and_o reserve_v for_o we_o in_o another_o place_n which_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v and_o make_v amends_o to_o we_o for_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o fast_o most_o man_n cling_v to_o life_n and_o that_o even_o in_o old_a age_n how_o they_o catch_v at_o every_o twig_n that_o may_v but_o hold_v they_o up_o a_o little_a while_n and_o how_o fond_o they_o hanker_v after_o a_o miserable_a life_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o of_o pleasure_n to_o be_v enjoy_v nothing_o more_o of_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o hope_v for_o in_o it_o when_o they_o be_v just_o put_v in_o to_o the_o port_n and_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v rejoice_v at_o their_o very_a heart_n that_o they_o see_v land_n yet_o how_o glad_a will_v they_o be_v then_o of_o any_o cross_a wind_n that_o will_v carry_v they_o back_o into_o the_o sea_n again_o as_o if_o they_o love_v to_o be_v toss_v and_o be_v fond_a of_o storm_n and_o tempest_n nay_o the_o very_o best_a of_o we_o even_o after_o we_o have_v make_v that_o acknowledgement_n of_o david_n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o sojourner_n with_o thou_o as_o all_o my_o father_n be_v be_v apt_a with_o he_o to_o be_v still_o importune_v god_n for_o a_o little_o long_a life_n o_o spare_v i_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v recover_v strength_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o and_o when_o god_n have_v grant_v we_o this_o request_n than_o we_o will_v be_v spare_v yet_o a_o little_a long_o but_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o god_n do_v not_o design_n we_o to_o continue_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n make_v it_o so_o uneasy_a to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o willing_a to_o leave_v it_o and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o linger_v here_o below_o we_o be_v detain_v from_o our_o happiness_n while_o we_o be_v present_a in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n this_o consideration_n make_v st._n paul_n so_o 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aetate_fw-la repuerascam_fw-la &_o in_o cunis_fw-la vagiam_fw-la valde_fw-la recusem_fw-la if_o some_o god_n will_v offer_v i_o at_o this_o age_n to_o be_v a_o child_n again_o and_o to_o cry_v in_o the_o cradle_n i_o will_v earnest_o refuse_v it_o and_o upon_o no_o term_n accept_v it_o and_o now_o that_o my_o race_n be_v almost_o run_v and_o my_o course_n just_o finish_v how_o loath_a shall_v i_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v back_o and_o make_v to_o begin_v again_o for_o what_o advantage_n be_v there_o in_o life_n nay_o rather_o what_o labour_n and_o trouble_v be_v there_o not_o in_o it_o but_o let_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v there_o be_v certain_o some_o measure_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o thing_n and_o man_n ought_v to_o know_v when_o they_o have_v enough_o of_o it_o o_o praeclarum_fw-la diem_fw-la cum_fw-la in_o illud_fw-la animorum_fw-la consilium_fw-la caetumque_fw-la proficiscar_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la ex_fw-la hac_fw-la turbâ_fw-la &_o 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and_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a to_o the_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o they_o be_v evil._n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v concern_v the_o case_n of_o deny_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffer_v and_o death_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v tempt_v by_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n or_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o present_a loss_n and_o suffer_v to_o deny_v or_o dissemble_v our_o religion_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a in_o any_o kind_n and_o contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o conscience_n let_v we_o ask_v ourselves_o what_o will_v be_v the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o what_o if_o for_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o what_o they_o can_v do_v to_o i_o i_o incur_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n this_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v and_o these_o frown_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o terrible_a than_o the_o bitter_a wrath_n and_o cruel_a malice_n of_o men._n what_o if_o to_o preserve_v this_o frail_a and_o mortal_a body_n i_o shall_v evident_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o my_o immortal_a soul_n and_o to_o escape_v a_o temporal_a inconvenience_n i_o forfeit_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o plunge_v myself_o into_o eternal_a misery_n and_o ruin_n will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o wild_a bargain_n and_o a_o mad_a exchange_n for_o any_o temporal_a gain_n and_o advantage_n to_o lose_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v eternal_a and_o for_o the_o please_a of_o ourselves_o for_o a_o little_a while_n to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o confess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o 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small_a dust_n upon_o the_o balance_n what_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n can_v stand_v against_o that_o argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o it_o be_v serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n if_o we_o will_v consider_v thing_n impartial_o and_o weigh_v they_o in_o a_o just_a and_o equal_a balance_n the_o thing_n which_o concern_v our_o body_n and_o this_o present_a life_n be_v of_o no_o consideration_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o great_a and_o vast_a concernment_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o the_o happy_a or_o miserable_a condition_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o this_o vast_a concernment_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v bargain_v away_o and_o part_v with_o by_o we_o for_o the_o great_a thing_n this_o world_n can_v offer_v there_o be_v no_o great_a sign_n of_o a_o sordid_a spirit_n than_o to_o put_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o thing_n of_o little_a worth_n and_o no_o great_a mark_n of_o folly_n than_o to_o make_v a_o unequal_a bargain_n to_o part_v with_o thing_n of_o great_a price_n for_o a_o slender_a and_o trifle_a consideration_n as_o if_o a_o man_n of_o great_a fortune_n and_o estate_n shall_v sell_v the_o inheritance_n of_o it_o for_o a_o picture_n which_o when_o he_o have_v it_o will_v not_o perhaps_o yield_v so_o much_o as_o will_v maintain_v he_o for_o one_o year_n the_o