matter_n have_v be_v right_o state_v than_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v and_o take_v along_o with_o we_o in_o all_o the_o design_n and_o action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o begin_v here_o be_v preposterous_a and_o will_v prove_v folly_n in_o the_o issue_n second_o as_o religion_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n so_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o high_a point_n of_o wisdom_n in_o which_o we_o can_v be_v instruct_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 15._o 33._o be_v the_o instruction_n of_o wisdom_n a_o good_a understanding_n say_v david_n psal_n 111._o 10._o have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n and_o he_o understand_v himself_o best_a who_o live_v most_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 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to_o begin_v it_o and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n may_v cut_v we_o off_o whilst_o we_o be_v wilful_o delay_v it_o and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o save_v our_o immortal_a soul_n may_v vanish_v and_o be_v for_o ever_o hide_v from_o our_o eye_n the_o next_o property_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o foresee_v danger_n and_o to_o take_v timely_a care_n to_o prevent_v they_o the_o prudent_a man_n say_v solomon_n forsee_v the_o evil_a and_o hide_v himself_o that_o be_v shelter_n and_o secure_v himself_o against_o it_o but_o the_o simple_a pass_n on_o and_o be_v punish_v that_o be_v the_o evil_a overtake_v they_o and_o their_o folly_n be_v punish_v in_o their_o fatal_a ruin_n now_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n even_o from_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v i_o will_v tell_v you_o say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n again_o another_o main_a point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o do_v as_o little_a as_o we_o can_v to_o be_v repent_v of_o trust_v rather_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o prevention_n than_o to_o that_o of_o remedy_n religion_n first_o teach_v man_n innocency_n and_o not_o to_o offend_v but_o in_o case_n we_o do_v as_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o it_o then_o direct_v we_o to_o repentance_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n but_o this_o certain_o be_v folly_n to_o sin_n in_o hope_n of_o repentance_n that_o be_v first_o to_o make_v work_n for_o repentance_n and_o then_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o it_o for_o we_o may_v certain_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o we_o shall_v repent_v and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n to_o lay_v in_o before_o hand_n and_o to_o make_v work_n for_o trouble_n ne_fw-la tu_fw-la stultus_fw-la homuncio_fw-la es_fw-la qui_fw-la malis_fw-la veniam_fw-la precari_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la peccare_fw-la be_v a_o wise_a say_v of_o old_a cato_n thou_o 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nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n say_v the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o terrify_a apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o whosoever_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o prevent_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o discontent_n and_o lay_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o a_o perpetual_a satisfaction_n of_o mind_n a_o jewel_n of_o inestimable_a price_n which_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o know_v the_o value_n of_o
seduce_v he_o or_o draw_v he_o aside_o in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n he_o have_v no_o interest_n but_o to_o find_v the_o truth_n and_o follow_v it_o he_o be_v inquire_v after_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o he_o have_v the_o indifferency_n of_o a_o traveller_n which_o be_v not_o incline_v to_o go_v this_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o for_o his_o concernment_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o such_o a_o indifferency_n of_o mind_n have_v every_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o stand_v ready_a to_o receive_v truth_n when_o sufficient_a evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o it_o because_o he_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o concernment_n that_o the_o contrary_a proposition_n shall_v be_v true_a as_o in_o mathematics_n a_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n that_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v no_o inclination_n or_o affection_n to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n more_o than_o to_o the_o other_o all_o his_o design_n and_o concernment_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n on_o which_o side_n soever_o it_o lie_v and_o he_o be_v like_a to_o find_v it_o because_o he_o be_v so_o indifferent_a and_o impartial_a but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v biased_a by_o any_o lust_n and_o addict_v to_o any_o vicious_a practice_n he_o be_v then_o a_o interest_v person_n and_o concern_v to_o be_v partial_a in_o his_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v under_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o infidelity_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o because_o whatever_o the_o evidence_n for_o they_o be_v he_o can_v but_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o inclination_n and_o interest_n if_o the_o affection_n and_o interest_n of_o meâ—_n be_v as_o deep_o concern_v and_o as_o sensible_o touch_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o 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to_o sway_v they_o in_o the_o case_n believe_v contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a mathematical_a demonstration_n for_o where_o there_o be_v a_o obstinate_a resolution_n not_o to_o be_v convince_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o world_n signify_v nothing_o whereas_o he_o that_o be_v bias_v by_o no_o passion_n or_o interest_n but_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o he_o know_v it_o be_v likely_a to_o judge_v very_o impartial_o concern_v any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o good_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deceive_v himself_o in_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o and_o if_o there_o be_v good_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a he_o have_v no_o interest_n or_o inclination_n to_o reject_v they_o for_o it_o be_v his_o great_a design_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o be_v glad_a of_o all_o opportunity_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v secure_a man_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n because_o such_o person_n be_v hereby_o better_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o divine_a thing_n both_o because_o they_o have_v true_a and_o sure_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v more_o impartial_a in_o their_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o first_o account_n second_o another_o reason_n why_o they_o who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v a_o great_a security_n in_o discern_a truth_n from_o error_n be_v because_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o preserve_v such_o person_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n when_o man_n be_v of_o a_o teachable_a temper_n god_n love_v to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o they_o and_o such_o be_v a_o humble_a and_o obedient_a frame_n of_o mind_n psal_n 25._o 9_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n the_o proper_a disposition_n of_o a_o scholar_n be_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v and_o that_o which_o in_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v be_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o for_o practice_n be_v the_o end_n of_o knowledge_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o bless_a lord_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v happy_a only_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n his_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v take_v effectual_a care_n to_o secure_v such_o a_o one_o against_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a error_n he_o that_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o know_v it_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o remain_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o to_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o in_o any_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o wonderful_a instance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kind_n he_o be_v undoubted_o a_o man_n of_o a_o very_a honest_a mind_n he_o have_v entertain_v the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n and_o be_v breed_v in_o it_o and_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a reverence_n and_o belief_n of_o his_o teacher_n who_o reject_v christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n he_o likewise_o oppose_v and_o persecute_v they_o with_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n and_o a_o honest_a intention_n be_v very_o persuade_v as_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n he_o be_v under_o a_o great_a prejudice_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o education_n and_o according_a to_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o natural_a temper_n transport_v with_o great_a passion_n but_o because_o he_o do_v what_o he_o do_v ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n god_n be_v please_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o he_o and_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n to_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o persecute_v he_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n will_v rather_o work_v a_o miracle_n for_o his_o conversion_n than_o suffer_v he_o to_o go_v on_o in_o so_o fatal_a a_o mistake_n concern_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v concern_v itself_o to_o secure_v good_a man_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o by_o a_o just_a judgement_n he_o give_v up_o those_o who_o allow_v themselves_o in_o vicious_a practice_n to_o error_n and_o infidelity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n esa_n ch._n 6._o 10._o so_o often_o cite_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o jew_n of_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o that_o people_n fat_a and_o their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o close_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o shall_v understand_v and_o be_v convert_v so_o again_o isa_n 66._o 3_o 4._o god_n threaten_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o because_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o abominable_a in_o their_o life_n he_o will_v abandon_v they_o and_o give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n they_o have_v choose_v their_o own_o way_n and_o their_o soul_n delight_v in_o their_o abomination_n i_o also_o will_v choose_v their_o delusion_n god_n be_v say_v to_o choose_v those_o thing_n for_o we_o which_o he_o permit_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o so_o rom._n 1._o 28._o
other_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v subordinate_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o great_a design_n and_o be_v no_o further_o mind_v by_o we_o than_o they_o real_o be_v so_o for_o that_o which_o be_v our_o great_a end_n will_v subdue_v all_o other_o thing_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o subjection_n to_o it_o and_o will_v reject_v they_o and_o throw_v they_o aside_o if_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o if_o heaven_n be_v our_o utmost_a aim_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o it_o be_v our_o great_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a this_o resolution_n and_o design_n sincere_o entertain_v will_v over-rule_v all_o other_o consideration_n and_o make_v all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o stoop_v and_o give_v way_n to_o that_o which_o be_v our_o chief_a end_n the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o what_o by_o seek_v they_o first_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o plain_a rule_n for_o our_o direction_n and_o furtherance_n in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n first_o let_v we_o always_o live_v under_o a_o lively_a and_o powerful_a sense_n of_o another_o world_n that_o we_o be_v place_v here_o in_o this_o world_n but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o that_o whole_o in_o order_n to_o our_o preparation_n for_o a_o better_a and_o a_o happy_a life_n let_v this_o thought_n be_v often_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o eternity_n be_v the_o most_o considerable_a duration_n and_o the_o next_o world_n the_o place_n of_o our_o everlasting_a abode_n where_o we_o must_v dwell_v and_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o our_o present_a state_n be_v but_o of_o little_a moment_n and_o consideration_n to_o we_o but_o only_o in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a and_o everlasting_a condition_n we_o may_v please_v ourselves_o here_o for_o a_o little_a while_n with_o toy_n and_o trifle_n with_o dream_n and_o shadow_n of_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n and_o may_v be_v exercise_v with_o some_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n for_o a_o short_a space_n for_o a_o moment_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o all_o eternity_n but_o the_o substantial_a and_o durable_a happiness_n or_o misery_n remain_v for_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v their_o portion_n according_a as_o they_o have_v demean_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n now_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o can_v fail_v to_o put_v we_o upon_o vigorous_a preparation_n for_o another_o world_n and_o to_o make_v we_o whole_o intent_n upon_o our_o eternal_a concernment_n and_o to_o resolve_v whatever_o become_v of_o we_o in_o this_o world_n to_o take_v effectual_a care_n that_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a for_o ever_o he_o that_o firm_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o a_o life_n after_o death_n which_o will_v never_o have_v a_o end_n must_v needs_o take_v into_o consideration_n his_o whole_a duration_n and_o bend_v all_o his_o care_n and_o thought_n how_o he_o may_v avoid_v the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a misery_n and_o secure_a to_o himself_o a_o immortality_n of_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n second_o let_v we_o be_v always_o under_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v and_o that_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v the_o one_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n and_o qualification_n for_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o man_n to_o hope_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n without_o endeavour_v