god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v reward_v those_o that_o serve_v he_o because_o unless_o a_o man_n do_v first_o believe_v these_o there_o will_v neither_o be_v ground_n nor_o encouragement_n for_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n and_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o necessary_a principle_n of_o religion_n our_o b._n saviour_n call_v eternal_a life_n because_o it_o be_v so_o fundamental_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o attain_n of_o it_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a say_v he_o 17.3_o to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o he_o who_o thou_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o be_v right_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n under_o which_o two_o general_a head_n be_v comprehend_v all_o the_o necessary_a principle_n both_o of_o the_o natural_a and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o knowledge_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o 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this_o as_o they_o pretend_v upon_o a_o very_a charitable_a consideration_n only_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v mad_a and_o have_v need_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o dark_a but_o suppose_v man_n to_o be_v allow_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n afford_v and_o have_v appoint_v for_o we_o the_o great_a difficulty_n do_v not_o common_o lie_v in_o man_n understanding_n but_o in_o their_o will_n only_o when_o man_n know_v these_o thing_n they_o must_v attend_v to_o they_o and_o consider_v they_o that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o their_o understanding_n may_v warm_v their_o heart_n and_o have_v its_o due_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n ii_o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n consist_v in_o the_o frequent_a examination_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o all_o the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o they_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o deep_a 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solemnity_n and_o seriousness_n which_o become_v the_o presence_n and_o service_n of_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n who_o observe_v our_o behaviour_n and_o see_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o by_o receive_v the_o b._n sacrament_n as_o often_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n with_o due_a preparation_n and_o devotion_n of_o mind_n for_o these_o be_v not_o only_o outward_a testimony_n of_o our_o inward_a piety_n but_o they_o be_v mean_n likewise_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o improve_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o whoever_o neglect_v these_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o perform_v they_o in_o a_o flight_n and_o superficial_a manner_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o he_o have_v neither_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n nor_o care_n of_o himself_o for_o in_o vain_a do_v any_o man_n pretend_v that_o he_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_a design_n the_o end_n when_o he_o neglect_v the_o best_a and_o most_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o iv._o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n consist_v also_o in_o avoid_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v pernicious_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o whereby_o man_n do_v often_o hazard_v their_o soul_n such_o in_o general_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n by_o this_o we_o do_v as_o it_o be_v run_v upon_o the_o sword_n point_n and_o do_v endanger_v our_o salvation_n as_o much_o as_o a_o deep_a wound_n in_o our_o body_n will_v do_v our_o life_n and_o though_o such_o a_o wound_n may_v perhaps_o be_v cure_v afterward_o by_o repentance_n yet_o no_o man_n that_o commit_v any_o wilful_a sin_n know_v the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o whither_o by_o degree_n it_o may_v carry_v he_o at_o last_o for_o upon_o such_o a_o provocation_n god_n may_v leave_v the_o sinner_n to_o himself_o and_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o he_o and_o give_v he_o up_o to_o a_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n to_o proceed_v from_o evil_a to_o worse_o and_o from_o one_o wickedness_n to_o another_o till_o he_o be_v final_o ruin_v so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o know_o to_o offend_v god_n and_o to_o commit_v any_o deliberate_a act_n of_o sin_n more_o particular_o a_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n because_o it_o quench_v the_o heavenly_a life_n and_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o earthly_a care_n and_o design_n it_o tempt_v man_n to_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n when_o their_o worldly_a interest_n come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o and_o betray_v they_o to_o fraud_n and_o falsehood_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o injustice_n and_o many_o other_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v the_o soul_n in_o perdition_n but_o beside_o these_o danger_n which_o be_v more_o visible_a and_o apparent_a there_o be_v another_o which_o be_v less_o discernible_a because_o it_o have_v the_o face_n of_o piety_n and_o that_o be_v faction_n in_o religion_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o unpeaceable_a and_o uncharitable_a zeal_n about_o thing_n wherein_o religion_n either_o do_v not_o at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o little_o consist_v for_o beside_o that_o this_o temper_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n as_o humility_n love_n peace_n meekness_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o it_o have_v likewise_o two_o very_o great_a mischief_n common_o attend_v upon_o it_o and_o both_o of_o they_o pernicious_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n first_o that_o it_o take_v such_o man_n off_o from_o mind_v the_o more_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v so_o zealous_a about_o small_a thing_n the_o tithe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v and_o cummin_n that_o they_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n faith_n and_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n they_o spend_v so_o much_o
for_o their_o friend_n and_o begin_v a_o new_a score_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o may_v put_v the_o surplusage_n of_o their_o good_a work_n as_o a_o debt_n upon_o god_n to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o public_a treasury_n of_o the_o church_n as_o so_o many_o bill_n of_o credit_n which_o the_o pope_n by_o his_o pardon_n and_o indulgence_n may_v dispense_v and_o place_n to_o who_o account_n he_o please_v and_o out_o of_o this_o bank_n which_o be_v keep_v at_o rome_n those_o who_o never_o take_v care_n to_o have_v any_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o may_v be_v supply_v at_o reasonable_a rate_n to_o which_o they_o have_v add_v a_o further_a supply_n of_o grace_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o need_n of_o it_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o extreme_a unction_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n but_o devise_v as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o furnish_v such_o foolish_a virgin_n with_o oil_n as_o be_v here_o describe_v in_o the_o parable_n and_o thus_o by_o one_o device_n or_o other_o they_o have_v enervate_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o have_v almost_o quite_o lose_v its_o true_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o instead_o of_o the_o real_a fruit_n of_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n it_o produce_v little_a else_o but_o superstition_n and_o folly_n or_o if_o it_o produce_v any_o real_a virtue_n yet_o even_o the_o virtue_n of_o those_o virtue_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n spoil_v by_o their_o arrogant_a pretence_n of_o merit_n and_o super-erogation_a and_o be_v render_v insignificant_a to_o themselves_o by_o their_o insolent_a carriage_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o god_n six_o and_o last_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o person_n to_o be_v so_o overgrow_v with_o goodness_n as_o to_o have_v more_o than_o needs_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assign_v and_o transfer_v of_o this_o overplus_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n from_o one_o man_n to_o another_o for_o we_o see_v that_o all_o the_o way_n that_o can_v be_v think_v on_o of_o beg_v or_o borrow_v or_o buy_v oil_n of_o other_o do_v all_o prove_v ineffectual_a because_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n impracticable_a that_o one_o sinner_n who_o owe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o much_o more_o to_o god_n shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o spare_v wherewithal_o to_o merit_v for_o another_o indeed_o our_o b._n saviour_n have_v merit_v for_o we_o all_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n but_o the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n will_v be_v of_o no_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o if_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o real_o and_o inherent_o righteous_a so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o and_o warn_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o contrary_a conceit_n little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a if_o we_o do_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n the_o merit_n of_o christ_n perfect_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n will_v be_v available_a with_o god_n for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o sincere_a though_o but_o imperfect_a obedience_n but_o if_o we_o take_v no_o care_n to_o be_v righteous_a and_o good_a ourselves_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a much_o less_o the_o imperfect_a righteousness_n of_o any_o other_o man_n who_o be_v a_o sinner_n himself_o and_o the_o holy_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v upon_o earth_n can_v no_o more_o assign_v and_o make_v over_o his_o righteousness_n or_o repentance_n or_o any_o part_n of_o either_o to_o another_o that_o want_v it_o than_o a_o man_n can_v bequeath_v his_o wisdom_n or_o learn_v to_o his_o heir_n or_o his_o friend_n no_o more_o than_o a_o sick_a man_n can_v be_v restore_v to_o health_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o physic_n which_o another_o man_n have_v take_v let_v no_o man_n therefore_o think_v of_o be_v good_a by_o a_o deputy_n that_o can_v be_v content_v to_o be_v happy_a and_o to_o be_v save_v the_o same_o way_n that_o be_v to_o go_v to_o hell_n and_o to_o be_v torment_v there_o in_o person_n and_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o place_n of_o bliss_n only_o by_o proxy_n so_o that_o these_o good_a work_n with_o a_o hard_a name_n and_o the_o make_n over_o the_o merit_n of_o they_o to_o other_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o foundation_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n but_o be_v all_o mere_a fancy_n and_o fiction_n in_o divinity_n the_o inference_n from_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o application_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v of_o this_o parable_n watch_v therefore_o 13._o for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n wherein_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v the_o design_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v to_o instruct_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v continual_o vigilant_a and_o always_o upon_o our_o guard_n and_o in_o a_o constant_a readiness_n and_o preparation_n to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n nor_o yet_o which_o will_v be_v of_o the_o same_o consequence_n and_o concernment_n to_o we_o do_v any_o of_o we_o know_v the_o precise_a time_n of_o our_o own_o death_n either_o of_o these_o may_v happen_v at_o any_o time_n and_o come_v when_o we_o least_o expect_v they_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o best_a and_o speedy_a provision_n that_o we_o can_v for_o another_o world_n and_o shall_v be_v continual_o upon_o our_o watch_n and_o trim_v our_o lamp_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v by_o either_o of_o these_o neither_o by_o our_o own_o particular_a death_n nor_o by_o the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o world_n because_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v come_v in_o a_o day_n when_o we_o look_v not_o for_o he_o and_o at_o a_o hour_n when_o we_o be_v not_o aware_a more_o particular_o we_o shall_v take_v up_o a_o present_a and_o effectual_a resolution_n not_o to_o delay_v our_o repentance_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v not_o have_v that_o great_a work_n to_o do_v when_o we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n no_o not_o to_o dispose_v of_o our_o temporal_a concernment_n much_o less_o to_o prepare_v for_o eternity_n and_o to_o do_v that_o in_o a_o few_o moment_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o our_o whole_a life_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v force_v to_o huddle_n up_o a_o imperfect_a and_o i_o fear_v a_o insignificant_a repentance_n and_o to_o do_v that_o in_o great_a haste_n and_o confusion_n which_o certain_o do_v require_v our_o wise_a and_o most_o deliberate_a thought_n and_o all_o the_o consideration_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o shall_v provide_v store_n of_o oil_n in_o our_o vessel_n wherewith_o to_o supply_v our_o lamp_n that_o they_o may_v burn_v bright_a to_o the_o last_o i_o mean_v we_o shall_v improve_v the_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v in_o baptism_n by_o abound_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o all_o the_o substantial_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o so_o a_o entrance_n may_v be_v minister_v to_o we_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n by_o this_o mean_n when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v put_v to_o those_o miserable_a and_o shark_a shift_n which_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n be_v drive_v to_o of_o beg_v or_o borrow_v or_o buy_v oil_n which_o will_v all_o fail_v we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o depend_v upon_o they_o and_o though_o the_o die_a man_n may_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n to_o support_v himself_o with_o these_o false_a comfort_n for_o a_o little_a while_n yet_o when_o the_o short_a delusion_n be_v over_o which_o will_v be_v assoon_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v step_v into_o the_o other_o world_n he_o will_v to_o his_o everlasting_a confusion_n and_o trouble_n find_v the_o door_n of_o heaven_n shut_v against_o he_o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o vast_a treasure_n of_o pardon_n and_o indulgence_n which_o have_v cost_v he_o so_o much_o and_o be_v worth_a so_o little_a he_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v take_v great_a care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o extinguish_v our_o lamp_n by_o quit_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n upon_o any_o temptation_n of_o advantage_n or_o for_o fear_n of_o any_o loss_n or_o suffering_n whatsoever_o this_o occasion_n will_v