folly_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a in_o thing_n of_o infinite_o great_a value_n as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o quit_v god_n and_o religion_n to_o sell_v the_o truth_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o to_o part_v with_o his_o everlasting_a inheritance_n for_o a_o convenient_a service_n for_o a_o good_a customer_n and_o some_o present_a advantage_n in_o his_o trade_n and_o profession_n or_o indeed_o for_o any_o condition_n which_o the_o foolish_a language_n of_o this_o world_n call_v a_o high_a place_n or_o a_o great_a preferment_n the_o thing_n which_o these_o man_n part_v with_o upon_o these_o cheap_a term_n god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n be_v to_o those_o who_o understand_v themselves_o and_o the_o just_a value_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n thing_n of_o inestimable_a worth_n and_o not_o to_o be_v part_v with_o by_o a_o considerate_a man_n for_o any_o price_n that_o this_o world_n can_v bid_v and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v buy_v out_o of_o their_o religion_n upon_o such_o low_a term_n and_o so_o easy_o part_v from_o it_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o religion_n to_o hold_v fast_o 2._o as_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o the_o temptation_n and_o allurement_n of_o this_o world_n so_o likewise_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o fear_n be_v a_o passion_n of_o great_a force_n and_o if_o man_n be_v not_o very_o resolute_a and_o constant_a will_v be_v apt_a to_o stagger_v they_o and_o to_o move_v they_o from_o their_o steadfastness_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o case_n of_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n for_o the_o truth_n happen_v we_o have_v need_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n our_o saviour_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sower_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v many_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o when_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v and_o though_o bless_a be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o now_o our_o case_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o it_o be_v the_o general_a case_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n and_o for_o several_a age_n after_o though_o with_o some_o intermission_n and_o interval_n of_o ease_n it_o be_v then_o a_o general_a rule_n and_o the_o common_a expectation_n of_o christian_n that_o through_o many_o tribulation_n they_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o must_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o in_o several_a age_n since_o those_o primitive_a time_n the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n have_v in_o divers_a place_n be_v expose_v to_o most_o grievous_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o even_o at_o this_o day_n in_o several_a place_n the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v exercise_v with_o the_o sharp_a and_o sore_a trial_n that_o perhaps_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o age_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o the_o constant_a profession_n of_o his_o true_a religion_n be_v torment_v and_o kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o be_v account_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n it_o be_v their_o hard_a lot_n to_o be_v call_v to_o these_o cruel_a and_o bitter_a suffering_n and_o our_o happy_a opportunity_n to_o be_v call_v upon_o for_o their_o relief_n those_o of_o they_o i_o mean_v that_o have_v escape_v that_o terrible_a storm_n and_o tempest_n and_o have_v take_v refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n here_o among_o we_o and_o out_o of_o his_o majesty_n great_a humanity_n and_o goodness_n be_v by_o his_o public_a letter_n recommend_v to_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o distress_a protestant_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o much_o easy_o our_o lot_n and_o our_o duty_n be_v than_o they_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o compassionate_v the_o suffering_n and_o to_o relieve_v the_o distress_n of_o other_o than_o to_o be_v such_o sufferer_n and_o in_o such_o distress_n ourselves_o let_v we_o make_v their_o case_n our_o own_o and_o then_o we_o ourselves_o will_v be_v the_o best_a judge_n how_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o and_o to_o what_o degree_n we_o ought_v to_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o compassion_n to_o they_o let_v we_o put_v on_o their_o case_n and_o circumstance_n and_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v the_o sufferer_n and_o have_v flee_v to_o they_o for_o refuge_n the_o same_o pity_n and_o commiseration_n the_o same_o tender_a regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o sad_a case_n the_o same_o liberal_a and_o effectual_a relief_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v and_o expect_v and_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v show_v and_o afford_v to_o ourselves_o let_v we_o give_v to_o they_o and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v want_v no_o fit_a comfort_n and_o support_v from_o we_o we_o enjoy_v bless_a be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o great_a peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o freedom_n from_o evil_a and_o suffer_a and_o sure_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o have_v these_o blessing_n continue_v to_o we_o and_o our_o tranquillity_n prolong_v be_v to_o consider_v and_o relieve_v those_o who_o want_v the_o blessing_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o provoke_v god_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o these_o blessing_n be_v to_o shut_v up_o the_o bowel_n of_o our_o compassion_n from_o our_o distress_a brethren_n god_n can_v easy_o change_v the_o scene_n and_o make_v our_o suffering_n if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n yet_o in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o equal_a to_o they_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v remember_v the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n and_o say_v as_o his_o brethren_n do_v when_o they_o fall_v into_o trouble_n we_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n in_o that_o we_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o beseech_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v therefore_o be_v this_o distress_n come_v upon_o we_o god_n alone_o know_v what_o storm_n the_o devil_n may_v yet_o raise_v in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o christian_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n religion_n to_o consider_v well_o