this_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a country_n which_o we_o be_v but_o to_o pass_v through_o which_o shall_v detain_v and_o entangle_v our_o affection_n and_o take_v off_o our_o thought_n from_o our_o everlasting_a habitation_n from_o that_o better_a and_o that_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o hope_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o 2_o the_o 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save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o by_o these_o qualification_n our_o high_a priest_n be_v describe_v in_o this_o epistle_n and_o by_o these_o he_o be_v every_o way_n suit_v to_o all_o our_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n to_o instruct_v our_o ignorance_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o to_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n by_o his_o most_o holy_a and_o most_o exemplary_a life_n to_o expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n and_o to_o procure_v grace_n and_o assistance_n for_o we_o by_o his_o prevalent_a intercession_n on_o our_o behalf_n by_o all_o these_o way_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n one_a by_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n whereby_o we_o be_v perfect_o instruct_v in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o powerful_o excite_v and_o persuade_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v very_o obscure_a before_o and_o the_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n but_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o be_v now_o render_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o vicious_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n blur_v and_o deface_v the_o natural_a law_n so_o that_o the_o heathen_a world_n for_o many_o age_n have_v but_o a_o very_a dark_a and_o doubtful_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n especial_o as_o to_o several_a instance_n of_o it_o the_o custom_n of_o several_a vice_n have_v so_o prevail_v among_o mankind_n as_o almost_o quite_o to_o extinguish_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o their_o evil_a and_o deformity_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o enjoy_v a_o considerable_a degree_n of_o divine_a revelation_n have_v no_o strict_a 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charity_n of_o abstain_v from_o revenge_n and_o forgive_a injury_n and_o return_v to_o our_o enemy_n good_a for_o evil_a and_o love_n for_o ill-will_n and_o blessing_n and_o prayer_n for_o curse_n and_o persecution_n these_o virtue_n indeed_o be_v sometime_o and_o yet_o but_o very_o rare_o recommend_v before_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o wise_a man_n but_o either_o not_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o perfection_n or_o not_o under_o that_o degree_n of_o necessity_n and_o as_o have_v the_o force_n of_o law_n and_o lay_v a_o universal_a obligation_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n upon_o all_o mankind_n and_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v give_v a_o great_a clearness_n and_o certainty_n and_o perfection_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o clear_a light_n more_o powerful_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o constant_a and_o careful_a practice_n of_o it_o for_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o plain_a and_o convince_a demonstration_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o a_o evidence_n to_o we_o both_o of_o his_o power_n and_o of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a not_o but_o that_o mankind_n have_v some_o obscure_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n before_o good_a man_n have_v always_o good_a hope_n of_o another_o life_n and_o future_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n be_v not_o without_o some_o fear_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n of_o another_o world_n but_o man_n have_v dispute_v themselves_o into_o great_a doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n about_o these_o thing_n and_o as_o man_n that_o be_v in_o doubt_n be_v almost_o indifferent_a which_o way_n they_o go_v so_o the_o uncertain_a apprehension_n which_o man_n have_v of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n have_v but_o a_o very_a faint_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o want_v that_o press_a and_o determine_v force_n to_o virtue_n and_o a_o good_a life_n which_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o clear_a conviction_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v have_v infuse_v into_o they_o but_o now_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v scatter_v all_o these_o cloud_n and_o chase_v away_o that_o gross_a darkness_n which_o hide_v the_o other_o world_n from_o our_o sight_n and_o have_v remove_v all_o doubt_n concern_v the_o immortality_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o their_o future_a state_n and_o now_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n with_o all_o its_o treasure_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o glory_n lie_v open_a to_o our_o view_n and_o hell_n be_v also_o naked_a before_o we_o and_o destruction_n have_v no_o cover_n so_o that_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n be_v now_o perfect_o awaken_v and_o all_o sort_n of_o consideration_n that_o may_v serve_v to_o quicken_v and_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n and_o to_o deter_v and_o affright_v man_n from_o a_o wicked_a life_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o man_n and_o do_v stare_v every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o face_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o gospel_n so_o admirable_a and_o powerful_a a_o instrument_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o mankind_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n because_o therein_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v set_v before_o we_o as_o the_o certain_a and_o glorious_a reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o therein_o also_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n so_o that_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o rule_n and_o the_o powerful_a enforcement_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o the_o clear_a discovery_n and_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o eternal_a recompense_n of_o another_o world_n nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v better_o suit_v to_o its_o end_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o holy_a and_o good_a unto_o salvation_n both_o by_o instruct_v they_o perfect_o in_o their_o duty_n and_o urge_v they_o powerful_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o two_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n be_v likewise_o another_o excellent_a mean_n to_o this_o end_n the_o law_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o but_o a_o pattern_n give_v life_n and_o encouragement_n and_o render_v our_o duty_n more_o easy_a and_o practicable_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o for_o here_o we_o see_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n practise_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o perform_v by_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o this_o exception_n make_v a_o great_a difference_n and_o seem_v to_o take_v off_o very_o much_o from_o the_o encourage_v force_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o example_n no_o wonder_n if_o he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n and_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n perform_v all_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o where_o be_v the_o encouragement_n of_o this_o example_n that_o our_o nature_n pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a support_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o divinity_n to_o which_o it_o be_v unite_v shall_v be_v perfect_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v that_o force_n and_o encouragement_n in_o it_o which_o a_o example_n more_o suit_v to_o our_o weakness_n may_v have_v have_v but_o then_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o perfection_n which_o a_o pattern_n ought_v to_o have_v and_o to_o which_o though_o we_o can_v never_o attain_v yet_o we_o may_v always_o be_v aspire_v towards_o it_o and_o certain_o we_o can_v better_o learn_v
