Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n christian_a church_n world_n 5,052 5 4.5521 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62629 Sermons preach'd upon several occasions By John Tillotson, D.D. Dean of Canterbury, preacher to the Honourable Society of Lincolns-Inn, and one of His Majesties chaplains in ordinary. The second volume. Tillotson, John, 1630-1694. 1678 (1678) Wing T1260BA; ESTC R222222 128,450 338

There are 10 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

too_o apparent_o destructive_a of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o i_o begin_v 1._o with_o their_o doctrine_n and_o because_o i_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o aggravate_v lesser_a matter_n i_o will_v single_a out_o four_o or_o five_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o which_o be_v neither_o teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n nor_o own_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o first_o which_o i_o shall_v mention_v and_o which_o be_v once_o admit_v make_v way_n for_o as_o many_o error_n as_o they_o please_v to_o bring_v in_o be_v their_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n and_o this_o they_o be_v very_o stiff_a and_o peremptory_a in_o though_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o where_o this_o infallibility_n be_v seat_v whether_o in_o the_o pope_n alone_o or_o a_o council_n alone_o or_o in_o both_o together_o or_o in_o the_o diffusive_a body_n of_o christian_n but_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o have_v it_o though_o they_o know_v not_o where_o it_o be_v and_o be_v this_o no_o prejudice_n against_o it_o can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o this_o privilege_n be_v at_o first_o confer_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n do_v believe_v it_o and_o have_v constant_a recourse_n to_o it_o for_o determine_v their_o difference_n and_o yet_o that_o that_o very_a church_n which_o have_v enjoy_v and_o use_v it_o so_o long_o shall_v now_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n where_o to_o find_v it_o nothing_o can_v have_v fall_v out_o more_o unlucky_o than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o difference_n among_o they_o about_o that_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o end_v all_o difference_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n in_o scripture_n of_o this_o privilege_n confer_v upon_o the_o roman_a church_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o epistle_n ever_o so_o much_o as_o give_v the_o least_o direction_n to_o christian_n to_o appeal_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o a_o determination_n of_o the_o many_o difference_n which_o even_o in_o those_o time_n happen_v among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v strange_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o silent_a in_o this_o matter_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v plain_o appoint_v such_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o decide_v the_o difference_n that_o shall_v happen_v among_o christian_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o ancient_a father_n in_o their_o dispute_n with_o heretic_n shall_v never_o appeal_v to_o this_o judge_n nay_o it_o be_v strange_a they_o shall_v not_o constant_o do_v it_o in_o all_o case_n it_o be_v so_o short_a and_o expedite_v a_o way_n for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n and_o this_o very_a consideration_n to_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o argument_n to_o satisfy_v he_o that_o in_o those_o time_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v believe_v in_o the_o world_n now_o this_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a be_v of_o so_o much_o the_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o christianity_n because_o the_o conceit_n of_o it_o do_v confirm_v they_o that_o think_v they_o have_v it_o in_o all_o their_o other_o error_n and_o give_v they_o a_o pretence_n of_o assume_v a_o authority_n to_o themselves_o to_o impose_v their_o own_o fancy_n and_o mistake_v upon_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n 2._o their_o doctrine_n about_o repentance_n which_o consist_v in_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o the_o priest_n which_o if_o it_o be_v but_o accompany_v with_o any_o degree_n of_o contrition_n do_v upon_o absolution_n receive_v from_o the_o priest_n put_v they_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n though_o they_o have_v live_v the_o most_o lewd_a and_o debauch_a life_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o destructive_a of_o a_o good_a life_n for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a all_o the_o hazard_n that_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n run_v of_o his_o salvation_n be_v only_o the_o danger_n of_o so_o sudden_a a_o death_n as_o give_v he_o no_o space_n for_o confession_n and_o absolution_n a_o case_n that_o happen_v so_o rare_o that_o any_o man_n that_o be_v strong_o addict_v to_o his_o lust_n will_v be_v content_a to_o venture_v his_o salvation_n upon_o this_o hazard_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n will_v be_v very_o insignificant_a to_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v wicked_a when_o remission_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v have_v upon_o such_o cheap_a term_n 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n by_o which_o they_o mean_v a_o state_n of_o temporary_a punishment_n after_o this_o life_n from_o which_o man_n may_v be_v release_v and_o translate_v into_o heaven_n by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o live_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o know_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n we_o have_v the_o free_a acknowledgement_n of_o as_o learned_a and_o eminent_a man_n as_o any_o of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o superstructure_n upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o though_o in_o one_o sense_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o build_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n consider_v the_o vast_a revenue_n which_o this_o doctrine_n and_o that_o of_o indulgence_n which_o depend_v upon_o it_o bring_v into_o that_o church_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v hay_n and_o stubble_n but_o how_o groundless_a soever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v too_o gainful_a a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v easy_o part_v withal_o 4._o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n a_o hard_a word_n but_o i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o the_o thing_n be_v much_o more_o difficult_a i_o have_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o consider_v other_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o must_v free_o declare_v that_o i_o never_o yet_o in_o any_o of_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o article_n or_o proposition_n impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o man_n half_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o this_o be_v and_o yet_o this_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v esteem_v one_o of_o the_o most_o principal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n though_o there_o be_v no_o more_o certain_a foundation_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n than_o for_o our_o saviour_n be_v substantial_o change_v into_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v say_v of_o he_o as_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rock_n a_o vine_n a_o door_n and_o a_o hundred_o other_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o this_o doctrine_n have_v not_o only_o no_o certain_a foundation_n in_o scripture_n but_o i_o have_v a_o far_o heavy_a charge_n against_o it_o namely_o that_o it_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o and_o sure_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o destroy_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o this_o doctrine_n do_v so_o will_v appear_v evident_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o main_a argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o author_n of_o this_o doctrine_n wrought_v such_o and_o such_o miracle_n and_o particular_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o they_o prove_v because_o they_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o have_v see_v he_o and_o converse_v with_o he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o what_o if_o their_o sense_n do_v deceive_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n then_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o main_a proof_n of_o christianity_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n well!_o we_o will_v now_o suppose_v as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v transubstantiation_n to_o have_v be_v one_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v but_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a than_o all_o man_n sense_n be_v deceive_v in_o a_o plain_a sensible_a matter_n wherein_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a for_o they_o to_o be_v deceive_v as_o in_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o two_o thing_n can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v more_o different_a than_o a_o little_a bit_n of_o water_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o man_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n persuade_v they_o not_o to_o trust_v their_o sense_n and_o yet_o the_o argument_n which_o they_o use_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o this_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o direct_a contrary_a principle_n that_o man_n sense_n be_v to_o
