i_o must_v acknowledge_v my_o performance_n have_v be_v by_o far_o too_o mean_a to_o recommend_v so_o glorious_a a_o work_n and_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o after_o this_o design_n be_v begin_v by_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v it_o speak_v to_o their_o great_a commendation_n and_o praise_n many_o dissenter_n do_v join_v with_o they_o and_o have_v be_v very_o zealous_a and_o vigorous_a in_o prosecute_a this_o great_a end_n without_o the_o least_o animosity_n or_o jar_a about_o the_o unhappy_a difference_n that_o lie_v between_o we_o may_v the_o great_a and_o good_a god_n in_o his_o due_a time_n close_o up_o our_o breach_n and_o make_v we_o all_o sensible_a that_o real_a holiness_n be_v the_o only_a badge_n of_o true_a christianity_n and_o now_o gentleman_n i_o come_v to_o address_v myself_o to_o you_o who_o be_v member_n of_o those_o true_o honourable_a society_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o particular_a instance_n of_o divine_a love_n as_o well_o as_o a_o mark_n of_o immortal_a honour_n that_o the_o almighty_a have_v confer_v upon_o you_o that_o he_o have_v stir_v up_o that_o noble_a zeal_n in_o you_o to_o endeavour_v to_o stop_v the_o notorious_a profaneness_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v it_o be_v a_o undertake_n so_o just_a in_o its_o design_n so_o commendable_a in_o its_o end_n that_o it_o carry_v before_o it_o in_o the_o plain_a character_n that_o it_o come_v down_o from_o god_n and_o as_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v a_o cheerful_a instance_n notwithstanding_o our_o great_a degeneracy_n that_o the_o almighty_a have_v not_o abandon_v we_o as_o altogether_o incorrigible_a to_o judgement_n and_o ruin_n so_o i_o pray_v it_o may_v not_o be_v the_o last_o effort_n of_o divine_a admonition_n try_v if_o we_o will_v by_o these_o method_n be_v reclaim_v and_o render_v ourselves_o capable_a of_o the_o favour_n we_o desire_v or_o if_o it_o be_v that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v render_v fruitless_a either_o by_o a_o general_a contempt_n cast_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o this_o holy_a fire_n be_v quench_v by_o a_o overflow_a general_a flood_n of_o impiety_n or_o else_o by_o your_o grow_a weary_a and_o cool_v in_o your_o zeal_n and_o faint_v in_o your_o work_n and_o thereby_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o child_n of_o wickedness_n not_o only_o to_o triumph_v over_o you_o but_o over_o religion_n itself_o and_o so_o open_a a_o door_n to_o those_o terrible_a judgement_n to_o seize_v upon_o we_o which_o we_o have_v too_o much_o cause_n to_o fear_v as_o the_o consequence_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o prevent_v the_o latter_a and_o the_o justice_n honour_n and_o goodness_n of_o your_o undertake_v have_v be_v so_o well_o justify_v by_o my_o reverend_a brethren_n who_o have_v go_v before_o i_o and_o who_o discourse_n be_v make_v public_a i_o think_v i_o can_v not_o insist_v on_o a_o more_o proper_a subject_n than_o to_o recommend_v the_o continuance_n of_o your_o zeal_n in_o this_o so_o good_a a_o work_n which_o you_o have_v undertake_v and_o to_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v in_o the_o ensue_a page_n on_o this_o account_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o it_o have_v be_v much_o better_a you_o have_v never_o set_v about_o this_o glorious_a work_n if_o you_o shall_v at_o last_o fall_v back_o and_o desist_v from_o it_o since_o nothing_o can_v more_o amate_v the_o spirit_n of_o piety_n or_o encourage_v vice_n than_o your_o decline_a and_o sink_v from_o a_o cause_n which_o you_o have_v so_o open_o espouse_v and_o by_o so_o many_o overtact_n avow_v i_o write_v gentlemen_z to_o you_o conjunct_o and_o to_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o your_o society_n several_o and_o therefore_o be_o not_o solicitous_a if_o any_o shall_v take_v a_o impious_a occasion_n to_o burlesque_fw-la the_o comparison_n or_o ridicule_fw-la the_o application_n of_o it_o take_v from_o so_o low_a a_o employment_n as_o that_o of_o the_o blow_n since_o the_o plainness_n and_o closeness_n of_o the_o similitude_n as_o well_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o give_v it_o can_v displease_v any_o that_o be_v not_o atheist_n or_o that_o contemn_v not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o author_n of_o it_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o some_o do_v undervalue_v your_o undertake_n by_o urge_v the_o meanness_n of_o it_o in_o allow_v it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a work_n to_o suppress_v the_o abominable_a sin_n of_o curse_v and_o swear_v of_o profane_v the_o lord_n day_n and_o house_n of_o disorder_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v too_o numerous_a about_o this_o city_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o root_n out_o of_o that_o spirit_n of_o selfishness_n which_o be_v break_v loose_a among_o we_o that_o bribery_n and_o corruption_n that_o have_v almost_o eat_v out_o the_o vital_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o which_o be_v the_o black_a symptom_n of_o approach_a destruction_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v i_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o this_o irregular_a objection_n and_o i_o daily_o pray_v that_o the_o lord_n may_v pour_v forth_o a_o public_a spirit_n upon_o we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o answer_v the_o character_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o last_o day_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o