assistance_n to_o sincere_a and_o humble_a mind_n and_o that_o assistance_n carry_v a_o lumen_fw-la fidei_fw-la into_o the_o mind_n as_o aquinas_n call_v it_o 2._o 2._o a_o 3_o ad_fw-la 2._o and_o by_o that_o he_o say_v the_o mind_n be_v unite_v to_o truth_n that_o its_o assent_n be_v only_o fix_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o damnation_n to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o be_v thus_o illuminate_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o not_o that_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o convince_v other_o who_o have_v not_o that_o inward_a sense_n which_o they_o have_v but_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n which_o do_v at_o first_o indite_v they_o may_v give_v such_o a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a testimony_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o that_o from_o thence_o they_o may_v firm_o conclude_v these_o book_n to_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o assurance_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n have_v from_o the_o influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n may_v be_v more_o effectual_a and_o powerful_a in_o they_o than_o all_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n or_o demonstration_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v certain_a those_o can_v be_v deceive_v who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n teach_v and_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o ancient_a schoolman_n do_v make_v the_o great_a firmness_n and_o certainty_n of_o faith_n not_o to_o depend_v on_o outward_a motive_n but_o on_o inward_a grace_n which_o so_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o fix_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v it_o this_o sort_n of_o faith_n be_v no_o blind_a assent_n but_o after_o all_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o have_v to_o make_v its_o assent_n reasonable_a it_o take_v so_o fast_o a_o hold_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o discern_v the_o excellency_n and_o value_n of_o they_o that_o he_o that_o have_v it_o be_v willing_a to_o let_v go_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o and_o although_o the_o apprehension_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o that_o of_o science_n yet_o the_o hypostasis_fw-la as_o 1._o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o may_v be_v so_o firm_a that_o no_o temptation_n may_v be_v able_a to_o shake_v it_o and_o he_o that_o can_v die_v for_o his_o religion_n have_v a_o strong_a and_o better_a fâ—ith_n than_o he_o that_o think_v himself_o never_o so_o infallible_a in_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o that_o be_v a_o true_a divine_a faith_n which_o purify_v the_o 9_o heart_n and_o thereby_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o not_o 6._o by_o cavil_v and_o wrangle_v about_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o overcome_v the_o world_n 4._o and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o it_o and_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o only_o such_o a_o one_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n when_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v the_o utmost_a infallibility_n in_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v yet_o if_o it_o do_v not_o work_v effectual_o on_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n we_o may_v go_v infallible_o to_o hell_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o second_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o he_o i._n e._n to_o improve_v their_o sound_a faith_n into_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n for_o alas_o what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o have_v the_o most_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a faith_n if_o our_o work_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o it_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n 46._o lord_n say_v christ_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v why_o do_v we_o pretend_v to_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n if_o we_o do_v not_o observe_v his_o command_n it_o be_v good_a say_v st._n paul_n to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v always_o in_o 18._o a_o good_a thing_n and_o no_o doubt_n our_o faith_n be_v such_o but_o then_o let_v we_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n too_o that_o we_o may_v show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v that_o peculiar_a people_n who_o be_v 14._o redeem_v by_o jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o our_o obligation_n arise_v every_o way_n from_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o he_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o our_o lord_n so_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v he_o if_o as_o christ_n jesus_n so_o he_o die_v for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n we_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n to_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o have_v receive_v he_o who_o command_v we_o to_o forsake_v they_o for_o than_o we_o receive_v and_o reject_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n 19_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n say_v st._n paul_n what_o shall_v those_o then_o do_v that_o profess_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o their_o lord_n who_o be_v thereby_o bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n be_v the_o separate_a religion_n and_o morality_n when_o this_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o school_n of_o philosopher_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o whereas_o their_o religion_n consist_v only_o of_o some_o solemn_a rite_n and_o sacrifice_n let_v we_o have_v a_o care_n of_o as_o dangerous_a a_o separation_n between_o faith_n and_o work_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o between_o receive_v christ_n and_o do_v his_o will._n for_o those_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o we_o own_o christ_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o do_v they_o because_o he_o command_v we_o and_o the_o apostle_n have_v sum_v up_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o comprehensive_a word_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n 12._o and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n 13._o 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 to_o who_o etc._n etc._n sermon_n iii_o preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n february_n the_o 22_o d_o 1688_o 9_o 1_o pet._n iu_o 18._o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o s._n peter_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o christian_n under_o all_o their_o suffering_n but_o these_o word_n seem_v to_o carry_v so_o much_o terror_n and_o severity_n in_o they_o as_o though_o none_o but_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n and_o all_o other_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v in_o despair_n although_o mankind_n be_v not_o easy_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o punishment_n denounce_v against_o the_o ungodly_a and_o sinner_n yet_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o equity_n of_o his_o command_n the_o freedom_n of_o their_o choice_n the_o contempt_n of_o grace_n and_o their_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a impenitency_n take_v away_o all_o just_a cause_n of_o complaint_n but_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v scarce_o be_v save_v seem_v hardly_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o grace_n and_o design_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o righteous_a here_o be_v not_o vain_a proud_a self-conceited_a hypocrite_n such_o who_o think_v they_o need_v no_o repentance_n but_o such_o who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v off_o from_o their_o former_a sin_n and_o be_v redeem_v from_o their_o vain_a conversation_n with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n 20._o who_o have_v purify_v their_o soul_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n through_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o 9_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n yet_o of_o such_o as_o these_o it_o be_v say_v if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v but_o how_o can_v this_o agree_v with_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o sinner_n be_v court_v and_o encourage_v to_o repent_v with_o the_o hope_n and_o promise_v of_o salvation_n do_v not_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n and_o st._n paul_n call_v this_o a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o shall_v the_o 15._o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v what_o joy_n in_o 10._o heaven_n can_v there_o be_v over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v if_o after_o his_o repentance_n it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o come_v to_o heaven_n do_v not_o christ_n himself_o invite_v those_o who_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v to_o come_v to_o he_o with_o a_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v give_v rest_n to_o 28._o their_o soul_n but_o what_o rest_n can_v they_o have_v who_o notwithstanding_o their_o come_n to_o he_o do_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n attain_v to_o eternal_a rest_n how_o can_v that_o
duty_n of_o their_o place_n be_v bind_v to_o regard_v the_o public_a and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o when_o they_o do_v it_o not_o they_o be_v certain_o guilty_a of_o sin_n of_o omission_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n for_o every_o such_o place_n be_v a_o trust_n from_o god_n of_o which_o a_o account_n must_v be_v give_v and_o a_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a obligation_n go_v along_o with_o they_o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n of_o omission_n in_o such_o case_n without_o sin_n of_o commission_n of_o as_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o breach_n of_o trust_n and_o of_o the_o most_o solemn_a obligation_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o world_n be_v so_o humoursome_a and_o fantastical_a a_o thing_n that_o it_o will_v hardly_o endure_v to_o be_v make_v better_o so_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o great_a zeal_n and_o resolution_n to_o do_v good_a be_v extreme_o discourage_v in_o it_o when_o they_o find_v so_o many_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n such_o frowardness_n and_o perverseness_n in_o some_o such_o remissness_n and_o coldness_n in_o other_o such_o a_o universal_a lassitude_n and_o indifferency_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o check_v the_o best_a inclination_n that_o way_n and_o to_o make_v they_o leave_v the_o world_n to_o be_v manage_v as_o it_o will_n and_o there_o be_v some_o season_n wherein_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o do_v good_a than_o in_o other_o such_o i_o mean_v when_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n have_v corrupt_v the_o very_a principle_n of_o man_n mind_n when_o they_o account_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o wit_n to_o be_v profane_a and_o a_o high_a sort_n of_o breed_n to_o despise_v religion_n and_o virtue_n when_o some_o be_v ready_a to_o pervert_v the_o best_a design_n and_o mix_v such_o mean_a and_o sinister_a end_n of_o their_o own_o with_o they_o and_o thereby_o blast_v they_o that_o they_o come_v to_o nothing_o when_o other_o will_v not_o endure_v that_o good_a may_v be_v do_v unless_o they_o may_v have_v the_o sole_a do_v of_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o lessen_v the_o reputation_n of_o all_o who_o be_v not_o altogether_o such_o as_o themselves_o when_o all_o imaginable_a art_n be_v use_v to_o make_v government_n contemptible_a and_o the_o best_a purpose_v ineffectual_a last_o when_o any_o who_o be_v bind_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o public_a good_a account_v it_o wisdom_n to_o do_v little_a or_o nothing_o in_o their_o place_n and_o take_v all_o possible_a care_n to_o disoblige_v no_o body_n by_o do_v their_o duty_n for_o fear_v of_o evil_a consequence_n i_o say_v when_o such_o season_n dâ—_n happen_v there_o be_v a_o very_a melancholy_a prospect_n of_o affair_n and_o little_a hope_n of_o do_v or_o of_o see_v good_n ii_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o good_a which_o we_o be_v to_o do_v with_o respect_n to_o other_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o need_v our_o help_n and_o assistance_n this_o be_v so_o remarkable_a a_o sense_n of_o do_v good_a that_o it_o have_v almost_o appropriate_v the_o name_n to_o itself_o as_o good_a work_n be_v general_o take_v for_o work_n of_o charity_n these_o be_v such_o as_o all_o agree_v that_o they_o can_v be_v whole_o omit_v without_o sin_n but_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o state_v the_o measure_n and_o season_n of_o the_o obligation_n to_o they_o concern_v which_o these_o rule_n may_v be_v observe_v 1._o that_o the_o measure_n of_o duty_n in_o this_o case_n be_v very_o different_a according_a to_o the_o different_a circumstance_n and_o condition_n of_o person_n for_o although_o the_o stand_a general_a rule_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v fix_v and_o unalterable_a yet_o the_o particular_a obligation_n depend_v upon_o great_a â—ariety_n of_o circumstance_n as_o to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o do_v and_o to_o receive_v good_n if_o the_o easiness_n of_o person_n condition_n in_o the_o world_n will_v afford_v their_o lay_n by_o a_o constant_a stock_n of_o charity_n it_o will_v be_v always_o in_o readiness_n for_o such_o occasion_n when_o we_o will_v be_v more_o willing_a to_o do_v good_a if_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n but_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o make_v such_o rule_n which_o may_v not_o give_v occasion_n for_o trouble_v to_o scrupulous_a mind_n when_o they_o do_v not_o strict_o observe_v they_o but_o we_o be_v all_o so_o far_o bind_v to_o do_v good_a to_o those_o in_o want_n that_o the_o not_o do_v it_o according_a to_o our_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n be_v such_o a_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o true_a christianity_n but_o of_o those_o every_o person_n be_v â—eft_v to_o judge_v but_o so_o as_o he_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o proceed_n then_o particular_o mention_n the_o sin_n of_o omission_n with_o 42._o respect_n to_o the_o do_v good_a to_o other_o 2._o there_o be_v particular_a season_n when_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o do_v good_a be_v require_v than_o at_o other_o i._n e._n when_o person_n suffer_v for_o religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o the_o necessity_n of_o people_n be_v more_o general_a and_o press_a when_o great_a object_n of_o charity_n be_v certain_o know_v to_o ourselves_o and_o conceal_v from_o other_o when_o a_o present_a relief_n put_v they_o into_o a_o way_n of_o do_v good_a for_o themselves_o when_o god_n have_v do_v good_a to_o we_o after_o a_o more_o remarkable_a manner_n than_o he_o have_v to_o other_o when_o we_o do_v the_o more_o good_a because_o we_o have_v do_v so_o much_o evil_n and_o thereby_o manifest_a the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o repentance_n by_o bring_v forth_o such_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o amendment_n of_o life_n when_o our_o call_v and_o profession_n be_v to_o do_v good_a and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v the_o best_a example_n to_o other_o according_a to_o our_o ability_n when_o our_o religion_n suffer_v by_o not_o do_v good_a and_o our_o faith_n be_v question_v for_o want_n of_o good_a work_n