the_o most_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a the_o most_o happy_a and_o glorious_a work_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o a_o large_a extent_n and_o of_o a_o universal_a influence_n and_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o those_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o one_o another_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v pity_v that_o so_o good_a a_o thing_n shall_v be_v confine_v within_o narrow_a bound_n and_o limit_n it_o reach_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o to_o their_o body_n and_o be_v conversant_a in_o all_o those_o way_n and_o kind_n whereby_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o promote_v his_o present_a and_o his_o future_a happiness_n what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v in_o this_o kind_n and_o we_o in_o imitation_n of_o he_o aught_o to_o do_v i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n first_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n second_o the_o procure_n of_o their_o temporal_a good_a and_o contribute_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o their_o happiness_n in_o this_o present_a life_n 1._o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o good_a instruction_n and_o by_o good_a example_n first_o by_o good_a instruction_n and_o under_o instruction_n i_o comprehend_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o exciting_a they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o instruct_v their_o ignorance_n and_o remove_v their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o rectify_v their_o mistake_v by_o persuasion_n and_o by_o reproof_n and_o by_o make_v lasting_a provision_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o these_o ends._n by_o instruct_v man_n ignorance_n and_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n owe_v to_o another_o as_o he_o have_v opportunity_n but_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o be_v under_o our_o care_n and_o charge_n our_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o near_a relation_n those_o over_o who_o we_o have_v a_o special_a authority_n and_o a_o more_o immediate_a influence_n this_o our_o bless_a saviour_n make_v his_o great_a work_n in_o the_o world_n to_o instruct_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o public_a teach_n and_o by_o private_a conversation_n and_o by_o take_v occasion_n from_o the_o common_a occurrence_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o every_o object_n that_o present_v itself_o to_o he_o to_o instil_v good_a counsel_n into_o man_n and_o to_o raise_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o though_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n great_a employment_n and_o be_v they_o more_o particular_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v other_o yet_o every_o man_n have_v private_a opportunity_n of_o instruct_v other_o by_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o by_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o best_a mean_n and_o help_v of_o knowledge_n such_o as_o be_v book_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n with_o which_o they_o that_o be_v rich_a may_v furnish_v those_o who_o be_v unable_a to_o provide_v they_o for_o themselves_o and_o then_o by_o removing_z mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o truth_n and_o rectify_v their_o mistake_v this_o our_o saviour_n find_v very_o difficult_a the_o generality_n of_o those_o with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v be_v strong_o prejudice_v against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n by_o false_a principle_n which_o they_o have_v take_v in_o by_o education_n and_o be_v train_v up_o to_o by_o their_o teacher_n and_o therefore_o he_o use_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o meekness_n in_o instruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o and_o exercise_v abundance_n of_o patience_n in_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o man_n and_o their_o dulness_n and_o flowness_n of_o capacity_n to_o receive_v the_o truth_n and_o this_o be_v great_a charity_n to_o consider_v the_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v root_v in_o education_n and_o which_o man_n be_v confirm_v in_o by_o the_o reverence_n they_o bear_v to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v their_o teacher_n and_o great_a allowance_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o man_n in_o this_o case_n and_o time_n to_o bethink_v themselves_o and_o to_o consider_v better_o for_o no_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o error_n think_v he_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o go_v violent_o to_o rend_v their_o opinion_n from_o they_o they_o will_v but_o hold_v they_o so_o much_o the_o fast_o but_o if_o we_o have_v patience_n to_o unrip_v they_o by_o degree_n they_o will_v at_o last_o fall_n in_o piece_n of_o themselves_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v the_o way_n be_v open_a for_o counsel_n and_o persuasion_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n administer_v in_o a_o most_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a manner_n by_o encourage_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o by_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o infinite_a advantage_n of_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o the_o dreadful_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o break_v of_o they_o and_o these_o be_v argument_n fit_a to_o work_v upon_o mankind_n because_o there_o be_v something_o within_o we_o that_o consent_v to_o the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o god_n law_n so_o that_o whenever_o we_o persuade_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n how_o backward_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v strong_o addict_v to_o a_o contrary_a course_n yet_o we_o have_v this_o certain_a advantage_n that_o we_o have_v their_o conscience_n and_o the_o most_o inward_a sense_n of_o their_o mind_n on_o our_o side_n bearing_z witness_n that_o what_o we_o counsel_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v for_o their_o good_a and_o if_o need_v be_v we_o must_v add_v reproof_n to_o counsel_n this_o our_o saviour_n do_v with_o great_a freedom_n and_o sometime_o with_o sharpness_n and_o severity_n according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n he_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o but_o because_o of_o his_o great_a authority_n be_v a_o teacher_n immediate_o send_v from_o god_n and_o of_o his_o intimate_a knowledge_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n he_o be_v not_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o discharge_v this_o duty_n which_o if_o any_o other_o require_v great_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n if_o we_o intend_v to_o do_v good_a the_o only_a end_n to_o be_v aim_v at_o in_o it_o for_o many_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v reprove_v who_o yet_o every_o man_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o reprove_v and_o in_o that_o case_n we_o must_v get_v it_o do_v by_o those_o that_o be_v fit_a and_o great_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v to_o the_o time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o do_v it_o so_o as_o it_o may_v most_o probable_o have_v its_o effect_n i_o will_v mention_v but_o one_o way_n of_o instruction_n more_o and_o that_o be_v by_o make_v lasting_a provision_n for_o that_o purpose_n as_o by_o sound_v school_n of_o learning_n especial_o to_o teach_v the_o poor_a to_o read_v which_o be_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n by_o building_n of_o church_n and_o endow_v they_o by_o buy_v or_o give_v in_o impropriation_n or_o the_o like_a these_o be_v large_a and_o last_a way_n of_o teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o which_o will_v continue_v when_o we_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abel_n that_o be_v dead_a he_o yet_o speak_v and_o this_o our_o saviour_n virtual_o do_v by_o appoint_v his_o apostle_n after_o he_o have_v leave_v the_o world_n to_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o order_v a_o constant_a succession_n of_o teacher_n in_o his_o church_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n together_o with_o a_o honourable_a maintenance_n for_o they_o this_o we_o can_v do_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o do_v who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o we_o may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o design_n in_o the_o way_n that_o i_o have_v mention_v which_o i_o humble_o commend_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o great_a estate_n and_o make_v capable_a of_o effect_v such_o great_a work_n of_o charity_n second_o another_o way_n of_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v by_o good_a example_n and_o this_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v in_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n for_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n have_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o far_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n will_v suffer_v for_o good_a example_n be_v a_o unspeakable_a benefit_n to_o mankind_n and_o have_v a_o secret_a power_n and_o influence_n upon_o those_o with_o who_o we_o
weakness_n of_o this_o argument_n which_o be_v so_o transparent_a that_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v honest_o use_v it_o and_o he_o must_v have_v a_o very_a odd_a understanding_n that_o can_v be_v cheat_v by_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o casual_a and_o contingent_a argument_n and_o sometime_o it_o conclude_v right_a and_o often_o wrong_v and_o therefore_o no_o prudent_a man_n can_v be_v move_v by_o it_o except_o only_o in_o one_o case_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o equal_a on_o both_o side_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o determine_v he_o which_o sure_o can_v never_o happen_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v no_o man_n be_v so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o consider_v in_o the_o change_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n itself_o as_o not_o to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n on_o both_o side_n as_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o confidence_n and_o charity_n of_o both_o party_n together_o with_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o move_v a_o conscientious_a and_o a_o prudent_a man_n and_o if_o upon_o enquiry_n there_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o clear_a advantage_n on_o either_o side_n than_o this_o argument_n be_v needless_a and_o come_v too_o late_o because_o the_o work_n be_v already_o do_v without_o it_o beside_o that_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o we_o declare_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v ought_v to_o deter_v any_o man_n much_o more_o from_o that_o religion_n than_o the_o acknowledge_a possibility_n of_o salvation_n in_o it_o aught_o to_o encourage_v any_o man_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o never_o do_v any_o christian_a church_n build_v so_o much_o hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v save_v in_o it_o must_v be_v save_v as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o though_o purgatory_n be_v not_o mean_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n very_o well_o suit_v to_o their_o manner_n of_o building_n for_o there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o ignis_fw-la purgatorius_fw-la of_o a_o fire_n to_o try_v their_o work_n what_o it_o be_v and_o to_o burn_v up_o their_o hay_n and_o stubble_n and_o i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n and_o i_o desire_v always_o to_o have_v it_o as_o to_o hope_n that_o a_o great_a many_o among_o they_o who_o live_v pious_o and_o have_v be_v almost_o inevitable_o detain_v in_o that_o church_n by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n and_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n will_v upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n find_v mercy_n with_o god_n and_o though_o their_o work_n suffer_v loss_n and_o be_v burn_v yet_o they_o themselves_o may_v escape_v as_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o error_n of_o that_o church_n or_o apostatise_v from_o the_o truth_n i_o think_v their_o condition_n so_o far_o from_o be_v safe_a that_o there_o must_v be_v extraordinary_a favourable_a circumstance_n in_o their_o case_n to_o give_v a_o man_n hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o two_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o i_o be_o sorry_a that_o the_o necessary_a defence_n of_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o