CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

2. We are not to live by Examples but by Precepts, It's an Old Rule; We ⟨p. 380⟩are to consider what the Scripture requires and commands, If that enjoin a life separated and singular to the wickedness of the world, If that bid thee run not into the same excess of Riot with them, such a strict way and profession thou art bound to follow; Though all that go before thee be hypocrites, and that go with thee; Though all the Apostles had been like Judas, yet Christs Truth had still been to be embraced; Therefore not mens lives but the Scripture is to be ou• Rule: If all men prove Hypocrites or Apostates, yet we are bound to keep close to the Word, Let God be true and every man a Liar; It's true the life and conversation of others in sincerity and uprightness may be a great inducement to holiness, therefore the Scripture often calls for a life of light and holiness, that others may be won thereby, but yet every one ought to have such an inward assurance both of the Truth of God and his Grace upon his heart, that what Peter said presumptuously they are to acknowledge as a duty; Though all men should forsake Christ, yet he would not; It's not upon men that we are to build either our faith or our godliness, but though all men should prove devils, and there were none in the world but one man that would own Christ, thou wert to join with him.

2. We are not to live by Examples but by Precepts, It's an Old Rule; We ⟨p. 380⟩are to consider what the Scripture requires and commands, If that enjoyn a life separated and singular to the wickednesse of the world, If that bid thee run not into the same excesse of Riot with them, such a strict way and profession thou art bound to follow; Though all that go before thee be hypocrites, and that go with thee; Though all the Apostles had been like Judas, yet Christs Truth had still been to be embraced; Therefore not mens lives but the Scripture is to be ou• Rule: If all men prove Hypocrites or Apostates, yet we are bound to keep close to the Word, Let God be true and every man a Lyar; It's true the life and conversation of others in sincerity and uprightnesse may be a great inducement to holiness, therfore the Scripture often cals for a life of light and holinesse, that others may be won thereby, but yet every one ought to have such an inward assurance both of the Truth of God and his Grace upon his heart, that what Peter said presumptuously they are to acknowledge as a duty; Though all men should forsake Christ, yet he would not; It's not upon men that we are to build either our faith or our godlinesse, but though all men should prove devils, and there were none in the world but one man that would own Christ, thou wert to joyn with him.