last_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o natural_a drain_v of_o charity_n as_o child_n and_o near_a relation_n which_o need_v our_o assistance_n in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o instance_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n there_o be_v so_o much_o great_a obligation_n to_o the_o do_v good_a that_o it_o can_v be_v omit_v without_o sin_n ii_o i_o now_o come_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o obligation_n we_o lie_v under_o to_o do_v the_o good_a we_o know_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o consider_v this_o be_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o several_a duty_n with_o one_o another_o for_o we_o may_v be_v bind_v to_o several_a thing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o we_o can_v perform_v they_o together_o and_o the_o difficulty_n than_o be_v to_o understand_v which_o of_o these_o duty_n we_o may_v omit_v without_o sin_n and_o the_o comparison_n may_v be_v threefold_a 1._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o authority_n which_o enjoin_v they_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o particular_a obligation_n we_o be_v under_o to_o do_v they_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o there_o be_v several_a kind_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o different_a regard_n to_o they_o some_o thing_n be_v good_a because_o they_o be_v command_v and_o some_o thing_n be_v command_v because_o they_o be_v good_a and_o even_o god_n himself_o allow_v we_o to_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o these_o when_o himself_o say_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n although_o 6._o he_o require_v both_o but_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o both_o can_v be_v do_v than_o he_o prefer_v the_o former_a although_o his_o own_o honour_n seem_v more_o concern_v in_o the_o latter_a our_o saviour_n extend_v this_o rule_n to_o mercy_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o to_o mercy_n on_o our_o body_n even_o out_o of_o the_o 13._o case_n of_o urgent_a or_o extreme_a necessity_n which_o can_v be_v plead_v in_o the_o apostle_n case_n of_o pluck_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n 7._o on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n but_o from_o hence_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o infer_v that_o when_o two_o duty_n interfere_v with_o one_o another_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o prefer_v the_o great_a and_o more_o substantial_a duty_n and_o then_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o lesser_a be_v no_o sin_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o authority_n which_o require_v they_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o man_n do_v contradict_v each_o other_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v rather_o than_o man._n but_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n command_n be_v not_o equal_o clear_a in_o all_o case_n for_o some_o thing_n be_v require_v plain_o and_o direct_o and_o some_o thing_n by_o consequence_n and_o
first_o resolution_n and_o to_o improve_v they_o into_o a_o present_a practice_n agreeable_a thereto_o as_o the_o prodigal_a son_n here_o do_v who_o when_o he_o have_v resolve_v upon_o it_o do_v according_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n v_o 20._o i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v many_o person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v conviction_n upon_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n but_o do_v resolve_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o before_o they_o die_v to_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n but_o alas_o these_o be_v ova_fw-mi subventanea_fw-mi they_o make_v a_o fair_a appearance_n but_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n of_o life_n in_o they_o or_o as_o st._n judas_n express_v it_o they_o be_v cloud_n without_o water_n of_o no_o consistency_n 12._o but_o carry_v about_o with_o wind_n hurry_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o temptation_n and_o then_o their_o resolution_n be_v like_o the_o vapour_n st._n james_n speak_v of_o which_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a time_n 14._o and_o then_o vanish_v away_o tree_n they_o be_v without_o fruit_n as_o st._n judas_n go_v on_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o that_o make_v no_o show_n or_o appearance_n of_o fruit_n but_o it_o have_v no_o such_o firmness_n and_o substance_n in_o it_o as_o to_o endure_v the_o nip_a frost_n and_o so_o it_o drop_v off_o and_o wither_v away_o just_o such_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o faint_a and_o imperfect_a resolution_n they_o never_o hold_v out_o long_o and_o only_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n commit_v after_o they_o for_o every_o such_o sin_n be_v a_o plain_a sin_n against_o conscience_n or_o else_o they_o will_v never_o have_v make_v any_o resolution_n against_o it_o and_o those_o who_o continue_v to_o sin_n after_o resolution_n against_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o lose_v all_o the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o their_o mind_n but_o make_v it_o much_o hard_a for_o they_o either_o to_o make_v or_o trust_v their_o resolution_n again_o and_o consequent_o to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n if_o we_o will_v then_o lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o unconceivable_a moment_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o repentance_n be_v let_v we_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o account_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n of_o the_o firm_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n have_v we_o strict_o examine_v ourselves_o as_o to_o our_o particular_a sin_n for_o there_o be_v no_o age_n no_o employment_n no_o condition_n of_o life_n but_o have_v its_o temptation_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o require_v not_o only_o our_o care_n and_o consideration_n but_o resolution_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o they_o but_o suppose_v we_o have_v be_v overcome_v by_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o the_o work_n be_v hard_a to_o recover_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v lose_v than_o at_o first_o to_o maintain_v it_o but_o if_o we_o have_v sin_v we_o must_v repent_v and_o the_o soon_o the_o better_a but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o awaken_n the_o drowsy_a and_o benumb_a faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o exercise_v the_o secret_a and_o hide_a power_n therein_o not_o as_o though_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n prevent_v and_o assist_v we_o but_o because_o god_n work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n we_o ought_v to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v let_v we_o then_o trifle_v no_o long_o in_o a_o work_n we_o can_v never_o do_v too_o well_o nor_o too_o soon_o nor_o go_v about_o it_o with_o too_o much_o resolution_n it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o this_o which_o ruin_v such_o a_o number_n of_o those_o who_o will_v fain_o go_v to_o heaven_n but_o have_v not_o courage_n and_o resolution_n enough_o to_o own_o their_o repentance_n and_o to_o break_v off_o their_o former_a sin_n they_o be_v half_a penitent_n they_o be_v inward_o trouble_v for_o they_o and_o wish_v themselves_o able_a to_o withstand_v the_o next_o temptation_n but_o when_o it_o come_v they_o yield_v and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v draw_v away_o as_o a_o bird_n haste_v to_o the_o snare_n and_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v for_o his_o life_n 23._o now_o in_o such_o case_n resolution_n be_v not_o only_o a_o convenient_a and_o proper_a thing_n but_o a_o very_a wise_a thing_n for_o when_o once_o a_o resolution_n be_v find_v to_o be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n the_o former_a companion_n in_o wickedness_n will_v leave_v off_o to_o solicit_v and_o if_o once_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n can_v endure_v to_o be_v despise_v and_o expose_v for_o a_o time_n by_o evil_a man_n for_o own_v his_o repentance_n he_o will_v find_v the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o change_n grow_v more_o easy_a to_o he_o and_o the_o devil_n instrument_n in_o tempt_a will_v be_v like_o himself_o i._n e._n they_o will_v give_v over_o tempt_a when_o they_o see_v no_o hope_n to_o prevail_v and_o let_v no_o man_n ever_o complain_v that_o they_o want_v power_n to_o break_v off_o their_o former_a sin_n till_o they_o have_v try_v what_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o vigorous_a resolution_n will_v do_v but_o because_o we_o have_v always_o reason_n to_o suspect_v ourselves_o let_v we_o make_v our_o devout_a application_n to_o almighty_a god_n to_o give_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o only_a mediation_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n sermon_n ii_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n compare_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o guild-hall-chapel_n novemb_n the_o 27_o the_o 1687._o coloss._n ii_o 6._o as_o you_o have_v therefore_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v you_o in_o he_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n observable_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o st._n paul_n express_v himself_o to_o the_o colossian_n in_o this_o epistle_n 1._o that_o he_o have_v a_o very_a good_a opinion_n of_o they_o at_o present_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o forego_n verse_n for_o though_o i_o be_v absent_a in_o the_o flesh_n yet_o be_o i_o with_o you_o in_o the_o spirit_n joy_v and_o behold_v your_o order_n and_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o your_o faith_n in_o christ._n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o the_o advantage_n and_o honour_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n for_o order_n be_v the_o strength_n and_o beauty_n of_o any_o society_n unite_n the_o several_a part_n to_o each_o other_o and_o thereby_o preserve_v and_o adorn_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o the_o more_o there_o be_v of_o this_o in_o any_o christian_a church_n the_o more_o it_o resemble_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o great_a honour_n it_o bring_v to_o the_o christian_a profession_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v join_v with_o a_o steadfastness_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n i._n e._n with_o a_o firm_a and_o well_o settle_a resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o christ_n himself_o deliver_v for_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o the_o mark_n which_o distinguish_v but_o the_o soul_n which_o enlivens_fw-la the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o its_o vigour_n and_o influence_n make_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o become_v the_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n but_o if_o all_o this_o be_v see_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o colossian_n what_o need_v he_o to_o write_v so_o warm_o and_o earnest_o as_o he_o do_v to_o they_o must_v we_o think_v as_o some_o do_v that_o he_o use_v these_o expression_n as_o gentle_a method_n of_o insinuation_n and_o commend_v they_o for_o that_o which_o he_o will_v persuade_v they_o to_o but_o this_o do_v not_o seem_v agreeable_a to_o the_o apostle_n simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n 12._o which_o he_o elsewhere_o set_v such_o a_o value_n upon_o but_o it_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a that_o hitherto_o they_o have_v be_v very_o orderly_a and_o steadfast_a but_o epaphras_n go_v to_o st._n paul_n have_v inform_v he_o thorough_o of_o their_o condition_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v like_o a_o garrison_n close_o besiege_v on_o all_o side_n and_o although_o hitherto_o they_o have_v hold_v out_o with_o great_a courage_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o earnest_a solicitation_n and_o fair_a promise_n and_o tempt_a motive_n may_v do_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o steadfastness_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o against_o temptation_n which_o he_o do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o show_v 2._o that_o he_o have_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o and_o this_o i_o say_v say_v he_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v beguile_v you_o with_o entice_a word_n v_o 4_o and_o beware_v lest_o
only_o speak_v be_v more_o easy_o misunderstand_v which_o maldonat_a prol_n assign_v as_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o evangelist_n write_v their_o several_a gospel_n st._n john_n likewise_o give_v a_o account_n himself_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o writing_n and_o that_o the_o great_a imaginable_a but_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v 31_o the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n why_o write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v do_v the_o apostle_n in_o his_o old_a age_n mistrust_v the_o understanding_n or_o the_o memory_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n teach_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n no_o not_o while_n st._n john_n himself_o be_v yet_o live_v he_o have_v certain_o a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o tradition_n that_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o write_v that_o they_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o point_n of_o faith_n more_o necessary_a than_o this_o which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o person_n to_o be_v own_v before_o baptism_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o and_o whatever_o else_o can_v be_v say_v st._n john_n think_v it_o necessary_a that_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o they_o may_v believe_v he_o live_v the_o long_a of_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o see_v how_o little_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v for_o it_o be_v already_o corrupt_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o point_n as_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ._n cerinthus_n and_o his_o follower_n allow_v the_o general_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o then_o they_o give_v their_o own_o sense_n of_o it_o by_o extraordinary_a favour_n and_o adoption_n and_o from_o hence_o the_o father_n agree_v that_o st._n john_n take_v occasion_n to_o write_v his_o divine_a 24._o gospel_n to_o clear_v this_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o withal_o observe_v that_o the_o other_o evangelist_n insist_v chief_o on_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n for_o one_o year_n viz._n after_o john_n be_v imprisonment_n he_o resume_v the_o whole_a matter_n and_o add_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v omit_v by_o the_o rest_n that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o full_a relation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o complete_a and_o establish_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o epistle_n the_o first_o epistle_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o in_o probability_n the_o first_o writing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n 23._o what_o shall_v make_v the_o apostle_n put_v these_o decree_n into_o write_v they_o be_v very_o short_a and_o concern_v the_o practice_n of_o man_n and_o withal_o be_v send_v by_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n and_o judas_n and_o silas_n be_v not_o these_o sufficient_a to_o deliver_v the_o apostle_n sense_n to_o the_o church_n without_o letter_n from_o they_o what_o a_o pitiful_a thing_n do_v they_o