restless_a importunity_n and_o attempt_n of_o our_o adversary_n upon_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n have_v engage_v i_o to_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o matter_n of_o dispute_n which_o i_o have_v much_o rather_o have_v employ_v in_o another_o way_n many_o of_o you_o can_v be_v my_o witness_n that_o i_o have_v constant_o make_v it_o my_o business_n in_o this_o great_a presence_n and_o assembly_n to_o plead_v against_o the_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o have_v endeavour_v by_o the_o best_a argument_n i_o can_v think_v of_o to_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o serious_a practice_n of_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o do_v assure_v you_o i_o have_v much_o rather_o persuade_v any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n than_o to_o be_v of_o any_o party_n or_o denomination_n of_o christian_n whatsoever_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n provide_v we_o entertain_v nothing_o that_o be_v destructive_a of_o it_o together_o with_o a_o good_a life_n will_v certain_o save_v a_o man_n and_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v have_v reasonable_a hope_n of_o salvation_n no_o not_o in_o a_o infallible_a church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n i_o have_v be_v according_a to_o my_o opportunity_n not_o a_o negligent_a observer_n of_o the_o genius_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n and_o profession_n in_o religion_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o do_v in_o my_o conscience_n believe_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v the_o best_a constitute_v church_n this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o main_a the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n and_o worship_n of_o it_o be_v excellent_o frame_v to_o make_v man_n sober_o religious_a secure_v man_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n from_o the_o wild_a freak_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o on_o the_o other_o from_o the_o gross_a folly_n of_o superstition_n and_o our_o church_n have_v this_o peculiar_a advantage_n above_o several_a profession_n that_o we_o know_v in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o acknowledge_v a_o due_a and_o just_a subordination_n to_o the_o civil_a authority_n and_o have_v always_o be_v untainted_a in_o its_o loyalty_n and_o now_o shall_v every_o trifle_a consideration_n be_v sufficient_a to_o move_v a_o man_n to_o relinquish_v such_o a_o church_n there_o be_v no_o great_a disparagement_n to_o a_o man_n understanding_n no_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o light_n and_o ungenerous_a mind_n than_o rash_o to_o change_v one_o religion_n religion_n be_v our_o great_a concernment_n of_o all_o other_o and_o it_o be_v not_o every_o little_a argument_n no_o nor_o a_o great_a noise_n about_o infallibility_n nothing_o but_o very_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n that_o shall_v sway_v a_o man_n in_o this_o case_n but_o they_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a who_o make_v a_o change_n of_o such_o concernment_n upon_o the_o insinuation_n of_o one_o side_n only_o without_o ever_o hear_v what_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o church_n they_o be_v baptize_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o before_o they_o leave_v it_o they_o that_o can_v yield_v thus_o easy_o to_o the_o impression_n of_o every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o design_n and_o interest_n to_o make_v proselyte_n may_v at_o this_o rate_n of_o discretion_n change_v their_o religion_n twice_o a_o day_n and_o instead_o of_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n they_o may_v have_v a_o morning_n and_o a_o evening_n religion_n therefore_o for_o god_n sake_n and_o for_o our_o own_o soul_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o reputation_n let_v we_o consider_v and_o show_v ourselves_o man_n let_v we_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v shake_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o every_o wind_n let_v we_o not_o run_v ourselves_o into_o danger_n when_o we_o may_v be_v safe_a let_v we_o stick_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o article_n of_o our_o common_a belief_n and_o build_v upon_o they_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n i_o mean_v the_o virtue_n and_o action_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o if_o we_o will_v do_v this_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v apt_a to_o set_v such_o a_o value_n upon_o hay_n and_o stubble_n if_o we_o will_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o cast_v about_o for_o a_o religion_n which_o may_v furnish_v we_o with_o easy_a and_o indirect_a way_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n which_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o he_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o whitehall_n in_o lent_n march_v 20_o the_o 1673·_a psal_n cxix_o 156_o great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n contain_v the_o description_n of_o a_o good_a man_n and_o
favour_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o such_o person_n than_o to_o understand_v aright_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v and_o wherein_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v declare_v as_o it_o seem_v very_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v than_o i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o person_n now_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o commit_v it_o and_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n and_o declare_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o extend_v it_o beyond_o the_o case_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v it_o which_o be_v the_o resist_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n of_o they_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o not_o only_o a_o bare_a resistance_n of_o that_o evidence_n but_o with_o a_o very_a malicious_a circumstance_n so_o as_o to_o impute_v those_o work_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o our_o saviour_n charge_v with_o this_o sin_n and_o no_o body_n have_v warrant_n to_o extend_v this_o sin_n any_o further_a than_o this_o case_n and_o without_o good_a warrant_v it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o uncharitable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o extend_v it_o any_o further_o that_o which_o come_v near_a to_o it_o both_o in_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o crime_n and_o the_o unpardonableness_n of_o it_o be_v total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n after_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o and_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o place_n if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o rank_n yet_o very_o near_o to_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v very_o often_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n under_o the_o name_n of_o unbelief_n and_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminence_n as_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n that_o christian_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o call_v in_o that_o epistle_n heb._n 12.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sin_n which_o christian_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o circumstance_n they_o be_v then_o in_o be_v especial_o subject_a to_o and_o he_o parallel_v it_o with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o wilderness_n concern_v who_o god_n swear_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n namely_o the_o earthly_a canaan_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 18._o and_o chap._n 6._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5_o 6_o more_o express_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n where_o by_o impossible_a the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v mean_v be_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o such_o person_n to_o recover_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o be_v either_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n of_o they_o as_o have_v see_v they_o wrought_v by_o other_o so_o that_o this_o apostasy_n may_v be_v say_v in_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o likewise_o chap._n 10._o ver_fw-la 26_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n which_o expression_n declare_v this_o sin_n either_o to_o be_v unpardonable_a or_o something_o very_o like_o it_o and_o at_o the_o 29._o vers_fw-la those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o signify_v that_o the_o sin_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v more_o immediate_o commit_v against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n st._n peter_n likewise_o declare_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o this_o sin_n 2_o pet._n 2.20_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n st._n john_n likewise_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o to_o call_v it_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n discourage_v christian_n rather_o from_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o be_v fall_v into_o it_o which_o give_v great_a suspicion_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o hardly_o pardonable_a 1_o joh._n 5.16_o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o those_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o now_o that_o by_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n seem_v extreme_o probable_a from_o what_o follow_v ver_fw-la 18_o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o but_o keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o preserve_v himself_o from_o idolatry_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v seduce_v the_o world_n into_o ver_fw-la 19_o and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o understanding_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o idol_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o last_o caution_n be_v a_o key_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o make_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n be_v apostasy_n from_o christianity_n unto_o idolatry_n otherwise_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v how_o the_o last_o clause_n come_v in_o little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n and_o this_o be_v that_o sin_n which_o of_o all_o other_o approach_v near_a to_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o and_o concern_v the_o pardonableness_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v very_o doubtful_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o unpardonable_a nature_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v no_o trouble_n to_o those_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o who_o can_v but_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o for_o those_o other_o sin_n which_o by_o some_o be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o no_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v as_o a_o malicious_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n when_o i_o be_o convince_v and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n because_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v disbelieve_v it_o while_o he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v know_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o this_o life_n as_o final_a impenitency_n which_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o live_v and_o die_v without_o repentance_n or_o else_o such_o as_o i_o think_v not_o good_a man_n be_v incident_a to_o as_o a_o malicious_a and_o perverse_a oppose_v of_o the_o truth_n after_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o conviction_n however_o none_o of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n descrihe_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o still_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o usual_o trouble_v honest_a and_o well-meaning_a
