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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n believe_v church_n doctrine_n 2,799 4 6.2435 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53569 Twenty sermons preached upon several occasions by William Owtram ...; Sermons. Selections Owtram, William, 1626-1679.; Gardiner, James, 1637-1705. 1682 (1682) Wing O604; ESTC R2857 194,637 508

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deny_v his_o providence_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o love_v or_o fear_v he_o that_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o obey_v he_o but_o be_v as_o we_o have_v now_o prove_v god_n do_v concern_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o our_o affair_n hence_o we_o learn_v to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o all_o our_o success_n and_o advantage_n and_o to_o render_v he_o hearty_a thanks_o for_o they_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o 1_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o they_o be_v word_n of_o god_n himself_o psalm_n 50.15_o wherein_o he_o require_v a_o double_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o providence_n first_o in_o make_v a_o address_n to_o he_o in_o all_o our_o difficulty_n strait_n and_o danger_n and_o then_o in_o the_o grateful_a return_n of_o praise_n for_o our_o deliverance_n out_o of_o trouble_n this_o he_o require_v as_o due_a unto_o he_o this_o he_o challenge_v as_o debt_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v 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against_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n of_o they_o they_o lead_v that_o be_v in_o case_n a_o private_a person_n judge_v it_o unlawful_a to_o break_v his_o faith_n to_o falsify_v promise_n to_o a_o heretic_n or_o to_o deprive_v he_o of_o life_n or_o fortune_n or_o reputation_n yet_o that_o he_o may_v still_o lawful_o do_v it_o if_o two_o or_o three_o of_o their_o guide_n and_o teacher_n nay_o if_o any_o one_o of_o they_o judge_v it_o lawful_a 3._o but_o than_o three_o they_o further_o teach_v that_o where_o there_o be_v any_o two_o opinion_n one_o less_o probable_a than_o another_o that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o guide_v his_o practice_n by_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v less_o probable_a so_o martial_a de_fw-fr prado_n conclude_v and_o abundance_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o he_o as_o guiman_n p._n 64._o saepe_fw-la in_o praxi_fw-la licitum_fw-la est_fw-la sequi_fw-la opinionem_fw-la minùs_fw-la probabilem_fw-la relictâ_fw-la probabiliori_fw-la it_o be_v often_o lawful_a in_o matter_n of_o practice_n to_o follow_v a_o less_o probable_a opinion_n forsake_v that_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o govern_v his_o life_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n but_o may_v very_o lawful_o do_v what_o be_v worse_o where_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v he_o may_v do_v better_o and_o be_v this_o for_o a_o man_n to_o guide_v his_o life_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n or_o that_o integrity_n that_o sincerity_n which_o true_a christianity_n require_v from_o we_o 4._o and_o yet_o i_o must_v add_v what_o be_v still_o worse_o for_o it_o be_v add_v upon_o this_o point_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o person_n to_o follow_v a_o less_o probable_a opinion_n rather_o than_o one_o that_o be_v more_o probable_a and_o that_o although_o the_o more_o probable_a
be_v also_o safe_a than_o the_o other_o and_o for_o this_o a_o author_n of_o that_o church_n cite_v the_o testimony_n of_o above_o forty_o of_o their_o doctor_n guimen_fw-la p._n 62_o 64._o and_o be_v this_o to_o teach_v like_o true_a and_o faithful_a guide_n of_o soul_n be_v this_o for_o man_n to_o behave_v themselves_o like_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o careful_a of_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n to_o give_v they_o licence_n to_o guide_v their_o life_n by_o such_o opinion_n as_o be_v not_o only_o less_o probable_a but_o less_o safe_a than_o the_o direct_a contrary_n be_v but_o these_o be_v the_o method_n these_o be_v the_o art_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o draw_v man_n in_o unto_o their_o church_n to_o allow_v they_o liberty_n to_o please_v themselves_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o please_a though_o least_o safe_a to_o gratify_v sinful_a inclination_n though_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o these_o liberty_n they_o fill_v their_o church_n with_o numerous_a proselyte_n and_o disciple_n and_o gain_v authority_n to_o themselves_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o foul_a action_n by_o teach_v they_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o their_o teacher_n though_o it_o seem_v false_a unto_o themselves_o which_o be_v to_o rob_v every_o private_a person_n of_o his_o conscience_n reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o follow_v other_o who_o as_o appear_v from_o these_o particular_n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o conscience_n in_o they_o 2._o add_v hereunto_o another_o principle_n teach_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n concern_v the_o rectify_v of_o the_o intention_n which_o be_v that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v material_o evil_a provide_v always_o that_o he_o direct_v the_o inward_a intention_n of_o his_o mind_n unto_o a_o good_a and_o a_o honest_a end_n as_o for_o example_n that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o smite_v with_o a_o sword_n where_o he_o have_v receive_v a_o blow_n with_o the_o hand_n and_o be_v secure_a from_o further_a prejudice_n provide_v he_o do_v it_o non_fw-la ad_fw-la sumendam_fw-la vindictam_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la vitandam_fw-la infamiam_fw-la guimen_fw-la pag._n 199_o 200._o that_o be_v to_o say_v not_o for_o revenge_n but_o to_o repair_v his_o reputation_n or_o as_o father_n escobar_n have_v express_v it_o letter_n provincial_a p._n 143._o one_o may_v lawful_o kill_v another_o who_o have_v give_v he_o a_o box_n on_o the_o ear_n though_o he_o run_v away_o for_o it_o provide_v he_o do_v it_o not_o out_o of_o hatred_n or_o revenge_n in_o short_a that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v any_o evil_n to_o he_o that_o have_v offer_v he_o a_o affront_n