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catholic_n church_n both_o before_o and_o after_o her_o reformation_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v through_o the_o task_n i_o set_v myself_o and_o i_o hope_v need_n to_o make_v no_o apology_n for_o entertain_v you_o with_o a_o controversy_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o indeed_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o controversy_n among_o we_o but_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n or_o judge_n and_o yet_o require_v the_o people_n to_o believe_v as_o she_o believe_v to_o profess_v what_o she_o profess_v and_o to_o do_v what_o she_o injoyn_v it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o her_o minister_n shall_v sometime_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o she_o require_v this_o because_o she_o have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v and_o be_v not_o in_o these_o point_n deceive_v though_o she_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o she_o can_v err_v in_o any_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o have_v make_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v discourse_v plain_a enough_o to_o every_o understanding_n but_o whether_o that_o be_v so_o or_o not_o yet_o every_o one_o may_v perceive_v that_o we_o appeal_v to_o his_o reason_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o honesty_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n if_o i_o understand_v nothing_o else_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o pretend_v to_o guide_v i_o with_o reason_n than_o of_o another_o that_o will_v govern_v i_o without_o it_o and_o that_o because_o the_o former_a be_v likely_a to_o take_v more_o care_n not_o to_o mislead_v i_o than_o the_o latter_a needs_o to_o do_v which_o when_o it_o have_v gain_v i_o to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o a_o blind_a obedience_n may_v lead_v i_o whether_o she_o please_v as_o for_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o declare_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o i_o have_v offer_v nothing_o to_o you_o but_o what_o i_o believe_v myself_o and_o far_o that_o i_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o reason_n why_o i_o be_o fix_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o but_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o error_n of_o that_o church_n which_o if_o i_o shall_v profess_v or_o practice_n i_o can_v not_o entertain_v the_o least_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o we_o who_o be_v thus_o convince_v be_v as_o i_o take_v it_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o take_v seasonable_a opportunity_n of_o confirm_v our_o brethren_n in_o our_o communion_n and_o enable_v they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o argument_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o other_o side_n be_v unsatisfactory_a and_o vain_a as_o i_o have_v in_o some_o part_n endeavour_v to_o show_v at_o this_o time_n we_o shall_v indeed_o not_o be_v unwilling_a to_o take_v pain_n to_o recover_v those_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v educate_v in_o damnable_a error_n but_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o do_v all_o we_o 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communion_n of_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o hell_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o without_o true_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n the_o best_a and_o pure_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v since_o the_o gospel_n begin_v can_v have_v do_v he_o no_o service_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o corruption_n as_o can_v be_v ready_o think_v of_o for_o any_o church_n to_o pretend_v to_o save_v man_n by_o a_o trick_n and_o send_v they_o to_o heaven_n any_o other_o way_n than_o the_o plain_a way_n of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n keep_v therefore_o the_o pure_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o withal_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n but_o still_o remember_v that_o if_o your_o work_n be_v not_o answerable_a your_o faith_n be_v vain_a for_o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o doer_n thereof_o shall_v be_v justify_v not_o he_o that_o say_v 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 our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o second_o sermon_n matth_n xviii_o 7._o wo_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o woe_n to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o bring_v mankind_n to_o salvation_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o to_o convert_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o from_o all_o dangerous_a error_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o a_o right_a faith_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a that_o this_o end_n be_v not_o attain_v universal_o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o therefore_o a_o divine_a revelation_n because_o it_o have_v in_o so_o great_a part_n fail_v of_o the_o end_n which_o it_o pretend_v to_o pursue_v he_o may_v be_v easy_o bring_v to_o assurance_n again_o by_o consider_v the_o vast_a good_a which_o christianity_n have_v do_v in_o the_o world_n but_o especial_o by_o observe_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v foretell_v that_o all_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v and_o obey_v our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o testify_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o nay_o inasmuch_o as_o he_o have_v forewarn_v we_o of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o have_v tell_v we_o beforehand_o that_o the_o word_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o be_v a_o manifest_a declaration_n that_o he_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o can_v not_o but_o be_v effectual_a but_o only_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o will_v in_o any_o measure_n comply_v with_o his_o gracious_a method_n and_o it_o be_v also_o a_o plain_a intimation_n that_o a_o great_a many_o will_v be_v never_o the_o better_a but_o the_o worse_a for_o these_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o their_o salvation_n and_o that_o some_o for_o not_o receive_v they_o other_o for_o not_o improve_n they_o will_v fall_v into_o great_a condemnation_n but_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o foretell_v these_o thing_n only_o but_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o too_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o will_v obstruct_v the_o progress_n and_o design_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o this_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o those_o word_n of_o he_o which_o i_o have_v now_o choose_v for_o my_o subject_n woe_n be_v to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v by_o offence_n or_o scandal_n we_o be_v here_o and_o almost_o everywhere_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o understand_v those_o temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o inducement_n to_o error_n which_o some_o man_n lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o they_o be_v sometime_o otherwise_o express_v snare_n stumbling-block_n and_o occasion_n of_o fall_n for_o the_o thing_n mean_v by_o all_o these_o expression_n be_v the_o same_o now_o concern_v offence_n our_o saviour_n affirm_v two_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n i_o have_v read_v first_o that_o they_o will_v come_v nay_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o they_o will_v come_v i._n e._n that_o man_n will_v arise_v who_o shall_v hinder_v the_o prevail_a of_o christianity_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v or_o pervert_v the_o design_n of_o it_o
maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o that_o profession_n against_o another_o that_o have_v superad_v new_a and_o false_a doctrine_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o reform_a part_n may_v labour_v under_o discord_n that_o affect_v their_o very_a communion_n while_o the_o other_o do_v not_o there_o may_v be_v on_o the_o one_o side_n disobedience_n to_o authority_n overvalue_v of_o question_n of_o no_o great_a moment_n a_o great_a stress_n lay_v upon_o opinion_n or_o practice_n than_o the_o cause_n will_v bear_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o break_v christian_a communion_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n whilst_o gross_a error_n be_v maintain_v on_o the_o other_o side_n with_o one_o consent_n the_o difference_n that_o happen_v by_o the_o bye_n may_v be_v so_o overrule_v by_o authority_n by_o force_n and_o power_n and_o by_o the_o sensible_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n that_o how_o wide_o so_o ever_o they_o be_v they_o shall_v not_o yet_o rend_v communion_n but_o in_o such_o a_o 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of_o charity_n and_o good_a will._n 5._o let_v he_o live_v in_o strict_a communion_n with_o the_o particular_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o in_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o for_o the_o guidance_n of_o religious_a assembly_n for_o the_o order_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o fall_v under_o human_a authority_n i.e._n the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawful_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o the_o edification_n and_o well_o govern_v of_o it_o thus_o he_o shall_v maintain_v a_o unity_n of_o communion_n with_o his_o brethren_n and_o his_o guide_n and_o so_o in_o effect_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n where_o the_o part_n of_o it_o do_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o most_o undoubted_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o any_o of_o they_o in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v as_o they_o ought_v not_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o advice_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o to_o a_o good_a man_n as_o 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submission_n to_o her_o authority_n in_o every_o point_n of_o religion_n so_o much_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o examine_v every_o one_o of_o her_o particular_n and_o if_o i_o find_v that_o she_o be_v mistake_v in_o any_o of_o they_o i_o be_o verysure_n that_o she_o be_v not_o infallible_a in_o all_o and_o if_o she_o will_v not_o allow_v i_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o particular_n it_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v try_v to_o hinder_v i_o from_o castingup_n my_o own_o account_n by_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o can_v possible_o