of_o a_o good_a conversation_n in_o christ_n i._n e._n in_o christ_n religion_n 1_o pet._n 3.16_o and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o instance_n in_o a_o case_n so_o evident_a we_o read_v not_o only_o of_o man_n but_o likewise_o of_o bond_n in_o christ_n i._n e._n of_o man_n be_v bind_v for_o the_o religion_n and_o faith_n of_o christ._n my_o bond_n in_o christ_n say_v saint_n t_o paul_n be_v manifest_a in_o all_o the_o palace_n and_o in_o all_o other_o place_n phil._n 1.13_o but_o beside_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n our_o be_v in_o christ_n for_o our_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v another_o very_a near_o it_o which_o it_o be_v pertinent_a to_o our_o present_a business_n to_o observe_v and_o that_o be_v our_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n thus_o saint_n to_o paul_n say_v that_o we_o be_v many_o member_n be_v yet_o one_o body_n or_o corporation_n in_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o society_n and_o church_n of_o christian_n wherein_o we_o be_v every_o one_o member_n one_o of_o another_o rom._n 12.5_o and_o god_n gather_v together_o all_o particular_a christian_n scatter_v over_o the_o world_n into_o one_o catholic_n church_n or_o society_n be_v call_v his_o gather_v together_o in_o one_o all_o thing_n in_o christ_n eph._n 1.10_o thus_o our_o admission_n into_o christ_n church_n by_o baptism_n be_v call_v our_o be_v engraft_a or_o implant_v into_o he_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n or_o in_o baptismal_a immersion_n which_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o burial_n after_o death_n rom._n 6.5_o as_o for_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n then_o which_o set_v we_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o danger_n and_o condemnation_n it_o be_v the_o same_o as_o our_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o communion_n and_o membership_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v a_o most_o ready_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o make_v man_n practice_v and_o obey_v it_o for_o to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o live_v under_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n the_o solemn_a return_n of_o holy_a prayer_n the_o administration_n of_o bless_a sacrament_n the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n of_o wise_a guide_n the_o authority_n of_o good_a example_n the_o correction_n and_o discipline_n of_o church_n governor_n and_o all_o the_o other_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o obedience_n and_o then_o the_o profession_n and_o own_n of_o his_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o undissembled_a imply_v our_o faith_n and_o belief_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o only_o expedient_a that_o christ_n can_v think_v of_o for_o the_o reformation_n of_o a_o wicked_a world_n and_o which_o as_o we_o have_v already_o see_v be_v a_o most_o effectual_a mean_n and_o sure_a principle_n of_o good_a life_n and_o practice_n and_o because_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n i._n e._n our_o profession_n of_o christ_n religion_n and_o communion_n and_o society_n with_o christ_n church_n be_v so_o powerful_a a_o principle_n of_o our_o obedient_a service_n therefore_o have_v god_n promise_v to_o it_o that_o life_n and_o pardon_n which_o be_v the_o inseparable_a reward_n of_o obedience_n itself_o he_o do_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a intend_v that_o every_o man_n who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v of_o his_o retinue_n that_o will_v make_v a_o bare_a profession_n of_o his_o service_n in_o call_v of_o he_o lord_n lord_n without_o any_o real_a work_n and_o performance_n shall_v have_v right_a to_o these_o reward_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o only_o who_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matt._n 7.21_o nay_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o go_v high_a many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n have_v we_o not_o do_v more_o than_o bare_o profess_v thy_o name_n have_v we_o not_o do_v thou_o high_a and_o honourable_a service_n viz._n prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wondrous_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o be_v no_o such_o 90._o christian_n as_o i_o own_o for_o whatsoever_o your_o name_n and_o profession_n be_v you_o be_v of_o their_o number_n that_o in_o their_o life_n work_v iniquity_n vers_fw-la 22_o 23._o when_o god_n assure_v we_o by_o saint_n t_o paul_n therefore_o that_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o in_o christ_n church_n and_o religion_n he_o mean_v to_o they_o that_o be_v so_o in_o they_o as_o thereby_o to_o become_v obedient_a he_o speak_v metonymical_o and_o imply_v our_o work_n and_o action_n as_o well_o as_o that_o communion_n and_o profession_n which_o signify_v they_o and_o aught_o to_o produce_v they_o and_o in_o this_o the_o scripture_n be_v express_v he_o that_o keep_v his_o commandment_n dwell_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o he_o say_z s_o t_o john_n 1_o ep._n 3.24_o it_o be_v nothing_o less_o than_o our_o fulfil_n of_o his_o law_n who_o be_v head_n of_o that_o body_n whereunto_o we_o join_v ourselves_o as_o member_n and_o