in_o case_n he_o do_v it_o not_o out_o of_o malice_n or_o to_o revenge_v himself_o upon_o he_o but_o only_o to_o repair_v his_o credit_n and_o defend_v his_o honour_n and_o reputation_n but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a and_o christian_a doctrine_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n mat._n 5.39_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o resist_v not_o evil_a but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o the_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o also_o that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o any_o injury_n pass_v upon_o thou_o leave_v thou_o secure_v of_o life_n and_o limb_n if_o it_o only_o touch_v thy_o reputation_n as_o this_o be_v measure_v among_o man_n by_o vulgar_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n do_v thou_o patient_o bear_v the_o injury_n and_o be_v content_a to_o expect_v a_o reward_n hereafter_o for_o it_o whatsoever_o become_v of_o thy_o reputation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v it_o be_v observe_v how_o the_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n loosen_v the_o reins_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n indulge_v their_o vain_a unchristian_a humour_n while_o they_o teach_v they_o to_o value_v their_o reputation_n and_o that_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o vulgar_a judge_n more_o than_o the_o very_a life_n of_o man_n while_o they_o allow_v they_o to_o preserve_v the_o esteem_n of_o vain_a man_n by_o the_o spill_n of_o their_o neighbour_n blood_n as_o though_o his_o life_n be_v of_o less_o value_n than_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o person_n two_o thing_n further_o i_o shall_v observe_v first_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o good_a intention_n justify_v action_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v in_o effect_n no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o do_v of_o evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v or_o of_o the_o use_n of_o evil_a mean_n for_o the_o attain_v a_o good_a end_n a_o doctrine_n most_o severe_o censure_v rom._n 3.8_o and_o then_o further_o that_o a_o good_a intention_n justify_v a_o indifferent_a action_n a_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o but_o never_o justify_v thing_n unlawful_a in_o these_o thing_n it_o have_v no_o place_n but_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n it_o have_v now_o then_o to_o conclude_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v see_v evil_a principle_n do_v not_o only_o leave_v we_o expose_v to_o sin_n but_o also_o encourage_v we_o thereunto_o see_v they_o expose_v we_o to_o death_n eternal_a by_o so_o do_v let_v we_o have_v a_o care_n of_o such_o person_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o teach_v and_o promote_v such_o principle_n let_v we_o be_v steadfast_a in_o that_o church_n where_o the_o save_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v faithful_o teach_v and_o offer_v to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o other_o certain_a help_n against_o the_o most_o pernicious_a evil_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o foul_a sin_n but_o firm_a principle_n faith_n and_o holiness_n assist_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o must_v preserve_v we_o against_o our_o natural_a inclination_n against_o our_o deprave_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o must_v secure_v we_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o recover_v we_o if_o we_o chance_v to_o fall_v through_o humane_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n he_o that_o commit_v a_o sin_n by_o principle_n have_v nothing_o to_o retrieve_v he_o from_o it_o and_o to_o recover_v he_o from_o his_o fall_n while_o such_o a_o principle_n remain_v in_o he_o but_o he_o that_o fall_v through_o inadvertency_n may_v be_v soon_o recover_v by_o good_a principle_n he_o will_v remember_v he_o have_v do_v amiss_o his_o conscience_n will_v check_v and_o smite_v he_o for_o it_o these_o check_n will_v send_v he_o to_o his_o prayer_n to_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o what_o be_v past_a and_o a_o great_a vigilance_n a_o great_a assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n for_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o recover_v he_o from_o his_o fall_n and_o restore_v he_o to_o his_o former_a station_n and_o therefore_o let_v it_o be_v our_o care_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o stable_a principle_n of_o integrity_n in_o doubtful_a case_n let_v we_o always_o follow_v the_o safe_a part_n and_o not_o do_v as_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n forsake_v a_o safe_a to_o follow_v a_o more_o unsafe_a opinion_n and_o where_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o do_v a_o thing_n let_v we_o not_o cheat_v our_o own_o reason_n with_o any_o deceitful_a art_n and_o reason_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o if_o we_o do_v this_o we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o guile_n and_o sophistry_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o may_v make_v the_o plain_a thing_n obscure_v but_o if_o we_o hearty_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o use_v no_o mean_n to_o contradict_v it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o faithful_a guide_n unto_o we_o in_o this_o life_n and_o so_o conduct_v we_o to_o life_n eternal_a how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v schism_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o they_o value_v themselves_o upon_o this_o account_n and_o believe_v themselves_o the_o only_a saint_n because_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n make_v that_o a_o character_n of_o religion_n which_o tend_v to_o its_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n the_o five_o sermon_n matth._n 16.18_o and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o the_o whole_a verse_n be_v thus_o and_o i_o say_v also_o unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o st_n peter_n have_v in_o the_o 16_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n make_v this_o confession_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o he_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n be_v in_o return_n for_o this_o confession_n first_o pronounce_v a_o bless_a person_n and_o then_o adorn_v with_o a_o excellent_a character_n by_o our_o saviour_n he_o be_v pronounce_v a_o bless_a person_n at_o the_o 17_o verse_n bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n bar-jona_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o