beforehand_o and_o to_o calculate_v the_o danger_n and_o suffering_n it_o may_v expose_v they_o to_o and_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o resolution_n and_o patience_n against_o the_o fierce_a assault_n of_o temptation_n consider_v the_o shortness_n of_o all_o temporal_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o glorious_a reward_n of_o they_o and_o the_o lightness_n of_o they_o too_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o endless_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n of_o another_o world_n to_o which_o every_o man_n expose_v himself_o who_o forsake_v god_n and_o renounce_v his_o truth_n and_o wound_n his_o conscience_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffering_n and_o though_o fear_v in_o many_o case_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o death_n and_o extreme_a suffer_v be_v a_o great_a excuse_n for_o several_a action_n because_o it_o may_v cadere_fw-la in_o constantem_fw-la virum_fw-la happen_v to_o a_o resolute_a man_n yet_o in_o
and_o honour_v he_o and_o that_o the_o outward_a expression_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o genuine_a issue_n of_o our_o inward_a apprehension_n of_o he_o and_o affection_n towards_o he_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n our_o saviour_n intend_v in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o the_o character_n of_o this_o good_a man_n that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n and_o in_o truth_n what_o he_o appear_v to_o be_v that_o he_o do_v sincere_o love_n god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v it_o whenever_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v to_o he_o as_o do_v plain_o appear_v in_o his_o carriage_n towards_o our_o saviour_n for_o when_o philip_n invite_v he_o to_o come_v and_o see_v he_o he_o do_v not_o conceal_v the_o prejudice_n and_o objection_n he_o have_v against_o he_o ground_v upon_o a_o common_a but_o uncharitable_a proverb_n that_o out_o of_o nazareth_n arise_v no_o prophet_n but_o have_v a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n he_o be_v not_o so_o carry_v away_o by_o a_o popular_a prejudice_n as_o not_o to_o have_v patience_n to_o be_v better_o inform_v and_o therefore_o be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o go_v and_o see_v our_o saviour_n and_o to_o discourse_v with_o he_o himself_o and_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o present_o own_v he_o for_o such_o call_v he_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o because_o sincerity_n be_v the_o very_a heart_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n it_o concern_v we_o not_o only_o to_o endeavour_v after_o this_o temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v know_v when_o we_o have_v it_o and_o may_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v mention_v five_o or_o six_o property_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n by_o which_o man_n may_v sufficient_o know_v the_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n towards_o god_n 1._o our_o piety_n be_v then_o sincere_a when_o the_o chief_a reason_n and_o predominant_a motive_n of_o it_o be_v religious_a and_o i_o call_v that_o a_o religious_a or_o rational_a motive_n which_o regard_v god_n and_o another_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o man_n and_o to_o our_o present_a temporal_a advantage_n when_o the_o principal_a and_o sway_a motive_n of_o our_o piety_n be_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n authority_n over_o we_o and_o of_o our_o duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o he_o a_o fear_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o threaten_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o obedience_n these_o motive_n be_v proper_o religious_a because_o they_o respect_v god_n and_o be_v the_o argument_n to_o obedience_n which_o he_o himself_o offer_v to_o we_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v a_o sincere_a piety_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o these_o consideration_n how_o unequal_o soever_o mix_v for_o even_o in_o the_o most_o of_o man_n fear_v do_v many_o time_n prevail_v more_o than_o love_n and_o in_o case_n of_o great_a temptation_n may_v preserve_v man_n from_o sin_n when_o perhaps_o no_o other_o consideration_n will_v do_v it_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v a_o unsincere_a piety_n to_o which_o we_o be_v move_v mere_o by_o the_o regard_n of_o man_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o temporal_a advantage_n and_o when_o these_o have_v the_o chief_a influence_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o any_o man_n to_o discern_v in_o himself_o for_o he_o that_o will_v careful_o observe_v himself_o can_v hardly_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a spring_n and_o motive_n of_o his_o own_o action_n but_o there_o be_v one_o sign_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v certain_o know_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a towards_o god_n and_o that_o be_v if_o when_o these_o motive_n be_v absent_a our_o piety_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v either_o cease_v or_o be_v sensible_o cool_v and_o abate_v as_o if_o impiety_n or_o popery_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v bad_a begin_v to_o be_v in_o fashion_n and_o to_o have_v the_o countenance_n of_o great_a example_n if_o those_o who_o we_o fear_v and_o upon_o who_o we_o depend_v do_v discover_v any_o inclination_n that_o way_n if_o the_o garb_n of_o religion_n cease_v to_o be_v for_o our_o interest_n or_o in_o the_o revolution_n of_o thing_n happen_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o if_o in_o any_o of_o these_o case_n we_o let_v fall_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o insincerity_n of_o our_o former_a piety_n 2._o a_o sincere_a piety_n must_v be_v root_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v a_o live_a principle_n within_o we_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o another_o case_n he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n who_o be_v one_o outward_o but_o he_o who_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o without_o this_o all_o outward_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v hypocrisy_n a_o picture_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o 3._o a_o three_o evidence_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n be_v when_o man_n be_v religious_a in_o private_a and_o in_o secret_a as_o well_o as_o in_o public_a and_o in_o the_o open_a view_n of_o man_n he_o be_v true_o devout_a who_o be_v so_o in_o his_o family_n and_o in_o his_o closet_n where_o he_o have_v no_o witness_n