take_v oral_a tradition_n to_o be_v if_o they_o think_v such_o man_n can_v not_o by_o it_o give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n unless_o they_o send_v it_o under_o their_o hand_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n on_o purpose_n to_o clear_v some_o main_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v then_o warm_o dispute_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n and_o between_o the_o judaize_v christian_n and_o other_o as_o about_o justification_n rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o difference_n of_o meat_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n take_v very_o needless_a pain_n in_o write_v that_o excellent_a epistle_n if_o he_o know_v of_o christ_n appoint_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n there_o or_o if_o he_o think_v write_v be_v not_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v in_o those_o matter_n the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v write_v not_o mere_o to_o reprove_v their_o faction_n and_o disorder_n but_o to_o direct_v they_o and_o to_o establish_v and_o prove_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v 12._o then_o contest_v among_o they_o the_o epistle_n be_v send_v by_o stephanus_n and_o fortunatus_n who_o can_v have_v carry_v the_o apostle_n sense_n without_o his_o write_n but_o there_o be_v many_o weighty_a thing_n beside_o the_o particular_a occasion_n which_o be_v of_o last_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o there_o be_v likewise_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o they_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v write_v on_o occasion_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a point_n of_o controversy_n at_o that_o time_n viz._n the_o use_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o st._n paul_n find_v by_o sad_a experience_n among_o they_o that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o those_o who_o have_v the_o best_a instruction_n either_o to_o forget_v they_o or_o to_o grow_v out_o of_o love_n with_o they_o and_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o a_o change_n else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v say_v o_o foolish_a galatian_n who_o have_v 1._o bewitch_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o 6._o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n into_o another_o gospel_n how_o be_v it_o indeed_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v remove_v and_o to_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v who_o have_v receive_v the_o faith_n by_o the_o delivery_n of_o st._n paul_n himself_o then_o for_o all_o that_o i_o can_v see_v humane_a nature_n take_v with_o all_o its_o advantage_n and_o motive_n and_o evidence_n be_v a_o very_a fallible_a thing_n and_o if_o then_o it_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o that_o so_o easy_o and_o gross_o then_o much_o more_o in_o any_o follow_a age_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o humane_a nature_n be_v mighty_o change_v for_o the_o better_a since_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o any_o teacher_n since_o be_v more_o effectual_a than_o the_o apostle_n and_o especial_o than_o st._n paul_n who_o labour_v more_o 10._o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n though_o write_v upon_o a_o general_a argument_n yet_o do_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v in_o continual_a danger_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o toss_v up_o and_o down_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o 14._o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o therefore_o he_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v upon_o their_o guard_n and_o to_o have_v their_o armour_n about_o they_o and_o one_o choice_a part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 17._o the_o philippian_n be_v assault_v by_o a_o rude_a violent_a headstrong_a faction_n of_o judaizer_n which_o the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o and_o write_v his_o epistle_n to_o 2._o they_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o 27._o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n and_o in_o both_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n he_o 3._o give_v notice_n of_o a_o great_a defection_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o describe_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o sign_n â—0_n and_o lie_a word_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o shall_v speak_v lie_n in_o 3._o hypocrisy_n and_o forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n be_v evil_a man_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v 5._o the_o power_n of_o it_o i_o meddle_v not_o now_o with_o the_o time_n when_o this_o apostasy_n begin_v but_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o st._n paul_n suppose_v that_o those_o who_o at_o first_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v notwithstanding_o through_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o folly_n and_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o deceiver_n be_v draw_v from_o it_o and_o that_o to_o prevent_v such_o mischievous_a consequence_n he_o know_v no_o better_a mean_n than_o a_o write_a rule_n which_o he_o tell_v timothy_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a to_o salvation_n 17._o and_o to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o colossian_n be_v set_v upon_o by_o some_o who_o think_v to_o refine_v christianity_n or_o
apostle_n call_v it_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o 4._o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o you_o such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n without_o we_o here_o and_o of_o the_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n within_o we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o expect_v a_o true_a happiness_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o life_n the_o utmost_a we_o can_v hope_v for_o be_v to_o be_v prepare_v for_o a_o better_a and_o god_n know_v there_o be_v difficulty_n enough_o in_o that_o we_o have_v heart_n so_o vain_a and_o sensual_a so_o addict_v to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o impertinency_n of_o this_o world_n so_o prepossess_v with_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n that_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o bring_v they_o so_o much_o as_o in_o earnest_a to_o consider_v of_o another_o world_n but_o it_o be_v yet_o hard_o to_o fix_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o mindâ—_n so_o as_o to_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o they_o as_o they_o must_v do_v if_o we_o make_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n our_o chief_a end_n and_o design_n suppose_v that_o paradise_n be_v still_o upon_o earth_n in_o its_o first_o glory_n and_o to_o be_v find_v by_o the_o description_n which_o moses_n give_v of_o it_o a_o man_n may_v think_v often_o concern_v it_o where_o it_o lie_v what_o the_o river_n be_v by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v discover_v but_o all_o this_o amount_v but_o to_o a_o mere_a speculation_n but_o suppose_v that_o he_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n to_o go_v thither_o what_o other_o kind_n of_o thought_n have_v he_o then_o about_o it_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o place_n and_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v thither_o and_o the_o difficulty_n he_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o which_o make_v another_o kind_n of_o impression_n than_o the_o former_a dry_a speculation_n do_v if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o think_v heaven_n worth_n all_o the_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n which_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n to_o it_o he_o never_o yet_o have_v one_o serious_a and_o become_a thought_n concern_v it_o for_o the_o happiness_n propose_v be_v real_o so_o great_a and_o invaluable_a that_o the_o more_o we_o think_v of_o it_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v esteem_v it_o and_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v despise_v and_o triumph_v over_o the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o order_n to_o it_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a good_a in_o a_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o life_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v desire_v by_o humane_a nature_n great_a than_o this_o 2._o the_o difficulty_n in_o our_o way_n to_o salvation_n be_v not_o such_o but_o we_o may_v reasonable_o hope_v to_o overcome_v they_o i._n e._n if_o we_o set_v ourselves_o about_o it_o otherwise_o a_o very_a mean_a difficulty_n will_v appear_v too_o great_a for_o we_o therefore_o we_o must_v suppose_v not_o only_o a_o willing_a mind_n but_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o we_o and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o show_v that_o we_o may_v hope_v to_o overcome_v they_o 1._o that_o the_o most_o difficult_a duty_n be_v in_o themselves_o reasonable_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o 2._o that_o god_n offer_v his_o gracious_a assistance_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o 1._o that_o the_o most_o difficult_a duty_n be_v in_o themselves_o reasonable_a i_o mean_v such_o who_o difficulty_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o accidental_a outward_a circumstance_n but_o from_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o humane_a nature_n such_o as_o 1._o true_a repentance_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a work_n of_o a_o man_n life_n when_o he_o have_v be_v long_o engage_v in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_v against_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o hard_o for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v make_v sensible_a that_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o for_o he_o that_o act_n against_o his_o judgement_n be_v as_o aristotle_n observe_v apt_a to_o repent_v i._n e._n to_o 13._o find_v fault_n with_o himself_o for_o his_o own_o action_n and_o to_o resolve_v to_o amend_v there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o which_o be_v call_v by_o the_o casuist_n attritio_fw-la impoenitentium_fw-la but_o they_o say_v it_o be_v without_o a_o purpose_n of_o forsake_v it_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o purpose_n that_o they_o say_v be_v attritio_fw-la poenitentium_fw-la but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o ineffectual_a purpose_n the_o scripture_n no_o where_o call_v it_o repentance_n for_o as_o long_o as_o the_o habitual_a practice_n continue_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o man_n love_n to_o his_o sin_n exceed_v his_o hatred_n of_o it_o and_o what_o repentance_n can_v that_o be_v which_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o prevail_a love_n of_o sin_n when_o person_n be_v first_o make_v christian_n their_o repentance_n be_v easy_o discern_v whether_o true_a or_o false_a because_o it_o be_v a_o public_a and_o solemn_a renunciation_n of_o all_o their_o former_a sin_n but_o when_o man_n have_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o sin_n under_o a_o profession_n to_o renounce_v their_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o find_v out_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o to_o those_o sin_n and_o here_o a_o difference_n must_v be_v make_v as_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_a of_o sin_n for_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n which_o all_o agree_v to_o be_v sin_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o convince_v person_n that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o such_o as_o hypocrisy_n schism_n and_o idolatry_n which_o man_n will_v find_v something_o to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a evidence_n against_o they_o some_o be_v such_o stranger_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o do_v not_o suspect_v themselves_o for_o those_o sin_n which_o other_o easy_o discern_v in_o they_o as_o be_v common_a in_o the_o case_n of_o pride_n and_o envy_n and_o covetousness_n and_o superstition_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o person_n shall_v so_o particular_o repent_v of_o such_o sin_n which_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o but_o where_o self-love_n blind_v it_o can_v excuse_v and_o where_o such_o evil_a habit_n prevail_v person_n must_v repent_v and_o search_v and_o examine_v themselves_o in_o order_n to_o a_o particular_a repentance_n there_o be_v other_o sin_n which_o be_v real_o perpetual_a burden_n to_o a_o good_a mind_n but_o it_o know_v not_o how_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o with_o the_o utmost_a care_n such_o as_o inward_a motion_n to_o sin_n sudden_a heat_n and_o surprise_v mix_v infirmity_n coldness_n in_o devotion_n distraction_n in_o prayer_n and_o many_o omission_n of_o personal_a duty_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o if_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v sincerity_n of_o repentance_n without_o through_o amendment_n we_o make_v a_o general_a repentance_n insignificant_a and_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o many_o good_a man_n desperate_a for_o none_o can_v be_v save_v without_o true_a repentance_n and_o if_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a repentance_n without_o actual_a forsake_v all_o such_o kind_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a repentance_n to_o be_v find_v but_o there_o be_v other_o sin_n of_o a_o more_o dangerous_a and_o malignant_a nature_n which_o argue_v a_o very_a bad_a mind_n such_o as_o malice_n and_o hatred_n a_o root_a aversion_n to_o what_o be_v good_a and_o a_o strong_a inclination_n to_o evil._n there_o be_v some_o sin_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o notorious_a of_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a i._n e._n such_o sin_n be_v easy_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n and_o man_n conscience_n condemn_v they_o even_o while_o they_o commit_v they_o such_o as_o murder_n adultery_n intemperance_n injustice_n perjury_n and_o such_o like_a of_o which_o the_o apostle_n after_o declare_v that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v never_o come_v to_o heaven_n therefore_o as_o to_o they_o such_o 6._o a_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a as_o imply_v not_o mere_o a_o dislike_n and_o sorrow_n for_o they_o but_o a_o thorough_a change_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o new_a mould_n the_o temper_n of_o one_o mind_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o tide_n of_o our_o action_n to_o break_v off_o our_o belove_a sin_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o hard_a work_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o most_o reasonable_a work_n it_o be_v hard_a but_o it_o be_v like_o the_o take_n violent_a physic_n in_o some_o disease_n where_o the_o humour_n must_v be_v purge_v out_o or_o the_o party_n must_v die_v the_o uneasiness_n iâ—_n not_o to_o be_v consider_v but_o the_o necessity_n and_o in_o