we_o be_v now_o so_o loath_a to_o think_v upon_o i_o say_v if_o we_o believe_v this_o it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o serious_a and_o happy_a that_o man_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o health_n have_v retire_v himself_o from_o the_o noise_n and_o tumult_n of_o this_o world_n and_o make_v that_o careful_a preparation_n for_o death_n and_o a_o better_a life_n as_o may_v give_v he_o that_o constancy_n and_o firmness_n of_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o thought_n and_o approach_n of_o his_o great_a change_n without_o amazement_n and_o to_o have_v a_o mind_n almost_o equal_o poise_v between_o that_o strong_a inclination_n of_o nature_n which_o make_v we_o desirous_a to_o live_v and_o that_o wise_a dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o religion_n which_o shall_v make_v we_o willing_a and_o content_v to_o die_v whenever_o god_n think_v fit_a many_o of_o we_o do_v not_o now_o so_o clear_o discern_v these_o thing_n because_o our_o eye_n be_v dazzele_v with_o the_o false_a light_n and_o splendour_n of_o earthly_a felicity_n but_o this_o assure_o be_v more_o worth_a than_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o to_o be_v able_a to_o possess_v our_o soul_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o to_o be_v at_o perfect_a peace_n with_o our_o own_o mind_n have_v our_o heart_n fix_v trust_v in_o god_n to_o have_v our_o account_n make_v up_o and_o estate_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n as_o well_o settle_v and_o secure_v as_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n humane_a care_n and_o endeavour_v though_o mix_v with_o much_o humane_a frailty_n be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o do_v not_o make_v this_o our_o first_o and_o great_a care_n and_o prefer_v it_o to_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o shall_v resolute_o disentangle_v ourselves_o from_o worldly_a care_n and_o encumbrance_n at_o least_o so_o far_o that_o we_o may_v have_v competent_a liberty_n and_o leisure_n to_o attend_v this_o great_a concernment_n and_o to_o put_v our_o soul_n into_o a_o fit_a posture_n and_o preparation_n for_o another_o world_n that_o when_o sickness_n and_o death_n shall_v come_v we_o may_v not_o act_v our_o last_o part_n indecent_o and_o confuse_o and_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o work_n to_o do_v when_o we_o shall_v want_v both_o time_n and_o all_o other_o advantage_n to_o do_v it_o in_o whereby_o our_o soul_n when_o they_o will_v stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o comfort_n and_o support_v will_v unavoidable_o be_v leave_v in_o a_o tremble_a and_o disconsolate_a condition_n and_o in_o a_o anxious_a doubtfulness_n of_o mind_n what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o for_o ever_o to_o conclude_v this_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o soul_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a that_o in_o comparison_n of_o it_o we_o be_v to_o neglect_v the_o very_a necessary_n of_o life_n so_o our_o lord_n teach_v we_o 33._o take_v no_o thought_n say_v what_o shall_v we_o eat_v or_o what_o shall_v we_o drink_v or_o wherewithal_o shall_v we_o be_v clothe_v but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n the_o call_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v so_o very_o press_v and_o importunate_a that_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o delay_n or_o excuse_v whatsoever_o this_o our_o saviour_n signify_v to_o we_o by_o deny_v the_o disciple_n who_o he_o have_v call_v to_o follow_v he_o leave_v to_o go_v and_o bury_v his_o father_n let_v the_o dead_a say_v he_o bury_v their_o dead_a but_o do_v thou_o follow_v i_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n needful_a and_o that_o be_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o whatever_o else_o we_o neglect_v shall_v be_v careful_o mind_v and_o regard_v by_o every_o one_o of_o we_o o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o we_o o_o that_o we_o be_v wise_a that_o we_o understand_v this_o that_o we_o will_v consider_v our_o latter_a end_n which_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o ever_o amen_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o hell-torment_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n march_v 7._o 1689_o 90._o of_o the_o eternity_n of_o hell-torment_n matth_n 25.46_o and_o these_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a among_o all_o the_o argument_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n those_o have_v the_o great_a force_n and_o power_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v fetch_v from_o another_o world_n and_o from_o the_o final_a state_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n represent_v to_o we_o in_o a_o most_o lively_a manner_n in_o that_o prospect_n which_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o give_v we_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n namely_o that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v in_o his_o glory_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o shall_v sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o all_o nation_n shall_v be_v gather_v before_o he_o and_o shall_v be_v separate_v into_o two_o great_a company_n the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a who_o shall_v stand_v the_o one_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o the_o left_a of_o this_o great_a judge_n who_o shall_v pronounce_v sentence_n several_o upon_o they_o according_a to_o the_o action_n which_o they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o life_n the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v reward_v with_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v sentence_v to_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o these_o that_o be_v the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a the_o word_n be_v plain_a and_o need_v no_o explication_n for_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o every_o one_o at_o first_o hear_v of_o they_o do_v clear_o apprehend_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a and_o between_o endless_a happiness_n and_o misery_n but_o although_o these_o word_n be_v so_o very_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v they_o can_v never_o be_v too_o much_o consider_v by_o we_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o they_o be_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o different_a fate_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o another_o world_n and_o that_o their_o end_n there_o will_v be_v as_o different_a as_o their_o way_n and_o do_n have_v be_v here_o in_o this_o world_n the_o serious_a consideration_n whereof_o be_v the_o great_a discouragement_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n because_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n take_v from_o our_o great_a and_o most_o last_a interest_n our_o happiness_n or_o our_o misery_n to_o all_o eternity_n a_o concernment_n of_o that_o vast_a consequence_n that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o great_a stupidity_n and_o folly_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o man_n to_o neglect_v it_o this_o eternal_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o as_o to_o one_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v eternal_o happy_a in_o another_o world_n every_o one_o glad_o admit_v it_o but_o many_o be_v loath_a that_o the_o other_o part_n shall_v be_v true_a concern_v the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o therefore_o they_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v temporary_a crime_n with_o eternal_a torment_n because_o justice_n always_o observe_v a_o proportion_n between_o offence_n and_o punishment_n but_o between_o temporary_a sin_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n there_o be_v no_o proportion_n and_o as_o this_o seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o justice_n so_o much_o more_o with_o that_o excess_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v that_o though_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v declare_v that_o impenitent_a sinner_n shall_v be_v everlasting_o punish_v yet_o these_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o to_o be_v mollify_v and_o understand_v as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o with_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o be_v the_o full_a force_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o objection_n and_o my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o clear_v if_o i_o can_v this_o difficult_a point_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o goodness_n
in_o execution_n as_o against_o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n by_o secular_a business_n by_o vain_a sport_n and_o pastime_n which_o by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o dissolve_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n into_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o carry_v they_o off_o from_o all_o serious_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o from_o the_o meditation_n of_o another_o world_n and_o to_o give_v the_o devil_n a_o advantage_n and_o a_o opportunity_n which_o be_v never_o fail_v to_o take_v to_o steal_v the_o good_a seed_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o day_n out_o of_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o make_v it_o of_o none_o effect_v and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o by_o lewd_a and_o sinful_a practice_n which_o be_v unlawful_a at_o any_o time_n but_o upon_o that_o day_n be_v a_o double_a breach_n and_o violation_n of_o god_n law_n and_o likewise_o by_o neglect_v to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o law_n against_o profane_a swear_v and_o curse_v for_o which_o the_o land_n mourn_v and_o against_o drunkenness_n and_o adultery_n and_o fornication_n which_o be_v so_o common_a and_o so_o impudent_o commit_v among_o we_o whether_o they_o be_v civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v which_o of_o they_o be_v most_o remiss_o execute_v and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o by_o neglect_v to_o prosecute_v that_o horrible_a sin_n of_o murder_n so_o frequent_o now_o commit_v in_o our_o street_n beyond_o the_o example_n of_o former_a age_n with_o that_o severity_n and_o impartiality_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o free_v the_o nation_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o that_o cry_a sin_n which_o call_v so_o loud_a to_o heaven_n for_o vengeance_n and_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o the_o magistrate_n be_v under_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n to_o put_v the_o law_n in_o due_a execution_n against_o all_o these_o crime_n so_o far_o as_o they_o come_v to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o fall_v under_o their_o cognisance_n 2._o the_o sin_n of_o the_o minister_n who_o serve_v at_o god_n altar_n and_o watch_v over_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o blood_n will_v be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n if_o any_o of_o they_o perish_v through_o their_o fault_n and_o neglect_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o good_a number_n of_o faithful_a shepherd_n in_o the_o land_n who_o watch_n over_o their_o flock_n with_o great_a care_n and_o conscience_n remember_v the_o dreadful_a account_n which_o they_o must_v one_o day_n make_v to_o he_o who_o shall_v judge_v the_o quick_a and_o dead_a of_o the_o soul_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n but_o yet_o how_o gross_o do_v many_o of_o we_o fail_v of_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o this_o high_a office_n want_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o inestimable_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v take_v little_a or_o no_o care_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o a_o exemplary_a conversation_n nay_o too_o many_o among_o we_o demean_v themselves_o so_o scandalous_o as_o perfect_o to_o undermine_v the_o credit_n and_o effect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n by_o lead_v life_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o to_o alienate_v their_o people_n from_o the_o church_n and_o to_o make_v they_o to_o abhor_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o their_o wicked_a and_o unhallowed_a conversation_n hereby_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o craft_n of_o seducer_n and_o render_v they_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o the_o emissary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o to_o any_o other_o sect_n and_o faction_n that_o pretend_v a_o great_a zeal_n for_o religion_n or_o make_v a_o better_a show_n of_o a_o strict_a and_o unblameable_a life_n for_o who_o will_v regard_v or_o believe_v those_o teacher_n who_o give_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v by_o their_o life_n and_o action_n that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o doctrine_n when_o all_o be_v say_v the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o preacher_n be_v the_o best_a eloquence_n and_o have_v that_o dint_n and_o power_n of_o persuasion_n in_o they_o which_o no_o word_n no_o art_n can_v equal_v who_o so_o live_v as_o he_o speak_v do_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v as_o one_o that_o have_v authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n not_o as_o the_o scribe_n who_o word_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o formality_n and_o gravity_n with_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v do_v therefore_o want_v weight_n and_o force_n because_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o of_o they_o they_o say_v but_o do_v not_o their_o life_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o their_o doctrine_n whereas_o our_o bless_a saviour_n therefore_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v because_o he_o live_v as_o never_o man_n live_v so_o innocent_a so_o useful_a so_o exemplary_a a_o life_n he_o be_v holy_a harmless_a and_o undefiled_a he_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o lip_n he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o do_v good_a this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v he_o so_o powerful_a a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n and_o we_o must_v necessary_o fall_v so_o much_o short_a of_o he_o in_o the_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n of_o our_o sermon_n as_o we_o do_v in_o the_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n of_o our_o life_n such_o a_o preacher_n and_o such_o a_o practice_n as_o that_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v be_v every_o way_n fit_v to_o reprove_v and_o persuade_v and_o reform_v mankind_n we_o now_o