may_v serve_v a_o turn_n and_o put_v off_o a_o danger_n for_o the_o present_a but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o no_o policy_n no_o device_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n can_v ever_o lay_v any_o firm_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o settlement_n without_o the_o establishment_n of_o true_a religion_n both_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o god_n and_o man_n all_o other_o method_n whatsoever_o leave_v the_o foundation_n weak_a and_o ruinous_a though_o the_o superstructure_n may_v be_v specious_a and_o carry_v a_o face_n of_o strength_n and_o beauty_n he_o that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o now_o govern_v it_o by_o his_o providence_n have_v so_o contrive_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v firm_o settle_v without_o the_o practice_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n but_o may_v by_o these_o be_v strong_o settle_v as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v 1._o first_o of_o all_o the_o natural_a cause_n of_o peace_n and_o settlement_n 2._o and_o then_o second_o that_o they_o procure_v the_o especial_a aid_n of_o divine_a providence_n to_o give_v a_o great_a success_n to_o they_o to_o strengthen_v and_o render_v they_o more_o effectual_a 1._o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o former_a of_o these_o and_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o respect_v both_o god_n and_o man_n be_v a_o natural_a cause_n of_o peace_n and_o settlement_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o two_o respect_n 1._o as_o it_o render_v every_o person_n secure_a and_o easy_a in_o his_o station_n so_o it_o prevent_v intestine_a trouble_n and_o sedition_n 2._o as_o it_o produce_v strength_n so_o it_o secure_v from_o foreign_a enemy_n 1._o it_o render_v every_o person_n secure_a and_o easy_a in_o his_o station_n and_o so_o it_o prevent_v intestine_a trouble_n these_o arise_v from_o mutual_a injury_n and_o these_o injury_n from_o man_n unreasonable_a lust_n and_o passion_n which_o christianity_n will_v destroy_v from_o whence_o come_v war_n and_o fight_n among_o you_o come_v they_o not_o hence_o even_o from_o your_o lust_n that_o war_n in_o your_o member_n you_o lust_n and_o have_v not_o you_o kill_v and_o desire_v to_o have_v and_o can_v obtain_v you_o fight_v and_o war_n yet_o you_o have_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v not_o you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o that_o you_o way_n consume_v it_o upon_o your_o lust_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o judaize_v christian_n mingle_v with_o they_o who_o destroy_v and_o ruin_a one_o another_o by_o mutual_a slaughter_n among_o themselves_o arise_v from_o their_o inordinate_a lust_n they_o be_v full_a of_o avarice_n and_o sensuality_n swell_v with_o ambition_n and_o animosity_n and_o these_o create_v mutual_a injury_n and_o oppression_n and_o these_o oppression_n war_n and_o tumult_n among_o themselves_o but_o bless_a and_o happy_a be_v that_o people_n who_o unanimous_o live_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o practice_v justice_n and_o mutual_a charity_n among_o themselves_o they_o enjoy_v themselves_o and_o god_n blessing_n in_o peace_n and_o quiet_a neither_o design_v nor_o fear_v evil_a among_o themselves_o and_o this_o give_v settlement_n to_o the_o whole_a by_o the_o ease_n it_o give_v to_o every_o private_a and_o single_a person_n when_o no_o man_n be_v himself_o oppress_v nor_o have_v any_o desire_n to_o oppress_v another_o when_o every_o man_n be_v just_a to_o every_o other_o when_o charity_n be_v add_v unto_o justice_n and_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v not_o able_a to_o help_v themselves_o when_o every_o man_n find_v his_o life_n secure_a his_o fortune_n safe_a his_o name_n unblemished_a when_o he_o find_v that_o every_o man_n be_v his_o friend_n and_o himself_o be_v so_o to_o every_o other_o then_o be_v his_o condition_n easy_a to_o he_o and_o who_o will_v attempt_v to_o make_v a_o change_n to_o promote_v confusion_n and_o sedition_n when_o he_o find_v every_o man_n easy_a to_o he_o and_o himself_o easy_a unto_o himself_o nor_o will_v these_o error_n and_o mistake_n that_o will_v attend_v humane_a frailty_n while_o we_o continue_v here_o on_o earth_n considerable_o alter_v the_o case_n before_o we_o for_o the_o mutual_a mistake_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o arise_v mere_o from_o infirmity_n be_v neither_o wilful_a nor_o pernicious_a nor_o of_o long_a continuance_n and_o will_v ready_o be_v repair_v on_o one_o hand_n and_o easy_o pardon_v on_o the_o other_o if_o there_o be_v sincerity_n of_o religion_n although_o attend_v with_o imperfection_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o christianity_n be_v so_o practise_v as_o every_o man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o practice_v it_o even_o with_o the_o alloy_n of_o humane_a frailty_n and_o the_o disadvantage_n that_o attend_v it_o now_o if_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v contradict_v the_o consequence_n necessary_o must_v be_v this_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o love_n of_o righteousness_n the_o general_a practice_n of_o christianity_n will_v natural_o render_v every_o person_n easy_a both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o and_o give_v establishment_n to_o the_o time_n so_o far_o as_o this_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o prevent_v all_o intestine_a trouble_n 2._o let_v we_o add_v to_o this_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o it_o will_v also_o produce_v strength_n increase_v the_o power_n of_o any_o people_n and_o by_o so_o do_v great_o contribute_v to_o their_o security_n from_o foreign_a enemy_n strength_n most_o certain_o it_o will_v produce_v for_o it_o will_v unite_v man_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o band_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n it_o will_v give_v they_o confidence_n in_o one_o another_o it_o will_v animate_v they_o with_o the_o same_o mind_n diffuse_v the_o same_o spirit_n into_o they_o possess_v they_o all_o with_o a_o public_a