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this_o also_o be_v no_o more_o than_o insinuate_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n therefore_o i_o shall_v insist_v no_o long_o upon_o it_o though_o so_o plain_o hint_v that_o i_o can_v not_o altogether_o pass_v it_o by_o 3._o these_o word_n do_v express_o declare_v that_o some_o doctrine_n there_o be_v which_o be_v fundamental_a to_o religion_n i._n e._n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o without_o the_o belief_n whereof_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v induce_v to_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n whereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v as_o full_o and_o distinct_o as_o i_o can_v show_v from_o the_o text_n what_o these_o fundamental_a doctrine_n be_v in_o the_o assent_n whereunto_o or_o the_o persuasion_n whereof_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v do_v 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those_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o great_a artist_n what_o shall_v i_o then_o say_v of_o the_o earth_n that_o bear_v i_o and_o nourish_v i_o of_o the_o air_n that_o be_v extend_v for_o i_o to_o breath_n in_o of_o the_o cloud_n that_o drop_v their_o fatness_n upon_o i_o of_o the_o heaven_n that_o cherish_v i_o of_o the_o sun_n that_o divide_v the_o day_n and_o night_n and_o give_v light_a and_o heat_n to_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o ornament_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o what_o of_o myself_o who_o be_o endue_v with_o a_o body_n of_o wonderful_a contrivance_n and_o with_o those_o great_a privilege_n of_o reason_n will_n and_o understanding_n be_v all_o these_o thing_n too_o without_o a_o artist_n that_o make_v they_o thus_o no_o madness_n be_v comparable_a to_o the_o but_o doubt_v that_o they_o be_v he_o that_o do_v so_o must_v either_o want_v his_o sense_n or_o his_o soul_n he_o must_v either_o deny_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v what_o he_o see_v they_o effect_n of_o 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and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o he_o that_o can_v be_v a_o obstinate_a atheist_n against_o they_o will_v also_o if_o it_o be_v for_o for_o his_o interest_n deny_v that_o three_o and_o three_o be_v six_o or_o contradict_v the_o plain_a proposition_n in_o mathematics_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o work_n of_o god_n i_o will_v rather_o choose_v if_o there_o be_v any_o choice_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o believe_v all_o the_o tale_n of_o the_o roman_a legend_n as_o my_o lord_n bacon_n observe_v and_o i_o add_v though_o transubstantiation_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o scale_n than_o believe_v that_o this_o great_a body_n be_v without_o a_o mind_n that_o inform_v it_o and_o thus_o at_o last_o i_o have_v say_v something_o more_o than_o i_o intend_v upon_o the_o first_o doctrine_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v true_a by_o natural_a reason_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_a to_o be_v prove_v for_o we_o can_v prove_v 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worship_n viz._n all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o moral_a goodness_n such_o as_o justice_n and_o mercy_n fidelity_n and_o truth_n meekness_n and_o patience_n sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o it_o be_v true_a of_o these_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o of_o worship_n that_o without_o faith_n they_o can_v be_v perform_v because_o they_o be_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n be_v please_v withal_o and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o general_a that_o without_o faith_n we_o can_v please_v he_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o understand_v the_o phrase_n of_o please_a god_n when_o the_o apostle_n say_v without_o faith_n we_o can_v please_v he_o viz._n without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n more_o distinct_o thus_o without_o faith_n a_o man_n can_v love_v god_n or_o fear_v he_o or_o trust_v in_o he_o or_o obey_v he_o or_o honour_v he_o in_o his_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n nor_o can_v 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of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o to_o believe_v therefore_o or_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o that_o faith_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o consequent_o by_o faith_n be_v here_o mean_v in_o general_a a_o persuasion_n concern_v any_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n that_o it_o be_v true_a 2._o by_o consequence_n also_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o must_v believe_v if_o we_o will_v please_v god_n we_o find_v more_o particular_o that_o the_o faith_n without_o which_o we_o can_v please_v god_n be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o be_v proper_a argument_n and_o motive_n induce_v a_o man_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v for_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o plain_o it_o be_v that_o to_o believe_v 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believe_v the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o worship_n and_o virtue_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n without_o this_o belief_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n but_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o belief_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n necessary_a that_o the_o former_a be_v because_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o that_o man_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v bare_o possible_a he_o may_v worship_n god_n upon_o a_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o bare_a hope_n that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n etc._n etc._n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o woeful_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o power_n of_o those_o temptation_n we_o be_v under_o it_o be_v so_o utter_o improbable_a that_o without_o this_o belief_n man_n shall_v set_v themselves_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n that_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o speak_v it_o may_v be_v rank_v with_o thing_n impossible_a so_o that_o i_o do_v thus_o understand_v the_o apostle_n as_o to_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v the_o impossibility_n of_o please_a god_n without_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o sort_n he_o have_v give_v we_o one_o instance_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o also_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o worker_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o sort_n he_o have_v also_o give_v we_o one_o instance_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o thus_o i_o have_v by_o compare_v one_o part_n of_o the_o text_n with_o another_o give_v you_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o as_o i_o hope_v with_o great_a clearness_n of_o truth_n and_o plainness_n of_o word_n and_o according_a to_o this_o explanation_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n may_v be_v interpret_v according_a to_o this_o paraphrase_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o some_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v proper_a and_o suitable_a motive_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n wherewith_o god_n be_v please_v it_o be_v impossible_a any_o man_n shall_v fear_v god_n and_o work_n righteousness_n for_o some_o doctrine_n there_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v find_v himself_o oblige_v thereto_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o doctrine_n some_o doctrine_n also_o there_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n thereunto_o that_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o no_o man_n find_v himself_o encourage_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n for_o instance_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o he_o will_v not_o be_v please_v with_o we_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n without_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o if_o
can_v be_v think_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v for_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o four_o head_n of_o discourse_n whereof_o the_o 1._o shall_v be_v to_o inquire_v what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v which_o be_v fundamental_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n 2._o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o doctrine_n be_v a_o adequate_a or_o sufficient_a foundation_n thereof_o or_o inducement_n thereto_o 3._o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o other_o doctrine_n in_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o why_o they_o be_v necessary_a 4._o to_o apply_v the_o whole_a discourse_n by_o a_o exhortation_n to_o add_v unto_o faith_n virtue_n and_o that_o life_n wherewith_o god_n be_v please_v 1._o i_o be_o to_o show_v what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v which_o be_v fundamental_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n before_o i_o attempt_v the_o performance_n whereof_o it_o will_v be_v 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but_o through_o revelation_n the_o belief_n therefore_o of_o this_o truth_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o such_o man_n as_o we_o be_v if_o we_o diligent_o seek_v he_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o doctrine_n that_o belong_v to_o reveal_v religion_n it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v remember_v by_o we_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v instance_n in_o this_o proposition_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o behalf_n of_o all_o other_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o be_v of_o like_a necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v with_o it_o likewise_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v instance_n in_o this_o proposition_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o in_o behalf_n of_o all_o other_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o be_v of_o like_a necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v with_o that_o it_o deserve_v also_o our_o notice_n that_o the_o proposition_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o the_o apostle_n instance_n in_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o religion_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v first_o of_o all_o that_o also_o the_o proposition_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o he_o instance_n in_o be_v the_o last_o principle_n that_o make_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o its_o place_n so_o that_o all_o the_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v fundamental_a to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n lie_v between_o these_o two_o viz._n the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o last_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n my_o business_n be_v to_o show_v what_o those_o principle_n be_v which_o lie_v between_o the_o low_a and_o high_a part_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o they_o be_v discoverable_a what_o they_o be_v by_o show_v what_o be_v of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v with_o these_o doctrine_n in_o order_n to_o the_o induce_n of_o man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n 1._o i_o shall_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n show_v what_o doctrine_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o worship_n and_o virtue_n 2._o according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n what_o those_o reveal_v doctrine_n be_v which_o be_v of_o like_a necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v for_o the_o same_o end_n the_o doctrine_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o be_v here_o instance_a in_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n 3._o that_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v wherewith_o god_n be_v please_v and_o some_o wherewith_o he_o be_v offend_v now_o concern_v all_o these_o principle_n i_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v spare_v it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n together_o from_o which_o result_v the_o necessary_a obligation_n of_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n so_o that_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o cease_v all_o sense_n of_o obligation_n to_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a practice_n must_v withal_o fail_v and_o perish_v some_o there_o be_v which_o add_v unto_o this_o foundation_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v but_o unfit_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o the_o belief_n hereof_o be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n necessary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v please_v to_o god_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o forementioned_a thing_n for_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o a_o uncertain_a hope_n of_o a_o future_a life_n but_o firm_o believe_v the_o other_o truth_n it_o be_v bare_o possible_a that_o by_o the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n of_o such_o belief_n join_v with_o such_o a_o hope_n he_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v