after_o his_o righteousness_n there_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o connexion_n between_o they_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o be_v well_o and_o at_o ease_n without_o health_n as_o to_o be_v happy_a without_o holiness_n for_o this_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n and_o our_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n to_o god_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n in_o order_n to_o our_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a blessedness_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o will_v effectual_o engage_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n three_o let_v we_o always_o remember_v that_o righteousness_n be_v of_o a_o great_a extent_n and_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o goodness_n it_o take_v in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o all_o the_o part_n and_o ingredient_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o a_o good_a man._n to_o denominate_v a_o man_n righteous_a all_o cause_n must_v concur_v all_o the_o essential_a principle_n and_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o goodness_n must_v meet_v together_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n faith_n and_o good_a work_n right_a opinion_n and_o real_a virtue_n a_o orthodox_n profession_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n abstain_v from_o sin_n and_o do_v of_o righteousness_n purity_n of_o heart_n and_o unspotted_a manner_n godliness_n and_o honesty_n the_o bridle_v of_o our_o tongue_n and_o the_o government_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n charity_n which_o be_v the_o band_n of_o perfection_n for_o righteousness_n be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o unrighteousness_n and_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o it_o now_o this_o if_o it_o be_v real_a and_o sincere_a will_v be_v uniform_a and_o universal_a equal_o respect_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o every_o part_n of_o our_o know_a duty_n and_o will_v not_o content_v itself_o with_o a_o especial_a regard_n to_o one_o or_o two_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n though_o never_o so_o considerable_a and_o then_o allow_v itself_o in_o the_o neglect_n and_o violation_n of_o the_o rest_n no_o nor_o with_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o table_n of_o the_o law_n if_o it_o overlook_v the_o other_o no_o nor_o with_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n one_o only_o except_v st._n james_n have_v put_v this_o very_a case_n and_o determine_v it_o that_o he_o that_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n save_v only_o that_o he_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o sincere_a in_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n our_o righteousness_n must_v be_v universal_a as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a so_o must_v we_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n in_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o action_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o any_o one_o reign_v sin_n and_o vice_n any_o gross_a and_o notorious_a defect_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n will_v spoil_v all_o our_o righteousness_n and_o will_v effectual_o shut_v we_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n four_o let_v we_o wise_o subordinate_a the_o several_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o intrinsical_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v mind_v every_o part_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o signify_v nothing_o unless_o they_o produce_v that_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o prayer_n and_o fast_v diligent_a read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reverent_a and_o devout_a receive_v of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n be_v of_o less_o account_n and_o value_n than_o that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o these_o which_o be_v to_o make_v we_o inward_o and_o real_o good_a and_o fruitful_a in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o use_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o these_o end_n without_o which_o they_o be_v mere_a formalility_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o instead_o of_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n they_o be_v a_o
poetical_a number_n and_o skill_n in_o it_o than_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o time_n and_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v we_o can_v easy_o understand_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o iâ—_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a namely_o to_o magnify_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o precept_n as_o that_o wherein_o true_a religion_n do_v main_o consist_v and_o indeed_o if_o we_o attentive_o read_v and_o consider_v it_o every_o part_n of_o this_o psalm_n do_v with_o great_a variety_n of_o expression_n and_o yet_o very_o little_a difference_n of_o the_o sense_n descant_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n viz._n the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n aâ—d_a tâ—â—_n worâ—â—_n of_o tâ—â—_n teâ—t_v seem_v to_o be_v as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a psalm_n as_o any_o one_o sentence_n in_o it_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a these_o word_n be_v various_o render_v and_o understand_v by_o interpreter_n who_o yet_o in_o this_o variety_n do_v very_o much_o conspire_v and_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o sensâ—â—_n the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n render_v the_o word_n thus_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n about_o which_o i_o have_v employ_v my_o care_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v very_o large_a the_o syriac_a version_n thus_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o region_n and_o country_n that_o be_v i_o have_v find_v the_o compass_n of_o this_o habitable_a world_n to_o be_v â—iniâ—e_n and_o limit_v but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a extent_n other_o explain_v it_o thus_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n that_o be_v of_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o man_n value_v and_o esteem_v at_o so_o high_a a_o rateâ—_n of_o all_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o wealth_n and_o honour_n and_o greatness_n which_o do_v all_o perish_v and_o pass_v away_o but_o thy_o law_n be_v eternal_a and_o still_o abide_v the_o same_o or_o as_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o express_v it_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o thy_o law_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n natural_a and_o reveal_v or_o in_o a_o word_n religion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n of_o godâ—_n be_v of_o great_a perfection_n than_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o high_o value_v in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o be_v infinite_a and_o of_o a_o vast_a influence_n and_o extent_n it_o reach_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o our_o whole_a duration_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o this_o will_v clear_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o law_n first_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o very_a good_a account_n of_o itself_o because_o it_o settle_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n upon_o a_o firm_a basis_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o roll_a in_o perpetual_a uncertainty_n whereas_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n want_v a_o stable_a foundation_n â—t_a centre_n no_o where_o but_o in_o the_o denial_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o substitute_n no_o principle_n no_o tenable_a and_o constituent_a scheme_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o place_n of_o they_o its_o whole_a business_n be_v to_o unravel_v all_o thing_n to_o unsettle_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o shake_v all_o the_o common_a notion_n and_o receive_v principle_n of_o mankind_n it_o bend_v its_o whole_a force_n to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v but_o lay_v no_o foundation_n to_o build_v any_o thing_n upon_o in_o the_o stead_n of_o that_o which_o it_o pull_v down_o it_o run_v upon_o that_o great_a absurdity_n which_o aristotle_n who_o be_v always_o think_v a_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n do_v every_o where_o decry_v as_o a_o principle_n unworthy_a of_o a_o philosopher_n namely_o a_o progress_n of_o cause_n in_o inâ—initum_fw-la and_o without_o end_n that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o and_o a_o three_o thing_n of_o that_o and_o so_o on_o without_o end_n which_o amount_v to_o just_a nothing_o and_o final_o resolve_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o effect_n into_o no_o first_o cause_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unskilful_a and_o bungle_a and_o less_o worthy_a of_o a_o philosopher_n but_o this_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v at_o present_a to_o insist_v upon_o have_v treat_v large_o on_o the_o same_o subject_n upon_o another_o author_n occasion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v wisdom_n so_o say_v the_o psalmist_n it_o be_v true_a wisdom_n indeed_o it_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n caput_fw-la sapientiae_fw-la the_o top_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o wisdom_n here_o true_a wisdom_n begin_v and_o upon_o this_o foundation_n it_o be_v raise_v and_o carry_v on_o to_o perfection_n and_o i_o shall_v in_o my_o follow_a discourse_n endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o true_a wisdom_n begin_v and_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n without_o this_o nor_o beyond_o it_o first_o true_a wisdom_n begin_v and_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o regard_v to_o his_o law_n this_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o our_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v build_v this_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v suppose_v and_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n in_o all_o the_o design_n and_o action_n of_o man_n this_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o whole_a life_n and_o to_o have_v a_o main_a influence_n upon_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o be_v the_o public_a good_a this_o be_v always_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n and_o to_o give_v law_n to_o all_o law_n and_o constitution_n about_o it_o so_o religion_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n by_o which_o all_o our_o action_n be_v to_o be_v conduct_v and_o govern_v and_o all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o begin_v here_o and_o lay_v religion_n for_o its_o foundation_n be_v preposterous_a and_o begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n and_o be_v just_a as_o if_o in_o the_o form_n of_o humane_a society_n every_o one_o in_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o law_n shall_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o his_o own_o private_a and_o particular_a advantage_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a good_a which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o society_n and_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o government_n and_o law_n and_o in_o the_o last_o issue_n and_o result_v of_o thing_n the_o only_a way_n to_o procure_v the_o settle_a welfare_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o last_a interest_n of_o particular_a person_n so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o public_a good_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a policy_n to_o go_v about_o to_o found_v humane_a society_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n and_o will_v certain_o end_v in_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o true_a happiness_n which_o do_v not_o bâ—gin_v with_o religion_n and_o lay_v its_o foundation_n there_o which_o do_v not_o take_v into_o consideration_n god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o not_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o principle_n will_v certain_o end_v in_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n in_o misery_n and_o ruin_n because_o it_o build_v a_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v by_o stress_n of_o weather_n and_o assault_v by_o violent_a storm_n will_v undoubted_o fall_v and_o the_o fall_n of_o it_o will_v be_v great_a and_o this_o error_n every_o man_n commit_v who_o pursue_v happiness_n by_o follow_v his_o own_o inclination_n and_o gratify_v his_o irregular_a desire_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o restraint_n which_o his_o law_n have_v lay_v upon_o we_o not_o for_o his_o own_o pleasure_n but_o for_o our_o good_a for_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v