live_v in_o a_o age_n and_o church_n wherein_o they_o who_o be_v call_v to_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o guide_n of_o soul_n ought_v to_o take_v great_a heed_n both_o to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o their_o life_n that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n may_v not_o be_v blaspheme_v and_o his_o holy_a religion_n be_v bring_v into_o contempt_n by_o those_o who_o above_o all_o other_o be_v most_o near_o concern_v to_o preserve_v and_o support_v the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o we_o can_v but_o see_v how_o our_o religion_n and_o church_n be_v beset_v and_o endanger_v on_o every_o side_n by_o the_o rude_a assault_n of_o infidelity_n and_o by_o the_o cunning_a art_n of_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o by_o our_o own_o intestine_a heat_n and_o division_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o lament_v no_o though_o it_o be_v with_o tear_n of_o blood_n that_o we_o who_o particular_a charge_n and_o employment_n it_o be_v to_o build_v up_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o a_o holy_a faith_n and_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o a_o good_a life_n shall_v for_o want_v of_o due_a instruction_n and_o by_o the_o dissolute_a and_o profligate_v life_n of_o too_o many_o among_o we_o and_o by_o inflame_v our_o needless_a difference_n about_o lesser_a thing_n have_v so_o great_a a_o hand_n in_o pull_v down_o religion_n and_o in_o betray_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n either_o to_o downright_a infidelity_n or_o to_o a_o careless_a neglect_n and_o profane_a contempt_n of_o all_o religion_n may_v not_o god_n just_o expostulate_v this_o matter_n with_o we_o as_o he_o do_v of_o old_a with_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n 31._o a_o wonderful_a and_o horrible_a thing_n be_v commit_v in_o the_o land_n the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_o and_o the_o priest_n bear_v rule_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o my_o people_n love_n to_o have_v it_o so_o and_o what_o will_v you_o do_v in_o the_o end_n thereof_o when_o they_o who_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n of_o soul_n have_v by_o their_o ill_a conduct_n and_o management_n bring_v matter_n to_o that_o pass_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n sit_v down_o content_v with_o the_o worst_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v become_v almost_o indifferent_a whether_o they_o have_v any_o religion_n or_o not_o what_o can_v the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n will_v be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n that_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o public_a reformation_n among_o we_o it_o must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o they_o who_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n must_v lead_v on_o this_o work_n and_o be_v more_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o high_a and_o holy_a office_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o soul_n else_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v when_o god_n shall_v challenge_v we_o as_o he_o once_o do_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o his_o prophet_n say_v where_o be_v the_o flock_n that_o be_v give_v thou_o 21._o thy_o beautiful_a
a_o instant_n and_o with_o the_o great_a ease_n and_o no_o create_a power_n can_v put_v any_o difficulty_n in_o his_o way_n much_o less_o make_v any_o effectual_a resistance_n because_o omnipotency_n can_v check_v and_o countermand_v and_o bear_v down_o before_o it_o all_o other_o power_n so_o that_o if_o god_n be_v on_o our_o side_n who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o we_o may_v safe_o commit_v our_o soul_n into_o his_o hand_n for_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o he_o can_v give_v we_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o evil_a for_o his_o be_v the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o glorious_a power_n though_o all_o creature_n shall_v fail_v we_o we_o may_v rely_v upon_o god_n and_o live_v upon_o his_o all-sufficiency_n for_o our_o supply_n and_o may_v say_v with_o the_o prophet_n though_o the_o figtree_n shall_v not_o blossom_n neither_o fruit_n be_v in_o the_o vine_n though_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n shall_v fail_v and_o the_o field_n shall_v yield_v no_o meat_n though_o the_o flock_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o fold_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o herd_n in_o the_o stall_n yet_o will_v i_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n second_o as_o god_n be_v a_o all-sufficient_a good_a so_o he_o be_v perfect_a goodness_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o communicate_v happiness_n to_o we_o and_o to_o employ_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n for_o our_o good_a he_o make_v we_o that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v we_o from_o be_v so_o but_o ourselves_o such_o be_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o when_o we_o have_v provoke_v he_o by_o our_o sin_n he_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n for_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o live_v so_o that_o if_o any_o of_o we_o be_v miserable_a it_o be_v our_o own_o choice_n if_o we_o perish_v our_o destruction_n be_v of_o ourselves_o for_o as_o the_o wiseman_n in_o one_o of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n say_v excellent_o god_n make_v not_o death_n neither_o have_v he_o pleasure_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o live_n but_o man_n seek_v death_n in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o life_n and_o pull_v destruction_n upon_o themselves_o with_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n so_o great_a be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o have_v omit_v nothing_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n he_o design_v it_o for_o we_o at_o first_o and_o to_o that_o end_n he_o have_v endow_v we_o with_o power_n and_o faculty_n whereby_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o love_v and_o obey_v and_o enjoy_v he_o the_o chief_a good_n and_o when_o we_o have_v forfeit_v all_o this_o by_o the_o wilful_a transgression_n and_o disobedience_n of_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v miserable_o bruise_v and_o maim_v by_o their_o fall_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o new_a capacity_n of_o happiness_n by_o send_v his_o only_a son_n to_o suffer_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o in_o our_o stead_n and_o thereby_o to_o become_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o and_o he_o have_v likewise_o promise_v to_o give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o as_o the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n three_o god_n be_v also_o a_o firm_a and_o unchangeable_a good_n notwithstanding_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n we_o may_v be_v miserable_a if_o god_n be_v mutable_a for_o that_o can_v be_v a_o happiness_n which_o depend_v upon_o uncertainty_n and_o perhaps_o one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o misery_n be_v to_o fall_v from_o happiness_n to_o have_v be_v once_o happy_a and_o afterward_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o will_v unavoidable_o happen_v to_o we_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o happiness_n can_v change_v and_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v remove_v if_o god_n can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o powerful_a and_o wise_a and_o good_a all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n will_v be_v shake_v and_o will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o change_n as_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n so_o with_o he_o be_v no_o variableness_n neither_o shadow_n of_o turn_v all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v mutable_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n have_v they_o no_o other_o imperfection_n belong_v to_o they_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a four_o god_n be_v such_o a_o good_a as_o none_o can_v deprive_v we_o of_o and_o take_v away_o from_o we_o if_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v unchangeable_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o not_o liable_a to_o any_o decay_n yet_o they_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a because_o we_o may_v be_v cheat_v of_o they_o by_o fraud_n or_o rob_v of_o they_o by_o violence_n but_o god_n can_v be_v take_v from_o we_o nothing_o but_o our_o sin_n can_v part_v god_n and_o we_o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o 8.35_o say_v the_o apostle_n from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n we_o may_v be_v strip_v of_o all_o our_o worldly_a comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n by_o the_o violence_n of_o man_n but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o god_n i_o be_o persuade_v 39_o as_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o with_o great_a triumph_n that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n here_o be_v a_o sufficient_a induction_n of_o particular_n and_o nothing_o leave_v out_o of_o this_o catalogue_n but_o one_o and_o that_o be_v sin_n which_o be_v none_o of_o god_n creature_n but_o our_o own_o this_o indeed_o deliberate_o consent_v to_o and_o wilful_o continue_v in_o will_v final_o part_v god_n and_o we_o and_o for_o ever_o hinder_v we_o from_o be_v happy_a but_o if_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v this_o which_o only_o can_v separate_v between_o god_n and_o we_o nothing_o can_v deprive_v we_o of_o he_o the_o aid_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n none_o can_v intercept_v and_o hinder_v the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n none_o can_v take_v from_o we_o all_o other_o thing_n may_v leave_v we_o and_o forsake_v we_o we_o may_v be_v debar_v of_o our_o best_a friend_n and_o banish_v from_o all_o our_o acquaintance_n but_o man_n can_v send_v we_o no_o whither_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n our_o communication_n with_o heaven_n can_v be_v prevent_v or_o interrupt_v our_o prayer_n and_o our_o soul_n will_v always_o find_v the_o way_n thither_o from_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n five_o god_n be_v a_o eternal_a god_n and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v so_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a man_n have_v a_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o be_v design_v for_o a_o endless_a duration_n must_v have_v a_o happiness_n proportionable_a for_o which_o reason_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n can_v make_v we_o happy_a because_o we_o shall_v abide_v and_o remain_v after_o it_o when_o a_o very_a few_o year_n be_v past_a and_o go_v and_o much_o soon_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n will_v leave_v 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as_o our_o thought_n but_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o way_n above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v easy_a to_o grant_v forgiveness_n to_o other_o and_o without_o this_o as_o god_n have_v reason_n to_o deny_v forgiveness_n to_o we_o so_o we_o ourselves_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n utter_o to_o despair_v of_o it_o it_o will_v almost_o transport_v a_o christian_n to_o read_v that_o admirable_a passage_n of_o the_o great_a heathen_a emperor_n and_o philosopher_n m._n aurelius_n antoninus_n can_v the_o god_n 7._o say_v he_o that_o be_v immortal_a for_o the_o continuance_n of_o so_o many_o age_n bear_v without_o impatience_n with_o such_o and_o so_o many_o sinner_n as_o have_v ever_o be_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o likewise_o take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o provide_v for_o 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forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n adoration_n and_o obedience_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o one_o thing_n needful_a a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n at_o hampton-court_n april_n the_o 14_o the_o 1689._o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o one_o thing_n needful_a luke_n x._o 42_o but_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a in_o the_o account_n of_o wise_a man_n one_o of_o the_o first_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o human_a action_n be_v this_o to_o regard_v every_o thing_n more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o consequence_n and_o importance_n to_o our_o happiness_n that_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o that_o end_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v mind_v by_o we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o other_o thing_n only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o great_a end_n and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o our_o b._n saviour_n here_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n needful_a that_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o ought_v first_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o and_o what_o that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o all_o to_o know_v that_o we_o may_v mind_n and_o pursue_v it_o as_o it_o deserve_v and_o we_o may_v easy_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o context_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n which_o be_v brief_o this_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o go_v about_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v into_o a_o certain_a village_n where_o he_o be_v entertain_v at_o the_o house_n of_o two_o devout_a sister_n the_o elder_a who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o management_n of_o the_o family_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o be_v employ_v in_o make_v entertainment_n for_o such_o a_o guest_n the_o other_o sit_v at_o our_o saviour_n foot_n attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o he_o preach_v the_o elder_a find_v herself_o not_o able_a to_o do_v all_o the_o business_n alone_o desire_v of_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o will_v command_v her_o sister_n to_o come_v and_o help_v she_o upon_o this_o our_o saviour_n give_v she_o this_o gentle_a reprehension_n martha_n martha_n thou_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n but_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a and_o what_o that_o be_v he_o declare_v in_o the_o next_o word_n and_o mary_n have_v choose_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o she_o that_o be_v she_o have_v choose_v to_o take_v care_n of_o her_o salvation_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o thing_n else_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o altogether_o blame_v martha_n for_o her_o respectful_a care_n of_o he_o but_o cmmend_v her_o sister_n for_o her_o great_a care_n of_o her_o soul_n which_o make_v she_o either_o whole_o to_o forget_v or_o unwilling_a to_o mind_v