mistake_v in_o do_v it_o he_o may_v indeed_o show_v some_o wit_n in_o work_v his_o demonstration_n but_o i_o shall_v show_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o folly_n in_o trust_v he_o to_o conclude_v we_o have_v a_o rule_n whereby_o to_o try_v the_o doctrine_n i_o will_v not_o only_o say_v of_o a_o church_n or_o a_o pope_n or_o a_o council_n but_o even_o of_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v and_o preach_v to_o we_o and_o that_o rule_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n these_o be_v by_o all_o christian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a and_o the_o most_o ancient_a record_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o they_o have_v have_v a_o tradition_n so_o uncontrollable_a as_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v the_o like_a whoever_o therefore_o be_v our_o guide_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o rule_n and_o of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v never_o trust_v myself_o to_o her_o discretion_n that_o will_v not_o trust_v i_o with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o study_n of_o this_o rule_n here_o we_o may_v if_o we_o please_v make_v ourselves_o very_o sure_o that_o we_o be_v of_o those_o who_o god_n will_v justify_v for_o here_o we_o may_v discern_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n st._n paul_n and_o the_o christian_n of_o who_o he_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n and_o what_o all_o the_o 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have_v therefore_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n whereby_o to_o guide_v ourselves_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n and_o exhort_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o as_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o we_o how_o you_o ought_v to_o walk_v and_o to_o please_v god_n so_o you_o will_v abound_v more_o and_o more_o that_o while_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n shall_v wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v you_o may_v continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v know_v of_o who_o you_o have_v learn_v they_o even_o from_o the_o say_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n deliever_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o say_v which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o we_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a 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father_n gooden_o about_o the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdclxxxix_o the_o sum_fw-la of_o a_o conference_n on_o feb._n 21._o 1686._o between_o dr._n clagett_n and_o father_n gooden_o about_o the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n introduction_n it_o will_v perhaps_o appear_v to_o some_o a_o little_a strange_a that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v almost_o incredible_a that_o there_o shall_v have_v pass_v a_o conference_n above_o two_o year_n since_o in_o which_o mr._n gooden_o be_v concern_v and_o the_o world_n yet_o to_o learn_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o the_o vanity_n of_o that_o gentleman_n to_o thrust_v himself_o upon_o all_o occasion_n into_o dispute_n with_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o church_n first_o and_o then_o to_o boast_v of_o his_o own_o performance_n in_o they_o be_v fogreat_a that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o coffee-house_n in_o the_o town_n that_o have_v not_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o noise_n of_o his_o impertinent_a vapour_n and_o if_o those_o of_o the_o other_o communion_n have_v be_v always_o remarkable_a for_o a_o assurance_n become_v the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n i_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o next_o to_o father_n p_o the_o jesuit_n and_o his_o friend_n mr._n m_o i_o scarce_o know_v any_o among_o they_o that_o have_v ever_o talk_v so_o loud_o or_o make_v such_o heroical_a defiance_n of_o the_o champion_n and_o army_n of_o our_o israel_n in_o all_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o mr._n gooden_o these_o late_a year_n have_v do_v among_o we_o but_o thus_o shallow_a water_n always_o run_v with_o the_o great_a noise_n and_o violence_n and_o little_a sophister_n who_o either_o want_n capacity_n to_o see_v into_o their_o own_o fallacy_n or_o think_v they_o have_v forehead_n enough_o to_o carry_v that_o off_o with_o clamour_n and_o confidence_n which_o they_o can_v do_v by_o 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a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v for_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v no_o such_o hard_a matter_n to_o perplex_v thing_n that_o be_v plain_a to_o find_v colour_n for_o deny_v thing_n that_o be_v evident_a to_o hide_v the_o weakness_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o argument_n to_o divert_v from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o person_n so_o artificial_o as_o if_o the_o cause_n go_v on_o still_o to_o lose_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n to_o make_v truth_n look_v like_o error_n and_o error_n like_o truth_n to_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v if_o a_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o bend_v all_o his_o wit_n this_o way_n for_o something_o may_v be_v say_v for_o any_o thing_n 6._o and_o last_o bad_a example_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v another_o most_o dangerous_a offence_n since_o i_o doubt_v most_o man_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o take_v up_o their_o opinion_n more_o easy_o from_o authority_n than_o from_o other_o argument_n and_o they_o understand_v 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a_o terrible_a prejudice_n a_o secret_a enemy_n against_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o his_o heart_n rise_v with_o as_o much_o anger_n against_o that_o doctrine_n of_o god_n that_o tell_v he_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o pursue_v his_o worldly_a and_o fleshly_a desire_n as_o he_o will_v but_o to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v they_o as_o herod_n when_o he_o take_v his_o brother_n wife_n express_v against_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o have_v she_o man_n nature_n affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v confine_v it_o be_v disease_v and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v heal_v and_o it_o be_v therefore_o likely_a enough_o that_o very_o many_o will_v reject_v the_o physician_n and_o be_v angry_a with_o those_o very_a remedy_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v send_v the_o true_a and_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n my_o brethren_n if_o it_o be_v believe_v can_v but_o make_v we_o very_o uneasy_a and_o unquiet_a while_o we_o be_v conscious_a of_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v reform_v because_o it_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o all_o our_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n it_o forewarn_v we_o of_o a_o dreadful_a sentence_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o a_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o we_o be_v unwilling_a at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o venture_v in_o which_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o repentance_n and_o man_n that_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n and_o lover_n of_o gain_n can_v easy_o admit_v a_o doctrine_n which_o give_v they_o as_o much_o uneasiness_n and_o disturbance_n as_o if_o the_o point_n of_o a_o sword_n be_v always_o turn_v towards_o their_o very_a heart_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o endure_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o heathen_n oppose_v it_o and_o persecute_v it_o and_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o christian_n have_v corrupt_v it_o by_o find_v out_o other_o way_n to_o avoid_v damnation_n than_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god._n it_o be_v this_o that_o have_v make_v way_n for_o satisfactory_a commutation_n merit_n of_o other_o and_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o all_o those_o device_n which_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o reconcile_v a_o wicked_a life_n to_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o entangle_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n and_o do_v they_o not_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o foolish_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o the_o rain_n fall_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n thereof_o that_o be_v it_o suffer_v a_o irreparable_a ruin._n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v no_o way_n frame_v to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o ambitious_a and_o worldly-minded_n man_n or_o to_o help_v they_o in_o pursue_v those_o end_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o will_v be_v by_o some_o or_o other_o mould_v for_o that_o purpose_n when_o opportunity_n shall_v serve_v our_o saviour_n teach_v the_o world_n no_o other_o principle_n of_o morality_n no_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n than_o what_o be_v equal_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o part_n of_o mankind_n to_o believe_v and_o follow_v a_o common_a good_a and_o a_o equal_a benefit_n be_v intend_v in_o they_o all_o for_o let_v they_o prevail_v without_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n be_v secure_v and_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n to_o subject_n neighbour-nation_n shall_v give_v strength_n and_o confidence_n instead_o of_o create_v jealousy_n to_o one_o another_o the_o master_n shall_v be_v better_o serve_v and_o the_o servant_n better_o use_v the_o church_n by_o her_o doctrine_n and_o spiritual_a authority_n will_v be_v a_o guard_n to_o the_o state_n and_o receive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n protection_n from_o it_o here_o be_v no_o design_n in_o christianity_n to_o set_v up_o any_o nation_n or_o party_n of_o man_n in_o opposition_n and_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o but_o it_o plain_o aim_v at_o a_o general_a good_a and_o under_o its_o penalty_n require_v all_o its_o professor_n to_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o too_o and_o condemn_v those_o who_o be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o among_o the_o great_a offender_n and_o this_o
