christian_a religion_n will_v permit_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o hope_v well_o of_o they_o and_o rather_o be_v content_v to_o err_v a_o little_a on_o the_o favourable_a and_o charitable_a part_n than_o to_o be_v mistake_v on_o the_o censorious_a and_o damn_v side_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o our_o b._n saviour_n think_v fit_a to_o frame_v his_o parable_n with_o so_o remarkable_a a_o bias_n to_o the_o charitable_a side_n partly_o to_o instruct_v we_o to_o extend_v our_o charity_n towards_o all_o christian_a church_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o our_o good_a hope_n concern_v they_o as_o far_o as_o with_o reason_n we_o can_v and_o partly_o to_o reprove_v the_o uncharitableness_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o positive_o exclude_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n beside_o themselves_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n a_o odious_a temper_n which_o to_o the_o infinite_a scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a name_n and_o profession_n have_v prevail_v upon_o some_o christian_n to_o that_o notorious_a degree_n as_o not_o only_o to_o shut_v out_o all_o the_o reform_a part_n of_o the_o western_a church_n almost_o equal_a in_o number_n to_o themselves_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o heretic_n but_o likewise_o to_o un-church_n all_o the_o other_o church_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o be_v of_o much_o great_a extent_n and_o number_n than_o themselves_o that_o do_v not_o own_o subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o this_o they_o do_v by_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n for_o every_o creature_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o roman_a bishop_n and_o this_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n over_o all_o christian_a church_n bellarmin_n call_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o the_o roman_a communion_n be_v plain_o found_v in_o schism_n that_o be_v in_o the_o most_o unchristian_a and_o uncharitable_a principle_n that_o can_v be_v namely_o that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o which_o none_o can_v be_v save_v which_o be_v the_o very_a schism_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o in_o this_o they_o be_v so_o positive_a that_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o that_o church_n in_o their_o dispute_n and_o write_n be_v much_o more_o inclinable_a to_o believe_v the_o salvation_n of_o heathen_n to_o be_v possible_a than_o of_o any_o of_o those_o christian_n who_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v heretic_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v certain_o none_o of_o the_o best_a but_o of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o essential_a virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v charity_n i_o doubt_v they_o have_v the_o least_o share_n of_o any_o christian_a church_n this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n second_o i_o observe_v not_o from_o any_o particular_a circumstance_n but_o from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o parable_n how_o very_o apt_a a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o neglect_v this_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n viz_o a_o careful_a and_o due_a preparation_n for_o another_o world_n and_o how_o willing_a they_o be_v to_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o depend_v upon_o any_o thing_n else_o how_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a soever_o rather_o than_o to_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o be_v real_o good_a and_o fit_a for_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v in_o a_o very_a lively_a manner_n represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n who_o have_v provide_v no_o supply_n of_o oil_n in_o their_o vessel_n and_o when_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v come_v will_v have_v furnish_v themselves_o by_o borrow_v or_o buy_v of_o other_o vers_n 8_o 9_o 10._o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o have_v their_o lamp_n light_v at_o their_o first_o set_v out_o to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n that_o be_v with_o their_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o 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in_o those_o two_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n they_o will_v fain_o gain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o some_o easy_a way_n than_o by_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n for_o the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v man_n have_v rather_o that_o religion_n shall_v be_v any_o thing_n than_o what_o indeed_o it_o be_v viz_o the_o thwart_a and_o cross_v of_o their_o vicious_a inclination_n the_o cure_n of_o their_o evil_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n the_o due_a care_n and_o government_n of_o their_o unruly_a appetite_n and_o passion_n the_o sincere_a endeavour_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n in_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v much_o rather_o have_v something_o that_o may_v handsome_o palliate_v and_o excuse_v their_o evil_a inclination_n and_o practice_n than_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o retrench_v and_o renounce_v they_o and_o rather_o than_o amend_v and_o reform_v their_o wicked_a life_n they_o will_v be_v content_v to_o make_v a_o honourable_a amends_o and_o compensation_n to_o almighty_a god_n in_o some_o other_o way_n this_o have_v be_v the_o way_n and_o folly_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n to_o defeat_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o thrust_v it_o by_o by_o substitute_v something_o else_o in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o which_o as_o they_o think_v may_v serve_v the_o turn_n as_o well_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o as_o much_o devotion_n and_o respect_n towards_o god_n and_o real_o cost_v they_o more_o money_n and_o pain_n than_o that_o which_o god_n require_v of_o they_o man_n have_v ever_o be_v apt_a thus_o to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o to_o please_v themselves_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o please_a god_n full_a as_o well_o or_o better_o by_o some_o other_o way_n than_o that_o which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v and_o appoint_v for_o they_o by_o this_o mean_n and_o upon_o this_o false_a principle_n religion_n have_v ever_o be_v apt_a to_o degenerate_a both_o among_o jew_n and_o christian_n into_o external_a and_o little_a observance_n and_o into_o a_o great_a zeal_n for_o lesser_a thing_n with_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o a_o word_n into_o infinite_a superstition_n of_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o and_o a_o arrogant_a conceit_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a righteousness_n and_o merit_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o which_o some_o have_v proceed_v to_o that_o height_n as_o if_o they_o can_v drive_v a_o strict_a bargain_n with_o god_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o have_v treat_v he_o in_o so_o insolent_a a_o manner_n by_o their_o doctrine_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o good_a work_n as_o if_o god_n be_v as_o much_o behold_v to_o they_o for_o their_o service_n and_o obedience_n as_o they_o be_v to_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o which_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o say_v they_o may_v challenge_v at_o god_n hand_n as_o of_o right_a and_o justice_n belong_v to_o they_o nay_o so_o far_o have_v they_o carry_v this_o doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o not_o only_o to_o pretend_v to_o merit_v eternal_a life_n for_o themselves_o but_o likewise_o to_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o other_o who_o have_v not_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n enough_o of_o their_o own_o which_o be_v the_o silly_a conceit_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n here_o in_o the_o parable_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o show_v more_o full_o by_o and_o by_o and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n that_o such_o easy_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o please_a god_n be_v very_o grateful_a to_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n
of_o their_o time_n and_o heat_n about_o thing_n doubtful_a that_o they_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o mind_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o be_v so_o concern_v about_o little_a speculative_a opinion_n in_o religion_n which_o they_o always_o call_v fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v almost_o whole_o neglect_v by_o they_o and_o they_o be_v so_o take_v up_o in_o spy_v out_o and_o censure_a error_n and_o heresy_n in_o other_o that_o they_o never_o think_v of_o cure_v those_o lust_n and_o vice_n and_o passion_n which_o do_v so_o visible_o reign_v in_o themselves_o delude_v people_n that_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a heresy_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o wicked_a life_n because_o it_o be_v so_o direct_o and_o fundamental_o opposite_a to_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o god_n will_v soon_o forgive_v a_o man_n a_o hundred_o defect_n of_o his_o understanding_n than_o one_o fault_n of_o his_o will._n second_o another_o great_a mischef_n which_o attend_v this_o temper_n be_v that_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o interpret_v this_o zeal_n of_o they_o against_o other_o to_o be_v great_a piety_n in_o themselves_o and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n and_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v very_o religious_a because_o they_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o maintain_v the_o outwork_n of_o religion_n when_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v starve_v within_o and_o that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o denominate_v they_o good_a christian_n but_o to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o party_n and_o to_o be_v list_v of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o they_o always_o take_v for_o grant_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o and_o then_o zealous_o to_o hate_v and_o uncharitable_o to_o censure_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n how_o many_o be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o think_v they_o have_v make_v very_o sure_a of_o heaven_n not_o by_o the_o old_a plain_a way_n of_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o reform_v their_o life_n but_o by_o a_o more_o close_a and_o cunning_a way_n of_o carry_v their_o vice_n along_o with_o they_o into_o another_o church_n and_o call_v themselves_o good_a cathlique_n and_o all_o other_o heretic_n and_o that_o have_v do_v this_o they_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n as_o if_o a_o mere_a name_n will_v admit_v a_o man_n into_o heaven_n or_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v this_o fantastical_a privilege_n belong_v to_o it_o that_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v save_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o be_v of_o it_o therefore_o as_o thou_o value_v thy_o soul_n take_v heed_n of_o engage_v in_o any_o faction_n in_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o thy_o zeal_n will_v be_v so_o employ_v about_o lesser_a thing_n that_o the_o main_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v neglect_v beside_o that_o a_o man_n deep_o engage_v in_o heat_n and_o controversy_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v very_o hardly_o escape_v be_v possess_v with_o that_o spirit_n of_o uncharitableness_n and_o contention_n of_o peevishness_n and_o fierceness_n which_o reign_v in_o all_o faction_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o those_o of_o religion_n v._o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n consist_v in_o the_o even_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o several_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o exercise_v ourselves_o always_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n for_o herein_o be_v religion_n best_o see_v in_o the_o equal_a and_o uniform_a practice_n of_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n not_o only_o in_o serve_v god_n devout_o but_o in_o demeaning_n ourselves_o peaceable_o and_o just_o kind_o and_o charitable_o towards_o all_o man_n not_o only_o in_o restrain_v ourselves_o from_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n but_o in_o mortify_v the_o inward_a inclination_n to_o it_o in_o subdue_a our_o lust_n and_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o bridle_v our_o tongue_n as_o he_o that_o will_v have_v a_o prudent_a care_n of_o his_o health_n and_o life_n must_v not_o only_o guard_v himself_o against_o the_o chief_a and_o common_a disease_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o man_n and_o take_v care_n to_o prevent_v they_o but_o must_v likewise_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v himself_o from_o those_o which_o be_v esteem_v less_o dangerous_a but_o yet_o sometime_o do_v prove_v mortal_a he_o must_v not_o only_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v his_o head_n and_o heart_n from_o be_v wound_v but_o must_v have_v a_o tender_a care_n of_o every_o part_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o disease_n or_o wound_v so_o slight_a but_o that_o some_o have_v die_v of_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n consist_v in_o a_o universal_a regard_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o that_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o no_o part_n of_o it_o though_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o more_o especial_a regard_n to_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v more_o considerable_a and_o wherein_o religion_n do_v main_o consist_v as_o piety_n towards_o god_n temperance_n and_o chastity_n in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o charity_n towards_o the_o poor_a truth_n and_o justice_n goodness_n and_o kindness_n towards_o all_o man_n but_o then_o no_o other_o grace_n and_o virtue_n though_o of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n aught_o to_o be_v neglect_v by_o we_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v as_o plain_o and_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o declare_v to_o you_o in_o what_o instance_n the_o due_a care_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o soul_n do_v chief_o consist_v and_o i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o man_n think_v that_o all_o this_o be_v a_o easy_a business_n and_o require_v but_o little_a time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o and_o that_o a_o small_a degree_n of_o diligence_n and_o industry_n will_v serve_v for_o this_o purpose_n to_o master_n and_o root_v out_o the_o inveterate_a habit_n of_o sin_n to_o bring_v our_o passion_n under_o the_o command_n and_o government_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o to_o attain_v to_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o every_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n that_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o charity_n humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n may_v all_o have_v their_o perfect_a work_n and_o that_o as_o st._n james_n say_v we_o may_v be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a want_v nothing_o nothing_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o good_a man_n and_o of_o a_o good_a christian_n and_o this_o whenever_o we_o come_v to_o make_v the_o trial_n we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o long_a work_n some_o indeed_o will_v make_v religion_n to_o be_v a_o very_a short_a and_o easy_a business_n and_o to_o consist_v only_o in_o believe_v what_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o rely_v confident_o upon_o it_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o christian_a faith_n that_o if_o i_o be_v not_o much_o mistake_v it_o be_v the_o very_a definition_n of_o presumption_n for_o the_o bible_n plain_o teach_v we_o that_o unless_o our_o faith_n work_v by_o charity_n and_o purify_v our_o heart_n and_o reform_v our_o life_n unless_o like_o abraham_n faith_n it_o be_v perfect_v by_o work_n it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a avail_n to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n and_o our_o b._n saviour_n the_o great_a author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v no_o where_o that_o i_o know_v of_o say_v one_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o faith_n separate_v from_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n will_v save_v any_o man_n but_o he_o have_v say_v very_o much_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o very_o plain_o for_o he_o promise_v blessedness_n to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v particular_o mention_v by_o he_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o excellent_a sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n etc._n of_o humility_n and_o repentance_n and_o meekness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o mercifulness_n and_o purity_n and_o peaceableness_n and_o patience_n under_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o same_o sermon_n 7.21_o not_o every_o one_o say_v he_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o again_o 24._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 unto_o a_o wise_a man_n which_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o afterward_o he_o tell_v we_o 27._o that_o whosoever_o build_v his_o hope_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n upon_o any_o other_o