have_v no_o hope_n yet_o herein_o god_n have_v magnify_v his_o abundant_a love_n towards_o sinner_n that_o although_o they_o have_v sin_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v so_o far_o weary_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o to_o take_v christ_n yoke_n upon_o they_o than_o he_o have_v promise_v ease_n and_o rest_v to_o their_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o great_a blessing_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o to_o repent_v sinner_n but_o some_o may_v again_o say_v we_o have_v repent_v and_o sin_v and_o sin_v and_o repent_v again_o and_o can_v hardly_o yet_o tell_v which_o will_v get_v the_o better_a at_o last_o we_o can_v say_v that_o we_o have_v entire_o submit_v our_o neck_n to_o christ_n yoke_n for_o that_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o we_o can_v perform_v how_o then_o can_v we_o be_v think_v righteous_a i_o answer_v therefore_o 2._o where_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n although_o person_n fail_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o such_o as_o righteous_a but_o where_o they_o please_v themselves_o in_o their_o unrighteousness_n and_o go_v on_o in_o it_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v some_o kind_n of_o repentance_n in_o stead_n of_o it_o or_o where_o there_o have_v be_v long_o struggle_v and_o many_o act_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o sin_n prevail_v the_o case_n of_o such_o be_v very_o dangerous_a but_o not_o desperate_a for_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o a_o true_a repentance_n there_o be_v of_o salvation_n and_o there_o be_v still_o hope_n of_o repentance_n where_o man_n heart_n be_v not_o harden_v by_o a_o incorrigible_a stiffness_n for_o according_a to_o the_o best_a measure_n we_o can_v take_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n none_o be_v effectual_o exclude_v from_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n but_o such_o as_o exclude_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o impenitency_n sermon_n iv._o preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n march_v the_o 23_o d_o 1689_o 90._o ecclesiaste_n xi_o 9_o rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n and_o let_v thy_o heart_n cheer_v thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o eye_n but_o know_v thou_o that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o into_o judgement_n if_o solomon_n have_v say_v rejoice_v not_o o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n neither_o let_v thy_o heart_n cheer_v thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n walk_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o heart_n nor_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o eye_n for_o know_v thou_o that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o into_o judgement_n the_o sense_n have_v be_v so_o easy_a and_o plain_a that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o appearance_n of_o difficulty_n in_o reconcile_a one_o part_n with_o the_o other_o for_o the_o whole_a have_v be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o a_o necessary_a and_o seasonable_a admonition_n to_o such_o who_o by_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n and_o strength_n of_o inclination_n and_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o be_v transport_v with_o the_o love_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o this_o have_v be_v very_o become_v the_o wise_a man_n towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o book_n wherein_o he_o have_v not_o only_o before_o set_v forth_o the_o several_a vanity_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o so_o soon_o after_o bid_v man_n remember_v their_o creator_n 1._o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n while_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v not_o nor_o the_o year_n draw_v nigh_o of_o which_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o i._n e._n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o eye_n for_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o nothing_o be_v so_o powerful_a a_o check_n and_o restraint_n upon_o man_n inclination_n to_o sin_n as_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o that_o god_n that_o give_v they_o their_o being_n and_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o their_o action_n but_o how_o then_o come_v he_o in_o this_o verse_n to_o seem_v rather_o to_o give_v a_o permission_n to_o young_a man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o youth_n to_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o their_o mirth_n and_o vanity_n rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n etc._n etc._n some_o think_v that_o the_o wise_a man_n only_o deride_v and_o expose_v they_o for_o their_o folly_n in_o so_o do_v but_o that_o seem_v not_o agreeable_a with_o the_o grave_n and_o serious_a advice_n which_o follow_v and_o we_o find_v nothing_o like_o irony_n or_o sarcasm_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o forego_n book_n for_o he_o begin_v it_o with_o a_o tragical_a exclamation_n against_o the_o vanity_n of_o humane_a life_n vanity_n of_o vanity_n say_v the_o preacher_n 2._o vanity_n of_o vanity_n all_o be_v vanity_n and_o he_o pursue_v his_o argument_n by_o a_o particular_a induction_n of_o the_o most_o tempt_a and_o please_a vanity_n of_o life_n and_o particular_o all_o sort_n of_o sensual_a delight_n as_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n in_o the_o first_o place_n than_o 1._o wine_n and_o music_n fine_a palace_n curious_a vineyard_n garden_n and_o pool_n a_o great_a 3._o retinue_n and_o which_o be_v needful_a to_o 7._o maintain_v all_o this_o abundance_n of_o silver_n 8._o and_o gold_n but_o what_o a_o melancholy_a reflection_n do_v he_o make_v on_o all_o these_o pleasure_n of_o life_n then_o i_o look_v on_o all_o the_o work_n that_o my_o hand_n have_v wrought_v and_o on_o 11._o the_o labour_n that_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v and_o behold_v all_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n what_o encouragement_n then_o can_v the_o wiseman_n after_o so_o much_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n give_v to_o young_a man_n here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o eye_n i._o e._n to_o pursue_v vanity_n and_o to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o great_a vexation_n of_o spirit_n when_o they_o come_v to_o reflect_v on_o their_o own_o folly_n what_o then_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n for_o this_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o preacher_n have_v declare_v his_o own_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o conclusion_n of_o his_o book_n bring_v in_o sometime_o the_o different_a sense_n which_o mankind_n be_v apt_a to_o have_v concern_v the_o happiness_n of_o life_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o such_o different_a expression_n concern_v it_o in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o better_a thing_n under_o the_o sun_n than_o to_o eat_v and_o 15._o drink_v and_o to_o be_v merry_a but_o in_o another_o he_o say_v sorrow_n be_v better_a than_o laughter_n and_o 3._o by_o the_o sadness_n of_o the_o countenance_n the_o heart_n be_v make_v better_a in_o one_o place_n he_o say_v all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o 2._o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a but_o in_o another_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v well_o 13._o with_o the_o wicked_a how_o can_v such_o passage_n as_o these_o be_v reconcile_v if_o we_o look_v on_o they_o as_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o same_o person_n but_o if_o we_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v the_o different_a notion_n of_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n they_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v although_o not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o the_o one_o sort_n be_v of_o those_o who_o place_n all_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n without_o regard_n to_o religion_n or_o virtue_n or_o another_o world_n and_o the_o other_o of_o those_o who_o look_v on_o this_o life_n only_o as_o a_o passage_n to_o another_o and_o that_o all_o person_n ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o here_o so_o as_o conduce_v most_o to_o their_o happiness_n hereafter_o and_o according_a to_o these_o different_a scheme_n we_o have_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n two_o very_a different_a sort_n of_o counsel_n and_o advice_n to_o young_a men._n i._o the_o first_o proceed_v upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o all_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n lie_v in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o sensual_a pleasure_n of_o it_o rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n and_o let_v thy_o heart_n cheer_v thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o eye_n we_o have_v no_o other_o rule_n
prefer_v that_o which_o this_o world_n account_v happiness_n before_o that_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o our_o choice_n in_o another_o for_o let_v we_o make_v all_o the_o fair_a and_o reasonable_a allowance_n that_o may_v be_v as_o to_o our_o inclination_n and_o appetite_n and_o circumstance_n in_o this_o world_n as_o to_o the_o distance_n obscurity_n incomprehensibleness_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o another_o world_n yet_o every_o consider_a man_n that_o regard_v true_a happiness_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v for_o 1._o suppose_v the_o happiness_n be_v equal_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n in_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o and_o a_o consider_a man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o choose_v a_o happiness_n that_o can_v never_o have_v a_o end_n before_o one_o that_o may_v be_v irrecoverable_o lose_v in_o a_o moment_n and_o can_v certain_o be_v enjoy_v but_o for_o a_o little_a time_n if_o there_o be_v any_o certainty_n at_o all_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o more_o any_o have_v consider_v the_o more_o they_o have_v repent_v place_v too_o much_o of_o their_o happiness_n here_o because_o reason_n and_o experience_n show_v they_o the_o folly_n of_o it_o but_o the_o more_o they_o have_v consider_v the_o better_a satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n be_v in_o place_v their_o happiness_n above_o where_o alone_o that_o good_a be_v to_o be_v sound_a which_o can_v make_v we_o true_o happy_a and_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o that_o fullness_n that_o purity_n that_o certainty_n which_o make_v it_o fit_a for_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o consider_v man_n to_o prefer_v above_o a_o present_a happiness_n if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v on_o earth_n 3._o he_o that_o look_v after_o a_o future_a happiness_n do_v not_o thereby_o lose_v any_o of_o the_o real_a conveniency_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o he_o that_o place_v his_o happiness_n here_o can_v find_v it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v miserable_a in_o another_o and_o this_o make_v a_o very_a considerable_a difference_n in_o the_o choice_n indeed_o if_o god_n make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o future_a happiness_n for_o we_o to_o forego_v all_o the_o natural_a pleasure_n and_o innocent_a delight_n of_o this_o life_n the_o term_n will_v be_v much_o hard_a and_o hardly_o possible_a to_o humane_a nature_n for_o if_o all_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n must_v be_v renounce_v we_o must_v not_o see_v the_o please_a variety_n of_o nature_n nor_o hear_v the_o melodious_a sound_n of_o bird_n nor_o taste_v the_o meat_n when_o we_o be_v hungry_a nor_o drink_v when_o we_o be_v thirsty_a for_o there_o be_v real_o great_a pleasure_n of_o sense_n when_o nature_n crave_v necessary_a sustenance_n than_o what_o the_o most_o voluptuous_a epicurean_a enjoy_v in_o all_o his_o contrivance_n first_o to_o raise_v his_o appetite_n and_o then_o to_o please_v it_o for_o what_o be_v most_o natural_a and_o necessary_a be_v the_o most_o delightful_a every_o thing_n of_o force_n must_v have_v something_o uneasy_a in_o it_o but_o god_n have_v not_o deal_v thus_o hardly_o with_o mankind_n he_o allow_v we_o all_o the_o reasonable_a desire_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v only_o forbid_v we_o what_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o upon_o the_o forbearance_n of_o what_o be_v so_o join_v with_o our_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o himself_o for_o it_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v faith_n work_v by_o love_n he_o 6._o have_v make_v the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n it_o be_v true_a in_o extraordinary_a case_n of_o persecution_n he_o require_v more_o but_o then_o he_o propose_v extraordinary_a reward_n to_o make_v abundant_a recompense_n for_o they_o but_o in_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a case_n of_o mankind_n he_o require_v no_o more_o than_o our_o avoid_v those_o excess_n in_o please_v our_o appetite_n which_o nature_n and_o reason_n condemn_v and_o those_o who_o consider_v can_v but_o see_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o place_v their_o happiness_n in_o forbid_a pleasure_n and_o to_o think_v that_o nothing_o can_v make_v they_o happy_a but_o what_o god_n have_v declare_v shall_v make_v they_o miserable_a it_o be_v a_o strange_a crossness_n in_o our_o desire_n if_o nothing_o can_v please_v they_o but_o what_o displease_v god_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a task_n to_o show_v that_o god_n forbid_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v real_o repugnant_a to_o our_o wellbeing_a here_o and_o how_o then_o can_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o happiness_n be_v hope_v for_o in_o such_o thing_n and_o when_o a_o man_n venture_v be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o for_o what_o can_v never_o make_v he_o happy_a here_o if_o he_o have_v his_o full_a liberty_n to_o pursue_v his_o desire_n he_o show_v how_o far_o he_o be_v from_o act_v like_o a_o wise_a rational_a consider_v be_v so_o that_o impatience_n of_o consider_v be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v make_v so_o little_a impression_n on_o man_n mind_n 2._o the_o second_o reason_n be_v the_o bewitch_v and_o stupify_a nature_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o epicurean_a philosopher_n who_o manage_v the_o theory_n of_o pleasure_n with_o the_o great_a art_n so_o as_o it_o may_v look_v like_o a_o proper_a happiness_n for_o mankind_n find_v two_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o it_o 1._o the_o retrench_v all_o inordinate_a desire_n viz._n such_o as_o have_v more_o pain_n follow_v they_o than_o there_o be_v pleasure_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 2._o the_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n out_o of_o man_n mind_n for_o as_o long_o as_o these_o sink_v into_o their_o mind_n they_o must_v rob_v they_o of_o that_o inward_a tranquillity_n without_o which_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n so_o much_o as_o to_o talk_v of_o happiness_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a upon_o their_o ground_n to_o do_v either_o of_o these_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o present_a life_n shall_v consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o pleasure_n and_o yet_o the_o pleasure_n of_o opinion_n to_o be_v take_v away_o since_o the_o pleasure_n of_o opinion_n be_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v as_o much_o value_v and_o esteem_v by_o aâ—l_a those_o who_o place_n their_o happiness_n in_o pleasure_n if_o it_o be_v all_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o which_o lie_v in_o satisfy_v the_o necessary_a desire_n of_o nature_n than_o such_o as_o have_v just_a enough_o for_o that_o be_v far_o more_o happy_a than_o the_o rich_a and_o voluptuous_a because_o they_o have_v less_o pain_n and_o care_n but_o if_o any_o allowance_n be_v make_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n than_o no_o stop_n can_v be_v give_v to_o inordinate_a desire_n for_o who_o can_v set_v bound_n to_o fancy_n or_o lay_v a_o reasonable_a restraint_n upon_o desire_n if_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v take_v away_o as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o mere_a pleasure_n and_o pain_n be_v to_o be_v regard_v in_o our_o action_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o other_o the_o method_n they_o use_v to_o remove_v all_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n be_v weak_a and_o trifle_a and_o they_o have_v no_o advantage_n in_o point_n of_o argument_n but_o what_o the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a part_n of_o mankind_n at_o that_o time_n give_v they_o but_o there_o be_v a_o far_o great_a advantage_n in_o point_n of_o interest_n which_o make_v man_n of_o sensual_a life_n very_o willing_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o the_o fear_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o willing_a mind_n go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v those_o who_o place_n their_o happiness_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v well_o as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o other_o sensual_a delight_n which_o can_v never_o be_v enjoy_v when_o this_o life_n be_v end_v have_v but_o a_o melancholy_a prospect_n into_o another_o world_n for_o they_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o very_a possibility_n of_o be_v happy_a in_o their_o own_o sense_n unless_o they_o will_v believe_v the_o eastern_a impostor_n but_o when_o they_o once_o come_v to_o apprehend_v that_o there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a but_o what_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o body_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o when_o that_o die_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o for_o their_o imagination_n can_v reach_v no_o far_o and_o the_o true_a reason_n be_v they_o have_v lay_v reason_n and_o conscience_n asleep_o so_o long_o that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o awaken_v they_o their_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v like_o the_o confuse_a apprehension_n of_o man_n half_o awake_a they_o see_v enough_o to_o perplex_v but_o not_o enough_o to_o satisfy_v they_o and_o when_o their_o fear_n grow_v upon_o they_o