a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o but_o from_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o arise_v a_o full_a obligation_n to_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o alas_o such_o be_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n our_o propensity_n to_o wickedness_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n that_o if_o we_o believe_v no_o other_o motive_n beside_o these_o in_o order_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o effect_n upon_o we_o we_o know_v we_o be_v sinner_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o justify_v our_o continuance_n in_o sin_n by_o pretend_v that_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o god_n will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n we_o know_v our_o best_a action_n be_v imperfect_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o question_v whether_o god_n will_v accept_v what_o we_o can_v do_v and_o make_v that_o a_o pretence_n of_o neglect_v to_o do_v what_o we_o may_v we_o know_v our_o own_o frailty_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o shall_v in_o all_o likelihood_n deliver_v ourselves_o from_o all_o care_n of_o please_a god_n under_o colour_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o perform_v it_o by_o humane_a endeavour_n we_o know_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n be_v present_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o question_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v any_o thing_n better_o if_o we_o shall_v forego_v they_o when_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n require_v it_o it_o have_v please_v therefore_o the_o alwise_a and_o all-good_a god_n out_o of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o sinner_n to_o remove_v all_o these_o hindrance_n and_o by_o revelation_n to_o supply_v all_o these_o defect_n and_o satisfy_v we_o concern_v all_o these_o doubt_n viz._n by_o add_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n these_o follow_a motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n 1._o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o those_o that_o repent_v 2._o that_o he_o will_v accept_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o 3._o that_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v assist_v we_o in_o they_o and_o 4._o that_o he_o will_v at_o last_o reward_v we_o for_o they_o all_o which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o make_v up_o the_o entire_a foundation_n of_o faith_n have_v all_o their_o dependence_n upon_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o three_o sermon_n heb._n xi_o 6._o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_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 i_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v fundamental_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n those_o be_v such_o which_o be_v immediate_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o remove_n or_o subvert_v of_o those_o doubt_n which_o will_v hinder_v man_n from_o the_o care_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n notwithstanding_o their_o belief_n of_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v this_o man_n lie_v under_o a_o very_a powerful_a obligation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o worship_n and_o virtue_n and_o if_o the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o motive_n be_v not_o subvert_v by_o other_o principle_n destructive_a of_o all_o care_n to_o please_v god_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o man_n who_o believe_v thus_o much_o shall_v indeed_o be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n but_o if_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o man_n be_v through_o the_o sad_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n extreme_o averse_a from_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o prone_a to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a even_o all_o mankind_n more_o or_o less_o and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o all_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n if_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o there_o be_v several_a question_n in_o religion_n which_o unless_o they_o be_v satisfy_v the_o doubt_v of_o they_o will_v afford_v so_o many_o pretence_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o care_n to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o godly_a and_o that_o these_o question_n can_v be_v satisfy_v nor_o consequent_o the_o doubt_n remove_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o principle_n though_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a evil_a state_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o constrain_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o must_v be_v assist_v and_o strengthen_v by_o such_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o will_v whole_o remove_v all_o those_o pretence_n which_o will_v be_v allege_v in_o behalf_n of_o a_o ungodly_a vicious_a life_n it_o may_v be_v pretend_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n and_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v please_v and_o other_o displease_v to_o he_o that_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v become_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a because_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o sinner_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v whether_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o without_o which_o it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o his_o advantage_n to_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o for_o the_o future_a clear_v it_o be_v by_o natural_a light_n that_o god_n be_v a_o hater_n of_o sin_n but_o whether_o he_o will_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n depend_v mere_o upon_o his_o freewill_n the_o belief_n thereof_o must_v necessary_o depend_v upon_o revelation_n almighty_a god_n have_v by_o revelation_n make_v know_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o repentance_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o be_v fundamental_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o repentance_n but_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n i._n e._n one_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o may_v further_o be_v allege_v that_o though_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v he_o all_o his_o past_a sin_n upon_o his_o return_n to_o obedience_n yet_o he_o be_v ignorant_a what_o degree_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v with_o which_o god_n will_v be_v please_v for_o the_o future_a a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a righteousness_n he_o know_v no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o arrive_v unto_o in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n and_o whether_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v consider_v all_o our_o evil_a circumstance_n we_o can_v know_v unless_o he_o be_v please_v to_o inform_v we_o that_o he_o will_v almighty_a god_n have_v therefore_o by_o revelation_n make_v know_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o second_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o a_o good_a life_n be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o consider_v the_o great_a temptatation_n we_o be_v beset_v withal_o the_o natural_a aversation_n in_o we_o to_o good_a and_o propensity_n to_o evil_n the_o bad_a example_n of_o the_o world_n the_o power_n of_o custom_n the_o prevelancy_n of_o passion_n the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v further_a questionable_a whether_o humane_a endeavour_n can_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n which_o may_v just_o be_v call_v sincerity_n in_o do_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o that_o righteousness_n be_v impossible_a to_o we_o in_o our_o present_a circumstance_n without_o which_o god_n will_v not_o be_v please_v with_o we_o there_o be_v but_o little_a comfort_n in_o the_o belief_n that_o he_o will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o repentance_n and_o accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v but_o weak_a motive_n to_o those_o endeavour_n almighty_a god_n therefore_o to_o encourage_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o our_o own_o frailty_n and_o the_o temptatation_n of_o this_o world_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o a_o manner_n and_o measure_n proportionable_a to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o
godly_a life_n because_o there_o be_v many_o man_n of_o clear_a and_o active_a thought_n and_o conversant_a in_o the_o study_n of_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o confuse_a and_o indeterminate_a persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a by_o experience_n that_o some_o such_o do_v retain_v the_o faith_n but_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n consist_v viz._n 3._o the_o permanence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o constancy_n of_o frequent_a consideration_n upon_o what_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n that_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v needful_a and_o apprehend_v they_o distinct_o and_o particular_o and_o with_o application_n to_o himself_o but_o likewise_o by_o very_a much_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v make_v they_o present_a and_o habitual_a to_o himself_o and_o of_o such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v under_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o faith_n and_o he_o it_o be_v that_o overcome_v the_o world_n for_o such_o a_o believer_n have_v two_o advantage_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o make_v he_o a_o good_a man_n 1._o his_o persuasion_n or_o his_o faith_n be_v present_a to_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o most_o need_v it_o i.e._n upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o to_o say_v with_o joseph_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o now_o though_o one_o believe_v all_o the_o awaken_n doctrine_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o they_o nor_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n when_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v busy_a with_o he_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o at_o the_o time_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o present_a he_o be_v as_o much_o without_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o he_o have_v none_o at_o all_o it_o be_v with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o man_n in_o a_o swoon_a fit_n there_o be_v indeed_o life_n in_o he_o but_o it_o be_v without_o sense_n and_o motion_n and_o for_o the_o time_n he_o differ_v not_o from_o one_o that_o be_v dead_a or_o rather_o as_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sense_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o one_o without_o any_o act_n of_o either_o so_o be_v there_o indeed_o in_o the_o other_o a_o principle_n of_o faith_n but_o no_o act_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v therefore_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o distinct_a and_o particular_a application_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v will_v do_v much_o towards_o the_o restrain_v of_o a_o man_n lust_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o faith_n but_o then_o that_o faith_n which_o once_o be_v and_o now_o be_v not_o can_v do_v nothing_o at_o present_a which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o too_o many_o person_n profess_v christianity_n that_o their_o belief_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v often_o absent_a than_o present_a because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v govern_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o under_o temptation_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o their_o business_n be_v to_o put_v those_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o not_o to_o fix_v they_o there_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n of_o one_o that_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v present_a to_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o help_n and_o indeed_o never_o at_o any_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o the_o second_o be_v this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o often_o as_o they_o return_v to_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o always_o believe_v they_o as_o he_o shall_v do_v under_o a_o vigorous_a apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o great_a concernment_n in_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o will_v come_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n that_o through_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o through_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o may_v obtain_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o our_o concernment_n in_o they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v just_o affect_v with_o they_o more_o than_o with_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o because_o these_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o now_o it_o be_v by_o a_o constancy_n of_o believe_v i._n e._n of_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o make_v they_o