a_o great_a deal_n more_o in_o innocence_n and_o the_o more_o any_o man_n consider_v this_o the_o true_a he_o will_v find_v it_o and_o whenever_o we_o be_v serious_a we_o ourselves_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v it_o when_o a_o man_n examine_v himself_o impartial_o before_o the_o sacrament_n or_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n upon_o a_o deathbed_n to_o make_v reparation_n for_o injury_n do_v in_o this_o kind_n he_o will_v then_o certain_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n and_o wish_v he_o have_v not_o do_v they_o for_o this_o certain_o be_v one_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n that_o we_o be_v in_o love_n and_o charity_n with_o our_o neighbour_n with_o which_o temper_n of_o mind_n this_o quality_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a three_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o specious_a plea_n than_o either_o of_o the_o former_a that_o man_n will_v be_v encourage_v to_o do_v ill_o if_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o tongue_n of_o man_n as_o they_o will_v do_v if_o this_o doctrine_n do_v effectual_o take_v place_n because_o by_o this_o mean_v one_o great_a restraint_n from_o do_v evil_a will_v be_v take_v away_o which_o these_o good_a man_n who_o be_v so_o bend_v upon_o reform_v the_o world_n think_v will_v be_v great_a pity_n for_o many_o who_o will_v venture_v upon_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n will_v yet_o abstain_v from_o do_v bad_a thing_n for_o fear_n of_o reproach_n from_o man_n beside_o that_o this_o seem_v the_o most_o proper_a punishment_n of_o many_o fault_n which_o the_o law_n of_o man_n can_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o admit_v all_o this_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v so_o good_a and_o laudable_a a_o way_n to_o punish_v one_o fault_n by_o another_o but_o let_v no_o man_n encourage_v himself_o in_o a_o evil_a way_n with_o this_o hope_n that_o he_o shall_v escape_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n when_o i_o have_v say_v all_o i_o can_v there_o will_v i_o fear_v be_v evil-speaking_a enough_o in_o the_o world_n to_o chastise_v they_o that_o do_v ill_a and_o though_o we_o shall_v hold_v our_o peace_n there_o will_v be_v bad_a tongue_n enough_o to_o reproach_v man_n with_o their_o evil-doing_n i_o wish_v we_o can_v but_o be_v persuade_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n for_o a_o little_a while_n whether_o man_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_o lash_v for_o their_o fault_n though_o we_o sit_v by_o and_o say_v nothing_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v concern_v in_o this_o odious_a work_n there_o will_v always_o be_v offender_n and_o malefactor_n enough_o to_o be_v the_o executioner_n to_o inflict_v this_o punishment_n upon_o one_o another_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n presume_v upon_o impunity_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o on_o the_o other_o let_v no_o man_n despair_v but_o that_o this_o business_n will_v be_v sufficient_o do_v one_o way_n or_o other_o i_o be_o very_o much_o mistake_v if_o we_o may_v not_o safe_o trust_v a_o ill-natured_a world_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o failure_n of_o justice_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o here_o if_o i_o dare_v i_o will_v fain_o have_v say_v a_o word_n or_o two_o concern_v that_o more_o public_a sort_n of_o obloquy_n by_o lampoon_n and_o libel_n so_o much_o in_o fashion_n in_o this_o witty_a age._n but_o i_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o provoke_v a_o very_a terrible_a sort_n of_o man_n yet_o thus_o much_o i_o hope_v may_v be_v say_v without_o offence_n that_o how_o much_o soever_o man_n be_v please_v to_o see_v other_o abuse_v in_o this_o kind_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o grievous_a when_o it_o come_v to_o their_o own_o turn_n however_o i_o can_v but_o hope_v that_o every_o man_n that_o impartial_o consider_v must_v own_o it_o to_o be_v a_o fault_n of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n to_o revile_v those_o who_o god_n have_v place_v in_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o to_o slander_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v especial_o since_o it_o be_v so_o express_o write_v thou_o shall_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o thy_o people_n have_v represent_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o vice_n it_o may_v not_o now_o be_v improper_a to_o say_v something_o to_o those_o who_o suffer_v by_o it_o be_v we_o guilty_a of_o the_o evil_n say_v of_o we_o let_v we_o reform_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o occasion_n for_o the_o future_a and_o so_o turn_v the_o malice_n of_o our_o enemy_n to_o our_o own_o advantage_n and_o defeat_v their_o ill_a intention_n by_o make_v so_o good_a a_o use_n of_o it_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v well_o for_o we_o to_o have_v be_v evil_o speak_v of_o be_v we_o innocent_a we_o may_v so_o much_o the_o better_o bear_v it_o patient_o imitate_v herein_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o we_o may_v consider_v likewise_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o misfortune_n to_o be_v evil-spoken_a of_o it_o be_v their_o fault_n that_o do_v it_o and_o not_o we_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o put_v we_o into_o passion_n because_o another_o man_n be_v injurious_a to_o i_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o i_o shall_v be_v uneasy_a to_o myself_o we_o shall_v not_o revenge_v the_o injury_n do_v to_o we_o no_o not_o upon_o they_o that_o do_v they_o much_o less_o upon_o ourselves_o let_v no_o man_n provocation_n make_v thou_o to_o lose_v thy_o patience_n be_v not_o such_o a_o fool_n as_o to_o part_v with_o any_o one_o virtue_n because_o some_o man_n be_v so_o malicious_a as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v thou_o of_o the_o reputation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n when_o man_n speak_v ill_a of_o thou_o do_v as_o plato_n say_v he_o will_v do_v in_o that_o case_n live_v so_o as_o that_o no_o body_n may_v believe_v they_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o to_o urge_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o do_v according_o for_o all_o be_v nothing_o if_o we_o do_v not_o practice_v what_o we_o so_o plain_o see_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n many_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o deep_a point_n and_o mystery_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o never_o think_v of_o the_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n be_v so_o far_o from_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v make_v they_o inseparable_a true_a faith_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o a_o good_a life_n be_v the_o genuine_a product_n of_o a_o right_a belief_n and_o therefore_o the_o one_o never_o ought_v to_o be_v press_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o other_o i_o foresee_v what_o will_v be_v say_v because_o i_o have_v hear_v it_o so_o often_o say_v in_o the_o like_a case_n that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o all_o this_o no_o more_o be_v there_o in_o the_o text._n and_o yet_o i_o hope_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v true_o preach_v whenever_o his_o will_n and_o law_n and_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v inculcate_v upon_o we_o but_o some_o man_n be_v please_v to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v mere_a morality_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v scripture-morality_n and_o christian-morality_n and_o who_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o that_o nay_o i_o will_v go_v yet_o further_o that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o pretend_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n who_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o so_o plain_a a_o duty_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o sin_n so_o clear_o condemn_v by_o it_o as_o this_o of_o evil-speaking_a be_v but_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n yea_o sharp_a than_o calumny_n itself_o and_o pierce_v the_o very_a heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n lay_v we_o open_a to_o ourselves_o and_o convince_a we_o of_o our_o more_o secret_a as_o well_o as_o our_o more_o visible_a fault_n i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o one_o view_v represent_v to_o you_o what_o be_v dispersedly_z say_z concern_v this_o sin_n in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o i_o have_v purposely_o reserve_v this_o to_o the_o last_o because_o it_o be_v more_o persuasive_a and_o penetrate_a than_o any_o humane_a discourse_n and_o to_o this_o end_n be_v please_v to_o consider_v in_o what_o company_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v usual_o mention_v this_o sin_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o black_a catalogue_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o bible_n but_o we_o find_v this_o among_o they_o 15.19_o in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o very_o worst_a action_n and_o most_o irregular_a passion_n of_o man_n out_o of_o the_o heart_n say_v our_o saviour_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n fornication_n false-witness_n
god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v reward_v those_o that_o serve_v he_o because_o unless_o a_o man_n do_v first_o believe_v these_o there_o will_v neither_o be_v ground_n nor_o encouragement_n for_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n and_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o necessary_a principle_n of_o religion_n our_o b._n saviour_n call_v eternal_a life_n because_o it_o be_v so_o fundamental_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o attain_n of_o it_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a say_v he_o 17.3_o to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o he_o who_o thou_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o be_v right_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n under_o which_o two_o general_a head_n be_v comprehend_v all_o the_o necessary_a principle_n both_o of_o the_o natural_a and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o knowledge_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n no_o such_o extraordinary_a pain_n and_o study_n be_v require_v but_o only_o a_o teachable_a disposition_n and_o a_o due_a application_n of_o mind_n for_o whatever_o in_o religion_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o all_o must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a and_o lie_v level_a to_o all_o capacity_n otherwise_o we_o must_v say_v that_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v have_v not_o provide_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o now_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o light_n of_o christianity_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o enjoy_v the_o gospel_n be_v or_o may_v be_v sufficient_o instruct_v in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o their_o happiness_n unless_o such_o care_n be_v use_v as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o to_o lock_v up_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o this_o as_o they_o pretend_v upon_o a_o very_a charitable_a consideration_n only_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v mad_a and_o have_v need_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o dark_a but_o suppose_v man_n to_o be_v allow_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n afford_v and_o have_v appoint_v for_o we_o the_o great_a difficulty_n do_v not_o common_o lie_v in_o man_n understanding_n but_o in_o their_o will_n only_o when_o man_n know_v these_o thing_n they_o must_v attend_v to_o they_o and_o consider_v they_o that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o their_o understanding_n may_v warm_v their_o heart_n and_o have_v its_o due_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n ii_o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n consist_v in_o the_o frequent_a examination_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o all_o the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o they_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o deep_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n for_o deliberate_a and_o wilful_a sin_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v call_v they_o to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o in_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n and_o surprise_n in_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o we_o be_v always_o to_o remember_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a repentance_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o humble_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o a_o hearty_a trouble_n and_o contrition_n for_o they_o but_o chief_o in_o the_o steadfast_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o resolution_n in_o actual_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n by_o the_o constant_a exercise_n hereof_o we_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n provide_v that_o we_o persevere_v in_o this_o holy_a resolution_n and_o course_n