this_o precious_a treasure_n to_o every_o body_n rapine_n and_o extortion_n and_o can_v quiet_o look_v on_o whilst_o man_n thrust_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o take_v it_o out_o by_o whole_a handful_n as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a value_n than_o silver_n be_v in_o solomon_n day_n no_o more_o than_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o street_n and_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v go_v all_o the_o silver_n and_o gold_n in_o the_o world_n can_v purchase_v and_o fetch_v back_o the_o least_o moment_n of_o it_o when_o perhaps_o we_o will_v give_v all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o that_o time_n which_o we_o part_v with_o upon_o such_o cheap_a and_o easy_a term_n good_a god_n what_o a_o stupid_a and_o senseless_a prodigality_n be_v this_o do_v we_o consider_v what_o we_o do_v when_o we_o give_v away_o such_o large_a portion_n of_o our_o time_n to_o our_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n to_o diversion_n and_o idleness_n to_o trifle_v and_o unprofitable_a conversation_n to_o the_o make_n and_o receive_v of_o impertinent_a visit_n and_o the_o usual_a and_o almost_o inseparable_a attendant_n thereof_o spiteful_a observation_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v present_a and_o slander_v and_o backbiting_a those_o that_o be_v absent_a for_o the_o great_a design_n of_o most_o people_n in_o visit_n be_v not_o to_o better_v one_o another_o but_o to_o spy_v and_o make_v fault_n and_o not_o to_o mend_v they_o to_o get_v time_n off_o their_o hand_n to_o show_v their_o fine_a clothes_n and_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o mutual_a contempt_n of_o one_o another_o by_o a_o plentiful_a impertinence_n when_o we_o part_v with_o it_o by_o wholesale_n in_o sleep_n and_o dress_n and_o can_v spend_v whole_a morning_n between_o the_o comb_n and_o the_o glass_n and_o the_o afternoon_n at_o play_n and_o whole_a night_n in_o game_n or_o in_o riot_n and_o lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n in_o all_o which_o people_n common_o waste_v their_o money_n and_o their_o time_n together_o nay_o how_o do_v even_o the_o best_a of_o we_o misplace_v this_o precious_a treasure_n and_o though_o we_o do_v not_o employ_v it_o to_o wicked_a purpose_n and_o in_o work_n of_o iniquity_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a use_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o man_n by_o thus_o lay_v out_o this_o treasure_n we_o may_v lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o help_v other_o on_o in_o the_o way_n thither_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n employ_v his_o precious_a time_n in_o go_v about_o do_v good_a in_o all_o kind_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n heal_v the_o body_n and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o be_v his_o business_n and_o this_o be_v his_o delight_n it_o be_v his_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o his_o very_a life_n he_o spend_v himself_o in_o it_o and_o sacrifice_v his_o ease_n and_o his_o safety_n and_o his_o life_n to_o these_o great_a end_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o consider_v the_o goodness_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n and_o the_o little_a time_n he_o have_v to_o do_v it_o in_o which_o make_v he_o incessant_o industrious_a in_o it_o and_o to_o run_v the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o he_o with_o great_a speed_n and_o to_o work_v while_o it_o be_v day_n because_o he_o know_v the_o night_n will_v come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o observe_v from_o the_o text_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o limit_a time_n for_o every_o man_n to_o do_v this_o work_n in_o while_o it_o be_v day_n i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o whilst_o it_o be_v day_n and_o this_o day_n comprehend_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o our_o life_n which_o will_v soon_o be_v over_o and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v well_o spend_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o life_n be_v past_a before_o the_o season_n of_o work_v begin_v it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n begin_v and_o we_o come_v to_o have_v our_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a beâ—ore_o our_o understanding_n be_v ripe_a for_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n so_o that_o this_o first_o part_n of_o our_o life_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n useless_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o we_o in_o regard_n to_o our_o great_a design_n for_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n be_v but_o the_o dawning_n of_o this_o day_n and_o no_o fit_a time_n to_o work_v in_o and_o youth_n which_o be_v as_o the_o morning_n of_o this_o day_n though_o it_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o our_o time_n and_o the_o most_o proper_a season_n of_o all_o other_o for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o impression_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v usual_o possess_v by_o vanity_n and_o vice_n the_o common_a custom_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n have_v devote_v this_o best_a part_n of_o our_o age_n to_o the_o worst_a employment_n to_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o our_o lust_n how_o very_o few_o be_v there_o that_o lie_v hold_v of_o this_o opportunity_n and_o employ_v it_o to_o the_o best_a purpose_n and_o yet_o the_o follow_a course_n of_o our_o life_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o most_o person_n do_v continue_v and_o hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n in_o which_o they_o set_v out_o at_o first_o whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a and_o those_o who_o neglect_v to_o improve_v this_o first_o opportunity_n of_o their_o life_n do_v seldom_o recover_v themselves_o afterward_o god_n grace_n may_v seize_v upon_o man_n in_o any_o part_n of_o their_o life_n but_o according_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a method_n of_o it_o the_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v most_o common_o lay_v in_o a_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n this_o be_v the_o great_a opportunity_n of_o our_o life_n which_o settle_v and_o fix_v most_o man_n either_o in_o a_o good_a or_o bad_a course_n and_o the_o fortune_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n do_v usual_o follow_v it_o and_o depend_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o our_o day_n continue_v many_o time_n a_o great_a while_n long_o and_o we_o be_v to_o work_v while_o it_o continue_v and_o it_o be_v never_o too_o late_o to_o begin_v to_o do_v well_o and_o to_o enter_v upon_o a_o good_a course_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o proper_a and_o advantageous_a season_n for_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o work_n as_o in_o our_o youth_n and_o tender_a year_n this_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n god_n grace_n be_v then_o most_o forward_o and_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o and_o we_o be_v then_o least_o of_o all_o indispose_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o impression_n of_o it_o and_o the_o impression_n of_o it_o do_v then_o go_v deep_a into_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v most_o last_a and_o durable_a but_o if_o we_o neglect_v this_o opportunity_n we_o provoke_v god_n by_o degree_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o to_o take_v away_o his_o holy_a spirit_n from_o we_o and_o by_o degree_n we_o settle_v in_o vicious_a habit_n and_o be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o harden_a through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v never_o too_o late_o to_o work_v while_o the_o day_n last_v but_o the_o soon_o we_o begin_v this_o work_n and_o set_v about_o it_o in_o good_a earnest_n the_o easy_a we_o shall_v find_v it_o if_o we_o defer_v it_o late_o every_o step_n will_v be_v up_o the_o hill_n and_o against_o the_o grain_n three_o after_o this_o season_n be_v expire_v there_o will_v be_v no_o â—urther_o opportunity_n of_o work_v when_o this_o day_n be_v once_o at_o a_o end_n then_o come_v the_o night_n when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v the_o night_n be_v a_o time_n unfit_a for_o work_v when_o we_o can_v hardly_o do_v any_o thing_n if_o we_o have_v never_o so_o great_a mind_n to_o it_o and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o night_n come_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o we_o and_o woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v our_o work_n to_o do_v when_o the_o night_n overtake_v we_o there_o be_v usual_o a_o evening_n before_o this_o night_n when_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a for_o we_o and_o next_o to_o impossible_a to_o do_v this_o work_n and_o this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n in_o which_o man_n be_v common_o unfit_a for_o any_o work_n but_o most_o of_o all_o that_o which_o require_v the_o whole_a force_n and_o vigour_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o business_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o attempt_v this_o work_n
secure_v against_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n in_o religion_n and_o whereby_o they_o may_v discern_v truth_n from_o imposture_n and_o what_o doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n and_o what_o not_o and_o this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o here_o in_o the_o text_n namely_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o there_o be_v two_o dangerous_a mistake_n in_o religion_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o come_v from_o god_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o from_o god_n which_o do_v not_o real_o come_v from_o he_o first_o to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o come_v from_o god_n this_o mistake_v the_o jew_n frequent_o fall_v into_o when_o they_o reject_v the_o true_a prophet_n which_o god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n send_v to_o they_o slight_v their_o message_n and_o persecute_v their_o person_n but_o they_o miscarry_v most_o fatal_o and_o remarkable_o in_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n that_o great_a prophet_n who_o they_o have_v so_o long_o expect_v and_o who_o god_n send_v at_o last_o to_o bring_v salvation_n to_o they_o but_o when_o he_o come_v they_o know_v he_o not_o nor_o will_v receive_v he_o but_o use_v he_o with_o all_o the_o despite_n and_o contempt_n imaginable_a not_o as_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n but_o as_o a_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n now_o the_o danger_n of_o reject_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o god_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o high_a affront_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o reject_v a_o divine_a message_n or_o revelation_n be_v to_o oppose_v god_n and_o fight_v against_o he_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o in_o despise_v he_o they_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v he_o second_o there_o be_v also_o another_o dangerous_a mistake_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o from_o he_o and_o this_o likewise_o the_o jew_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o in_o receive_v the_o false_a prophet_n which_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v not_o send_v they_o and_o this_o be_v common_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o truth_n greedy_o to_o swallow_v error_n and_o delusion_n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o jew_n john_n 5._o 43._o i_o be_o come_v in_o my_o father_n name_n and_o you_o receive_v i_o not_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o own_o name_n him_z you_o will_v receive_v this_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o jew_n be_v full_o accomplish_v for_o after_o they_o have_v reject_v he_o who_o give_v such_o abundant_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n they_o receive_v other_o who_o real_o come_v in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o run_v after_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o be_v in_o great_a number_n destroy_v with_o they_o and_o this_o be_v very_o just_a with_o god_n that_o those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n noâ—_n these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a dangerous_a mistake_v in_o religion_n which_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o show_v how_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v a_o security_n to_o man_n against_o both_o those_o danger_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n i._o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n ii_o because_o god_n providence_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o secure_v such_o person_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n these_o shall_v be_v the_o two_o head_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n first_o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n i._o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n ii_o because_o he_o be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n first_o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n no_o man_n be_v so_o likely_a to_o have_v clear_a and_o true_a apprehension_n of_o god_n as_o a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o have_v transcribe_v the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v himself_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n what_o god_n be_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n job_n 28._o 28._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_a be_v understanding_n and_o psal_n 111._o 10._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n whereas_o the_o vice_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n darken_v their_o reason_n and_o distort_v their_o understanding_n and_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o gross_a and_o sensual_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o thereby_o render_v man_n unfit_a to_o discern_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o tendency_n and_o altogether_o indispose_v to_o receive_v they_o for_o though_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n be_v proper_o seat_v in_o their_o will_n and_o do_v not_o possess_v their_o understanding_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o bad_a influence_n upon_o they_o as_o fume_n and_o vapour_n from_o the_o stomach_n be_v wont_a to_o affect_v the_o head_n nothing_o indeed_o be_v more_o natural_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o we_o may_v abuse_v our_o faculty_n and_o render_v they_o unfit_a for_o the_o discern_a even_o of_o their_o proper_a object_n when_o man_n by_o wicked_a practice_n have_v render_v themselves_o unlike_a to_o god_n they_o will_v not_o love_v to_o retain_v the_o knowlenge_n of_o he_o in_o their_o mind_n but_o will_v become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n concern_v he_o what_o cloud_n and_o mist_n be_v to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n that_o the_o lust_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n be_v to_o the_o understanding_n they_o hinder_v it_o from_o a_o clear_a perception_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o pure_a in_o heart_n they_o be_v best_a qualify_v for_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n now_o according_a as_o a_o man_n notion_n of_o god_n be_v such_o will_v be_v his_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n all_o religion_n be_v either_o natural_a or_o reveal_v natural_a religion_n consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o in_o right_a conception_n and_o apprehension_n concern_v he_o and_o in_o a_o due_a reverence_n and_o observance_n of_o he_o and_o in_o a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o he_o have_v imprint_v upon_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o obedience_n consist_v in_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o a_o endeavour_n to_o be_v like_o he_o for_o suppose_v god_n to_o have_v make_v no_o external_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o know_v his_o will_n but_o by_o consider_v his_o nature_n and_o our_o own_o and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o that_o resemble_v god_n most_o be_v like_a to_o understand_v he_o best_o because_o he_o find_v those_o perfection_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o contemplate_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o nothing_o give_v a_o man_n so_o sure_a a_o notion_n of_o thing_n as_o practice_n and_o experience_n every_o good_a man_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o feel_v that_o in_o himself_o which_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v in_o god_n so_o that_o this_o man_n do_v experience_n what_o other_o do_v but_o talk_v of_o he_o see_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o and_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v of_o he_o from_o a_o inward_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o as_o