present_a to_o we_o that_o we_o come_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o right_a apprehension_n and_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o they_o nor_o will_v any_o other_o mean_n do_v without_o this_o and_o indeed_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v ineffectual_a without_o it_o and_o they_o be_v then_o effectual_a when_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o degree_n of_o faith_n the_o prayer_n that_o we_o make_v be_v unprofitable_a if_o they_o do_v not_o help_v to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o god_n and_o divine_a truth_n and_o by_o their_o frequent_a return_n make_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n natural_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o our_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o hear_v good_a doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n and_o our_o assemble_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v unprofitable_a to_o godliness_n otherwise_o than_o by_o accustom_v of_o we_o to_o think_v as_o we_o shall_v do_v that_o be_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n good_a education_n and_o good_a example_n do_v not_o otherwise_o promote_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n than_o by_o awaken_n our_o consideration_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o renew_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n affliction_n and_o judgement_n the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o death_n the_o amaze_a call_n of_o god_n providence_n can_v of_o themselves_o work_v the_o reformation_n of_o a_o evil_a heart_n and_o life_n if_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v by_o beginning_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o that_o consideration_n which_o they_o continue_v afterward_o till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o faith_n that_o answer_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o believe_v which_o consist_v in_o a_o just_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v but_o by_o a_o constant_a consideration_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_a thing_n or_o future_a thing_n after_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o main_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o a_o sick_a man_n believe_v that_o he_o shall_v gain_v his_o health_n by_o such_o a_o method_n or_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o he_o shall_v get_v a_o estate_n or_o a_o prisoner_n that_o he_o shall_v recover_v his_o liberty_n or_o any_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o end_n in_o this_o world_n by_o such_o a_o course_n of_o mean_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o much_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v himself_o to_o try_v it_o because_o without_o any_o pain_n take_v with_o himself_o he_o be_v natural_o possess_v with_o a_o lively_a persuasion_n of_o his_o concernment_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v otherwise_o though_o the_o interest_n be_v great_a nay_o the_o great_a of_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sensible_a nor_o a_o present_a interest_n in_o comparison_n and_o so_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o we_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o by_o much_o think_n of_o it_o i._n e._n by_o many_o act_n of_o faith_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n deserve_v and_o this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o overcome_v the_o world_n which_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o new_a creature_n i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n believe_v and_o do_v contrary_a to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o make_v they_o uneasy_a under_o their_o guilt_n somewhat_o loath_a to_o commit_v sin_n and_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a when_o it_o be_v commit_v i_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n true_o so_o call_v but_o then_o they_o want_v faith_n too_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v proper_o
convince_v god_n will_v be_v please_v withal_o and_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o place_n do_v instance_n in_o a_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n without_o the_o belief_n whereof_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a man_n shall_v conceive_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v such_o and_o that_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o instance_v in_o a_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n without_o the_o belief_n whereof_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a man_n shall_v conceive_v themselves_o sufficient_o encourage_v thereto_o and_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a enough_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v ground_v upon_o revelation_n for_o though_o it_o appear_v exceed_o probable_a to_o natural_a reason_n yet_o by_o the_o discourse_n of_o those_o man_n that_o want_v a_o revelation_n it_o appear_v withal_o that_o general_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_a hard_a matter_n to_o arrive_v at_o any_o certainty_n about_o it_o while_o they_o be_v only_o leave_v to_o the_o light_n and_o conduct_v of_o natural_a reason_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v only_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o the_o resurrection_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o have_v clear_v the_o world_n from_o all_o dispute_n about_o it_o it_o be_v only_o the_o gospel_n that_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v upon_o these_o reason_n i_o conceive_v this_o belief_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rank_v with_o those_o that_o i_o have_v already_o name_v under_o the_o head_n of_o natural_a principle_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n this_o as_o i_o say_v be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n to_o worship_n and_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sense_n of_o any_o such_o obligation_n without_o 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in_o humane_a nature_n the_o discover_v of_o that_o rock_n upon_o which_o this_o first_o stone_n in_o the_o foundation_n be_v lay_v shall_v be_v suppose_v never_o so_o needless_a in_o this_o congregation_n yet_o consider_v the_o great_a and_o general_a importance_n of_o this_o doctrine_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v tedious_a to_o any_o hearer_n unless_o withal_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v there_o be_v any_o person_n here_o to_o who_o the_o demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n bring_v such_o evil_a tiding_n that_o they_o will_v glad_o embrace_v the_o most_o frivolous_a pretence_n to_o avoid_v they_o upon_o which_o supposition_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o needful_a than_o to_o wrest_v their_o vain_a and_o run_a hope_n away_o from_o they_o that_o possible_o there_o be_v no_o god_n by_o the_o force_n of_o that_o reason_n which_o show_v it_o to_o be_v eternal_o and_o immutable_o true_a that_o there_o be_v wherefore_o though_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v much_o of_o that_o pain_n which_o 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desire_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v beside_o that_o testimony_n which_o every_o man_n find_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o indeed_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o matter_n even_o of_o people_n who_o manner_n and_o religion_n be_v as_o distant_a as_o their_o habitation_n be_v remote_a show_v that_o they_o be_v never_o unite_v in_o this_o persuasion_n by_o compact_n or_o confederacy_n add_v to_o this_o likewise_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o they_o who_o can_v only_o be_v suppose_v to_o invent_v this_o stratagem_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n if_o a_o invention_n it_o be_v viz._n in_o philosopher_n and_o prince_n who_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o their_o own_o fancy_n if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o mystery_n of_o state_n to_o possess_v the_o people_n with_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n this_o i_o say_v so_o universal_a a_o confession_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o pregnant_a evidence_n that_o it_o 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belief_n of_o a_o god_n be_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n because_o he_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n than_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v bear_v with_o two_o head_n because_o a_o two-headed_a monster_n once_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o immodest_a and_o stubborn_a as_o to_o conclude_v against_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o be_v mistake_v and_o he_o if_o alone_o he_o be_v be_v alone_o in_o the_o right_n have_v we_o then_o nothing_o leave_v to_o confute_v this_o wretched_a creature_n and_o by_o undeniable_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o mankind_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yes_o we_o have_v they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o must_v see_v and_o can_v inquire_v into_o and_o they_o
he_o make_v and_o still_o preserve_v and_o more_o particular_o that_o he_o govern_v mankind_n in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n by_o prescribe_v moral_a law_n to_o he_o and_o expect_v obedience_n from_o he_o that_o he_o see_v and_z takes_z notice_n of_o all_o our_o action_n that_o he_o observe_v all_o that_o we_o do_v and_o all_o that_o we_o suffer_v and_o superintend_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o be_v clear_a by_o natural_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o providence_n and_o that_o upon_o several_a ground_n i_o shall_v instance_n but_o in_o one_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o make_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v regard_v and_o govern_v by_o he_o afterward_o i._n e_fw-la to_o be_v a_o creator_n and_o not_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o creation_n more_o particular_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o create_v such_o a_o be_v as_o man_n who_o faculty_n teach_v he_o that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o honour_v his_o creator_n and_o receive_v good_a from_o he_o and_o then_o not_o to_o regard_v whether_o he_o be_v honour_v by_o his_o creature_n or_o no_o and_o to_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o chance_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o himself_o but_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a and_o evident_a from_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n in_o their_o serviceableness_n and_o usefulness_n to_o man_n that_o god_n do_v still_o govern_v the_o material_a world_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o good_a of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a instance_n of_o his_o providence_n over_o they_o and_o that_o he_o mind_n and_o regard_v they_o now_o without_o the_o belief_n hereof_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o man_n can_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o if_o he_o mind_v not_o our_o action_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v fear_v to_o offend_v he_o or_o take_v any_o care_n to_o please_v he_o or_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v persuade_v to_o worship_n god_n if_o he_o believe_v not_o that_o god_n regard_v his_o worship_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v pretend_v why_o he_o shall_v pray_v unto_o he_o unless_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o god_n hear_v his_o prayer_n what_o consolation_n can_v he_o have_v under_o any_o distress_n what_o trust_n can_v he_o place_v upon_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n if_o he_o think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o human_a affair_n and_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o calamity_n of_o man_n and_o govern_v nothing_o by_o his_o providence_n in_o brief_a it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o whatsoever_o obligation_n to_o worship_n and_o virtue_n arise_v from_o the_o belief_n that_o there_o a_o god_n suppose_v also_o the_o belief_n of_o divine_a providence_n that_o god_n be_v the_o governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o action_n 3._o it_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o man_n believe_v that_o with_o some_o thing_n god_n be_v please_v and_o that_o with_o other_o he_o be_v offend_v i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v alter_v and_o take_v away_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v so_o good_a that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v evil_a and_o some_o thing_n so_o evil_a that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v good_a and_o if_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n such_o must_v be_v our_o persuasion_n concern_v good_a and_o evil_a for_o if_o justice_n be_v a_o indispensible_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n then_o be_v there_o a_o eternal_a relation_n between_o a_o promise_n and_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o fidelity_n and_o truth_n shall_v ever_o cease_v to_o be_v fit_v lovely_a and_o