god_n mercy_n be_v great_a and_o he_o will_v be_v pacify_v for_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o sin_n for_o mercy_n and_o wrath_n be_v with_o he_o he_o be_v mighty_a to_o forgive_v and_o to_o pour_v out_o displeasure_n and_o as_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a so_o be_v his_o correction_n also_o therefore_o make_v no_o tarry_v to_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o put_v not_o off_o from_o day_n to_o day_n for_o sudden_o shall_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v forth_o and_o in_o thy_o security_n thou_o shall_v be_v destroy_v humble_a thy_o self_n before_o thou_o be_v sick_a and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o sin_n show_v repentance_n let_v nothing_o hinder_v thou_o to_o pay_v thy_o vow_n in_o due_a time_n and_o defer_v not_o till_o death_n to_o be_v justify_v a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o whitehall_n in_o april_n 1672._o 1_o cor._n iii_o 15_o but_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n the_o context_n be_v thus_o according_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o wise_a master-builder_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o another_o build_v thereon_o but_o let_v every_o man_n take_v heed_n how_o he_o build_v thereupon_o for_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v jesus_n christ_n now_o if_o any_o man_n build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n gold_n silver_z precious_a stone_n wood_n hay_n stubble_n every_o man_n work_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a for_o the_o day_n shall_v declare_v it_o because_o it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v by_o fire_n and_o the_o fire_n shall_v try_v every_o man_n work_n of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v if_o any_o man_n work_n abide_v which_o he_o have_v build_v thereupon_o he_o shall_v receive_v a_o reward_n if_o any_o man_n work_n shall_v be_v burn_v he_o shall_v suffer_v loss_n but_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o hold_v indeed_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n but_o build_v upon_o it_o such_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n as_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o trial_n which_o he_o express_v to_o we_o by_o wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n which_o be_v not_o proof_n against_o the_o fire_n such_o a_o person_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o have_v bring_v himself_o into_o a_o very_a dangerous_a state_n though_o he_o will_v not_o absolute_o deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o his_o salvation_n he_o himself_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n that_o by_o fire_n here_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o fire_n of_o purgatory_n as_o some_o pretend_v who_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o any_o shadow_n of_o a_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o countenance_v their_o own_o dream_n i_o shall_v neither_o trouble_v you_o nor_o myself_o to_o manifest_v since_o the_o particle_n of_o similitude_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plain_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o intend_v a_o escape_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n literal_o but_o such_o a_o escape_n as_o man_n make_v out_o of_o a_o house_n or_o town_n that_o be_v on_o fire_n especial_o since_o very_o learned_a person_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o purgatory_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o this_o text_n nay_o all_o that_o estius_n contend_v for_o from_o this_o place_n be_v that_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o purgatory_n which_o we_o never_o pretend_v but_o only_o that_o this_o text_n do_v not_o prove_v it_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o proverbial_a phrase_n use_v not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o in_o profane_a author_n to_o signify_v a_o narrow_a escape_n out_o of_o a_o great_a danger_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o the_o fire_n just_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v 1_o pet._n 3.20_o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o eight_o person_n of_o noah_n family_n who_o escape_v the_o flood_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o escape_v out_o of_o the_o water_n so_o here_o this_o phrase_n be_v to_o be_v render_v in_o the_o text_n he_o himself_o shall_v escape_v yet_o so_o as_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n the_o like_a expression_n you_o have_v amos_n 4.11_o i_o have_v pluck_v they_o as_o a_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o judas_n 23_o other_o save_v with_o fear_n pluck_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n all_o which_o expression_n signify_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o escape_v it_o as_o one_o who_o when_o his_o house_n at_o midnight_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n and_o be_v sudden_o wake_v leap_v out_o of_o his_o bed_n and_o run_v naked_a out_o of_o the_o door_n take_v nothing_o that_o be_v within_o along_o with_o he_o but_o employ_v his_o whole_a care_n to_o save_v his_o body_n from_o the_o flame_n as_o st._n chrysostome_n upon_o another_o occasion_n express_v it_o and_o so_o the_o roman_a orator_n tully_n who_o it_o be_v likely_a do_v not_o think_v of_o purgatory_n use_v this_o phrase_n quo_fw-la ex_fw-la judicio_fw-la velut_fw-la ex_fw-la incendio_fw-la nudus_fw-la effugit_fw-la from_o which_o judgement_n or_o sentence_n he_o escape_v naked_a as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o burn_a and_o one_o of_o the_o greek_a orator_n aristides_n tell_v we_o that_o to_o save_v a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n be_v a_o common_a proverbial_a speech_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v the_o observation_n that_o natural_o arise_v be_v this_o that_o man_n may_v hold_v all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o may_v superadd_a other_o thing_n whereby_o they_o may_v great_o endanger_v their_o salvation_n what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o some_o among_o the_o corinthian_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n whereby_o they_o endanger_v their_o salvation_n we_o may_v probable_o conjecture_v by_o what_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v in_o this_o epistle_n as_o the_o tolerate_n of_o incestuous_a marriage_n communicate_v in_o idol-feast_n etc._n etc._n and_o especial_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n who_o at_o that_o time_n do_v so_o much_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o most_o christian_a church_n and_o who_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o severe_o reflect_v upon_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o what_o their_o doctrine_n be_v we_o have_v a_o account_n act._n 15._o viz._n that_o they_o impose_v upon_o the_o gentile_a christian_n circumcision_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n teach_v that_o unless_o they_o be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o build_v these_o doctrine_n upon_o christianity_n but_o they_o make_v they_o equal_a with_o the_o foundation_n say_v that_o unless_o man_n believe_v and_o practise_v such_o thing_n they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v in_o speak_v to_o this_o observation_n i_o shall_v reduce_v my_o discourse_n to_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o i_o shall_v represent_v to_o you_o some_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o have_v be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o great_a hazard_n and_o danger_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o to_o be_v plain_a i_o mean_v particular_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o i_o shall_v inquire_v whether_o our_o grant_v a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n though_o with_o great_a hazard_n to_o those_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o their_o deny_v it_o to_o we_o be_v a_o reasonable_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o any_o man_n to_o betake_v himself_o to_o that_o church_n and_o there_o be_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o consider_v these_o thing_n when_o so_o many_o seduce_a spirit_n be_v so_o active_a and_o busy_a to_o pervert_v man_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o when_o we_o see_v every_o day_n so_o many_o and_o their_o religion_n so_o easy_o part_v for_o this_o reason_n these_o two_o consideration_n shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i._n first_o we_o will_v consider_v some_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o great_a hazard_n and_o danger_n of_o man_n salvation_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o most_o judicious_a protestant_n but_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v hold_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o that_o which_o we_o charge_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o just_a ground_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o they_o be_v the_o impose_v of_o new_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n upon_o christian_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v never_o teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o which_o be_v either_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n or_o