he_o shall_v continue_v for_o some_o time_n in_o the_o resolution_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o afterward_o fall_v off_o from_o it_o and_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o he_o his_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o his_o beginning_n all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v will_v not_o be_v remember_v he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o god_n soul_n will_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o this_o be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o no_o man_n can_v entertain_v a_o contrary_a persuasion_n without_o contradict_v the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v this_o that_o a_o virtual_a obedience_n and_o sincere_a faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a where_o there_o be_v no_o time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o actual_a obedience_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o where_o there_o be_v opportunity_n for_o actual_a obedience_n and_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o perseverance_n therein_o they_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o a_o wellgrounded_n hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o two_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n perfect_a obedience_n consist_v in_o the_o exact_a conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n without_o the_o least_o imperfection_n and_o without_o fail_v in_o any_o point_n or_o degree_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o this_o obedience_n as_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n so_o neither_o do_v god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n we_o be_v indeed_o command_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o for_o that_o be_v not_o only_o impossible_a to_o man_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o imperfection_n but_o absolute_o impossible_a to_o humane_a nature_n for_o man_n to_o be_v perfect_a as_o god_n be_v perfect_a but_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v imitate_v those_o divine_a perfection_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o purity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o like_o god_n in_o all_o these_o as_o we_o can_v and_o be_v still_o aspire_v after_o a_o near_a resemblance_n of_o he_o as_o may_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consider_v the_o connexion_n and_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n by_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o conformity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o in_o the_o customary_a neglect_n of_o any_o material_a and_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o know_a duty_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o wilful_o and_o deliberate_o guilty_a of_o the_o single_a act_n of_o heinous_a and_o notorious_a sin_n as_o i_o have_v former_o explain_v this_o matter_n more_o at_o large_a in_o another_o discourse_n and_o this_o obedience_n even_o in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v mix_v with_o great_a frailty_n and_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o we_o can_v do_v in_o this_o state_n of_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a as_o that_o god_n be_v please_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o meritorious_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o accept_v this_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n and_o to_o reward_v it_o with_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o after_o all_o the_o intricate_a dispute_n and_o infinite_a controversy_n about_o this_o business_n be_v the_o true_a and_o clear_a state_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o this_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n though_o it_o be_v sometime_o call_v by_o divine_n evangelical_n perfection_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o very_o improper_o so_o call_v for_o nothing_o be_v proper_o perfect_a to_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v want_v and_o great_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a man_n upon_o earth_n and_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n do_v neither_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o themselves_o but_o as_o st._n john_n say_v of_o such_o person_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o beside_o other_o imperfection_n these_o two_o be_v evident_a in_o they_o ignorance_n and_o pride_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o second_o particular_a namely_o what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n for_o eternal_a life_n sermon_n vii_o the_o possibility_n and_o necessity_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o its_o consistence_n with_o free_a grace_n heb._n v._n 9_o and_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o five_o thing_n one_a how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n two_o what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n three_o the_o possibility_n of_o our_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n four_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n 5th_o the_o consistency_n of_o this_o method_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n with_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v handle_v the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o and_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v viz._n the_o possibility_n of_o our_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n only_o to_o those_o who_o obey_v he_o then_o those_o who_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n but_o there_o can_v be_v the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n where_o obedience_n be_v impossible_a no_o man_n be_v guilty_a or_o just_o liable_a to_o punishment_n for_o the_o not_o do_v of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v no_o way_n possible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o which_o god_n be_v enter_v with_o mankind_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o otherwise_o it_o leave_v they_o in_o as_o bad_a a_o condition_n as_o they_o be_v in_o before_o because_o it_o only_o offer_v new_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o we_o but_o set_v we_o never_o the_o near_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o if_o so_o be_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v grant_v be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o we_o nay_o it_o render_v our_o state_n many_o degree_n worse_o if_o our_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o gracious_a offer_v bring_v we_o under_o new_a and_o great_a guilt_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o few_o person_n have_v great_a benefit_n by_o it_o because_o they_o by_o a_o especial_a and_o effectual_a grace_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o this_o a_o mighty_a straighten_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o confine_v it_o within_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o still_o to_o leave_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o if_o salvation_n have_v never_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o as_o it_o certain_o do_v if_o as_o this_o doctrine_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o gild_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v great_o increase_v and_o heighten_v by_o their_o contempt_n of_o and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o those_o man_n to_o obey_v it_o for_o want_v of_o that_o special_a and_o effectual_a grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v they_o thereto_o