spirit_n and_o join_v their_o counsel_n and_o endeavour_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o public_a welfare_n and_o will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o great_a security_n against_o all_o enemy_n from_o abroad_o nor_o will_v religion_n unite_v they_o only_o among_o themselves_o but_o it_o will_v also_o increase_v their_o treasure_n and_o make_v preparation_n of_o all_o those_o aid_n that_o public_a occasion_n may_v require_v for_o their_o defence_n against_o foreign_a enemy_n what_o have_v consume_v the_o wealth_n and_o treasure_n of_o this_o nation_n but_o pride_n and_o luxury_n and_o sensuality_n and_o what_o can_v increase_v the_o same_o again_o but_o the_o reformation_n of_o those_o vice_n by_o sobriety_n temperance_n and_o frugality_n which_o be_v as_o true_o christain_n virtue_n and_o as_o real_a part_n of_o true_a religion_n when_o practise_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o any_o other_o virtue_n whatsoever_o nor_o must_v i_o omit_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n what_o courage_n it_o will_v produce_v among_o we_o to_o find_v ourselves_o firm_o unite_v among_o ourselves_o to_o find_v our_o virtue_n increase_v our_o wealth_n and_o to_o give_v a_o sufficient_a stable_n fund_z to_o make_v preparation_n against_o a_o enemy_n and_o how_o will_v this_o courage_n be_v heighten_v if_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v a_o people_n fear_v god_n and_o love_a righteousness_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o assistance_n in_o all_o our_o strait_n that_o he_o will_v defend_v we_o against_o our_o enemy_n that_o he_o who_o be_v just_a and_o true_a and_o righteous_a will_v defend_v a_o just_a and_o a_o righteous_a people_n 2._o which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o second_o method_n whereby_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o whole_a extent_n to_o god_n and_o man_n will_v give_v stability_n to_o the_o time_n and_o that_o be_v by_o procure_v the_o aid_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o by_o engage_a the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o give_v security_n to_o that_o people_n by_o who_o he_o be_v faithful_o serve_v and_o honour_v the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v little_a else_o but_o a_o account_n how_o god_n almighty_a raise_v or_o depress_v bless_a or_o punish_v that_o people_n according_a to_o the_o various_a instance_n of_o their_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n when_o they_o provoke_v he_o to_o displeasure_n by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o life_n he_o forsake_v and_o abandon_v they_o to_o themselves_o when_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o humble_o return_v unto_o he_o again_o he_o then_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o enemy_n and_o that_o many_o time_n when_o their_o deliverance_n be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o second_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o very_a day_n of_o hezekiah_n which_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n have_v in_o his_o eye_n when_o he_o deliver_v the_o word_n before_o we_o salmanasar_n have_v not_o long_o before_o invade_v and_o conquer_v
1._o easie_n 2._o pleasant_n and_o 3._o fit_a to_o promote_v and_o serve_v those_o end_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v apt_a to_o propound_v unto_o themselves_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o make_v a_o outward_a show_n of_o piety_n while_o the_o lust_n be_v suffer_v to_o dwell_v within_o and_o man_n natural_o love_v their_o ease_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o content_v themselves_o with_o that_o which_o have_v a_o fair_a resemblance_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v favourable_a to_o the_o lust_n to_o love_v and_o embrace_v it_o on_o that_o account_n man_n never_o quarrel_v with_o religion_n till_o it_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o lust_n they_o use_v it_o as_o herod_n do_v the_o baptist_n speak_v it_o fair_a and_o treat_v it_o kind_o and_o bear_v fair_a regard_n to_o it_o while_o it_o be_v content_a to_o oblige_v no_o further_o than_o to_o some_o plausible_a outward_a action_n it_o be_v never_o difficult_a till_o it_o require_v they_o to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v the_o lust_n within_o and_o those_o peculiar_a lust_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v predominant_a in_o themselves_o till_o it_o demand_v a_o eye_n or_o a_o hand_n something_o that_o be_v dear_a or_o ufeful_a to_o they_o here_o it_o be_v that_o they_o forsake_v it_o and_o cast_v it_o off_o when_o it_o grow_v press_v and_o importunate_a in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o appetite_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o it_o will_v indulge_v the_o lust_n within_o if_o it_o will_v permit_v pride_n and_o avarice_n and_o animosity_n to_o dwell_v there_o and_o content_v itself_o to_o paint_v and_o gild_v the_o outward_a man_n if_o it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o these_o external_a show_n and_o action_n which_o be_v plausible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o thwart_v no_o secular_a end_n and_o interest_n no_o carnal_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n they_o be_v ready_a enough_o to_o entertain_v it_o now_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o hypocrisy_n it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o those_o thing_n this_o as_o i_o former_o show_v at_o large_a be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v confine_v it_o to_o outward_a action_n and_o further_a yet_o to_o those_o that_o make_v the_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n add_v hereto_o a_o due_a care_n to_o omit_v the_o evil_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_o and_o gross_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v excuse_v either_o by_o misinterpret_v the_o law_n or_o by_o blind_a the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o make_v their_o religion_n strange_o spread_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o through_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n we_o be_v all_o apt_a to_o study_v for_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n all_o mankind_n desire_v happiness_n but_o they_o desire_v it_o may_v cost_v they_o nothing_o