but_o if_o we_o still_o retain_v the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o if_o after_o we_o have_v take_v up_o these_o good_a resolution_n we_o return_v again_o to_o a_o evil_a course_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n either_o that_o our_o repentance_n be_v not_o sincere_a at_o first_o or_o that_o we_o be_v relapse_v into_o our_o former_a state_n and_o then_o our_o soul_n be_v still_o in_o apparent_a danger_n of_o be_v lose_v and_o will_v continue_v in_o that_o dangerous_a state_n till_o we_o have_v renew_v our_o repentance_n and_o make_v it_o good_a in_o the_o follow_a course_n of_o our_o life_n iii_o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n consist_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n both_o in_o private_a and_o in_o public_a if_o there_o be_v opportunity_n for_o it_o especial_o at_o proper_a time_n and_o upon_o more_o solemn_a occasion_n by_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o by_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n by_o frequent_v his_o public_a worship_n and_o demeaning_a ourselves_o in_o it_o with_o that_o solemnity_n and_o seriousness_n which_o become_v the_o presence_n and_o service_n of_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n who_o observe_v our_o behaviour_n and_o see_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o by_o receive_v the_o b._n sacrament_n as_o often_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n with_o due_a preparation_n and_o devotion_n of_o mind_n for_o these_o be_v not_o only_o outward_a testimony_n of_o our_o inward_a piety_n but_o they_o be_v mean_n likewise_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o improve_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o whoever_o neglect_v these_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o perform_v they_o in_o a_o flight_n and_o superficial_a manner_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o he_o have_v neither_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n nor_o care_n of_o himself_o for_o in_o vain_a do_v any_o man_n pretend_v that_o he_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_a design_n the_o end_n when_o he_o neglect_v the_o best_a and_o most_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o iv._o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n consist_v also_o in_o avoid_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v pernicious_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o whereby_o man_n do_v often_o hazard_v their_o soul_n such_o in_o general_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n by_o this_o we_o do_v as_o it_o be_v run_v upon_o the_o sword_n point_n and_o do_v endanger_v our_o salvation_n as_o much_o as_o a_o deep_a wound_n in_o our_o body_n will_v do_v our_o life_n and_o though_o such_o a_o wound_n may_v perhaps_o be_v cure_v afterward_o by_o repentance_n yet_o no_o man_n that_o commit_v any_o wilful_a sin_n know_v the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o whither_o by_o degree_n it_o may_v carry_v he_o at_o last_o for_o upon_o such_o a_o provocation_n god_n may_v leave_v the_o sinner_n to_o himself_o and_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o he_o and_o give_v he_o up_o to_o a_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n to_o proceed_v from_o evil_a to_o worse_o and_o from_o one_o wickedness_n to_o another_o till_o he_o be_v final_o ruin_v so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o know_o to_o offend_v god_n and_o to_o commit_v any_o deliberate_a act_n of_o sin_n more_o particular_o a_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n because_o it_o quench_v the_o heavenly_a life_n and_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o earthly_a care_n and_o design_n it_o tempt_v man_n to_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n when_o their_o worldly_a interest_n come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o and_o betray_v they_o to_o fraud_n and_o falsehood_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o injustice_n and_o many_o other_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v the_o soul_n in_o perdition_n but_o beside_o these_o danger_n which_o be_v more_o visible_a and_o apparent_a there_o be_v another_o which_o be_v less_o discernible_a because_o it_o have_v the_o face_n of_o piety_n and_o that_o be_v faction_n in_o religion_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o unpeaceable_a and_o uncharitable_a zeal_n about_o thing_n wherein_o religion_n either_o do_v not_o at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o little_o consist_v for_o beside_o that_o this_o temper_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n as_o humility_n love_n peace_n meekness_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o it_o have_v likewise_o two_o very_o great_a mischief_n common_o attend_v upon_o it_o and_o both_o of_o they_o pernicious_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n first_o that_o it_o take_v such_o man_n off_o from_o mind_v the_o more_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v so_o zealous_a about_o small_a thing_n the_o tithe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v and_o cummin_n that_o they_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n faith_n and_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n they_o spend_v so_o much_o
over_o let_v we_o say_v peace_n be_v within_o thou_o for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o of_o that_o excellent_a church_n whereof_o we_o all_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o say_v i_o will_v seek_v thy_o good_a and_o what_o great_a good_n can_v we_o do_v to_o the_o best_a religion_n how_o can_v we_o better_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o it_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o by_o be_v at_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o ourselves_o here_o in_o england_n upon_o who_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_n abroad_o be_v fix_v as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o great_a bulwark_n and_o support_v of_o it_o that_o so_o under_o the_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o two_o such_o excellent_a prince_n as_o he_o have_v now_o bless_v we_o withal_o the_o one_o so_o brave_a and_o valiant_a and_o both_o of_o they_o so_o wise_a so_o good_a so_o religious_a we_o may_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o a_o firm_a establishment_n and_o become_v like_o mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v move_v the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o admiration_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n grant_v for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n february_n the_o 27_o the_o 1690_o 1._o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n act_n xxiv_o 16_o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o defence_n which_o st._n paul_n make_v for_o himself_o before_o faelix_fw-la the_o roman_a governor_n in_o which_o he_o first_o of_o all_o vindicate_v himself_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o sedition_n ver_fw-la 12._o they_o neither_o find_v i_o in_o the_o temple_n dispute_v with_o any_o man_n neither_o raise_n up_o the_o people_n neither_o in_o the_o synagogue_n nor_o in_o the_o city_n that_o be_v they_o can_v not_o charge_v he_o with_o make_v any_o disturbance_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n after_o this_o he_o make_v a_o free_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o his_o religion_n ver_fw-la 14._o but_o this_o i_o confess_v that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n here_o he_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o oral_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n more_o particular_o he_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v a_o principal_a article_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n ver_fw-la 15._o and_o i_o have_v hope_n also_o towards_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a and_o have_v make_v this_o declaration_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n ver_fw-la 16._o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n herein_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o this_o work_n do_v i_o employ_v myself_o or_o as_o other_o render_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n whilst_o i_o be_o in_o this_o world_n or_o as_o other_o i_o think_v most_o probable_o for_o this_o cause_n and_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o reason_n because_o i_o believe_v a_o resurrection_n therefore_o have_v i_o a_o conscientious_a care_n of_o my_o life_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o the_o discourse_n i_o intend_v to_o make_v upon_o these_o word_n shall_v be_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n i._o here_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o a_o good_a man_n pious_a practice_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n ii_o here_o be_v his_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o this_o course_n to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n iii_o here_o be_v his_o earnest_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o exercise_v myself_o iv._o here_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o immediate_a guide_n of_o his_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o tell_v we_o be_v his_o conscience_n v._o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n vi_o here_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o this_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n consequent_a upon_o it_o for_o this_o cause_n because_o i_o hope_v for_o a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o to_o the_o three_o first_o of_o these_o particular_n that_o i_o may_v be_v large_a in_o the_o rest_n i._o here_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o a_o good_a man_n pious_a practice_n it_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o his_o duty_n as_o it_o respect_v god_n and_o man._n i_o exercise_v myself_o say_v st._n paul_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o this_o distribution_n of_o our_o duty_n under_o these_o two_o general_a head_n be_v very_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n the_o decalogue_n refer_v our_o duty_n to_o these_o two_o head_n and_o according_o our_o saviour_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o those_o two_o great_a commandment_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n matth._n 22.38_o upon_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v all_o the_o moral_a precept_n which_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n ii_o here_o be_v his_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o this_o course_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o exercise_v himself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d continual_o at_o all_o time_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n we_o must_v not_o only_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o way_n by_o fit_n and_o start_v but_o in_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n without_o any_o balk_n and_o intermission_n there_o be_v some_o that_o will_v refrain_v from_o grosser_n sin_n and_o be_v very_o strict_a at_o some_o season_n as_o during_o the_o time_n of_o a_o solemn_a repentance_n and_o for_o some_o day_n before_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o perhaps_o for_o a_o little_a while_n after_o it_o and_o when_o these_o devout_a season_n be_v over_o they_o let_v themselves_o loose_v again_o to_o their_o former_a lewd_a and_o vicious_a course_n but_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n discover_v itself_o in_o the_o habitual_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n iii_o here_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a earnest_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o this_o purpose_n herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o say_v st._n paul_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o render_v exercise_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o very_a intense_a signification_n and_o do_v denote_v that_o st._n paul_n apply_v himself_o to_o this_o business_n with_o all_o his_o care_n and_o might_n and_o that_o he_o make_v it_o his_o earnest_a study_n and_o endeavour_v and_o so_o must_v we_o we_o must_v take_v great_a care_n to_o understand_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o be_v right_o inform_v concern_v good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a we_o must_v apply_v our_o mind_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o know_v our_o duty_n we_o must_v be_v true_a and_o honest_a to_o ourselves_o and_o very_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o iv_o the_o
for_o their_o friend_n and_o begin_v a_o new_a score_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o may_v put_v the_o surplusage_n of_o their_o good_a work_n as_o a_o debt_n upon_o god_n to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o public_a treasury_n of_o the_o church_n as_o so_o many_o bill_n of_o credit_n which_o the_o pope_n by_o his_o pardon_n and_o indulgence_n may_v dispense_v and_o place_n to_o who_o account_n he_o please_v and_o out_o of_o this_o bank_n which_o be_v keep_v at_o rome_n those_o who_o never_o take_v care_n to_o have_v any_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o may_v be_v supply_v at_o reasonable_a rate_n to_o which_o they_o have_v add_v a_o further_a supply_n of_o grace_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o need_n of_o it_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o extreme_a unction_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n but_o devise_v as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o furnish_v such_o foolish_a virgin_n with_o oil_n as_o be_v here_o describe_v in_o the_o parable_n and_o thus_o by_o one_o device_n or_o other_o they_o have_v enervate_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o have_v almost_o quite_o lose_v its_o true_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o instead_o of_o the_o real_a fruit_n of_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n it_o produce_v little_a else_o but_o superstition_n and_o folly_n or_o if_o it_o produce_v any_o real_a virtue_n yet_o even_o the_o virtue_n of_o those_o virtue_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n spoil_v by_o their_o arrogant_a pretence_n of_o merit_n and_o super-erogation_a and_o be_v render_v insignificant_a to_o themselves_o by_o their_o insolent_a carriage_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o god_n six_o and_o last_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o person_n to_o be_v so_o overgrow_v with_o goodness_n as_o to_o have_v more_o than_o needs_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assign_v and_o transfer_v of_o this_o overplus_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n from_o one_o man_n to_o another_o for_o we_o see_v that_o all_o the_o way_n that_o can_v be_v think_v on_o of_o beg_v or_o borrow_v or_o buy_v oil_n of_o other_o do_v all_o prove_v ineffectual_a because_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n impracticable_a that_o one_o sinner_n who_o owe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o much_o more_o to_o god_n shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o spare_v wherewithal_o to_o merit_v for_o another_o indeed_o our_o b._n saviour_n have_v merit_v for_o we_o all_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n but_o the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n will_v be_v of_o