law_n some_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o the_o merit_n of_o obedience_n and_o good_a work_n that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o they_o and_o do_v it_o with_o so_o much_o caution_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o it_o or_o do_v apprehend_v some_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o it_o but_o this_o fear_n be_v perfect_o groundless_a as_o if_o merit_n can_v not_o be_v exclude_v without_o cast_v off_o our_o duty_n and_o release_n ourselves_o from_o any_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o be_v good_a for_o any_o man_n sure_o may_v easy_o discern_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o a_o worthiness_n of_o desert_n and_o a_o fitness_n of_o receive_v a_o rebel_n be_v penitent_a and_o sorry_a for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v though_o he_o can_v deserve_v a_o pardon_n yet_o he_o may_v thereby_o be_v qualify_v and_o make_v meet_v to_o receive_v it_o though_o repentance_n do_v not_o make_v he_o worthy_a yet_o it_o may_v make_v he_o capable_a of_o it_o which_o a_o obstinate_a rebel_n and_o one_o that_o persist_v in_o his_o disloyalty_n be_v not_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o plain_a of_o itself_o that_o it_o will_v be_v waste_n of_o time_n and_o word_n to_o insist_v long_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o now_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n rely_v upon_o these_o three_o ground_n one_a upon_o the_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n two_o the_o general_a reason_n of_o reward_n three_o upon_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o that_o reward_n which_o god_n will_v confer_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o obedience_n one_a the_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o he_o may_v dispense_v his_o gift_n and_o favour_n upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n he_o please_v and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v plain_o declare_v that_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n he_o will_v give_v eternal_a life_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n who_o shall_v resist_v his_o will_n or_o dispute_v his_o pleasure_n the_o right_a and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v so_o unquestionable_a that_o it_o admit_v of_o no_o contest_v and_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n propose_v be_v so_o infinite_o great_a and_o unvaluable_a that_o no_o condition_n of_o obtain_v they_o which_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o can_v be_v think_v hard_a and_o unequal_a so_o that_o we_o ought_v thankful_o to_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n let_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o be_v what_o they_o will_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o the_o impose_v of_o these_o condition_n upon_o we_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n but_o mere_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o silence_v all_o objection_n against_o it_o but_o two_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v likewise_o found_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o reward_n in_o general_n for_o though_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o our_o reward_n so_o infinite_o beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o best_a duty_n and_o service_n as_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n be_v i_o say_v though_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o this_o reward_n be_v found_v in_o the_o immense_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o reason_n of_o reward_n in_o general_n be_v necessary_o found_v in_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n law_n for_o according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n nothing_o but_o obedience_n be_v capable_a of_o reward_n for_o though_o authority_n may_v pardon_v the_o breach_n and_o transgression_n of_o law_n and_o remit_v 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and_o be_v renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o who_o create_v we_o in_o righteousness_n can_v make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v like_o god_n must_v be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a and_o patient_a and_o merciful_a as_o god_n be_v and_o this_o alone_a can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v like_o he_o we_o can_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n we_o can_v not_o find_v any_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n say_v our_o saviour_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n without_o holiness_n say_v the_o apostle_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n impossible_a that_o a_o wicked_a man_n whilst_o he_o remain_v so_o shall_v ever_o be_v happy_a because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o agreeable_a and_o delightful_a society_n between_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o one_o another_o between_o he_o who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n and_o a_o sinful_a and_o impure_a creature_n for_o what_o fellowship_n say_v the_o apostle_n can_v righteousness_n have_v with_o unrighteousness_n what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n or_o god_n with_o belial_n that_o be_v with_o the_o wicked_a and_o disobedient_a till_o we_o become_v like_a to_o god_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n there_o can_v be_v no_o happy_a society_n between_o he_o and_o we_o we_o can_v neither_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o god_n nor_o he_o take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o we_o for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o he_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o eternal_a jar_a and_o discord_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o holy_a god_n and_o wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a men._n i_o will_v behold_v thy_o face_n say_v david_n in_o righteousness_n there_o be_v no_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n if_o we_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n god_n will_v cast_v we_o out_o of_o his_o fight_n and_o in_o great_a anger_n bid_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o we_o also_o shall_v desire_v he_o to_o depart_v from_o we_o as_o be_v unable_a to_o bear_v the_o sight_n of_o he_o so_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n since_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o qualification_n
in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v mean_v the_o initiate_a of_o man_n by_o this_o solemn_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o it_o concern_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o solemn_a stipulation_n and_o engagement_n to_o live_v according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n which_o promise_n of_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o practice_n be_v likewise_o make_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v testify_v but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o head_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o take_v particular_a notice_n what_o use_v the_o anabaptist_n make_v of_o this_o text_n so_o as_o in_o effect_n to_o lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o their_o cause_n upon_o it_o as_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o manner_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v all_o infant_n even_o those_o of_o 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christian_a religion_n child_n be_v in_o a_o much_o worse_a condition_n than_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o law_n so_o that_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v so_o plain_a nothing_o less_o than_o a_o express_a prohibition_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o a_o exception_n of_o child_n from_o baptism_n can_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o deprive_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n of_o any_o privilege_n of_o which_o the_o jewish_a be_v capable_a for_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o go_v and_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o solemn_o into_o it_o by_o baptism_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_v to_o proselyte_n man_n to_o their_o religion_n by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n by_o which_o rite_n also_o they_o take_v in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o proselyte_n upon_o promise_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n they_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n and_o if_o 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second_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o precept_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o you_o see_v how_o their_o commission_n bound_n and_o limit_n they_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v other_o those_o precept_n which_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o they_o have_v no_o power_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o make_v new_a law_n which_o shall_v be_v of_o universal_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n and_o consequent_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v the_o publisher_n but_o not_o the_o author_n of_o this_o new_a religion_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n when_o the_o corinthian_n consult_v he_o about_o several_a thing_n relate_v to_o marriage_n and_o virginity_n he_o only_o give_v his_o advice_n but_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v a_o law_n in_o those_o case_n that_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n christian_n do_v general_o at_o this_o day_n think_v