religion_n as_o machiavelli_n well_o observe_v be_v not_o calculate_v for_o the_o inspire_a of_o man_n with_o great_a design_n such_o i_o suppose_v as_o his_o caesar_n borgia_n aim_v at_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a too_o philosophical_a too_o innocent_a and_o charitable_a to_o raise_v a_o ambitious_a heat_n or_o to_o serve_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a in_o process_n of_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v help_v out_o by_o other_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n that_o will_v bring_v in_o the_o swell_n of_o worldly_a pride_n into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o african_a father_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o celestine_n call_v it_o and_o advance_v one_o part_n of_o it_o to_o the_o depress_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o true_a christianity_n serve_v no_o such_o design_n therefore_o be_v our_o saviour_n oppose_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n his_o doctrine_n do_v not_o tend_v at_o all_o that_o way_n viz._n to_o make_v jerusalem_n the_o mistress_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o shall_v depend_v upon_o she_o it_o do_v not_o minister_v to_o their_o ambitious_a and_o worldly_a hope_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o for_o their_o turn_n 3._o if_o we_o look_v upon_o christianity_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o worship_n it_o will_v still_o hold_v true_a that_o offence_n must_v needs_o come_v because_o the_o worship_n it_o prescribe_v be_v a_o worship_n of_o great_a simplicity_n that_o have_v but_o two_o or_o three_o positive_a institution_n of_o divine_a authority_n viz._n the_o two_o sacrament_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o holy_a son_n jesus_n now_o this_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n who_o love_n rather_o a_o pompous_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o nice_a observation_n than_o a_o grave_n and_o decent_a administration_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o former_a do_v amuse_n the_o sense_n and_o entertain_v the_o imagination_n the_o latter_a 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and_o odious_a to_o the_o heathen_n that_o they_o have_v so_o few_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n so_o plain_a and_o simple_a a_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n but_o one_o altar_n but_o one_o mediator_n no_o tutelar_a deity_n and_o patron_n no_o throng_n of_o petty_a god_n but_o one_o or_o two_o mystery_n and_o those_o too_o plain_a and_o instruct_v without_o pomp_n and_o amuzement_n for_o such_o cause_n as_o these_o they_o reckon_v the_o christian_n little_o better_a than_o atheist_n believe_v that_o a_o religion_n which_o make_v no_o stately_a show_n to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o none_o at_o all_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n himself_o appoint_v a_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n to_o the_o israelite_n that_o consist_v of_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o ceremony_n but_o beside_o this_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o type_n to_o discover_v the_o messiah_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v there_o be_v another_o end_n of_o divine_a providence_n observable_a in_o that_o constitution_n which_o be_v this_o that_o they_o have_v a_o stately_a and_o mystical_a form_n of_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o may_v be_v less_o under_o a_o temptation_n of_o learning_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o who_o numerous_a and_o gaudy_a ceremony_n in_o their_o worship_n will_v have_v bewitch_v the_o jew_n ten_o time_n more_o than_o they_o do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o vie_v with_o they_o but_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n say_v that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n that_o be_v not_o good_a to_o be_v sure_a not_o the_o best_a in_o themselves_o but_o consider_v the_o time_n the_o best_a for_o they_o for_o when_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v all_o mankind_n to_o worship_n the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o to_o convert_v the_o nation_n from_o idolatry_n the_o scheme_n of_o the_o mosaic_a worship_n be_v take_v down_o and_o the_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o nothing_o but_o prayer_n and_o praise_n two_o sacrament_n and_o one_o mediator_n but_o by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n run_v counter_a to_o the_o fond_a and_o foolish_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o that_o offence_n be_v ready_a to_o come_v upon_o this_o account_n also_o so_o that_o consider_v the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o religion_n too_o good_a for_o a_o wicked_a world_n too_o wise_a for_o a_o vain_a and_o foolish_a world_n i_o mean_v it_o be_v too_o good_a and_o too_o wise_a to_o escape_v opposition_n and_o all_o change_n the_o world_n will_v either_o try_v to_o keep_v it_o out_o or_o when_o that_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v any_o long_o to_o square_v and_o form_v it_o better_o to_o its_o own_o purpose_n and_o inclination_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n viz._n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v exalt_v above_o a_o worldly_a spirit_n that_o a_o peculiar_a temper_n be_v require_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o order_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o his_o doctrine_n a_o spirit_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n of_o humility_n and_o teachableness_n love_v of_o the_o truth_n willingness_n to_o learn_v patience_n of_o reproof_n and_o the_o like_a without_o which_o disposition_n the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n will_v certain_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o argument_n and_o motive_n by_o which_o it_o be_v recommend_v and_o therefore_o since_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o over-rule_v they_o into_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v first_o of_o all_o great_o oppose_v as_o it_o be_v and_o afterward_o insincere_o handle_v as_o it_o have_v be_v and_o this_o although_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v peculiar_o furnish_v with_o mean_n to_o infuse_v a_o wise_a and_o honest_a disposition_n into_o they_o that_o want_v it_o for_o those_o mean_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o after_o all_o man_n may_v be_v the_o worse_o and_o not_o the_o better_a for_o they_o nothing_o can_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v more_o fit_a to_o awaken_v man_n to_o consideration_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o honesty_n and_o wisdom_n and_o to_o conquer_v all_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la than_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o warning_n of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v it_o be_v in_o this_o that_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o mend_v the_o temper_n of_o man_n consist_v but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n that_o can_v be_v do_v man_n may_v choose_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v and_o consider_v and_o it_o well_o become_v divine_a providence_n
pretence_n it_o be_v true_a god_n see_v the_o quality_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n with_o a_o infallible_a judgement_n but_o we_o not_o so_o certain_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o tell_v what_o degree_n of_o faith_n or_o fear_n be_v proper_a to_o god_n child_n be_v justify_v or_o save_v but_o if_o in_o the_o hard_a trial_n of_o thy_o obedience_n thou_o do_v keep_v god_n commandment_n than_o thou_o be_v sure_o that_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o because_o god_n will_v have_v thou_o try_v thyself_o by_o this_o rule_n he_o be_v please_v to_o testify_v his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o abraham_n fear_v he_o upon_o abraham_n ready_a obedience_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v it_o before_o 2._o another_o point_n of_o instruction_n and_o of_o good_a use_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v this_o that_o god_n have_v some_o servant_n and_o worshipper_n who_o be_v not_o hire_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o serve_v he_o by_o the_o worldly_a ease_n profit_n and_o security_n that_o religion_n bring_v and_o who_o when_o that_o expectation_n fail_v they_o will_v not_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o he_o to_o choose_v another_o master_n the_o devil_n insinuate_v against_o job_n that_o he_o serve_v god_n because_o god_n have_v make_v a_o hedge_n about_o he_o and_o about_o his_o house_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v on_o every_o side_n because_o he_o have_v bless_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o increase_v his_o substance_n in_o the_o land_n but_o if_o god_n will_v put_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o touch_v all_o that_o he_o have_v than_o he_o will_v curse_v he_o to_o his_o face_n i._n e._n that_o then_o he_o will_v be_v as_o prosane_a as_o he_o be_v before_o godly_a in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o upon_o trial_n it_o prove_v otherwise_o and_o he_o retain_v his_o integrity_n say_v shall_v we_o receive_v good_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a job_n 2.10_o such_o another_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v abraham_n god_n have_v bless_v he_o with_o great_a increase_n and_o prosperity_n upon_o the_o leave_n of_o his_o country_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o complete_a his_o desire_n but_o a_o heir_n to_o his_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v a_o long_a time_n deny_v he_o and_o at_o length_n give_v he_o but_o it_o may_v be_v hitherto_o object_v against_o the_o sincerity_n of_o abraham_n fear_n of_o god_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o that_o he_o perceive_v how_o much_o for_o the_o better_a it_o be_v that_o he_o leave_v his_o country_n at_o the_o call_v of_o god_n and_o find_v now_o that_o all_o thing_n go_v well_o with_o he_o do_v therefore_o make_v profession_n of_o serve_v the_o only_a true_a god_n because_o he_o find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o compass_v all_o that_o his_o heart_n can_v desire_v in_o the_o world_n how_o therefore_o shall_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o behave_v himself_o religious_o out_o of_o conscience_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o a_o absolute_a and_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o god_n sovereign_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v out_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o ingenuity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o righteous_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n so_o effectual_a no_o