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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n day_n great_a time_n 4,794 5 3.3956 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26808 The soveraign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain it by William Bates ... Bates, William, 1625-1699. 1680 (1680) Wing B1126; ESTC R2589 110,196 278

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i_o will_v give_v as_o a_o king_n thus_o god_n in_o the_o dispense_n his_o favour_n do_v not_o respect_v the_o meanness_n of_o our_o person_n or_o service_n but_o give_v to_o we_o as_o a_o god_n and_o the_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n therefore_o all-sufficient_a and_o most_o willing_a to_o make_v his_o creature_n complete_o happy_a 4._o if_o a_o creature_n perfect_o holy_a that_o never_o sin_v be_v uncapable_a to_o merit_v any_o thing_n from_o god_n much_o less_o can_v those_o who_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o sinful_a state_n and_o guilty_a of_o innumerable_a actual_a transgression_n pretend_v to_o deserve_v any_o reward_n for_o their_o work_n this_o be_v presumption_n inspire_v by_o prodigious_a vanity_n for_o 1._o by_o his_o most_o free_a grace_n they_o be_v restore_v in_o conversion_n to_o that_o spiritual_a power_n by_o which_o they_o serve_v he_o the_o chaos_n be_v not_o a_o dead_a lump_n before_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o water_n than_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v before_o the_o vital_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n wrought_v upon_o they_o and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v so_o deep_o oblige_v to_o god_n that_o if_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o for_o his_o glory_n be_v perform_v yet_o they_o can_v discharge_v what_o they_o owe._n 2._o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o powerful_a supply_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o saint_n who_o even_o since_o their_o holy_a call_n by_o many_o lapse_n have_v just_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o grieve_a spirit_n be_v new_a obligation_n to_o thankfulness_n and_o the_o more_o grace_n the_o less_o merit_n 3._o the_o best_a work_n of_o man_n be_v imperfect_a allay_v with_o the_o mixture_n of_o infirmity_n and_o not_o of_o full_a weight_n in_o the_o divine_a balance_n if_o god_n shall_v strict_o examine_v our_o righteousness_n it_o will_v be_v find_v neither_o pure_a nor_o perfect_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o without_o favour_n and_o indulgence_n will_v be_v reject_v and_o that_o which_o want_v pardon_n can_v deserve_v praise_n and_o glory_n he_o show_v mercy_n to_o thousand_o that_o love_n he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n if_o obedience_n be_v meritorious_a it_o be_v strict_a justice_n to_o reward_v they_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o onesiphorus_n who_o have_v expose_v himself_o to_o great_a danger_n for_o his_o love_n to_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n grant_v he_o may_v find_v mercy_n in_o that_o day_n the_o divine_a mercy_n give_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n to_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o day_n of_o eternal_a recompense_n ii_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o obtain_n heaven_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n comprehend_v all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o we_o from_o he_o as_o the_o eternal_a word_n we_o have_v all_o benefit_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o as_o the_o 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its_o bless_a effect_n restrain_v from_o the_o guilty_a creature_n now_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o our_o assume_v nature_n offer_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o our_o stead_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n and_o remove_v the_o bar_n that_o mercy_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o our_o salvation_n the_o apostle_n give_v this_o account_n of_o it_o 20._o we_o have_v boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o veil_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh._n 2._o such_o be_v the_o most_o precious_a merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a to_o free_v the_o guilty_a contaminate_a race_n of_o mankind_n from_o hell_n but_o to_o purchase_v for_o they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o consider_v his_o human_a nature_n all_o grace_n be_v bear_v with_o he_o as_o ray_n with_o the_o sun_n and_o