our_o be_v indeed_o what_o we_o pretend_v and_o obey_v the_o rule_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v that_o will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v interpret_v for_o our_o be_v in_o he_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o qualify_v we_o to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o whoso_o keep_v his_o word_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n in_o he_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n make_v perfect_a and_o hereby_o by_o this_o perfection_n of_o love_n in_o obedience_n we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o so_o that_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o he_o he_o ought_v himself_z also_o so_o to_o walk_v even_o as_o he_o walk_v 1_o joh._n 2.5_o 6._o the_o necessity_n of_o connexion_n between_o these_o two_o viz._n be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o a_o good_a man_n between_o profess_v of_o christ_n religion_n and_o obey_v it_o be_v so_o evident_a and_o so_o well_o know_v and_o allow_v of_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n that_o both_o be_v understand_v when_o either_o be_v mention_v to_o put_v on_o christ_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o rom._n 13.14_o and_o to_o learn_v christ_n be_v but_o another_o phrase_n for_o to_o put_v off_o concern_v their_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o the_o similitude_n of_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n eph._n 4.20_o 22_o 24._o a_o christian_a and_o a_o keeper_n of_o god_n law_n be_v then_o only_o two_o word_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o they_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a contradiction_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o profess_v himself_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o to_o pay_v he_o no_o obedience_n to_o own_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o yet_o to_o lead_v the_o life_n of_o a_o heathen_a the_o time_n pass_v of_o our_o life_n say_v saint_n t_o peter_n or_o that_o time_n before_o we_o become_v christian_n must_v suffice_v we_o wherein_o to_o have_v wrought_v the_o will_n of_o the_o gentile_n 1_o pet._n 4.3_o but_o when_o once_o we_o have_v list_v ourselves_o in_o christ_n service_n and_o be_v call_v upon_o by_o his_o name_n we_o must_v renounce_v all_o our_o former_a way_n and_o depart_v from_o all_o iniquity_n 2_o tim._n 2.19_o so_o that_o in_o the_o language_n of_o those_o first_o time_n and_o in_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n man_n being_n in_o christ_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n separate_v from_o obedience_n but_o imply_v it_o to_o talk_v of_o a_o interest_n in_o he_o without_o fulfil_v of_o his_o law_n be_v but_o vain_a cant_n and_o unprofitable_a speech_n it_o be_v to_o talk_v without_o book_n and_o to_o use_v a_o scripture_n phrase_n but_o against_o the_o scripture_n meaning_n for_o at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o christ_n come_v to_o expound_v his_o own_o gospel_n we_o shall_v hear_v he_o pronounce_v what_o it_o have_v already_o in_o plain_a word_n declare_v to_o we_o that_o no_o man_n be_v save_o in_o christ_n who_o be_v out_o with_o his_o law_n but_o that_o he_o only_o be_v so_o in_o he_o as_o to_o be_v secure_a from_o all_o condemnation_n who_o have_v keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o faithful_o obey_v he_o chap._n iii_o of_o pardon_n promise_v to_o repentance_n the_o content_n
god_n have_v speak_v to_o they_o than_o by_o his_o testimony_n and_o upon_o his_o authority_n therefore_o be_v they_o say_v in_o believe_v and_o embrace_v that_o divine_a law_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o moses_n to_o believe_v not_o the_o lord_n alone_o but_o also_o his_o servant_n moses_n exod._n 14.31_o joh._n 5.46_o to_o be_v baptise_a into_o moses_n 1_o cor._n 10.2_o to_o be_v moses_n disciple_n joh._n 9.28_o to_o trust_v or_o place_v their_o hope_n in_o moses_n joh._n 5.45_o to_o obey_v or_o hearken_v unto_o moses_n luk._n 16.31_o but_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o full_a revelation_n that_o god_n ever_o make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n be_v by_o the_o message_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o own_o son_n jesus_n christ._n for_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o moses_n and_o to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n heb._n 1.1_o and_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n or_o take_v for_o certain_a truth_n upon_o his_o authority_n all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o we_o in_o god_n name_n be_v call_v the_o christian_a as_o the_o other_o be_v the_o mosaic_a faith_n for_o he_o be_v the_o great_a author_n and_o deriver_n of_o this_o last_o and_o great_a revelation_n of_o god_n down_o to_o we_o and_o our_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o immediate_a authority_n he_o be_v as_o saint_n t_o paul_n say_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n heb._n 12.2_o our_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v call_v not_o only_a faith_n towards_o god_n heb._n 6.1_o but_o also_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n act_v 20.21_o and_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o