believe_v no_o life_n after_o this_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o pain_n and_o martyrdom_n of_o those_o who_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o religion_n these_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v far_o more_o eligible_a than_o the_o other_o because_o the_o mind_n have_v far_o great_a satisfaction_n under_o they_o and_o a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o a_o infinite_a reward_n to_o follow_v upon_o they_o whereas_o the_o other_o can_v have_v no_o comfort_n in_o look_v back_o on_o what_o they_o have_v do_v or_o forward_o in_o what_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v for_o they_o have_v destroy_v their_o own_o happiness_n and_o hasten_v that_o upon_o themselves_o which_o they_o account_v their_o only_a misery_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o life_n which_o none_o can_v prevent_v or_o avoid_v the_o spiritual_a mind_n have_v very_o much_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o carnal_a for_o the_o one_o â—ills_v they_o with_o inward_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n which_o of_o all_o thing_n carry_v man_n best_o through_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n be_v join_v with_o patience_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o the_o genuine_a effect_n of_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n but_o a_o carnal_a mind_n be_v froward_a and_o impatient_a uneasy_a to_o itself_o and_o to_o all_o about_o it_o and_o this_o make_v every_o pain_n and_o trouble_v to_o be_v much_o great_a than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v like_o the_o ass_n in_o the_o fable_n which_o lie_v down_o in_o the_o water_n with_o his_o burden_n of_o wool_n and_o so_o make_v it_o heavy_a than_o before_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n the_o philosophical_a man_n of_o pleasure_n seek_v to_o comfort_v themselves_o by_o under_o the_o unavoidable_a trouble_n of_o life_n which_o the_o spiritual_a mind_n have_v far_o great_a advantage_n than_o any_o of_o they_o have_v as_o to_o both_o of_o they_o and_o these_o be_v reflection_n and_o expectation_n 1._o reflection_n when_o epicurus_n be_v in_o his_o last_o agony_n under_o the_o stone_n what_o a_o miserable_a way_n be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o go_v about_o to_o comfort_v himself_o by_o reflect_v upon_o his_o atom_n and_o his_o maxim_n his_o imaginary_a notion_n of_o the_o happiness_n v._o of_o life_n consist_v in_o pleasure_n when_o his_o life_n be_v so_o near_o be_v end_v by_o excessive_a pain_n but_o a_o good_a man_n that_o have_v sincere_o 30._o endeavour_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o his_o generation_n and_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v and_o to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n may_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n look_v back_o with_o comfort_n on_o the_o course_n of_o his_o former_a life_n and_o by_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n may_v enjoy_v inward_a satisfaction_n under_o such_o pain_n and_o distemper_n which_o make_v life_n uneasy_a and_o death_n more_o welcome_a as_o it_o be_v a_o passage_n to_o a_o far_o better_a state_n and_o that_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n 2._o expectation_n it_o be_v a_o sorrowful_a expectation_n which_o epicurus_n support_v himself_o with_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o prospect_n of_o death_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o subtle_a atom_n which_o make_v up_o his_o soul_n will_v soon_o be_v scatter_v and_o disperse_v he_o know_v not_o where_o and_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v but_o what_o comfort_n be_v there_o in_o such_o a_o dissolution_n man_n that_o have_v deserve_v it_o may_v hearty_o wish_v it_o but_o they_o have_v deserve_v something_o worse_a and_o that_o they_o must_v expect_v for_o the_o just_a and_o holy_a god_n will_v certain_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o all_o their_o vice_n and_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o 31._o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o what_o a_o miserable_a case_n be_v those_o in_o who_o have_v nothing_o to_o look_v for_o but_o judgement_n 27._o and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v consume_v the_o adversary_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n but_o o_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o joyful_a expectation_n that_o attend_v a_o spiritual_a mind_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v enliven_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n for_o without_o that_o even_o good_a man_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o some_o dejection_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o another_o world_n from_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o change_n the_o sense_n of_o their_o fail_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o mistrust_v of_o their_o own_o fitness_n for_o heaven_n but_o so_o great_a be_v the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o that_o sincere_o love_v and_o fear_v he_o that_o he_o always_o make_v their_o passage_n safe_a though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o triumphant_a and_o although_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n may_v seem_v gloomy_a and_o uncomfortable_a at_o a_o distance_n yet_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o conduct_v his_o servant_n through_o it_o he_o make_v it_o a_o happy_a passage_n into_o a_o state_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n and_o everlasting_a life_n and_o peace_n to_o which_o god_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n ix_o preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n on_o christmass-day_n 1693._o st._n john_n iii_o 17._o for_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o gospel_n write_v by_o st._n john_n wherein_o he_o do_v not_o only_o fill_v up_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o many_o particular_a discourse_n omit_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n but_o the_o whole_a seem_v to_o be_v pen_v in_o another_o strain_n and_o with_o some_o different_a purpose_n and_o design_n it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o general_a end_n of_o write_v which_o st._n john_n mention_n viz._n that_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n 31._o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v we_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n but_o they_o make_v use_v of_o several_a method_n as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o write_n st._n matthew_n write_v his_o gospel_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o genealogy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o abraham_n and_o show_v that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v accomplish_v in_o he_o and_o how_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o and_o that_o his_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n st._n mark_v write_v only_o a_o summary_n account_v of_o the_o most_o material_a passage_n relate_v to_o the_o person_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gentile_n st._n luke_n take_v a_o large_a compass_n and_o put_v thing_n into_o a_o exacter_n order_n of_o time_n as_o himself_o tell_v 3._o we_o and_o add_v many_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o general_a advantage_n to_o mankind_n by_o his_o come_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o 32._o lighten_v the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n st._n john_n succeed_v the_o rest_n find_v two_o great_a thing_n which_o give_v he_o occasion_n of_o write_v his_o gospel_n 1._o the_o pervert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o ebionite_n and_o cerinthian_o who_o pretend_v to_o give_v great_a honour_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o excellent_a person_n both_o for_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n but_o yet_o so_o that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a man_n to_o who_o god_n upon_o his_o baptism_n have_v give_v extraordinary_a gift_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n 2._o the_o other_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o universal_a good_a of_o the_o world_n meet_v with_o such_o cold_a reception_n and_o entertainment_n from_o it_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v 11._o make_v by_o he_o and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o he_o come_v unto_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o 12._o what_o can_v be_v more_o uneasy_a to_o so_o true_a a_o lover_n of_o christ_n as_o st._n john_n be_v than_o that_o he_o live_v to_o see_v his_o doctrine_n pervert_v and_o his_o design_n in_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n render_v ineffectual_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o write_n of_o this_o gospel_n 1._o he_o begin_v after_o another_o manner_n and_o in_o a_o very_a short_a significant_a and_o lofty_a style_n he_o set_v forth_o his_o eternal_a be_v and_o godhead_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n
be_v god_n and_o as_o the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v as_o st._n paul_n say_v so_o he_o add_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v 3._o not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v which_o be_v as_o certain_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o other_o point_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sad_a and_o amaze_a consideration_n that_o the_o wonderful_a love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v so_o little_a effect_n upon_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v and_o his_o doctrine_n preach_v but_o the_o apostle_n content_v himself_o with_o these_o two_o account_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v god_n intention_n or_o design_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o make_v man_n condition_n worfe_n and_o more_o desperate_a for_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v present_o object_v that_o if_o this_o be_v god_n intention_n the_o world_n will_v not_o have_v receive_v so_o little_a benefit_n by_o it_o but_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n propose_v by_o the_o gospel_n so_o few_o will_v have_v advantage_n by_o it_o therefore_o the_o evangelist_n add_v that_o if_o man_n do_v perish_v they_o must_v thank_v themselves_o for_o it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a v_o 19_o so_o that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n i._o the_o wonderful_a condescension_n and_o gracious_a intention_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o miscarry_v as_o to_o their_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o viz._n their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n 1._o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o upon_o this_o day_n we_o have_v particular_a reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o not_o in_o a_o slight_a superficial_a manner_n as_o though_o a_o annual_a commemoration_n of_o it_o be_v all_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o but_o our_o mind_n and_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o deep_a and_o humble_a sense_n of_o so_o great_a so_o undeserved_a so_o astonish_v a_o condescension_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o more_o we_o think_v and_o consider_v of_o it_o the_o more_o amaze_a and_o surprise_v it_o must_v appear_v to_o we_o for_o when_o the_o psalmist_n think_v but_o of_o god_n providence_n towards_o mankind_n he_o can_v not_o but_o break_v out_o into_o that_o expression_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o 4._o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o so_o regard_v he_o what_o be_v man_n indeed_o a_o 3._o mass_n of_o vanity_n and_o disorder_n weak_a in_o his_o judgement_n wilful_a in_o his_o passion_n uncertain_a in_o his_o best_a resolution_n violent_a in_o his_o worst_a inclination_n strange_o bend_v upon_o what_o tend_v to_o his_o ruin_n and_o hardly_o bring_v to_o understand_v and_o pursue_v his_o true_a interest_n what_o be_v such_o a_o creature_n as_o this_o that_o a_o god_n infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a far_o above_o our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o our_o service_n shall_v concern_v himself_o about_o the_o low_a and_o trifle_a affair_n of_o mankind_n but_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n and_o condescension_n of_o god_n that_o he_o humble_v himself_o so_o far_o as_o not_o only_o to_o behold_v but_o to_o govern_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v upon_o earth_n but_o what_o be_v man_n that_o he_o shall_v visit_v he_o not_o with_o the_o mere_a common_a demonstration_n of_o his_o kindness_n which_o he_o afford_v to_o other_o creature_n but_o that_o when_o mankind_n have_v so_o far_o degenerate_v and_o fall_v off_o from_o god_n by_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o cast_v off_o and_o forget_v by_o he_o that_o then_o god_n shall_v visit_v he_o by_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v so_o far_o above_o our_o imagination_n as_o well_o as_o desert_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o colourable_a pretence_n for_o infidelity_n that_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o thing_n for_o mankind_n to_o believe_v but_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o in_o this_o sceptical_a and_o unbelieving_a age_n there_o be_v such_o a_o humour_n of_o cavil_v against_o matter_n of_o revelation_n especial_o this_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o that_o it_o will_v seem_v as_o if_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o