shine_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n 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receive_v in_o his_o body_n the_o character_n of_o ignominy_n and_o footstep_n of_o death_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o our_o glory_n his_o abasement_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o exaltation_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o seem_v to_o lessen_v the_o freeness_n of_o this_o gift_n the_o answer_n be_v clear_a this_o be_v due_a to_o christ_n but_o undeserved_a by_o we_o beside_o the_o appoint_v his_o son_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o ransom_n be_v the_o most_o glorious_a work_n of_o his_o goodness_n 2._o the_o mean_n of_o our_o obtain_n heaven_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v though_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v free_a in_o its_o act_n and_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o the_o creature_n of_o merit_n or_o inducement_n to_o prevail_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o cause_n yet_o he_o require_v qualification_n in_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v enjoy_v that_o bless_a unchangeable_a kingdom_n the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v 16._o nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v but_o of_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n but_o we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o mercy_n which_o be_v dispense_v in_o that_o order_n the_o gospel_n lay_v down_o the_o first_o mercy_n be_v the_o powerful_a call_v the_o sinner_n from_o his_o corrupt_a and_o wretched_a state_n a_o second_o mercy_n be_v the_o pardon_v his_o sin_n the_o last_o and_o most_o eminent_a be_v the_o glorify_v he_o in_o heaven_n now_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o this_o place_n the_o show_v of_o mercy_n signify_v the_o prevent_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o conversion_n for_o in_o the_o 18_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v god_n show_v mercy_n to_o who_o he_o will_v and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v where_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o show_v mercy_n be_v oppose_v not_o to_o condemn_v but_o to_o harden_v and_o consequent_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o divine_a grace_n overcome_v the_o rebellious_a will_n soften_v the_o stiff_a 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be_v not_o so_o purify_v but_o some_o vapour_n arise_v that_o intercept_v his_o cheerful_a refresh_a light_n from_o hence_o there_o be_v alternate_a succession_n of_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o sorrow_n of_o doubt_n and_o filial_a confidence_n in_o the_o saint_n it_o be_v a_o rare_a favour_n of_o heaven_n when_o a_o humble_a believer_n in_o his_o whole_a course_n be_v so_o circumspect_a as_o not_o to_o provoke_v god_n to_o appear_v displease_v against_o he_o when_o a_o christian_a as_o those_o tutelar_a angel_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o with_o a_o holy_a liberty_n and_o what_o a_o torment_n the_o hide_v of_o god_n face_n be_v to_o a_o desert_a soul_n only_o they_o know_v who_o feel_v it_o external_n trouble_n be_v many_o time_n attend_v with_o more_o consolation_n to_o the_o spirit_n than_o affliction_n to_o sense_n but_o to_o love_n god_n with_o a_o transcendent_a affection_n and_o to_o 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they_o 3._o the_o glorify_a saint_n in_o every_o period_n of_o their_o happy_a state_n have_v as_o lively_a a_o perception_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o beginning_n to_o make_v this_o evident_a we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o novelty_n spring_v from_o a_o quick_a sense_n of_o the_o opposite_a term_n between_o our_o condition_n in_o the_o want_n of_o some_o desire_a good_a and_o after_o our_o obtain_n it_o now_o the_o mind_n be_v more_o intense_a on_o the_o advantage_n and_o more_o strong_o affect_v at_o first_o one_o new_o free_v from_o the_o torment_n of_o a_o sharp_a disease_n feel_v a_o great_a pleasure_n than_o from_o a_o constant_a tenor_n of_o health_n those_o who_o be_v raise_v from_o a_o low_a state_n to_o eminent_a dignity_n be_v transport_v with_o their_o first_o change_n but_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o mean_a condition_n be_v so_o weaken_a