whole_a religion_n get_v into_o our_o mind_n this_o way_n upon_o our_o submission_n to_o christ_n authority_n and_o our_o faith_n or_o belief_n of_o his_o testimony_n therefore_o be_v our_o religion_n itself_o most_o common_o in_o the_o scripture_n call_v our_o faith_n the_o preach_v of_o it_o be_v call_v preach_v the_o faith_n gal._n 1.23_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o hear_v of_o faith_n gal._n 3.2_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n heb._n 10.23_o the_o contend_v for_o it_o a_o strive_v for_o the_o faith_n phil._n 1.27_o the_o err_a in_o it_o a_o err_a from_o the_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 6.10_o the_o fall_n from_o it_o a_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 1.19_o obedience_n to_o it_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n rom._n 1.5_o and_o the_o righteousness_n require_v in_o it_o and_o effect_v by_o it_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11.13_o so_o that_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o the_o mosaic_a faith_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o religion_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n the_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v a_o take_n upon_o his_o word_n all_o those_o thing_n for_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o we_o in_o god_n name_n a_o belief_n beget_v in_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o testimony_n that_o all_o his_o doctrine_n be_v god_n truth_n that_o all_o his_o law_n be_v god_n precept_n that_o all_o his_o promise_n be_v god_n promise_n and_o that_o all_o his_o threat_n be_v god_n threaten_n in_o sum_n that_o that_o whole_a religion_n and_o gospel_n which_o christ_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o god_n name_n be_v the_o very_a religion_n and_o word_n of_o god_n the_o belief_n of_o all_o this_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n make_v our_o faith_n christian_n and_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n make_v it_o justify_v and_o save_v for_o when_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o faith_n we_o true_o repent_v and_o sincere_o obey_v which_o be_v the_o great_a condition_n as_o we_o have_v see_v whereupon_o at_o the_o last_o day_n we_o must_v all_o be_v pardon_v and_o justify_v eternal_o it_o be_v a_o justify_n as_o when_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o we_o be_v save_v and_o deliver_v from_o the_o dominion_n and_o service_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o as_o the_o angel_n have_v 1.21_o assure_v we_o be_v those_o principal_a evil_n that_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v we_o from_o it_o be_v a_o save_v faith_n this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o christian_a knowledge_n and_o our_o christian_n faith_n and_o as_o for_o it_o now_o it_o be_v the_o very_a fundamental_a cause_n and_o natural_a spring_n of_o all_o our_o christian_a service_n and_o obedience_n for_o it_o be_v because_o we_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n because_o we_o know_v those_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o and_o give_v credit_n to_o he_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o insupportable_a punishment_n which_o he_o will_v one_o day_n inflict_v for_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o he_o will_v confer_v upon_o obedience_n it_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o all_o these_o in_o our_o mind_n i_o say_v that_o we_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o our_o outward_a action_n it_o be_v our_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n that_o let_v we_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o precept_n the_o power_n of_o his_o assistance_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o reward_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o punishment_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o beauty_n and_o profit_n of_o obedience_n and_o this_o sight_n and_o conviction_n in_o our_o mind_n can_v well_o miss_v of_o gain_v our_o heart_n and_o resolution_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o endless_a judgement_n will_v raise_v our_o fear_n the_o belief_n of_o his_o infinite_a reward_n will_v quicken_v our_o hope_n the_o belief_n of_o his_o inexpressible_a kindness_n will_v kindle_v our_o love_n and_o by_o all_o these_o our_o soul_n will_v be_v lead_v captive_a into_o eager_a desire_n and_o firm_a resolution_n and_o be_v full_o purpose_v to_o keep_v god_n law_n that_o so_o they_o may_v avoid_v that_o terrible_a death_n which_o he_o threaten_v and_o attain_v those_o matchless_a joy_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o our_o obedience_n and_o when_o once_o by_o mean_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n god_n law_n have_v gain_v both_o our_o will_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v the_o inward_a spring_n and_o cause_n of_o they_o they_o can_v fail_v of_o be_v obey_v in_o our_o work_n and_o action_n which_o be_v produce_v by_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v quick_o go_v on_o to_o perform_v what_o we_o resolve_v and_o to_o do_v what_o we_o desire_v and_o so_o in_o very_a deed_n fulfil_v and_o obey_v they_o upon_o which_o account_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n