other_o thing_n at_o that_o time_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n he_o high_o approve_v her_o wise_a choice_n in_o prefer_v a_o attentive_a regard_n to_o his_o doctrine_n even_o before_o that_o which_o may_v be_v think_v a_o necessary_a civility_n to_o his_o person_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v the_o observation_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v be_v this_o that_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o that_o which_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o mind_n and_o regard_n this_o observation_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_o contain_v in_o the_o text._n i_o shall_v handle_v it_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v and_o then_o by_o way_n of_o application_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o mind_v this_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o serious_a and_o weighty_a argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v wherein_o this_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v second_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o take_v this_o care_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o this_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v and_o so_o as_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v i_o may_v understand_v and_o be_v sufficient_o direct_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o his_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o the_o five_o follow_v particular_n in_o which_o i_o think_v the_o main_a business_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v first_o in_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n second_o in_o the_o frequent_a examination_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o all_o the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o they_o three_o in_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n four_o in_o avoid_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v pernicious_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o whereby_o man_n do_v often_o hazard_v their_o soul_n five_o in_o the_o even_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o several_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n i._o the_o due_a care_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o necessary_a principle_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o good_a practice_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v and_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v true_o religious_a without_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 11.6_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o now_o these_o two_o expression_n of_o please_a god_n and_o seek_v he_o be_v plain_o of_o the_o same_o importance_n and_o do_v both_o of_o they_o signify_v religion_n or_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n which_o do_v antecedent_o suppose_v our_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o two_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o
foundation_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o precept_n do_v build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o rain_n and_o the_o wind_n will_v fall_v and_o the_o fall_n of_o it_o will_v be_v great_a and_o elsewhere_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n 17._o happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o and_o he_o do_v very_o severe_o check_v the_o vain_a confidence_n and_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o will_v needs_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o salvation_n without_o keep_v his_o commandment_n why_o call_v you_o i_o 6.46_o say_z he_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v do_v any_o man_n think_v that_o he_o can_v be_v save_v without_o love_a god_n and_o christ_n and_o this_o say_v st._n john_n be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n 5.3_o that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o again_o 2.4_o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o that_o say_v i_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o if_o you_o love_v i_o 14.15_o say_v our_o b._n lord_n keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o again_o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o do_v any_o man_n think_v that_o any_o but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n 3.7_o hear_v then_o what_o st._n john_n say_v little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a 10._o and_o again_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o that_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v the_o perpetual_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n 11._o if_o thou_o do_v well_o say_v god_n to_o cain_n shall_v thou_o not_o be_v accept_v and_o again_o say_v you_o to_o the_o righteous_a it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o for_o they_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o do_n wo_n unto_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o hand_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o and_o in_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o young_a man_n come_v to_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o what_o good_a thing_n he_o shall_v do_v that_o he_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n our_o lord_n give_v he_o this_o short_a and_o plain_a advice_n if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n 19.17_o keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o in_o the_o very_a last_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o find_v this_o solemn_a declaration_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o enter_v in_o through_o the_o gate_n into_o the_o city_n that_o be_v into_o heaven_n which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n so_o vain_a and_o groundless_a be_v the_o imagination_n of_o those_o who_o trust_v to_o be_v save_v by_o a_o idle_a and_o ineffectual_a faith_n without_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o life_n ii_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o convince_v we_o all_o if_o it_o may_v be_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o mind_v religion_n and_o our_o soul_n when_o we_o call_v any_o thing_n necessary_a we_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o order_n to_o some_o end_n which_o can_v be_v attain_v without_o it_o we_o call_v those_o thing_n the_o necessary_n of_o life_n without_o which_o man_n can_v subsist_v and_o live_v in_o a_o tolerable_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v attain_v now_o happiness_n be_v our_o chief_a end_n whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o that_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o all_o other_o thing_n not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o be_v neglect_v by_o we_o now_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v brief_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n that_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o this_o and_o that_o if_o we_o neglect_v religion_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v extreme_o and_o for_o ever_o miserable_a first_o that_o religion_n be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v god_n express_a declaration_n and_o promise_n the_o best_a assurance_n that_o can_v be_v he_o that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n all_o the_o happiness_n that_o we_o can_v desire_v and_o of_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a be_v promise_v to_o we_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o religion_n upon_o our_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n a_o mighty_a reward_n for_o a_o little_a service_n a_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n of_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n for_o the_o diligence_n and_o industry_n of_o a_o few_o day_n a_o happiness_n large_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o last_v as_o our_o soul_n second_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o happiness_n but_o this_o he_o who_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a have_v promise_v it_o to_o we_o upon_o these_o and_o no_o other_o term_n he_o have_v say_v that_o if_o we_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o by_o the_o spirit_n we_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v live_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o that_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n or_o adultery_n or_o malice_n or_o revenge_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v he_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o by_o who_o favour_n and_o bounty_n alone_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o say_v it_o in_o his_o word_n yet_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v plain_o declare_v it_o for_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n for_o it_o we_o must_v be_v like_a to_o god_n in_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n before_o we_o can_v find_v any_o felicity_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o man_n must_v be_v purge_v from_o their_o lust_n and_o from_o those_o ill-natured_a and_o devilish_a passion_n of_o malice_n and_o envy_n and_o revenge_n before_o they_o can_v be_v fit_a company_n for_o their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o meet_v to_o dwell_v with_o he_o who_o be_v love_n and_o dwell_v in_o love_n three_o if_o we_o neglect_v religion_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v extreme_o and_o for_o ever_o miserable_a the_o word_n of_o truth_n have_v say_v it_o that_o indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n shall_v be_v upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a nay_o if_o god_n shall_v hold_v his_o hand_n and_o shall_v inflict_v no_o positive_a torment_n upon_o sinner_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o spare_v themselves_o but_o will_v be_v their_o own_o executioner_n and_o tormentor_n the_o guilt_n of_o that_o wicked_a life_n which_o they_o have_v lead_v in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o sting_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n must_v necessary_o make_v they_o miserable_a whenever_o their_o own_o thought_n be_v let_v loose_a upon_o they_o as_o they_o will_v certain_o be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v nothing_o either_o of_o pleasure_n or_o business_n to_o divert_v they_o so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v concern_v either_o to_o be_v happy_a hereafter_o or_o to_o avoid_v those_o misery_n which_o be_v great_a and_o dreadful_a beyond_o all_o imagination_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o mind_n religion_n without_o which_o we_o can_v neither_o attain_v that_o happiness_n nor_o escape_v those_o misery_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o serious_o to_o mind_n this_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v apply_v my_o discourse_n to_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n those_o who_o be_v remiss_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n and_o those_o who_o be_v gross_o careless_a and_o mind_n it_o not_o at_o all_o first_o to_o those_o who_o be_v remiss_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a concernment_n who_o
mind_n the_o business_n of_o religion_n in_o some_o degree_n but_o not_o so_o hearty_o and_o vigorous_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o infinite_a consequence_n do_v require_v and_o deserve_v and_o here_o i_o fear_v the_o very_o best_a be_v great_o defective_a and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o be_v blame_v by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v more_o convince_v than_o other_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o that_o without_o this_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o mansion_n of_o the_o bless_a they_o believe_v likewise_o that_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o every_o man_n holiness_n and_o virtue_n in_o this_o life_n will_v be_v the_o degree_n of_o his_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o that_o he_o that_o sow_v spare_o shall_v reap_v spare_o and_o he_o that_o sow_v plentiful_o shall_v reap_v plentiful_o and_o that_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o man_n reward_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o his_o improvement_n of_o the_o talent_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o but_o how_o little_a do_v man_n live_v under_o the_o power_n of_o these_o conviction_n and_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v allure_v by_o the_o most_o glorious_a promise_n and_o hope_n and_o awe_v by_o the_o great_a fear_n and_o urge_v by_o the_o most_o forcible_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n the_o evident_a necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n yet_o how_o faint_o do_v we_o run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o how_o frequent_o and_o how_o easy_o be_v we_o stop_v or_o divert_v in_o our_o christian_a course_n by_o very_o little_a temptation_n how_o cold_a and_o how_o careless_a and_o how_o inconstant_a be_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o how_o defective_a in_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v we_o act_v reasonable_o and_o as_o man_n use_v to_o do_v in_o matter_n of_o much_o less_o moment_n we_o can_v not_o be_v so_o indifferent_a about_o a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a so_o slight_a and_o careless_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o upon_o which_o all_o eternity_n do_v depend_v let_v we_o then_o shake_v off_o this_o sloth_n and_o security_n and_o resolve_v to_o make_v that_o the_o great_a business_n of_o time_n which_o be_v our_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o when_o we_o be_v immerse_v in_o the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o this_o life_n and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n let_v this_o thought_n often_o come_v into_o our_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n needful_a and_o which_o therefore_o deserve_v above_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o second_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o be_v gross_o careless_a of_o this_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o mind_v it_o at_o all_o who_o go_v on_o secure_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n as_o if_o either_o they_o have_v no_o soul_n or_o no_o concernment_n for_o they_o i_o may_v say_v to_o these_o as_o the_o master_n of_o the_o ship_n do_v to_o jonah_n when_o he_o be_v fast_o asleep_a in_o the_o storm_n what_o mean_v thou_o o_o sleeper_n arise_v and_o call_v upon_o thy_o god_n when_o our_o soul_n be_v every_o moment_n in_o danger_n of_o sink_v it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o we_o to_o awake_v out_o of_o sleep_n to_o ply_v every_o oar_n and_o to_o use_v all_o possible_a care_n and_o industry_n to_o save_v a_o thing_n so_o precious_a from_o a_o danger_n so_o threaten_v and_o so_o terrible_a we_o be_v apt_a enough_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n of_o necessity_n in_o