man_n to_o declare_v the_o truth_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n by_o despise_v all_o temptation_n when_o they_o be_v most_o invite_v and_o he_o be_v most_o receptive_a of_o they_o but_o alas_o how_o many_o neglect_n their_o duty_n and_o defer_v their_o happiness_n they_o think_v it_o too_o soon_o to_o live_v for_o heaven_n before_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v wherein_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n when_o they_o can_v sin_n and_o fond_o presume_v they_o can_v repent_v the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o this_o i_o will_v brief_o lay_v open_a the_o devil_n be_v a_o sophister_n in_o perfection_n and_o his_o ordinary_a and_o successful_a artifice_n to_o elude_v the_o force_n of_o present_a conviction_n and_o wrap_v man_n in_o sin_n and_o damnation_n be_v to_o induce_v they_o to_o delay_v the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o soul_n till_o afterward_o he_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a to_o tell_v they_o as_o he_o do_v our_o first_o parent_n you_o shall_v not_o die_v for_o the_o temptation_n be_v so_o palpable_a that_o it_o can_v deceive_v none_o though_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n that_o disturb_v the_o security_n of_o sinner_n be_v sometime_o obscure_v by_o affect_a doubt_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o artifice_n that_o can_v resist_v the_o full_a and_o strong_a conviction_n in_o mankind_n that_o death_n be_v inevitable_a though_o nature_n recoil_v from_o it_o with_o abhorrence_n yet_o this_o sad_a truth_n be_v so_o visible_a that_o it_o force_v a_o assent_n from_o all_o those_o who_o be_v titular_a god_n be_v not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o pretend_v to_o a_o exemption_n by_o privilege_n from_o that_o fatal_a necessity_n not_o to_o fancy_v that_o they_o may_v be_v embalm_v alive_a and_o nature_n make_v incorruptible_a by_o art_n the_o palace_n be_v as_o near_o the_o grave_a as_o the_o cottage_n therefore_o the_o devil_n cherish_v in_o man_n fond_a hope_n of_o long_a life_n as_o some_o optic_a glass_n deceive_v the_o sight_n and_o make_v a_o superficial_a representation_n in_o colour_n on_o a_o wall_n but_o two_o or_o three_o step_n distance_n appear_v a_o long_a deep_a gallery_n thus_o the_o tempter_n by_o a_o dangerous_a artifice_n present_v to_o the_o imagination_n the_o fatal_a term_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o since_o he_o can_v weaken_v the_o certainty_n of_o death_n in_o man_n belief_n he_o remove_v the_o image_n of_o it_o out_o of_o their_o memory_n to_o lessen_v the_o impression_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a to_o make_v on_o their_o spirit_n they_o dare_v not_o venture_v to_o die_v as_o they_o live_v careless_a of_o salvation_n and_o unprepared_a for_o their_o account_n with_o god_n therefore_o to_o suspend_v the_o work_n of_o conscience_n by_o a_o seem_a compliance_n the_o tempter_n insinuate_v there_o will_v be_v a_o long_a interval_n between_o the_o present_a time_n and_o the_o last_o hour_n that_o shall_v decide_v their_o state_n for_o ever_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o convenient_a season_n to_o prepare_v for_o the_o other_o world_n when_o they_o have_v do_v with_o this_o as_o if_o repentance_n be_v best_a at_o last_o when_o there_o be_v no_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o no_o danger_n of_o retract_v it_o and_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v a_o great_a flatterer_n very_o subtle_a to_o deceive_v and_o ruin_v he_o with_o vain_a resolution_n of_o a_o devout_a retirement_n and_o become_v serious_o religious_a hereafter_o and_o thus_o by_o a_o easy_a permission_n he_o gratify_v the_o present_a desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o go_v in_o a_o circuit_n from_o one_o vanity_n to_o another_o till_o death_n surprise_v the_o presumer_n it_o be_v very_o applicable_a to_o this_o purpose_n what_o be_v relate_v of_o alcaeus_n the_o poet_n 9_o who_o from_o every_o season_n of_o the_o year_n take_v argument_n to_o give_v a_o new_a title_n to_o his_o intemperance_n the_o spring_n require_v liberal_a drink_n in_o sign_n of_o joy_n for_o the_o renovation_n of_o nature_n the_o summer_n to_o temper_v the_o heat_n and_o refresh_v our_o draught_n it_o be_v due_a to_o autumn_n as_o dedicate_v to_o the_o vintage_n and_o winter_n require_v it_o to_o expel_v the_o cold_a that_o will_v congeal_v the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n thus_o he_o plead_v for_o the_o allowance_n of_o his_o excess_n and_o thus_o man_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o life_n which_o be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n have_v some_o excuse_n to_o delay_v repentance_n and_o give_v some_o colour_n to_o their_o contumacy_n in_o neglect_v salvation_n the_o vanity_n of_o