demonstration_n so_o clear_a as_o this_o that_o abraham_n without_o murmur_v and_o dispute_v shall_v let_v go_v the_o dear_a of_o all_o his_o possession_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o trial_n god_n make_v of_o his_o sincerity_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o hold_v more_o dear_a to_o he_o than_o his_o only_a son_n for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v set_v a_o value_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o possession_n well_o therefore_o may_v be_v say_v upon_o his_o ready_a compliance_n with_o this_o severe_a command_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v now_o thy_o sincerity_n be_v put_v beyond_o all_o question_n and_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n what_o thou_o have_v all_o along_o pretend_v to_o be_v one_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n and_o who_o therefore_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a not_o for_o worldly_a and_o mercenary_a end_n but_o because_o thou_o be_v absolute_o resolve_v to_o depend_v upon_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o require_v and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v brethren_n that_o this_o testimony_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o sincerity_n be_v give_v he_o only_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o all_o good_a man_n that_o shall_v in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o world_n tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o abraham_n faith_n viz._n that_o all_o religious_a man_n be_v what_o they_o be_v not_o for_o worldly_a respect_n but_o for_o conscience_n towards_o god._n and_o therefore_o the_o trial_n of_o abraham_n faith_n do_v not_o only_o vindicate_v he_o but_o all_o god_n faithful_a servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o pretend_v religion_n for_o worldly_a end_n indeed_o he_o be_v try_v in_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a instance_n that_o can_v be_v well_o think_v of_o and_o there_o be_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o great_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o it_o well_o become_v he_o who_o be_v to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o honour_n confer_v upon_o he_o in_o all_o age_n to_o undergo_v such_o a_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o may_v not_o only_o be_v a_o stand_a example_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o a_o mean_n to_o vindicate_v our_o sincerity_n against_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o world_n though_o we_o be_v not_o try_v as_o abraham_n be_v for_o if_o religion_n in_o the_o general_n be_v charge_v with_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o compass_v worldly_a advantage_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o conscience_n we_o desire_v they_o to_o look_v to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o proof_n that_o he_o give_v of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o god_n testimony_n concern_v he_o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god._n and_o this_o be_v the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o all_o abraham_n child_n that_o they_o depend_v upon_o god_n providence_n not_o because_o they_o have_v a_o good_a estate_n that_o they_o be_v righteous_a and_o just_a not_o because_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o thrive_v that_o they_o serve_v god_n not_o because_o he_o make_v a_o hedge_n about_o all_o they_o have_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o religion_n not_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v under_o no_o unusual_a temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o the_o like_a but_o because_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o fear_v and_o love_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n they_o be_v persuade_v they_o ought_v so_o to_o demean_v themselves_o in_o expectation_n of_o his_o favour_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n and_o of_o his_o reward_n in_o a_o better_a world._n in_o short_a abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v therefore_o try_v in_o this_o manner_n that_o there_o may_v be_v in_o he_o a_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n who_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n not_o expect_v the_o profit_n of_o this_o world_n in_o recompense_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o justice_n and_o that_o religion_n will_v secure_v their_o body_n from_o sickness_n their_o good_n from_o rapine_n their_o name_n from_o reproach_n their_o person_n from_o affront_v and_o their_o course_n of_o life_n from_o common_a or_o from_o unusual_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n abraham_n and_o his_o child_n do_v not_o traffic_v with_o heaven_n by_o their_o prayer_n and_o charity_n to_o secure_v or_o increase_v their_o possession_n on_o earth_n and_o though_o god_n have_v often_o bless_v good_a man_n as_o he_o do_v abraham_n with_o strange_a prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o their_o end_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v by_o faith_n by_o faith_n they_o wrought_v righteousness_n heb._n 11.33_o i._n e._n they_o do_v that_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v because_o they_o expect_v a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o though_o not_o always_o with_o the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o life_n yet_o without_o fail_n with_o those_o pure_a and_o ravish_a joy_n of_o a_o better_a world_n which_o will_v short_o begin_v and_o never_o end_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n it_o have_v be_v very_o often_o the_o charge_n
of_o the_o world_n upon_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o piety_n that_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o other_o whatever_o their_o appearance_n be_v that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o in_o love_n with_o the_o wealth_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n as_o those_o that_o profess_v to_o make_v they_o their_o end_n and_o therefore_o to_o vindicate_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o servant_n god_n do_v sometime_o make_v they_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o this_o charge_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o instruction_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o testimony_n god_n give_v to_o abraham_n i_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o general_n in_o the_o text_n viz._n ii_o the_o fact_n upon_o which_o this_o testimony_n of_o god_n concern_v abraham_n be_v ground_v which_o be_v his_o offering_n up_o his_o son_n isaac_n to_o god_n according_a to_o that_o command_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v because_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o and_o here_o i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o trial_n which_o the_o fact_n suppose_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fact_n which_o be_v his_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o slay_v his_o son_n upon_o the_o altar_n and_o all_o i_o shall_v say_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o god_n in_o that_o case_n do_v not_o command_v murder_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v absolute_o forbid_v for_o the_o command_n of_o god_n make_v it_o not_o to_o be_v murder_n if_o it_o have_v be_v effect_v as_o it_o be_v full_o design_v on_o abraham_n part_n god_n be_v the_o absolute_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o can_v without_o do_v any_o wrong_n take_v away_o life_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o he_o may_v do_v it_o which_o way_n he_o please_v by_o command_a abraham_n to_o kill_v his_o son_n as_o well_o as_o by_o command_v a_o fever_n to_o do_v it_o if_o abraham_n have_v not_o have_v that_o command_n his_o intention_n have_v be_v wicked_a such_o slay_v be_v murderous_a not_o command_v but_o the_o command_n of_o god_n who_o have_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o dispose_v of_o every_o man_n life_n make_v it_o not_o to_o be_v murder_n if_o it_o have_v be_v effect_v indeed_o this_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fact_n consider_v in_o itself_o but_o 2._o we_o be_v to_o consider_v it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o submission_n to_o god_n and_o procure_v that_o testimony_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god._n and_o here_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n very_o remarkable_a 1._o that_o god_n single_v out_o his_o belove_a possession_n to_o be_v offer_v forthwith_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o himself_o take_v now_o thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n isaac_n who_o thou_o love_v and_o get_v thou_o into_o the_o land_n of_o moriah_n and_o offer_v he_o there_o for_o a_o burnt-offering_a upon_o one_o of_o the_o mountain_n which_o i_o will_v tell_v thou_o of_o god_n lay_v before_o he_o all_o the_o sting_n of_o so_o hard_a a_o injunction_n take_v thy_o son_n and_o that_o thy_o only_a son_n i_o know_v thou_o love_v he_o dear_o but_o yet_o he_o must_v be_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o i_o and_o a_o sacrifice_n offer_v by_o thy_o own_o hand_n this_o be_v such_o a_o say_n as_o that_o of_o jesus_n teach_v the_o height_n of_o sincere_a religion_n he_o that_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n must_v deny_v himself_o he_o that_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n or_o child_n or_o house_n or_o land_n or_o his_o own_o life_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o for_o we_o can_v think_v that_o he_o who_o will_v give_v up_o such_o a_o possession_n to_o god_n to_o wit_n his_o only_a son_n will_v deny_v he_o any_o thing_n have_v all_o his_o flock_n and_o his_o herd_n his_o whole_a wealth_n and_o possession_n nay_o have_v himself_o be_v call_v for_o to_o become_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n he_o that_o deny_v not_o to_o god_n his_o only_a son_n will_v not_o have_v deny_v he_o these_o here_o be_v a_o example_n indeed_o of_o absolute_a resignation_n to_o god_n of_o universal_a acquiescence_n in_o his_o will_n here_o be_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n that_o abraham_n count_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o his_o maker_n for_o this_o command_n be_v in_o effect_n as_o if_o god_n have_v say_v take_v now_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v without_o exception_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v thou_o as_o naked_a as_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o the_o world_n strip_v thyself_o of_o every_o thing_n and_o lay_v it_o before_o i_o to_o be_v