god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v over_o the_o abominable_a heathen_a to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n god_n give_v they_o over_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o injudicious_a and_o undiscerning_a mind_n when_o man_n abandon_v themselves_o to_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n god_n withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o by_o his_o secret_a and_o just_a judgement_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o faculty_n of_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o good_a and_o evil._n 2_o thes_n 2._o 10_o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v come_v with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n will_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n that_o man_n of_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o practice_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o cheat_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o vile_a impostor_n god_n providence_n be_v concern_v for_o man_n of_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_a intention_n but_o if_o man_n take_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n god_n take_v no_o further_a care_n of_o they_o but_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o be_v seduce_v into_o all_o those_o error_n into_o which_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v apt_a to_o lead_v they_o thus_o have_v i_o endeavour_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o show_v that_o a_o honest_a mind_n that_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n both_o because_o it_o dispose_v a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o because_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v for_o the_o security_n of_o such_o person_n there_o remain_v â—an_v objection_n to_o be_v answer_v to_o which_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v liable_a but_o this_o together_o with_o the_o inference_n which_o may_v be_v make_v from_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o john_n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o i_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n the_o last_o day_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a security_n and_o preservative_n against_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o now_o there_o be_v i_o tell_v you_o two_o great_a mistake_v in_o religion_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o be_v from_o god_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o from_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o propose_v from_o this_o text_n to_o show_v how_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v a_o security_n to_o man_n against_o both_o these_o danger_n namely_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n i._o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n he_o that_o resemble_v god_n most_o be_v like_a to_o understand_v he_o best_o because_o he_o find_v those_o perfection_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o contemplate_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o nothing_o give_v a_o man_n so_o sure_a a_o notion_n of_o thing_n as_o practice_n and_o experience_n ii_o because_o such_o a_o person_n be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o therefore_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v it_o and_o to_o discern_v it_o from_o error_n that_o man_n only_o stand_v fair_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o no_o vice_n or_o lust_n because_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o corrupt_v or_o bribe_v he_o to_o seduce_v he_o and_o draw_v he_o aside_o in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n he_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o concernment_n that_o the_o contrary_a proposition_n shall_v be_v true_a have_v the_o indifferency_n of_o a_o traveller_n and_o no_o other_o interest_n but_o to_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v biased_a by_o any_o lust_n and_o addict_v to_o any_o vicious_a practice_n he_o be_v then_o a_o interest_v person_n and_o concern_v to_o make_v a_o partial_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v under_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o infidelity_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o because_o whatever_o the_o evidence_n for_o they_o be_v he_o can_v but_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o inclination_n and_o interest_n second_o another_o reason_n why_o they_o who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v a_o great_a security_n in_o discern_a truth_n from_o error_n be_v because_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o preserve_v such_o person_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n when_o man_n be_v of_o a_o teachable_a temper_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o obedient_a frame_n of_o mind_n god_n love_v to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o they_o psal_n 25._o 9_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n the_o proper_a disposition_n of_o a_o scholar_n be_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v and_o that_o which_o in_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v be_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o for_o practice_n be_v the_o end_n of_o knowledge_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v only_o happy_a in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n his_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v take_v effectual_a care_n to_o secure_v such_o a_o one_o against_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a error_n he_o that_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o know_v it_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o remain_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o to_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o in_o any_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o remove_v a_o objection_n to_o which_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v liable_a and_o then_o draw_v some_o inferâ—nces_n from_o the_o whole_a after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v some_o perhaps_o may_v ask_v be_v every_o good_a man_n then_o secure_a from_o all_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a privilege_n indeed_o but_o do_v not_o we_o find_v the_o contrary_a in_o experience_n that_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o a_o weak_a head_n do_v often_o meet_v together_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n that_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v secure_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o religion_n this_o probity_n of_o mind_n and_o sincere_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o do_v it_o because_o such_o a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n give_v a_o man_n the_o best_a advantage_n to_o discern_v betwixt_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o god_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o such_o person_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o this_o because_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n notwithstanding_o a_o great_a many_o mistake_v in_o religion_n about_o thing_n not_o necessary_a for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o
revelation_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o write_a law_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_o assist_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o great_a error_n they_o fall_v into_o in_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n and_o in_o their_o reject_v and_o crucify_a the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o apostle_n and_o first_o teacher_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v immediate_o inspire_v and_o miraculous_o assist_v in_o the_o publish_v of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o for_o the_o speedy_a and_o more_o effectual_a propagate_a and_o plant_v of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v against_o it_o and_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n that_o be_v make_v to_o it_o but_o when_o this_o be_v do_v this_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n cease_v and_o god_n leave_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v preserve_v and_o continue_v by_o more_o humane_a and_o ordinary_a way_n the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v for_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o all_o age_n and_o a_o order_n of_o man_n appoint_v to_o instruct_v people_n in_o those_o doctrine_n with_o a_o promise_n to_o secure_v both_o teacher_n and_o people_n that_o sincere_o desiâ—e_v to_o know_v and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n from_o all_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v about_o thing_n necessary_a to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o be_v a_o provision_n more_o likely_a to_o be_v make_v by_o god_n and_o better_o suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n than_o the_o perpetual_a and_o needless_a miracle_n of_o a_o inspire_a or_o any_o otherwise_o infallible_a church_n three_o this_o way_n be_v likewise_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n the_o design_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n be_v to_o secure_v all_o that_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o against_o all_o possibility_n of_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n the_o question_n now_o be_v not_o whether_o a_o infallible_a church_n will_v do_v this_o but_o whether_o that_o church_n which_o arrogate_v infallibility_n to_o itself_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o do_v this_o and_o if_o they_o can_v do_v it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n for_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o religious_a action_n will_v be_v no_o virtue_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a a_o true_a and_o right_a belief_n can_v be_v no_o virtue_n where_o a_o man_n be_v infallible_o secure_v against_o error_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o virtuous_a and_o criminal_a action_n and_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o crime_n or_o fault_n in_o do_v what_o a_o man_n can_v help_v so_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v any_o virtue_n all_o virtuous_a action_n be_v matter_n of_o praise_n and_o commendation_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o any_o man_n because_o it_o deserve_v no_o commendation_n to_o believe_v and_o own_o that_o the_o sun_n shine_v at_o noonday_n when_o he_o see_v it_o do_v so_o no_o more_o will_v it_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o any_o man_n and_o deserve_v praise_n to_o believe_v aright_o who_o be_v in_o a_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v infallible_o secure_v against_o all_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o the_o do_v of_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o virtue_n god_n have_v so_o frame_v religion_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o as_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a security_n to_o man_n of_o honest_a mind_n and_o teachable_a temper_n against_o all_o fatal_a and_o final_a mistake_v concern_v thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o not_o so_o that_o every_o man_n that_o be_v of_o such_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v infallible_o secure_v against_o all_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o on_o purpose_n to_o try_v the_o virtue_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v for_o truth_n and_o when_o it_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n though_o not_o by_o a_o infallible_a hand_n they_o will_v receive_v it_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v four_o this_o be_v as_o much_o security_n against_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o god_n have_v provide_v against_o sin_n and_o vice_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o since_o a_o right_a belief_n be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o a_o good_a life_n a_o man_n will_v be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o give_v a_o wise_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v take_v great_a care_n for_o the_o infallible_a security_n of_o man_n faith_n than_o of_o their_o obedience_n the_o reason_n pretend_v why_o god_n shall_v make_v such_o infallible_a provision_n for_o a_o right_a faith_n be_v for_o the_o better_a security_n of_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n and_o happiness_n now_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v a_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a influence_n upon_o that_o than_o the_o most_o orthodox_n belief_n the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n i._n e_fw-la of_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v charity_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o which_o main_o avail_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n be_v a_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o charity_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o say_v our_o bless_a lord_n i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o again_o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n i._n e._n make_v profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o again_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o and_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n virtue_n and_o godliness_n and_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n that_o so_o a_o abundant_a entrance_n may_v be_v minister_v to_o they_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o main_a stress_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v there_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o god_n shall_v provide_v for_o the_o infallible_a security_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v much_o strong_a why_o a_o equal_a provision_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o secure_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o life_n because_o without_o this_o faith_n can_v infallible_o attain_v its_o end_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o it_o be_v grant_v god_n have_v not_o do_v and_o experience_n show_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v do_v the_o other_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o in_o both_o kind_n he_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o the_o rest_n he_o have_v leave_v to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o endeavour_n expect_v that_o we_o on_o our_o part_n shall_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o if_o god_n have_v make_v such_o provision_n by_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o that_o enjoy_v the_o light_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o that_o none_o can_v miscarry_v without_o their_o own_o fault_n then_o both_o his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n be_v sufficient_o acquit_v without_o a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o irreverent_a way_n of_o argue_v in_o the_o canon_n law_n may_v well_o have_v be_v spare_v that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o religion_n aliter_fw-la dominus_fw-la non_fw-la videretur_fw-la fuisse_fw-la discretus_fw-la otherwise_o god_n will_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v order_v matter_n discreet_o but_o what_o infallible_a security_n soever_o they_o have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v certain_o the_o worst_a provide_v of_o wholesome_a and_o safe_a direction_n for_o the_o conscience_n and_o life_n of_o man_n of_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n no_o religion_n that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v such_o lewd_a and_o scandalous_a casuist_n witness_v the_o moral_a divinity_n of_o the_o jesuit_n which_o have_v be_v so_o expose_v to_o the_o world_n not_o only_o by_o those_o