childhood_n the_o pleasure_n of_o youth_n the_o business_n of_o middle_a age_n the_o infirmity_n of_o old_a age_n be_v plausible_a pretence_n to_o put_v off_o the_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o now_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o present_a choice_n and_o pursuit_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n let_v we_o consider_v 1._o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a season_n allow_v we_o for_o preparation_n in_o order_n to_o immortality_n as_o we_o improve_v or_o neglect_v it_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o it_o be_v observe_v concern_v the_o straits_n where_o the_o sea_n be_v but_o a_o few_o mile_n broad_a plin._n yet_o from_o thence_o it_o pour_v itself_o into_o the_o vast_a ocean_n that_o extend_v to_o both_o the_o indies_n so_o this_o life_n that_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o strait_n of_o time_n issue_v itself_o into_o a_o boundless_a eternity_n of_o good_a or_o evil._n from_o a_o few_o year_n well_o or_o ill_o spend_v here_o tam_fw-la immensa_fw-la soeculorum_fw-la vastitas_fw-la panditur_fw-la million_o of_o age_n follow_v of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n if_o man_n now_o set_v their_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o earnest_o seek_v they_o they_o shall_v joyful_o ascend_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n for_o the_o preparation_n for_o happiness_n be_v here_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o hereafter_o but_o if_o they_o be_v carnal_o mind_v and_o the_o main_a design_n of_o their_o life_n be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o present_a world_n when_o the_o part_a hour_n be_v come_v and_o death_n shall_v make_v a_o separation_n between_o they_o and_o it_o their_o misery_n be_v irrecoverable_a as_o the_o grave_a indeed_o if_o we_o have_v two_o life_n in_o succession_n allow_v we_o for_o trial_n and_o have_v err_v in_o our_o choice_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o first_o may_v correct_v our_o error_n in_o a_o second_o life_n there_o be_v some_o pretence_n for_o security_n but_o since_o immediate_o after_o death_n a_o private_a judgement_n pass_v upon_o the_o soul_n without_o appeal_n to_o a_o more_o favourable_a tribunal_n since_o then_o the_o error_n be_v unpardonable_a for_o ever_o there_o be_v no_o stupidity_n equal_v the_o present_a neglect_n of_o salvation_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o desperate_a uncertainty_n upon_o which_o man_n build_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a repentance_n and_o divine_a acceptance_n 1._o man_n be_v flatter_v with_o the_o presumption_n of_o long_a life_n but_o what_o be_v more_o uncertain_a it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v conceal_v in_o his_o own_o counsel_n the_o time_n of_o our_o sojourn_v here_o for_o if_o man_n though_o liable_a to_o death_n every_o hour_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v under_o a_o just_a fear_n lest_o it_o surprise_v they_o unprepared_a yet_o against_o so_o strong_a a_o curb_n run_v with_o that_o exorbitant_a vehemence_n after_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n how_o much_o more_o licentious_a will_v they_o be_v if_o secure_v from_o sudden_a death_n but_o none_o can_v promise_v to_o himself_o one_o day_n death_n come_v not_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o divine_a decree_n how_o many_o in_o the_o flower_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o strength_n think_v themselves_o at_o as_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o death_n as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n when_o there_o be_v but_o a_o step_n between_o they_o and_o death_n between_o they_o and_o hell_n the_o lamp_n sudden_o expire_v by_o a_o blast_n of_o wind_n when_o there_o be_v plenty_n of_o oil_n to_o feed_v it_o the_o rich_a man_n please_v himself_o with_o design_n of_o sensual_a enjoyment_n for_o many_o year_n yet_o do_v not_o see_v the_o dawn_n of_o the_o next_o morning_n thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o this_o sentence_n be_v now_o pronounce_v in_o heaven_n against_o thousand_o that_o be_v alive_a this_o day_n conversant_a in_o the_o vanity_n and_o business_n of_o the_o world_n eat_v and_o drink_v play_v and_o trade_n and_o all_o unconcerned_a as_o to_o die_v yet_o shall_v breathe_v their_o last_o before_o to_o morrow_n and_o their_o unwilling_a soul_n be_v rend_v from_o the_o embrace_n of_o the_o body_n in_o various_a manner_n man_n die_v sudden_o from_o inward_a and_o outward_a cause_n a_o 120._o apoplexy_n