themselves_o absolve_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o canon_n which_o be_v make_v even_o in_o a_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o all_o those_o branch_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v now_o cease_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n confer_v upon_o his_o apostle_n to_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n do_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o necessary_o imply_v a_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n under_o such_o officer_n and_o by_o such_o rule_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o most_o fit_a to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o without_o this_o power_n of_o govern_v they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o teach_v and_o therefore_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o commission_n we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n by_o such_o rule_n and_o constitution_n as_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o then_o present_a circumstance_n of_o christianity_n and_o as_o they_o do_v appoint_v temporary_a officer_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n so_o they_o constitute_v other_o that_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o instruct_n and_o govern_v of_o christian_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o subordination_n to_o one_o another_o as_o will_v be_v most_o effectual_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n of_o government_n which_o subordination_n of_o governor_n have_v not_o only_o be_v use_v in_o all_o religion_n but_o in_o all_o the_o well_o regulate_v civil_a society_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o text_n be_v the_o promise_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o make_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o work_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v though_o i_o be_v go_v from_o you_o in_o person_n yet_o i_o will_v still_o be_v present_a with_o you_o by_o my_o power_n and_o spirit_n and_o sure_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o have_v he_o engage_v for_o their_o assistance_n who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o 18_o verse_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v therefore_o as_o far_o as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v to_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o it_o be_v primary_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o immediate_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o
but_o god_n be_v with_o we_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o too_o hard_o for_o he_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v only_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o own_o resolution_n they_o will_v easy_o be_v bear_v down_o but_o they_o be_v from_o god_n of_o a_o heavenly_a birth_n and_o original_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n john_n 1._o 12_o 13._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o privilege_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n god_n consider_v the_o impotency_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o this_o deprave_a and_o degenerate_a state_n into_o which_o we_o be_v sink_v and_o therefore_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o but_o when_o he_o command_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n he_o tell_v we_o for_o our_o encouragement_n that_o he_o himself_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v he_o do_v not_o bid_v we_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o our_o own_o strength_n for_o he_o know_v we_o have_v no_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o but_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n and_o what_o may_v not_o even_o a_o weak_a creature_n do_v that_o be_v so_o powerful_o assist_v if_o we_o will_v but_o make_v use_n of_o this_o strength_n nothing_o can_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o all_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v comply_v with_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v as_o sincere_a in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o offer_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v at_o first_o it_o be_v but_o make_v one_o manful_a onset_n and_o sustain_v the_o first_o brunt_n and_o the_o 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must_v needs_o sweeten_v and_o mitigate_v all_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n that_o be_v occasion_v by_o it_o this_o strait_a gate_n through_o which_o we_o must_v enter_v and_o this_o craggy_a way_n which_o we_o be_v to_o climb_v up_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o he_o be_v a_o lazy_a man_n indeed_o that_o will_v not_o strive_v and_o struggle_v for_o life_n all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v he_o will_v do_v for_o his_o life_n for_o this_o miserable_a life_n which_o be_v so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a and_o bear_v to_o trouble_v as_o the_o spark_n fly_v upward_o a_o life_n not_o worth_a the_o have_v nor_o worth_a the_o keep_n with_o any_o great_a care_n and_o trouble_v if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o order_n to_o a_o better_a and_o happy_a life_n but_o it_o be_v not_o this_o life_n which_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o indeed_o be_v not_o worth_a all_o this_o strive_v for_o it_o be_v eternal_a life_n a_o state_n of_o perfect_a and_o endless_a happiness_n of_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n and_o who_o will_v not_o not_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o that_o gate_n which_o lead_v to_o so_o much_o felicity_n can_v a_o man_n possible_o take_v too_o much_o pain_n be_v at_o too_o much_o trouble_v for_o a_o few_o day_n to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o so_o often_o as_o i_o consider_v what_o incredible_a industry_n man_n use_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o get_v a_o small_a portion_n of_o this_o world_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o either_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o else_o they_o can_v not_o think_v much_o to_o be_v at_o the_o same_o pain_n for_o heaven_n that_o they_o can_v cheerful_o bestow_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o these_o corruptible_a thing_n can_v we_o be_v so_o unconscionable_a as_o to_o think_v god_n unreasonable_a when_o he_o offer_v heaven_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n to_o we_o upon_o as_o easy_a term_n as_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n be_v ordinary_o to_o be_v have_v and_o be_v not_o we_o very_o foolish_a and_o unwise_a to_o put_v away_o eternal_a life_n from_o we_o when_o we_o may_v have_v it_o upon_o term_n so_o infinite_o below_o the_o true_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o it_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o the_o first_o part_n of_o these_o word_n which_o be_v so_o many_o argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n by_o the_o course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o
and_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v be_v very_o eminent_a for_o this_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o most_o exact_a people_n in_o the_o world_n in_o matter_n of_o external_a ceremony_n and_o devotion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v far_a than_o publican_n and_o harlot_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v so_o very_o bad_a under_z so_o great_a a_o pretence_n of_o devotion_n therefore_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a damnation_n not_o but_o that_o external_n devotion_n be_v a_o necessary_a expression_n of_o religion_n and_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o pious_a and_o devout_a mind_n and_o when_o man_n be_v real_o such_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o their_o external_a devotion_n represent_v they_o to_o be_v but_o when_o the_o outward_a garb_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o make_v a_o cloak_n for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o within_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o show_n that_o we_o see_v without_o nothing_o be_v more_o odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o god_n these_o be_v mere_a engine_n and_o puppet_n in_o religion_n all_o the_o motion_n we_o see_v without_o proceed_v from_o a_o artificial_a contrivance_n and_o not_o from_o any_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o as_o no_o creature_n be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o