dispose_v of_o as_o i_o please_v and_o have_v this_o be_v demand_v have_v all_o be_v require_v he_o that_o offer_v his_o only_a son_n will_v with_o the_o same_o readiness_n have_v part_v with_o all_o his_o possession_n herein_o therefore_o consist_v the_o trial_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o the_o fact_n suppose_v that_o when_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o he_o love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o fear_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n this_o one_o single_a act_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o do_v which_o ought_v to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n that_o god_n require_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o himself_o and_o the_o give_v up_o our_o most_o desirable_a possession_n to_o he_o when_o his_o word_n or_o his_o providence_n call_v for_o they_o and_o that_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o be_v dispose_v if_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a it_o be_v far_a remarkable_a under_o this_o head_n that_o god_n require_v abraham_n to_o do_v this_o forthwith_o without_o dispute_v and_o delay_v and_o therefore_o the_o command_n be_v not_o only_o a_o trial_n of_o what_o abraham_n will_v do_v in_o a_o extreme_a hard_a case_n but_o also_o how_o he_o be_v constant_o provide_v and_o prepare_v to_o do_v as_o become_v god_n servant_n in_o such_o a_o 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not_o but_o feel_v pain_n in_o receive_v this_o command_n of_o god_n and_o a_o uneasy_a struggle_v between_o his_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o his_o affection_n to_o his_o child_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o this_o delay_v his_o resolution_n to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v or_o raise_v in_o he_o any_o dispute_n what_o to_o conclude_v upon_o but_o though_o it_o be_v grievous_a to_o do_v it_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v god_n pleasure_n he_o forthwith_o set_v himself_o to_o obey_v this_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n be_v what_o we_o shall_v aim_v at_o for_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o our_o own_o great_a security_n and_o i_o will_v add_v for_o our_o ease_n too_o
never_o offend_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v i_o say_v a_o title_n to_o the_o testimony_n god_n give_v to_o abraham_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god._n certain_o it_o will_v be_v no_o mean_a encouragement_n to_o we_o it_o will_v raise_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o very_o great_a degree_n of_o joy_n and_o triumph_n to_o have_v god_n say_v that_o to_o we_o that_o he_o do_v to_o abraham_n but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o he_o once_o for_o all_o in_o behalf_n of_o all_o his_o child_n that_o shall_v tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o his_o faith_n this_o be_v not_o a_o honour_n give_v to_o abraham_n only_o though_o to_o he_o principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v do_v he_o also_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o joy_n of_o all_o religious_a and_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world._n wherefore_o my_o brethren_n that_o we_o may_v come_v in_o for_o some_o share_n in_o the_o praise_n and_o reward_n of_o abraham_n faith_n let_v there_o be_v in_o none_o of_o we_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n the_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n be_v the_o evil_a heart_n that_o cause_v unbelief_n i._n e._n some_o corrupt_a inclination_n some_o unmortified_a lust_n some_o carnal_a interest_n or_o other_o do_v thou_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n when_o thou_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n conceive_v how_o much_o thou_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v thy_o sin_n thy_o dear_o belove_a sin_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o slay_v it_o that_o be_v the_o first_o sacrifice_n thou_o can_v offer_v to_o god_n to_o wit_n a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n a_o heart_n clean_a from_o worldly_a and_o sinful_a lust_n do_v this_o and_o thou_o will_v find_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o god_n thy_o faith_n will_v then_o make_v thou_o to_o be_v entire_o at_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o 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he_o be_v always_o employ_v and_o the_o contradiction_n which_o he_o continual_o meet_v with_o and_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o some_o instance_n of_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v record_v for_o our_o sake_n that_o they_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n shall_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o they_o happen_v to_o meet_v with_o such_o opposition_n as_o their_o master_n do_v and_o likewise_o that_o by_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o cavil_n of_o his_o adversary_n they_o may_v be_v instruct_v how_o they_o shall_v defend_v themselves_o afterward_o against_o the_o like_a objection_n one_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o text_n i_o have_v now_o choose_v to_o speak_v to_o then_o come_v to_o jesus_n scribe_n and_o pharise_n which_o be_v of_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o concern_v the_o person_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o deal_v withal_o because_o their_o character_n be_v so_o 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the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v therefore_o of_o the_o first_o rank_n among_o the_o pharise_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v discourse_v to_o you_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o objection_n which_o these_o man_n make_v against_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n second_o of_o the_o answer_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o i._o of_o the_o objection_n which_o these_o man_n make_v against_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n for_o they_o wash_v not_o their_o hand_n when_o they_o eat_v bread_n a_o charge_n lay_v with_o as_o much_o confidence_n as_o anger_n and_o therefore_o they_o scorn_v to_o put_v any_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o answer_v it_o and_o think_v fit_a to_o challenge_v the_o master_n himself_o about_o it_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v consider_v here_o be_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o charge_n which_o 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prescription_n and_o authority_n when_o it_o have_v stand_v long_o enough_o to_o have_v some_o colour_n for_o antiquity_n and_o have_v obtain_v interest_n enough_o to_o pretend_v to_o a_o kind_n of_o universality_n than_o it_o will_v be_v see_v who_o they_o be_v that_o love_n god_n and_o truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v that_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v that_o prefer_v truth_n before_o glorious_a name_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o applause_n and_o flattery_n and_o eternal_a life_n before_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world._n god_n bear_v long_o with_o all_o the_o provocation_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o permit_v heresy_n which_o be_v that_o they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n as_o these_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n bear_v with_o infinite_a patience_n those_o provocation_n for_o a_o long_a 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punish_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n in_o this_o life_n the_o like_a cause_n have_v we_o to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o our_o riper_n year_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o our_o life_n 4._o that_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o the_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v of_o god_n to_o ourselves_o to_o prevent_v his_o anger_n from_o flame_v out_o against_o we_o because_o otherwise_o we_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god._n the_o truth_n be_v these_o be_v the_o use_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o both_o those_o consideration_n that_o i_o lay_v before_o you_o from_o the_o text_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o inculcate_v again_o and_o 1._o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v either_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o god_n providence_n or_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o perplexity_n and_o doubt_n whether_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n of_o error_n the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o the_o way_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o wickedness_n be_v so_o different_a from_o one_o another_o as_o be_v pretend_v in_o religion_n we_o have_v i_o say_v no_o reason_n to_o perplex_v ourselves_o about_o these_o thing_n because_o for_o many_o generation_n god_n have_v suffer_v deceit_n and_o violence_n to_o prevail_v to_o spread_v and_o to_o flourish_v in_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v not_o as_o a_o man_n his_o way_n be_v above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n when_o we_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o look_v back_o upon_o so_o many_o past_a age_n wherein_o religion_n have_v be_v make_v a_o formal_a pretence_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o dominion_n upon_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n support_v by_o fraud_n and_o force_n it_o be_v foolish_o do_v of_o we_o to_o disquiet_v ourselves_o with_o doubt_n whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o not_o since_o it_o please_v god_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n to_o suffer_v the_o contrary_a to_o prevail_v mighty_o in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o some_o age_n to_o baffle_v all_o opposition_n for_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o impatient_a of_o high_a indignity_n and_o great_a provocation_n ready_a to_o kindle_v upon_o any_o notable_a affront_n or_o however_o unable_a to_o bear_v repeat_v and_o long_o continue_a injury_n no_o doubt_n if_o our_o opinion_n have_v be_v ask_v the_o luxury_n of_o the_o old_a world_n shall_v have_v be_v mortify_v by_o some_o amaze_a judgement_n and_o the_o flood_n shall_v have_v be_v spare_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o new_a race_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v prevent_v or_o at_o least_o by_o some_o irresistible_a evidence_n of_o god_n displeasure_n banish_v long_o before_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n and_o mahomet_n shall_v either_o have_v never_o appear_v or_o he_o shall_v have_v glare_v only_o like_o a_o comet_n and_o so_o go_v out_o instead_o of_o sound_v so_o vast_a and_o so_o long_a a_o empire_n as_o it_o seem_v he_o have_v do_v but_o let_v we_o leave_v god_n to_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o be_v content_a that_o he_o shall_v rule_v we_o we_o be_v too_o angry_a and_o too_o passionate_a to_o say_v how_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v and_o never_o more_o foolish_a than_o when_o we_o will_v from_o god_n providence_n make_v conclusion_n contrary_a to_o his_o word_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o say_v what_o the_o god_n of_o wisdom_n the_o god_n of_o patience_n the_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o of_o goodness_n and_o of_o infinite_a power_n shall_v do_v it_o be_v the_o least_o honour_n we_o can_v give_v he_o to_o allow_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v best_a which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o