have_v so_o mighty_a a_o influence_n upon_o our_o christian_a and_o obedient_a practice_n our_o obedience_n itself_o as_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o produce_v by_o it_o be_v call_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n rom._n 16.26_o the_o righteousness_n which_o it_o exact_v of_o we_o and_o 〈◊〉_d cooperate_v to_o work_v in_o we_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n gal_n 5.5_o our_o christian_a warfar_o or_o strive_v against_o sin_n be_v call_v the_o good_a sight_n of_o faith_n 1_o tim_n 6.12_o and_o because_o in_o this_o contest_v our_o great_a succour_n which_o protect_v we_o and_o keep_v we_o from_o faint_a and_o at_o last_o make_v we_o victorious_a be_v some_o point_n or_o promise_n of_o our_o religious_a belief_n therefore_o it_o be_v style_v a_o shield_n and_o a_o breastplate_n of_o faith_n 1_o thess._n 5.8_o and_o s_o t_o john_n affirm_v plain_o that_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n 1_o joh._n 5.4_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v because_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n be_v so_o powerful_a a_o cause_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n that_o god_n speak_v so_o great_a thing_n of_o they_o and_o have_v make_v such_o valuable_a promise_n to_o they_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o reward_v the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o mind_n further_o than_o they_o 31._o effect_v the_o obedience_n of_o our_o action_n it_o be_v only_o when_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o to_o this_o effect_n when_o they_o become_v a_o obedient_a knowledge_n and_o a_o 10._o work_a faith_n that_o they_o confer_v a_o right_n to_o the_o promise_a reward_n and_o be_v available_a to_o our_o salvation_n for_o when_o in_o the_o place_n mention_v or_o in_o any_o other_o god_n promise_v that_o he_o who_o know_v christ_n or_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v live_v he_o speak_v metonymical_o and_o mean_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n with_o this_o effect_n of_o a_o work_a service_n and_o obedience_n as_o for_o knowledge_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n accept_v it_o no_o otherwise_o
the_o measure_n of_o christian_a obedience_n or_o a_o discourse_n show_v what_o obedience_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o a_o regenerate_v state_n and_o what_o defect_n be_v consistent_a with_o it_o for_o the_o promotion_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o trouble_a conscience_n by_o john_n kettlewell_n fellow_n of_o lincoln-college_n in_o oxford_n london_n print_v by_o j._n macock_n for_o robert_n kettlewell_n at_o the_o hand_n and_o sceptre_n over_o against_o saint_n to_o dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdclxxxi_o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o right_a reverend_n father_n in_o god_n henry_n lord_n bishop_n of_o london_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy-council_n etc._n etc._n my_o lord_n have_v publish_v this_o treatise_n to_o promote_v as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v a_o entire_a practice_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n precept_n and_o a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o his_o reward_n among_o we_o i_o have_v presume_v to_o 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as_o be_v obscure_a and_o to_o give_v a_o prospect_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n i_o have_v lay_v thing_n down_o in_o this_o order_n in_o five_o book_n in_o the_o first_o book_n i_o have_v show_v what_o the_o condition_n of_o happiness_n be_v in_o general_a viz._n our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o at_o the_o last_o day_n we_o must_v all_o be_v judge_v to_o live_v eternal_o and_o because_o some_o be_v tempt_v to_o think_v obedience_n needless_a when_o they_o read_v of_o pardon_n and_o happiness_n promise_v to_o other_o thing_n as_o faith_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n i_o have_v show_v particular_o of_o those_o speech_n that_o they_o be_v metonymical_a and_o that_o life_n and_o mercy_n be_v not_o promise_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o obedience_n but_o only_o as_o they_o effect_v and_o imply_v it_o but_o obedience_n be_v a_o
either_o we_o soften_v our_o sin_n by_o excuse_n or_o justify_v it_o by_o argument_n or_o overlook_v it_o by_o ignorance_n heedless_a inconsideration_n and_o forgetfulness_n either_o we_o will_v act_v it_o rash_o through_o the_o power_n of_o a_o strong_a lust_n and_o not_o consider_v it_o at_o all_o or_o else_o think_v of_o it_o only_o to_o lessen_v or_o defend_v it_o and_o when_o by_o the_o opposition_n of_o our_o lust_n to_o the_o perfect_a and_o perform_v of_o our_o duty_n our_o spiritual_a strength_n be_v thus_o weaken_v and_o our_o lust_n advance_v when_o our_o passion_n rise_v and_o our_o mind_n plead_v against_o it_o then_o be_v the_o strife_n and_o there_o be_v the_o toil_n and_o difficulty_n of_o obedience_n and_o because_o in_o this_o obedience_n of_o our_o work_n and_o action_n there_o be_v so_o much_o difficulty_n therefore_o be_v most_o people_n so_o desirous_a to_o shift_v it_o off_o and_o so_o forward_o to_o take_v up_o with_o any_o thing_n which_o will_v