a_o ape_n because_o the_o beast_n make_v some_o pretence_n to_o human_a shape_n so_o nothing_o be_v more_o fulsome_a than_o this_o hypocritical_a devotion_n because_o it_o look_v like_o religion_n but_o be_v the_o far_a from_o it_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n 5th_o other_o confide_v very_o much_o in_o their_o be_v member_n of_o the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o in_o the_o manifold_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v thereby_o above_o other_o 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presence_n the_o natural_a substance_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n they_o have_v not_o only_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o innumerable_a other_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n they_o have_v not_o only_o their_o own_o merit_n to_o plead_v for_o they_o but_o in_o case_n they_o be_v defective_a they_o may_v have_v the_o merit_n of_o other_o assign_v and_o make_v over_o to_o they_o out_o of_o the_o infinite_a stock_n and_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o which_o they_o may_v challenge_v eternal_a life_n as_o of_o right_a and_o due_a belong_v to_o they_o and_o by_o a_o due_a course_n of_o confession_n and_o absolution_n may_v quit_v score_n with_o god_n for_o all_o their_o sin_n from_o time_n to_o time_n or_o if_o they_o have_v neglect_v all_o this_o they_o may_v after_o the_o most_o flagitious_a course_n of_o life_n upon_o attrition_n that_o be_v upon_o some_o trouble_n for_o sin_n out_o of_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n join_v with_o confession_n and_o absolution_n get_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o provide_v the_o priest_n mean_v honest_o and_o do_v not_o for_o want_v of_o intention_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o save_a benefit_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o sacrament_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a man_n can_v be_v delude_v at_o this_o rate_n as_o to_o think_v that_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o good_a condition_n and_o want_v of_o charity_n to_o other_o will_v carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n that_o any_o church_n have_v the_o privilege_n to_o save_v impenitent_a sinner_n and_o they_o be_v real_o impenitent_a who_o do_v not_o exercise_v such_o a_o repentance_n as_o the_o gospel_n plain_o require_v and_o if_o man_n die_v in_o this_o state_n whatever_o church_n they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o know_v they_o but_o will_v bid_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o because_o they_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n six_o other_o think_v that_o their_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n will_v certain_o save_v they_o but_o zeal_n if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v mistake_v in_o its_o object_n or_o be_v irregular_a and_o excessive_a in_o the_o degree_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o virtue_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o fault_n and_o though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o charity_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o if_o he_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o be_v nothing_o seven_o other_o go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o real_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o sure_a willdo_o the_o business_n and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a and_o certain_a in_o experience_n that_o religion_n may_v have_v a_o considerable_a awe_n and_o influence_n upon_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o happiness_n man_n may_v in_o many_o considerable_a instance_n perform_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o yet_o the_o retain_v of_o one_o lust_n the_o practice_n of_o any_o one_o know_v sin_n may_v hinder_v they_o from_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n herod_n do_v not_o only_o hear_v john_n glad_o but_o do_v many_o thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a man._n the_o pharisee_fw-mi thank_v god_n and_o it_o may_v be_v true_o that_o he_o be_v not_o like_o other_o man_n a_o extortioner_n or_o unjust_a or_o a_o adulterer_n and_o yet_o the_o penitent_a publican_n be_v justify_v before_o he_o the_o young_a man_n who_o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n to_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o enter_v into_o life_n and_o of_o who_o our_o saviour_n testify_v that_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o want_v but_o one_o thing_n yet_o for_o want_v of_o that_o he_o miscarry_v and_o st._n james_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o a_o man_n keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o fail_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o if_o we_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n in_o any_o one_o kind_a christ_n will_v disow_v we_o and_o bid_v we_o depart_v from_o he_o eight_o other_o rely_v upon_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n whereby_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n from_o whence_o they_o can_v never_o final_o fall_v they_o do_v once_o very_o hearty_o repent_v of_o their_o wicked_a life_n and_o do_v change_v their_o course_n and_o be_v real_o reform_v and_o continue_v a_o great_a while_n in_o that_o good_a course_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v certain_o true_a but_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v relapse_v into_o their_o former_a evil_a course_n and_o if_o so_o the_o prophet_n have_v tell_v we_o their_o doom_n that_o if_o the_o righteous_a man_n forsake_v his_o righteousness_n his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v remember_v but_o in_o the_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o that_o shall_v he_o die_v so_o that_o a_o righteous_a man_n may_v turn_v from_o his_o righteousress_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o die_v in_o it_o for_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o here_o as_o some_o vain_o pretend_v put_v a_o case_n which_o be_v impossible_a in_o fact_n shall_v happen_v unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o other_o case_n which_o he_o put_v together_o with_o it_o of_o the_o wicked_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a be_v likewise_o impossible_a which_o god_n forbid_v and_o that_o man_n may_v fall_v from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n to_o good_a man_n but_o a_o good_a caution_n against_o security_n and_o a_o argument_n
be_v the_o less_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o applaud_v ourselves_o in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v rather_o be_v afraid_a of_o receive_v our_o good_a thing_n here_o lest_o god_n shall_v put_v we_o off_o with_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v all_o our_o portion_n and_o lest_o our_o misery_n in_o the_o next_o world_n shall_v be_v the_o great_a for_o our_o have_v be_v happy_a the_o felicity_n of_o this_o world_n be_v transient_a and_o though_o our_o happiness_n be_v never_o so_o complete_a yet_o it_o be_v go_v off_o and_o pass_v away_o and_o when_o it_o be_v go_v and_o pass_v if_o misery_n succeed_v it_o it_o have_v better_o never_o have_v be_v remember_v thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n these_o thing_n be_v only_o for_o our_o life_n time_n and_o how_o short_a be_v that_o do_v man_n serious_o consider_v this_o they_o will_v not_o set_v such_o a_o price_n upon_o any_o of_o the_o transient_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n as_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o to_o neglect_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v dazzle_v with_o the_o present_a glitter_a of_o worldly_a glory_n and_o prosperity_n but_o if_o we_o will_v look_v upon_o these_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v be_v short_o go_v from_o we_o how_o little_a will_v they_o signify_v the_o rich_a man_n here_o in_o the_o parable_n do_v no_o doubt_n think_v himself_o a_o much_o happy_a man_n than_o poor_a lazarus_n that_o lie_v at_o his_o door_n and_o yet_o after_o a_o little_a while_n how_o glad_a will_v he_o have_v be_v to_o have_v change_v condition_n with_o this_o poor_a man_n when_o he_o be_v in_o torment_n than_o no_o doubt_n he_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n and_o want_n in_o this_o world_n which_o lazarus_n do_v provide_v he_o may_v have_v be_v comfort_v as_o he_o be_v and_o carry_v by_o angel_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n we_o shall_v value_v