look_v their_o objection_n in_o the_o face_n if_o we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o insist_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o be_v to_o make_v they_o appear_v much_o more_o considerable_a than_o they_o be_v therefore_o i_o shall_v pass_v over_o all_o the_o trifle_a and_o impertinent_a talk_n of_o such_o man_n which_o be_v not_o whisper_v in_o corner_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v become_v a_o matter_n of_o too_o common_a and_o public_a discourse_n and_o i_o shall_v single_a out_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o great_a weight_n in_o it_o viz._n suppose_v god_n shall_v have_v a_o intention_n to_o offer_v term_n of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n yet_o what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o that_o end_n have_v not_o god_n easy_a method_n of_o do_v it_o than_o by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o his_o son_n be_v it_o not_o more_o credible_a that_o god_n shall_v forgive_v sin_n without_o any_o atonement_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o propitiation_n to_o himself_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o be_v true_a for_o we_o own_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o mankind_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o action_n but_o why_o shall_v our_o faith_n be_v cramp_v by_o such_o incredible_a mystery_n as_o these_o concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o evangelist_n describe_v it_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o kindness_n to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n so_o much_o hard_a if_o we_o must_v believe_v thing_n which_o seem_v so_o impossible_a to_o we_o and_o so_o hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v it_o with_o such_o man_n whether_o these_o late_a pretender_n to_o natural_a religion_n have_v at_o the_o bottom_n any_o real_a kindness_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o or_o not_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a dissatisfaction_n in_o they_o as_o to_o our_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o this_o pretend_a zeal_n for_o natural_a religion_n be_v little_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a shame_n and_o disguise_n to_o avoid_v a_o more_o odious_a imputation_n but_o let_v it_o be_v as_o great_a and_o real_a as_o they_o pretend_v what_o i_o at_o present_a undertake_v be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o none_o who_o do_v embrace_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o reject_v the_o christian_n even_o as_o to_o this_o article_n of_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n which_o they_o seem_v most_o to_o stumble_v at_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o show_v how_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_a suppose_n but_o improve_v refine_v establish_v and_o enforce_v the_o most_o note_a and_o allow_v principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o to_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o providence_n the_o most_o agreeable_a way_n of_o worship_n the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o moral_a duty_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n since_o no_o one_o of_o common_a sense_n can_v deny_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v very_o exact_a and_o particular_a in_o these_o thing_n above_o any_o other_o institution_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o in_o pass_v take_v notice_n that_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o one_o institution_n in_o the_o world_n with_o respect_n to_o religion_n except_o that_o which_o we_o have_v by_o revelation_n which_o have_v not_o some_o notorious_a blunder_n in_o it_o as_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v far_o less_o
reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o christianity_n than_o any_o other_o religion_n if_o their_o quarrel_n be_v not_o real_o against_o all_o as_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v let_v they_o look_v abroad_o over_o the_o unchristian_a world_n and_o they_o will_v find_v such_o foolish_a notion_n such_o vain_a superstition_n such_o incoherent_a fable_n such_o immoral_a practice_n allow_v by_o their_o several_a religion_n as_o will_v make_v a_o consider_a man_n wonder_v how_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v so_o debase_v among_o men._n let_v they_o look_v backward_o upon_o the_o passage_n of_o elder_a time_n and_o they_o shall_v find_v either_o they_o set_v up_o false_a god_n with_o the_o true_a or_o the_o false_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n or_o a_o worship_n disagreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o mean_a representation_n or_o uncouth_a sacrifice_n or_o impure_a rite_n or_o else_o there_o be_v some_o horrible_a flaw_n as_o to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o morality_n as_o to_o conjugal_a society_n or_o the_o right_n of_o property_n or_o the_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n or_o they_o give_v such_o a_o pitiful_a representation_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o have_v they_o look_v on_o as_o fable_n or_o despise_v as_o unworthy_a our_o regard_v they_o above_o the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o life_n but_o i_o dare_v challenge_v the_o most_o cavil_v sceptic_a to_o find_v any_o just_a fault_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n require_v therein_o be_v pure_a holy_a spiritual_a very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n the_o moral_a precept_n of_o it_o be_v clear_a weighty_a and_o comprehensive_a and_o those_o who_o have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o neither_o commend_v any_o vice_n nor_o sink_v the_o reputation_n of_o any_o virtue_n they_o never_o lessen_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o to_o one_o another_o all_o the_o just_a complaint_n be_v that_o the_o precept_n be_v too_o strict_a and_o severe_a too_o good_a and_o too_o hard_o for_o mankind_n to_o practice_v they_o but_o be_v this_o a_o objection_n against_o our_o religion_n or_o against_o mankind_n if_o they_o think_v that_o let_v our_o religion_n require_v what_o it_o will_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n will_v still_o live_v and_o act_v like_o brute_n and_o go_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o religion_n how_o can_v we_o help_v it_o but_o we_o hope_v the_o blame_n be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o reason_n or_o religion_n that_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n be_v either_o fool_n or_o madman_n i_o e._n either_o want_n sense_n to_o understand_v their_o duty_n or_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o practice_v it_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n with_o that_o clearness_n that_o force_n that_o authority_n that_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n will_v work_v upon_o mankind_n these_o must_v but_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o pass_v over_o and_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o propose_v as_o my_o chief_a design_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o none_o who_o true_o believe_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o reject_v this_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o as_o to_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o upon_o two_o account_n i._o that_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n make_v this_o design_n appear_v very_o credible_a or_o fit_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o understanding_n ii_o that_o the_o principle_n on_o which_o this_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o reveal_v religion_n stand_v afford_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o prove_v it_o true_a and_o therefore_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o as_o to_o the_o former_a the_o ground_n or_o principle_n which_o i_o go_v upon_o be_v these_o i._o that_o the_o great_a end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n no_o one_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n can_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n which_o move_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n do_v convince_v they_o that_o he_o must_v be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n see_v the_o strong_a evidence_n to_o prove_v his_o be_v be_v from_o the_o instance_n of_o they_o in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v then_o suppose_v as_o essential_a and_o inseparable_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o end_n with_o respect_n to_o mankind_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o these_o to_o carry_v on_o and_o we_o must_v suppose_v mankind_n to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o another_o but_o our_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o immortal_a nature_n that_o will_v subsist_v in_o happiness_n or_o misery_n after_o this_o life_n otherwise_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n signify_v nothing_o the_o question_n than_o be_v if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o wellbeing_a of_o mankind_n in_o such_o a_o low_a and_o gloomy_a region_n as_o this_o earth_n be_v or_o to_o advance_v they_o into_o a_o far_o better_a place_n and_o better_a company_n and_o more_o noble_a and_o divine_a delight_n and_o those_o not_o depend_v on_o a_o fade_a droop_a die_a life_n but_o on_o the_o perpetual_a enjoyment_n of_o a_o complete_a happiness_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n no_o one_o that_o ever_o dare_v to_o think_v or_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n can_v believe_v there_o be_v any_o comparison_n between_o they_o so_o that_o the_o 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such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v and_o now_o resolve_v in_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n never_o more_o to_o return_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o this_o no_o doubt_n be_v far_o more_o please_a to_o god_n than_o go_v on_o to_o offend_v still_o but_o all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n in_o justice_n to_o god_n and_o to_o himself_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v for_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n law_n and_o to_o condemn_v himself_o for_o his_o own_o folly_n and_o to_o return_v no_o more_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o what_o amends_o be_v make_v by_o all_o this_o for_o the_o infinite_a dishonour_n which_o have_v be_v do_v to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n by_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o the_o court_n of_o justice_n among_o man_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o malefactor_n repentance_n however_o he_o be_v affect_v the_o law_n must_v be_v observe_v and_o offender_n punish_v how_o then_o can_v any_o person_n be_v 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do_v it_o depend_v whole_o upon_o his_o own_o goodwill_n he_o may_v forgive_v sin_n if_o he_o please_v and_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o natute_n to_o do_v it_o if_o sinner_n do_v repent_v and_o forsake_v their_o sin_n but_o whether_o god_n have_v actual_o make_v know_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n can_v be_v know_v by_o any_o principle_n of_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o must_v have_v such_o proof_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o ii_o have_v thus_o show_v how_o strong_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n do_v make_v way_n for_o entertain_v this_o point_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o to_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o and_o our_o salvation_n by_o he_o it_o remain_v now_o to_o show_v how_o just_o god_n do_v require_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o from_o we_o as_o true_a for_o the_o next_o word_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v not_o condemn_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n v_o 18._o this_o some_o may_v say_v be_v very_o hard_a doctrine_n for_o they_o believe_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o can_v believe_v no_o more_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v more_o than_o he_o can_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o nicodemus_n to_o who_o these_o word_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n think_v he_o have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n when_o he_o use_v those_o word_n to_o christ_n v_o 2._o rabbi_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o i_o e._n he_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v he_o some_o great_a prophet_n who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a step_n for_o a_o ruler_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v general_o very_o unreasonable_a unbeliever_n but_o christ_n tell_v he_o plain_o this_o will_v not_o do_v for_o unless_o he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n he_o can_v not_o be_v save_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a point_n that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n v_o 16._o not_o as_o though_o mere_a believe_v this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o carry_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n along_o with_o it_o but_o that_o since_o god_n have_v send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n upon_o such_o a_o message_n he_o do_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v and_o entertain_v as_o such_o upon_o their_o utmost_a peril_n but_o can_v we_o believe_v far_o than_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v no_o god_n doâ—h_v not_o expect_v it_o from_o we_o 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himself_o and_o his_o most_o intimate_a disciple_n affirm_v it_o of_o he_o but_o god_n himself_o give_v the_o most_o ample_a and_o convince_a testimony_n to_o it_o by_o his_o miraculous_a birth_n and_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o that_o purpose_n at_o his_o baptism_n by_o a_o long_a train_n and_o series_n of_o public_a and_o useful_a miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o wonderful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o the_o strange_a effect_n which_o follow_v it_o so_o that_o no_o one_o who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a can_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o say_v that_o he_o can_v believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o see_v ourselves_o for_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n be_v equal_a in_o this_o case_n and_o no_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v so_o well_o attest_v as_o these_o be_v and_o so_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o christ_n resurrection_n if_o he_o be_v not_o rise_v our_o faith_n be_v vain_a so_o in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n all_o faith_n be_v vain_a for_o no_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v account_v fool_n for_o not_o believe_v have_v have_v such_o a_o sort_n of_o testimony_n which_o these_o have_v have_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o convey_v by_o a_o silent_a tradition_n for_o some_o time_n till_o the_o chief_a party_n be_v dead_a who_o can_v either_o prove_v or_o disprove_v they_o but_o they_o be_v public_a and_o expose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o examination_n they_o be_v not_o deliver_v by_o one_o or_o two_o who_o be_v trust_v with_o a_o secret_a but_o open_o avow_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o competent_a witness_n who_o be_v present_a and_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v by_o the_o great_a suffering_n to_o deny_v or_o falsify_v or_o conceal_v any_o part_n of_o their_o evidence_n that_o when_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v thus_o deliver_v by_o those_o who_o see_v they_o who_o be_v most_o remarkable_a for_o their_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n in_o the_o next_o age_n they_o be_v examine_v and_o inquire_v into_o by_o man_n of_o sagacity_n and_o learning_n who_o upon_o the_o strict_a search_n find_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v their_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o hearty_o embrace_v and_o defend_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o from_o thence_o they_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o not_o by_o