save_v they_o 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than_o these_o they_o will_v find_v to_o their_o cost_n in_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n be_v miserable_o delusive_a and_o vain_a it_o will_v serve_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o the_o heighten_v of_o their_o crime_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o condemnation_n for_o do_v but_o consider_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v and_o understand_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o his_o promise_n but_o overlook_v or_o deny_v his_o law_n and_o precept_n what_o be_v this_o but_o instead_o of_o honour_n and_o service_n to_o affront_v and_o renounce_v he_o by_o pick_v and_o choose_v at_o this_o rate_n we_o cast_v off_o his_o power_n of_o mould_v for_o we_o a_o religion_n and_o fix_v the_o term_n of_o his_o own_o mercy_n and_o make_v to_o ourselves_o a_o condition_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n we_o follow_v he_o so_o far_o only_o as_o we_o please_v ourselves_o but_o no_o further_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o belief_n itself_o be_v not_o bound_v by_o his_o authority_n or_o measure_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n but_o our_o own_o for_o we_o understand_v and_o assent_v not_o to_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v say_v but_o only_o to_o what_o we_o ourselves_o like_v we_o refuse_v to_o take_v every_o thing_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o credit_v he_o in_o what_o he_o speak_v no_o long_a than_o it_o agree_v with_o we_o if_o we_o believe_v he_o it_o be_v only_o where_o we_o matter_n not_o whether_o what_o he_o say_v be_v true_a or_o no_o but_o we_o either_o give_v no_o heed_n to_o he_o or_o flat_o disbelieve_v he_o where_o we_o have_v any_o temptation_n his_o veracity_n and_o truth_n itself_o have_v no_o power_n over_o our_o very_a mind_n beyond_o what_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o belove_a sin_n will_v suffer_v it_o but_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n must_v be_v serve_v in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o our_o opinion_n and_o god_n must_v be_v force_v to_o
this_o otherwise_o most_o offensive_a a_o acceptable_a service_n be_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v offer_v to_o he_o so_o please_v as_o our_o obedience_n be_v he_o more_o delight_v when_o we_o follow_v our_o own_o counsel_n than_o when_o we_o follow_v he_o when_o we_o do_v our_o own_o than_o when_o we_o do_v his_o pleasure_n for_o all_o those_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o instance_n of_o obedience_n which_o under_o this_o pretention_n we_o transgress_v be_v way_n of_o god_n own_o appointment_n they_o be_v a_o service_n of_o his_o own_o choose_n a_o religion_n that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o fit_v in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o like_n a_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v think_v most_o absolute_a to_o direct_v our_o action_n and_o most_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o walk_v by_o if_o then_o we_o will_v express_v our_o concern_n for_o god_n our_o venerable_a esteem_n of_o his_o wiâ—dom_n our_o acquiescence_n in_o his_o choice_n our_o submission_n to_o his_o order_n our_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o our_o cheerful_a compliance_n with_o his_o pleasure_n let_v we_o do_v it_o by_o a_o religious_a observance_n of_o these_o rule_n which_o be_v of_o his_o own_o prescribe_v let_v we_o honour_v he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n by_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o practise_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o have_v make_v expression_n of_o honour_n by_o make_v they_o instance_n of_o obedience_n for_o disobedience_n can_v serve_v no_o interest_n of_o god_n nothing_o that_o we_o can_v do_v be_v so_o effectual_a a_o reproach_n to_o all_o his_o attribute_n as_o to_o disobey_v he_o nor_o be_v the_o use_n of_o evil_n and_o unlawful_a mean_n in_o any_o wise_a a_o fit_a expression_n of_o our_o care_n for_o religion_n for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o religion_n that_o can_v be_v honour_v and_o advance_v by_o disobedience_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o so_o sacred_a as_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o dare_v any_o man_n call_v that_o his_o care_n of_o they_o when_o he_o lay_v waste_v and_o plain_o reject_v they_o it_o be_v gross_a impudence_n for_o any_o man_n to_o pretend_v piety_n in_o the_o breach_n of_o duty_n and_o to_o cry_v up_o religion_n whilst_o he_o be_v act_v irreligious_o he_o pride_n himself_o in_o the_o empty_a name_n when_o it_o be_v clear_a to_o all_o that_o he_o have_v lose_v the_o thing_n for_o as_o for_o piety_n itself_o and_o true_a religion_n by_o transgress_v and_o trample_v upon_o the_o divine_a law_n he_o do_v not_o further_o and_o defend_v but_o impious_o and_o irreligious_o destroy_v it_o it_o be_v not_o religion_n then_o whatever_o man_n may_v vain_o pretend_v that_o make_v they_o run_v into_o the_o breach_n of_o law_n and_o contempt_n of_o duty_n lest_o they_o shall_v suffer_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o for_o god_n and_o religion_n owe_v they_o no_o