but_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o church_n he_o be_v a_o downright_a honest_a man_n who_o will_v make_v good_a his_o word_n and_o perform_v his_o promise_n when_o no_o proof_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o no_o law_n compel_v he_o to_o it_o as_o ready_o as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o hundred_o witness_n of_o it_o he_o be_v sincere_o just_a who_o will_v not_o detain_v from_o another_o his_o right_n though_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o nor_o wrong_v any_o man_n though_o he_o can_v do_v it_o with_o all_o the_o secrecy_n and_o safety_n in_o the_o world_n who_o will_v not_o impose_v upon_o another_o ignorance_n or_o unskilfulness_n though_o never_o so_o much_o to_o his_o own_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n he_o be_v true_o charitable_a who_o will_v not_o only_o as_o soon_o but_o rather_o soon_o give_v his_o alm_n in_o secret_a than_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n and_o he_o be_v true_o grateful_a who_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n will_v acknowledge_v a_o kindness_n and_o requite_v a_o benefit_n to_o the_o relation_n of_o his_o decease_a friend_n though_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o all_o memory_n of_o the_o obligation_n die_v with_o he_o and_o that_o none_o be_v conscious_a to_o it_o but_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o sincerity_n of_o which_o may_v not_o by_o this_o evidence_n be_v know_v to_o we_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o man_n may_v for_o certain_a conclude_v himself_o a_o hypocrite_n if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o men._n 4._o another_o evidence_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n be_v a_o constant_a tenor_n of_o goodness_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o life_n i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o piety_n in_o new_a convert_v which_o be_v many_o time_n very_o imperfect_a and_o such_o as_o afford_v little_a or_o no_o evidence_n of_o a_o man_n sincerity_n but_o in_o those_o who_o have_v make_v any_o considerable_a progress_n in_o goodness_n the_o habit_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n and_o the_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o even_o the_o single_a act_n of_o more_o heinous_a crime_n will_v bring_v in_o question_n our_o sincerity_n and_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v shelter_v under_o the_o name_n of_o infirmity_n for_o these_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o subdue_v and_o he_o be_v not_o sincere_o good_a who_o do_v not_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o he_o can_v and_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v to_o all_o the_o purpose_n though_o not_o of_o a_o perfect_a yet_o of_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 5._o another_o evidence_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n be_v that_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n 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 duty_n that_o it_o do_v not_o content_v itself_o with_o a_o especial_a regard_n to_o some_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n though_o never_o so_o
this_o case_n of_o renounce_v our_o religion_n unless_o it_o be_v very_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v out_o of_o which_o a_o man_n recover_v himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o as_o st._n peter_n do_v or_o the_o suffer_a be_v so_o extreme_a as_o to_o put_v a_o man_n beside_o himself_o for_o the_o time_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n of_o renounce_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n god_n will_v not_o admit_v fear_n for_o a_o just_a excuse_n of_o our_o apostasy_n which_o if_o it_o be_v unrepented_a of_o and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o repentance_n in_o that_o case_n as_o very_o difficult_a will_v be_v our_o ruin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v give_v we_o such_o fair_a warn_v of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o we_o enter_v into_o religion_n upon_o these_o term_n with_o a_o profess_a expectation_n of_o suffer_v and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n if_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v our_o lord_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o again_o he_o that_o love_v life_n itself_o more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o unfaithful_a generation_n of_o he_o will_v i_o be_v ashamed_a before_o my_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o therefore_o to_o master_n and_o subdue_v this_o fear_n our_o saviour_n have_v propound_v great_a object_n of_o terror_n to_o we_o and_o a_o danger_n infinite_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v which_o every_o man_n run_v himself_o wilful_o upon_o who_o shall_v quit_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffering_n luke_o 12._o 4_o 5._o fear_v not_o they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o after_o that_o have_v nothing_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o 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 yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o this_o dreadful_a hazard_n every_o man_n expose_v himself_o who_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n venture_v thus_o to_o offend_v god_n these_o be_v the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n speak_v of_o by_o st._n john_n who_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o particular_a namely_o that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v contain_v these_o two_o part_n i._n a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o true_a and_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o show_v i._n negative_o what_o be_v not_o mean_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o and_o i_o mention_v these_o two_o particular_n 1._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o 2._o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n and_o examination_n man_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n for_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o offer_v be_v always_o to_o be_v hear_v i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n positive_o to_o explain_v the_o mean_v of_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n of_o in_o his_o baptism_n not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o and_o then_o i_o procee_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o mention_v these_o follow_v particular_n as_o probable_o imply_v and_o comprehend_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n under_o both_o which_o head_n i_o give_v several_a