be_v discover_v by_o constancy_n in_o obedience_n under_o all_o trial_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o endure_v temptation_n for_o when_o he_o be_v try_v he_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o the_o law_n require_v unsinning_a obedience_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n the_o gospel_n accept_v of_o sincerity_n but_o if_o that_o be_v want_v there_o be_v no_o promise_n that_o give_v right_a to_o the_o reward_n now_o sincerity_n imply_v such_o a_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n as_o make_v a_o person_n submit_v to_o all_o duty_n command_v in_o his_o law_n and_o all_o trial_n appoint_v by_o his_o providence_n a_o high_a example_n we_o have_v of_o this_o in_o abraham_n when_o he_o be_v command_v to_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n isaac_n and_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o a_o burn_v offer_v this_o be_v to_o kill_v a_o double_a sacrifice_n at_o one_o blow_n for_o the_o life_n of_o abraham_n be_v bind_v up_o in_o isaac_n he_o live_v in_o he_o more_o dear_o than_o in_o himself_o all_o his_o joy_n all_o his_o posterity_n by_o sarah_n have_v die_v in_o isaac_n what_o resentment_n what_o resistance_n of_o nature_n do_v he_o suffer_v yet_o present_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o perform_v his_o duty_n who_o ever_o see_v a_o more_o glorious_a victory_n over_o all_o the_o tender_a and_o powerful_a passion_n of_o human_a nature_n o_o unexampled_a obedience_n be_v a_o original_a without_o any_o precedent_n to_o imitate_v and_o without_o a_o copy_n to_o succeed_v it_o after_o this_o clear_a infallible_a testimony_n of_o his_o sincerity_n the_o angel_n declare_v from_o heaven_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n see_v thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o and_o it_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n that_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o animate_v they_o in_o all_o their_o suffering_n be_v sweet_a than_o life_n and_o strong_a than_o death_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a difference_n in_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o martyr_n under_o suffering_n but_o in_o all_o the_o same_o persevere_v grace_n be_v evident_a though_o work_v various_o some_o in_o the_o most_o beautiful_a flower_n of_o their_o age_n encounter_v fire_n and_o sword_n tormentor_n and_o torment_n with_o that_o sensible_a joy_n with_o those_o song_n of_o praise_n to_o christ_n as_o if_o they_o see_v the_o heaven_n open_a with_o st._n stephen_n and_o their_o saviour_n ready_a to_o receive_v and_o crown_v they_o but_o many_o other_o as_o paul_n chrysostom_n testify_v go_v to_o the_o tribunal_n to_o the_o theatre_n to_o death_n with_o many_o appearance_n of_o fear_n upon_o hear_v the_o wild_a beast_n roar_v they_o be_v strike_v with_o horror_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o executioner_n and_o the_o instrument_n of_o torment_n they_o be_v pale_a and_o tremble_a the_o flesh_n seem_v to_o cry_v out_o o_o let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o yet_o weak_a and_o faint_a it_o follow_v the_o spirit_n that_o correct_v the_o natural_a desire_n with_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v as_o the_o moon_n in_o eclipse_n though_o obscure_a yet_o go_v on_o in_o a_o regular_a course_n as_o when_o it_o be_v full_a of_o light_n by_o the_o reflection_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o those_o desolate_a martyr_n though_o as_o it_o be_v forsake_v and_o deprive_v of_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o comfort_n yet_o persevere_v in_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n when_o one_o word_n to_o renounce_v christianity_n will_v have_v save_v they_o no_o torment_n can_v force_v it_o from_o they_o but_o they_o patient_o endure_v all_o now_o in_o these_o the_o combat_n of_o nature_n be_v visible_a and_o the_o admirable_a power_n of_o grace_n they_o first_o overcome_v their_o own_o fear_n the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o carnal_a part_n their_o affection_n to_o what_o ever_o be_v desirable_a in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o noble_a victory_n and_o then_o the_o cruelty_n of_o their_o persecutor_n in_o they_o be_v verify_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o be_v they_o that_o keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n but_o how_o many_o appear_v faithful_a while_o their_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v show_v by_o difficult_a work_n and_o prove_v by_o suffering_n the_o seed_n that_o fall_v on_o the_o