of_o it_o nay_o i_o will_v go_v far_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o promise_v make_v in_o scripture_n of_o direction_n or_o assistance_n or_o security_n from_o mistake_n to_o any_o church_n but_o the_o same_o be_v make_v in_o as_o full_a and_o express_a term_n to_o every_o good_a man_n that_o sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o practice_v it_o be_v it_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o pastor_n of_o it_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o have_v not_o our_o saviour_n promise_v the_o same_o to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o word_n john_n 14._o 23._o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n apply_v the_o same_o promise_n to_o every_o good_a christian_a heb._n 13._o 5._o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o for_o where_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o and_o i_o will_v make_v my_o abode_n with_o he_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o be_v it_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v she_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o promise_v make_v to_o every_o good_a man_n john_n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o will_v manifest_v myself_o to_o he_o that_o be_v god_n will_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n have_v god_n promise_v to_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n use_v the_o same_o metaphor_n concern_v every_o man_n that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n mat._n 7._o 24._o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o be_v like_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n so_o that_o if_o to_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n signify_v infallibility_n it_o belong_v to_o every_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o practise_v what_o he_o know_v as_o much_o as_o to_o any_o church_n when_o man_n be_v enable_v by_o god_n to_o work_v miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o those_o doctrine_n but_o without_o this_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o person_n or_o church_n to_o pretend_v to_o it_o because_o they_o offer_v no_o evidence_n â—it_a to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o they_o be_v so_o assist_v and_o i_o do_v not_o hear_v that_o the_o pope_n among_o all_o his_o privilege_n do_v pretend_v to_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n second_o from_o hence_o likewise_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o error_n and_o infidelity_n in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o infidel_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o of_o his_o will_n it_o be_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o god_n but_o because_o man_n interest_n and_o lust_n make_v they_o partial_a and_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o recommend_v it_o to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o conscience_n so_o that_o as_o st._n paul_n argue_v if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o if_o man_n do_v but_o stand_v indifferent_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o sway_v by_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o lust_n or_o passion_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o man_n that_o have_v the_o gospel_n fair_o propose_v to_o he_o will_v continue_v a_o infidel_n if_o man_n do_v but_o true_o live_v up_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n they_o will_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v so_o suitable_a thereto_o be_v from_o god_n three_o and_o last_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n do_v we_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v mistake_v about_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n let_v we_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o do_v his_o will._n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o their_o vicious_a practice_n the_o best_a way_n certain_o to_o preserve_v a_o right_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o take_v great_a care_n of_o a_o good_a life_n god_n goodness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o man_n judgement_n to_o be_v betray_v into_o a_o damnable_a error_n without_o some_o vice_n and_o fault_n of_o his_o will._n the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v bear_v with_o we_o and_o imprint_v upon_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o nor_o need_v to_o be_v mistake_v about_o they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o accompany_v they_o with_o so_o much_o evidence_n that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n may_v easy_o discern_v they_o from_o error_n and_o imposture_n so_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o see_v any_o oppose_v the_o clear_a truth_n or_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o to_o embrace_v gross_a error_n and_o delusion_n we_o may_v almost_o certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v some_o worldly_a interest_n or_o lust_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o so_o our_o saviour_n have_v likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n be_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o st._n peter_n exhortation_n the_o 2_o d_o of_o pet._n 3._o 17_o 18._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o luke_n xii_o 15._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v among_o all_o the_o irregular_a appetite_n of_o man_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v more_o common_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o of_o a_o more_o universal_a bad_a influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n than_o this_o of_o covetousness_n and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v of_o this_o vice_n i_o shall_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o a_o great_a many_o other_o even_o of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n truth_n and_o religion_n of_o which_o covetousness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o common_a cause_n so_o that_o if_o i_o can_v contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o this_o great_a distemper_n of_o man_n mind_n i_o shall_v in_o so_o do_v remove_n that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o his_o hearer_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v in_o which_o word_n be_v these_o threâ—_n thing_n observable_a first_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o caution_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v he_o double_v it_o to_o show_v the_o great_a need_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o caution_n or_o the_o vice_n which_o our_o
abomination_n to_o he_o and_o his_o soul_n hate_v they_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n be_v less_o considerable_a than_o the_o substantial_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o religion_n of_o less_o consideration_n than_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o aught_o always_o to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o moral_a duty_n of_o religion_n comprehend_v under_o the_o two_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n because_o they_o be_v of_o eternal_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o matter_n of_o mere_a positive_a institution_n and_o where_o they_o can_v stand_v togother_n that_o which_o be_v positive_a aught_o to_o be_v set_v aside_o and_o to_o give_v way_n for_o the_o present_a to_o that_o which_o be_v moral_a and_o good_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v command_v and_o enjoin_v for_o in_o this_o case_n god_n have_v express_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n upon_o which_o ground_n our_o saviour_n declare_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o work_n of_o mercy_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n peace_n and_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v value_v above_o matter_n of_o nicety_n and_o scruple_n of_o doubtful_a dispute_n and_o controversy_n because_o the_o former_a be_v unquestionable_o good_a the_o latter_a doubtful_o and_o uncertain_o so_o all_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o make_v a_o man_n sincere_o and_o wise_o religious_a for_o man_n may_v keep_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o some_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o diligent_a zealous_a and_o earnest_a about_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o yet_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o it_o and_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o inward_a and_o real_a and_o substantial_a righteousness_n which_o alone_o can_v qualify_v we_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o five_o and_o last_o direction_n i_o will_v give_v be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v a_o particular_a regard_n to_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o charity_n or_o almsgiving_n this_o be_v very_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v righteousness_n as_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerty_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n particular_o direct_v to_o as_o the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luke_n 12._o 33._o after_o this_o general_a exhortation_n to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o instance_v in_o charity_n as_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o it_o give_v alm_n provide_v for_o yourselves_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 and_o elsewhere_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o this_o grace_n and_o virtue_n as_o that_o which_o above_o all_o other_o will_v make_v way_n for_o our_o admission_n into_o heaven_n luke_n 16._o 9_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o make_v to_o yourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o you_o fail_v they_o may_v receive_v you_o or_o you_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o everlasting_a habitation_n and_o st._n paul_n call_v it_o lay_v in_o store_n for_o ourselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v better_o be_v render_v in_o this_o place_n a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o we_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 19_o st._n james_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o main_a and_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a and_o sincere_a piety_n jam._n 1._o 27._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 final_o our_o lord_n instance_v in_o this_o as_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o will_v admit_v we_o into_o or_o shut_v we_o out_o of_o heaven_n by_o the_o performance_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v absolve_v and_o for_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n mat._n 25._o so_o that_o this_o part_n of_o righteousness_n or_o religion_n ought_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o because_o upon_o the_o performance_n or_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n our_o eternal_a happiness_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n only_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o which_o be_v to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o mind_v of_o this_o great_a interest_n and_o concernment_n but_o this_o will_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o matth_n vi_o 33._o but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o these_o word_n which_o i_o begin_v to_o discourse_n upon_o the_o last_o day_n be_v a_o strict_a charge_n and_o command_v to_o all_o christian_n to_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o to_o take_v all_o imaginable_a care_n to_o secure_v the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o which_o argument_n first_o i_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n second_o i_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v these_o and_o what_o by_o seek_v they_o first_o three_o i_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n for_o our_o direction_n and_o furtherance_n in_o this_o great_a business_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o in_o the_o 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a_o kingdom_n and_o what_o will_v not_o man_n do_v to_o obtain_v that_o what_o pain_n will_v they_o not_o take_v what_o hazard_n will_v they_o not_o run_v what_o difficulty_n will_v they_o not_o grapple_v with_o and_o break_v through_o if_o they_o can_v to_o come_v at_o a_o kingdom_n which_o when_o they_o have_v obtain_v they_o be_v expose_v to_o as_o many_o and_o common_o to_o more_o care_n and_o fear_n to_o great_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n in_o the_o keep_n than_o they_o be_v for_o the_o get_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o man_n will_v do_v for_o a_o corruptible_a crown_n for_o one_o of_o the_o petty_a kingdom_n and_o principality_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v continual_o totter_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v overturn_v by_o open_a violence_n or_o to_o be_v undermine_v by_o secret_a treachery_n but_o the_o kingdom_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o and_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o seek_v after_o be_v not_o like_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n and_o of_o this_o world_n 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the_o lawful_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n as_o he_o that_o make_v it_o his_o only_a design_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o this_o world_n nay_o as_o to_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n and_o a_o competency_n of_o outward_a thing_n he_o have_v a_o much_o great_a and_o better_a security_n from_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n than_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v by_o all_o their_o care_n and_o pain_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o mind_v these_o thing_n only_o as_o accessory_n that_o if_o he_o miss_v of_o they_o he_o have_v something_o