no_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o if_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o real_o and_o inherent_o righteous_a so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o and_o warn_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o contrary_a conceit_n little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a if_o we_o do_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n the_o merit_n of_o christ_n perfect_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n will_v be_v available_a with_o god_n for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o sincere_a though_o but_o imperfect_a obedience_n but_o if_o we_o take_v no_o care_n to_o be_v righteous_a and_o good_a ourselves_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a much_o less_o the_o imperfect_a righteousness_n of_o any_o other_o man_n who_o be_v a_o sinner_n himself_o and_o the_o holy_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v upon_o earth_n can_v no_o more_o assign_v and_o make_v over_o his_o righteousness_n or_o repentance_n or_o any_o part_n of_o either_o to_o another_o that_o want_v it_o than_o a_o man_n can_v bequeath_v his_o wisdom_n or_o learn_v to_o his_o heir_n or_o his_o friend_n no_o more_o than_o a_o sick_a man_n can_v be_v restore_v to_o health_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o physic_n which_o another_o man_n have_v take_v let_v no_o man_n therefore_o think_v of_o be_v good_a by_o a_o deputy_n that_o can_v be_v content_v to_o be_v happy_a and_o to_o be_v save_v the_o same_o way_n that_o be_v to_o go_v to_o hell_n and_o to_o be_v torment_v there_o in_o person_n and_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o place_n of_o bliss_n only_o by_o proxy_n so_o that_o these_o good_a work_n with_o a_o hard_a name_n and_o the_o make_n over_o the_o merit_n of_o they_o to_o other_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o foundation_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n but_o be_v all_o mere_a fancy_n and_o fiction_n in_o divinity_n the_o inference_n from_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o application_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v of_o this_o parable_n watch_v therefore_o 13._o for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n wherein_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v the_o design_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v to_o instruct_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v continual_o vigilant_a and_o always_o upon_o our_o guard_n and_o in_o a_o constant_a readiness_n and_o preparation_n to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n nor_o yet_o which_o will_v be_v of_o the_o same_o consequence_n and_o concernment_n to_o we_o do_v any_o of_o we_o know_v the_o precise_a time_n of_o our_o own_o death_n either_o of_o these_o may_v happen_v at_o any_o time_n and_o come_v when_o we_o least_o expect_v they_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o best_a and_o speedy_a provision_n that_o we_o can_v for_o another_o world_n and_o shall_v be_v continual_o upon_o our_o watch_n and_o trim_v our_o lamp_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v by_o either_o of_o these_o neither_o by_o our_o own_o particular_a death_n nor_o by_o the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o world_n because_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v come_v in_o a_o day_n when_o we_o look_v not_o for_o he_o and_o at_o a_o hour_n when_o we_o be_v not_o aware_a more_o particular_o we_o shall_v take_v up_o a_o present_a and_o effectual_a resolution_n not_o to_o delay_v our_o repentance_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v not_o have_v that_o great_a work_n to_o do_v when_o we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n no_o not_o to_o dispose_v of_o our_o temporal_a concernment_n much_o less_o to_o prepare_v for_o eternity_n and_o to_o do_v that_o in_o a_o few_o moment_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o our_o whole_a life_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v force_v to_o huddle_n up_o a_o imperfect_a and_o i_o fear_v a_o insignificant_a repentance_n and_o to_o do_v that_o in_o great_a haste_n and_o confusion_n which_o certain_o do_v require_v our_o wise_a and_o most_o deliberate_a thought_n and_o all_o the_o consideration_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o shall_v provide_v store_n of_o oil_n in_o our_o vessel_n wherewith_o to_o supply_v our_o lamp_n that_o they_o may_v burn_v bright_a to_o the_o last_o i_o mean_v we_o shall_v improve_v the_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v in_o baptism_n by_o abound_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o all_o the_o substantial_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o so_o a_o entrance_n may_v be_v minister_v to_o we_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n by_o this_o mean_n when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v put_v to_o those_o miserable_a and_o shark_a shift_n which_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n be_v drive_v to_o of_o beg_v or_o borrow_v or_o buy_v oil_n which_o will_v all_o fail_v we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o depend_v upon_o they_o and_o though_o the_o die_a man_n may_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n to_o support_v himself_o with_o these_o false_a comfort_n for_o a_o little_a while_n yet_o when_o the_o short_a delusion_n be_v over_o which_o will_v be_v assoon_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v step_v into_o the_o other_o world_n he_o will_v to_o his_o everlasting_a confusion_n and_o trouble_n find_v the_o door_n of_o heaven_n shut_v against_o he_o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o vast_a treasure_n of_o pardon_n and_o indulgence_n which_o have_v cost_v he_o so_o much_o and_o be_v worth_a so_o little_a he_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v take_v great_a care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o extinguish_v our_o lamp_n by_o quit_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n upon_o any_o temptation_n of_o advantage_n or_o for_o fear_n of_o any_o loss_n or_o suffering_n whatsoever_o this_o occasion_n will_v
call_v for_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o patience_n all_o our_o courage_n and_o constancy_n nunc_fw-la animus_fw-la opus_fw-la aenea_fw-la nunc_fw-la pectore_fw-la firmo_fw-la when_o it_o come_v to_o this_o trial_n we_o have_v need_v to_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o summon_v all_o our_o force_n and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v fast_o in_o a_o evil_a day_n and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o to_o stand_v and_o now_o my_o brethren_n to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o st._n 5.12_o peter_n i_o testify_v unto_o you_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o you_o stand_v the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n which_o we_o in_o this_o nation_n profess_v be_v the_o very_a gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a ancient_a christianity_n and_o for_o god_n sake_n since_o in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n when_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o so_o apparent_a hazard_n we_o pretend_v to_o love_v it_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o be_v content_v to_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n for_o it_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o practice_v it_o and_o to_o testify_v our_o love_n to_o it_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v we_o show_v our_o love_n to_o he_o by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n so_o very_o proper_a for_o this_o purpose_n 1.27_o and_o to_o this_o present_a time_n only_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o it_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v chief_o and_o above_o all_o take_v care_n to_o lead_v life_n suitable_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o then_o as_o it_o follow_v stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o your_o adversary_n which_o to_o they_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n of_o perdition_n but_o to_o you_o of_o salvation_n and_o that_o of_o god_n now_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v you_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o keep_v you_o from_o fall_v and_o to_o present_v you_o faultless_a before_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n with_o exceed_a joy_n to_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n our_o saviour_n be_v glory_n and_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o power_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o thanksgiving-sermon_n for_o our_o deliverance_n by_o the_o p._n of_o orange_n preach_v at_o lincolns-inn-chappel_n january_n 31._o 1688._o to_o the_o worshipful_a the_o master_n of_o the_o bench_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o gentleman_n of_o the_o honourable_a society_n of_o lincolns-inn_n though_o i_o be_v at_o first_o very_o unwilling_a to_o expose_v to_o the_o public_a a_o sermon_n make_v upon_o so_o little_a warn_v and_o so_o great_a a_o occasion_n yet_o upon_o second_o thought_n i_o can_v not_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o resist_v the_o unanimous_a and_o earnest_a request_n of_o so_o many_o worthy_a person_n as_o the_o master_n of_o the_o bench_n of_o this_o honourable_a society_n to_o who_o i_o stand_v so_o much_o indebt_v for_o your_o great_a and_o continue_a respect_n to_o i_o and_o kind_a acceptance_n of_o my_o labour_n among_o you_o for_o now_o above_o the_o space_n of_o five_o and_o twenty_o year_n in_o a_o most_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n whereof_o this_o discourse_n such_o as_o it_o be_v in_o mere_a obedience_n to_o your_o command_n be_v now_o humble_o present_v to_o you_o by_o your_o most_o oblige_a and_o faithful_a servant_n john_n tillotson_n feb._n 28._o 1688_o 9_o a_o thanksgiving-sermon_n for_o our_o deliverance_n by_o the_o p._n of_o orange_n ezra_n ix_o 13_o 14._o and_o after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n see_v that_o thou_o our_o god_n have_v punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v and_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o this_o shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n and_o join_v in_o affinity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o these_o abomination_n will_v not_o thou_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o thou_o have_v consume_v we_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o remnant_n nor_o escape_v i_o be_o sufficient_o aware_a that_o the_o particular_a occasion_n of_o these_o word_n be_v in_o several_a respect_n very_o different_a from_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o day_n be_v solemnity_n for_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v by_o ezra_n at_o a_o time_n appoint_v for_o public_a and_o solemn_a humiliation_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o consider_v they_o in_o that_o relation_n but_o rather_o as_o they_o refer_v to_o that_o great_a deliverance_n which_o god_n have_v so_o late_o wrought_v for_o they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v a_o caution_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o abuse_v great_a mercy_n receive_v from_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v very_o proper_a and_o pertinent_a to_o the_o great_a occasion_n of_o this_o day_n nay_o these_o word_n even_o in_o their_o sad_a aspect_n be_v not_o so_o unsuitable_a to_o it_o for_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n upon_o the_o most_o solemn_a occasion_n of_o humiliation_n that_o good_a man_n have_v always_o testify_v a_o thankful_a sense_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o indeed_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v then_o appear_v above_o measure_n merciful_a when_o the_o sinner_n be_v most_o deep_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o so_o ezra_n here_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n have_v so_o great_a a_o sense_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o deliverance_n that_o he_o hardly_o know_v how_o to_o express_v it_o and_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o this_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o find_v that_o good_a man_n in_o their_o most_o solemn_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n have_v make_v very_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o sure_o the_o best_a way_n to_o make_v man_n true_o thankful_a be_v first_o to_o make_v they_o very_o humble_a when_o david_n make_v his_o most_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n to_o god_n for_o his_o great_a mercy_n to_o he_o how_o do_v he_o abase_v himself_o before_o he_o but_o who_o be_o i_o and_o what_o be_v my_o people_n and_o so_o likewise_o 29.4_o after_o he_o have_v summon_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o join_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n he_o interpose_v this_o seasonable_a meditation_n 103.10_o he_o have_v not_o deal_v with_o we_o after_o our_o sin_n nor_o reward_v we_o according_a to_o our_o iniquity_n the_o great_a and_o more_o lively_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v abhor_v ourselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o melt_v we_o into_o tear_n of_o repentance_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o great_a and_o undeserved_a mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n do_v natural_o lead_v to_o repentance_n have_v thus_o reconcile_v the_o text_n to_o the_o present_a occasion_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o more_o distinct_a handle_n of_o the_o word_n take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o part_n in_o they_o first_o here_o be_v a_o case_n suppose_v shall_v we_o after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o since_o god_n have_v punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v and_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o this_o shall_v we_o again_o break_v his_o commandment_n second_o here_o be_v a_o sentence_n and_o determination_n in_o the_o case_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o thou_o have_v consume_v we_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o remnant_n nor_o escape_v this_o be_v not_o speak_v doubtful_o though_o it_o be_v put_v by_o way_n of_o question_n but_o be_v the_o more_o vehement_o positive_a the_o more_o peremptory_o affirmative_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v it_o can_v otherwise_o be_v in_o reason_n expect_v but_o that_o after_o such_o repeat_v provocation_n god_n shall_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o he_o have_v consume_v we_o first_o here_o be_v a_o case_n suppose_v shall_v we_o after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n and_o since_o god_n have_v punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v and_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o this_o shall_v we_o again_o break_v his_o commandment_n and_o join_v in_o affinity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o these_o abomination_n in_o which_o word_n these_o follow_a proposition_n seem_v to_o be_v involve_v which_o i_o shall_v but_o just_a mention_n and_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text._n 1._o that_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o suffering_n after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o