and_o defence_n that_o by_o adhere_v to_o he_o we_o have_v that_o power_n for_o our_o security_n and_o that_o goodness_n for_o our_o security_n which_o make_v the_o world_n and_o which_o govern_v the_o world._n let_v we_o then_o in_o this_o our_o day_n consider_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n and_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o that_o he_o may_v be_v near_o unto_o we_o in_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o adversity_n whensoever_o they_o oppress_v we_o and_o be_v find_v of_o we_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o god_n of_o mercy_n and_o love_n which_o in_o himself_o he_o always_o be_v and_o which_o he_o desire_v to_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v to_o we_o all_o let_v therefore_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o wicked_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v to_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n let_v we_o ascribe_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n the_o twelve_o sermon_n luke_n xiii_o 5._o i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v concern_v the_o galilean_n who_o blood_n pilate_n mingle_v with_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o eighteen_o jew_n upon_o who_o the_o tower_n in_o siloam_n fall_v and_o slay_v they_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o those_o that_o be_v present_a be_v this_o suppose_v you_o that_o these_o galilean_n and_o these_o jew_n be_v sinner_n above_o all_o the_o galilean_n because_o they_o suffer_v such_o thing_n and_o above_o all_o man_n that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v from_o which_o word_n take_v in_o connexion_n with_o what_o go_v before_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o observation_n that_o may_v be_v lay_v down_o the_o former_a be_v rather_o suppose_v than_o express_v and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o god_n be_v just_a in_o the_o punishment_n that_o he_o inflict_v upon_o sinner_n 2._o that_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o evil_a happen_v to_o man_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o the_o second_o kind_a be_v intend_v more_o direct_o viz._n 1._o that_o they_o who_o suffer_v very_o great_a evil_n be_v not_o always_o great_a sinner_n than_o those_o who_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n suffer_v nothing_o 2._o that_o one_o reason_n why_o such_o evil_n do_v not_o befall_v all_o person_n at_o the_o same_o time_n who_o be_v equal_o sinner_n be_v that_o while_o some_o be_v visit_v with_o the_o rod_n other_o may_v take_v warning_n by_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o take_v warning_n they_o shall_v not_o escape_v these_o be_v all_o profitable_a instruction_n and_o such_o as_o this_o place_n natural_o yield_v which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o pursue_v without_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o show_v how_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o something_o i_o shall_v say_v but_o very_o brief_o of_o the_o two_o first_o because_o they_o be_v suppose_v in_o these_o say_n of_o our_o lord_n though_o not_o the_o main_a thing_n intend_v the_o first_o be_v that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n discourse_v here_o concern_v the_o end_n of_o those_o unhappy_a man_n he_o know_v that_o his_o hearer_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o pass_v a_o hard_a censure_n upon_o they_o and_o he_o take_v care_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o that_o extreme_a if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v fix_v in_o all_o of_o they_o that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n be_v far_o from_o correct_v but_o rather_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o by_o conclude_v that_o they_o also_o shall_v perish_v except_o they_o repent_v the_o truth_n be_v this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o man_n know_v by_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v well_o that_o they_o do_v for_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o sense_n the_o world_n be_v so_o bad_a how_o much_o worse_o will_v it_o have_v be_v if_o these_o apprehension_n can_v have_v be_v extinguish_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n inspire_v a_o man_n with_o assurance_n and_o that_o gild_n make_v he_o a_o coward_n that_o the_o disaster_n of_o other_o expose_v they_o to_o be_v hardly_o think_v of_o and_o that_o our_o own_o affliction_n bring_v our_o own_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n the_o native_n of_o melita_n though_o they_o be_v barbarian_n yet_o when_o they_o see_v a_o viper_n fasten_v upon_o st._n paul_n hand_n present_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o murderer_n who_o though_o he_o have_v escape_v the_o sea_n yet_o vengeance_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o live_v act_v 28._o there_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n wrought_v though_o they_o carry_v it_o too_o far_o but_o with_o something_o better_a reason_n do_v joseph_n brethren_n when_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o distress_n argue_v with_o one_o another_o very_o we_o be_v guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n therefore_o this_o distress_n be_v come_v upon_o we_o gen._n 42.21_o it_o be_v this_o natural_a belief_n that_o support_v many_o mystery_n of_o religion_n every_o where_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o those_o mystery_n be_v of_o god_n appoint_v or_o of_o man_n invent_v a_o good_a part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o worship_n be_v to_o make_v expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o beast_n be_v kill_v to_o confess_v that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o that_o man_n for_o who_o it_o be_v offer_v it_o be_v this_o sense_n that_o dispose_v man_n to_o believe_v strange_a delusion_n that_o there_o be_v virtue_n in_o little_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o charm_n to_o take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o punishment_n of_o it_o when_o people_n wear_v habit_n and_o go_v pilgrimage_n and_o touch_v relic_n and_o apply_v holy_a water_n and_o twenty_o other_o such_o remedy_n to_o themselves_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o their_o mind_n though_o they_o take_v a_o silly_a way_n to_o their_o end_n yet_o the_o principle_n be_v good_a at_o the_o bottom_n that_o sin_n and_o punishment_n be_v link_v together_o and_o that_o one_o natural_o draw_v on_o the_o other_o if_o some_o method_n be_v not_o use_v to_o break_v the_o chain_n which_o belief_n be_v so_o troublesome_a to_o a_o guilty_a mind_n that_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o dispose_v to_o like_v a_o religion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o have_v great_a variety_n of_o relief_n for_o a_o uneasy_a conscience_n which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o mankind_n if_o good_a care_n be_v not_o take_v be_v ready_a to_o run_v into_o a_o thousand_o superstition_n to_o prevent_v which_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n shall_v cheerful_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o serve_v god_n without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n this_o be_v the_o first_o observation_n that_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o all_o this_o discourse_n proceed_v be_v a_o natural_a truth_n viz._n that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n 2._o that_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o evil_n befall_v man_n it_o still_o come_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n either_o direct_o send_v it_o or_o at_o least_o know_o permit_v it_o and_o for_o wise_a and_o good_a reason_n determine_v to_o permit_v it_o this_o also_o be_v evident_o presume_v in_o this_o discourse_n for_o upon_o the_o relation_n of_o those_o disaster_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o hearer_n present_o turn_v to_o this_o conclusion_n that_o they_o be_v very_o great_a sinner_n that_o suffer_v such_o thing_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o evil_n be_v send_v by_o a_o just_a and_o wise_a providence_n now_o this_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o correct_v neither_o but_o rather_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o that_o god_n hand_n be_v in_o all_o that_o happen_v as_o themselves_o shall_v find_v it_o too_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o so_o that_o whether_o evil_a come_v by_o the_o free_a will_n of_o other_o as_o it_o do_v upon_o the_o galilean_n who_o blood_n pilate_n mingle_v with_o their_o sacrifice_n or_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o seem_v to_o be_v mere_o casual_a as_o