beautiful_a thing_n if_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o his_o nature_n than_o the_o relation_n between_o compassion_n and_o a_o indigent_a creature_n be_v eternal_a and_o charity_n and_o mercy_n be_v thing_n immutable_o good_a and_o thus_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o virtue_n it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereof_o they_o be_v the_o imitation_n that_o they_o can_v no_o more_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a than_o god_n can_v cease_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o disposition_n and_o practice_n contrary_a to_o they_o be_v immutable_o evil_a it_o can_v never_o be_v good_a to_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a to_o oppress_v the_o weak_a to_o be_v cruel_a and_o implacable_a to_o be_v sink_v into_o sensuality_n or_o worldliness_n no_o power_n in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n no_o will_n no_o authority_n can_v make_v it_o ever_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o most_o comely_a fit_v due_a thing_n for_o a_o creature_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n to_o praise_v his_o god_n to_o honour_v he_o in_o all_o his_o perfection_n to_o love_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o trust_v in_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n to_o reverence_v his_o great_a and_o holy_a majesty_n and_o to_o obey_v his_o will_n in_o all_o thing_n the_o rectitude_n and_o duty_n hereof_o can_v be_v alter_v any_o more_o than_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o mathematical_a proposition_n upon_o this_o belief_n depend_v the_o persuasion_n that_o worship_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o the_o contrary_n displease_v to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n be_v immutable_o good_a and_o love_n that_o which_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a this_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v that_o also_o which_o be_v wrought_v into_o our_o very_a nature_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o want_v a_o revelation_n be_v yet_o subject_a to_o this_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v terrify_v and_o punish_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o evil_n when_o they_o transgress_v that_o law_n cherish_v and_o reward_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o good_a when_o they_o observe_v it_o it_o be_v this_o sense_n that_o give_v they_o courage_n and_o assurance_n when_o they_o do_v well_o and_o that_o touch_v their_o guilty_a mind_n with_o remorse_n and_o make_v they_o tremble_v when_o they_o do_v ill_a i_o will_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n in_o sin_n to_o blot_v out_o these_o apprehension_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o let_v a_o man_n conscience_n be_v sear_v never_o so_o incurable_o though_o he_o have_v no_o inward_a sense_n to_o inform_v he_o perpetual_o of_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n yet_o that_o difference_n be_v demonstrable_a to_o he_o from_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o that_o be_v the_o most_o irrefragable_a way_n of_o prove_v it_o against_o the_o most_o harden_a sinner_n but_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o belief_n hereof_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o please_a of_o god_n for_o what_o though_o a_o man_n believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n if_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v by_o the_o do_n of_o which_o god_n be_v please_v he_o will_v never_o take_v care_n to_o please_v he_o by_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v some_o thing_n there_o be_v by_o the_o do_v whereof_o god_n be_v displease_v he_o can_v never_o be_v afraid_a of_o offend_v he_o by_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n if_o he_o think_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n he_o can_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o make_v or_o observe_v any_o such_o difference_n in_o his_o action_n unless_o he_o believe_v that_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o practice_n virtue_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o rewardable_a by_o he_o nothing_o can_v effectual_o oblige_v he_o thereunto_o unless_o he_o believe_v the_o contrary_a to_o be_v evil_a displease_v and_o punishable_a no_o religious_a belief_n whatsoever_o can_v deter_v he_o from_o it_o so_o that_o to_o believe_v this_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n between_o thing_n that_o god_n be_v please_v withal_o and_o wherewith_o he_o be_v displease_v be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v and_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o fundamental_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a and_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v
three_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n be_v that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v our_o endeavour_n of_o do_v his_o will_n last_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n that_o though_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a yet_o he_o have_v no_o sufficient_a inducement_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n unless_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o his_o self-denial_n his_o resolution_n and_o overcome_v his_o evil_a appetite_n his_o forego_v the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n his_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o well-doing_n will_v be_v recompense_v by_o obtain_v of_o better_a thing_n in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o advantage_n he_o forego_v to_o please_v god_n in_o the_o do_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o take_v away_o this_o plea_n almighty_a god_n have_v moreover_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v bestow_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n immortal_a of_o endless_a glory_n and_o 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thus_o show_v you_o what_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o encourage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n i_o shall_v speak_v more_o distinct_o and_o yet_o brief_o to_o each_o of_o they_o show_v how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o what_o force_n and_o efficacy_n the_o belief_n of_o they_o have_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o 1._o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v without_o revelation_n we_o can_v have_v assurance_n thereof_o because_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o mere_a natural_a light_n that_o god_n will_v actual_o pardon_v a_o sinner_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o sinner_n be_v obnoxious_a and_o liable_a to_o just_a punishment_n and_o to_o inflict_v a_o just_a punishment_n be_v consistent_a with_o goodness_n so_o that_o we_o can_v argue_v mere_o from_o the_o goodness_n 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gospel_n be_v this_o to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n upon_o this_o motive_n that_o they_o shall_v obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n if_o they_o obey_v that_o call_v to_o repentance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n that_o which_o be_v promise_v be_v pardon_n the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v promise_v be_v repentance_n both_o which_o afford_v a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n for_o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n what_o do_v it_o signify_v but_o this_o that_o he_o will_v not_o reckon_v his_o former_a sin_n to_o he_o and_o that_o all_o his_o future_a act_n of_o obedience_n shall_v be_v reckon_v to_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n now_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o hereby_o all_o those_o jealousy_n of_o the_o power_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n which_o can_v dishearten_v the_o sinner_n from_o seek_v to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o by_o submission_n and_o repentance_n be_v utter_o remove_v hereby_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v neither_o inxorable_a nor_o implacable_a his_o prayer_n will_v be_v hear_v his_o repentance_n will_v be_v accept_v and_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n open_v by_o which_o he_o may_v return_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n now_o he_o that_o believe_v this_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o live_v so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n for_o the_o future_a for_o as_o nothing_o do_v more_o deep_o engage_v man_n in_o a_o obstinate_a and_o unreclaimable_a course_n of_o wickedness_n than_o the_o apprehension_n that_o they_o have_v sin_v beyond_o hope_n of_o pardon_n so_o nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o soften_v they_o into_o disposition_n of_o repentance_n than_o the_o kind_n and_o merciful_a offer_n of_o forgiveness_n which_o he_o make_v who_o have_v it_o both_o in_o his_o right_n and_o in_o his_o power_n to_o destroy_v they_o this_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o in_o the_o carriage_n of_o man_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o suffer_v as_o kind_o impression_n from_o the_o gentleness_n and_o charity_n of_o god_n as_o we_o do_v from_o the_o good_a nature_n of_o man_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o no_o one_o man_n have_v be_v so_o rude_a and_o ungrateful_a to_o another_o as_o every_o sinner_n have_v be_v to_o his_o maker_n and_o as_o true_a it_o be_v that_o no_o misery_n can_v equal_v that_o which_o will_v befall_v he_o from_o the_o unappeasedness_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o therefore_o no_o gentleness_n and_o mercy_n no_o tenderness_n and_o charity_n be_v comparable_a to_o that_o which_o god_n have_v express_v towards_o he_o in_o proclaim_v himself_o ready_a to_o pardon_v upon_o repentance_n it_o be_v true_a we_o see_v there_o be_v such_o inflexible_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v mend_v by_o forgiveness_n and_o the_o kind_a usage_n there_o be_v man_n of_o such_o incorrigible_a temper_n that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o better_a for_o god_n pardon_n or_o the_o king_n but_o then_o these_o be_v veary_a hateful_a person_n and_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v pity_v but_o if_o man_n be_v reclaimable_a by_o kindness_n as_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v what_o can_v soon_o melt_v they_o into_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n than_o that_o their_o great_a and_o bountiful_a creator_n against_o who_o no_o man_n can_v sin_v without_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a baseness_n because_o he_o sin_n against_o the_o great_a goodness_n against_o who_o no_o man_n can_v sin_v without_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o great_a misery_n because_o he_o sin_n against_o the_o great_a power_n that_o he_o i_o say_v shall_v bear_v so_o tender_a a_o regard_n to_o his_o lose_a and_o undo_v creature_n as_o to_o forbear_v his_o right_n to_o punish_v they_o and_o allure_v they_o to_o amendment_n by_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o because_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o have_v rather_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v this_o if_o any_o thing_n must_v needs_o work_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o humble_a our_o will_n and_o dissolve_v our_o affection_n into_o a_o disposition_n of_o the_o most_o ready_a and_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o he_o for_o the_o future_a again_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o this_o pardon_n be_v offer_v to_o sinner_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o belief_n thereof_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o strong_a foundation_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n for_o that_o repentance_n upon_o the_o condition_n whereof_o pardon_n be_v promise_v be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o a_o real_a conversion_n from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n it_o be_v neither_o make_v up_o of_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n
necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o life_n as_o bread_n etc._n etc._n in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o bestow_v upon_o his_o child_n we_o must_v understand_v all_o spiritual_a help_n necessary_a for_o our_o improvement_n in_o religion_n and_o virtue_n viz._n which_o hold_v the_o same_o proportion_n to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n which_o bread_n etc._n etc._n hold_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o body_n this_o upon_o our_o ask_n i._n e._n upon_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o it_o we_o may_v promise_v ourselves_o from_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n to_o we_o since_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o to_o we_o viz._n such_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a help_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o god_n will_v give_v to_o none_o of_o we_o less_o and_o he_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o expect_v more_o now_o be_v not_o this_o evident_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o god_n himself_o will_v cherish_v and_o maintain_v we_o will_v help_v and_o support_v we_o will_v prosper_v and_o guard_v we_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o we_o have_v we_o such_o a_o patron_n and_o defender_n to_o overlook_v and_o care_n for_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fall_v by_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o want_n of_o necessary_a help_n and_o yet_o can_v we_o be_v dishearten_v and_o dismay_v can_v our_o courage_n and_o resolution_n leave_v we_o can_v our_o heart_n sink_v within_o we_o when_o such_o powerful_a aid_n be_v near_o when_o such_o mighty_a encouragement_n be_v by_o we_o be_v it_o not_o from_o hence_o plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v fail_v of_o do_v those_o thing_n wherewith_o god_n will_v be_v please_v and_o his_o favour_n obtain_v but_o it_o must_v be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o slothfulness_n in_o not_o obtain_v by_o his_o own_o endeavour_n or_o in_o not_o improve_n by_o his_o good_a action_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n wherewith_o he_o may_v have_v arrive_v to_o a_o regenerate_v estate_n and_o persevere_v therein_o for_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o feign_a but_o a_o sincere_a promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v and_o increase_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v real_a it_o can_v imply_v no_o less_o and_o it_o need_v not_o imply_v any_o more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o our_o spiritual_a need_n and_o if_o that_o provision_n be_v not_o effectual_a in_o the_o event_n no_o body_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o ourselves_o the_o belief_n therefore_o of_o this_o article_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o be_v a_o motive_n of_o great_a force_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n both_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n spirit_n make_v to_o we_o be_v sufficient_a to_o encourage_v we_o against_o all_o our_o fear_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o own_o weakness_n to_o overcome_v they_o and_o likewise_o because_o it_o can_v but_o show_v we_o what_o great_a aggravation_n our_o sin_n must_v receive_v if_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o because_o thereby_o we_o resist_v and_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 4._o the_o last_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n fundamental_a to_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o this_o point_n of_o belief_n be_v not_o knowable_a but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n because_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v reward_v our_o diligent_a seek_v of_o he_o or_o no_o for_o if_o it_o be_v discoverable_a by_o natural_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v not_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o pardon_v our_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n assist_v our_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o if_o all_o this_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o divine_a goodness_n yet_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o give_v we_o any_o other_o confidence_n about_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o pardon_n and_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n which_o be_v excite_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o say_v the_o high_a confidence_n we_o can_v arrive_v unto_o about_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o can_v amount_v reasonable_o to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o hereupon_o we_o shall_v be_v exempt_v and_o release_v from_o that_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o our_o sin_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v pardon_v sinner_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o such_o excellent_a and_o useful_a law_n as_o shall_v tend_v to_o their_o advantage_n in_o this_o life_n and_o which_o shall_v recompense_v the_o obedience_n of_o they_o with_o a_o present_a reward_n and_o thereupon_o shall_v remit_v the_o penalty_n due_a to_o sin_n this_o must_v needs_o argue_v as_o great_a goodness_n in_o god_n as_o any_o sinner_n can_v with_o reason_n or_o modesty_n expect_v the_o manifestation_n of_o towards_o himself_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v over_o and_o above_o requite_v our_o imperfect_a if_o sincere_a obedience_n with_o free_a and_o ample_a reward_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o those_o reward_n shall_v be_v the_o high_a and_o full_a which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o long_o as_o our_o being_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o than_o immortal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n than_o a_o eternal_a crown_n of_o righteousness_n than_o life_n everlasting_a than_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o angel_n than_o the_o glorious_a and_o happy_a employment_n of_o spirit_n make_v perfect_a than_o the_o sight_n and_o fruition_n 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profit_n of_o sin_n will_v captivate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o leave_v we_o less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n but_o since_o the_o bountiful_a and_o righteous_a god_n have_v bid_v a_o everlasting_a immense_a reward_n for_o our_o poor_a and_o to_o he_o unprofitable_a but_o to_o ourselves_o most_o beneficial_a service_n what_o can_v be_v say_v in_o our_o excuse_n if_o we_o undervalue_v so_o magnificent_a and_o free_a a_o gift_n such_o rich_a grace_n and_o bounty_n if_o this_o can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o reasonable_a in_o themselves_o that_o a_o true_o good_a man_n find_v there_o be_v little_a need_n of_o any_o other_o temptation_n to_o do_v they_o what_o shame_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o prefer_v a_o moment_n before_o eternity_n and_o those_o advantage_n we_o see_v but_o which_o we_o
last_o he_o use_v much_o what_o the_o same_o variety_n of_o method_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v learn_v to_o fear_v before_o he_o the_o main_a thing_n intend_v i_o conceive_v be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o as_o with_o the_o circumstance_n our_o world_o condition_n in_o which_o he_o have_v set_v we_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n since_o as_o he_o govern_v by_o steady_a rule_n of_o providence_n so_o he_o govern_v by_o steady_a rule_n of_o duty_n and_o our_o condition_n in_o both_o respect_n be_v very_o much_o the_o same_o with_o they_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o and_o we_o can_v be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n make_v our_o obedience_n hard_o to_o we_o but_o other_o have_v be_v in_o the_o like_a to_o forgive_v injury_n though_o they_o be_v great_a be_v no_o new_a burden_n for_o no_o man_n perhaps_o have_v live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o have_v meet_v with_o great_a provocation_n to_o abstain_v from_o unlawful_a pleasure_n though_o our_o appetite_n prompt_v we_o never_o so_o violent_o to_o pursue_v they_o be_v no_o strange_a duty_n for_o those_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o have_v the_o same_o natural_a passion_n and_o inclination_n that_o we_o have_v to_o live_v by_o rule_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o example_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o may_v seem_v unreasonable_a to_o a_o inconsiderate_a man_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o good_a man_n in_o almost_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v thy_o duty_n a_o new_a thing_n whatever_o it_o be_v nor_o the_o difficulty_n of_o performance_n new_a whatever_o that_o be_v still_o god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a let_v therefore_o no_o man_n think_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a if_o he_o have_v a_o good_a estate_n that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o honest_a man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o die_v a_o beggar_n that_o he_o 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therefore_o they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v allow_v it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o we_o conclude_v true_o when_o we_o compare_v our_o own_o circumstance_n with_o other_o man_n and_o conclude_v to_o our_o own_o disadvantage_n as_o if_o god_n require_v easy_a thing_n of_o they_o than_o he_o do_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o wise_o do_v to_o begin_v with_o a_o inquiry_n which_o be_v almost_o certain_a to_o end_v in_o a_o false_a judgement_n especial_o when_o we_o make_v a_o false_a judgement_n to_o excuse_v a_o evil_a practice_n but_o then_o if_o it_o be_v allowable_a for_o man_n thus_o to_o argue_v in_o excuse_n for_o themselves_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o good_a a_o world_n as_o our_o father_n find_v it_o for_o my_o affair_n in_o it_o do_v not_o succeed_v so_o well_o as_o another_o man_n and_o my_o temptation_n be_v great_a than_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o excusable_a if_o i_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o piety_n and_o integrity_n of_o other_o if_o this_o i_o say_v be_v once_o allow_v how_o hard_o will_v it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o please_v man_n and_o to_o keep_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v say_v because_o of_o the_o perpetual_a false_a judgement_n we_o shall_v make_v in_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o other_o every_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o temptation_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o time_n in_o which_o he_o live_v and_o of_o his_o own_o temper_n and_o of_o his_o proper_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n in_o the_o world_n will_v think_v providence_n have_v be_v partial_a against_o he_o and_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n press_v hard_a upon_o himself_o than_o upon_o any_o other_o person_n a_o poor_a man_n will_v think_v his_o rich_a neighbour_n have_v more_o time_n and_o great_a obligation_n to_o serve_v god_n than_o himself_o the_o wealthy_a man_n will_v believe_v that_o the_o poor_a man_n have_v more_o leisure_n for_o prayer_n and_o few_o temptation_n to_o 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and_o the_o like_a between_o thyself_o and_o those_o that_o live_v in_o this_o or_o that_o live_v in_o former_a age_n for_o thou_o be_v likely_a to_o make_v but_o a_o foolish_a judgement_n and_o will_v unavoidable_o run_v into_o great_a mistake_n in_o make_v the_o comparison_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thy_o sin_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n nor_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o last_o and_o terrible_a day_n but_o do_v thou_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v impartial_a and_o to_o have_v temper_v the_o season_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o different_a condition_n of_o person_n with_o a_o wise_a equality_n with_o a_o unerring_a judgement_n and_o do_v thou_o give_v up_o thyself_o to_o follow_v and_o to_o comply_v with_o his_o wise_a providence_n and_o though_o his_o judgement_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o yet_o thou_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o his_o way_n towards_o thyself_o be_v so_o wise_a and_o so_o good_a that_o at_o last_o thou_o shall_v not_o wish_v there_o have_v be_v the_o least_o alteration_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v far_o and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o suppose_v that_o in_o some_o notable_a respect_n thy_o case_n may_v differ_v from_o another_o man_n yet_o this_o difference_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o make_v any_o material_a difference_n between_o thy_o obligation_n and_o he_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v nor_o can_v we_o be_v less_o oblige_v so_o to_o do_v than_o our_o forefather_n be_v for_o in_o every_o age_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v now_o and_o in_o every_o age_n god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a and_o