as_o our_o thought_n but_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o way_n above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v easy_a to_o grant_v forgiveness_n to_o other_o and_o without_o this_o as_o god_n have_v reason_n to_o deny_v forgiveness_n to_o we_o so_o we_o ourselves_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n utter_o to_o despair_v of_o it_o it_o will_v almost_o transport_v a_o christian_n to_o read_v that_o admirable_a passage_n of_o the_o great_a heathen_a emperor_n and_o philosopher_n m._n aurelius_n antoninus_n can_v the_o god_n 7._o say_v he_o that_o be_v immortal_a for_o the_o continuance_n of_o so_o many_o age_n bear_v without_o impatience_n with_o such_o and_o so_o many_o sinner_n as_o have_v ever_o be_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o likewise_o take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o provide_v for_o they_o that_o they_o want_v nothing_o and_o do_v thou_o so_o grievous_o take_v on_o as_o one_o that_o can_v bear_v with_o they_o no_o long_o thou_o that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n of_o time_n yea_o thou_o that_o be_v one_o of_o those_o sinner_n thyself_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o those_o weighty_a and_o pungent_a say_n of_o the_o wise_a son_n of_o syrach_n he_o that_o revenge_v shall_v find_v vengeance_n from_o the_o lord_n 4._o and_o he_o will_v certain_o retain_v his_o sin_n forgive_v thy_o neighbour_n that_o have_v hurt_v thou_o so_o shall_v thy_o sin_n also_o be_v forgive_v when_o thou_o pray_v one_o man_n bear_v hatred_n against_o another_o and_o do_v he_o seek_v pardon_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o show_v no_o mercy_n to_o a_o man_n like_o himself_o and_o do_v he_o ask_v forgiveness_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n enable_n we_o o_o lord_n by_o thy_o grace_n to_o practice_v this_o excellent_a and_o difficult_a duty_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o then_o forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n adoration_n and_o obedience_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o one_o thing_n needful_a a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n at_o hampton-court_n april_n the_o 14_o the_o 1689._o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o one_o thing_n needful_a luke_n x._o 42_o but_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a in_o the_o account_n of_o wise_a man_n one_o of_o the_o first_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o human_a action_n be_v this_o to_o regard_v every_o thing_n more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o consequence_n and_o importance_n to_o our_o happiness_n that_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o that_o end_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v mind_v by_o we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o other_o thing_n only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o great_a end_n and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o our_o b._n saviour_n here_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n needful_a that_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o ought_v first_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o and_o what_o that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o all_o to_o know_v that_o we_o may_v mind_n and_o pursue_v it_o as_o it_o deserve_v and_o we_o may_v easy_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o context_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n which_o be_v brief_o this_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o go_v about_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v into_o a_o certain_a village_n where_o he_o be_v entertain_v at_o the_o house_n of_o two_o devout_a sister_n the_o elder_a who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o management_n of_o the_o family_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o be_v employ_v in_o make_v entertainment_n for_o such_o a_o guest_n the_o other_o sit_v at_o our_o saviour_n foot_n attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o he_o preach_v the_o elder_a find_v herself_o not_o able_a to_o do_v all_o the_o business_n alone_o desire_v of_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o will_v command_v her_o sister_n to_o come_v and_o help_v she_o upon_o this_o our_o saviour_n give_v she_o this_o gentle_a reprehension_n martha_n martha_n thou_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n but_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a and_o what_o that_o be_v he_o declare_v in_o the_o next_o word_n and_o mary_n have_v choose_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o she_o that_o be_v she_o have_v choose_v to_o take_v care_n of_o her_o salvation_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o thing_n else_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o altogether_o blame_v martha_n for_o her_o respectful_a care_n of_o he_o but_o cmmend_v her_o sister_n for_o her_o great_a care_n of_o her_o soul_n which_o make_v she_o either_o whole_o to_o forget_v or_o unwilling_a to_o mind_v other_o thing_n at_o that_o time_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n he_o high_o approve_v her_o wise_a choice_n in_o prefer_v a_o attentive_a regard_n to_o his_o doctrine_n even_o before_o that_o which_o may_v be_v think_v a_o necessary_a civility_n to_o his_o person_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v the_o observation_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v be_v this_o that_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o that_o which_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o mind_n and_o regard_n this_o observation_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_o contain_v in_o the_o text._n i_o shall_v handle_v it_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v and_o then_o by_o way_n of_o application_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o mind_v this_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o serious_a and_o weighty_a argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v wherein_o this_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v second_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o take_v this_o care_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o this_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v and_o so_o as_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v i_o may_v understand_v and_o be_v sufficient_o direct_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o his_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o the_o five_o follow_v particular_n in_o which_o i_o think_v the_o main_a business_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v first_o in_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n second_o in_o the_o frequent_a examination_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o all_o the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o they_o three_o in_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n four_o in_o avoid_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v pernicious_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o whereby_o man_n do_v often_o hazard_v their_o soul_n five_o in_o the_o even_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o several_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n i._o the_o due_a care_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o necessary_a principle_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o good_a practice_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v and_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v true_o religious_a without_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 11.6_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o now_o these_o two_o expression_n of_o please_a god_n and_o seek_v he_o be_v plain_o of_o the_o same_o importance_n and_o do_v both_o of_o they_o signify_v religion_n or_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n which_o do_v antecedent_o suppose_v our_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o two_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o
foundation_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o precept_n do_v build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o rain_n and_o the_o wind_n will_v fall_v and_o the_o fall_n of_o it_o will_v be_v great_a and_o elsewhere_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n 17._o happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o and_o he_o do_v very_o severe_o check_v the_o vain_a confidence_n and_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o will_v needs_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o salvation_n without_o keep_v his_o commandment_n why_o call_v you_o i_o 6.46_o say_z he_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v do_v any_o man_n think_v that_o he_o can_v be_v save_v without_o love_a god_n and_o christ_n and_o this_o say_v st._n john_n be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n 5.3_o that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o again_o 2.4_o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o that_o say_v i_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o if_o you_o love_v i_o 14.15_o say_v our_o b._n lord_n keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o again_o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o do_v any_o man_n think_v that_o any_o but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n 3.7_o hear_v then_o what_o st._n john_n say_v little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a 10._o and_o again_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o that_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v the_o perpetual_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n 11._o if_o thou_o do_v well_o say_v god_n to_o cain_n shall_v thou_o not_o be_v accept_v and_o again_o say_v you_o to_o the_o righteous_a it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o for_o they_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o do_n wo_n unto_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o hand_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o and_o in_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o young_a man_n come_v to_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o what_o good_a thing_n he_o shall_v do_v that_o he_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n our_o lord_n give_v he_o this_o short_a and_o plain_a advice_n if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n 19.17_o keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o in_o the_o very_a last_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o find_v this_o solemn_a declaration_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o enter_v in_o through_o the_o gate_n into_o the_o city_n that_o be_v into_o heaven_n which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n so_o vain_a and_o groundless_a be_v the_o imagination_n of_o those_o who_o trust_v to_o be_v save_v by_o a_o idle_a and_o ineffectual_a faith_n without_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o life_n ii_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o convince_v we_o all_o if_o it_o may_v be_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o mind_v religion_n and_o our_o soul_n when_o we_o call_v any_o thing_n necessary_a we_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o order_n to_o some_o end_n which_o can_v be_v attain_v without_o it_o we_o call_v those_o thing_n the_o necessary_n of_o life_n without_o which_o man_n can_v subsist_v and_o live_v in_o a_o tolerable_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v attain_v now_o happiness_n be_v our_o chief_a end_n whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o that_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o all_o other_o thing_n not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o be_v neglect_v by_o we_o now_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v brief_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n that_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o this_o and_o that_o if_o we_o neglect_v religion_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v extreme_o and_o for_o ever_o miserable_a first_o that_o religion_n be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v god_n express_a declaration_n and_o promise_n the_o best_a assurance_n that_o can_v be_v he_o that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n all_o the_o happiness_n that_o we_o can_v desire_v and_o of_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a be_v promise_v to_o we_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o religion_n upon_o our_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n a_o mighty_a reward_n for_o a_o little_a service_n a_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n of_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n for_o the_o diligence_n and_o industry_n of_o a_o few_o day_n a_o happiness_n large_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o last_v as_o our_o soul_n second_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o happiness_n but_o this_o he_o who_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a have_v promise_v it_o to_o we_o upon_o these_o and_o no_o other_o term_n he_o have_v say_v that_o if_o we_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o by_o the_o spirit_n we_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v live_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o that_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n or_o adultery_n or_o malice_n or_o revenge_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v he_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o by_o who_o favour_n and_o bounty_n alone_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o say_v it_o in_o his_o word_n yet_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v plain_o declare_v it_o for_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n for_o it_o we_o must_v be_v like_a to_o god_n in_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n before_o we_o can_v find_v any_o felicity_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o man_n must_v be_v purge_v from_o their_o lust_n and_o from_o those_o ill-natured_a and_o devilish_a passion_n of_o malice_n and_o envy_n and_o revenge_n before_o they_o can_v be_v fit_a company_n for_o their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o meet_v to_o dwell_v with_o he_o who_o be_v love_n and_o dwell_v in_o love_n three_o if_o we_o neglect_v religion_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v extreme_o and_o for_o ever_o miserable_a the_o word_n of_o truth_n have_v say_v it_o that_o indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n shall_v be_v upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a nay_o if_o god_n shall_v hold_v his_o hand_n and_o shall_v inflict_v no_o positive_a torment_n upon_o sinner_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o spare_v themselves_o but_o will_v be_v their_o own_o executioner_n and_o tormentor_n the_o guilt_n of_o that_o wicked_a life_n which_o they_o have_v lead_v in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o sting_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n must_v necessary_o make_v they_o miserable_a whenever_o their_o own_o thought_n be_v let_v loose_a upon_o they_o as_o they_o will_v certain_o be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v nothing_o either_o of_o pleasure_n or_o business_n to_o divert_v they_o so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v concern_v either_o to_o be_v happy_a hereafter_o or_o to_o avoid_v those_o misery_n which_o be_v great_a and_o dreadful_a beyond_o all_o imagination_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o mind_n religion_n without_o which_o we_o can_v neither_o attain_v that_o happiness_n nor_o escape_v those_o misery_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o serious_o to_o mind_n this_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v apply_v my_o discourse_n to_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n those_o who_o be_v remiss_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n and_o those_o who_o be_v gross_o careless_a and_o mind_n it_o not_o at_o all_o first_o to_o those_o who_o be_v remiss_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a concernment_n who_o