stony_a ground_n spring_v up_o as_o hopeful_a as_o the_o seed_n in_o the_o good_a ground_n at_o first_o but_o when_o tribulation_n come_v it_o wither_v away_o want_v the_o root_n of_o sincerity_n and_o that_o which_o be_v sow_v among_o thorn_n be_v choke_v by_o the_o care_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n some_o lust_n in_o the_o heart_n interweave_v with_o the_o affection_n and_o cause_n apostasy_n how_o many_o from_o glorious_a beginning_n have_v make_v a_o lamentable_a end_n not_o only_o mercenary_n in_o religion_n who_o zeal_n be_v a_o foreign_a complexion_n not_o spring_v from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o health_n relinquish_v even_o the_o profession_n of_o godliness_n when_o their_o gain_n cease_v but_o some_o who_o have_v think_v themselves_o sincere_a yet_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n their_o resolution_n like_o sick_a feather_n drop_v away_o as_o the_o foolish_a builder_n that_o compute_v not_o the_o charge_n of_o his_o design_a work_n begin_v to_o raise_v a_o magnificent_a structure_n but_o unable_a to_o finish_v it_o lay_v the_o foundation_n in_o his_o own_o shame_n they_o repent_v their_o choice_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o see_v what_o it_o must_v cost_v they_o and_o will_v save_v the_o world_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o soul_n other_o that_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o with_o raise_v affection_n set_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n yet_o by_o the_o allurement_n of_o sensual_a lust_n and_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o with_o great_a pudicit_fw-la gild_n leave_v their_o first_o love_n and_o end_n in_o the_o flesh._n they_o fall_v from_o high_a profession_n but_o receive_v by_o soft_a pleasure_n feel_v not_o the_o fall_n these_o be_v never_o sincere_a and_o never_o have_v a_o right_a to_o heaven_n they_o take_v up_o sudden_a resolution_n not_o ground_v in_o serious_a and_o deep_a thought_n and_o for_o a_o flash_n be_v hot_a and_o active_a but_o with_o great_a levity_n return_v to_o their_o former_a lusts._n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o such_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o they_o have_v not_o know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o to_o turn_v back_o and_o voluntary_o to_o forsake_v it_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o boil_a water_n take_v off_o from_o the_o fire_n congeal_v more_o strong_o than_o that_o which_o be_v never_o heat_v because_o the_o subtle_a part_n be_v evaporate_v by_o the_o fire_n the_o more_o terrestrial_a part_n remain_v be_v more_o capable_a of_o cold._n so_o those_o who_o have_v feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o afterward_o lose_v that_o holy_a heat_n become_v more_o harden_v in_o their_o sin_n god_n just_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o the_o evil_a spirit_n that_o be_v expel_v for_o a_o time_n return_v with_o seven_o worse_a and_o aggravate_v his_o tyranny_n to_o conclude_v since_o the_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n be_v conditional_a if_o we_o persevere_v in_o a_o holy_a state_n let_v we_o beware_v of_o a_o corrupt_a confidence_n and_o a_o vicious_a dejection_n of_o spirit_n the_o trust_n in_o ourselves_o or_o distrust_v god_n to_o prevent_v the_o trust_n in_o ourselves_o consider_v 1._o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n be_v by_o the_o instability_n of_o nature_n liable_a to_o defection_n subject_n to_o a_o corruptive_a change_n of_o this_o the_o fall_v angel_n be_v a_o dreadful_a example_n who_o of_o their_o own_o motion_n untempted_a sin_v in_o heaven_n 2._o the_o danger_n be_v great_a of_o fall_v away_o when_o they_o be_v urge_v and_o solicit_v by_o a_o violent_a or_o grateful_a temptation_n thus_o our_o first_o parent_n fall_v and_o lose_v more_o grace_n in_o a_o hour_n then_o can_v be_v recover_v by_o their_o posterity_n in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o when_o there_o be_v supervenient_a corruption_n in_o the_o creature_n that_o incline_v they_o with_o earnest_a propensity_n to_o forbid_a thing_n and_o take_v flame_n from_o every_o spark_n the_o danger_n be_v extreme_a like_o a_o besiege_a city_n that_o be_v in_o great_a hazard_n of_o take_v by_o assault_n from_o without_o and_o conspiracy_n from_o within_o let_v we_o therefore_o be_v very_o watchful_a over_o our_o heart_n and_o sense_n and_o keep_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a at_o a_o safe_a distance_n from_o temptation_n and_o be_v very_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o holy_a mean_n to_o