instance_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n impose_v with_o great_a confidence_n upon_o the_o world_n some_o without_o and_o other_o plain_o against_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o persecution_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o two_o other_o particular_n which_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o 4._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n god_n have_v plain_o declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o what_o will_v certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o it_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v i._n e._n without_o true_a contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o forsake_v of_o they_o we_o shall_v perish_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o no_o fornicator_n or_o adulterer_n or_o idolater_n or_o covetous_a person_n nor_o any_o one_o that_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o sin_n shall_v have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o christ._n there_o be_v as_o great_a and_o unpassable_a a_o gulf_n fix_v between_o heaven_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o when_o man_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o debauch_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reconcile_v a_o wicked_a life_n with_o any_o reasonable_a and_o wellgrounded_n hope_v of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n no_o church_n have_v that_o privilege_n to_o save_v a_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o those_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n all_o religion_n be_v equal_a in_o this_o that_o a_o bad_a man_n can_v be_v save_v in_o none_o of_o they_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v their_o church_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a concern_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o they_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v in_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o intention_n
of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n then_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o run_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n upon_o more_o and_o great_a hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o such_o as_o by_o no_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o man_n in_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o prevent_v as_o for_o the_o easy_a term_n of_o salvation_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o man_n they_o signify_v nothing_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v they_o good_a which_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o believe_v they_o can_v do_v that_o have_v read_v the_o bible_n and_o do_v in_o any_o good_a measure_n understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n for_o instance_n that_o after_o the_o long_a course_n of_o a_o most_o lewd_a and_o flagitious_a life_n a_o man_n may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o have_v his_o sin_n forgive_v at_o the_o last_o gasp_n upon_o confession_n of_o they_o to_o the_o priest_n with_o that_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o contrition_n for_o they_o which_o they_o call_v attrition_n together_o with_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n now_o attrition_n be_v a_o trouble_n for_o sin_n mere_o for_o fear_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o and_o this_o together_o with_o confession_n and_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n without_o any_o hatred_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o evil_a and_o contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o the_o holy_a nature_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o without_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o love_n to_o god_n will_v do_v the_o sinner_n business_n and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n without_o any_o other_o grace_n or_o disposition_n for_o salvation_n but_o only_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v easy_a but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o certain_o no_o man_n that_o ever_o serious_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n can_v ever_o be_v persuade_v to_o build_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n upon_o such_o a_o quicksand_n the_o absolution_n of_o all_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o procure_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o god_n for_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o dispose_v for_o his_o mercy_n by_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v which_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v require_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n they_o that_o offer_v heaven_n to_o man_n upon_o so_o very_o large_a and_o loose_a term_n give_v great_a cause_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o will_v never_o make_v good_a their_o offer_n the_o term_n be_v so_o unreasonable_o cheap_a and_o easy_a that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o fraud_n and_o false_a deal_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n nothing_o ought_v to_o recommend_v our_o religion_n more_o to_o a_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n than_o that_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n which_o we_o propose_v to_o man_n viz._n faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n manifest_v in_o the_o tenure_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n be_v not_o only_o perfect_o agreeable_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a declaration_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o do_v likewise_o natural_o tend_v to_o engage_v man_n most_o effectual_o to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o thereby_o to_o make_v they_o meet_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o therefore_o every_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o religion_n which_o make_v such_o lavish_a offer_v of_o salvation_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o they_o for_o if_o after_o all_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v give_v of_o salvation_n upon_o such_o and_o such_o term_n the_o sinner_n do_v real_o miscarry_v and_o miss_v of_o heaven_n it_o be_v but_o very_o ill_a comfort_n to_o he_o to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n for_o a_o minute_n or_o two_o before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o the_o next_o moment_n after_o to_o find_v himself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o particular_a i_o mention_v as_o imply_v in_o the_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v several_a