and_o learned_a a_o man_n as_o origen_n be_v shall_v be_v positive_a in_o a_o opinion_n for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certain_a ground_n in_o reason_n especial_o for_o the_o punctual_a and_o precise_a term_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o that_o i_o know_v of_o from_o divine_a revelation_n but_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n however_o it_o be_v be_v it_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n or_o be_v it_o for_o a_o long_o and_o unknown_a term_n or_o be_v it_o for_o ever_o which_o be_v plain_o threaten_v in_o the_o gospel_n i_o say_v however_o it_o be_v this_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v infinite_o wise_a to_o take_v care_n to_o avoid_v it_o than_o to_o dispute_v it_o and_o to_o run_v the_o final_a hazard_n of_o it_o put_v it_o which_o way_n we_o will_v especial_o if_o we_o put_v it_o at_o the_o worst_a as_o in_o all_o prudence_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o be_v by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o be_v provide_v against_o so_o terrible_a so_o intolerable_a be_v the_o thought_n yea_o the_o very_a lest_o suspicion_n of_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o and_o now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o ask_v you_o as_o st._n paul_n do_v king_n agrippa_n do_v you_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v answer_v for_o you_o myself_o as_o he_o do_v for_o agrippa_n i_o know_v you_o do_v believe_v they_o and_o in_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v clear_o reveal_v and_o be_v part_n of_o that_o creed_n of_o which_o we_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n every_o day_n and_o yet_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o most_o man_n live_v be_v it_o credible_a that_o they_o do_v firm_o believe_v this_o plain_a declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o judge_n that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a or_o if_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v it_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o they_o do_v at_o all_o consider_v it_o serious_o and_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o reconcile_v our_o belief_n with_o our_o action_n we_o must_v either_o alter_v our_o bible_n and_o our_o creed_n or_o we_o must_v change_v our_o life_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v and_o show_v ourselves_o man_n and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o can_v any_o man_n to_o please_v himself_o for_o a_o little_a while_n be_v content_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o ever_o and_o for_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o short_a and_o imperfect_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n be_v willing_a to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o be_v real_o and_o eternal_o miserable_a in_o the_o next_o world_n sure_o this_o consideration_n alone_o of_o the_o extreme_a and_o endless_a misery_n of_o impenitent_a sinner_n in_o another_o world_n if_o it_o be_v but_o well_o wrought_v into_o our_o mind_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o kill_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o lay_v they_o dead_a at_o our_o foot_n and_o to_o make_v we_o deaf_a to_o all_o the_o enchantment_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n because_o they_o bid_v we_o so_o infinite_o to_o our_o loss_n when_o they_o offer_v we_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o short_a pleasure_n upon_o so_o very_o hard_a and_o unequal_a a_o condition_n as_o that_o of_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o the_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n which_o be_v the_o great_a sanction_n and_o security_n of_o god_n law_n one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a weight_n to_o cast_v the_o scale_n against_o any_o pleasure_n or_o any_o pain_n that_o this_o world_n can_v tempt_v or_o can_v threaten_v we_o withal_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o will_v we_o still_o go_v on_o to_o do_v wicked_o when_o we_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o we_o must_v one_o day_n answer_v all_o our_o bold_a violation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o by_o suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o can_v give_v man_n the_o heart_n and_o courage_n but_o i_o recall_v that_o word_n because_o it_o be_v not_o true_a courage_n but_o fool_n hardiness_n thus_o to_o out_o brave_a the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o to_o set_v at_o nought_o the_o horrible_a and_o amaze_a consideration_n of_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o man_n that_o be_v awake_a and_o in_o their_o wit_n shall_v have_v any_o ease_n in_o their_o mind_n or_o enjoy_v so_o much_o as_o one_o quiet_a hour_n whilst_o so_o great_a a_o danger_n hang_v over_o their_o head_n and_o they_o have_v take_v no_o tolerable_a care_n to_o prevent_v it_o if_o we_o have_v any_o true_a and_o just_a sense_n of_o this_o danger_n we_o can_v fail_v to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v it_o by_o make_v haste_n to_o escape_v it_o and_o by_o take_v that_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v due_a to_o immortal_a spirit_n that_o be_v make_v to_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a to_o all_o eternity_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o estimate_n and_o measure_n thing_n as_o they_o appear_v now_o to_o our_o sensual_a and_o delude_v and_o deprave_a judgement_n but_o let_v we_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o look_v to_o the_o last_o issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o they_o let_v we_o often_o think_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o consider_v well_o with_o ourselves_o what_o apprehension_n will_v then_o probable_o fill_v and_o possess_v our_o mind_n when_o we_o shall_v stand_v tremble_v before_o our_o judge_n in_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o that_o terrible_a sentence_n which_o be_v just_o ready_a to_o be_v pronounce_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v pronounce_v to_o be_v execute_v upon_o we_o when_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o unspeakable_a happiness_n and_o of_o the_o horrible_a and_o astonish_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o long_o any_o veil_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n to_o interpose_v between_o they_o and_o we_o and_o to_o hide_v these_o thing_n from_o our_o eye_n and_o in_o a_o word_n when_o heaven_n with_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v open_a to_o our_o view_n and_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o job_n hell_n shall_v be_v naked_a before_o we_o and_o destruction_n shall_v have_v no_o cover_n how_o shall_v we_o then_o be_v confound_v to_o find_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o will_v not_o now_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o then_o wish_v that_o we_o have_v believe_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o instead_o of_o quarrel_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o call_v they_o into_o question_n we_o have_v live_v under_o the_o constant_a sense_n and_o awe_n of_o they_o bless_a be_v god_n that_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_v concern_v we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v yet_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o that_o the_o misery_n of_o eternity_n may_v yet_o be_v prevent_v in_o time_n and_o that_o for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n our_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n have_v so_o clear_o reveal_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o not_o with_o a_o desire_n to_o bring_v they_o upon_o we_o but_o that_o we_o be_v warn_v by_o his_o threaten_n may_v not_o bring_v they_o upon_o ourselves_o i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n 16._o seek_v not_o death_n in_o the_o error_n of_o your_o life_n and_o pull_v not_o upon_o yourselves_o destruction_n with_o the_o work_n of_o your_o own_o hand_n for_o god_n make_v not_o death_n neither_o have_v he_o pleasure_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o live_n but_o ungodly_a man_n with_o their_o work_n and_o word_n have_v call_v it_o down_o upon_o themselves_o which_o that_o none_o of_o we_o may_v do_v god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n grant_v for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n success_n not_o always_o answerable_a to_o the_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n a_o fast-sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o house_n of_o commons_z on_o wednesday_n april_n the_o 16_o 1690._o jovis_n 17._o die_v april_n 1690._o ordered_n that_o the_o thanks_o of_o this_o house_n be_v give_v to_o dr._n tillotson_n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o the_o sermon_n preach_v before_o this_o house_n yesterday_o and_o that_o he_o be_v desire_v to_o print_v the_o same_o and_o that_o sir_n edmund_n jenings_n do_v acquaint_v he_o therewith_o paul_n jodrell_n cler._n dom._n com._n success_n not_o always_o answerable_a to_o the_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n ecclesiaste_n ix_o 11_o i_o
to_o be_v better_o inform_v a_o proud_a and_o conceit_a temper_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o likely_a to_o run_v into_o mistake_n because_o pride_n and_o fullness_n of_o a_o man_n self_n do_v keep_v out_o knowledge_n and_o obstruct_v all_o the_o passage_n by_o which_o wisdom_n and_o instruction_n shall_v enter_v into_o man_n beside_o that_o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o abandon_v man_n to_o their_o own_o folly_n and_o mistake_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o will_v give_v more_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n to_o the_o humble_a when_o man_n be_v once_o come_v to_o this_o to_o think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o teacher_n and_o to_o despise_v and_o cast_v off_o their_o guide_n no_o wonder_n if_o then_o they_o go_v astray_o last_o let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o mind_n that_o which_o be_v our_o plain_a and_o unquestionable_a duty_n the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v and_o the_o thing_n likewise_o which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o whereby_o we_o may_v edify_v one_o another_o and_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v our_o dispute_n about_o lesser_a matter_n to_o prejudice_n and_o hinder_v our_o main_a duty_n but_o let_v it_o be_v our_o great_a care_n not_o to_o fail_v in_o those_o great_a thing_n which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o two_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n let_v we_o be_v strict_a and_o constant_a in_o our_o piety_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n chaste_a and_o temperate_a in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o just_a and_o honest_a kind_a and_o charitable_a humble_a and_o meek_a patient_a and_o peaceable_a towards_o all_o man_n submissive_a and_o obedient_a to_o our_o superior_n natural_a civil_a and_o spiritual_a a_o due_a regard_n to_o these_o great_a virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v the_o way_n to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o sure_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o have_v our_o doubt_n clear_v about_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n in_o religion_n be_v hearty_o to_o set_v about_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o great_a and_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o it_o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o 7.17_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o his_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o vi_o the_o and_o last_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o this_o conscientious_a care_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o tell_v we_o be_v his_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n consequent_a upon_o it_o i_o have_v hope_n say_v he_o towards_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o a_o future_a judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o discharge_v a_o good_a conscience_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o render_n of_o a_o good_a account_n hereafter_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o without_o offence_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o for_o when_o that_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n shall_v come_v we_o shall_v most_o assure_o find_v that_o nothing_o will_v then_o raise_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o to_o lift_v up_o our_o head_n with_o joy_n like_o the_o witness_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v that_o our_o constant_a care_n and_o companion_n now_o which_o will_v then_o be_v our_o great_a comfort_n and_o rejoice_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o it_o that_o in_o all_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n nothing_o will_v fill_v our_o mind_n with_o so_o much_o terror_n and_o our_o face_n with_o so_o much_o confusion_n as_o the_o clamorous_a accusation_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o will_v be_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o witness_n against_o we_o and_o will_v anticipate_v our_o condemnation_n and_o pass_v almost_o as_o severe_a a_o sentence_n upon_o we_o as_o the_o judge_n himself_o can_v this_o be_v that_o which_o will_v make_v the_o sinner_n to_o droop_v and_o to_o hang_v down_o his_o head_n for_o ever_o and_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a ingredient_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o torment_n will_v be_v the_o perpetual_a regret_n and_o remorse_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o his_o wilful_a wickedness_n and_o folly_n which_o will_v kindle_v a_o fire_n within_o he_o as_o hot_a as_o that_o without_o he_o and_o as_o hard_o to_o be_v quench_v this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a operation_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o very_o careful_a to_o have_v conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n now_o that_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o torment_n and_o anguish_n hereafter_o that_o when_o we_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n we_o may_v not_o be_v eternal_o displease_v with_o ourselves_o and_o enrage_v at_o our_o own_o do_n but_o may_v carry_v with_o we_o thither_o conscience_n clear_a of_o all_o guilt_n either_o by_o innocency_n or_o by_o repentance_n the_o firm_a belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o another_o world_n be_v the_o great_a weight_n or_o spring_n that_o set_v a_o go_v those_o two_o powerful_a principle_n of_o humane_a activity_n the_o hope_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n