to_o attain_v it_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o gnostic_n make_v it_o lawful_a to_o deny_v christ_n to_o abjure_v christianity_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o spiritual_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v glad_a to_o accommodate_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n not_o to_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n but_o to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o mankind_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o absolve_v from_o sin_n upon_o mere_a profession_n of_o repentance_n to_o promise_v forgiveness_n and_o life_n eternal_a to_o they_o that_o will_v undergo_v the_o penance_n although_o they_o will_v not_o forsake_v the_o sin_n a_o easy_a religion_n easy_o recommend_v itself_o to_o man_n acceptance_n and_o inclination_n such_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n such_o in_o truth_n be_v all_o hypocrisy_n and_o therefore_o scarce_o to_o be_v avoid_v without_o considerable_a care_n and_o diligence_n 2._o and_o second_o what_o be_v more_o considerable_a hypocrisy_n be_v not_o only_o a_o easy_a but_o a_o pleasant_a religion_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o exercise_v it_o elf_n in_o censure_v the_o vice_n scorn_v the_o person_n and_o oppose_v the_o religion_n of_o other_o man_n all_o which_o thing_n as_o they_o pass_v for_o religion_n with_o many_o man_n so_o be_v they_o so_o far_o from_o be_v troublesome_a that_o they_o be_v singular_a gratification_n to_o pride_n and_o envy_n and_o animosity_n 1._o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n that_o be_v hypocrisy_n much_o consist_v in_o censure_v the_o vice_n of_o other_o person_n they_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o every_o man_n life_n except_o their_o own_o they_o have_v a_o reproof_n for_o every_o man_n fault_n great_a or_o small_a while_o they_o be_v indulgent_a to_o themselves_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o every_o other_o man_n behaviour_n far_o more_o than_o in_o their_o own_o life_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o as_o i_o observe_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n that_o they_o lay_v heavy_a burden_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v on_o other_o man_n shoulder_n but_o that_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o move_v they_o with_o one_o of_o their_o finger_n matth._n 23.4_o he_o tell_v we_o how_o sharp_a and_o quick_a they_o be_v in_o espy_v a_o mote_n in_o their_o brother_n eye_n not_o consider_v the_o beam_n in_o their_o own_o matth._n 7.3_o which_o as_o it_o pass_v for_o religion_n among_o the_o man_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o use_v it_o so_o it_o be_v grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o natural_a passion_n of_o mankind_n it_o gratify_v pride_n and_o self-conceit_n it_o gratify_v anger_n and_o animosity_n it_o feed_v self-love_n with_o great_a content_n as_o make_v the_o person_n very_o think_v that_o he_o himself_o have_v a_o detestation_n unto_o evil_n because_o he_o censure_v it_o in_o other_o person_n how_o eloquent_a and_o how_o free_a of_o speech_n be_v those_o man_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o condemn_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o person_n how_o do_v the_o word_n gush_v like_o water_n from_o a_o fountain_n what_o heat_n what_o warmth_n what_o zeal_n and_o passion_n may_v you_o discover_v in_o their_o language_n and_o whence_o do_v all_o this_o rhetoric_n flow_v what_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o this_o eloquence_n but_o the_o pleasure_n they_o take_v in_o the_o reproof_n in_o the_o rebuke_n of_o their_o neighbour_n sin_n so_o pleasant_a be_v it_o and_o delightful_a to_o censure_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n 2._o add_v hereunto_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n very_o grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o sinful_a passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o lie_v not_o only_o in_o censure_v the_o fault_n but_o deride_v the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o much_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n how_o much_o our_o very_a lord_n himself_o be_v scorn_v and_o deride_v by_o the_o pharisee_n but_o that_o which_o i_o now_o observe_v be_v this_o that_o it_o pass_v for_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n among_o some_o person_n to_o speak_v contemptuous_o of_o other_o man_n to_o scorn_v a_o priest_n to_o deride_v a_o bishop_n to_o mock_v and_o scorn_v a_o whole_a profession_n be_v judge_v by_o some_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o invent_v opprobrious_a name_n and_o fable_n to_o forge_v to_o receive_v and_o spread_v report_n false_a and_o scandalous_a and_o disgraceful_a concern_v their_o person_n and_o their_o life_n be_v now_o become_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n with_o many_o man_n they_o do_v not_o only_o not_o accuse_v themselves_o for_o this_o but_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o it_o they_o do_v noton_o not_o believe_v themselves_o the_o worse_a but_o better_a man_n for_o so_o do_v this_o be_v their_o religion_n this_o be_v their_o piety_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o prize_v and_o value_v themselves_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v deny_v this_o they_o will_v have_v very_o little_a to_o say_v little_a to_o plead_v for_o their_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n at_o all_o if_o you_o shall_v strip_v they_o of_o their_o zeal_n in_o scorn_v those_o they_o ought_v to_o value_v if_o you_o shall_v quench_v all_o that_o heat_n that_o appear_v in_o anger_n and_o animosity_n against_o the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n if_o you_o shall_v require_v what_o god_n do_v what_o be_v command_v in_o the_o gosspel_n to_o show_v their_o religion_n in_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o christian_a charity_n in_o patience_n gentleness_n and_o humility_n in_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v rom._n 14.17_o you_o will_v find_v they_o far_o from_o be_v that_o which_o they_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v namely_o true_a and_o real_a christian_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v it_o be_v so_o pleasant_a be_v it_o be_v so_o grateful_a