other_o case_n and_o very_o careful_o to_o provide_v against_o the_o press_a necessity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o how_o to_o avoid_v those_o great_a temporal_a evil_n of_o poverty_n and_o disgrace_n of_o pain_n and_o suffering_n but_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o all_o and_o that_o which_o be_v main_o incumbent_a upon_o we_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o eternity_n to_o secure_v the_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o endless_a and_o insupportable_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n this_o this_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o to_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o bend_v and_o apply_v all_o our_o care_n and_o endeavour_n if_o we_o will_v fair_o compare_v the_o necessity_n of_o thing_n and_o wise_o weigh_v the_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o in_o a_o just_a and_o equal_a balance_n we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o misplace_v our_o diligence_n and_o industry_n as_o we_o do_v to_o bestow_v our_o best_a thought_n and_o time_n about_o these_o vain_a and_o perish_a thing_n and_o to_o take_v no_o care_n about_o that_o better_a part_n which_o can_v be_v take_v from_o we_o fond_n and_o vain_a man_n that_o we_o be_v who_o be_v so_o solicitous_a how_o we_o shall_v pass_v a_o few_o day_n in_o this_o world_n but_o matter_n not_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o we_o for_o ever_o but_o as_o careless_a as_o we_o be_v now_o about_o these_o thing_n time_n will_v come_v when_o we_o shall_v sad_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n and_o 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and_o learned_a a_o man_n as_o origen_n be_v shall_v be_v positive_a in_o a_o opinion_n for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certain_a ground_n in_o reason_n especial_o for_o the_o punctual_a and_o precise_a term_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o that_o i_o know_v of_o from_o divine_a revelation_n but_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n however_o it_o be_v be_v it_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n or_o be_v it_o for_o a_o long_o and_o unknown_a term_n or_o be_v it_o for_o ever_o which_o be_v plain_o threaten_v in_o the_o gospel_n i_o say_v however_o it_o be_v this_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v infinite_o wise_a to_o take_v care_n to_o avoid_v it_o than_o to_o dispute_v it_o and_o to_o run_v the_o final_a hazard_n of_o it_o put_v it_o which_o way_n we_o will_v especial_o if_o we_o put_v it_o at_o the_o worst_a as_o in_o all_o prudence_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o be_v by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o be_v provide_v against_o so_o 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then_o that_o can_v give_v man_n the_o heart_n and_o courage_n but_o i_o recall_v that_o word_n because_o it_o be_v not_o true_a courage_n but_o fool_n hardiness_n thus_o to_o out_o brave_a the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o to_o set_v at_o nought_o the_o horrible_a and_o amaze_a consideration_n of_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o man_n that_o be_v awake_a and_o in_o their_o wit_n shall_v have_v any_o ease_n in_o their_o mind_n or_o enjoy_v so_o much_o as_o one_o quiet_a hour_n whilst_o so_o great_a a_o danger_n hang_v over_o their_o head_n and_o they_o have_v take_v no_o tolerable_a care_n to_o prevent_v it_o if_o we_o have_v any_o true_a and_o just_a sense_n of_o this_o danger_n we_o can_v fail_v to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v it_o by_o make_v haste_n to_o escape_v it_o and_o by_o take_v that_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v due_a to_o immortal_a spirit_n that_o be_v make_v to_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a to_o all_o eternity_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o estimate_n and_o measure_n thing_n as_o they_o appear_v now_o to_o our_o sensual_a and_o delude_v and_o deprave_a judgement_n but_o let_v we_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o look_v to_o the_o last_o issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o they_o let_v we_o often_o think_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o consider_v well_o with_o ourselves_o what_o apprehension_n will_v then_o probable_o fill_v and_o possess_v our_o mind_n when_o we_o shall_v stand_v tremble_v before_o our_o judge_n in_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o that_o terrible_a sentence_n which_o be_v just_o ready_a to_o be_v pronounce_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v pronounce_v to_o be_v execute_v upon_o we_o when_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o unspeakable_a happiness_n and_o of_o the_o horrible_a and_o astonish_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o long_o any_o veil_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n to_o interpose_v between_o they_o and_o we_o and_o to_o hide_v these_o thing_n from_o our_o eye_n and_o in_o a_o word_n when_o heaven_n with_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v open_a to_o our_o view_n and_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o job_n hell_n shall_v be_v naked_a before_o we_o and_o destruction_n shall_v have_v no_o cover_n how_o shall_v we_o then_o be_v confound_v to_o find_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o will_v not_o now_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o then_o wish_v that_o we_o have_v believe_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o instead_o of_o quarrel_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o call_v they_o into_o question_n we_o have_v live_v under_o the_o constant_a sense_n and_o awe_n of_o they_o bless_a be_v god_n that_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_v concern_v we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v yet_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o that_o the_o misery_n of_o eternity_n may_v yet_o be_v prevent_v in_o time_n and_o that_o for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n our_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n have_v so_o clear_o reveal_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o not_o with_o a_o desire_n to_o bring_v they_o upon_o we_o but_o that_o we_o be_v warn_v by_o his_o threaten_n may_v not_o bring_v they_o upon_o ourselves_o i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n 16._o seek_v not_o death_n in_o the_o error_n of_o your_o life_n and_o pull_v not_o upon_o yourselves_o destruction_n with_o the_o work_n of_o your_o own_o hand_n for_o god_n make_v not_o death_n neither_o have_v he_o pleasure_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o live_n but_o ungodly_a man_n with_o their_o work_n and_o word_n have_v call_v it_o down_o upon_o themselves_o which_o that_o none_o of_o we_o may_v do_v god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n grant_v for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n success_n not_o always_o answerable_a to_o the_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n a_o fast-sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o house_n of_o commons_z on_o wednesday_n april_n the_o 16_o 1690._o jovis_n 17._o die_v april_n 1690._o ordered_n that_o the_o thanks_o of_o this_o house_n be_v give_v to_o dr._n tillotson_n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o the_o sermon_n preach_v before_o this_o house_n yesterday_o and_o that_o he_o be_v desire_v to_o print_v the_o same_o and_o that_o sir_n edmund_n jenings_n do_v acquaint_v he_o therewith_o paul_n jodrell_n cler._n dom._n com._n success_n not_o always_o answerable_a to_o the_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n ecclesiaste_n ix_o 11_o i_o
sir_n thomas_n pilkington_n lord-mayor_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o the_o court_n of_o alderman_n my_o lord_n in_o obedience_n to_o your_o command_n i_o have_v publish_v this_o sermon_n late_o preach_v before_o you_o and_o do_v now_o humble_o present_v you_o with_o it_o hearty_o wish_v it_o may_v have_v that_o good_a effect_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n and_o reconciliation_n of_o our_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o be_v sincere_o intend_v by_o my_o lord_n your_o most_o faithful_a and_o humble_a servant_n john_n tillotson_n the_o way_n to_o prevent_v the_o ruin_n of_o a_o sinful_a people_n jeremiah_n vi_o 8_o be_v thou_o instruct_v o_o jerusalem_n lest_o my_o soul_n depart_v from_o thou_o lest_o i_o make_v thou_o desolate_a a_o land_n not_o inhabit_v these_o word_n be_v a_o merciful_a warning_n from_o god_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n the_o last_o prophet_n that_o god_n send_v to_o they_o before_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n the_o time_n of_o his_o prophecy_n be_v of_o a_o long_a continuance_n above_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n viz._n from_o the_o thirteen_o year_n of_o king_n josiah_n to_o the_o eleven_o year_n of_o king_n zedekiah_n the_o year_n in_o which_o jerusalem_n be_v take_v by_o nabuchadnezzar_n king_n of_o babylon_n this_o i_o observe_v to_o show_v the_o great_a patience_n of_o god_n to_o a_o sinful_a nation_n and_o this_o be_v much_o the_o same_o space_n of_o time_n that_o god_n give_v warning_n by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o same_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n concern_v their_o final_a destruction_n for_o it_o be_v about_o forty_o year_n after_o the_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v it_o just_a before_o his_o death_n that_o the_o terrible_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v execute_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o roman_n or_o rather_o chief_o by_o themselves_o as_o i_o shall_v present_o show_v of_o which_o dreadful_a desolation_n the_o first_o take_v of_o jerusalem_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o their_o captivity_n into_o babylon_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o type_n and_o forerunner_n for_o as_o josephus_n observe_v the_o take_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o titus_n vespasian_n do_v happen_v in_o the_o very_a same_o month_n and_o on_o the_o very_a same_o day_n of_o the_o month_n in_o which_o jerusalem_n be_v take_v by_o nabuchadnezzar_n viz._n upon_o our_o ten_o of_o august_n and_o it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o our_o observation_n that_o the_o time_n of_o god_n warning_n be_v wont_a to_o hold_v some_o sort_n of_o proportion_n with_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o judgement_n before_o the_o universal_a deluge_n which_o destroy_v the_o whole_a world_n noah_n and_o his_o family_n only_o except_v god_n give_v a_o much_o long_a warning_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o noah_n for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n before_o the_o destruction_n of_o a_o particular_a nation_n if_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o jew_n his_o time_n of_o warning_n be_v forty_o year_n and_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o a_o particular_a city_n if_o we_o may_v conclude_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o single_a example_n of_o niniveh_n the_o time_n of_o god_n warning_n be_v yet_o much_o short_a the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n and_o now_o to_o what_o end_n do_v god_n exercise_v so_o much_o patience_n and_o threaten_v so_o long_o beforehand_o but_o that_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o threaten_n man_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o by_o repentance_n may_v prevent_v the_o execution_n of_o they_o for_o all_o the_o while_n that_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n threaten_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n he_o earnest_o invite_v and_o urge_v they_o to_o repentance_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v escape_v the_o ruin_n that_o be_v denounce_v against_o they_o this_o be_v a_o condition_n perpetual_o employ_v in_o the_o denunciation_n of_o public_a judgement_n that_o if_o a_o people_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o do_n god_n also_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o say_v he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o as_o he_o express_o declare_v chap._n 18._o vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o at_o what_o instant_n i_o speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_n from_o their_o evil_n i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n after_o god_n have_v threaten_v destruction_n to_o jerusalem_n because_o of_o the_o overflow_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o oppression_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o he_o give_v she_o a_o merciful_a warning_n to_o prevent_v this_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n by_o repentance_n vers_fw-la 6_o 7._o thus_o have_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n say_v hew_v you_o down_o tree_n and_o cast_v a_o mount_n against_o jerusalem_n this_o be_v a_o city_n to_o be_v visit_v she_o be_v whole_o oppression_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o as_o a_o fountain_n cast_v out_o water_n so_o she_o cast_v out_o her_o wickedness_n before_o i_o continual_o be_v grief_n and_o wound_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o have_v pronounce_v this_o fearful_a sentence_n upon_o she_o he_o tell_v she_o that_o all_o this_o misery_n and_o desolation_n may_v yet_o be_v prevent_v if_o they_o will_v but_o hearken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o concern_v the_o thing_n of_o their_o peace_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n be_v thou_o instruct_v o_o jerusalem_n lest_o my_o soul_n depart_v from_o thou_o lest_o i_o make_v thou_o desolate_a a_o land_n not_o inhabit_v be_v thou_o instruct_v o_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v do_v but_o now_o at_o last_o take_v that_o counsel_n and_o warning_n which_o have_v so_o often_o and_o so_o long_o be_v tender_v to_o thou_o by_o my_o servant_n the_o prophet_n who_o have_v now_o for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n continual_o and_o that_o with_o great_a earnestness_n and_o importunity_n be_v warn_v thou_o of_o this_o danger_n and_o call_v thou_o to_o repentance_n and_o a_o better_a mind_n lest_o my_o soul_n depart_v from_o thou_o in_o the_o hebrew_n it_n be_v lest_o my_o soul_n be_v loosen_v and_o disjoint_v from_o thou_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n of_o your_o bibles_n hereby_o signify_v in_o the_o most_o emphatical_a manner_n the_o wonderful_a affection_n and_o kindness_n which_o god_n have_v for_o his_o people_n and_o how_o strong_o his_o soul_n be_v link_v to_o they_o and_o how_o loath_a he_o be_v to_o withdraw_v his_o love_n from_o they_o it_o be_v like_o the_o tear_n off_o of_o a_o limb_n or_o the_o pluck_n of_o a_o joint_n in_o sunder_o so_o unwilling_a be_v god_n to_o come_v to_o extremity_n so_o hardly_o be_v he_o bring_v to_o resolve_v upon_o the_o ruin_n even_o of_o a_o sinful_a nation_n how_o much_o rather_o will_v he_o that_o they_o will_v be_v instruct_v and_o receive_v correction_n and_o hearken_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o their_o peace_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v if_o no_o warning_n will_v work_v upon_o they_o his_o spirit_n will_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o they_o but_o his_o soul_n will_v at_o last_o though_o with_o great_a unwillingness_n and_o reluctancy_n depart_v from_o they_o and_o then_o no_o intercession_n will_v prevail_v for_o they_o as_o he_o threaten_v by_o the_o same_o prophet_n chap._n 15._o verse_n 1._o then_o say_v the_o lord_n unto_o i_o though_o moses_n and_o samuel_n stand_v before_o i_o yet_o my_o mind_n can_v not_o be_v towards_o this_o people_n cast_v they_o out_o of_o my_o sight_n and_o let_v they_o go_v forth_o away_o with_o they_o into_o captivity_n for_o they_o have_v lose_v my_o heart_n and_o no_o intercession_n of_o other_o for_o they_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o repentance_n can_v recover_v it_o and_o when_o his_o soul_n be_v once_o depart_v from_o a_o people_n and_o his_o heart_n turn_v against_o they_o than_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n and_o calamity_n will_v be_v let_v loose_a upon_o they_o as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n 15.2_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v if_o they_o say_v unto_o thou_o whither_o shall_v we_o go_v forth_o then_o shall_v thou_o tell_v they_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n such_o as_o be_v for_o death_n to_o death_n and_o such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o sword_n to_o the_o sword_n and_o such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o famine_n to_o the_o famine_n and_o such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o captivity_n to_o the_o captivity_n for_o then_o god_n will_v be_v weary_a of_o repent_v as_o he_o tell_v they_o verse_n 6._o thou_o have_v forsake_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n thou_o be_v