so_o fit_v to_o raise_v these_o passion_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o do_v not_o experience_n show_v we_o the_o contrary_a one_o will_v think_v it_o moral_o impossible_a for_o humane_a nature_n to_o resist_v the_o mighty_a force_n of_o it_o all_o man_n be_v sensible_a more_o or_o less_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o of_o the_o true_a force_n of_o these_o argument_n but_o the_o mischief_n be_v that_o in_o some_o person_n they_o work_v quite_o the_o wrong_a way_n and_o instead_o of_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n they_o drive_v they_o to_o infidelity_n they_o can_v deny_v the_o force_n of_o these_o argument_n if_o they_o be_v true_a but_o that_o they_o may_v avoid_v the_o force_n of_o they_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o grant_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a they_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o live_v otherwise_o than_o they_o do_v but_o here_o be_v their_o fatal_a miscarriage_n that_o be_v resolve_v upon_o a_o evil_a course_n since_o they_o can_v reconcile_v their_o practice_n with_o such_o principle_n as_o these_o they_o will_v fit_v their_o principle_n to_o their_o practice_n and_o so_o they_o will_v believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n lest_o this_o shall_v disturb_v they_o in_o their_o course_n vain_a man_n as_o if_o heaven_n and_o hell_n must_v needs_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v because_o some_o witty_a but_o wicked_a man_n have_v no_o mind_n to_o believe_v they_o these_o man_n be_v infidel_n in_o their_o own_o defence_n and_o mere_o for_o the_o quiet_a of_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o their_o conscience_n may_v not_o perpetual_o rate_v they_o and_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n for_o a_o right_a belief_n and_o a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v but_o unsuitable_a companion_n they_o be_v quarrelsome_a neighbour_n and_o must_v needs_o live_v very_o uneasy_o by_o one_o another_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v live_v contrary_a to_o they_o and_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v so_o how_o can_v he_o possible_o have_v any_o peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o his_o mind_n unless_o like_a jonah_n he_o can_v sleep_v in_o a_o storm_n and_o his_o conscience_n be_v as_o it_o be_v sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n for_o if_o his_o conscience_n be_v awake_a and_o in_o any_o degree_n sensible_a the_o evident_a danger_n of_o eternal_a ruin_n continual_o hang_v over_o he_o must_v in_o reason_n either_o drive_v he_o to_o repentance_n or_o to_o despair_v if_o so_o forcible_a and_o violent_a a_o argument_n can_v make_v no_o impression_n upon_o we_o we_o be_v stupid_a and_o bewitch_v we_o be_v lose_v and_o undo_v we_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a for_o ever_o but_o beside_o the_o future_a reward_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o conscientious_a course_n which_o be_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n it_o have_v also_o this_o
passage_n we_o may_v easy_o understand_v wherein_o these_o monthly_a fast_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v defective_a and_o what_o be_v the_o fault_n that_o god_n find_v with_o they_o when_o he_o expostulate_v so_o severe_o in_o the_o text_n when_o you_o fast_v and_o mourn_v in_o the_o five_o and_o seven_o month_n even_o these_o seventy_o year_n do_v you_o at_o all_o fast_o unto_o i_o even_o unto_o i_o in_o the_o general_a the_o fault_n which_o god_n find_v with_o they_o be_v this_o that_o these_o solemnity_n do_v not_o serve_v any_o real_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o religion_n but_o fail_v in_o their_o main_a design_n which_o be_v a_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o acceptable_a to_o he_o nor_o esteem_v by_o he_o as_o perform_v unto_o he_o because_o they_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o true_a intention_n and_o design_n of_o they_o my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v first_o to_o consider_v in_o general_n what_o it_o be_v to_o fast_o unto_o god_n that_o be_v to_o keep_v a_o true_o religious_a fast_o second_o to_o bring_v the_o matter_n near_o to_o ourselves_o i_o shall_v consider_v more_o particular_o what_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o day_n appoint_v by_o their_o majesty_n for_o a_o solemn_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n throughout_o the_o nation_n do_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o general_n what_o it_o be_v to_o fast_o unto_o god_n that_o be_v to_o keep_v a_o true_o religious_a fast_o and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o the_o follow_a particular_n first_o a_o true_o religious_a fast_o consist_v in_o the_o afflict_a of_o our_o body_n by_o a_o strict_a abstinence_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a and_o proper_a instrument_n to_o promote_v and_o help_v forward_o the_o grief_n and_o trouble_n of_o our_o mind_n second_o in_o the_o humble_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o god_n with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n and_o with_o a_o hearty_a contrition_n and_o sorrow_n for_o they_o three_o in_o a_o earnest_a deprecation_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o humble_a supplication_n to_o he_o that_o he_o will_v avert_v his_o judgement_n and_o turn_v away_o his_o anger_n from_o we_o four_o in_o intercession_n with_o god_n for_o such_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a blessing_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o other_o as_o be_v needful_a and_o convenient_a five_o in_o alm_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a that_o our_o humiliation_n and_o prayer_n may_v find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n i_o do_v but_o mention_v these_o particular_n that_o i_o may_v more_o large_o insist_v upon_o that_o which_o i_o main_o intend_v and_o propose_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n namely_o ii_o what_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o day_n appoint_v by_o their_o majesty_n for_o a_o solemn_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n throughout_o the_o nation_n do_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o comprise_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n first_o that_o we_o shall_v humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n every_o one_o for_o his_o own_o personal_a sin_n whereby_o he_o have_v provoke_v god_n and_o increase_v the_o public_a gild_n and_o do_v his_o part_n to_o bring_v down_o the_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o nation_n second_o that_o we_o shall_v likewise_o hearty_o lament_v and_o bewail_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o especial_o the_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n of_o the_o nation_n commit_v by_o all_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n among_o we_o and_o whereby_o the_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o almighty_a god_n have_v be_v so_o just_o incense_v against_o we_o three_o we_o shall_v most_o importunate_o deprecate_v those_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o which_o these_o our_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n have_v so_o just_o expose_v we_o four_o we_o shall_v pour_v out_o our_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o majesty_n sacred_a person_n and_o for_o the_o establishment_n and_o prosperity_n of_o their_o government_n and_o for_o the_o good_a success_n of_o their_o arm_n and_o force_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n five_o our_o fast_n and_o prayer_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o our_o charity_n and_o alm_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a last_o we_o shall_v prosecute_v our_o repentance_n and_o good_a resolution_n to_o the_o actual_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n of_o these_o i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n speak_v as_o brief_o and_o as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v and_o so_o as_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o god_n require_v of_o he_o upon_o so_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n as_o this_o first_o we_o shall_v humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n every_o one_o for_o his_o own_o personal_a sin_n and_o miscarriage_n whereby_o he_o have_v provoke_v god_n and_o increase_v the_o public_a gild_n and_o do_v his_o part_n to_o bring_v down_o the_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o nation_n our_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n shall_v begin_v with_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o sin_n because_o repentance_n be_v always_o design_v to_o end_v in_o reformation_n but_o there_o can_v be_v a_o general_a reformation_n without_o the_o reformation_n of_o particular_a person_n which_o do_v constitute_v and_o make_v up_o the_o generality_n and_o this_o solomon_n prescribe_v as_o the_o true_a method_n of_o a_o national_a reformation_n and_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o a_o public_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n in_o that_o admirable_a prayer_n of_o he_o at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n 40._o if_o there_o be_v say_v he_o in_o the_o land_n famine_n if_o there_o be_v pestilence_n blast_v mildew_n locust_n or_o if_o there_o be_v caterpillar_n or_o if_o their_o enemy_n besiege_v they_o in_o the_o land_n of_o their_o city_n whatever_o plague_n whatever_o sickness_n there_o be_v what_o prayer_n or_o supplication_n soever_o be_v make_v by_o any_o man_n or_o by_o all_o thy_o people_n israel_n who_o shall_v know_v every_o man_n the_o plague_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o spread_v forth_o his_o hand_n towards_o this_o house_n then_o hear_v thou_o in_o heaven_n thy_o dwelling-place_n and_o forgive_v and_o do_v and_o give_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o way_n who_o heart_n thou_o know_v for_o thou_o even_o thou_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v fear_v thou_o all_o the_o day_n which_o they_o live_v in_o the_o land_n which_o thou_o give_v to_o their_o father_n you_o see_v here_o that_o in_o case_n of_o any_o public_a judgement_n or_o calamity_n the_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n of_o a_o nation_n must_v begin_v with_o particular_a person_n what_o prayer_n or_o supplication_n soev_a be_v make_v by_o any_o man_n or_o by_o all_o thy_o people_n israel_n who_o shall_v know_v every_o man_n the_o plague_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n then_o hear_v thou_o in_o heaven_n thy_o dwelling-place_n and_o forgive_v particular_a person_n must_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o personal_a sin_n and_o transgression_n before_o god_n will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n and_o forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o because_o we_o can_v perform_v this_o part_n of_o confess_v and_o bewail_v our_o own_o personal_a sin_n and_o of_o testify_v our_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o in_o the_o public_a congregation_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o join_v with_o they_o in_o a_o general_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n therefore_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o on_o the_o day_n before_o the_o public_a fast_o or_o at_o least_o the_o morning_n before_o we_o go_v to_o the_o public_a assembly_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n in_o our_o family_n and_o especial_o in_o our_o closet_n confess_v to_o he_o with_o great_a shame_n and_o sorrow_n all_o the_o particular_a sin_n and_o offence_n together_o with_o the_o several_a aggravation_n of_o they_o which_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o call_v they_o particular_o to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o earnest_o to_o beg_v of_o god_n the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o likewise_o after_o we_o return_v from_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v retire_v again_o into_o our_o closet_n and_o there_o renew_v our_o repentance_n with_o most_o serious_a and_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o reform_v in_o all_o those_o particular_n which_o we_o have_v confess_v and_o repent_v of_o and_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o resolution_n to_o come_v to_o any_o good_a we_o must_v make_v they_o as_o distinct_a and_o particular_a as_o we_o can_v and_o charge_v it_o upon_o ourselves_o as_o to_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n for_o which_o we_o have_v declare_v our_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n that_o we_o
find_v that_o which_o give_v more_o joy_n and_o gladness_n to_o his_o heart_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n this_o give_v perfect_a rest_n and_o tranquillity_n to_o his_o mind_n so_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o inquire_v any_o further_o for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n i_o will_v both_o lay_v i_o down_o in_o peace_n and_o rest_n for_o thou_o lord_n only_o make_v i_o to_o dwell_v in_o safety_n the_o hebrew_a word_n signify_v confidence_n or_o security_n here_o and_o nowhere_o else_o his_o mind_n find_v rest_n and_o be_v in_o perfect_a ease_n and_o security_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o make_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o conclude_v first_o this_o plain_o show_v we_o the_o great_a unreasonableness_n and_o folly_n of_o atheism_n which_o will_v banish_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o as_o it_o be_v most_o impious_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n so_o be_v it_o most_o malicious_a to_o man_n because_o it_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o perfect_o undermine_v it_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n man_n will_v evident_o be_v the_o most_o unhappy_a of_o all_o other_o being_n here_o below_o because_o his_o unhappiness_n will_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o that_o which_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o other_o being_n below_o he_o i_o mean_v in_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o he_o will_v be_v so_o much_o more_o miserable_a than_o the_o beast_n by_o how_o much_o he_o have_v a_o far_a reach_n and_o a_o large_a prospect_n of_o future_a evil_n a_o quick_a apprehension_n and_o a_o deep_a and_o more_o last_a resentment_n of_o they_o so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n can_v see_v reason_n to_o stagger_v his_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n or_o of_o his_o providence_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v infinite_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a yet_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o much_o for_o the_o interest_n and_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v hearty_o trouble_v to_o part_v with_o a_o principle_n so_o favourable_a to_o his_o quiet_n and_o that_o do_v so_o exact_o answer_v all_o the_o natural_a desire_n and_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o be_v so_o equal_o calculate_v both_o for_o our_o comfort_n in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o our_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o for_o when_o a_o man_n thought_n have_v range_v and_o wander_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v his_o mind_n can_v find_v no_o rest_n no_o probable_a