thanks_o for_o such_o a_o course_n because_o he_o be_v not_o honour_v nor_o it_o strengthen_v and_o preserve_v but_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v by_o it_o but_o the_o true_a and_o real_a cause_n of_o such_o disobedience_n whereof_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v only_o the_o colour_n and_o false_a pretence_n be_v plain_o a_o great_a want_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o too_o great_a a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o man_n own_o self_n man_n be_v hurry_v away_o by_o a_o unmortified_a love_n of_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o temporal_a interest_n and_o they_o have_v not_o religion_n enough_o to_o restrain_v and_o over-rule_v they_o for_o these_o it_o be_v and_o not_o religion_n which_o suffering_n and_o persecute_v time_n take_v from_o they_o and_o a_o ungovernable_a desire_n to_o preserve_v these_o which_o make_v they_o so_o violent_a as_o that_o at_o such_o time_n no_o law_n of_o religion_n can_v hold_v they_o when_o man_n set_v at_o nought_o and_o disparage_v governor_n disobey_v law_n disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n injure_v their_o fellow-subject_n and_o commit_v several_a other_o sinful_a act_n and_o irreligious_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v keep_v off_o persecution_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o show_v plain_o that_o they_o will_v follow_v christ_n only_o in_o a_o thrive_a but_o not_o in_o a_o suffer_a religion_n they_o will_v serve_v he_o no_o long_o than_o he_o set_v they_o uppermost_o and_o above_o their_o brethren_n for_o rather_o than_o suffer_v any_o loss_n and_o fall_v into_o any_o danger_n for_o their_o adherence_n to_o he_o they_o will_v leave_v he_o and_o his_o law_n to_o fend_v for_o themselves_o and_o flat_o disobey_v he_o but_o when_o they_o do_v so_o it_o be_v shameless_a hypocrisy_n to_o pretend_v that_o all_o their_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n be_v still_o upon_o the_o principle_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n since_o it_o be_v not_o religion_n but_o a_o resolution_n to_o be_v uppermost_a not_o duty_n but_o ambition_n covetousness_n sensuality_n revenge_n or_o a_o nest_n of_o some_o other_o unmortified_a and_o reign_a vice_n of_o like_a nature_n which_o make_v they_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o conscientious_a care_n for_o religious_a profession_n to_o destroy_v all_o religious_a practice_n this_o one_o will_v think_v be_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o any_o man_n who_o can_v have_v the_o patience_n to_o consider_v it_o that_o true_a religion_n can_v never_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n or_o make_v man_n irreligious_a and_o disobedient_a that_o must_v not_o for_o shame_n be_v call_v man_n religion_n but_o their_o lust_n which_o make_v they_o wicked_a and_o carry_v they_o on_o to_o transgress_v god_n law_n that_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o sovereign_a part_n of_o his_o religion_n which_o who_o so_o keep_v be_v a_o religious_a as_o whosoever_o break_v they_o be_v a_o ungodly_a and_o irreligious_a man_n this_o indeed_o be_v clear_a doctrine_n and_o obvious_a to_o any_o common_a if_o it_o be_v withal_o a_o free_a and_o considerate_a understanding_n and_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v think_v otherwise_o have_v they_o not_o either_o by_o accicident_n haste_n or_o ill_a design_n take_v up_o a_o odd_a notion_n of_o religion_n altogether_o different_a from_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v and_o which_o all_o considerate_o religious_a man_n have_v of_o it_o for_o by_o religion_n they_o mean_v only_o their_o adherence_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n but_o not_o to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o they_o talk_v of_o defend_v and_o maintain_v of_o religion_n they_o intend_v not_o a_o defence_n of_o law_n but_o of_o notion_n not_o a_o maintenance_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_a precept_n but_o only_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n they_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n which_o christ_n reveal_v but_o not_o of_o that_o which_o he_o command_v they_o will_v know_v and_o believe_v what_o he_o please_v but_o do_v what_o they_o please_v themselves_o they_o be_v only_o for_o a_o religion_n of_o orthodox_n tenet_n but_o not_o of_o upright_o practice_n and_o if_o thereby_o they_o can_v preserve_v man_n safe_a in_o think_v and_o profess_v well_o they_o fancy_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v offend_v with_o their_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n though_o never_o so_o wicked_a and_o disobedient_a but_o this_o be_v a_o most_o gross_a mistake_n and_o a_o most_o dangerous_a notion_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o what_o this_o conceit_n do_v represent_v it_o to_o be_v for_o first_o the_o prime_a part_n and_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o practic_a part_n viz._n the_o law_n and_o precept_n the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o agreeable_o thereto_o the_o prime_a business_n of_o all_o religious_a man_n be_v a_o obedient_a practice_n and_o performance_n of_o they_o or_o a_o virtuous_a discharge_n