to_o make_v a_o experiment_n whether_o any_o satisfaction_n can_v be_v find_v in_o it_o at_o last_o sad_o declare_v that_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o be_v but_o several_a kind_n and_o rank_n of_o vanity_n as_o ineffectual_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a as_o counterfeit_a jewel_n of_o several_a colour_n be_v to_o enrich_v the_o possessor_n nay_o they_o be_v not_o only_a vanity_n but_o vexation_n a_o empty_a show_n that_o have_v nothing_o real_a but_o the_o vexation_n of_o disappointment_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o value_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n when_o they_o be_v best_a instruct_v and_o give_v credit_n to_o their_o testimony_n when_o they_o be_v sincere_a certain_o in_o their_o approach_n to_o the_o divine_a judgement_n they_o be_v most_o considerate_a and_o serious_a they_o have_v the_o true_a and_o just_a thought_n of_o thing_n and_o most_o free_o declare_v they_o o_o the_o astonish_a folly_n of_o man_n the_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o they_o and_o the_o sun_n be_v set_v and_o no_o time_n remain_v for_o their_o return_v into_o the_o way_n of_o life_n chap._n viii_o the_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o eternal_a thing_n requisite_a to_o direct_v our_o choice_n the_o power_n of_o faith_n illustrate_v infidelity_n total_a or_o partial_a the_o cause_n of_o man_n neglect_v eternal_a salvation_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v further_a what_o be_v necessary_a to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o choice_n that_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o double_a misery_n of_o be_v deceive_v with_o a_o false_a happiness_n for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o deprive_v of_o true_a happiness_n for_o ever_o three_o thing_n be_v requisite_a for_o this_o 1._o a_o sound_n and_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o unseen_a eternal_a thing_n 2._o serious_n consideration_n of_o the_o vast_a difference_n between_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sight_n and_o that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n 3._o humble_a and_o ardent_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v turn_v away_o our_o eye_n and_o heart_n from_o vanity_n to_o the_o solid_a durable_a good_n first_o the_o sound_n and_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o eternal_a thing_n be_v requisite_a to_o direct_v our_o choice_n aright_o ●_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v it_o assure_v we_o of_o their_o reality_n and_o worth_a as_o if_o they_o be_v before_o our_o eye_n and_o in_o our_o actual_a possession_n this_o divine_a light_n govern_v and_o conduct_n the_o will_n to_o choose_v wise_o and_o excite_v all_o the_o practic_a power_n for_o the_o prevening_n the_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o obtain_n perfect_a felicity_n when_o the_o devil_n the_o deadly_a flatterer_n by_o invite_a representation_n of_o the_o world_n entice_v the_o heart_n the_o serious_a belief_n of_o the_o future_a reward_n so_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a disgrace_v the_o most_o splendid_a temptation_n and_o make_v they_o ineffectual_a this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n if_o tempt_v to_o lasciviousness_n by_o the_o allurement_n of_o a_o earthly_a beauty_n faith_n represent_v the_o angelical_a lustre_n of_o the_o saint_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v with_o the_o unspotted_a lamb_n in_o his_o glorious_a appearance_n and_o this_o unbind_v the_o charm_n and_o make_v the_o tempt_a person_n a_o object_n not_o of_o desire_n but_o aversation_n if_o tempt_v with_o honour_n to_o a_o sinful_a compliance_n faith_n represent_v so_o convince_o the_o glory_n which_o all_o those_o who_o preserve_v their_o conscience_n and_o integrity_n inviolable_a shall_v receive_v at_o the_o universal_a judgement_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v he_o that_o serve_v i_o he_o will_v my_o father_n honour_n and_o the_o confusion_n wherein_o the_o most_o honourable_a sinner_n shall_v then_o be_v cover_v that_o with_o a_o generous_a disdain_n all_o secular_a honour_n will_v be_v despise_v and_o it_o be_v as_o powerful_a to_o enervate_v the_o temptation_n of_o temporal_a profit_n we_o read_v of_o moses_n that_o by_o faith_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n and_o therefore_o more_o capable_a to_o understand_v and_o enjoy_v what_o felicity_n the_o bright_a honour_n and_o great_a riches_n can_v afford_v refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n '_o s_o daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n for_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o a_o wicked_a world_n inspire_v with_o rage_n from_o satan_n can_v threaten_v to_o fright_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n poverty_n disgrace_n banishment_n nay_o torment_n and_o death_n those_o terrible_v visu_fw-la formae_fw-la so_o heighten_v by_o the_o carnal_a fancy_n be_v easy_o overcome_v by_o a_o sincere_a and_o strong_a believer_n thus_o some_o who_o be_v urge_v by_o such_o motive_n to_o renounce_v their_o religion_n tell_v the_o persecutor_n that_o life_n be_v not_o sweet_a to_o they_o if_o they_o may_v not_o live_v christian_n nor_o death_n bitter_a if_o they_o must_v die_v for_o christ._n a_o lively_a firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o excellence_n and_o eternity_n of_o the_o reward_n cyp._n what_o miraculous_a effect_n will_v it_o produce_v nothing_o will_v be_v impossible_a within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o duty_n either_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v in_o order_n to_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n faith_n have_v a_o celestial_a power_n a_o magnetic_a virtue_n to_o draw_v up_o the_o heart_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o fasten_v it_o to_o thing_n above_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o a_o clear_a sight_a soul_n that_o see_v a_o good_a infinite_o great_a shall_v reject_v it_o for_o mean_a thing_n to_o please_v the_o low_a desire_n we_o may_v as_o probable_o imagine_v that_o a_o skilful_a jeweller_n will_v part_v with_o the_o rich_a oriental_a pearl_n for_o cherry_n stone_n to_o play_v with_o child_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n preach_v do_v not_o profit_n not_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o it_o be_v astonish_v to_o consider_v that_o earth_n shall_v contend_v with_o heaven_n for_o our_o affection_n and_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o vanity_n shall_v turn_v the_o scale_n against_o the_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n that_o man_n shall_v pursue_v fleet_a shadow_n and_o neglect_v the_o most_o excellent_a reality_n as_o if_o they_o can_v be_v happy_a here_o and_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o hereafter_o there_o be_v neither_o happiness_n nor_o eternity_n but_o this_o release_v the_o wonder_n that_o all_o man_n have_v not_o faith_n eternal_a thing_n be_v not_o of_o conspicuous_a moment_n in_o the_o carnal_a balance_n some_o be_v infidel_n in_o profession_n open_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v without_o religion_n without_o god_n and_o have_v the_o same_o credit_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o hell_n discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o the_o elysian_a field_n and_o stygian_a lake_n the_o fable_n of_o the_o poet_n these_o live_v as_o if_o they_o shall_v never_o die_v and_o die_v as_o if_o they_o shall_v never_o live_v in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o if_o death_n cause_v so_o deep_a a_o sleep_n that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v not_o awaken_v they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n their_o unbelief_n be_v not_o from_o reason_n but_o vicious_a opposite_a affection_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o eternal_a state_n be_v so_o clear_o reveal_v and_o strong_o establish_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o sincere_a mind_n must_v ready_o assent_v to_o it_o but_o the_o wicked_a can_v delight_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o that_o for_o which_o they_o be_v unprepared_a and_o therefore_o try_v all_o way_n to_o elude_v the_o force_n of_o the_o most_o satisfy_a argument_n they_o do_v not_o fear_v hell_n but_o be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v be_v fearful_a of_o it_o this_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o folly_n as_o that_o of_o the_o west_n indian_n who_o at_o the_o first_o invasion_n by_o the_o spaniard_n be_v so_o terrify_v with_o the_o glitter_a of_o their_o sword_n that_o they_o present_o flee_v and_o very_o advise_o resolve_v to_o hide_v themselves_o in_o the_o day_n and_o assault_v their_o enemy_n in_o the_o night_n they_o be_v fearful_a to_o see_v their_o danger_n and_o rash_a to_o encounter_v it_o and_o fight_v in_o the_o dark_a be_v kill_v in_o the_o dark_a the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a death_n be_v the_o brandishing_n of_o god_n glitter_a sword_n before_o he_o strike_v and_o sensual_a infidel_n be_v