better_a to_o support_v he_o in_o the_o want_n of_o they_o be_v secure_a of_o a_o happiness_n which_o this_o world_n can_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v from_o he_o but_o now_o the_o worldly_a man_n if_o he_o be_v defeat_v in_o his_o design_n be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a because_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o comfort_v he_o nothing_o else_o to_o trust_v to_o he_o fail_v of_o his_o hope_n as_o to_o this_o world_n and_o have_v do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o make_v his_o case_n desperate_a as_o to_o the_o other_o upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n and_o encouragement_n you_o see_v how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o life_n our_o great_a care_n and_o business_n and_o yet_o how_o be_v these_o neglect_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o the_o best_a of_o we_o god_n know_v not_o mind_v as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o they_o deserve_v what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o in_o excuse_n of_o so_o intolerable_a a_o folly_n there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o man_n common_o prâ—tend_v if_o not_o in_o justification_n yet_o in_o mitigation_n and_o excuse_n of_o this_o great_a neglect_n first_o they_o pretend_v great_a difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n this_o i_o have_v already_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a so_o far_o 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set_v upon_o it_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o difficulty_n but_o buckle_v to_o it_o and_o grapple_v with_o it_o be_v religion_n difficult_a and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o that_o be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o law_n a_o difficult_a and_o crabbed_a study_n do_v it_o not_o require_v great_a labour_n and_o perpetual_a drudge_a to_o excel_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v master_n of_o any_o art_n or_o profession_n in_o a_o word_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n worthy_a the_o have_v that_o be_v to_o be_v get_v without_o pain_n and_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n the_o only_a slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o care_n and_o industry_n be_v it_o fit_a that_o so_o great_a a_o good_a shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o faint_a and_o idle_a wish_n to_o the_o cheap_a and_o lazy_a endeavour_n of_o slothful_a man_n for_o what_o reason_n nay_o with_o what_o conscience_n can_v we_o bid_v less_o for_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n than_o man_n be_v content_v to_o give_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n thing_n of_o no_o value_n in_o comparison_n not_o worthy_a the_o toil_a for_o not_o sure_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o all_o our_o endeavour_n thing_n which_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o which_o when_o we_o have_v they_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deprive_v of_o by_o a_o thousand_o accident_n one_o fit_a of_o a_o fever_n may_v shatter_v our_o understanding_n and_o confound_v all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o turn_v we_o into_o fool_n and_o idiot_n a_o inundation_n or_o a_o fire_n may_v sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v our_o estate_n a_o succession_n of_o calamity_n may_v in_o a_o few_o hour_n make_v the_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n as_o poor_a as_o job_n and_o set_v he_o upon_o a_o dunghill_n but_o be_v the_o difficulty_n what_o it_o will_v of_o attain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n they_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v at_o any_o rate_n because_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o we_o miserable_a and_o undo_v if_o we_o have_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o dissemble_v in_o the_o matter_n the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v considerable_a but_o then_o they_o be_v much_o great_a aâ—_n first_o and_o will_v every_o day_n abate_v and_o grow_v less_o and_o the_o work_n by_o degree_n will_v become_v eaâ—â—e_n and_o turn_v into_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n a_o pleasure_n so_o great_a as_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o will_v not_o exchange_v it_o for_o all_o the_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n second_o other_o pretend_v want_n of_o time_n for_o the_o mind_v of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o all_o person_n have_v not_o equal_a leisure_n for_o this_o purpose_n some_o be_v much_o more_o straighten_a than_o other_o and_o more_o take_v up_o with_o the_o necessary_a care_n of_o this_o life_n but_o god_n have_v put_v no_o man_n upon_o this_o hard_a necessity_n that_o for_o want_v of_o time_n he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o neglect_v his_o body_n and_o his_o health_n his_o family_n and_o estate_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o yet_o if_o any_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o distress_n it_o be_v well_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o secure_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o neglect_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o those_o who_o be_v most_o straighten_a for_o time_n have_v so_o much_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o require_v time_n but_o resolution_n and_o care_n not_o to_o commit_v sin_n not_o to_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v intemperate_a to_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o do_v not_o spend_v time_n but_o save_v it_o for_o better_a purpose_n so_o that_o every_o man_n have_v time_n not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o for_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o in_o the_o external_n act_v of_o religion_n no_o man_n be_v so_o distress_v but_o he_o have_v time_n to_o think_v of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n time_n to_o love_n god_n to_o esteem_v he_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o a_o man_n may_v do_v very_o frequent_o and_o very_o acceptable_o while_o he_o be_v labour_v and_o travel_v about_o his_o worldly_a affair_n while_o his_o hand_n be_v upon_o the_o blow_n his_o heart_n may_v be_v with_o god_n and_o while_o he_o converse_v here_o upon_o earth_n his_o thought_n and_o affection_n may_v be_v in_o
it_o too_o well_o to_o part_v with_o it_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o which_o always_o prove_v bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n and_o for_o the_o little_a sweetness_n which_o they_o yield_v leave_v a_o terrible_a sting_n behind_o they_o thus_o have_v i_o brief_o represent_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v of_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o of_o a_o vast_a influence_n and_o extent_n it_o reach_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n the_o happiness_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o to_o our_o whole_a duration_n the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o for_o godliness_n that_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o piety_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o now_o where_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o full_a compass_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v such_o real_a effect_n as_o do_v in_o any_o measure_n bear_v a_o proportion_n to_o 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be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v good_a nature_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v without_o be_v often_o betray_v into_o some_o weakness_n and_o sinful_a compliance_n especial_o in_o the_o bad_a company_n of_o our_o better_n how_o next_o to_o impossible_a be_v it_o to_o be_v strict_a and_o severe_a in_o our_o life_n without_o be_v sour_a to_o govern_v our_o life_n with_o that_o perpetual_a caution_n and_o to_o maintain_v that_o evenness_n of_o temper_n as_o not_o to_o be_v sometime_o peevish_a and_o passionate_a and_o when_o we_o be_v so_o not_o to_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v with_o jonah_n we_o do_v well_o to_o be_v angry_a there_o be_v two_o precept_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o nice_a of_o all_o other_o and_o hard_a to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n one_o be_v that_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o innocent_a as_o dove_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o hit_v upon_o the_o just_a temper_n of_o wisdom_n and_o innocency_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o hurt_v no_o body_n to_o be_v innocent_a without_o be_v silly_a the_o other_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v angry_a and_o sin_v not_o how_o difficult_a be_v this_o never_o to_o be_v angry_a but_o upon_o just_a cause_n and_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o anger_n be_v just_a not_o to_o be_v transport_v beyond_o due_a bound_n either_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o anger_n or_o as_o to_o the_o duration_n and_o continuance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v so_o very_o nice_a a_o matter_n that_o one_o will_v be_v almost_o tempt_v to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v in_o effect_n a_o prohibition_n of_o anger_n in_o any_o case_n be_v you_o angry_a and_o sin_v not_o be_v you_o so_o if_o you_o can_v without_o sin_n i_o believe_v whosoever_o observe_v it_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o suppress_v this_o passion_n at_o any_o time_n as_o to_o give_v way_n to_o it_o without_o offend_v in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o but_o to_o proceed_v how_o hard_o a_o matter_n be_v it_o to_o be_v much_o in_o company_n and_o free_a in_o conversation_n and_o not_o to_o be_v infect_v by_o it_o to_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o wicked_a world_n and_o yet_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a from_o the_o vice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v temperate_a in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n please_v so_o as_o neither_o to_o injure_v our_o health_n nor_o to_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n nor_o to_o offend_v against_o conscience_n to_o fast_o often_o without_o be_v conceit_v of_o it_o and_o bargain_v as_o it_o be_v with_o god_n for_o some_o great_a liberty_n in_o another_o kind_n and_o without_o censure_v those_o who_o do_v not_o tie_v up_o themselves_o to_o our_o strict_a rule_n either_o of_o piety_n or_o abstinence_n when_o perhaps_o they_o have_v neither_o the_o same_o opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o nor_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o that_o we_o have_v nay_o perhaps_o have_v a_o much_o better_a reason_n for_o not_o do_v just_a as_o we_o do_v for_o no_o man_n be_v to_o prescribe_v to_o other_o his_o own_o private_a method_n either_o of_o fast_v or_o of_o devotion_n as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o his_o example_n a_o kind_n of_o proclamation_n enjoin_v all_o his_o neighbour_n the_o same_o day_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n which_o he_o himself_o for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o think_v fit_a to_o observe_v and_o then_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o be_v cheerful_a without_o be_v vain_a and_o grave_a and_o serious_a without_o be_v morose_n to_o be_v useful_a and_o instructive_a to_o other_o in_o our_o conversation_n and_o discourse_n without_o assume_v too_o much_o authority_n to_o ourselves_o which_o be_v not_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o do_v good_a to_o other_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o have_v rather_o take_v a_o hint_n and_o intimation_n from_o another_o to_o advise_v himself_o and_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o imitate_v the_o silent_a good_a example_n which_o they_o see_v in_o another_o than_o to_o have_v either_o his_o advice_n or_o his_o example_n impose_v upon_o they_o how_o difficult_a be_v it_o to_o have_v a_o mind_n equal_a to_o every_o condition_n and_o to_o be_v content_a with_o mean_a and_o moderate_a thing_n to_o be_v patient_n in_o adversity_n and_o humble_a in_o prosperity_n and_o meek_a upon_o sudden_a and_o violent_a provocation_n to_o keep_v our_o passion_n free_a from_o get_v head_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o zeal_n from_o out-running_a our_o knowledge_n to_o have_v a_o will_v perfect_o submit_v and_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o when_o it_o lie_v cross_a and_o thwart_a to_o we_o so_o that_o whatever_o please_v god_n shall_v please_v we_o to_o be_v resolute_a when_o our_o duty_n happen_v to_o be_v difficult_a and_o dangerous_a or_o even_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n though_o it_o certain_o be_v so_o which_o be_v very_o inconvenient_a for_o we_o to_o do_v to_o hold_v out_o and_o be_v unwearied_a in_o well-doing_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v our_o life_n and_o yet_o upon_o a_o great_a occasion_n and_o whenever_o god_n call_v for_o they_o to_o be_v content_a to_o lay_v they_o down_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o innocent_a man_n in_o understanding_n and_o yet_o in_o malice_n child_n to_o have_v many_o great_a virtue_n and_o not_o to_o want_v that_o which_o give_v the_o great_a lustre_n to_o they_o all_o i_o mean_v real_a and_o unaffected_a modesty_n and_o humility_n in_o short_a how_o difficult_a be_v it_o to_o have_v regard_n to_o â—ll_a god_n commandment_n and_o to_o hate_v every_o evil_a and_o false_a way_n to_o have_v our_o duty_n continual_o in_o our_o eye_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n upon_o every_o proper_a occasion_n to_o have_v god_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n always_o before_o we_o present_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o operative_a upon_o our_o practice_n to_o live_v as_o those_o that_o know_v they_o must_v die_v and_o to_o have_v our_o thought_n perpetual_o awake_a and_o intent_n upon_o the_o great_a and_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n these_o be_v great_a thing_n indeed_o easy_a to_o be_v talk_v of_o but_o hard_o to_o be_v do_v nay_o not_o to_o be_v do_v at_o all_o without_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o the_o continual_a aid_n and_o supply_n of_o his_o grace_n not_o without_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n on_o our_o part_n a_o vigorous_a resistance_n of_o temptation_n and_o many_o a_o sore_a conflict_n with_o our_o own_o perverse_a will_n and_o sensual_a inclination_n not_o without_o a_o perpetual_a guard_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o our_o life_n and_o our_o unruly_a appetite_n and_o passion_n little_o do_v