a_o uncertain_a oral_a tradition_n which_o can_v hardly_o hold_v the_o same_o from_o one_o end_v of_o the_o town_n to_o another_o but_o by_o unquestionable_a write_n of_o such_o authority_n that_o the_o christian_n will_v rather_o die_v than_o deliver_v up_o their_o book_n and_o in_o these_o be_v all_o those_o circumstance_n contain_v which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v as_o christian_n among_o which_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n to_o sum_v up_o all_o i_o desire_v those_o who_o after_o all_o this_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o those_o who_o be_v liable_a to_o any_o suggestion_n of_o infidelity_n to_o consider_v serious_o with_o themselves_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a design_n more_o become_v the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o carry_v on_o than_o that_o of_o rescue_v mankind_n out_o of_o a_o miserable_a state_n and_o put_v they_o into_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n whether_o such_o a_o design_n must_v not_o be_v discover_v in_o some_o particular_a age_n of_o the_o world_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o it_o whether_o that_o age_n be_v not_o the_o fit_a of_o all_o other_o wherein_o the_o most_o remarkable_a prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v accomplish_v as_o to_o the_o come_v of_o the_o mâ—ssias_n while_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v stand_v whether_o the_o difficulty_n as_o to_o humane_a testimony_n be_v not_o equal_a to_o all_o age_n and_o thing_n whether_o because_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o all_o man_n to_o deceive_v it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o infer_v that_o all_o man_n be_v deceive_v and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o illusion_n and_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o man_n lie_v and_o deceive_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o lie_v and_o deceive_v but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v 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some_o very_a particular_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o rather_o think_v they_o deceive_v than_o fix_v such_o a_o indelible_a blot_n upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o mankind_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n to_o find_v that_o it_o can_v be_v overthrow_v but_o by_o such_o method_n as_o equal_o overturn_v all_o truth_n and_o certainty_n and_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o christianity_n stand_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o same_o bottom_n with_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o mankind_n but_o if_o we_o reject_v such_o assurance_n as_o be_v offer_v we_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o infidelity_n can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n but_o of_o a_o causeless_a suspicion_n and_o unreasonable_a mistrust_n of_o the_o best_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v most_o firm_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o have_v lead_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o person_n deserve_v to_o be_v take_v before_o other_o it_o must_v be_v of_o such_o who_o can_v have_v no_o design_n upon_o this_o world_n but_o be_v resolve_v by_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o prepare_v for_o a_o better_a to_o conclude_v for_o we_o who_o believe_v and_o own_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o great_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o have_v something_o else_o to_o do_v than_o mere_o to_o vindicate_v and_o assert_v it_o this_o at_o some_o time_n be_v more_o necessary_a than_o at_o other_o and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v this_o be_v none_o of_o they_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o all_o who_o in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o infidelity_n have_v the_o courage_n and_o zeal_n to_o own_o the_o faith_n of_o this_o day_n viz._n that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v we_o for_o ever_o happy_a and_o i_o hope_v none_o who_o profess_v themselves_o christians_o this_o day_n will_v ever_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o mock_v and_o flout_v of_o infidel_n so_o as_o to_o let_v go_v the_o anchor_n of_o their_o hope_n or_o mistrust_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o piece_n of_o wisdom_n to_o know_v when_o to_o believe_v as_o when_o not_o to_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a a_o argument_n of_o a_o weak_a mind_n to_o be_v always_o doubt_v as_o to_o be_v overforward_a in_o believe_v for_o the_o soil_n must_v be_v very_o bad_a that_o can_v bear_v no_o foundation_n but_o withal_o let_v we_o not_o flatter_v ourselves_o only_o that_o we_o have_v a_o better_a faith_n than_o other_o for_o how_o miserable_a will_v our_o case_n be_v if_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o a_o superficial_a faith_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o anniversary_n devotion_n we_o can_v never_o thank_v god_n too_o much_o for_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o day_n but_o god_n expect_v something_o more_o from_o we_o than_o mere_o the_o give_v he_o solemn_a thanks_o once_o a_o year_n for_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o god_n send_v he_o i._n e._n to_o save_v we_o first_o from_o our_o sin_n and_o then_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o method_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v not_o bare_o from_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o from_o the_o necessary_a order_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n for_o otherwise_o a_o man_n may_v be_v reward_v for_o do_v amiss_o and_o punish_v for_o perform_v his_o duty_n if_o we_o therefore_o ever_o hope_v for_o any_o benefit_n by_o this_o come_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o world_n we_o must_v apply_v our_o mind_n to_o consider_v serious_o on_o what_o condition_n we_o may_v reasonable_o hope_v for_o salvation_n by_o he_o can_v they_o think_v that_o christ_n come_v to_o so_o little_a purpose_n as_o to_o save_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n if_o that_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o his_o come_n but_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a work_n indeed_o to_o save_v we_o from_o they_o the_o gild_n must_v be_v expiate_v and_o the_o power_n subdue_v the_o former_a christ_n have_v do_v but_o he_o expect_v and_o with_o great_a reason_n that_o we_o shall_v deny_v ungodly_a and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v sermon_n x._o concern_v sin_n of_o omission_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n on_o march_n 18_o 1693_o 4_o be_v midlent-sunday_n st._n james_n iu._n 17._o therefore_o to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n although_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n call_v the_o gospel_n the_o law_n of_o liberty_n yet_o to_o prevent_v any_o misconstruction_n thereof_o as_o though_o it_o allow_v a_o liberty_n 1â—_n to_o sin_n we_o no_o where_o find_v more_o strict_a and_o severe_a passage_n against_o it_o than_o in_o this_o epistle_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o sin_n of_o commission_n and_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o to_o sin_n of_o commission_n his_o expression_n seem_v hardly_o consistent_a with_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o 10._o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o have_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n any_o thing_n more_o apt_a to_o terrify_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n if_o not_o to_o drive_v they_o into_o despair_n than_o this_o it_o be_v not_o if_o one_o break_v the_o whole_a law_n than_o it_o have_v be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o even_o under_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o force_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n but_o if_o he_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o
grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n as_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o the_o temptation_n so_o as_o we_o be_v not_o overcome_v by_o it_o and_o these_o two_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a sense_n of_o this_o expression_n that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n we_o be_v allow_v to_o pray_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o it_o but_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pray_v and_o to_o watch_v too_o lest_o we_o fall_v by_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n which_o be_v then_o do_v when_o the_o motive_n proper_a to_o this_o world_n prevail_v over_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o another_o the_o motive_n of_o another_o world_n be_v those_o of_o a_o future_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o motive_n of_o this_o world_n be_v those_o of_o present_a pleasure_n honour_n and_o riches_n and_o when_o these_o come_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o duty_n or_o apt_a to_o draw_v we_o from_o it_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v temptation_n to_o we_o for_o no_o sin_n of_o itself_o be_v a_o temptation_n but_o something_o else_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o which_o can_v be_v enjoy_v without_o it_o as_o in_o the_o case_n here_o mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n of_o st._n peter_n deny_v his_o master_n there_o be_v no_o temptation_n in_o the_o sin_n itself_o for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o a_o act_n so_o mean_v so_o shameful_a so_o ungrateful_a to_o tempt_v he_o to_o commit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o present_a safety_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o run_v into_o the_o same_o danger_n in_o which_o he_o see_v his_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o temptation_n to_o he_o the_o sin_n of_o luxury_n and_o intemperance_n that_o of_o riot_n and_o drunkenness_n of_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n 1â—_n be_v not_o temptation_n in_o themselves_o but_o the_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o accompany_v they_o though_o it_o be_v forbid_v be_v apt_a to_o draw_v the_o lover_n of_o it_o from_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o sobriety_n and_o chastity_n it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n i._n e._n of_o the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o which_o make_v the_o sin_n of_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n so_o plausible_a and_o prevail_a among_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v another_o world_n their_o soul_n be_v like_o a_o piece_n of_o iron_n between_o two_o loadstone_n of_o a_o unequal_a magnitude_n and_o distance_n the_o one_o be_v far_o great_a and_o have_v more_o force_n in_o itself_o to_o attract_v but_o it_o be_v place_v at_o a_o far_o great_a distance_n the_o other_o be_v much_o less_o but_o very_o near_o and_o therefore_o may_v more_o powerful_o draw_v than_o that_o which_o be_v more_o forcible_a but_o far_a off_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o those_o who_o commit_v sin_n by_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n be_v present_o infidel_n and_o disbelieve_v another_o world_n but_o although_o they_o do_v believe_v the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n yet_o it_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n it_o be_v out_o of_o their_o view_n and_o beyond_o their_o apprehension_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o work_v so_o effectual_o as_o present_v visible_a sensible_a delight_n do_v which_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o suitableness_n to_o our_o present_a state_n of_o familiarity_n nearness_n and_o insinuation_n it_o be_v the_o great_a excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o faith_n that_o by_o it_o we_o not_o only_o believe_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n but_o that_o it_o make_v thing_n future_a to_o be_v to_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v present_a and_o thing_n invisible_a to_o have_v such_o a_o influence_n as_o if_o they_o be_v visible_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v invisible_a thing_n must_v have_v a_o real_a be_v before_o they_o can_v be_v believe_v and_o there_o must_v be_v evidence_n to_o the_o mind_n before_o there_o can_v be_v true_a faith_n how_o then_o can_v faith_n be_v the_o substance_n and_o evidence_n of_o thing_n future_a and_o possible_a i_o answer_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o mere_o signify_v a_o real_a be_v in_o opposition_n to_o fancy_n and_o chimera_n but_o a_o firm_a solid_a and_o permanent_a be_v therefore_o thing_n which_o be_v pass_v even_o as_o time_n and_o motion_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n that_o have_v no_o consistence_n or_o hypostasis_fw-la and_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o mind_n it_o signify_v a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a confidence_n a_o inward_a world_n satisfaction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n a_o assure_a expectation_n of_o what_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o from_o hence_o arise_v that_o influence_n which_o faith_n have_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n therefore_o the_o two_o great_a principle_n which_o govern_v mankind_n be_v faith_n and_o sense_n while_o they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o former_a they_o be_v say_v to_o resist_v temptation_n when_o they_o be_v sway_v by_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o faith_n and_o include_v in_o it_o the_o motive_n of_o this_o world_n than_o they_o be_v say_v to_o give_v way_n to_o temptation_n or_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o it_o and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v 1._o the_o insufficiency_n of_o present_a resolution_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n without_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o a_o firm_a present_a resolution_n than_o there_o be_v in_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o a_o sad_a example_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o it_o which_o ought_v to_o make_v we_o hear_v and_o fear_n and_o not_o be_v too_o presumptuous_a resolution_n be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n in_o the_o world_n to_o withstand_v temptation_n to_o sin_n for_o it_o have_v these_o advantage_n 1._o it_o keep_v the_o mind_n steady_a and_o fix_v and_o therefore_o prepare_v to_o resist_v a_o temptation_n when_o it_o come_v whereas_o a_o irresolved_a mind_n leave_v a_o man_n open_a to_o the_o first_o assault_n it_o be_v like_o dispute_v in_o a_o garrison_n who_o shall_v command_v when_o the_o enemy_n be_v at_o the_o gate_n a_o fix_v and_o settle_a mind_n in_o religion_n be_v of_o mighty_a consequence_n against_o all_o temptation_n for_o then_o every_o thing_n be_v in_o order_n for_o resist_v when_o reason_n