foundation_n of_o happiness_n but_o god_n only_o no_o other_o reasonable_a no_o nor_o tolerable_a hypothesis_n and_o scheme_n of_o thing_n for_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o rely_v upon_o and_o to_o live_v and_o die_v by_o for_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o this_o firm_o believe_v and_o true_o live_v up_o to_o by_o a_o answerable_a practice_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o support_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o minister_v true_a consolation_n to_o they_o under_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o real_a in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v so_o remarkable_a and_o so_o regular_a a_o effect_n to_o support_v our_o mind_n in_o every_o condition_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o person_n of_o different_a degree_n of_o understanding_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n young_a and_o old_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a in_o so_o many_o distant_a place_n and_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o record_n whereof_o be_v come_v down_o to_o we_o i_o say_v so_o real_a and_o so_o frequent_a and_o so_o regular_a a_o effect_n as_o this_o be_v can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v ascribe_v either_o to_o blind_a chance_n or_o mere_a imagination_n but_o must_v have_v a_o real_a and_o regular_a and_o uniform_a cause_n proportionable_a to_o so_o great_a and_o general_a a_o effect_n i_o remember_v that_o grotius_n in_o his_o excellent_a book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v this_o observation_n that_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n shall_v have_v the_o utmost_a evidence_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v and_o bear_v down_o all_o sort_n of_o captious_a cavil_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o but_o so_o much_o as_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o sober_a and_o impartial_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n one_o that_o have_v no_o other_o interest_n but_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n and_o when_o he_o have_v find_v it_o to_o yield_v to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o glare_v and_o evident_a as_o the_o sun_n shine_v at_o noonday_n as_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v any_o virtue_n in_o such_o a_o faith_n so_o infidelity_n will_v be_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n all_o that_o i_o will_v expect_v from_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o can_v see_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v this_o that_o he_o will_v offer_v some_o other_o principle_n that_o he_o will_v advance_v any_o other_o hypothesis_n and_o scheme_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a and_o natural_a notion_n of_o man_n and_o to_o all_o appearance_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o do_v bid_v more_o fair_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n than_o these_o principle_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o his_o watchful_a providence_n over_o the_o child_n of_o man_n do_v plain_o do_v and_o till_o this_o be_v clear_o do_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v general_o be_v receive_v by_o mankind_n and_o have_v obtain_v in_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n can_v fair_o be_v discard_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v disturb_v and_o put_v out_o of_o possession_n and_o this_o i_o think_v put_v this_o whole_a matter_n upon_o a_o very_a fair_a and_o reasonable_a issue_n and_o that_o nothing_o more_o need_v to_o be_v say_v concern_v it_o second_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n and_o therefore_o to_o he_o alone_o and_o to_o no_o other_o we_o ought_v to_o address_v all_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n but_o now_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o psalmist_n here_o put_v a_o very_a odd_a and_o strange_a question_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o to_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o quite_o different_a answer_n from_o what_o the_o psalmist_n plain_o intend_v namely_o that_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o his_o hope_n and_o trust_v and_o that_o upon_o he_o alone_o he_o rely_v as_o his_o only_a comfort_n and_o happiness_n but_o to_o this_o assertion_n of_o the_o psalmist_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n agree_v they_o understand_v this_o matter_n much_o better_a than_o the_o psalmist_n do_v namely_o that_o beside_o god_n there_o be_v in_o heaven_n innumerable_a angel_n and_o saint_n in_o who_o we_o be_v to_o repose_v great_a trust_n and_o confidence_n and_o to_o who_o also_o we_o be_v to_o address_v solemn_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n not_o only_o for_o temporal_a good_a thing_n but_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o for_o eternal_a life_n that_o there_o be_v in_o heaven_n particular_a advocate_n and_o patron_n for_o all_o exigency_n and_o occasion_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o danger_n and_o disease_n for_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o word_n for_o all_o temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n to_o who_o we_o may_v apply_v ourselves_o without_o trouble_v god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o also_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o by_o presume_v upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o make_v our_o immediate_a address_n to_o he_o for_o as_o they_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v though_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o david_n know_v it_o not_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o both_o angel_n and_o saint_n do_v not_o only_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o we_o for_o all_o sort_n of_o blessing_n but_o we_o may_v make_v direct_a and_o immediate_a address_n to_o they_o to_o bestow_v these_o blessing_n upon_o we_o for_o so_o they_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o denial_n from_o several_a of_o their_o prayer_n in_o their_o most_o public_a and_o authentic_a liturgy_n they_o will_v
the_o accidental_a ornament_n of_o our_o fortune_n if_o they_o descend_v upon_o we_o they_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o our_o birth_n not_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o wisdom_n and_o industry_n and_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o procurement_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o hand_n we_o can_v hardly_o call_v our_o own_o and_o if_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o prudent_a industry_n that_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n of_o glory_v because_o man_n of_o much_o slow_a understanding_n do_v common_o outdo_v other_o in_o diligence_n and_o drudge_a their_o mind_n lie_v more_o level_a to_o the_o low_a design_n of_o be_v rich_a at_o the_o best_a riches_n be_v uncertain_a charge_v they_o say_v st._n paul_n that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o high-minded_a nor_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n man_n have_v little_a reason_n to_o pride_n themselves_o or_o to_o place_v their_o confidence_n in_o that_o which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o even_o next_o to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o so_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v of_o riches_n 23.5_o will_v thou_o set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v not_o for_o riches_n certain_o make_v themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v as_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n he_o express_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o a_o rich_a man_n sit_v brood_v over_o a_o estate_n till_o it_o be_v fledge_v and_o have_v get_v itself_o wing_n to_o fly_v away_o but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o sting_a consideration_n of_o all_o be_v that_o many_o man_n have_v a_o evil_a eye_n upon_o a_o good_a estate_n so_o that_o instead_o of_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o happiness_n it_o may_v prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o ruin_n so_o the_o same_o wise_a man_n observe_v 5.13_o there_o be_v a_o sore_a evil_n which_o i_o have_v see_v under_o the_o sun_n namely_o riches_n keep_v for_o the_o owner_n thereof_o to_o their_o hurt_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o example_n that_o a_o very_a rich_a man_n have_v be_v except_v out_o of_o a_o general_a pardon_n both_o as_o to_o life_n and_o estate_n for_o no_o other_o visible_a reason_n but_o his_o vast_a and_o overgrow_a fortune_n so_o solomon_n observe_v to_o we_o again_o 1.18_o such_o be_v the_o way_n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v greedy_a of_o gain_n which_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o owner_n thereof_o and_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v proud_a of_o his_o danger_n of_o that_o which_o one_o time_n or_o other_o may_v be_v the_o certain_a and_o only_a cause_n of_o his_o ruin_n a_o man_n may_v be_v too_o rich_a to_o be_v forgive_v a_o fault_n which_o will_v never_o have_v be_v prosecute_v against_o a_o man_n of_o a_o middle_a fortune_n for_o these_o reason_n and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o let_v not_o the_o rich_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o riches_n ii_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v matter_n of_o true_a glory_n but_o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n which_o exercise_n lovingkindness_n and_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o here_o be_v two_o word_n use_v to_o express_v the_o thing_n more_o full_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n which_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o import_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n but_o likewise_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o affection_n suitable_a to_o these_o apprehension_n that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o creator_n and_o the_o sovereign_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n which_o exercise_n lovingkindness_n and_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o best_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n especial_o of_o those_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o our_o imitation_n and_o such_o be_v those_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n lovingkindness_n and_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n which_o we_o may_v distinguish_v thus_o lovingkindness_n comprehend_v god_n mild_a attribute_n his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n judgement_n signify_v his_o severe_a deal_n with_o man_n whether_o in_o the_o chastisement_n of_o his_o people_n or_o in_o the_o remarkable_a punishment_n of_o great_a offender_n for_o example_n and_o warning_n to_o other_o righteousness_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o large_a signification_n and_o to_o denote_v that_o universal_a rectitude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o appear_v in_o all_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o providence_n here_o below_o for_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n which_o exercise_n lovingkindness_n and_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n several_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v incommunicable_a to_o a_o creature_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o for_o a_o pattern_n as_o self-existence_n independence_n and_o all-sufficiency_n the_o eternity_n and_o the_o immensity_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o the_o sovereign_a governor_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o god_n only_o be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o and_o to_o be_v a_o match_n for_o all_o the_o world_n a_o nec_fw-la pluribus_fw-la impar_fw-la be_v not_o a_o motto_n fit_a for_o a_o mortal_a man_n a_o creature_n may_v swell_v with_o pride_n till_o it_o burst_v before_o it_o can_v stretch_v itself_o to_o this_o pitch_n of_o power_n and_o greatness_n it_o be_v a_o insufferable_a presumption_n and_o a_o sottish_a ignorance_n of_o the_o necessary_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o our_o be_v to_o think_v to_o resemble_v god_n in_o these_o perfection_n this_o be_v the_o ambition_n of_o lucifer_n to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a in_o our_o imitation_n of_o god_n we_o must_v still_o keep_v within_o the_o station_n of_o creature_n not_o affect_v a_o independency_n and_o sovereignty_n like_o god_n and_o to_o be_v omnipotent_a as_o he_o be_v have_v thou_o a_o arm_n like_o god_n 40.9_o and_o can_v thou_o thunder_v with_o a_o voice_n like_o he_o as_o god_n himself_o argue_v with_o job_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n take_v pleasure_n to_o exercise_v these_o perfection_n himself_o and_o to_o see_v they_o imitate_v by_o we_o and_o the_o imitation_n of_o these_o divine_a perfection_n be_v our_o perfection_n and_o glory_n in_o comparison_n of_o which_o all_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o riches_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v matter_n of_o glory_n that_o they_o be_v very_o despicable_a and_o pitiful_a thing_n knowledge_n and_o skill_n to_o devise_v mischief_n and_o power_n to_o effect_v it_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o character_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n those_o apostate_n and_o accurse_a spirit_n who_o in_o temper_n and_o disposition_n be_v most_o contrary_a to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n of_o all_o perfection_n i_o shall_v only_o make_v two_o observation_n or_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o then_o apply_v the_o whole_a discourse_n to_o the_o great_a occasion_n of_o this_o day_n and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o that_o the_o wise_a and_o sure_a reason_n in_o religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o unquestionable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n second_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a idea_n and_o pattern_n of_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n first_o that_o the_o wise_a and_o sure_a reason_n in_o religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o unquestionable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n upon_o those_o more_o especial_o which_o to_o we_o be_v most_o easy_a and_o intelligible_a such_o as_o be_v those_o mention_v in_o the_o text._n and_o this_o make_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o these_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o useful_a and_o so_o valuable_a because_o all_o religion_n be_v found_v in_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o perfection_n insomuch_o that_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o do_v suppose_v these_o for_o its_o foundation_n and_o can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o unless_o these_o be_v first_o know_v and_o believe_v for_o unless_o we_o be_v first_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o particular_a care_n of_o mankind_n why_o shall_v we_o suppose_v that_o he_o make_v any_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o we_o unless_o it_o be_v first_o natural_o know_v that_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n what_o ground_n be_v there_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o word_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v