unexperienced_a man_n and_o those_o who_o have_v take_v no_o great_a pain_n with_o themselves_o imagine_v what_o thought_n and_o consideration_n what_o care_n and_o attention_n what_o resolution_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n what_o diligence_n and_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o true_o good_a man_n such_o a_o one_o as_o st._n paul_n describe_v that_o be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a and_o want_v nothing_o that_o follow_v god_n full_o and_o fulfil_v every_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n who_o be_v there_o among_o we_o that_o be_v either_o wise_a enough_o for_o his_o own_o direction_n or_o good_a enough_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o know_v his_o duty_n and_o to_o do_v it_o as_o to_o have_v both_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will_v to_o do_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o he_o ought_v after_o our_o best_a care_n and_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n the_o most_o of_o we_o will_v still_o find_v a_o great_a many_o defect_n in_o our_o life_n and_o can_v but_o discern_v great_a and_o manifold_a imperfection_n in_o our_o very_a best_a duty_n and_o service_n insomuch_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o make_v the_o same_o acknowledgement_n concern_v they_o which_o solomon_n do_v concern_v the_o imperfection_n of_o all_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n that_o which_o be_v crooked_a can_v be_v make_v straight_o and_o that_o which_o be_v want_v can_v be_v number_v and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o reason_n to_o say_v not_o only_o that_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v but_o have_v cause_n likewise_o with_o great_a shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o have_v be_v in_o many_o respect_v wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n and_o so_o very_o far_o from_o have_v do_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o good_a which_o the_o most_o of_o we_o have_v do_v be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o good_a which_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o instance_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v work_v more_o than_o enough_o for_o the_o best_a and_o great_a mind_n for_o the_o long_a and_o best_a order_v life_n the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o broad_a and_o a_o obedience_n in_o any_o good_a measure_n equal_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o extreme_o difficult_a and_o after_o all_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n say_v with_o tear_n to_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n mar._n 9_o 24._o so_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v say_v and_o say_v it_o with_o tear_n too_o concern_v every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n wherein_o they_o excel_v most_o lord_n i_o aspire_v i_o endeavour_v after_o it_o be_v thou_o please_v to_o assist_v my_o weakness_n and_o to_o help_v i_o by_o thy_o grace_n continual_o to_o do_v better_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o if_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v our_o best_a and_o make_v it_o the_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o our_o life_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o shall_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o for_o god_n value_v this_o more_o than_o whole_a burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n more_o than_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oâ—l_n because_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n and_o strength_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o duty_n comprehend_v in_o these_o two_o great_a commandment_n sincere_o practise_v by_o we_o though_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o imperfection_n will_v certain_o be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a bless_a be_v they_o say_v st._n john_n very_o plain_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o obscure_a book_n of_o his_o revelation_n bless_v be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n rev._n 22._o 14._o i_o speak_v now_o to_o a_o great_a many_o who_o be_v at_o the_o upper_a end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o command_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o but_o the_o time_n be_v come_v and_o whether_o we_o think_v of_o it_o or_o not_o be_v very_o near_o at_o hand_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v desirable_a upon_o earth_n and_o upon_o which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o value_v themselves_o so_o much_o in_o this_o world_n and_o then_o nothing_o but_o religion_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n and_o yield_v true_a comfort_n to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n how_o shall_v we_o then_o wish_v that_o we_o have_v make_v religion_n the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o life_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n have_v exercise_v repentance_n and_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o another_o world_n that_o after_o our_o departure_n hence_o we_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n where_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o let_v no_o man_n therefore_o of_o what_o rank_n or_o condition_n soever_o he_o be_v in_o this_o world_n think_v himself_o too_o great_a to_o be_v good_a and_o too_o wise_a to_o be_v religious_a and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o immortal_a soul_n and_o his_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n since_o nothing_o but_o this_o will_v approve_v itself_o it_o to_o be_v true_a wisdom_n at_o the_o last_o all_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v a_o end_n with_o this_o life_n but_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a extent_n and_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o whole_a duration_n and_o after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o life_n be_v end_v will_v put_v we_o into_o the_o secure_a possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n which_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o those_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v â—e_n if_o you_o do_v they_o which_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o eternal_a spring_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v all_o know_v and_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jefus_fw-la christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o 2_o peter_n i_o 4._o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o connection_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o foâ—mer_n be_v somewhat_o obscure_a but_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o say_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n have_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n that_o be_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o advantage_n which_o conduce_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a in_o the_o next_o life_n and_o religious_a in_o this_o and_o than_o it_o follow_v whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o â—s_n exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n whereâ—â—_n this_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o forego_n verse_n as_o if_o it_o have_v beeâ—â—â—id_v christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v to_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o all_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o good_a or_o else_o life_n and_o godliness_n be_v by_o a_o hebraism_n frequent_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n put_v for_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o then_o among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o conduce_v to_o a_o godly_a life_n the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v so_o direct_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o promise_v here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n second_o the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o
a_o divine_a nature_n first_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o promise_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n and_o because_o the_o chief_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v here_o intend_v i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o this_o text_n to_o handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v frequent_o discourse_v of_o in_o divinity_n but_o not_o always_o so_o clear_o state_v and_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o take_v into_o consideration_n these_o four_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o promise_n be_v which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o promise_v 2._o why_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o great_a and_o precious_a exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n 3._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o tenor_n of_o these_o promise_n 4._o when_o man_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o may_v apply_v they_o to_o themselves_o these_o four_o head_n will_v comprehend_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o argument_n 1._o what_o the_o promise_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o promise_v and_o no_o doubt_n the_o apostle_n here_o intend_v those_o great_a and_o excellent_a promise_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o this_o enquiry_n we_o need_v only_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o principal_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v these_o three_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o free_a pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 2._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v our_o obedience_n 3._o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o reward_v it_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o gospel_n have_v make_v full_a and_o clear_a promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o will_v forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o amend_v our_o wicked_a life_n all_o that_o be_v past_a shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o and_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o this_o end_n to_o obtain_v for_o we_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n give_v man_n good_a hope_n that_o upon_o their_o repentance_n god_n will_v forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n from_o they_o but_o mankind_n be_v doubtful_a of_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o use_v expiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o appease_v the_o offend_a deity_n the_o jewish_a religion_n allow_v of_o no_o expiation_n but_o for_o legal_a impurity_n and_o involuntary_a transgression_n such_o as_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertency_n but_o not_o for_o sin_n of_o presumption_n and_o such_o as_o be_v commit_v with_o a_o bigh_a hand_n if_o man_n sin_v wilful_o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n appoint_v by_o the_o law_n for_o such_o sin_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n justify_v we_o from_o the_o great_a sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o sincere_a repentance_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o jew_n act_n 13._o 38_o 39_o be_v it_o know_v â—nto_o you_o therefore_o man_n and_o brethren_n that_o through_o this_o man_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v no_o general_a promise_n of_o pardon_n nor_o way_n of_o expiation_n under_o the_o law_n perfect_a remission_n of_o sin_n be_v clear_o reveal_v and_o ascertain_v to_o we_o only_o by_o the_o gospel_n 2._o another_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v our_o obedience_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n which_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v expect_v namely_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a power_n whereby_o they_o be_v qualify_v to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o give_v confirmation_n to_o it_o but_o now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v propagate_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a end_n and_o use_v of_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v cease_v but_o yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v still_o concur_v with_o the_o gospel_n and_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o excite_v and_o assist_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o though_o this_o operation_n be_v very_o secret_a so_o as_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v very_o sensible_a and_o this_o influence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n this_o proposition_n be_v universal_o true_a and_o in_o all_o age_n and_o time_n if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o now_o work_v upon_o man_n in_o that_o sudden_a and_o sensible_a manner_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n because_o then_o man_n be_v strong_o possess_v with_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o other_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o and_o therefore_o as_o more_o outward_a mean_n of_o conviction_n be_v then_o necessary_a so_o likewise_o a_o more_o powerful_a internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o conquer_v and_o bear_v down_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o subdue_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n but_o now_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o goodness_n be_v more_o gradual_o instill_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o gentle_a degree_n of_o pious_a instruction_n and_o education_n and_o with_o these_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n concur_v in_o a_o more_o humane_a way_n which_o be_v more_o suit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o men._n so_o that_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v now_o make_v good_a to_o we_o as_o the_o necessity_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o present_a state_n do_v require_v god_n do_v not_o use_v such_o extraordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o effect_n which_o may_v be_v accomplish_v in_o a_o more_o ordinary_a way_n the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v still_o necessary_a to_o man_n to_o incline_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o not_o in_o that_o manner_n and_o degree_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a at_o first_o because_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n be_v not_o now_o so_o great_a and_o many_o of_o those_o advantage_n which_o be_v necessary_o want_v at_o first_o be_v now_o supply_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a now_o to_o expect_v the_o same_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n 3._o there_o be_v likewise_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o reward_n and_o crown_v our_o obedience_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o as_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o job_n 2._o 25._o this_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v prefer_v before_o the_o old_a covenant_n of_o the_o law_n because_o it_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n all_o the_o special_a and_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o law_n be_v of_o temporal_a good_a thing_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a encouragement_n that_o be_v give_v to_o obedience_n under_o that_o imimperfect_a dispensation_n but_o now_o godliness_n have_v not_o only_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o the_o gospel_n have_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o a_o happy_a state_n of_o immortality_n after_o this_o life_n of_o which_o man_n have_v but_o very_o obscure_a and_o doubtful_a apprehension_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 10._o that_o it_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a by_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n jâ—sus_n christ_n who_o have_v abâ—lisbed_v death_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n