govern_v the_o mind_n and_o the_o mind_n determine_v the_o will_n and_o the_o will_n stand_v bend_v and_o resolve_v upon_o that_o which_o upon_o due_a consideration_n appear_v to_o conduce_v most_o to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n 2._o it_o take_v off_o the_o false_a colour_n and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n for_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v represent_v plausible_o to_o a_o irresolute_a mind_n temptation_n to_o sin_n will_v never_o be_v call_v so_o if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o tempt_v in_o they_o and_o whatever_o be_v tempt_v must_v have_v a_o free_a appearance_n in_o one_o respect_n or_o other_o and_o while_o a_o person_n be_v irresolved_a he_o suffer_v all_o the_o force_n of_o temptation_n to_o come_v upon_o he_o but_o a_o resolve_a mind_n keep_v it_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o so_o break_v the_o power_n of_o it_o whereas_o he_o who_o let_v go_v his_o resolution_n and_o treat_v with_o a_o temptation_n be_v like_o one_o who_o play_v with_o a_o tarantula_n and_o be_v bite_v before_o he_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o resolution_n 1._o some_o that_o be_v sudden_a and_o make_v in_o a_o heat_n and_o passion_n without_o due_a consideration_n and_o weigh_v of_o thing_n and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v of_o no_o great_a force_n or_o continuance_n and_o it_o be_v often_o see_v that_o the_o same_o heat_n which_o cause_v the_o resolution_n to_o be_v make_v prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o break_v it_o when_o it_o be_v carry_v another_o way_n the_o inconstancy_n of_o their_o temper_n make_v they_o resolve_v hope_v thereby_o to_o bind_v up_o themselves_o the_o fast_o but_o nature_n and_o temptation_n soon_o grow_v too_o hard_o for_o such_o resolution_n which_o be_v make_v only_o by_o a_o sudden_a passion_n 2._o there_o be_v other_o which_o be_v make_v about_o matter_n of_o plain_a duty_n and_o against_o know_a temptation_n to_o sin_n after_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o folly_n and_o weakness_n and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n never_o more_o to_o return_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o sin_n and_o these_o be_v wise_a and_o pious_a as_o well_o as_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a resolution_n such_o no_o doubt_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v when_o they_o leave_v all_o and_o follow_v christ_n beside_o this_o sudden_a resolution_n they_o take_v up_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o die_v with_o christ_n than_o deny_v he_o
year_n depend_v upon_o certain_a and_o natural_a cause_n viz._n the_o diurnal_a and_o annual_a course_n of_o the_o sea_n all_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v hence_o be_v that_o thing_n may_v not_o always_o remain_v in_o the_o same_o state_n of_o darkness_n and_o inactivity_n but_o that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o have_v appoint_v the_o time_n and_o season_n for_o other_o thing_n may_v if_o he_o please_v restore_v mankind_n after_o a_o long_a night_n and_o cold_a winter_n in_o the_o grave_a to_o a_o state_n of_o life_n and_o vigour_n 2._o at_o the_o day_n of_o resurrection_n the_o story_n of_o the_o phoenix_n so_o often_o mention_v by_o the_o ancient_n hold_v well_o enough_o against_o the_o author_n of_o it_o for_o the_o christian_n have_v it_o from_o the_o heathen_n viz._n to_o prove_v there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n in_o believe_v the_o possibility_n that_o life_n may_v 6._o be_v restore_v after_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o body_n and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deride_v christianity_n for_o a_o doctrine_n which_o themselves_o own_v in_o their_o famous_a tradition_n of_o the_o phoenix_n but_o when_o they_o argue_v strict_o about_o 139._o this_o matter_n they_o resolve_v it_o into_o the_o same_o infinite_a power_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o according_a to_o the_o due_a order_n of_o our_o creed_n we_o must_v first_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_a maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n before_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o although_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o strict_a demonstration_n yet_o we_o have_v this_o strong_a evidence_n to_o convince_v mankind_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o viz._n if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n at_o first_o they_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v his_o power_n to_o new_a make_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o must_v believe_v something_o far_a more_o absurd_a than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n viz._n that_o this_o world_n shall_v make_v itself_o and_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v fall_v into_o that_o admirable_a order_n they_o be_v in_o without_o the_o power_n and_o management_n of_o a_o infinite_o wise_a creator_n and_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o infinite_a power_n such_o person_n ought_v not_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o assert_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o resurrection_n for_o why_o may_v not_o the_o same_o particle_n of_o matter_n in_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n hit_v together_o again_o to_o make_v up_o the_o same_o body_n as_o well_o as_o such_o be_v at_o first_o suppose_v to_o have_v make_v up_o not_o only_o the_o visible_a world_n but_o the_o wonderful_a fabric_n of_o any_o single_a body_n of_o mankind_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v more_o incredible_a that_o a_o dead_a body_n shall_v be_v raise_v out_o of_o its_o grave_a than_o that_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n shall_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n at_o first_o from_o a_o mere_a fermentation_n of_o matter_n so_o that_o the_o most_o atheistical_a person_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n as_o a_o thing_n incredible_a to_o they_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v clear_v to_o remove_v any_o temptation_n to_o infidelity_n and_o those_o relate_v 1._o to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o matter_n to_o make_v up_o such_o a_o number_n of_o body_n 2._o to_o the_o sort_n and_o distribution_n of_o it_o for_o the_o make_v so_o many_o distinct_a body_n as_o be_v before_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o quantity_n of_o matter_n not_o as_o to_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o earth_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n whereof_o man_n body_n be_v frame_v at_o first_o but_o as_o to_o that_o which_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o man_n as_o now_o they_o be_v and_o i_o think_v one_o observation_n be_v sufficient_a to_o clear_v the_o difficulty_n which_o relate_v to_o 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power_n that_o they_o shall_v become_v as_o spiritual_a as_o body_n 42._o can_v be_v i._n e._n without_o corruption_n and_o decay_n without_o weariness_n and_o pain_n without_o any_o of_o those_o infirmity_n which_o make_v life_n so_o uneasy_a here_o sometime_o here_o the_o mind_n have_v such_o a_o load_n upon_o it_o that_o make_v the_o body_n sink_v under_o its_o weight_n but_o there_o the_o perfect_a ease_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v give_v a_o new_a life_n and_o vigour_n to_o the_o body_n here_o the_o most_o refine_a pleasure_n of_o life_n be_v such_o which_o arise_v from_o a_o brisk_a and_o uniform_a motion_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n but_o then_o the_o spirit_n and_o joy_n of_o another_o world_n will_v afford_v such_o delight_n as_o infinite_o exceed_v our_o present_a imagination_n such_o delight_n which_o shall_v be_v pure_a and_o constant_a without_o interruption_n and_o without_o end_n for_o in_o that_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o 〈◊〉_d at_o his_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o sermon_n xiii_o preach_v at_o worcester_z august_n the_o 17_o 1690._o eccles._n vii_o 16._o be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o neither_o make_v thyself_o â—over_o wise_a why_o shall_v thou_o destroy_v thyself_o be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o can_v there_o be_v the_o least_o danger_n of_o that_o in_o such_o a_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a age_n as_o we_o live_v in_o and_o if_o our_o preach_v aught_o to_o be_v about_o the_o most_o seasonable_a duty_n and_o the_o most_o dangerous_a sin_n one_o will_v think_v this_o shall_v be_v one_o of_o the_o last_o text_n in_o scripture_n we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o preach_v upon_o but_o such_o a_o imagination_n arise_v from_o not_o understand_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o these_o word_n for_o if_o righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v take_v here_o for_o that_o which_o solomon_n call_v so_o viz._n the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o reconcile_v he_o to_o himself_o and_o these_o expression_n with_o the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o book_n for_o after_o all_o the_o representation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o this_o life_n he_o conclude_v thus_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man._n and_o he_o give_v a_o most_o weighty_a reason_n for_o it_o 14._o for_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a but_o then_o how_o can_v any_o man_n fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n too_o much_o and_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a be_v understanding_n but_o how_o 10._o can_v any_o be_v over_o wise_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o the_o righteous_a man_n be_v general_o take_v by_o solomon_n for_o a_o true_o good_a man_n so_o ver._n 15._o there_o be_v a_o just_a man_n that_o perish_v in_o his_o righteousness_n and_o there_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n that_o prolong_v his_o life_n in_o his_o wickedness_n where_o the_o opposition_n be_v plain_a between_o a_o righteous_a and_o a_o wicked_a man._n how_o then_o can_v any_o one_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_o and_o if_o not_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n some_o think_v that_o they_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o epicurean_a who_o despise_v all_o religion_n and_o think_v it_o useful_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o make_v man_n life_n uncomfortable_a to_o they_o and_o so_o to_o shorten_v their_o day_n and_o that_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o by_o show_v that_o wickedness_n do_v much_o rather_o do_v it_o there_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o that_o very_o considerable_a in_o this_o sense_n viz._n that_o wickedness_n do_v man_n more_o mischief_n as_o to_o this_o world_n than_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o severe_a piety_n which_o although_o it_o seem_v uneasy_a to_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v so_o destructive_a to_o it_o as_o wickedness_n be_v and_o rather_o tend_v to_o support_v it_o by_o take_v off_o all_o such_o extravagancy_n which_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o shorten_v and_o destroy_v man_n life_n by_o their_o procure_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o come_v in_o as_o speak_v by_o another_o person_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o it_o be_v the_o supposition_n that_o take_v they_o otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n but_o there_o may_v be_v several_a account_n give_v of_o they_o if_o we_o take_v they_o as_o speak_v by_o solomon_n in_o his_o own_o name_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o providence_n 2._o to_o religion_n 3._o to_o moral_a righteousness_n and_o wisdom_n 1._o they_o must_v seem_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o method_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v verse_n 15._o be_v not_o too_o strict_a and_o severe_a in_o pass_v judgement_n on_o god_n providence_n be_v not_o more_o righteous_a and_o wise_a than_o god_n be_v do_v not_o think_v you_o can_v govern_v the_o world_n better_o than_o he_o do_v pry_v not_o too_o far_o into_o those_o mystery_n which_o be_v too_o deep_a for_o you_o why_o shall_v thou_o confound_v thyself_o so_o some_o interpret_v the_o latter_a word_n 2._o they_o may_v refer_v to_o religion_n but_o then_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o what_o be_v true_o and_o real_o so_o but_o of_o what_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o and_o man_n may_v esteem_v themselves_o very_o much_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o for_o although_o man_n can_v exceed_v in_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o may_v and_o often_o do_v mistake_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o measure_n and_o bound_n of_o what_o they_o account_v duty_n of_o religion_n 3._o they_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n for_o that_o righteousness_n which_o man_n be_v to_o show_v towards_o each_o other_o both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n and_o for_o that_o wisdom_n which_o mankind_n be_v capable_a of_o as_o a_o moral_a virtue_n and_o in_o both_o these_o there_o be_v extreme_n to_o be_v avoid_v and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_o nor_o to_o make_v themselves_o over_o wise_a there_o be_v three_o thing_n therefore_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o for_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n 1._o how_o we_o may_v exceed_v our_o bound_n concern_v the_o righteousness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n 2._o how_o with_o respect_n to_o religion_n 3._o how_o with_o respect_n to_o moral_a righteousness_n and_o wisdom_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o providence_n the_o great_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o what_o the_o 2._o wise_a man_n say_v afterward_o that_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wise_a and_o their_o work_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n no_o man_n know_v love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a etc._n etc._n now_o this_o seem_v hard_a to_o reconcile_v to_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n but_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o forbear_v censure_v and_o pry_v too_o far_o into_o these_o matter_n from_o these_o consideration_n 1._o god_n be_v not_o accountable_a to_o we_o for_o what_o he_o do_v the_o psalmist_n tell_v 6._o we_o god_n judgement_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o pretend_v to_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v great_a advantage_n above_o other_o cry_v out_o how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o we_o ought_v rather_o 33._o to_o admire_v than_o to_o search_v into_o what_o he_o declare_v unsearchable_a and_o to_o sit_v down_o patient_a under_o our_o ignorance_n when_o he_o say_v his_o way_n be_v pastâ—_n find_v out_o the_o wise_a and_o righteous_a god_n have_v reason_n and_o method_n of_o act_v far_o above_o our_o reach_n and_o we_o do_v but_o show_v our_o own_o folly_n when_o we_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o 2._o we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o his_o providence_n be_v righteous_a and_o wise_a although_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o for_o as_o abraham_n say_v in_o this_o case_n shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v 25._o right_a he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a and_o wise_a god_n who_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n can_v act_n