of_o duty_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n this_o be_v that_o religion_n whereby_o all_o of_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v and_o that_o great_a condition_n which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v we_o must_v for_o ever_o live_v or_o die_v by_o when_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n say_v saint_n paul_n he_o will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n rom._n 2.6_o and_o in_o that_o prospect_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n which_o saint_n to_o john_n tell_v we_o god_n vouchsafe_v he_o man_n be_v judge_v every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o work_n rev._n 20.13_o this_o religion_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n be_v that_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o wherein_o every_o chapter_n nay_o almost_o every_o verse_n of_o it_o instruct_v we_o and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o direct_v exhort_v encourage_v and_o excite_v to_o and_o therefore_o as_o ever_o we_o will_v pass_v for_o religious_a man_n in_o the_o scripture_n notion_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o live_v in_o
all_o piety_n towards_o god_n by_o comply_v ready_o with_o all_o his_o law_n depend_v upon_o his_o providence_n and_o resign_v ourselves_o up_o to_o his_o pleasure_n in_o all_o purity_n and_o soberness_n be_v free_a from_o all_o lust_n and_o intemperance_n all_o sinful_a pleasure_n and_o covetous_a practice_n in_o all_o justice_n and_o charitableness_n do_v right_a and_o keep_v peace_n and_o show_v mercy_n towards_o all_o man_n this_o say_v saint_n t_o james_n will_v pass_v for_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o in_o such_o instance_n as_o these_o we_o have_v express_v not_o our_o opinion_n but_o our_o obedience_n by_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o by_o keep_v ourselves_o unspotted_a from_o all_o filthiness_n and_o disobedience_n of_o the_o world_n but_o if_o any_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v religious_a who_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o obedience_n that_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a jam._n 1.26_o 27._o second_o another_o great_a part_n and_o object_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o agreeable_o another_o act_n or_o instance_n of_o religious_a service_n be_v faith_n or_o orthodox_n belief_n and_o this_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o produce_v the_o former_a faith_n be_v the_o great_a instrument_n in_o work_v out_o our_o obedience_n for_o this_o be_v that_o victory_n say_v saint_n t_o john_n which_o make_v we_o conqueror_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n 1_o joh._n 5.4_o a_o obedient_a practice_n be_v all_o that_o a_o righteous_a faith_n aim_v at_o it_o be_v its_o end_n and_o perfection_n that_o which_o consummate_v and_o complete_v it_o it_o be_v as_o saint_n t_o james_n assure_v we_o by_o work_n which_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d co-operate_v and_o concur_v to_o that_o faith_n be_v make_v perfect_a jam._n 2.22_o and_o this_o all_o the_o point_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v most_o admirable_o fit_v to_o effect_v in_o we_o for_o in_o that_o epitome_n and_o compendious_a account_n of_o they_o whereinto_o they_o be_v contract_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o pure_o speculative_a article_n or_o point_n of_o idle_a notion_n and_o mere_a belief_n but_o every_o one_o be_v influential_a upon_o our_o practice_n and_o help_v on_o our_o obedience_n as_o any_o man_n of_o competent_a skill_n and_o ability_n may_v discern_v by_o run_v over_o the_o particular_n these_o two_o then_o viz._n knowledge_n and_o practice_n or_o faith_n and_o obedience_n take_v in_o the_o compass_n and_o integrate_a the_o nature_n of_o our_o religion_n obedience_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n and_o first_o in_o god_n design_n and_o faith_n or_o knowledge_n be_v the_o great_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v we_o whereby_o to_o compass_v and_o effect_v it_o so_o that_o religion_n in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n use_v and_o god_n at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v reward_v it_o be_v the_o same_o as_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n proceed_v from_o a_o belief_n of_o it_o or_o in_o saint_n paul_n phrase_n a_o obedient_a faith_n or_o a_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n who_o consider_v this_o bethink_v himself_o and_o tell_v i_o whether_o the_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n can_v ever_o be_v call_v religion_n in_o the_o scripture-sense_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o evidence_n themselves_o to_o be_v religious_a by_o their_o disobedience_n for_o the_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o god_n law_n be_v the_o great_a design_n and_o roll_a part_n of_o all_o true_a and_o acceptable_a religion_n and_o the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o god_n truth_n be_v a_o exercise_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o that_o avail_v we_o only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o concur_v to_o and_o effect_n this_o religion_n of_o obedience_n