to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o to_o the_o animosity_n which_o they_o have_v against_o the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n to_o brand_v they_o with_o opprobrious_a name_n to_o pour_v contempt_n and_o scorn_n upon_o they_o and_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v religion_n so_o to_o do_v i_o think_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o beware_v of_o such_o a_o dangerous_a vice_n as_o this_o which_o turn_v a_o sin_n into_o religion_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n make_v religion_n a_o contradiction_n unto_o itself_o 3._o one_o thing_n more_o i_o must_v further_o add_v to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o this_o point_n which_o be_v the_o delight_n that_o a_o man_n may_v take_v either_o in_o the_o oppose_a or_o deride_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o other_o person_n and_o the_o great_a opinion_n which_o he_o may_v have_v of_o himself_o for_o this_o which_o yet_o can_v give_v he_o no_o assurance_n that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o hypocrite_n in_o so_o do_v i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o sharp_a and_o eager_a strife_n be_v raise_v about_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n i_o need_v not_o show_v what_o fierce_a debate_n what_o hot_a contention_n there_o be_v about_o it_o and_o have_v be_v in_o all_o former_a age_n these_o be_v know_v and_o evident_a thing_n but_o that_o which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v that_o the_o zeal_n that_o many_o man_n have_v in_o these_o dispute_v be_v rather_o to_o destroy_v the_o religion_n that_o be_v profess_v by_o other_o person_n than_o set_v up_o another_o instead_o thereof_o it_o be_v to_o subvert_v and_o not_o to_o reform_v it_o be_v to_o overthrow_v and_o not_o amend_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v it_o be_v concern_v about_o religion_n and_o be_v it_o have_v a_o mighty_a passion_n in_o this_o concern_n it_o pass_v for_o religion_n itself_o so_o apt_a be_v man_n to_o mistake_v they_o to_o embrace_v a_o shadow_n instead_o of_o truth_n and_o to_o judge_v themselves_o to_o be_v religious_a for_o a_o negative_a not_o a_o positive_a thing_n for_o be_v against_o the_o religion_n of_o other_o rather_o than_o for_o any_o of_o their_o own_o wherein_o they_o gratify_v their_o own_o passion_n please_v their_o own_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o so_o easy_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o 3._o but_o than_o three_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o as_o hypocrisy_n be_v not_o only_o a_o easy_a religion_n but_o also_o pleasant_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o many_o instance_n and_o effect_n so_o that_o it_o also_o powerful_o tend_v to_o serve_v those_o end_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o propound_v and_o follow_v that_o be_v to_o say_v 1._o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v true_o pious_a 2._o and_o the_o obtain_n of_o wealth_n and_o power_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n 1._o the_o appearance_n of_o religion_n destitute_a of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o do_v for_o a_o time_n gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o true_a religion_n nay_o more_o reputation_n for_o the_o most_o part_n than_o true_a religion_n itself_o obtain_v our_o saviour_n relate_v how_o the_o pharisee_n give_v alm_n to_o gain_v the_o glory_n of_o man_n present_o add_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n matt._n 6.2_o relate_v how_o they_o pray_v in_o the_o street_n to_o the_o same_o end_n add_v the_o very_a same_o word_n again_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n v._o 5._o relate_v how_o they_o disfigure_v their_o face_n when_o they_o fast_v that_o they_o may_v appear_v to_o man_n to_o fast_o add_v the_o very_a same_o word_n again_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n v._o 16._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o gain_v that_o glory_n which_o they_o seek_v they_o be_v esteem_v as_o they_o desire_v the_o best_a and_o strict_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n st_n paul_n suggest_v when_o he_o call_v this_o very_a sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n the_o strict_a sect_n of_o their_o religion_n act_v 26.5_o when_o he_o report_v that_o they_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o perfect_a manner_n of_o the_o law_n act_v 22.3_o for_o here_o he_o design_v not_o to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v so_o indeed_o but_o that_o it_o be_v common_o judge_v to_o be_v so_o so_o great_a be_v their_o credit_n among_o the_o people_n that_o when_o six_o thousand_o of_o they_o refuse_v to_o do_v what_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n do_v swear_v allegiance_n unto_o caesar_n and_o be_v fine_v for_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v the_o wife_n of_o pherotas_n a_o rich_a man_n out_o of_o the_o great_a opinion_n she_o have_v of_o their_o singular_a piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v ready_a to_o pay_v the_o fine_a for_o they_o she_o pay_v it_o and_o be_v applaud_v for_o it_o nay_o flatter_v with_o hope_n of_o the_o very_a kingdom_n they_o tell_v her_o god_n himself_o have_v decree_v that_o she_o and_o her_o husband_n and_o their_o issue_n shall_v have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v assure_v they_o of_o it_o in_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o he_o and_o this_o their_o prophecy_n be_v believe_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o great_a reputation_n of_o their_o piety_n joseph_n amiqu_fw-fr lib._n 10._o cap._n 3._o nor_o must_v you_o think_v it_o a_o strange_a thing_n that_o hypocrisy_n shall_v gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o true_a religion_n for_o i_o must_v faith_fw-mi something_a stranger_n still_o namely_o that_o it_o often_o gain_v a_o great_a credit_n and_o reputation_n at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n than_o true_a religion_n itself_o obtain_v the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a for_o the_o hypocrite_n make_v it_o his_o very_a business_n to_o appear_v in_o the_o visible_a show_n of_o piety_n take_v care_n that_o every_o religious_a action_n appear_v to_o the_o eye_n or_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n