body_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o if_o these_o pleasure_n be_v great_a than_o they_o be_v a_o man_n have_v better_o be_v without_o they_o than_o purchase_v they_o at_o such_o dear_a rate_n to_o the_o second_o that_o religion_n impose_v many_o harsh_a and_o grievous_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o bearing_z of_o persecution_n repentance_n and_o mortification_n fast_v and_o abstinence_n and_o many_o other_o rigour_n and_o severity_n as_o to_o persecution_n this_o discourse_n do_v not_o pretend_v that_o religion_n exempt_v man_n from_o outward_a trouble_n but_o that_o when_o they_o happen_v it_o support_v man_n under_o they_o better_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o as_o for_o repentance_n and_o mortification_n this_o chief_o concern_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n after_o a_o wicked_a life_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o be_v very_o grievous_a but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o though_o religion_n may_v be_v troublesome_a at_o first_o to_o some_o person_n who_o former_a sin_n and_o crime_n have_v make_v it_o so_o it_o may_v be_v pleasant_a afterward_o when_o we_o be_v accustom_v to_o it_o and_o whatever_o the_o trouble_n of_o repentance_n be_v it_o be_v unavoidable_a unless_o we_o resolve_v to_o be_v miserable_a for_o except_o we_o repent_v we_o must_v perish_v now_o there_o be_v always_o a_o rational_a satisfaction_n in_o submit_v to_o a_o less_o inconvenience_n to_o remedy_n and_o prevent_v a_o great_a as_o for_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n which_o be_v many_o time_n very_o helpful_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a trouble_n in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v discreet_o manage_v as_o be_v worth_a the_o speak_n of_o and_o as_o for_o other_o rigour_n and_o severity_n which_o some_o pretend_v religion_n do_v impose_v i_o have_v only_o this_o to_o say_v that_o if_o man_n will_v play_v the_o fool_n and_o make_v religion_n more_o troublesome_a than_o god_n have_v make_v it_o i_o can_v help_v that_o and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o false_a representation_n of_o religion_n which_o some_o in_o the_o world_n have_v make_v as_o if_o it_o do_v chief_o consist_v not_o in_o please_a god_n but_o in_o displease_v and_o torment_v ourselves_o this_o be_v not_o to_o paint_v religion_n like_o herself_o but_o rather_o like_o one_o of_o the_o fury_n with_o nothing_o but_o whip_n and_o snake_n about_o she_o to_o the_o three_o that_o those_o who_o be_v religious_a be_v many_o time_n very_o disconsolate_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o great_a objection_n indeed_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o trouble_n but_o there_o be_v other_o plain_a cause_n of_o it_o to_o which_o religion_n right_o understand_v be_v not_o accessary_a as_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o a_o melancholy_a temper_n and_o disposition_n false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n as_o this_o for_o one_o that_o god_n do_v not_o sincere_o desire_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n but_o have_v from_o all_o eternity_n effectual_o bar_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n from_o all_o possibility_n of_o attain_v that_o happiness_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o they_o and_o every_o one_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o that_o number_n this_o be_v a_o melancholy_a consideration_n indeed_o if_o it_o be_v true_a but_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n to_o entertain_v any_o such_o thought_n of_o god_n our_o destruction_n be_v of_o ourselves_o and_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v ruin_v by_o any_o decree_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o ruin_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o fault_n or_o else_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n some_o perhaps_o be_v very_o devout_a in_o serve_v god_n but_o not_o so_o kind_a and_o charitable_a so_o just_a and_o honest_a in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n no_o wonder_n if_o such_o person_n be_v disquiet_v the_o natural_a conscience_n of_o man_n be_v not_o more_o apt_a to_o disquiet_v they_o for_o any_o thing_n than_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o those_o moral_a duty_n which_o natural_a light_n teach_v they_o peace_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o impartial_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v blame_v religion_n for_o that_o which_o plain_o proceed_v from_o the_o want_n of_o religion_n or_o last_o a_o melancholy_a temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v not_o from_o religion_n but_o from_o our_o nature_n and_o constituion_n and_o therefore_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o what_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n what_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n religion_n right_o understand_v and_o sincere_o practise_v be_v apt_a to_o bring_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v by_o what_o sort_n of_o argument_n religion_n can_v be_v more_o effectual_o recommend_v to_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n for_o in_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v religious_a i_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o rob_v they_o of_o any_o true_a pleasure_n and_o contentment_n but_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o very_o best_a nay_o indeed_o the_o only_a way_n of_o attain_v and_o secure_v it_o i_o speak_v this_o in_o great_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o great_a design_n to_o please_v themselves_o but_o do_v grievous_o mistake_v the_o way_n to_o it_o the_o direct_a way_n be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n a_o good_a man_n say_v solomon_n be_v satisfy_v from_o himself_o he_o have_v the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v wise_a and_o act_v reasonable_o the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v justify_v to_o himself_o in_o what_o he_o do_v and_o of_o be_v acquit_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o great_a pleasure_n in_o be_v innocent_a because_o that_o prevent_v guilt_n and_o trouble_n it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o good_a because_o that_o be_v to_o excel_v many_o other_o and_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o grow_v better_a because_o that_o be_v to_o excel_v ourselves_o nay_o it_o be_v pleasant_a even_o to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v our_o lust_n because_o that_o be_v victory_n it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o command_v our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o due_a order_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n because_o this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o empire_n this_o be_v to_o govern_v it_o be_v natural_o pleasant_a to_o rule_v and_o have_v power_n over_o other_o but_o he_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o absolute_a prince_n who_o command_v himself_o this_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n within_o we_o a_o dominion_n infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o a_o word_n the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v good_a and_o of_o do_v good_a be_v the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o now_o the_o wicked_a man_n deprive_v himself_o of_o all_o this_o pleasure_n and_o create_v perpetual_a discontent_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n o_o the_o torment_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o the_o sinner_n feel_v more_o or_o less_o all_o his_o life_n long_o but_o alas_o thou_o do_v not_o yet_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o no_o not_o in_o this_o world_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v when_o thou_o come_v to_o die_v what_o comfort_n will_v thou_o then_o be_v able_a to_o give_v thyself_o or_o what_o comfort_n can_v any_o one_o else_o give_v thou_o when_o thy_o conscience_n be_v miserable_o rend_v and_o tear_v by_o those_o wake_a fury_n which_o will_v then_o rage_v in_o thy_o breast_n and_o thou_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v thyself_o for_o ease_n then_o perhaps_o at_o last_o the_o priest_n be_v unwilling_o send_v for_o to_o patch_v up_o thy_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o to_o appease_v the_o cry_n of_o it_o and_o to_o force_v himself_o out_o of_o very_a pity_n and_o good_a nature_n to_o say_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n but_o alas_o man_n what_o can_v we_o do_v what_o comfort_n can_v we_o give_v thou_o when_o thy_o
defer_v his_o repentance_n and_o the_o change_n of_o his_o life_n for_o one_o moment_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n this_o day_n this_o hour_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v may_v be_v the_o last_o opportunity_n of_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v haste_n out_o of_o this_o dangerous_a state_n as_o lot_z do_v out_o of_o sodom_n lest_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n overtake_v we_o he_o that_o can_v promise_v himself_o the_o next_o moment_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o seize_v upon_o the_o present_a opportunity_n while_o we_o be_v linger_v in_o our_o sin_n if_o god_n be_v not_o merciful_a to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v consume_v therefore_o make_v haste_n sinner_n and_o escape_v for_o thy_o life_n lest_o evil_a overtake_v thou_o 6._o last_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o make_v this_o change_n god_n who_o design_v we_o for_o happiness_n at_o first_o and_o after_o we_o have_v make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o it_o by_o sin_n be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o again_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o it_o by_o the_o redemption_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v make_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n that_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o do_v either_o of_o ourselves_o or_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v we_o if_o we_o hearty_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o for_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o which_o we_o may_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o another_o if_o we_o may_v have_v that_o assistance_n for_o ask_v and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n since_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v it_o be_v not_o absolute_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n for_o that_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o our_o power_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o on_o god_n part_n to_o hinder_v this_o change_n he_o have_v solemn_o declare_v that_o he_o sincere_o desire_v it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v our_o good_a resolution_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o most_o certain_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o live_v that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n he_o mean_v plain_o as_o he_o say_v and_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o with_o any_o private_a reserve_n or_o nice_a distinction_n between_o his_o secret_a and_o reveal_v will_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o decree_v one_o thing_n and_o declare_v the_o contrary_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o this_o that_o if_o a_o sinner_n entertain_v serious_a thought_n of_o return_v to_o god_n and_o do_v but_o once_o move_v towards_o he_o how_o ready_a be_v he_o to_o receive_v he_o this_o be_v in_o a_o very_a lively_a manner_n describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n who_o when_o he_o be_v return_v home_o and_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o what_o haste_n do_v his_o father_n make_v to_o meet_v he_o he_o see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o impediment_n on_o god_n part_n why_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o on_o we_o one_o will_v think_v all_o the_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n whether_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o such_o great_a offender_n as_o we_o have_v be_v but_o the_o