this_o world_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o this_o rich_a man_n do_v not_o when_o he_o enjoy_v it_o but_o when_o he_o be_v take_v from_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v esteem_v it_o and_o use_v it_o while_o we_o may_v as_o he_o wish_v he_o have_v do_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o 3._o we_o shall_v not_o be_v excessive_o trouble_v if_o we_o meet_v with_o hardship_n and_o affliction_n here_o in_o this_o world_n because_o those_o who_o god_n design_n for_o the_o great_a happiness_n hereafter_o may_v receive_v evil_a thing_n here_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v make_v perfect_a through_o suffering_n this_o be_v the_o method_n which_o god_n use_v towards_o his_o own_o son_n first_o he_o suffer_v and_o then_o enter_v into_o glory_n he_o suffer_v more_o than_o any_o of_o we_o can_v bear_v and_o yet_o he_o support_v himself_o under_o all_o his_o suffering_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o will_v follow_v for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o 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his_o happiness_n when_o it_o shall_v come_v and_o make_v it_o great_a but_o a_o good_a man_n under_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n have_v not_o only_o this_o comfort_n that_o his_o happiness_n be_v to_o come_v but_o likewise_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v infinite_o great_a than_o his_o suffering_n that_o these_o be_v but_o short_a but_o that_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o fortify_v the_o first_o christian_n against_o all_o that_o the_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v against_o they_o they_o think_v themselves_o well_o pay_v if_o through_o many_o tribulation_n they_o may_v at_o last_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o they_o believe_v that_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o next_o life_n will_v abundant_o recompense_v all_o their_o labour_n and_o suffering_n in_o this_o world_n they_o expect_v a_o mighty_a reward_n far_o beyond_o all_o their_o suffering_n they_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v vast_a gainer_n at_o the_o last_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o himself_o rom._n 8._o 18._o i_o reckon_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 17_o 18._o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_n for_o we_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a if_o we_o will_v consider_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o fix_v our_o eye_n as_o much_o upon_o the_o happiness_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o next_o world_n as_o upon_o the_o pomp_n and_o splendour_n of_o this_o if_o we_o will_v look_v as_o much_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v as_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v that_o he_o who_o suffer_v in_o this_o world_n do_v not_o renounce_v his_o happiness_n only_o put_v it_o out_o to_o interest_n upon_o term_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n 4._o we_o shall_v do_v all_o thing_n with_o a_o regard_n to_o our_o future_a and_o eternal_a state_n it_o matter_n not_o much_o what_o our_o condition_n be_v in_o this_o world_n because_o that_o be_v to_o continue_v but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o great_a and_o serious_a regard_n to_o that_o state_n that_o never_o shall_v have_v a_o end_n therefore_o whenever_o we_o be_v do_v any_o thing_n we_o shall_v consider_v what_o influence_n such_o a_o action_n will_v have_v upon_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o the_o next_o life_n we_o shall_v measure_v every_o action_n and_o every_o condition_n of_o our_o life_n by_o the_o reference_n of_o they_o to_o eternity_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o this_o world_n will_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o our_o future_a happiness_n all_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o so_o much_o dote_v upon_o and_o pursue_v with_o so_o much_o eagerness_n will_v not_o commend_v any_o man_n to_o god_n they_o will_v signify_v nothing_o when_o we_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o our_o judge_n death_n will_v strip_v we_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o poor_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v shall_v be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o rich_a nothing_o but_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n will_v then_o avail_v we_o and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a while_n and_o we_o shall_v all_o certain_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n that_o the_o best_a thing_n man_n can_v do_v in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o other_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o five_o observation_n that_o the_o state_n of_o man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n be_v fix_v and_o unchangeable_a which_o i_o ground_n upon_o v._o 26._o between_o we_o and_o you_o there_o be_v a_o great_a gulf_n fix_v so_o that_o they_o that_o will_v pass_v from_o hence_o to_o you_o can_v neither_o can_v they_o pass_v to_o we_o that_o will_v come_v from_o thence_o by_o which_o word_n our_o saviour_n seem_v not_o only_o to_o intend_v that_o they_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o hell_n can_v have_v no_o communication_n and_o intercourse_n with_o one_o another_o but_o likewise_o that_o they_o be_v lodge_v in_o a_o immutable_a state_n those_o that_o be_v happy_a be_v like_a to_o continue_v so_o and_o those_o that_o be_v miserable_a be_v immutable_o fix_v in_o that_o state_n 1._o as_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o happiness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a doubt_n for_o what_o can_v tempt_v man_n that_o have_v so_o narrow_o escape_v the_o danger_n and_o
which_o since_o he_o must_v short_o give_v a_o account_n he_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n so_o to_o use_v they_o as_o thereby_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n against_o this_o temporal_a life_n have_v a_o end_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o parallel_n intend_v in_o this_o parable_n as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o our_o saviour_n application_n of_o it_o for_o parallel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v stretch_v to_o a_o exact_a parallel_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o but_o only_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o particular_a point_n and_o purpose_n intend_v a_o parable_n and_o the_o moral_a accommodation_n of_o it_o be_v as_o one_o well_o observe_v not_o like_o two_o plain_n which_o touch_v one_o another_o in_o every_o part_n but_o like_o a_o globe_n upon_o a_o plain_a which_o only_o touch_v in_o one_o point_n thus_o our_o saviour_n separate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o steward_n from_o his_o injustice_n and_o propose_v that_o to_o our_o imitation_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n the_o word_n be_v a_o comparison_n in_o which_o we_o have_v one_a the_o person_n compare_v the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o child_n of_o light_n it_o be_v a_o very_a usual_a phrase_n among_o the_o hebrew_n when_o they_o will_v express_v any_o thing_n to_o partake_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n or_o quality_n to_o call_v it_o the_o son_n or_o child_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n thus_o good_a man_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o bad_a man_n the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n those_o who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n and_o make_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n their_o great_a aim_n and_o design_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n and_o those_o who_o be_v better_o enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o immortality_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o light_n 2_o here_o be_v the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v compare_v and_o that_o be_v as_o to_o their_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n 3_o the_o object_n of_o this_o prudence_n which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o both_o as_o if_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o here_o be_v two_o several_a object_n intend_v about_o which_o the_o prudence_n of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v respective_o exercise_v the_o concernment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n that_o be_v in_o their_o way_n viz._n as_o