genuine_a sense_n of_o this_o expression_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n will_n and_o the_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v appoint_v to_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n shall_v demean_v themselves_o so_o and_o so_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v those_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o call_v to_o suffer_v and_o this_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o like_a expression_n chap._n 3._o of_o this_o epist_n ver_fw-la 17._o for_o it_o be_v better_a if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o that_o be_v if_o god_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o and_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n than_o for_o evil-doing_a second_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n as_o to_o a_o faithful_a creator_n that_o be_v to_o deposit_v our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o a_o word_n ourselves_o into_o the_o hand_n and_o custody_n of_o his_o merciful_a care_n and_o providence_n who_o make_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o will_v faithful_o keep_v what_o we_o commit_v to_o he_o for_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n he_o be_v engage_v to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o will_v not_o abandon_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v for_o good_a man_n to_o support_v they_o in_o their_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o to_o reward_v they_o for_o it_o and_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o great_a encouragement_n in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o god_n cause_n and_o truth_n to_o commit_v our_o soul_n to_o his_o care_n and_o custody_n our_o soul_n that_o be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o a_o word_n ourselves_o for_o so_o the_o word_n soul_n be_v frequent_o use_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n psal_n 7._o 5._o let_v the_o enemy_n persecute_v my_o soul_n and_o take_v it_o that_o be_v my_o life_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n yea_o let_v he_o tread_v doâ—n_o my_o life_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o psal_n 54._o 3._o oppressor_n seek_v after_o my_o soul_n and_o psal_n 59_o 3._o they_o lie_v in_o waâ—t_n for_o my_o soul_n that_o be_v my_o life_n and_o psal_n 16._o 10._o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n my_o soul_n that_o be_v myself_o thou_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n but_o will_v raise_v i_o up_o to_o life_n again_o and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n mar._n 8._o 35._o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o same_o shall_v save_v it_o the_o same_o word_n which_o be_v here_o render_v life_n in_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n be_v render_v soul_n for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n that_o be_v his_o life_n and_o so_o likewise_o joâ—_n 12._o 25._o he_o that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n in_o the_o original_a the_o word_n signify_v soul_n he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v who_o neglect_v and_o expose_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o life_n eternal_a and_o luke_n 9_o 25._o that_o which_o the_o other_o evangelist_n render_v by_o the_o word_n soul_n or_o life_n he_o render_v himself_o for_o what_o be_v a_o man_n advantage_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v himself_o and_o so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n be_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n three_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n by_o well-doing_n be_v here_o mean_v a_o fix_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o do_v our_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o hazard_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 7._o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n it_o signify_v sometime_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o charity_n but_o in_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o chap._n 2._o 15._o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well-doing_n that_o be_v by_o a_o resolute_a constancy_n in_o a_o good_a course_n you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a men._n and_o ver_fw-la 20._o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o sâ—ffer_v for_o it_o that_o be_v if_o when_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n you_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n and_o chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 6._o as_o long_o as_o you_o do_v well_o and_o be_v not_o afraid_a with_o any_o amazement_n that_o be_v be_v resolute_a and_o constant_a in_o do_v your_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o threaten_n and_o terror_n and_o ver_fw-la 17._o for_o it_o be_v better_a if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o that_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n than_o for_o evil-doing_a that_o be_v for_o your_o religion_n and_o constancy_n in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n as_o christian_n and_o not_o as_o criminal_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n so_o that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v wherefore_o be_v forewarn_v of_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n the_o sum_n of_o my_o direction_n and_o advice_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v this_o that_o since_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v suffer_v upon_o this_o account_n commit_v yourselves_o in_o the_o constant_a discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o particular_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n as_o the_o faithful_a creator_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o particular_a point_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o first_o that_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n second_o always_o provide_v that_o we_o do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n if_o we_o step_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o god_n providence_n will_v not_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n three_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n afford_v to_o we_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n first_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n truth_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n and_o good_a assurance_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o not_o 2._o how_o far_o they_o may_v rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o these_o suffering_n 3._o what_o â—â—ound_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o more_o particular_a and_o especial_a care_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o case_n of_o such_o suffering_n 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n truth_n and_o when_o not_o in_o these_o case_n first_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o not_o renounce_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o open_o declare_v against_o it_o and_o apostatise_v from_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o all_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n about_o suffer_v for_o religion_n do_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o religion_n or_o other_o and_o among_o christian_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n
be_v take_v for_o grant_v where_o ever_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n suffer_v persecution_n for_o it_o and_o the_o plain_a case_n among_o christian_n be_v when_o they_o be_v persecute_v because_o they_o will_v not_o open_o deny_v and_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v general_o the_o case_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n they_o be_v threaten_v with_o torture_n and_o death_n because_o they_o will_v not_o renounce_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o give_v demonstration_n thereof_o by_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o heathen-god_n second_o man_n do_v true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o be_v persecute_v only_o for_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o join_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o urge_v to_o deny_v and_o disclaim_v it_o but_o only_o to_o conceal_v and_o dissemble_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o forbear_v the_o maintenance_n and_o defence_n of_o it_o upon_o fit_a occasion_n against_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o be_v adversary_n of_o it_o for_o to_o conceal_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o decline_v the_o defence_n of_o it_o when_o just_a occasion_n be_v offer_v be_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o which_o our_o saviour_n interpret_v to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o denial_n of_o it_o and_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o confess_v of_o he_o before_o man_n mat._n 10._o 32_o 33._o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o by_o st._n mark_n be_v express_v by_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n that_o be_v afraid_a and_o ashamed_a to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n mark_v 8._o 38._o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o finful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o this_o likewise_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o the_o moderate_a emperor_n when_o the_o persecution_n of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o hot_a as_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o a_o denial_n of_o christ_n provide_v they_o will_v be_v content_v to_o conceal_v and_o dissemble_v their_o religion_n in_o that_o case_n they_o do_v not_o hunt_v they_o out_o nor_o prosecute_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o religion_n if_o they_o make_v no_o discovery_n of_o themselves_o but_o yet_o they_o who_o suffer_v because_o they_o will_v not_o conceal_v their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n three_o man_n do_v likewise_o true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o 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several_a other_o place_n destroy_v far_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o all_o the_o ten_o heathen_a persecution_n and_o have_v of_o late_o revive_v and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n continue_v the_o same_o or_o great_a cruelty_n and_o a_o fierce_a persecution_n of_o protestant_n if_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v consider_v than_o be_v ever_o yet_o practise_v upon_o they_o and_o yet_o whilst_o this_o be_v do_v almost_o before_o our_o eye_n in_o one_o of_o our_o next_o neighbour_n nation_n they_o have_v the_o face_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o cannibal_n law_n and_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o confidence_n to_o set_v up_o for_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o enemy_n of_o all_o compulsion_n and_o force_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n five_o man_n do_v true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o assert_v and_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o 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the_o truth_n six_o and_o last_o man_n do_v true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o not_o disclaim_v and_o renounce_v any_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o yea_o though_o it_o be_v not_o a_o fundamental_a point_n and_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o many_o thousand_o who_o ever_o since_o the_o iv._o council_n of_o lateran_n which_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1215_o when_o transubstantiation_n be_v first_o define_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v persecute_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n for_o not_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o iâ—_n my_o body_n which_o be_v so_o easy_o capable_a of_o a_o reasonable_a sense_n in_o the_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a sense_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o though_o this_o disow_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v
the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o be_v so_o to_o improve_v the_o short_a and_o uncertain_a time_n of_o this_o life_n that_o we_o may_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o enjoy_v he_o in_o the_o next_o or_o as_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o that_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n and_o this_o work_n consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n second_o in_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o three_o and_o in_o order_n to_o both_o these_o in_o the_o careful_a improvement_n and_o good_a husbandry_n of_o our_o time_n first_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n 2._o in_o the_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o holy_a law_n 1._o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n consist_v 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charity_n these_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o the_o head_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o ourselves_o and_o other_o all_o which_o be_v more_o powerful_o enforce_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o plain_a promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o it_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o firm_a and_o effectual_a principle_n both_o of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o particular_a command_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n which_o god_n have_v send_v we_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n so_o the_o wise_a man_n sum_v up_o our_o duty_n eccl._n 12._o 13._o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v the_o great_a foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o obedience_n to_o god_n law_n be_v the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o god_n do_v not_o expect_v that_o we_o 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