business_n do_v not_o stick_v there_o and_o will_v we_o be_v miserable_a by_o our_o own_o choice_n when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v put_v it_o into_o our_o power_n to_o be_v happy_a i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o course_n which_o david_n here_o take_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o the_o success_n of_o this_o course_n it_o produce_v actual_a and_o speedy_a reformation_n i_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n thorough_o and_o have_v but_o patience_n to_o reason_n out_o the_o case_n with_o ourselves_o and_o to_o bring_v our_o thought_n and_o deliberation_n to_o some_o issue_n the_o conclusion_n must_v natural_o be_v the_o quit_n of_o that_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a course_n in_o which_o we_o have_v live_v for_o sin_n and_o consideration_n can_v not_o long_o dwell_v together_o do_v but_o man_n consider_v what_o sin_n be_v they_o will_v have_v so_o many_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o it_o such_o strong_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o miserable_a issue_n and_o event_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n that_o they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o it_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o change_n be_v perfect_o make_v at_o once_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o holiness_n be_v not_o like_o two_o way_n that_o be_v just_o part_v by_o a_o line_n so_o as_o a_o man_n may_v step_v out_o of_o the_o one_o full_a into_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v like_o two_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o two_o very_a distant_a place_n and_o consequent_o be_v at_o a_o good_a distance_n from_o one_o another_o and_o the_o far_o any_o man_n have_v travel_v in_o the_o one_o the_o further_o he_o be_v from_o the_o other_o so_o that_o it_o require_v time_n and_o pain_n to_o pass_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o it_o sometime_o so_o happen_v that_o some_o person_n be_v by_o a_o mighty_a conviction_n and_o resolution_n and_o by_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a and_o overpower_v degree_n of_o god_n grace_n almost_o perfect_o reclaim_v from_o their_o sin_n at_o once_o and_o all_o of_o a_o sudden_a translate_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o of_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n as_o their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v strong_a and_o violent_a so_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o work_v mighty_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o in_o the_o usual_a and_o settle_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n evil_a habit_n be_v master_v and_o subdue_v by_o degree_n and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o conflict_n and_o many_o time_n after_o they_o be_v rout_v they_o rally_v and_o make_v head_n again_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o any_o considerable_a degree_n of_o strength_n and_o maturity_n and_o before_o a_o man_n come_v to_o that_o confirm_a state_n of_o goodness_n that_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v conquer_v and_o mortify_v his_o lust_n but_o yet_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v we_o for_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v serious_o begin_v this_o change_n we_o be_v in_o a_o good_a way_n and_o all_o our_o endeavour_n will_v have_v the_o acceptance_n of_o good_a beginning_n and_o god_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o help_v we_o and_o if_o we_o pursue_v our_o advantage_n we_o shall_v every_o day_n gain_v ground_n and_o the_o work_n will_v grow_v easy_a upon_o our_o hand_n and_o we_o who_o move_v at_o first_o with_o so_o much_o slowness_n and_o difficulty_n shall_v after_o a_o while_n be_v enable_v to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o two_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n the_o course_n here_o prescribe_v and_o the_o success_n of_o it_o and_o now_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o take_v this_o course_n i_o shall_v offer_v two_o or_o three_o argument_n 1._o that_o consideration_n be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n this_o argument_n god_n himself_o use_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o consideration_n of_o their_o evil_a way_n isa_n 46.8_o remember_v and_o show_v yourselves_o man_n bring_v it_o again_o to_o mind_n o_o you_o transgressor_n to_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o to_o call_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n be_v to_o show_v ourselves_o man_n it_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n and_o infelicity_n of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o they_o general_o live_v without_o think_v and_o be_v act_v by_o their_o present_a
to_o it_o but_o they_o hope_v hereafter_o to_o be_v in_o a_o better_a temper_n and_o disposition_n and_o then_o they_o resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o set_v about_o this_o work_n in_o good_a earnest_n and_o to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o call_v this_o a_o reason_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v the_o great_a cheat_n and_o delusion_n that_o any_o man_n can_v put_v upon_o himself_o for_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o thou_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v this_o which_o thou_o be_v convince_v be_v so_o necessary_a but_o to_o put_v it_o off_o from_o day_n to_o day_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o a_o man_n do_v not_o real_o intend_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n than_o when_o notwithstanding_o he_o ought_v upon_o all_o account_n and_o may_v in_o all_o respect_v better_a do_v it_o at_o present_a than_o hereafter_o yet_o he_o still_o put_v it_o off_o whatever_o thou_o pretend_v this_o be_v a_o mere_a shift_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o a_o present_a trouble_n it_o be_v like_o give_v good_a word_n and_o make_v fair_a promise_n to_o a_o clamorous_a and_o importunate_a creditor_n and_o appoint_v he_o to_o come_v another_o day_n when_o the_o man_n know_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o intend_v not_o to_o pay_v he_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v less_o able_a to_o discharge_v the_o debt_n then_o than_o he_o be_v at_o present_a whatever_o reason_n thou_o have_v against_o reform_v thy_o life_n now_o will_v still_o remain_v and_o be_v in_o as_o full_a force_n hereafter_o nay_o probable_o strong_a than_o they_o be_v at_o present_a thou_o be_v unwilling_a now_o and_o so_o thou_o will_v be_v hereafter_o and_o in_o all_o likelihood_n much_o more_o unwilling_a so_o that_o this_o reason_n will_v every_o day_n improve_v upon_o thy_o hand_n and_o have_v so_o much_o the_o more_o strength_n by_o how_o much_o the_o long_o thou_o continue_v in_o thy_o sin_n thou_o have_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n against_o the_o present_a time_n but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v present_a why_o when_o hereafter_o come_v to_o be_v present_a the_o reason_n will_v be_v just_o the_o same_o so_o that_o thy_o present_a unwillingness_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n the_o other_o way_n because_o thou_o be_v unwilling_a now_o and_o like_a to_o be_v so_o nay_o more_o so_o hereafter_o if_o thou_o intenden_a to_o do_v it_o at_o all_o thou_o shall_v set_v about_o it_o immediate_o and_o without_o delay_n 2._o another_o reason_n which_o man_n pretend_v for_o the_o delay_n of_o this_o work_n be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n of_o it_o and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v some_o bitterness_n and_o uneasiness_n in_o it_o proportionable_o to_o the_o growth_n of_o evil_a habit_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o our_o great_a or_o less_o progress_n and_o continuance_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n so_o that_o we_o must_v make_v account_n of_o a_o sharp_a conflict_n of_o some_o pain_n and_o trouble_v in_o the_o make_n of_o this_o change_n that_o it_o will_v cost_v we_o some_o pang_n and_o throw_n before_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o for_o when_o nature_n have_v be_v long_o bend_v another_o way_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v reduce_v and_o bring_v back_o to_o its_o first_o strenghtness_n without_o pain_n and_o violence_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o how_o difficult_a and_o painful_a soever_o this_o work_n be_v it_o be_v necessary_a and_o that_o shall_v over-rule_v all_o other_o consideration_n whatsoever_o that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v at_o this_o pain_n and_o trouble_n we_o must_v one_o time_n or_o other_o endure_v far_o great_a than_o those_o which_o we_o now_o seek_v to_o avoid_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a as_o we_o imagine_v but_o our_o fear_n of_o it_o be_v great_a than_o the_o trouble_n will_v prove_v if_o we_o be_v but_o once_o resolve_v upon_o the_o work_n and_o serious_o engage_v in_o it_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o trouble_n be_v over_o it_o be_v like_o the_o fear_n of_o child_n to_o go_v into_o the_o cold_a water_n a_o faint_a trial_n increase_v their_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v plunge_v into_o it_o the_o trouble_n be_v over_o and_o then_o they_o wonder_v why_o they_o be_v so_o much_o afraid_a the_o main_a difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n be_v in_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n it_o present_o grow_v tolerable_a and_o soon_o after_o easy_a and_o after_o that_o by_o degree_n so_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a that_o the_o man_n will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n return_v to_o his_o former_a evil_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n we_o shall_v consider_v likewise_o what_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o this_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n it_o be_v our_o long_a continuance_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n that_o have_v make_v we_o so_o loath_a to_o leave_v it_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o sin_v that_o render_v it_o so_o troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o man_n to_o do_v otherwise_o it_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o our_o guilt_n heighten_v and_o inflame_v by_o many_o and_o repeat_v provocation_n that_o do_v so_o gall_v our_o conscience_n and_o fill_v our_o soul_n with_o so_o much_o terror_n it_o be_v because_o we_o have_v go_v so_o far_o in_o a_o evil_a way_n that_o our_o retreat_n be_v become_v so_o difficult_a and_o because_o we_o have_v delay_v this_o work_n so_o long_o that_o we_o be_v now_o so_o unwilling_a to_o go_v about_o it_o and_o consequent_o the_o long_o we_o delay_v it_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o a_o change_n will_v increase_v daily_o upon_o we_o and_o all_o these_o consideration_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n for_o more_o delay_n that_o they_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a because_o the_o work_n be_v difficult_a now_o therefore_o do_v not_o make_v it_o more_o so_o and_o