so_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o preserve_v but_o lose_v by_o breach_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v never_o strengthen_v by_o disobedient_a and_o sinful_a mean_n but_o be_v always_o waste_v and_o destroy_v by_o they_o let_v no_o man_n therefore_o ever_o dare_v to_o make_v religion_n a_o cover_n for_o unlawful_a lust_n or_o dream_n of_o protect_v it_o from_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n this_o way_n for_o god_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n endure_v such_o gross_a mockery_n and_o hypocritical_a pretension_n as_o for_o man_n to_o feign_v piety_n in_o the_o breach_n of_o duty_n but_o if_o they_o wicked_o transgress_v his_o law_n and_o continue_v impenitent_o to_o disobey_v he_o let_v their_o form_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n be_v what_o they_o will_v he_o will_v take_v severe_a and_o endless_a vengeance_n on_o they_o for_o their_o impious_a and_o irreligious_a disobedience_n if_o they_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o cross_n that_o be_v if_o they_o fall_v off_o from_o religious_a and_o obedient_a walk_v into_o irreligious_a transgression_n to_o prevent_v those_o cross_n that_o in_o persecute_v time_n be_v annex_v to_o a_o religious_a practice_n and_o profession_n they_o be_v scandalize_v or_o 11.6_o offend_v in_o he_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o a_o 5.11_o stumbling-block_n and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n it_o make_v they_o trip_v and_o turn_v out_o of_o their_o duty_n because_o they_o will_v disow_v their_o lord_n and_o break_v all_o his_o law_n rather_o than_o undergo_v it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o provoke_a sin_n and_o subject_n man_n to_o a_o most_o dreadful_a punishment_n for_o as_o god_n will_v abundant_o recompense_v any_o loss_n which_o befall_v we_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o obedient_a religion_n and_o a_o pious_a conscience_n so_o will_v he_o also_o inflict_v such_o torment_n as_o infinite_o surpass_v all_o those_o light_n and_o present_a advantage_n which_o we_o may_v at_o any_o time_n promise_v ourselves_o from_o our_o politic_a disobedience_n for_o whosoever_o by_o sinful_a mean_n will_v seek_v in_o perilous_a and_o persecute_v time_n such_o as_o those_o be_v to_o save_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n he_o shall_v certain_o lose_v it_o for_o ever_o in_o the_o next_o world_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o christ_n sake_n in_o take_v up_o that_o cross_n which_o be_v lay_v upon_o a_o christian_a profession_n and_o a_o christian_a practice_n that_o same_o man_n shall_v save_v and_o increase_v it_o eternal_o luk._n 9.23_o 24._o so_o that_o no_o danger_n in_o obedience_n can_v ever_o render_v it_o secure_v for_o any_o man_n to_o disobey_v but_o that_o which_o god_n indispensable_o exact_v of_o we_o in_o perilous_a case_n be_v this_o fear_v not_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n but_z after_o that_o be_v do_v have_v nothing_o more_o to_o fright_v you_o with_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o kill_v or_o so_o much_o as_o touch_v the_o soul_n but_o fear_v he_o who_o exact_v obedience_n of_o you_o even_o at_o such_o time_n as_o your_o body_n be_v like_a to_o perish_v for_o it_o for_o he_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v the_o body_n which_o be_v all_o that_o they_o can_v do_v be_v able_a eternal_o to_o destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n mat._n 10.28_o no_o danger_n then_o can_v make_v obedience_n cease_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n nor_o any_o suffering_n make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v our_o interest_n so_o that_o neither_o religion_n nor_o prudence_n will_v ever_o allow_v of_o sinful_a mean_n but_o every_o religious_a yea_o every_o wise_a man_n must_v take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o patient_o bear_v any_o suffering_n that_o come_v upon_o he_o for_o religion_n rather_o than_o use_v any_o breach_n of_o duty_n or_o unlawful_a way_n either_o to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v it_o and_o this_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o religious_a man_n always_o do_v for_o no_o danger_n or_o hazard_n no_o pain_n or_o suffering_n in_o obedience_n can_v ever_o draw_v they_o to_o seek_v for_o shelter_n by_o disobey_v david_n be_v try_v with_o hazard_n and_o persecution_n of_o all_o sort_n but_o neither_o sense_n of_o present_a nor_o fear_n of_o future_a evil_n can_v ever_o chase_v he_o from_o his_o duty_n or_o make_v he_o seek_v relief_n from_o iniquity_n and_o sin_n he_o can_v not_o be_v force_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o most_o apparent_a danger_n even_o of_o the_o most_o affect_a loss_n the_o loss_n of_o life_n itself_o the_o wicked_a say_v he_o have_v lay_v a_o snare_n for_o i_o yet_o i_o err_v not_o from_o thy_o precept_n my_o soul_n be_v continual_o in_o my_o hand_n ready_a to_o be_v snatch_v out_o of_o it_o yet_o do_v i_o not_o forget_v thy_o law_n psal._n 119.109_o 110._o he_o be_v not_o grieve_v or_o fright_v into_o it_o either_o by_o the_o pressure_n of_o his_o pain_n or_o by_o the_o number_n of_o his_o persecutor_n they_o have_v almost_o consume_v i_o upon_o earth_n but_o