all_o such_o case_n the_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n and_o apostasy_n be_v very_o great_a and_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o many_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o in_o such_o a_o wicked_a age_n as_o call_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o open_a enemy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a number_n will_v be_v void_a of_o all_o regard_n whatsoever_o to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o his_o providence_n or_o if_o they_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o scoffer_n mention_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o will_v say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n many_o of_o his_o profess_a servant_n will_v be_v weary_a of_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v way_n to_o temptation_n and_o depend_v more_o upon_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n than_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o many_o good_a man_n will_v be_v very_o much_o weaken_v and_o abate_v so_o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o i_o persuade_v myself_o to_o have_v give_v you_o a_o true_a illustration_n of_o these_o remarkable_a word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o two_o signification_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v both_o intend_a in_o this_o text_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o know_v which_o be_v principal_o intend_v the_o day_n of_o the_o general_n judgement_n or_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o day_n of_o general_n judgement_n be_v in_o itself_o the_o principal_a meaning_n of_o christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v but_o yet_o the_o parable_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_o intend_v to_o stir_v up_o that_o generation_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o faint_v and_o to_o give_v a_o firm_a faith_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a trouble_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n therefore_o neither_o can_v the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v avenge_v of_o these_o his_o enemy_n and_o to_o deliver_v his_o servant_n be_v exclude_v but_o be_v as_o direct_o intend_v as_o the_o other_o and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o observe_v the_o two_o main_a point_n which_o the_o text_n suppose_v beside_o those_o which_o it_o affirm_v and_o the_o consider_v of_o they_o will_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n 1._o it_o be_v suppose_v manifest_o that_o after_o the_o first_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o call_v the_o world_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o for_o our_o sin_n there_o will_v yet_o be_v degenerate_a age_n sometime_o and_o a_o most_o corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n before_o his_o second_o personal_n come_v to_o judge_n the_o world._n 2._o it_o be_v also_o suppose_a that_o his_o providence_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v all_o thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n 1._o that_o his_o first_o come_n will_v not_o infallible_o prevent_v the_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o future_a age_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o teach_v many_o false_a prophet_n will_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n iniquity_n will_v abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o will_v wax_v cold_a and_o notwithstanding_o both_o these_o advantage_n yet_o his_o own_o servant_n will_v sometime_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o state_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o they_o to_o cry_v unto_o god_n day_n and_o night_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o may_v cause_v some_o wonder_n if_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o general_o corrupt_v before_o the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o may_v not_o appear_v strange_a at_o all_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o mankind_n that_o after_o the_o creation_n the_o earth_n shall_v so_o abound_v with_o luxury_n and_o violence_n that_o god_n sweep_v all_o mankind_n away_o with_o the_o flood_n but_o eight_o person_n that_o after_o noah_n family_n have_v people_v the_o earth_n again_o man_n shall_v fall_v into_o idolatry_n so_o universal_o that_o god_n call_v abraham_n out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o he_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n in_o his_o family_n and_o posterity_n that_o pharaoh_n shall_v oppress_v the_o israelite_n after_o his_o country_n have_v be_v save_v by_o they_o that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v fall_v to_o worship_n other_o god_n after_o that_o the_o true_a god_n have_v wrought_v so_o many_o miraculous_a deliverance_n for_o they_o that_o when_o not_o without_o much_o ado_n 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of_o justice_n faithfulness_n temperance_n government_n of_o passion_n wisdom_n and_o fortitude_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o thing_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n these_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o recommend_v the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o yet_o 2._o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o best_a whether_o we_o consider_v 1_o our_o concernment_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n what_o be_v our_o dependence_n upon_o this_o world_n to_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v endure_v beyond_o this_o life_n and_o that_o for_o ever_o what_o be_v our_o fortune_n till_o we_o die_v to_o our_o eternal_a state_n after_o death_n it_o be_v not_o our_o mere_a nature_n but_o our_o relation_n to_o god_n that_o make_v we_o considerable_a and_o we_o be_v very_o abject_a creature_n if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o to_o live_v a_o sensual_a life_n for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o to_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o or_o 2._o whether_o we_o consider_v faith_n as_o a_o persuasion_n ground_v upon_o rational_a evidence_n that_o be_v such_o evidence_n as_o require_v a_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a and_o clear_a judgement_n to_o perceive_v but_o which_o not_o bear_v upon_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n distinguish_v between_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o honest_a on_o one_o side_n and_o unteachable_a person_n on_o the_o other_o a_o believer_n do_v of_o all_o man_n make_v the_o most_o proper_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n because_o he_o assent_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n for_o instance_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n not_o upon_o immediate_a bodily_a sight_n but_o upon_o a_o mean_n of_o conviction_n suit_v to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n or_o 3._o whether_o we_o consider_v faith_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o secure_v a_o happy_a enjoyment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n of_o which_o i_o need_v to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o it_o 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be_v inferior_a to_o none_o and_o as_o to_o their_o degree_n when_o enoch_n live_v they_o be_v at_o the_o height_n and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o he_o have_v bad_a example_n enough_o and_o probable_o but_o very_o few_o that_o be_v good_a so_o that_o piety_n lie_v under_o great_a disadvantage_n in_o the_o common_a opinion_n and_o likely_a enough_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o reproach_n to_o observe_v rule_n for_o that_o generation_n of_o man_n be_v now_o begin_v of_o who_o we_o find_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n that_o god_n see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o they_o set_v themselves_o at_o no_o time_n to_o do_v any_o good_a all_o their_o business_n be_v to_o follow_v their_o brutish_a appetite_n from_o one_o day_n to_o another_o without_o restraint_n the_o world_n be_v hasten_v apace_o to_o that_o condition_n when_o enoch_n 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be_v tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o either_o christianity_n be_v not_o of_o god_n from_o the_o first_o or_o at_o least_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v neglect_v all_o care_n of_o it_o since_o because_o it_o do_v so_o little_a good_a as_o yet_o in_o the_o world_n because_o it_o run_v out_o into_o so_o many_o error_n and_o because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v so_o vehement_o oppose_v for_o say_v our_o saviour_n behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o but_o still_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n whether_o they_o will_v take_v warning_n by_o such_o prediction_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v guard_v themselves_o against_o error_n and_o evil_a example_n and_o therefore_o a_o very_a corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n shake_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o believer_n and_o cause_v some_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o not_o regard_v the_o admonition_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n beforehand_o and_o so_o when_o christ_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o observation_n which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v unavoidable_a from_o the_o text_n that_o even_o after_o christ_n there_o will_v be_v degenerate_a age_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v as_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n find_v when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o visit_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o iniquity_n and_o offence_n it_o abound_v with_o the_o 2._o supposition_n be_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o our_o lord_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v intimate_v manifest_o that_o his_o come_n be_v then_o to_o be_v expect_v when_o little_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o consequent_o when_o scandal_n and_o temptation_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o bear_v up_o against_o they_o i_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o man_n receive_v it_o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o that_o receive_v it_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o among_o christian_n themselves_o there_o be_v as_o monstrous_a error_n and_o lewd_a example_n as_o ever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o christianity_n or_o as_o there_o be_v now_o where_o christianity_n be_v not_o at_o all_o profess_a now_o at_o this_o rate_n shall_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v thing_n go_v as_o they_o will_v it_o will_v in_o time_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o nothing_o of_o christianity_n will_v remain_v in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o name_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o do_v more_o hurt_n with_o it_o than_o can_v be_v do_v without_o it_o but_o how_o be_v it_o that_o divine_a providence_n will_v interpose_v or_o according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o text_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v come_v and_o will_v make_v good_a his_o promise_n of_o be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v never_o more_o remarkable_o fulfil_v than_o when_o he_o interpose_v in_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v man_n think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o interpose_v and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v what_o become_v of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n because_o our_o lord_n have_v not_o make_v the_o gospel_n a_o irresistible_a mean_n of_o convince_a unbeliever_n and_o reform_v wicked_a man_n therefore_o it_o will_v in_o time_n be_v needful_a that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o true_a religion_n and_o make_v christian_n such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o he_o i_o say_v shall_v by_o his_o providence_n correct_v his_o own_o disciple_n and_o reduce_v wretched_a mankind_n into_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o consideration_n that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o utter_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v the_o true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n our_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o maintain_v it_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n god_n come_v and_o sweep_v away_o mankind_n with_o a_o flood_n and_o save_v noah_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o new_a and_o better_a generation_n when_o their_o prosperity_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n he_o call_v abraham_n forth_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o he_o and_o in_o his_o family_n and_o these_o and_o the_o like_a providence_n be_v pledge_n of_o the_o same_o care_n to_o
interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n when_o the_o faithful_a seem_v to_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n while_o god_n seem_v to_o let_v the_o world_n alone_o and_o to_o suffer_v all_o man_n to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o own_o way_n as_o if_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v at_o all_o concern_v what_o they_o do_v he_o be_v all_o the_o while_n try_v and_o prove_v what_o they_o be_v not_o indeed_o for_o his_o own_o information_n for_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n but_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v after_o if_o he_o at_o every_o turn_n shall_v interpose_v when_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a we_o shall_v very_o seldom_o know_v who_o be_v sincere_a and_o who_o be_v hypocrite_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v sometime_o see_v whether_o man_n be_v what_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v whether_o indeed_o they_o be_v concern_v for_o that_o truth_n for_o which_o they_o have_v once_o pretend_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n whether_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o conscience_n as_o they_o say_v or_o by_o mere_a worldly_a and_o politic_a consideration_n for_o such_o discovery_n as_o these_o be_v very_o instruct_v and_o serve_v for_o the_o bring_n about_o of_o much_o good_a in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n which_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v to_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n because_o while_o he_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o go_v on_o as_o if_o he_o mind_v it_o not_o he_o be_v try_v those_o that_o pretend_v to_o faith_n and_o upon_o the_o trial_n many_o be_v discover_v not_o to_o have_v it_o in_o short_a divine_a providence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v regardless_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n that_o it_o then_o most_o of_o all_o show_v itself_o when_o man_n be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o it_o regard_v nothing_o i._n e._n when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o will_v be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n which_o will_v be_v the_o most_o convince_a act_n of_o providence_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o one_o forerunner_n of_o it_o will_v be_v that_o question_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n and_o now_o the_o use_n of_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o declare_a intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o he_o speak_v a_o parable_n to_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v for_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o prayer_n be_v faith_n in_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o time_n when_o these_o fail_n than_o ought_v man_n always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v i._n e._n they_o ought_v always_o to_o depend_v upon_o god_n providence_n they_o ought_v always_o to_o believe_v his_o promise_n they_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v certain_a that_o their_o prayer_n be_v hear_v and_o will_v turn_v to_o good_a account_n for_o they_o that_o god_n be_v gracious_a to_o all_o and_o much_o more_o to_o they_o that_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o if_o they_o do_v all_o this_o than_o they_o will_v always_o pray_v and_o not_o faint_a i._n e._n and_o not_o be_v discourage_v and_o if_o they_o ought_v always_o to_o pray_v then_o also_o when_o they_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v and_o when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o earth_n nay_o than_o most_o of_o all_o because_o when_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n be_v great_a we_o shall_v the_o most_o of_o all_o strengthen_v ourselves_o by_o recourse_n to_o god_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o to_o this_o instance_n in_o prayer_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n must_v go_v 1._o a_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o be_v divert_v out_o of_o they_o by_o any_o worldly_a interest_n whatsoever_o for_o he_o can_v have_v no_o faith_n to_o go_v to_o god_n who_o think_v of_o take_v care_n for_o himself_o without_o regard_n to_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n a_o man_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o seek_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o to_o commend_v his_o case_n to_o he_o that_o contrive_v how_o to_o shift_v for_o himself_o without_o he_o 2._o a_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o by_o this_o also_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n entitle_v himself_o to_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v the_o particular_a blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o at_o any_o time_n if_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v evil_a as_o well_o as_o good_a for_o we_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o matter_n after_o all_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o than_o if_o we_o obtain_v they_o we_o get_v his_o blessing_n with_o they_o too_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o get_v his_o blessing_n without_o they_o which_o be_v the_o general_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o always_o with_o these_o disposition_n we_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a case_n to_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o spiritual_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v assure_o come_v accompany_v with_o temporal_a one_o too_o if_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o if_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o his_o church_n to_o be_v prosperous_a than_o to_o be_v afflict_v in_o this_o world_n and_o than_o it_o be_v better_a so_o to_o be_v when_o man_n be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o god_n correction_n and_o their_o own_o repentance_n man_n ought_v therefore_o always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v for_o their_o prayer_n thus_o qualify_v will_v not_o fail_v of_o obtain_v what_o they_o ask_v which_o our_o saviour_n think_v good_a to_o illustrate_v by_o a_o example_n in_o the_o parable_n deliver_v before_o the_o text_n viz_o of_o a_o unjust_a judge_n that_o neither_o fear_a god_n nor_o regard_v man_n who_o nevertheless_o upon_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o widow_n do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o her_o case_n much_o more_o shall_v god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n for_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o just_a god_n and_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o right_v those_o that_o do_v at_o any_o time_n suffer_v wrong_a 2._o he_o be_v also_o the_o merciful_a god_n that_o regard_v man_n and_o when_o we_o desire_v thing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v needful_a he_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o grant_v what_o we_o ask_v or_o at_o least_o that_o which_o be_v more_o needful_a than_o what_o we_o ask_v 3._o whereas_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o parable_n seem_v to_o contemn_v the_o poverty_n and_o meanness_n of_o that_o person_n that_o sue_v to_o he_o for_o justice_n for_o which_o reason_n she_o be_v represent_v here_o to_o be_v a_o widow_n one_o of_o a_o destitute_a condition_n that_o want_v a_o patron_n to_o assert_v she_o right_o god_n who_o be_v just_a and_o good_a to_o all_o be_v particular_o gracious_a to_o his_o servant_n and_o esteem_v they_o high_o and_o no_o circumstance_n of_o meanness_n and_o distress_n which_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o can_v alter_v his_o favour_n towards_o they_o for_o all_o which_o reason_n if_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o parable_n grant_v the_o widow_n suit_n mere_o because_o she_o lie_v upon_o he_o and_o be_v troublesome_a to_o he_o much_o more_o will_v god_n to_o who_o we_o be_v never_o troublesome_a when_o we_o make_v our_o request_n know_v to_o he_o grant_v what_o we_o ask_v because_o he_o be_v righteous_a and_o gracious_a and_o love_v and_o pity_v we_o as_o a_o father_n do_v his_o child_n the_o fourteen_o sermon_n a_o assize-sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n mary_n in_o bury_n 1678._o levit_fw-la xix_o 12._o you_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n false_o the_o religious_a use_n of_o a_o oath_n depend_v chief_o upon_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o discharge_v the_o matter_n must_v be_v worthy_a of_o that_o obligation_n which_o a_o oath_n imply_v in_o promise_v it_o must_v not_o be_v unlawful_a that_o we_o may_v swear_v in_o righteousness_n it_o must_v not_o be_v impossible_a it_o must_v not_o be_v trivial_a and_o in_o affirm_v it_o must_v be_v some_o fact_n provable_a by_o our_o own_o testimony_n that_o we_o may_v swear_v in_o judgement_n all_o which_o imply_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o swear_v indeliberate_o passionate_o or_o common_o the_o discharge_v of_o a_o oath_n must_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o obligation_n which_o be_v to_o sincerity_n of_o intention_n fidelity_n of_o performance_n and_o the_o give_v