caution_n give_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n matth._n 24._o 4._o take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o for_o many_o shall_v come_v in_o my_o name_n and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o eph._n 4._o 14._o that_o you_o henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n signify_v the_o cunning_a of_o gamester_n at_o dice_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o chap._n 5._o 6._o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n col._n 2._o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v by_o sophistry_n and_o vain_a reason_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n heb._n 13._o 9_o be_v not_o carry_v about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._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 and_o this_o caution_n be_v enforce_v by_o a_o express_a prediction_n of_o a_o great_a apostasy_n which_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o which_o many_o shall_v be_v seduce_v by_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n and_o by_o several_a art_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n this_o apostasy_n st._n paul_n express_o foretell_v 2_o thess._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n or_o be_v trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n nor_o by_o word_n or_o message_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o that_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o by_o any_o mean_n for_o that_o day_n shall_v not_o come_v except_o there_o come_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v reveal_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n and_o after_o a_o particular_a description_n of_o he_o he_o add_v v_o 9_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o in_o all_o deceitfulness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v v_o 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o the_o particular_a nature_n and_o kind_n of_o this_o apostasy_n the_o same_o apostle_n describe_v more_o full_o 1_o tim_n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o now_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n i._n e._n under_o a_o great_a pretence_n of_o sanctity_n spread_v their_o pernicious_a error_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n this_o be_v a_o very_a lively_a and_o pat_o description_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o it_o and_o have_v spread_v itself_o far_o and_o wide_o for_o there_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o falsehood_n have_v prevail_v under_o a_o hypocritical_a pretence_n of_o their_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n there_o marriage_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o meat_n be_v forbid_v to_o several_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o men._n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n and_o these_o certain_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o idolatry_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o do_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n ascribe_v to_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o inventor_n and_o great_a promoter_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v very_o much_o confirm_v by_o what_o we_o find_v add_v in_o some_o ancient_a greek_a copy_n in_o this_o text_n which_o run_v thus_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n for_o they_o shall_v worship_v the_o dead_a as_o some_o also_o in_o israel_n worship_v and_o then_o it_o follow_v
be_v discover_v 3._o the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o the_o ancient_a pope_n a_o large_a volume_n of_o forgery_n compile_v by_o isidore_n mercator_n to_o countenance_v the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v great_a use_n for_o several_a age_n and_o pertinacious_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o till_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o their_o own_o church_n have_v at_o last_o be_v force_v for_o very_a shame_n to_o disclaim_v they_o and_o to_o confess_v the_o imposture_n of_o they_o a_o like_a instance_n whereto_o be_v not_o i_o hope_v to_o be_v show_v in_o any_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o slight_a of_o man_n such_o as_o gamester_n use_v at_o dice_n for_o to_o allege_v false_a and_o forge_a author_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o play_v with_o false_a dice_n when_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n lie_v at_o stake_n 11._o our_o religion_n have_v this_o mighty_a advantage_n that_o it_o do_v not_o decline_v trial_n and_o examination_n which_o to_o any_o man_n of_o ingenuity_n must_v needs_o appear_v a_o very_a good_a sign_n of_o a_o honest_a cause_n but_o if_o any_o church_n be_v shy_a of_o have_v her_o religion_n examine_v and_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n bring_v into_o the_o open_a light_n this_o give_v just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o she_o have_v some_o distrust_n of_o they_o for_o truth_n do_v not_o seek_v corner_n nor_o shun_v the_o light_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o who_o they_o be_v that_o love_n darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v viz._n they_o who_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o say_v he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v he_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v and_o make_v manifest_a there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o render_v a_o religion_n suspect_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o to_o see_v those_o who_o profess_v it_o and_o make_v such_o proud_a boast_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o so_o fearful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o and_o that_o their_o people_n shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o hear_v and_o read_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o 12._o we_o persuade_v man_n to_o our_o reliligion_n by_o human_n and_o christian_a way_n such_o as_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n use_v by_o urge_v man_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o with_o argument_n fetch_v from_o another_o world_n the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a argument_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o alone_o be_v fit_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o terror_n and_o torture_n of_o death_n may_v make_v man_n hypocrite_n and_o awe_v they_o to_o profess_v with_o their_o mouth_n what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o this_o be_v no_o proper_a mean_n of_o convert_v the_o soul_n and_o convince_a the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o these_o