so_o do_v the_o pharisee_n give_v their_o alm_n so_o do_v they_o order_v their_o prayer_n and_o fast_n that_o the_o world_n may_v observe_v and_o understand_v they_o whereas_o the_o sincere_a and_o true_a christian_a think_v it_o enough_o to_o approve_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o private_a and_o take_v no_o thought_n how_o to_o commend_v himself_o to_o man_n further_o than_o by_o avoid_v scandal_n and_o by_o a_o true_a and_o unaffected_a discharge_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n without_o the_o circumstance_n of_o pomp_n and_o show_n of_o much_o appearance_n in_o so_o do_v the_o hypocrite_n again_o pretend_v to_o the_o very_a height_n of_o piety_n to_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o perfection_n the_o upright_a person_n pretend_v no_o more_o than_o he_o have_v real_o attain_v unto_o the_o hypocrite_n make_v it_o his_o great_a business_n to_o be_v always_o speak_v of_o religion_n in_o every_o place_n in_o every_o company_n at_o all_o time_n upon_o all_o occasion_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o unseasonable_a the_o upright_a person_n content_v himself_o to_o give_v religion_n its_o due_a place_n to_o take_v convenient_a opportunity_n to_o mention_v propagate_v and_o promote_v it_o the_o hypocrite_n make_v it_o his_o design_n to_o show_v a_o singular_a zeal_n and_o fervour_n for_o the_o small_a thing_n that_o relate_v to_o religion_n nay_o thing_n of_o no_o concernment_n in_o it_o the_o upright_a person_n be_v more_o modest_a lay_v no_o more_o of_o stress_n on_o thing_n than_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n require_v by_o all_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o reputation_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n sometime_o far_o exceed_v that_o of_o true_a and_o wise_a and_o sober_a christian_n which_o as_o it_o may_v press_v a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o bewitch_v and_o draw_v man_n to_o that_o sin_n so_o shall_v it_o move_v to_o the_o great_a watchfulness_n the_o great_a diligence_n to_o avoid_v it_o 2._o but_o than_o second_o as_o hypocrisy_n often_o gain_v the_o credit_n of_o true_a religion_n nay_o more_o than_o that_o itself_o can_v gain_v in_o the_o general_a blindness_n of_o mankind_n so_o do_v it_o most_o effectual_o serve_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o other_o end_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v namely_o the_o gain_n of_o wealth_n and_o power_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o make_v any_o stay_n upon_o mean_a person_n who_o yet_o general_o find_v it_o useful_a for_o their_o advantage_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o great_a piety_n than_o they_o be_v real_o possessor_n of_o but_o i_o shall_v observe_v to_o what_o degree_n of_o power_n and_o honour_v the_o pharisee_n do_v advance_v themselves_o by_o their_o pretence_n to_o great_a exactness_n in_o religion_n than_o other_o faction_n among_o the_o jew_n josephus_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o sect_n
christ_n law_n pass_v with_o god_n for_o righteous_a person_n these_o thing_n explain_v i_o shall_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n from_o the_o word_n before_o we_o 1._o that_o man_n may_v imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v righteous_a person_n in_o god_n eye_n to_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o he_o though_o they_o live_v impure_a and_o unrighteous_a life_n although_o they_o do_v not_o do_v righteousness_n else_o this_o caution_n have_v be_v useless_a so_o it_o have_v be_v have_v it_o be_v a_o caution_n against_o a_o error_n that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v fall_v into_o 2._o that_o this_o imagination_n be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o dangerous_a error_n so_o do_v the_o word_n themselves_o suggest_v he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n that_o be_v he_o and_o be_v only_o that_o be_v righteous_a even_o as_o christ_n be_v righteous_a not_o that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v so_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n with_o christ_n himself_o nor_o by_o his_o own_o desert_n and_o merit_n gain_v the_o favour_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o gain_v it_o without_o be_v real_o just_a and_o righteous_a as_o christ_n be_v perfect_o and_o full_o so_o first_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v that_o man_n imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v righteous_a person_n in_o god_n account_n to_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o he_o though_o they_o live_v in_o habitual_a disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o which_o point_n 1._o i_o shall_v first_o prove_v that_o this_o may_v be_v so_o 2._o and_o then_o second_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o rise_n or_o occasion_n of_o this_o error_n 3._o and_o last_o reflect_v upon_o the_o whole_a by_o way_n of_o inference_n or_o application_n and_o for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o error_n as_o this_o which_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v to_o you_o plain_o appear_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n plain_o appear_v 1._o from_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o some_o 2._o and_o second_o from_o the_o life_n of_o other_o 1._o there_o be_v some_o who_o open_o profess_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v from_o we_o to_o recommend_v we_o to_o god_n favour_n no_o condition_n on_o our_o part_n to_o gain_v acceptance_n and_o grace_n with_o he_o they_o own_v no_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o we_o but_o only_o one_o between_o god_n and_o christ_n this_o say_v they_o christ_n have_v perform_v and_o so_o reconcile_v we_o unto_o god_n without_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o condition_n on_o our_o part_n see_v saltm_n flow_n etc._n etc._n p._n 152._o wherein_o they_o palpable_o contradict_v the_o whole_a strain_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o its_o command_n threat_n and_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o the_o vow_n make_v in_o baptism_n whereby_o we_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n himself_o and_o promise_v sincere_a obedience_n to_o he_o these_o be_v they_o who_o be_v common_o style_v the_o antinomian_o