their_o gross_a and_o stupid_a infidelity_n and_o horrible_a ingratitude_n to_o god_n their_o saviour_n and_o all_o their_o rebellious_a murmur_n and_o discontent_n yet_o he_o suffer_v their_o manner_n for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n and_o when_o they_o be_v at_o last_o peaceable_o settle_v in_o the_o promise_a land_n notwithstanding_o their_o frequent_a relapse_n into_o idolatry_n with_o what_o patience_n do_v god_n expect_v their_o repentance_n and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o the_o merciful_a message_n and_o warning_n give_v they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o his_o prophet_n as_o one_o that_o earnest_o desire_v it_o and_o even_o long_v for_o it_o 4.14_o o_o jerusalem_n wash_v thy_o heart_n from_o wickedness_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v save_v how_o long_o shall_v vain_a thought_n lodge_v within_o thou_o that_o be_v how_o long_o will_v thou_o delude_v thyself_o with_o vain_a hope_n of_o escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n by_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o repentance_n and_o again_o o_o jerusalem_n 13.27_o will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v and_o chap._n 8._o ver_fw-la 6._o say_v god_n there_o i_o hearken_v and_o i_o hear_v but_o they_o speak_v not_o aright_o no_o man_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v where_o god_n be_v represent_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n wait_v with_o great_a patience_n as_o one_o that_o will_v have_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v hear_v any_o penitent_a word_n drop_v from_o they_o to_o have_v see_v any_o sign_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o return_n to_o a_o better_a mind_n and_o when_o they_o make_v some_o show_n of_o repentance_n and_o have_v some_o fit_n of_o good_a resolution_n that_o do_v present_o vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o how_o passionate_o do_v god_n complain_v of_o their_o fickleness_n and_o inconstancy_n o_o ephraim_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o o_o judah_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o for_o your_o goodness_n be_v as_o a_o morning_n cloud_n and_o as_o the_o early_a dew_n it_o go_v away_o and_o at_o last_o when_o nothing_o will_v do_v with_o what_o difficulty_n and_o reluctancy_n do_v god_n deliver_v they_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n how_o shall_v i_o give_v thou_o up_o ephraim_n how_o shall_v i_o deliver_v thou_o judah_n 9_o how_o shall_v i_o make_v thou_o as_o admah_n how_o shall_v i_o set_v thou_o as_o zeboim_n i_o heart_n be_v turn_v within_o i_o and_o my_o repenting_n be_v kindle_v together_o i_o will_v not_o execute_v the_o fierceness_n of_o my_o anger_n i_o will_v not_o destroy_v ephraim_n what_o a_o conflict_n be_v here_o what_o tenderness_n and_o yern_v of_o his_o bowel_n towards_o they_o he_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o give_v they_o up_o till_o he_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o the_o last_o necessity_n and_o when_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n after_o their_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n have_v in_o the_o course_n of_o several_a age_n great_o corrupt_v themselves_o and_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n yet_o how_o slow_a be_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n in_o bring_v that_o fatal_a and_o final_a destruction_n upon_o they_o not_o till_o after_o the_o most_o merciful_a warning_n give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n not_o till_o after_o the_o most_o obstinate_a impenitency_n of_o forty_o year_n under_o the_o most_o powerful_a mean_n of_o repentance_n that_o any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o enjoy_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o observation_n from_o the_o text_n namely_o what_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o ruin_n of_o a_o sinful_a people_n and_o that_o be_v if_o they_o will_v be_v instruct_v and_o take_v warning_n by_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n to_o become_v wise_a and_o better_a than_o his_o soul_n will_v not_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o he_o will_v not_o bring_v upon_o they_o the_o desolation_n threaten_v be_v thou_o instruct_v o_o jerusalem_n lest_o my_o soul_n depart_v from_o thou_o and_o i_o make_v thou_o desolate_a a_o land_n not_o inhabit_v intimate_v or_o rather_o plain_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v receive_v instruction_n and_o take_v warn_v the_o evil_a threaten_a shall_v not_o come_v for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v why_o god_n shall_v threaten_v so_o long_o before_o he_o strike_v and_o so_o earnest_o press_v man_n to_o repentance_n but_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n to_o spare_v they_o and_o to_o show_v mercy_n to_o they_o and_o indeed_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o all_o the_o denunciation_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n to_o a_o sinful_a nation_n do_v carry_v this_o tacit_n condition_n in_o they_o that_o if_o that_o nation_n turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n god_n will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o for_o god_n never_o pass_v so_o irrevocable_a a_o sentence_n upon_o a_o nation_n as_o to_o exclude_v the_o case_n of_o repentance_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o give_v all_o imaginable_a encouragement_n to_o it_o and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o meet_v it_o with_o a_o pardon_n in_o his_o hand_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o say_v our_o merciful_a lord_n when_o he_o weep_v over_o jerusalem_n as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o therefore_o your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a god_n be_v very_o merciful_a to_o particular_a person_n upon_o their_o repentance_n when_o the_o prodigal_a son_n in_o the_o parable_n after_o all_o his_o riot_n and_o lewdness_n come_v to_o himself_o and_o resolve_v to_o return_v home_o his_o father_n see_v he_o yet_o afar_o off_o come_v towards_o he_o come_v out_o to_o meet_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n on_o he_o and_o kiss_v he_o and_o can_v any_o of_o we_o be_v so_o obstinate_a and_o hard-hearted_a as_o not_o present_o to_o resolve_v to_o repent_v and_o return_v and_o to_o meet_v the_o compassion_n of_o such_o a_o father_n who_o after_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o to_o the_o uttermost_a be_v upon_o the_o first_o discovery_n of_o our_o repentance_n ready_a to_o be_v as_o kind_a to_o we_o as_o he_o can_v possible_o have_v be_v if_o we_o have_v never_o offend_v he_o and_o much_o more_o be_v god_n ready_a to_o receive_v a_o nation_n upon_o their_o sincere_a repentance_n when_o his_o judgement_n must_v needs_o make_v great_a havoc_n and_o so_o many_o be_v like_a to_o suffer_v under_o they_o this_o consideration_n god_n urge_v and_o plead_v with_o his_o froward_a prophet_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o great_a city_n of_o niniveh_n 4.11_o and_o shall_v not_o i_o spare_v that_o great_a city_n of_o niniveh_n wherein_o be_v more_o than_o sixscore_o thousand_o person_n who_o can_v discern_v their_o right_a hand_n from_o their_o left_a that_o be_v so_o many_o innocent_a child_n by_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n for_o this_o be_v a_o great_a consideration_n with_o god_n in_o his_o send_n of_o public_a calamity_n the_o multitude_n of_o the_o sufferer_n and_o that_o not_o only_o the_o guilty_a but_o the_o innocent_a also_o without_o a_o special_a and_o miraculous_a providence_n must_v be_v involve_v in_o a_o common_a calamity_n sometime_o god_n respite_v his_o judgement_n upon_o the_o mere_a external_a humiliation_n of_o a_o people_n and_o some_o formal_a testimony_n and_o expression_n of_o their_o repentance_n 78._o when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n seek_v god_n and_o inquire_v early_o after_o he_o though_o they_o do_v but_o flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o yet_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o that_o be_v full_a of_o compassion_n he_o forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o destroy_v they_o not_o that_o be_v he_o forgive_v they_o so_o far_o as_o to_o respite_v their_o ruin_n and_o much_o more_o will_v a_o sincere_a and_o effectual_a repentance_n stay_v god_n hand_n and_o infallible_o turn_v he_o from_o the_o fierceness_n of_o his_o anger_n insomuch_o that_o after_o he_o have_v fix_v and_o determine_v the_o very_a day_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o niniveh_n and_o have_v engage_v the_o credit_n of_o his_o prophet_n in_o it_o yet_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v their_o work_n and_o that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o how_o glad_a be_v he_o to_o see_v it_o he_o present_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o in_o this_o case_n god_n do_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o his_o prophet_n by_o who_o he_o have_v send_v so_o peremptory_a a_o message_n to_o they_o but_o his_o mercy_n
over_o let_v we_o say_v peace_n be_v within_o thou_o for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o of_o that_o excellent_a church_n whereof_o we_o all_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o say_v i_o will_v seek_v thy_o good_a and_o what_o great_a good_n can_v we_o do_v to_o the_o best_a religion_n how_o can_v we_o better_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o it_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o by_o be_v at_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o ourselves_o here_o in_o england_n upon_o who_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_n abroad_o be_v fix_v as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o great_a bulwark_n and_o support_v of_o it_o that_o so_o under_o the_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o two_o such_o excellent_a prince_n as_o he_o have_v now_o bless_v we_o withal_o the_o one_o so_o brave_a and_o valiant_a and_o both_o of_o they_o so_o wise_a so_o good_a so_o religious_a we_o may_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o a_o firm_a establishment_n and_o become_v like_o mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v move_v the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o admiration_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n grant_v for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n february_n the_o 27_o the_o 1690_o 1._o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n act_n xxiv_o 16_o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o defence_n which_o st._n paul_n make_v for_o himself_o before_o faelix_fw-la the_o roman_a governor_n in_o which_o he_o first_o of_o all_o vindicate_v himself_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o sedition_n ver_fw-la 12._o they_o neither_o find_v i_o in_o the_o temple_n dispute_v with_o any_o man_n neither_o raise_n up_o the_o people_n neither_o in_o the_o synagogue_n nor_o in_o the_o city_n that_o be_v they_o can_v not_o charge_v he_o with_o make_v any_o disturbance_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n after_o this_o he_o make_v a_o free_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o his_o religion_n ver_fw-la 14._o but_o this_o i_o confess_v that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n here_o he_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o oral_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n more_o particular_o he_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v a_o principal_a article_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n ver_fw-la 15._o and_o i_o have_v hope_n also_o towards_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a and_o have_v make_v this_o declaration_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n ver_fw-la 16._o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n herein_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o this_o work_n do_v i_o employ_v myself_o or_o as_o other_o render_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n whilst_o i_o be_o in_o this_o world_n or_o as_o other_o i_o think_v most_o probable_o for_o this_o cause_n and_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o reason_n because_o i_o believe_v a_o resurrection_n therefore_o have_v i_o a_o conscientious_a care_n of_o my_o life_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o the_o discourse_n i_o intend_v to_o make_v upon_o these_o word_n shall_v be_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n i._o here_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o a_o good_a man_n pious_a practice_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n ii_o here_o be_v his_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o this_o course_n to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n iii_o here_o be_v his_o earnest_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o exercise_v myself_o iv._o