violent_a and_o cruel_a way_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o set_v on_o foot_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n and_o great_o countenance_v and_o encourage_v by_o pope_n themselves_o witness_v the_o many_o croisades_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n the_o stand_a cruelty_n of_o their_o inquisition_n their_o occasional_a massacre_n and_o persecution_n of_o which_o we_o have_v fresh_a instance_n in_o every_o age._n but_o these_o method_n of_o conversion_n be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o they_o either_o distur_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o else_o that_o they_o think_v truth_n and_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n when_o dragoon_n be_v their_o ratio_fw-la ultima_fw-la the_o last_o reason_n which_o their_o cause_n rely_v upon_o and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a it_o can_v afford_v again_o we_o hold_v no_o doctrine_n in_o defiance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v now_o declare_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v of_o that_o religion_n unless_o he_o will_v renounce_v his_o sense_n and_o believe_v against_o the_o clear_a verdict_n of_o they_o in_o a_o plain_a sensible_a matter_n but_o after_o this_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v any_o thing_n because_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n he_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n if_o any_o man_n forbid_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v i_o forbid_v he_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o better_a and_o sure_a evidence_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v but_o if_o i_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n than_o the_o mean_n whereby_o faith_n be_v convey_v be_v uncertain_a and_o we_o may_v say_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o another_o case_n then_o be_v our_o preach_a vain_a and_o your_o faith_n also_o be_v vain_a last_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o particular_n as_o to_o several_a thing_n use_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o be_v on_o the_o much_o safe_a side_n if_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v about_o they_o than_o they_o be_v if_o they_o shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o lawful_a to_o permit_v to_o the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n otherwise_o we_o must_v condemn_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o allow_v this_o liberty_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o have_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n celebrate_v in_o a_o language_n which_o all_o that_o join_v in_o it_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o people_n in_o both_o kind_n otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n will_v not_o have_v do_v it_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a not_o to_o worship_n image_n not_o to_o pray_v to_o angel_n or_o saint_n or_o the_o bless_a virgin_n otherwise_o the_o primitive_a church_n will_v not_o have_v forbear_v these_o practice_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v pray_v to_o god_n only_o and_o offer_v up_o all_o his_o prayer_n to_o he_o only_o by_o jesus_n christ_n without_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n with_o god_n for_o we_o rely_v herein_o upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v our_o high_a priest_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n heb._n 7_o 25._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a who_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o i._n e._n by_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n since_o he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o may_v not_o a_o man_n reasonable_o hope_v to_o obtain_v of_o god_n all_o the_o blessing_n he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o by_z addressing_z himself_z only_o to_o he_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o that_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n nay_o why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n reasonable_o think_v that_o this_o be_v both_o a_o short_a and_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v our_o request_n than_o by_o turn_v ourselves_o to_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o importune_v they_o to_o solicit_v god_n for_o we_o especial_o if_o we_o shall_v order_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o make_v ten_o time_n more_o frequent_a address_n to_o these_o than_o we_o do_v to_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o to_o neglect_v these_o we_o can_v certain_o think_v any_o more_o able_a to_o help_v we_o and_o do_v we_o good_a than_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n style_v he_o that_o hear_v prayer_n and_o therefore_o unto_o he_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v we_o can_v certain_o think_v any_o intercessor_n so_o powerful_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n as_o his_o only_a and_o dear_o belove_a son_n offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o most_o acceptable_a and_o invaluable_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o he_o on_o earth_n we_o can_v sure_o think_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o goodness_n any_o where_o as_o in_o god_n that_o in_o any_o of_o the_o angel_n or_o saint_n or_o even_o in_o the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n there_o be_v more_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n for_o sinner_n and_o a_o tender_a sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n
name_n sake_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o self-denial_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v of_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o a_o readiness_n and_o willingness_n when_o ever_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o to_o quit_v all_o our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o the_o dear_a of_o all_o other_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o any_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffering_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o precept_n here_o in_o the_o text._n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o strict_a and_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n rather_o than_o to_o forsake_v and_o renounce_v they_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o or_o be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o that_o be_v upon_o these_o term_n he_o must_v be_v my_o disciple_n in_o this_o manner_n he_o must_v follow_v i_o and_o in_o the_o text_n i_o mention_v before_o he_o