because_o your_o delay_n have_v increase_v the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o will_v do_v more_o and_o more_o therefore_o delay_v no_o long_o 3._o another_o pretend_a encouragement_n to_o these_o delay_n be_v the_o great_a mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n he_o common_o bear_v long_o with_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o absolute_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n man_n have_v not_o the_o face_n to_o give_v this_o for_o a_o reason_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o many_o man_n heart_n so_o solomon_n tell_v we_o eccles_n 8.11_o because_o sentence_n against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a but_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o there_o be_v few_o of_o we_o but_o have_v see_v several_a instance_n of_o god_n severity_n to_o sinner_n and_o have_v know_v several_a person_n surprise_v by_o a_o sudden_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o cut_v off_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o sin_n without_o have_v the_o least_o respite_n give_v they_o without_o time_n or_o liberty_n so_o much_o as_o to_o ask_v god_n forgiveness_n and_o to_o consider_v either_o what_o they_o have_v do_v or_o whither_o they_o be_v go_v and_o this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o sinner_n and_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v thy_o case_n because_o thou_o do_v so_o bold_o presume_v upon_o the_o mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n but_o if_o it_o be_v always_o thus_o and_o thou_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v spare_v yet_o awhile_o long_o what_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a and_o disingenuous_a than_o to_o resolve_v to_o be_v evil_a because_o god_n be_v good_a and_o because_o he_o suffer_v so_o long_o to_o sin_v so_o much_o the_o long_o and_o because_o he_o afford_v thou_o a_o space_n of_o repentance_n therefore_o to_o delay_v it_o and_o put_v it_o off_o to_o the_o last_o the_o proper_a design_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o he_o never_o intend_v his_o patience_n for_o a_o encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n but_o for_o a_o opportunity_n and_o a_o argument_n to_o break_v they_o off_o by_o repentance_n these_o be_v the_o pretend_a reason_n and_o encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o delay_v their_o repentance_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n and_o you_o see_v how_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a they_o be_v which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o ii_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o far_a consideration_n to_o engage_v man_n effectual_o to_o set_v about_o this_o work_n speedy_o
take_v away_o his_o life_n whatever_o he_o say_v or_o do_v though_o never_o so_o innocent_a never_o so_o excellent_a have_v some_o bad_a interpretation_n put_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o great_a and_o shine_a virtue_n of_o his_o life_n be_v turn_v into_o crime_n and_o matter_n of_o accusation_n for_o his_o cast_v out_o of_o devil_n he_o be_v call_v a_o magician_n for_o his_o endeavour_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o their_o vice_n a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n for_o his_o free_a and_o oblige_a conversation_n a_o wine-bibber_n and_o a_o glutton_n all_o the_o benefit_n which_o he_o do_v to_o man_n and_o the_o blessing_n which_o he_o so_o liberal_o shed_v among_o the_o people_n be_v construe_v to_o be_v a_o design_n of_o ambition_n and_o popularity_n and_o do_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o move_v the_o people_n to_o sedition_n and_o to_o make_v himself_o a_o king_n enough_o to_o have_v discourage_v the_o great_a goodness_n and_o have_v put_v a_o damp_n upon_o the_o most_o generous_a mind_n and_o to_o make_v it_o sick_a and_o weary_a of_o well-doing_n for_o what_o more_o grievous_a than_o to_o have_v all_o the_o good_a one_o do_v ill_o interpret_v and_o the_o best_a action_n in_o the_o world_n make_v matter_n of_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n and_o then_o last_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o cheerful_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o persevere_v and_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n it_o be_v not_o only_o his_o business_n but_o his_o delight_n i_o delight_v say_v he_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o my_o god_n the_o pleasure_n which_o other_o take_v in_o the_o most_o natural_a action_n of_o life_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v when_o they_o be_v hungry_a he_o take_v in_o do_v good_a it_o be_v his_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n he_o ply_v this_o work_n with_o so_o much_o diligence_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v afraid_a he_o shall_v have_v want_v time_n for_o it_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v and_o when_o he_o be_v approach_v towards_o the_o hard_a and_o most_o unpleasant_a part_n of_o his_o service_n but_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o beneficial_a to_o we_o i_o mean_v his_o death_n and_o suffering_n he_o be_v not_o at_o ease_n in_o his_o mind_n till_o it_o be_v do_v how_o be_o i_o straighten_a say_v he_o till_o it_o be_v accomplish_v and_o just_o before_o his_o suffer_v with_o what_o joy_n and_o triumph_n do_v he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o life_n father_n i_o have_v glorify_v thou_o upon_o earth_n and_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o to_o do_v what_o a_o bless_a pattern_n be_v here_o of_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o do_v good_a how_o fair_a and_o lovely_a a_o copy_n for_o christian_n to_o write_v after_o and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v set_v it_o before_o you_o it_o will_v be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o these_o two_o purpose_n to_o show_v we_o our_o defect_n and_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n i._o to_o show_v we_o our_o defect_n how_o do_v this_o bless_a example_n upbraid_v those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o it_o who_o instead_o of_o go_v about_o do_v good_a be_v perpetual_o intent_n upon_o do_v mischief_n who_o be_v wise_a and_o active_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a have_v no_o inclination_n no_o understanding_n and_o those_o likewise_o who_o though_o they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v so_o bad_a yet_o whole_o neglect_v this_o bless_a work_n of_o do_v good_a they_o think_v it_o very_o fair_a to_o do_v no_o evil_n to_o hurt_v and_o injure_v no_o man_n but_o if_o preacher_n will_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o require_v more_o and_o will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v till_o they_o have_v persuade_v they_o out_o of_o their_o estate_n and_o to_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a till_o they_o have_v almost_o impoverish_v themselves_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o this_o importunity_n but_o we_o be_v not_o so_o unreasonable_a neither_o we_o desire_v to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n that_o to_o be_v charitable_a according_a to_o our_o power_n be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o be_v command_v not_o only_o to_o abstain_v from_o evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v give_v we_o the_o example_n of_o both_o he_o do_v not_o only_o do_v no_o sin_n but_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o upon_o this_o nice_a point_n it_o be_v that_o the_o young_a rich_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o saviour_n part_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o commandment_n from_o his_o youth_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v he_o have_v be_v very_o careful_a of_o the_o negative_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o part_v with_o his_o estate_n and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a this_o he_o think_v too_o hard_a a_o condition_n and_o upon_o this_o he_o forsake_v our_o saviour_n and_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v often_o and_o serious_o think_v upon_o that_o our_o saviour_n describe_v to_o we_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n represent_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n acquit_v and_o condemn_v man_n according_a to_o the_o good_a which_o they_o have_v do_v or_o neglect_v to_o do_v in_o way_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n for_o feed_v the_o hungry_a and_o clothing_n the_o naked_a and_o visit_v the_o sick_a or_o for_o neglect_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v more_o plain_o and_o effectual_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v good_a in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n there_o be_v many_o indeed_o who_o do_v not_o altogether_o neglect_v the_o do_n of_o this_o work_n who_o yet_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n prevent_v and_o hinder_v themselves_o from_o do_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v employ_v about_o other_o duty_n and_o part_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o private_a and_o public_a with_o prayer_n and_o read_v and_o hear_v sermon_n and_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o have_v scarce_o any_o leisure_n to_o mind_v the_o do_v of_o good_a and_o charitable_a office_n to_o other_o or_o if_o they_o have_v they_o hope_v god_n will_v pardon_v his_o servant_n in_o this_o thing_n and_o accept_v of_o their_o piety_n and_o devotion_n instead_o of_o all_o but_o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o when_o these_o two_o part_n of_o religion_n come_v in_o competition_n devotion_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o charity_n mercy_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n that_o the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n prayer_n and_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v to_o dispose_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o make_v we_o more_o ready_a and_o forward_o to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mockery_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o pretence_n of_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o religion_n to_o neglect_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o because_o we_o be_v always_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o do_v good_a to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v for_o ever_o excuse_v from_o do_v any_o other_o be_v take_v up_o in_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n and_o spend_v all_o their_o zeal_n and_o heat_n about_o some_o controversy_n in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o but_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v excuse_v from_o those_o mean_a kind_n of_o duty_n because_o they_o serve_v god_n as_o they_o imagine_v in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a way_n as_o those_o who_o serve_v the_o king_n in_o his_o war_n use_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o tax_n and_o office_n but_o do_v those_o man_n consider_v upon_o what_o kind_n of_o duty_n more_o especial_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n lay_v the_o great_a weight_n and_o stress_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o meek_a and_o merciful_a and_o peaceable_a that_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v blessedness_n that_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n that_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o be_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a work_n these_o be_v the_o great_a and_o weighty_a thing_n of_o religion_n which_o whatever_o else_o we_o do_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v undo_v do_v they_o consider_v that_o a_o right_a faith_n be_v whole_o in_o order_n to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o be_v of_o no_o value_n any_o far_a