here_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o immediate_a guide_n of_o his_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o tell_v we_o be_v his_o conscience_n v._o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n vi_o here_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o this_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n consequent_a upon_o it_o for_o this_o cause_n because_o i_o hope_v for_o a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o to_o the_o three_o first_o of_o these_o particular_n that_o i_o may_v be_v large_a in_o the_o rest_n i._o here_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o a_o good_a man_n pious_a practice_n it_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o his_o duty_n as_o it_o respect_v god_n and_o man._n i_o exercise_v myself_o say_v st._n paul_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o this_o distribution_n of_o our_o duty_n under_o these_o two_o general_a head_n be_v very_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n the_o decalogue_n refer_v our_o duty_n to_o these_o two_o head_n and_o according_o our_o saviour_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o those_o two_o great_a commandment_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n matth._n 22.38_o upon_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v all_o the_o moral_a precept_n which_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n ii_o here_o be_v his_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o this_o course_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o exercise_v himself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d continual_o at_o all_o time_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n we_o must_v not_o only_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o way_n by_o fit_n and_o start_v but_o in_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n without_o any_o balk_n and_o intermission_n there_o be_v some_o that_o will_v refrain_v from_o grosser_n sin_n and_o be_v very_o strict_a at_o some_o season_n as_o during_o the_o time_n of_o a_o solemn_a repentance_n and_o for_o some_o day_n before_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o perhaps_o for_o a_o little_a while_n after_o it_o and_o when_o these_o devout_a season_n be_v over_o they_o let_v themselves_o loose_v again_o to_o their_o former_a lewd_a and_o vicious_a course_n but_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n discover_v itself_o in_o the_o habitual_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n iii_o here_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a earnest_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o this_o purpose_n herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o say_v st._n paul_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o render_v exercise_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o very_a intense_a signification_n and_o do_v denote_v that_o st._n paul_n apply_v himself_o to_o this_o business_n with_o all_o his_o care_n and_o might_n and_o that_o he_o make_v it_o his_o earnest_a study_n and_o endeavour_v and_o so_o must_v we_o we_o must_v take_v great_a care_n to_o understand_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o be_v right_o inform_v concern_v good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a we_o must_v apply_v our_o mind_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o know_v our_o duty_n we_o must_v be_v true_a and_o honest_a to_o ourselves_o and_o very_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o iv_o the_o
place_n to_o consider_v the_o principle_n and_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o tell_v we_o be_v his_o conscience_n i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n by_o which_o he_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v a_o resolution_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o his_o conscience_n but_o likewise_o a_o due_a care_n to_o inform_v his_o conscience_n aright_o that_o he_o may_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o his_o duty_n conscience_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o moral_a action_n and_o our_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o sin_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n only_o be_v but_o it_o be_v our_o immediate_a guide_n and_o director_n tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n but_o because_o conscience_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o very_a large_a and_o various_a signification_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v very_o brief_o to_o give_v you_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o now_o in_o common_a speech_n concern_v conscience_n every_o man_n be_v represent_v as_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o court_n and_o tribunal_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n where_o he_o try_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o action_n and_o conscience_n under_o one_o notion_n or_o other_o sustain_v all_o part_n in_o this_o trial_n the_o court_n be_v call_v the_o court_n of_o a_o man_n conscience_n and_o the_o bar_n at_o which_o the_o sinner_n stand_v implead_v be_v call_v the_o bar_n of_o conscience_n conscience_n also_o be_v the_o accuser_n and_o it_o be_v the_o record_n and_o register_n of_o our_o crime_n in_o which_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v and_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n which_o give_v testimony_n for_o or_o against_o we_o hence_o be_v those_o expression_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n be_v to_o he_o instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o witness_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o judge_n which_o declare_v the_o law_n and_o what_o we_o ought_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o case_n and_o according_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o we_o by_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v we_o thus_o according_a to_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n conscience_n sustain_v all_o imaginable_a part_n in_o this_o spiritual_a court_n it_o be_v the_o court_n and_o the_o bench_n and_o the_o bar_n the_o accuser_n and_o witness_v and_o register_n and_o all_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a consider_v conscience_n in_o the_o most_o common_a and_o famous_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o faculty_n whereby_o we_o judge_v of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o do_v according_o direct_a and_o govern_v our_o action_n so_o that_o in_o short_a conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n concern_v the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n that_o be_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a or_o indifferency_n of_o they_o tell_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o consequent_o be_v our_o duty_n what_o thing_n be_v forbid_v by_o he_o and_o consequent_o be_v sinful_a what_o thing_n be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o consequent_o be_v indifferent_a i_o proceed_v in_o the_o five_o the_o place_n to_o give_v some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o follow_v first_o never_o in_o any_o case_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o persuasion_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n for_o that_o certain_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o that_o which_o proper_o offend_v the_o conscience_n and_o render_v we_o guilty_a guilt_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o trouble_n arise_v in_o our_o mind_n from_o a_o consciousness_n of_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o be_v very_o persuade_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o though_o perhaps_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o always_o well_o ground_v yet_o the_o guilt_n be_v the_o same_o so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v because_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o god_n to_o he_o and_o accuse_v or_o absolve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v great_a care_n not_o to_o offend_v against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n second_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o inform_v our_o conscience_n aright_o that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v concern_v our_o duty_n or_o if_o we_o do_v that_o our_o error_n and_o mistake_n may_v not_o be_v gross_o wilful_a and_o faulty_a and_o this_o rule_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v and_o regard_v by_o we_o because_o general_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v it_o according_a to_o their_o conscience_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o dangerous_a mistake_n and_o of_o very_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o sy_n that_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n 2_o lie_v and_o these_o sin_n may_v prove_v damnable_a without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o 1_o sy_n that_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n man_n may_v neglect_v and_o abuse_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o do_v some_o of_o the_o worst_a and_o wicked_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o do_v well_o 16.2_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o the_o jew_n shall_v put_v they_o to_o death_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n nay_o the_o jew_n murder_v the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o through_o ignorance_n and_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n father_n forgive_v they_o 23.34_o say_v our_o bless_a lord_n when_o he_o be_v breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o st._n peter_n after_o he_o have_v charge_v the_o jew_n with_o kill_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n 3.17_o he_o present_o add_v i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o as_o do_v also_o your_o ruler_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o mitigation_n of_o that_o great_a crime_n say_v have_v they_o know_v they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o concern_v himself_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o very_o think_v with_o himself_o 26.9_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o he_o act_v herein_o according_a to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecutor_n and_o injurious_a and_o a_o murderer_n and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o great_a of_o sinner_n so_o that_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n and_o 2_o these_o sin_n may_v prove_v damnable_a without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o where_o the_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n be_v not_o gross_o wilful_a there_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o a_o general_a repentance_n but_o where_o it_o be_v gross_o wilful_a great_a sin_n commit_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o pardon_v without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o and_o a_o error_n which_o proceed_v from_o want_n of_o ordinary_a human_a care_n and_o due_a government_n of_o a_o man_n self_n be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n wilful_a as_o when_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a prejudice_n from_o great_a pride_n and_o self-conceit_n and_o contempt_n of_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n or_o from_o a_o visible_a bias_n of_o self-interest_n or_o when_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o furious_a passion_n and_o zeal_n prompt_v man_n to_o cruel_a and_o horrible_a thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o humanity_n a_o error_n proceed_v from_o such_o cause_n and_o produce_v such_o effect_n be_v wilful_a in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n that_o whatever_o evil_n be_v do_v in_o virtue_n of_o it_o be_v almost_o equal_o faulty_a with_o a_o direct_a and_o wilful_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n do_v indeed_o make_v the_o person_n so_o mistake_v more_o capable_a of_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n for_o his_o murderer_n father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v st._n paul_n likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o find_v mercy_n upon_o this_o account_n 1.13_o nevertheless_o say_v he_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o i_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o
find_v that_o which_o give_v more_o joy_n and_o gladness_n to_o his_o heart_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n this_o give_v perfect_a rest_n and_o tranquillity_n to_o his_o mind_n so_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o inquire_v any_o further_o for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n i_o will_v both_o lay_v i_o down_o in_o peace_n and_o rest_n for_o thou_o lord_n only_o make_v i_o to_o dwell_v in_o safety_n the_o hebrew_a word_n signify_v confidence_n or_o security_n here_o and_o nowhere_o else_o his_o mind_n find_v rest_n and_o be_v in_o perfect_a ease_n and_o security_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o make_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o conclude_v first_o this_o plain_o show_v we_o the_o great_a unreasonableness_n and_o folly_n of_o atheism_n which_o will_v banish_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o as_o it_o be_v most_o impious_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n so_o be_v it_o most_o malicious_a to_o man_n because_o it_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o perfect_o undermine_v it_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n man_n will_v evident_o be_v the_o most_o unhappy_a of_o all_o other_o being_n here_o below_o because_o his_o unhappiness_n will_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o that_o which_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o other_o being_n below_o he_o i_o mean_v in_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o he_o will_v be_v so_o much_o more_o miserable_a than_o the_o beast_n by_o how_o much_o he_o have_v a_o far_a reach_n and_o a_o large_a prospect_n of_o future_a evil_n a_o quick_a apprehension_n and_o a_o deep_a and_o more_o last_a resentment_n of_o they_o so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n can_v see_v reason_n to_o stagger_v his_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n or_o of_o his_o providence_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v infinite_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a yet_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o much_o for_o the_o interest_n and_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v hearty_o trouble_v to_o part_v with_o a_o principle_n so_o favourable_a to_o his_o quiet_n and_o that_o do_v so_o exact_o answer_v all_o the_o natural_a desire_n and_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o be_v so_o equal_o calculate_v both_o for_o our_o comfort_n in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o our_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o for_o when_o a_o man_n thought_n have_v