which_o be_v a_o sect_n once_o very_o numerous_a in_o this_o nation_n but_o be_v now_o become_v either_o less_o numerous_a or_o more_o silent_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o this_o time_n make_v any_o long_o stay_v upon_o they_o 2._o but_o proceed_v to_o those_o who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o in_o word_n profess_v that_o man_n may_v be_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o due_o hope_v for_o life_n eternal_a though_o they_o live_v in_o habitual_a contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o christianity_n yet_o live_v as_o man_n who_o so_o believe_v and_o consequent_o may_v be_v due_o judge_v to_o cherish_v such_o a_o belief_n as_o this_o and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v divers_a and_o several_a sort_n 1._o those_o who_o profess_v or_o not_o deny_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o have_v no_o care_n no_o concernment_n for_o religion_n in_o any_o instance_n of_o their_o life_n live_v as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o all_o contradiction_n to_o its_o law_n such_o there_o be_v in_o st_n paul_n day_n as_o you_o may_v see_v phil._n 3.18_o many_o walk_v of_o who_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o often_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o croft_a of_o christ_n who_o end_n be_v destruction_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n and_o who_o glory_n be_v their_o shame_n who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n yet_o these_o very_a person_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n and_o to_o believe_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o they_o do_v so_o do_v many_o in_o our_o day_n they_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n they_o profess_v the_o hope_n of_o life_n eternal_a declare_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o they_o live_v in_o habitual_a and_o wilful_a disobedience_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n and_o institution_n which_o the_o same_o gospel_n have_v prescribe_v now_o how_o can_v these_o thing_n consist_v together_o how_o can_v they_o possible_o be_v reconcile_v unless_o these_o person_n judge_v themselves_o in_o god_n favour_n though_o they_o live_v in_o such_o disobedience_n to_o he_o can_v man_n neglect_v all_o the_o law_n all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v they_o promise_v themselves_o the_o remission_n of_o fin_n and_o eternal_a life_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o this_o neglect_n do_v they_o not_o judge_v that_o they_o may_v gain_v remission_n of_o fin_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o life_n or_o else_o at_o least_o not_o judge_v the_o contrary_a they_o do_v profess_v as_o i_o say_v before_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n salvation_n promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o give_v no_o sign_n of_o doubt_n or_o fear_v of_o fall_v short_a of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n they_o pass_v their_o day_n in_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n they_o enjoy_v the_o world_n they_o enjoy_v themselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n which_o show_v they_o have_v in_o their_o own_o thought_n reconcile_v the_o hope_n of_o future_a happiness_n with_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o sin_n 2._o another_o fort_n there_o be_v who_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v some_o concernment_n for_o religion_n yet_o whole_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o they_o spend_v their_o time_n either_o in_o speculation_n of_o thing_n remote_a from_o life_n and_o practice_n or_o in_o mere_a dispute_n about_o the_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o practice_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o own_o life_n be_v little_o better_o than_o they_o who_o neglect_v all_o religion_n they_o be_v not_o more_o careful_a of_o truth_n and_o justice_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n in_o their_o life_n than_o other_o person_n the_o same_o temptation_n that_o sway_v the_o affection_n and_o vitiate_v the_o life_n of_o other_o man_n do_v also_o sway_v and_o vitiate_v they_o they_o love_v the_o wealth_n and_o power_n and_o honour_n all_o the_o pleasure_n all_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n as_o much_o as_o they_o who_o love_v they_o most_o nor_o do_v they_o forbear_v to_o use_v any_o of_o the_o same_o method_n the_o same_o forbid_a art_n and_o way_n to_o attain_v their_o end_n that_o be_v use_v by_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o person_n they_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o speculation_n of_o useless_a notion_n or_o spend_v their_o zeal_n in_o mere_a dispute_n or_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o life_n of_o other_o but_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reform_v themselves_o yet_o all_o this_o while_o believe_v extreme_o well_o of_o themselves_o assure_v themselves_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o of_o his_o singular_a love_n to_o they_o which_o show_v they_o presume_v upon_o his_o favour_n though_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n 3._o there_o be_v some_o other_o person_n who_o proceed_v indeed_o a_o step_n further_o but_o not_o so_o far_o as_o a_o christian_a life_n who_o yet_o full_o allure_v themselves_o of_o be_v righteous_a in_o god_n account_n and_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n these_o be_v they_o who_o confess_v their_o fin_n and_o possible_o with_o bitter_a lamentation_n and_o with_o great_a accusation_n of_o themselves_o as_o in_o truth_n we_o have_v ail_v reason_n to_o do_v but_o when_o they_o have_v do_v take_v no_o care_n to_o amend_v and_o reform_v those_o very_a sin_n which_o they_o confess_v with_o so_o much_o passion_n and_o such_o invective_n against_o themselves_o or_o if_o they_o proceed_v a_o little_a further_o it_o be_v but_o to_o some_o ineffectual_a purpose_n faint_a resolution_n of_o reformation_n which_o never_o come_v to_o effect_v or_o issue_n they_o take_v the_o design_n for_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o resolution_n of_o reformation_n for_o the_o very_a repentance_n god_n require_v the_o former_a of_o these_o namely_o the_o resolution_n of_o reformation_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o