at_o last_o upon_o this_o as_o the_o great_a felicity_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o the_o only_a good_a use_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o a_o prosperous_a and_o plentiful_a fortune_n eccl._n 3.12_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o they_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o rejoice_v and_o do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n and_o a_o great_a and_o a_o wise_a than_o solomon_n have_v say_v that_o it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v three_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o do_v good_a be_v to_o imitate_v the_o high_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n who_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a and_o to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o that_o which_o he_o esteem_v his_o great_a glory_n and_o that_o be_v his_o goodness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o when_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o live_v in_o the_o world_n go_v about_o do_v good_a it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o great_a employment_n it_o be_v to_o be_v minister_a spirit_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o to_o be_v charitable_a and_o helpful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o be_v to_o be_v a_o good_a angel_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o god_n to_o man_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n more_o especial_o be_v the_o great_a pattern_n which_o our_o religion_n propound_v to_o we_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o it_o because_o that_o very_a goodness_n which_o it_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n be_v so_o beneficial_a to_o ourselves_o when_o we_o ourselves_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o that_o good_a which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n this_o shall_v mighty_o endear_v the_o example_n to_o we_o and_o make_v we_o forward_o to_o imitate_v that_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o which_o we_o be_v indebt_v for_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o upon_o which_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n do_v depend_v and_o there_o be_v this_o considerable_a difference_n between_o our_o saviour_n charity_n to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o other_o he_o do_v all_o pure_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o for_o our_o benefit_n whereas_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o other_o be_v a_o great_a good_n do_v to_o ourselves_o they_o indeed_o be_v behold_v to_o we_o for_o the_o kindness_n we_o do_v they_o and_o we_o to_o they_o for_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o every_o ignorant_a person_n that_o come_v in_o our_o way_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o we_o every_o sinner_n who_o we_o reclaim_v every_o poor_a and_o necessitous_a man_n who_o we_o relieve_v be_v a_o happy_a opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o we_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n by_o this_o principle_n the_o best_a and_o the_o happy_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v govern_v his_o life_n and_o action_n esteem_v it_o a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v four_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o next_o to_o the_o love_n and_o honour_n which_o we_o pay_v to_o god_n himself_o the_o most_o acceptable_a service_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v to_o he_o it_o be_v one_o half_a of_o the_o law_n and_o next_o to_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o very_o like_a unto_o it_o like_v to_o it_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o obligation_n for_o this_o commandment_n we_o have_v from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o the_o first_o commandment_n excel_v in_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o object_n but_o the_o second_o have_v the_o advantage_n in_o the_o reality_n of_o its_o effect_n for_o our_o righteousness_n extend_v not_o to_o god_n we_o can_v do_v he_o no_o real_a benefit_n but_o our_o charity_n to_o man_n be_v real_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o for_o which_o reason_n god_n be_v content_v in_o many_o case_n that_o the_o external_a honour_n and_o worship_n which_o by_o his_o positive_a command_n he_o require_v of_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o that_o natural_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o show_v how_o great_a a_o value_n he_o put_v upon_o charity_n he_o have_v make_v it_o the_o great_a testimony_n of_o our_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o reject_v all_o other_o profession_n of_o love_n to_o he_o as_o false_a and_o insincere_a if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v five_o this_o be_v that_o which_o will_v give_v we_o the_o great_a comfort_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v it_o will_v then_o be_v no_o pleasure_n to_o man_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a estate_n they_o have_v get_v and_o the_o great_a place_n they_o have_v be_v advance_v to_o because_o they_o be_v leave_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o will_v stand_v they_o in_o no_o stead_n in_o the_o other_o world_n riches_n profit_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n but_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n will_v refresh_v our_o soul_n even_o under_o the_o very_a pang_n of_o death_n with_o what_o contentment_n do_v a_o good_a man_n than_o look_v upon_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o life_n and_o with_o what_o confidence_n do_v he_o look_v over_o into_o the_o other_o world_n where_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o himself_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o for_o though_o our_o estate_n will_v not_o follow_v we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n our_o good_a work_n will_v though_o we_o can_v carry_v our_o riches_n along_o with_o we_o yet_o we_o may_v send_v they_o before_o we_o to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o reception_n into_o everlasting_a habitation_n in_o short_a work_v of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n will_v comfort_v we_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o plead_v for_o we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o procure_v for_o we_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o merciful_a god_n a_o glorious_a recompense_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o consideration_n i_o shall_v offer_v to_o you_o which_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o do_v good_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o if_o we_o believe_v god_n himself_o he_o have_v make_v more_o particular_a and_o encourage_v promise_n to_o this_o grace_n and_o virtue_n than_o to_o any_o other_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n be_v many_o and_o great_a it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o derive_v a_o last_a blessing_n upon_o our_o estate_n act_n of_o charity_n be_v the_o best_a deed_n of_o settlement_n we_o gain_v the_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n of_o those_o to_o who_o we_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n to_o have_v the_o blessing_n of_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v to_o come_v upon_o we_o for_o god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o destitute_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o their_o cry_n charity_n be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o we_o in_o time_n of_o evil_a and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o special_a promise_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v engage_v to_o preserve_v from_o want_v those_o that_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o other_o but_o likewise_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v way_n for_o its_o own_o reward_n in_o this_o world_n he_o that_o be_v charitable_a to_o other_o provide_v a_o supply_n and_o retreat_n for_o himself_o in_o the_o day_n of_o distress_n for_o he_o provoke_v mankind_n by_o his_o example_n to_o like_o tenderness_n towards_o he_o and_o prudent_o bespeak_v the_o commiseration_n of_o other_o against_o it_o come_v to_o be_v his_o turn_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n make_v a_o man_n more_o and_o sure_a friend_n than_o charity_n and_o bounty_n and_o such_o as_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o in_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o danger_n for_o a_o good_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v it_o be_v excellent_a counsel_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n lay_v up_o thy_o treasure_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o it_o shall_v bring_v thou_o more_o profit_n than_o gold_n shut_v up_o thy_o alm_n in_o thy_o store-house_n and_o it_o shall_v deliver_v thou_o from_o all_o affliction_n it_o shall_v fight_v for_o thou_o against_o thy_o enemy_n better_o than_o a_o mighty_a shield_n and_o strong_a spear_n it_o have_v sometime_o happen_v that_o the_o obligation_n that_o man_n have_v lay_v upon_o other_o by_o their_o charity_n have_v in_o case_n of_o danger_n and_o extremity_n do_v they_o more_o kindness_n than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o estate_n can_v do_v for_o they_o and_o their_o alm_n have_v literal_o deliver_v they_o from_o death_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o endless_a and_o unspeakable_a happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n where_o the_o return_n of_o do_v good_a will_v be_v vast_o great_a beyond_o what_o we_o can_v now_o expect_v or_o imagine_v for_o god_n take_v all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o other_o as_o a_o debt_n upon_o himself_o and_o he_o have_v estate_n and_o treasure_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o great_a obligation_n we_o can_v lay_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n for_o our_o security_n that_o what_o we_o scatter_v and_o sow_v in_o this_o kind_n will_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o that_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o expense_n in_o do_v good_a for_o a_o few_o day_n will_v be_v recompense_v and_o crown_v with_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o eternity_n finis_fw-la bishop_n sanderson_n juven_n vell._n patere_fw-la seneca_n seneca_n tully_n tully_n aristides_n antonin_n lib._n 10._o