to_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o this_o world_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v in_o they_o viz._n as_o to_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n 4thly_a here_o be_v a_o decision_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o which_o of_o they_o it_o be_v that_o excel_v in_o point_n of_o prudence_n in_o their_o way_n and_o our_o saviour_n give_v it_o to_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n they_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n now_o this_o proposition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a strictness_n and_o rigour_n as_o if_o it_o be_v universal_o true_a and_o without_o any_o exception_n as_o if_o no_o man_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o wise_a and_o provident_a for_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o world_n as_o worldly_a man_n be_v for_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n for_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v fool_n at_o large_a and_o imprudent_a in_o their_o whole_a conduct_n and_o management_n both_o as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o who_o be_v in_o too_o strict_a a_o sense_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n they_o mind_v nothing_o but_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o be_v gross_o imprudent_a even_o in_o their_o prosecution_n of_o their_o temporal_a interest_n they_o neglect_v and_o forego_v all_o other_o worldly_a advantage_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o little_a sensual_a pleasure_n and_o then_o they_o lose_v and_o destroy_v that_o too_o by_o a_o over_o hot_a and_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o turn_v it_o at_o last_o into_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o there_o be_v other_o as_o st._n paul_n for_o instance_n who_o i_o doubt_v not_o have_v be_v as_o prudent_a and_o zealous_a and_o industrious_a for_o the_o promote_a of_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o as_o any_o man_n can_v be_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v some_o such_o in_o every_o age_n but_o god_n know_v they_o be_v very_o few_o and_o their_o wisdom_n and_o industry_n be_v seldom_o so_o equal_a and_o constant_a and_o uniform_a as_o that_o of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n so_o that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v this_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n with_o the_o same_o allowance_n as_o we_o general_o do_v all_o moral_a and_o proverbial_a speech_n that_o they_o be_v true_a for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o the_o instance_n and_o exception_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v very_a rate_n it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o good_a man_n be_v so_o wise_a for_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o of_o religion_n as_o many_o worldly_a man_n be_v for_o their_o worldly_a interest_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o proposition_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o confirm_v and_o illustrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n and_o property_n of_o wisdom_n second_o give_v some_o probable_a account_n of_o this_o by_o consider_v what_o advantage_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n have_v above_o the_o child_n of_o light_n three_o i_o shall_v draw_v some_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a by_o way_n of_o application_n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v and_o illustrate_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o by_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n and_o property_n of_o wisdom_n now_o this_o be_v wisdom_n to_o mind_n and_o regard_v our_o chief_a end_n and_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o promote_v it_o and_o this_o regard_n to_o our_o chief_a end_n do_v express_v itself_o chief_o in_o these_o particular_n in_o our_o be_v firm_o fix_v and_o resolve_v upon_o it_o in_o choose_v the_o fit_a mean_n for_o the_o compass_n and_o accomplish_v of_o it_o in_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n in_o a_o invincible_a constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o and_o in_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o submit_v and_o to_o stoop_v to_o it_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n and_o property_n of_o wisdom_n and_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o in_o all_o these_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n do_v usual_o excel_v the_o child_n of_o light_n one_a they_o be_v usual_o more_o firm_o fix_v and_o resolve_v upon_o their_o end_n whatever_o they_o set_v up_o for_o their_o end_n riches_n or_o honour_n or_o pleasure_n they_o be_v fix_v upon_o it_o and_o steady_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o if_o they_o set_v up_o for_o riches_n or_o honour_n they_o neglect_v and_o despise_v pleasure_n if_o it_o cross_v either_o of_o those_o ends._n and_o this_o fix_a resolution_n of_o the_o end_n be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o action_n and_o that_o which_o inspire_v man_n with_o vigour_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o the_o more_o resolve_v man_n be_v upon_o the_o end_n the_o more_o active_a and_o industrious_a they_o will_v be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o end_n govern_v the_o mean_n and_o give_v law_n and_o measure_n to_o our_o activity_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o sweeten_v and_o allay_v the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o they_o so_o that_o where_o the_o end_n be_v once_o firm_o fix_v and_o resolve_v upon_o there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v fervour_n of_o prosecution_n but_o if_o we_o be_v waver_v and_o unsteady_a as_o to_o our_o end_n this_o will_v weaken_v our_o hand_n and_o quench_v the_o heat_n of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o abate_v the_o eagerness_n of_o our_o pursuit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o will_v derive_v a_o debility_n and_o inconstancy_n into_o all_o our_o motion_n the_o double_a mind_a man_n as_o st._n james_n say_v be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n now_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v common_o more_o fix_v and_o resolve_v upon_o their_o end_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n it_o be_v rare_a to_o see_v the_o whole_a life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o good_a man_n so_o constant_o and_o uniform_o conspire_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o great_a end_n so_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o
salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n as_o the_o action_n of_o a_o worldly_a man_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n do_v to_z the_o advancing_z of_o his_o worldly_a interest_n the_o covetous_a or_o ambitious_a man_n seldom_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n that_o be_v impertinent_a to_o their_o end_n much_o less_o contrary_a to_o it_o through_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v one_o may_v plain_o see_v the_o end_n they_o aim_v at_o and_o that_o they_o be_v always_o true_a to_o it_o whereas_o the_o best_a man_n do_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_o cross_v and_o contrary_a to_o their_o end_n and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o which_o have_v no_o relatjoin_n to_o it_o and_o when_o they_o mind_v it_o it_o be_v rather_o by_o fit_n and_o start_v than_o in_o any_o even_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o action_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a instance_n in_o that_o 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be_v of_o the_o same_o tendency_n this_o st._n john_n foretell_v shall_v be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o worldly_a spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o shall_v serve_v a_o secular_a interest_n and_o design_n 1_o john_n 4._o 5._o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o speak_v from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n hear_v they_o what_o church_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n so_o true_a throughout_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n as_o this_o worldly_a church_n have_v be_v to_o its_o own_o secular_a power_n and_o greatness_n 2_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o their_o end_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o wisdom_n for_o some_o mean_n will_v bring_v about_o a_o end_n with_o less_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n