range_v and_o wander_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v his_o mind_n can_v find_v no_o rest_n no_o probable_a foundation_n of_o happiness_n but_o god_n only_o no_o other_o reasonable_a no_o nor_o tolerable_a hypothesis_n and_o scheme_n of_o thing_n for_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o rely_v upon_o and_o to_o live_v and_o die_v by_o for_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o this_o firm_o believe_v and_o true_o live_v up_o to_o by_o a_o answerable_a practice_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o support_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o minister_v true_a consolation_n to_o they_o under_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o real_a in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v so_o remarkable_a and_o so_o regular_a a_o effect_n to_o support_v our_o mind_n in_o every_o condition_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o person_n of_o different_a degree_n of_o understanding_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n young_a and_o old_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a in_o so_o many_o distant_a place_n and_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o record_n whereof_o be_v come_v down_o to_o we_o i_o say_v so_o real_a and_o so_o frequent_a and_o so_o regular_a a_o effect_n as_o this_o be_v can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v ascribe_v either_o to_o blind_a chance_n or_o mere_a imagination_n but_o must_v have_v a_o real_a and_o regular_a and_o uniform_a cause_n proportionable_a to_o so_o great_a and_o general_a a_o effect_n i_o remember_v that_o grotius_n in_o his_o excellent_a book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v this_o observation_n that_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n shall_v have_v the_o utmost_a evidence_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v and_o bear_v down_o all_o sort_n of_o captious_a cavil_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o but_o so_o much_o as_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o sober_a and_o impartial_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n one_o that_o have_v no_o other_o interest_n but_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n and_o when_o he_o have_v find_v it_o to_o yield_v to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o glare_v and_o evident_a as_o the_o sun_n shine_v at_o noonday_n as_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v any_o virtue_n in_o such_o a_o faith_n so_o infidelity_n will_v be_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n all_o that_o i_o will_v expect_v from_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o can_v see_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v this_o that_o he_o will_v offer_v some_o other_o principle_n that_o he_o will_v advance_v any_o other_o hypothesis_n and_o scheme_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a and_o natural_a notion_n of_o man_n and_o to_o all_o appearance_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o do_v bid_v more_o fair_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n than_o these_o principle_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o his_o watchful_a providence_n over_o the_o child_n of_o man_n do_v plain_o do_v and_o till_o this_o be_v clear_o do_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v general_o be_v receive_v by_o mankind_n and_o have_v obtain_v in_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n can_v fair_o be_v discard_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v disturb_v and_o put_v out_o of_o possession_n and_o this_o i_o think_v put_v this_o whole_a matter_n upon_o a_o very_a fair_a and_o reasonable_a issue_n and_o that_o nothing_o more_o need_v to_o be_v say_v concern_v it_o second_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n and_o therefore_o to_o he_o alone_o and_o to_o no_o other_o we_o ought_v to_o address_v all_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n but_o now_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o psalmist_n here_o put_v a_o very_a odd_a and_o strange_a question_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o to_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o quite_o different_a answer_n from_o what_o the_o psalmist_n plain_o intend_v namely_o that_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o his_o hope_n and_o trust_v and_o that_o upon_o he_o alone_o he_o rely_v as_o his_o only_a comfort_n and_o happiness_n but_o to_o this_o assertion_n of_o the_o psalmist_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n agree_v they_o understand_v this_o matter_n much_o better_a than_o the_o psalmist_n do_v namely_o that_o beside_o god_n there_o be_v in_o heaven_n innumerable_a angel_n and_o saint_n in_o who_o we_o be_v to_o repose_v great_a trust_n and_o confidence_n and_o to_o who_o also_o we_o be_v to_o address_v solemn_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n not_o only_o for_o temporal_a good_a thing_n but_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o for_o eternal_a life_n that_o there_o be_v in_o heaven_n particular_a advocate_n and_o patron_n for_o all_o exigency_n and_o occasion_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o danger_n and_o disease_n for_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o word_n for_o all_o temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n to_o who_o we_o may_v apply_v ourselves_o without_o trouble_v god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o also_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o by_o presume_v upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o make_v our_o immediate_a address_n to_o he_o for_o as_o they_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v though_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o david_n know_v it_o not_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o both_o angel_n and_o saint_n do_v not_o only_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o we_o for_o all_o sort_n of_o blessing_n but_o we_o may_v make_v direct_a and_o immediate_a address_n to_o they_o to_o bestow_v these_o blessing_n upon_o we_o for_o so_o they_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o denial_n from_o several_a of_o their_o prayer_n in_o their_o most_o public_a and_o authentic_a liturgy_n they_o will_v
evil-speakings_a 1.29_o and_o the_o apostle_n rank_n backbiter_n with_o fornicator_n and_o murderer_n and_o hater_n of_o god_n and_o with_o those_o of_o who_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 6.10_o and_o when_o he_o enumerate_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o last_o time_n 3._o man_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o covetous_a boaster_n evil-speaker_n without_o natural_a affection_n perfidious_a false_a accuser_n etc._n etc._n and_o which_o be_v the_o strange_a of_o all_o they_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o great_a vice_n and_o enormity_n be_v note_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v great_a pretender_n to_o religion_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o make_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o live_v in_o a_o most_o palpable_a contradiction_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n as_o if_o any_o pretence_n to_o mystery_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o extraordinary_a attainment_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n can_v exempt_v man_n from_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o set_v they_o above_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o do_v we_o hardly_o think_v that_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n so_o frequent_o rank_v with_o murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o the_o black_a crime_n such_o as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o will_v certain_o shut_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v we_o believe_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o can_v we_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o a_o sin_n than_o which_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o fault_n of_o man_n life_n more_o frequent_o mention_v more_o severe_o reprove_v and_o more_o odious_o brand_v in_o that_o holy_a book_n 15.1_o consider_v serious_o these_o text_n who_o shall_v abide_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o holy_a hill_n he_o that_o backbit_v not_o with_o his_o tongue_n nor_o take_v up_o a_o reproach_n against_o his_o neighbour_n have_v you_o never_o hear_v what_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o of_o every_o idle_a word_n we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v condemn_v what_o can_v be_v more_o severe_a than_o that_o of_o st._n james_n if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n that_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a to_o conclude_v the_o sin_n which_o i_o have_v now_o warn_v man_n against_o be_v plain_o condemn_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o duty_n which_o i_o have_v now_o be_v persuade_v you_o to_o be_v easy_a for_o every_o man_n to_o understand_v not_o hard_o for_o any_o man_n that_o can_v but_o resolve_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a guard_n upon_o himself_o for_o some_o time_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o practice_n and_o most_o reasonable_a for_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o for_o all_o christian_n to_o observe_v it_o be_v as_o easy_a as_o a_o resolute_a silence_n upon_o just_a occasion_n as_o reasonable_a as_o prudence_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n and_o goodwill_n among_o man_n can_v make_v it_o and_o of_o as_o necessary_a and_o indispensible_a a_o obligation_n as_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n can_v render_v any_o thing_n upon_o all_o which_o consideration_n let_v we_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o take_v up_o david_n deliberate_a resolution_n i_o say_v 31.1_o i_o will_v take_v heed_n to_o my_o way_n that_o i_o offend_v not_o with_o my_o tongue_n and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o will_v we_o but_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o amend_v this_o one_o fault_n we_o shall_v soon_o be_v better_a man_n in_o our_o whole_a life_n i_o mean_v that_o the_o correct_v of_o this_o vice_n together_o with_o those_o that_o be_v near_o ally_v to_o it_o and_o may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o almost_o with_o the_o same_o resolution_n and_o care_n be_v correct_v will_v make_v we_o owner_n of_o a_o great_a many_o considerable_a virtue_n and_o carry_v we_o on_o a_o good_a way_n towards_o perfection_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o his_o word_n shall_v not_o take_v a_o equal_a or_o a_o great_a care_n of_o his_o action_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v both_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o that_o say_n of_o st._n james_n and_o with_o which_o i_o shall_v conclude_v if_o any_o man_n offend_v not_o in_o word_n the_o same_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n who_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o you_o always_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la v._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o v._o 8._o v._o 9_o v._o 10._o v._o 8._o v._o 9_o v._o 13._o 1_o pet._n 5.12_o philip._n 1.27_o 1_o chron._n 29.4_o psal_n 103.10_o leu._n 26.13_o isaiah_n 1.4_o verse_n 5._o isaiah_n 9.13_o isaiah_n 26.11_o 2_o chron._n 28.22_o judge_n 8.34_o 35._o 1_o king_n 11.9_o 2_o chron._n 32.25_o isaiah_n 1.2_o verse_n 3._o isaiah_n 26.10_o deut_n 13.1_o 2._o verse_n 5._o numb_a 14.32_o judge_n 10.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o jer._n 2.19_o judge_n 10.13_o gen._n 15.16_o rom._n 9.22_o isaiah_n 1.5_o matth._n 23.37_o 38._o psal_n 28.5_o psal_n 118.23_o 24._o 1_o cor._n 10.6_o 7_o 9_o 10_o 11._o numb_a 2.5_o 6._o v._o 11._o dr._n barrow_n dr._n barrow_n prov._n 14.29_o eccl._n 7.9_o prov._n 16.32_o verse_n 45._o eph._n 4.32_o chap._n 5.1_o luke_n 17.3_o 4._o rom._n 12.17_o v._o 18._o matth._n 6.14_o 15._o matth._n 18.23_o v._o 35._o m._n aur._n antoni_fw-la lib._n 7._o eccl._n 23_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o heb._n 11.6_o joh._n 17.3_o matth._n 5.3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 7.21_o v._o 24._o v._o 26_o 27._o john_n 13_o 17._o luke_n 6.46_o 1_o joh._n 5.3_o 1_o joh._n 2.4_o john_n 14.15_o v._o 21._o 1_o joh._n 3.7_o v._o 10._o gen._n 3.7_o isa_n 3.10_o 11._o matth._n 19.17_o matth._n 6.31_o 33._o 33._o ita_fw-la i_o dij_fw-la deaeque_fw-la omnes_fw-la pejus_fw-la perdant_fw-la quam_fw-la bodiè_fw-la perire_fw-la i_o sentio_fw-la etc._n etc._n rev._n 20.14_o wisd_v of_o solomon_n ch_n 1._o ver_fw-la 12_o 13_o 16._o 2_o chron._n 14.11_o ps_n 33.16_o psal_n 44_o 6._o prov._n 21.30_o 31._o prov._n 3.5_o 6._o deut._n 23.9_o isa_n 37.23_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29_o 32._o isa_n 26.10_o 11._o isa_n 58.5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n jer._n 15.2_o hos_fw-la 9.12_o gen._n 7.1_o 1_o cor._n 10.11_o jer._n 4.14_o jer._n 13.27_o hos_fw-la 11.8_o 9_o jonah_n 4.11_o psal_n 78._o 78._o lib._n 1._o c._n 3._o lib._n 4._o c._n 5._o lib._n 7._o c._n 1._o lib._n 5._o c._n 2._o lib._n 6._o c._n 11._o lib._n 7._o c._n 1._o jer._n 2.19_o psal_n 122._o john_n 16.2_o luke_n 23.34_o act_n 3.17_o act_n 26.9_o 1_o tim._n 1.13_o act_n 3.19_o jam._n 1.20_o both_o act_n 22.4_o act_n 26.9_o john_n 7.17_o 1_o cor._n 4.4_o job_n 25.5_o 6._o 1_o joh._n 3.21_o prov._n 14.32_o ps_n 37.37_o act_n 23.1_o john_n 17.4_o 2_o tim._n 4.6_o 7_o 8._o zech._n 8.18_o 19_o verse_n 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o king_n 8.37_o 38_o 39_o 40._o jer._n 8.6_o jer._n 13.17_o psal_n 119.36_o v_o 53._o v_o 158._o dan._n 9.5_o 7_o 8._o ezr._n 9.6_o 7._o jer._n 5.30_o 31._o jer._n 13.20_o 21._o isai_n 1.4_o 5._o ezra_n 9.6_o joel_n 2.15_o 16_o 17._o ver._n 18._o dan._n 9_o 3â—_n ver._n 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o dan._n 4.27_o jer._n 29.11_o 12_o 13._o job_n 41.33_o 34._o act_n 10.4_o isa_n 58.7_o 9_o 2_o chron._n 7.14_o zech._n 8.19_o ezek._n 33.31_o ver._n 1._o ver._n 2._o ver._n 10._o ver._n 12._o ver._n 13._o ver._n 14._o ver._n 15._o ver._n 16._o ver._n 17_o 18._o ver._n 21._o ver._n 23._o psal_n 22.9_o 10_o 11._o rom._n 8.35_o v_o 38_o 39_o prov._n 1.24_o 25_o etc._n etc._n isa_n 27.11_o psal_n 4.6_o 7_o 8._o psal_n 119._o 1_o cor._n 1.25_o job_n 28.12_o ch._n 28.12_o job_n 28.28_o eccl._n 9.11_o â—â—_o 38.22_o 23._o psal_n 52.1_o prov._n 23.5_o eccl._n 5.13_o prov._n 1.18_o job_n 40.9_o judg._n 10.13_o deut._n 32.20_o jer._n 6.8_o isa_n 14._o psal_n 48.2_o rev._n 18.17_o isa_n 26.11_o ecclus_n 19.16_o james_n 3.2_o jam._n 1.26_o eccl._n 19.8_o ecclus._n 19.13_o 14_o 15._o matth._n 24.12_o ecclus._n 19.8_o 9_o matth._n 7._o psal_n 34.12_o 13._o jam._n 1.26_o 1_o cor._n 6.10_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n c._n 1._o v._n 11._o ecclus._n 19.10_o psal_n 34.12_o 13._o matth._n 15.19_o rom._n 1.29_o 1_o cor._n 6.10_o 2_o tim._n 3.2_o 3._o psal_n 15.1_o psal_n 31.1_o