that_o under_o the_o same_o motive_n and_o obligation_n without_o any_o difference_n so_o considerable_a as_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n one_o way_n or_o other_o for_o let_v the_o world_n go_v which_o way_n it_o will_v a_o impious_a man_n be_v a_o fool_n and_o a_o wretch_n and_o the_o righteous_a man_n be_v happy_a and_o wise_a for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o certain_o that_o be_v a_o very_a good_a condition_n and_o a_o good_a world_n for_o thou_o in_o which_o thou_o may_v be_v as_o good_a as_o thou_o please_v to_o be_v what_o condition_n can_v be_v better_o for_o a_o man_n than_o that_o which_o put_v he_o under_o the_o immediate_a protection_n and_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o only_o the_o disposer_n of_o long_a life_n and_o wealth_n and_o honour_n and_o security_n but_o of_o a_o great_a thing_n than_o all_o these_o and_o that_o be_v a_o content_a and_o cheerful_a mind_n nay_o if_o thou_o will_v go_v and_o learn_v thorough_o all_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o good_a christian_a some_o of_o they_o as_o thou_o will_v find_v will_v guard_v thou_o against_o the_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n of_o other_o other_o will_v conciliate_v their_o friendship_n and_o good_a will_n and_o all_o together_o will_v breed_v reverence_n and_o high_a esteem_n and_o thou_o will_v find_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o st._n peter_n say_v of_o his_o time_n who_o will_v harm_v you_o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a let_v it_o be_v once_o plain_a that_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o good_a but_o especial_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o the_o miserable_a and_o all_o man_n will_v rise_v up_o and_o call_v thou_o bless_v and_o if_o need_n be_v thou_o shall_v be_v assist_v by_o those_o that_o have_v not_o the_o heart_n to_o do_v such_o thing_n themselves_o and_o shall_v feel_v the_o benefit_n of_o what_o humanity_n they_o have_v if_o they_o have_v any_o leave_v let_v it_o it_o be_v once_o plain_a that_o thou_o be_v averse_a from_o do_v the_o least_o injury_n but_o can_v forgive_v the_o great_a and_o do_v seasonable_a good_a turn_n to_o all_o person_n upon_o occasion_n that_o thou_o be_v candid_a in_o thy_o censure_n and_o discreet_a in_o reproof_n and_o that_o the_o affectation_n of_o seem_v wise_a and_o better_a than_o other_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o thy_o wisdom_n and_o in_o thy_o concern_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n this_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o make_v a_o bad_a man_n ashamed_a to_o be_v thy_o enemy_n so_o that_o he_o will_v not_o abuse_v that_o man_n name_n who_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o yet_o be_v tender_a of_o another_o man_n nor_o do_v ill_a office_n to_o one_o who_o be_v know_v to_o do_v none_o but_o good_a one_o every_o one_o will_v probable_o show_v himself_o a_o friend_n to_o he_o that_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o all_o final_o let_v thy_o devotion_n to_o god_n be_v inartificial_a and_o unaffected_a let_v it_o be_v express_v by_o all_o decent_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o seriousness_n without_o ostentation_n and_o withal_o let_v it_o be_v show_v by_o a_o universal_a regard_n of_o thy_o action_n as_o do_v in_o his_o presence_n let_v it_o infuse_v manliness_n into_o all_o thy_o mirth_n and_o guard_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o pleasure_n from_o any_o approach_n to_o intemperance_n and_o a_o brutish_a sensuality_n let_v it_o be_v see_v in_o govern_v thy_o passion_n in_o temper_v thy_o discourse_n in_o model_v thy_o behaviour_n in_o make_v thou_o a_o good_a man_n or_o woman_n in_o all_o thy_o conversation_n and_o then_o thou_o may_v venture_v thyself_o abroad_o in_o a_o ill-natured_a world_n and_o in_o a_o degenerate_a age_n and_o the_o odds_o be_v very_o great_a on_o thy_o side_n that_o though_o other_o may_v be_v flatter_v thou_o shall_v be_v reverence_v and_o that_o even_o those_o who_o will_v not_o afford_v to_o give_v thou_o a_o good_a word_n will_v be_v more_o unwilling_a to_o give_v thou_o a_o bad_a one_o if_o they_o will_v not_o do_v you_o any_o good_a yet_o that_o they_o will_v do_v you_o no_o harm_n all_o which_o be_v not_o only_o probable_a in_o the_o speculation_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n verify_v by_o experience_n and_o therefore_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o shall_v seem_v that_o god_n lay_v no_o heavy_a burden_n upon_o one_o than_o another_o but_o that_o he_o still_o require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a but_o suppose_v thing_n shall_v not_o always_o happen_v according_a to_o common_a rule_n but_o sometime_o leave_v their_o ordinary_a course_n as_o suppose_v a_o righteous_a man_n must_v suffer_v for_o his_o righteousness_n then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v leave_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o world_n and_o go_v to_o that_o of_o a_o better_a and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o suppose_v that_o so_o incomparable_a a_o state_n of_o blessing_n reserve_v for_o a_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o just_o esteem_v and_o earnest_o desire_v by_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o make_v all_o present_a inconvenience_n very_a light_n but_o in_o comparison_n none_o at_o all_o most_o certain_o the_o blessedness_n of_o a_o everlasting_a state_n do_v in_o itself_o infinite_o outweigh_v all_o the_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v and_o live_v according_o they_o will_v outweigh_v they_o in_o our_o esteem_n and_o affection_n and_o then_o inward_a peace_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n will_v satisfy_v we_o that_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o the_o best_a happiness_n that_o can_v be_v attain_v here_o though_o it_o do_v not_o bring_v worldly_a prosperity_n and_o it_o do_v indeed_o make_v i_o very_o happy_a though_o it_o do_v not_o bring_v i_o to_o honour_n if_o it_o do_v but_o teach_v i_o humility_n though_o it_o do_v not_o make_v i_o wealthy_a if_o it_o do_v but_o make_v i_o content_v though_o it_o do_v not_o give_v i_o the_o abundance_n of_o outward_a pleasure_n nor_o free_v i_o from_o injury_n and_o wrong_n if_o it_o do_v but_o bless_v i_o with_o a_o quiet_a mind_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o a_o steady_a government_n of_o my_o passion_n with_o meekness_n and_o easiness_n to_o forgive_v with_o the_o sweet_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n which_o when_o all_o be_v do_v be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o serene_a enjoyment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o this_o now_o these_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o good_a man_n have_v build_v their_o resolution_n and_o their_o practice_n of_o virtue_n for_o they_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n not_o because_o they_o expect_v the_o riches_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n in_o recompense_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o justice_n not_o that_o they_o think_v their_o virtue_n will_v be_v a_o fence_n about_o all_o they_o have_v to_o secure_v their_o good_n from_o rapine_n their_o name_n from_o reproach_n their_o person_n from_o affront_v and_o injury_n and_o this_o course_n of_o life_n from_o common_a or_o uncommon_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n they_o do_v not_o hope_v to_o make_v a_o gainful_a traffic_n with_o heaven_n by_o their_o prayer_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n it_o be_v true_a god_n have_v often_o blessed_v good_a man_n with_o strange_a prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o be_v not_o their_o end_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will._n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v by_o faith_n by_o faith_n they_o wrought_v righteousness_n i._n e._n they_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v because_o they_o expect_v a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o though_o not_o always_o with_o the_o idolised_a pleasure_n and_o greatness_n no_o not_o always_o with_o the_o ease_n and_o quiet_a of_o this_o life_n yet_o without_o fail_n with_o those_o pure_a and_o ravish_a joy_n of_o a_o better_a world_n which_o will_v short_o begin_v and_o never_o end_n so_o that_o the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v the_o same_o and_o whether_o the_o temptation_n be_v exact_o the_o same_o or_o not_o which_o make_v our_o duty_n any_o thing_n difficult_a yet_o the_o motive_n and_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o which_o take_v away_o the_o difficulty_n and_o make_v it_o equal_o easy_a again_o and_o if_o as_o to_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o do_v well_o and_o the_o encouragement_n which_o good_a man_n always_o find_v in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n we_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o all_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o we_o may_v be_v very_o well_o content_a that_o we_o be_v as_o liable_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o
that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n etc._n etc._n nay_o 2._o notwithstanding_o this_o and_o the_o like_a forewarning_n yet_o man_n have_v and_o do_v in_o this_o manner_n delude_v themselves_o inasmuch_o as_o our_o saviour_n upon_o this_o occasion_n tell_v his_o disciple_n before_o hand_n many_o shall_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o certain_o be_v speak_v of_o those_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o live_v in_o the_o early_a day_n of_o the_o church_n whilst_o mirales_n be_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o terrible_a instance_n of_o the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o this_o kind_n of_o presumption_n that_o some_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o only_o see_v but_o do_v miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v yet_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o they_o who_o have_v faith_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n out_o of_o other_o shall_v not_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o dispossess_v themselves_o of_o their_o vile_a lust_n and_o to_o cleanse_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o when_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o wealth_n become_v the_o reward_n of_o profess_v christianity_n the_o instance_n of_o this_o folly_n and_o madness_n grow_v still_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o open_a and_o man_n more_o easy_o pass_v for_o christian_n than_o in_o former_a time_n though_o they_o be_v as_o lustful_a and_o revengeful_a as_o vain_a and_o insolent_a and_o altogether_o as_o worldly_a and_o vicious_a as_o other_o man_n they_o then_o come_v into_o the_o church_n with_o more_o ease_n and_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o it_o with_o more_o difficulty_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o under_o a_o discipline_n less_o severe_a than_o in_o former_a time_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o upon_o the_o increase_n of_o bad_a example_n there_o be_v still_o more_o and_o more_o who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v themselves_o christian_n in_o nothing_o else_o but_o in_o name_n and_o profession_n and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v two_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n can_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o to_o rest_v upon_o so_o false_a a_o foundation_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n as_o a_o mere_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v such_o person_n in_o life_n and_o soul_n as_o their_o profession_n require_v now_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a cause_n be_v this_o that_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v thus_o deceive_v and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o a_o mistake_n how_o pernicious_a soever_o it_o be_v than_o he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o believe_v it_o no_o mistake_n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n whereof_o the_o text_n be_v a_o part_n speak_v against_o causeless_a anger_n and_o a_o adulterous_a eye_n and_o a_o revengeful_a spirit_n and_o vainglory_n and_o worldly_a solicitude_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v often_o as_o hard_o to_o reform_v as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pull_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n especial_o where_o a_o corrupt_a inclination_n be_v confirm_v by_o custom_n in_o sin_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n why_o man_n will_v conceit_v any_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o foolish_a rather_o than_o they_o will_v feel_v a_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o wicked_a way_n it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o man_n have_v have_v some_o experience_n of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o his_o conversation_n become_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o find_v more_o pleasure_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o man_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o temperate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n than_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n but_o whilst_o one_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o lust_n of_o passion_n his_o indulgence_n to_o his_o own_o appetite_n be_v like_o drink_n to_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o till_o he_o recover_v his_o health_n know_v no_o other_o pleasure_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o great_a torment_n to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v deny_v it_o now_o they_o be_v those_o rule_n of_o christianity_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o passion_n our_o manner_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o conversation_n that_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o the_o obligation_n to_o profess_v a_o religion_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n among_o those_o that_o do_v so_o do_v not_o of_o itself_o thwart_o they_o otherways_o than_o it_o bring_v the_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o act_v according_o in_o all_o our_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o man_n will_v fain_o believe_v that_o their_o care_n in_o one_o part_n shall_v supply_v the_o defect_n in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v