and_o expense_n of_o time_n than_o other_o and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o ingenious_a in_o discern_v the_o fitness_n and_o force_n of_o mean_n to_o their_o several_a ends._n to_o what_o a_o certainty_n have_v man_n reduce_v all_o the_o way_n and_o art_n of_o gain_n and_o grow_v rich_a and_o of_o rise_v to_o honour_n and_o preferment_n what_o long_a train_n will_v man_n lay_v to_o bring_v about_o their_o desire_a end_n what_o subtle_a method_n have_v man_n divise_v to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o court_n and_o when_o they_o be_v there_o to_o plant_v themselves_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o than_o they_o have_v as_o many_o way_n of_o worm_a other_o out_z as_o of_o screw_v themselves_o in_o but_o in_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o another_o world_n how_o dull_a and_o injudicious_a be_v we_o and_o how_o awkardly_a and_o untoward_o do_v we_o apply_v mean_n to_o end_n as_o if_o man_n be_v only_o wise_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a have_v no_o understanding_n as_o the_o prophet_n complain_v by_o what_o incongruous_a and_o irregular_a mean_n do_v many_o who_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v and_o sometime_o perhaps_o be_v very_o zealous_a in_o religion_n endeavour_v as_o they_o think_v to_o promote_v god_n glory_n by_o pious_a fraud_n and_o counterfeit_a miracle_n and_o tell_v officious_a lie_n for_o god_n what_o a_o compass_n do_v many_o man_n fetch_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n by_o innumerable_a device_n of_o will-worship_n by_o voluntary_a severity_n neither_o please_v to_o god_n nor_o profitable_a to_o man_n by_o tedious_a pilgrimage_n and_o senseless_a ceremony_n and_o innumerable_a little_a external_a observance_n of_o no_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o religion_n and_o by_o wander_v through_o a_o wilderness_n of_o opinion_n and_o the_o bush_n and_o brake_n of_o unprofitable_a question_n and_o controversy_n whereas_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n lie_v plain_a and_o straight_o before_o we_o consist_v in_o simplicity_n of_o belief_n and_o in_o holiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o 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earth_n take_v counsel_n together_o and_o like_o herod_n and_o pilate_n when_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v crucify_v can_v be_v make_v friend_n at_o a_o day_n warning_n whereas_o the_o division_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v pernicious_a to_o it_o and_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n among_o ourselves_o our_o senseless_a difference_n and_o wild_a heat_n on_o both_o side_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o set_n up_o of_o popery_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o yet_o no_o persuasion_n no_o experience_n can_v make_v we_o wise_a 3_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v common_o more_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o their_o end_n they_o will_v sweat_v and_o toil_n and_o take_v any_o pain_n rise_v up_o early_o and_o lie_v down_o late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n their_o thought_n be_v continual_o run_v upon_o their_o business_n and_o they_o catch_v at_o every_o opportunity_n of_o promote_a it_o they_o will_v pinch_v nature_n and_o harass_n it_o and_o rob_v themselves_o of_o their_o rest_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o life_n to_o raise_v their_o fortune_n and_o estate_n what_o drudge_n be_v caesar_n and_o alexander_n in_o the_o way_n of_o fame_n and_o ambition_n how_o do_v they_o tire_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o long_a and_o tedious_a march_n to_o what_o inconvenience_n and_o danger_n do_v they_o expose_v themselves_o and_o thousand_o more_o what_o havoc_n and_o destruction_n do_v they_o make_v in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v gain_v to_o themselves_o the_o empty_a title_n of_o conqueror_n of_o it_o when_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n engage_v in_o any_o design_n how_o intent_n be_v they_o upon_o it_o and_o with_o what_o vigour_n do_v they_o prosecute_v it_o they_o do_v not_o counterfeit_v a_o diligence_n and_o see_v to_o be_v more_o serious_a and_o
foolishness_n with_o god_n the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n who_o increase_v his_o good_n and_o enlarge_v his_o barn_n and_o lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n do_v applaud_v himself_o and_o be_v no_o doubt_n applaud_v by_o other_o for_o a_o very_a wise_a man_n but_o because_o he_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o himself_o and_o be_v not_o rich_a towards_o god_n that_o be_v do_v not_o employ_v his_o estate_n to_o good_a and_o charitable_a purpose_n therefore_o god_n who_o call_v no_o body_n out_o of_o his_o right_a name_n call_v this_o man_n fool_n thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v take_v from_o thou_o and_o then_o who_o shall_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v and_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n while_o he_o commend_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n he_o add_v that_o which_o be_v a_o considerable_a blemish_n and_o abatement_n to_o it_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o their_o age_n for_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o short_a and_o purblind_a wisdom_n which_o see_v but_o a_o little_a way_n and_o consider_v only_a thing_n present_a and_o near_o at_o hand_n whereas_o true_a wisdom_n have_v a_o large_a and_o far_a prospect_n and_o regard_v the_o future_a as_o well_o as_o the_o present_a and_z takes_z care_n to_o provide_v for_o it_o nay_o our_o saviour_n give_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v utmost_a due_n when_o he_o say_v the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a for_o their_o generation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_o best_a that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o it_o seldom_o look_v so_o far_o and_o hold_v out_o so_o long_o many_o man_n have_v survive_v their_o own_o project_n and_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o folly_n and_o ill_a fate_n of_o their_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a design_n so_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o jet_n 17._o 11._o as_o the_o partridge_n sit_v on_o egg_n and_o hatch_v they_o not_o 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certain_a term_n than_o any_o man_n can_v be_v rich_a or_o great_a in_o this_o world_n for_o we_o may_v miss_v of_o these_o thing_n after_o all_o our_o travel_n and_o pain_n about_o they_o or_o if_o we_o get_v they_o we_o may_v lose_v they_o again_o but_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n if_o we_o be_v sincere_o good_a we_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o even_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v if_o we_o lie_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n they_o will_v be_v safe_a and_o secure_a there_o where_o no_o moth_n can_v corrupt_v nor_o thief_n break_v through_o and_o steal_v if_o we_o will_v serious_o think_v of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o be_v thorough_o possess_v with_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o that_o happiness_n or_o misery_n which_o remain_v for_o man_n after_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v pray_v to_o god_n and_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o same_o care_n and_o concernment_n with_o the_o same_o fervour_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n as_o man_n prosecute_v their_o worldly_a business_n be_v we_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o unseen_a glory_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v much_o more_o affect_v with_o they_o than_o with_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o sense_n because_o in_o reason_n they_o be_v much_o more_o considerable_a the_o disgrace_n of_o the_o pillory_n will_v fright_v man_n from_o perjury_n and_o will_v not_o everlasting_a shame_n and_o confusion_n the_o fear_n of_o death_n will_v deter_v many_o man_n from_o rob_v and_o steal_v who_o will_v perhaps_o venture_v upon_o these_o crime_n if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o they_o and_o will_v not_o the_o horror_n of_o the_o second_o death_n of_o the_o worm_n that_o die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v not_o quench_v have_v as_o great_a a_o awe_n and_o influence_n upon_o we_o if_o 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