declare_v again_o that_o he_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o quit_v all_o his_o relation_n and_o even_a life_n itself_o for_o his_o sake_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o and_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o bear_v his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n nor_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n if_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o if_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o of_o any_o temporal_a suffering_n we_o shall_v renounce_v and_o deny_v he_o he_o threaten_v to_o deny_v we_o before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n i._n e._n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o sentence_n we_o to_o everlasting_a misery_n matth._n 10._o 32._o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_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 mark_v 8._o 38._o whosoever_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 sinful_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 his_o holy_a angel_n that_o be_v when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o that_o judgement_n for_o that_o by_o his_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o he_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o go_v before_o v._o 26_o 27._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 or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o than_o it_o follow_v whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n but_o because_o some_o have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o require_v thus_o much_o of_o christian_n but_o all_o that_o he_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o our_o heart_n but_o not_o to_o make_v any_o outward_a profession_n of_o his_o religion_n when_o the_o magistrate_n forbid_v it_o and_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o suffer_v for_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o examine_v what_o be_v pretend_v for_o so_o strange_a a_o assertion_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v the_o leviathan_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o not_o bind_v to_o confess_v christ_n but_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o deny_v he_o in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n require_v we_o so_o to_o do_v his_o word_n be_v these_o what_o if_o the_o sovereign_n forbid_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n he_o answer_v such_o forbid_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n because_o belief_n and_o unbelief_n never_o follow_v man_n command_n but_o what_o say_v he_o if_o we_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a prince_n to_o say_v with_o our_o tongue_n we_o believe_v not_o must_v we_o obey_v such_o command_n to_o this_o he_o answer_v that_o profession_n with_o the_o tongue_n be_v but_o a_o external_n thing_n and_o no_o more_o than_o any_o other_o gesture_n whereby_o we_o signify_v our_o obedience_n and_o wherein_o a_o christian_a hold_v firm_o in_o his_o heart_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n which_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n allow_v to_o naaman_n but_o what_o then_o say_v he_o shall_v i_o answer_v to_o our_o saviour_n say_v whosoever_o deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n his_o answer_n be_v this_o we_o may_v say_v that_o whatsoever_o a_o subject_a be_v compel_v to_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n and_o do_v it_o not_o in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n the_o action_n be_v not_o he_o but_o his_o sovereign_n nor_o be_v it_o he_o that_o in_o this_o case_n deny_v christ_n before_o man_n but_o his_o governor_n and_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n but_o can_v any_o man_n that_o in_o good_a earnest_n pay_v any_o degree_n of_o reverence_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n think_v to_o baffle_v such_o plain_a word_n by_o so_o frivolous_a a_o answer_n there_o be_v no_o man_n doubt_n but_o if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v command_v man_n to_o deny_v christ_n he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a sin_n in_o so_o do_v but_o if_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o every_o man_n must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n how_o will_v this_o excuse_v he_o that_o deny_v christ_n or_o break_v any_o other_o commandment_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n that_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o deny_v he_o though_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v command_v they_o to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o in_o that_o very_a place_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o confess_v or_o deny_v he_o before_o man_n he_o put_v this_o very_a case_n of_o their_o be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n for_o confess_v he_o matth._n 10._o 17._o beware_v say_v he_o of_o man_n for_o they_o will_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o the_o council_n and_o they_o will_v scourge_v you_o in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n but_o what_o testimony_n will_v this_o be_v against_o they_o if_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o deny_v christ_n at_o their_o command_n but_o our_o saviour_n go_v on_o and_o tell_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n v_o 19_o but_o when_o they_o shall_v deliver_v you_o up_o take_v you_o no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o very_a hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v but_o what_o need_v of_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a assistance_n in_o the_o case_n if_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o deny_v he_o when_o they_o be_v require_v by_o the_o magistrate_n to_o do_v it_o and_o then_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o discourse_n he_o bid_v they_o v_o 28._o not_o to_o fear_v they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v that_o be_v not_o to_o deny_v he_o for_o fear_v of_o any_o temporal_a punishment_n or_o suffer_v the_o magistrate_n can_v inflict_v upon_o they_o but_o to_o fear_v and_o obey_v he_o who_o can_v destroy_v body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n and_o upon_o this_o discourse_n our_o saviour_n conclude_v v_o 32_o 33._o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o 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 now_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o that_o our_o saviour_n require_v his_o disciple_n to_o make_v confession_n of_o he_o before_o king_n and_o governor_n and_o not_o to_o deny_v he_o for_o fear_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v do_v