stand_v they_o in_o good_a stead_n although_o they_o do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficulty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o all_o concern_v for_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o be_v to_o come_v up_o thorough_o to_o that_o which_o religion_n require_v and_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o this_o difficulty_n i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o i_o will_v not_o only_o say_v as_o difficult_a but_o more_o difficult_a for_o we_o to_o become_v mere_a atheist_n and_o infidel_n than_o even_o bad_a man_n have_v make_v it_o to_o become_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n for_o he_o have_v leave_v those_o natural_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v give_v such_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o grow_v downright_a atheist_n or_o even_a unbeliever_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v what_o we_o can_v we_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o sense_n and_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o evil_a course_n of_o life_n easy_a to_o ourselves_o it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v by_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v self-condemned_n without_o any_o relief_n and_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o put_v some_o cheat_n upon_o ourselves_o consistent_a with_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v by_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o a_o diligent_a profession_n of_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n take_v together_o viz._n the_o unwillingness_n of_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o other_o that_o have_v not_o only_o make_v many_o person_n take_v up_o this_o false_a way_n of_o comfort_v themselves_o but_o have_v also_o make_v they_o easy_a to_o receive_v divers_a error_n which_o help_v to_o support_v this_o to_o expect_v spiritual_a relief_n from_o thing_n blessed_v by_o man_n without_o any_o appointment_n from_o god_n and_o to_o place_n religion_n in_o thing_n which_o have_v neither_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o divine_a authority_n to_o make_v they_o valuable_a certain_o if_o it_o be_v either_o easy_a for_o mankind_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o if_o they_o can_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o break_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n on_o the_o other_o it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o hard_a thing_n to_o corrupt_v religion_n than_o experience_n have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v conscience_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o will_v be_v while_o the_o world_n endure_v and_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v lust_n and_o passion_n vice_n and_o wickedness_n more_o or_o less_o among_o man_n so_o long_o also_o they_o will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o believe_v those_o doctrine_n that_o promise_v security_n without_o a_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o more_o mistake_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o comfort_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n
though_o i_o be_v addict_v to_o sensuality_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o to_o the_o vice_n of_o my_o natural_a constitution_n yet_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o quite_o another_o man_n than_o i_o be_v by_o my_o corrupt_a nature_n so_o much_o as_o there_o be_v of_o this_o in_o the_o world_n so_o much_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v in_o it_o and_o no_o more_o and_o so_o many_o as_o there_o be_v who_o can_v thus_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n so_o many_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o no_o more_o all_o other_o relief_n will_v fail_v all_o other_o foundation_n will_v ruin_v a_o man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n they_o will_v deceive_v he_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n or_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o that_o man_n may_v not_o deceive_v themselves_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v his_o precept_n and_o caution_n in_o this_o effectual_a manner_n therefore_o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v to_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n on_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o but_o let_v not_o that_o happen_v to_o we_o which_o st._n james_n say_v he_o that_o be_v a_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o a_o doer_n thereof_o be_v like_a to_o a_o man_n that_o behold_v his_o natural_a face_n in_o a_o glass_n and_o for_o the_o time_n know_v himself_o but_o then_o go_v away_o and_o straightway_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o be_v which_o similitude_n be_v not_o so_o much_o intend_v to_o expose_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o folly_n in_o hear_v and_o believe_v and_o in_o do_v nothing_o as_o to_o assign_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o i._n e._n if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v hearer_n only_o but_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n take_v care_n that_o the_o conviction_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o impression_n which_o it_o make_v upon_o your_o mind_n when_o you_o hear_v it_o do_v not_o slide_v away_o just_a as_o the_o image_n of_o a_o man_n countenance_n which_o the_o glass_n have_v make_v in_o his_o imagination_n vanish_v away_o when_o he_o turn_v from_o the_o glass_n and_o he_o do_v not_o so_o well_o know_v his_o own_o as_o any_o other_o man_n face_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v represent_v we_o to_o ourselves_o and_o show_v we_o our_o own_o action_n what_o they_o be_v and_o our_o conscience_n witness_v thereto_o while_o we_o hear_v those_o plain_a and_o powerful_a word_n of_o his_o which_z be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o evangelist_n but_o if_o we_o straightway_o forget_v what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o make_v his_o word_n abide_v in_o we_o then_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v we_o shall_v be_v hearer_n only_o but_o not_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n deceive_v our_o own_o self_n the_o eleven_o sermon_n john_n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n among_o the_o many_o argument_n in_o scripture_n persuade_v to_o a_o upright_a intention_n and_o honest_a conversation_n this_o in_o the_o text_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v propound_v and_o consider_v as_o be_v not_o only_o weighty_a in_o itself_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o adapt_v to_o allure_v the_o curious_a temper_n of_o man_n and_o most_o proper_a for_o they_o who_o be_v most_o inquisitive_a after_o knowledge_n and_o likely_a to_o be_v effectual_a with_o the_o most_o prudent_a who_o aim_v at_o the_o best_a knowledge_n for_o 1._o the_o knowledge_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n be_v that_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o his_o revelation_n to_o mankind_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o 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he_o shall_v know_v the_o same_o thing_n better_o than_o he_o do_v before_o this_o method_n will_v confirm_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o best_a assurance_n it_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o wander_a and_o doubt_v afterward_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o know_v the_o same_o more_o perfect_o than_o the_o motive_n be_v proper_a to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v ourselves_o concern_v in_o it_o last_o it_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o follow_v this_o method_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o miss_v of_o happiness_n in_o that_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o prescribe_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o best_a knowledge_n what_o reason_n have_v i_o to_o take_v that_o way_n of_o arrive_v to_o sound_a knowledge_n which_o have_v not_o only_o so_o great_a a_o promise_n to_o secure_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o miss_v of_o that_o end_n but_o which_o undoubted_o will_v 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and_o their_o part_n quick_a than_o those_o of_o the_o sincere_a and_o godly_a and_o moreover_o that_o some_o wicked_a man_n have_v arrive_v to_o great_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n than_o thousand_o of_o religious_a person_n ever_o have_v to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o equality_n of_o other_o mean_n and_o ability_n he_o that_o be_v sincere_a towards_o god_n have_v many_o advantage_n above_o a_o wicked_a man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n to_o which_o the_o wicked_a may_v possible_o arrive_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n proper_a to_o the_o godly_a which_o the_o other_o continue_v as_o he_o be_v can_v never_o gain_v now_o if_o that_o which_o be_v possible_o to_o both_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o certain_o attain_v by_o the_o good_a man_n suppose_v to_o be_v equal_a in_o other_o respect_n to_o the_o wicked_a if_o there_o be_v something_o also_o that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a 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to_o know_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o sincerity_n give_v a_o prosperous_a influence_n to_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o diligent_a and_o learned_a whereas_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n do_v mix_v itself_o with_o the_o study_n of_o man_n and_o infect_v they_o with_o a_o secret_a disloyalty_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o do_v most_o common_o blast_v their_o endeavour_n through_o the_o corruptness_n of_o their_o end_n make_v they_o bend_v their_o wit_n not_o so_o much_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o to_o serve_v their_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n that_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o any_o other_o way_n be_v include_v in_o this_o 2._o the_o obedient_a and_o honest_a mind_n be_v peculiar_o fit_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a and_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v but_o not_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o passion_n of_o the_o untractable_a to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n accommodate_v his_o instruction_n to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o willing_a but_o when_o he_o meet_v with_o the_o captious_a pharisee_n he_o return_v they_o answer_n like_o their_o question_n design_v rather_o to_o silence_v their_o arrogance_n than_o to_o inform_v they_o and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n for_o he_o perceive_v all_o that_o labour_n be_v lose_v upon_o man_n of_o their_o perverse_a mind_n which_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v those_o there_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o modest_a and_o disintere_v thus_o after_o they_o have_v be_v cavil_v at_o his_o doctrine_n he_o ask_v they_o who_o son_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v they_o say_v david_n if_o david_n then_o say_v he_o call_v he_o lord_n how_o be_v he_o his_o son_n where_o he_o leave_v they_o speechless_a without_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n for_o he_o know_v reason_n will_v not_o serve_v they_o so_o 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make_v great_a distinction_n between_o the_o humble_a and_o honest_a on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o proud_a and_o insincere_a on_o the_o other_o while_o the_o best_a knowledge_n be_v easy_a and_o ready_a to_o the_o former_a but_o in_o comparison_n hard_a to_o the_o latter_a 3._o due_a reverence_n and_o love_n of_o god_n word_n be_v itself_o apt_a to_o promote_v the_o understanding_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n which_o the_o good_a man_n have_v above_o all_o other_o what_o a_o man_n admire_v and_o delight_n in_o engage_v his_o whole_a soul_n and_o make_v it_o all_o attention_n and_o in_o that_o posture_n the_o mind_n apprehend_v more_o ready_o and_o clear_o on_o the_o other_o side_n no_o man_n make_v a_o good_a proficiency_n in_o that_o which_o he_o study_v with_o a_o alienate_v mind_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v since_o he_o do_v not_o put_v his_o strength_n to_o the_o work_n and_o his_o soul_n be_v hardly_o present_a with_o the_o business_n he_o be_v about_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v we_o give_v why_o man_n that_o be_v accurate_a at_o one_o sort_n of_o business_n be_v heavy_a and_o inapprehensive_a at_o other_o for_o the_o soul_n in_o itself_o have_v a_o capacity_n equal_o open_a to_o the_o embrace_v of_o all_o reason_n that_o therefore_o which_o make_v the_o difference_n must_v be_v their_o value_n of_o and_o delight_n in_o one_o subject_n and_o their_o aversion_n from_o the_o other_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o if_o david_n as_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o be_v wise_a than_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n and_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o his_o teacher_n themselves_o for_o say_v he_o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o the_o
endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n whether_o enjoin_v the_o duty_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o or_o promise_v those_o benefit_n and_o reward_n in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o life_n which_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o this_o very_a promise_n we_o have_v again_o repeat_v prov._n 3.32_o his_o secret_a be_v with_o the_o righteous_a it_o have_v be_v enough_o if_o god_n have_v pass_v his_o but_o once_o but_o since_o he_o have_v so_o often_o repeat_v it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v bless_v with_o a_o better_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o other_o in_o john_n 8._o the_o like_a promise_n be_v make_v and_o the_o like_a condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v be_v annex_v ver_fw-la 12._o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n shall_v know_v all_o thing_n requisite_a to_o life_n eternal_a ver_fw-la 32._o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n ver_fw-la 33._o that_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n and_o john_n 14.21_o i_o will_v love_v and_o manifest_v myself_o to_o every_o one_o that_o love_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a promise_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o other_o ground_n we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 111._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v the_o best_a most_o auspicious_a entrance_n upon_o it_o and_o they_o that_o do_v thereafter_o have_v a_o good_a understanding_n have_v good_a security_n that_o they_o can_v fail_v of_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a from_o all_o these_o promise_v we_o may_v be_v most_o assure_v that_o every_o man_n follow_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o fail_v of_o so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o will_v secure_v his_o eternal_a life_n and_o even_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o observe_v this_o rule_n if_o any_o of_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o some_o angel_n attend_v we_o constant_o observe_v all_o our_o action_n insinuate_v good_a counsel_n and_o exciting_a good_a thought_n when_o our_o passion_n grow_v wild_a and_o we_o be_v on_o the_o brink_n of_o sin_n it_o will_v infuse_v a_o great_a regard_n of_o all_o we_o do_v into_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v reckon_v ourselves_o happy_a man_n certain_o it_o be_v more_o happy_a to_o be_v under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o to_o have_v he_o who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o open_n our_o ear_n and_o seal_v instruction_n to_o we_o blessing_n our_o search_n into_o holy_a thing_n and_o accompany_v our_o meditation_n with_o a_o ready_a and_o prosperous_a apprehension_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o do_v god_n will_n because_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o be_v not_o slack_a in_o his_o promise_n but_o this_o advantage_n will_v appear_v so_o much_o the_o great_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o deliver_v up_o wicked_a man_n to_o darkness_n of_o understanding_n and_o have_v threaten_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o st._n paul_n show_v plain_o rom._n 1._o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o they_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o do_v not_o glorify_v god_n with_o that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o they_o first_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v ver_fw-la 21._o so_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o a_o reprobate_n i._n e._n a_o undiscerning_a mind_n which_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o god_n will_v deal_v so_o with_o we_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o by_o our_o work_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v though_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a warning_n in_o the_o threaten_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n rev._n 2._o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n their_o candlestick_n be_v remove_v and_o now_o they_o be_v in_o turkish_a darkness_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o ephesus_n be_v fulfil_v but_o why_o i_o beseech_v you_o shall_v that_o admonition_n be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o threaten_n there_o denounce_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n as_o well_o as_o of_o asia_n and_o to_o england_n as_o well_o as_o to_o ephesus_n and_o see_v every_o one_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o hear_v therefore_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o severity_n as_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o as_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o nation_n god_n may_v be_v provoke_v to_o deliver_v it_o up_o to_o darkness_n and_o delusion_n and_o to_o believe_v lie_n so_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o particular_a person_n he_o may_v give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o lie_a spirit_n and_o suffer_v seducer_n to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o plain_a truth_n in_o religion_n nor_o discern_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o monstrous_a error_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thes_n 2.11_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unreasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o 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mean_n to_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o have_v moreover_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n which_o the_o unrighteous_a have_v not_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n ungodly_a man_n be_v under_o so_o many_o natural_a impediment_n that_o obstruct_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o moreover_o lie_v under_o such_o severe_a threaten_n of_o blindness_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o suppose_v the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a to_o be_v equal_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o understanding_n and_o equal_o enjoy_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o former_a have_v vast_a advantage_n yet_o above_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v the_o second_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o so_o continue_v though_o in_o other_o respect_v he_o be_v never_o so_o much_o superior_a to_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o be_v the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v above_o all_o other_o thing_n confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o power_n of_o good_a principle_n to_o fortify_v he_o against_o temptation_n to_o restrain_v he_o from_o sin_n to_o keep_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n to_o render_v it_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o he_o to_o moderate_v he_o in_o his_o prosperity_n and_o to_o support_v he_o in_o adversity_n and_o by_o all_o this_o he_o understand_v the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o true_a religion_n incomparable_o better_o than_o any_o man_n who_o can_v talk_v learned_o and_o argue_v dexterous_o about_o it_o but_o never_o feel_v the_o
life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o his_o heart_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o good_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o verse_v in_o subtle_a reason_n as_o in_o religious_a practice_n can_v be_v shake_v by_o the_o objection_n of_o a_o sophister_n because_o they_o have_v that_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o excellency_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v above_o all_o other_o argument_n they_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n and_o can_v therefore_o be_v entangle_v by_o any_o artificial_a objection_n against_o it_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o pleasure_n which_o a_o man_n find_v in_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n be_v always_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n that_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n that_o weaken_v the_o obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o be_v sweet_a to_o the_o carnal_a man_n because_o they_o can_v put_v he_o in_o possession_n of_o great_a joy_n in_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v that_o good_a title_n to_o it_o which_o can_v only_o be_v found_v upon_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n therefore_o it_o be_v neither_o false_a nor_o allowable_a always_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o experience_n a_o man_n have_v of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o persuasion_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o many_o misguide_a soul_n have_v do_v but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o goodness_n a_o man_n shall_v understand_v the_o power_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o other_o by_o experience_n better_a than_o he_o can_v by_o mere_a speculation_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v never_o so_o full_o understand_v as_o by_o do_v they_o and_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n be_v never_o so_o thorough_o feel_v as_o when_o it_o make_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o the_o understanding_n submit_v to_o it_o now_o the_o best_a way_n to_o avoid_v argue_v to_o ourselves_o fallacious_o from_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n which_o those_o persuasion_n yield_v that_o tend_v to_o carnal_a security_n the_o best_a way_n i_o say_v to_o avoid_v this_o be_v to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n rule_n by_o lay_v the_o foundation_n even_o of_o experimental_a knowledge_n in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o with_o all_o sincerity_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n because_o than_o we_o shall_v never_o argue_v from_o experience_n but_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o of_o those_o principle_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v that_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o believe_v divine_a truth_n there_o be_v those_o joy_n in_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o can_v never_o be_v thorough_o understand_v but_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o till_o he_o have_v taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a god_n be_v solomon_n say_v that_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v never_o thorough_o understand_v this_o till_o we_o walk_v in_o they_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o find_v this_o reward_n but_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o other_o but_o as_o imperfect_o as_o the_o pencil_n do_v life_n and_o motion_n the_o best_a description_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o subject_n and_o if_o we_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n we_o can_v full_o conceive_v it_o nay_o most_o common_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v thing_n flat_a and_o insipid_a and_o the_o representation_n of_o they_o be_v nauseous_a and_o irksome_a to_o the_o carnal_a worldling_n and_o he_o be_v hardly_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n to_o understand_v it_o than_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a can_v apprehend_v that_o say_n of_o solomon_n true_o light_n be_v sweet_a and_o a_o pleasant_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o behold_v the_o sun_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o if_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n in_o do_v his_o will_n be_v a_o great_a advantage_n towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o the_o wicked_a man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o speculation_n if_o also_o that_o knowledge_n be_v gain_v by_o it_o which_o the_o insincere_a have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o if_o the_o righteous_a do_v not_o only_o better_a apprehend_v the_o weight_n of_o argument_n but_o understand_v more_o by_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a then_o have_v we_o great_a reason_n to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n method_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n only_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v this_o blessing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v procure_v to_o ourselves_o either_o by_o my_o discourse_n or_o by_o your_o hear_n what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v our_o saviour_n word_n no_o nor_o by_o grant_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o illustration_n of_o they_o but_o only_o by_o put_v ourselves_o serious_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o this_o way_n by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o general_n hold_v good_a of_o this_o in_o particular_a that_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o lord_n method_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o good_a knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n can_v be_v thorough_o judge_v till_o we_o have_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o those_o that_o have_v make_v trial_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v finis_fw-la