but_o that_o such_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o a_o generous_a love_n to_o our_o dear_a country_n may_v be_v raise_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o in_o authority_n of_o all_o that_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o public_a affair_n that_o every_o man_n may_v prefer_v the_o public_a interest_n before_o his_o own_o and_o that_o all_o who_o wear_v the_o badge_n of_o power_n may_v be_v person_n answer_v jethro_n character_n man_n of_o truth_n hate_v covetousness_n but_o since_o it_o be_v allow_v even_o by_o the_o objector_n that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a work_n which_o you_o be_v engage_v in_o although_o it_o do_v not_o reach_v all_o the_o end_n that_o they_o desire_v therefore_o sure_o it_o be_v your_o honour_n your_o interest_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v in_o so_o good_a a_o thing_n and_o who_o know_v but_o that_o god_n may_v be_v please_v see_v you_o sincere_a and_o zealous_a in_o his_o cause_n where_o it_o lie_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o your_o power_n in_o suppress_v vice_n to_o bless_v we_o in_o suppress_v by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o more_o immediate_a providence_n those_o disorder_n which_o be_v so_o far_o out_o of_o your_o reach_n which_o be_v so_o destructive_a unto_o our_o common_a national_a interest_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o avert_v judgement_n and_o obtain_v mercy_n to_o repress_v sin_n and_o in_o do_v our_o duty_n where_o we_o can_v we_o may_v expect_v assistance_n and_o a_o divine_a hand_n to_o help_v we_o in_o those_o thing_n where_o we_o can_v there_o be_v other_o objector_n who_o urge_v that_o you_o move_v in_o a_o sphere_n that_o you_o be_v not_o place_v in_o and_o that_o you_o stretch_v yourselves_o to_o a_o line_n beyond_o your_o measure_n since_o you_o meddle_v in_o what_o concern_v public_a officer_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n may_v help_v to_o convince_v such_o that_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o virtue_n and_o be_v list_v as_o a_o soldier_n to_o fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n and_o as_o to_o other_o who_o oppose_v you_o by_o scorn_n and_o derision_n they_o must_v be_v such_o who_o by_o their_o life_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o regular_a course_n you_o endeavour_v to_o enforce_v who_o mouth_n must_v and_o i_o hope_v short_o will_v be_v stop_v since_o therefore_o you_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o field_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n in_o a_o cause_n so_o beneficial_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n hereafter_o and_o to_o their_o body_n here_o may_v the_o great_a god_n inspirit_v you_o with_o zeal_n with_o prudence_n and_o industry_n consonant_n to_o your_o worthy_a design_n this_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o gentleman_n your_o most_o humble_a servant_n and_o wellwish_a j._n russell_n luke_n ix_o 62._o no_o man_n have_v put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o service_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o work_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o business_n of_o that_o honour_n and_o mighty_a importance_n that_o it_o deserve_v our_o most_o sedulous_a and_o constant_a endeavour_n and_o command_v a_o most_o strict_a adherence_n to_o it_o from_o all_o its_o professor_n it_o require_v of_o all_o those_o that_o engage_v in_o it_o a_o resolution_n to_o persevere_v and_o go_v through_o all_o its_o stage_n and_o to_o hold_v on_o to_o the_o end_n of_o its_o journey_n and_o to_o think_v
and_o put_v off_o the_o time_n and_o a_o 3d_o seem_a willing_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n yet_o will_v excuse_v himself_o from_o the_o immediate_a attendance_n on_o his_o service_n lord_n i_o will_v follow_v thou_o but_o let_v i_o first_o bid_v they_o farewell_n which_o be_v at_o home_n to_o who_o our_o lord_n reply_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n no_o man_n have_v put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n i.e._n no_o man_n have_v engage_v himself_o to_o my_o service_n and_o after_o turn_v back_o to_o his_o secular_a concern_v with_o a_o regard_n have_v first_o to_o those_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v allegorical_a press_v a_o constancy_n to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o diligence_n of_o he_o that_o till_v the_o ground_n as_o if_o our_o lord_n have_v say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o plough_n must_v keep_v to_o his_o business_n not_o look_v behind_o he_o or_o neglect_v his_o work_n to_o trifle_v about_o other_o thing_n that_o come_v into_o his_o head_n if_o he_o do_v he_o be_v unfit_a for_o such_o a_o employment_n as_o require_v a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o it_o so_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o my_o service_n they_o must_v put_v on_o resolution_n and_o not_o make_v vain_a and_o trifle_a excuse_n to_o return_v back_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v constant_a and_o sedulous_a otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v to_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n be_v unfit_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o my_o kingdom_n which_o be_v only_o design_v as_o the_o bless_a reward_n of_o the_o sincere_o faithful_a and_o constant_o laborious_a the_o text_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o severe_a reproof_n level_v against_o the_o coldness_n and_o negligent_a carriage_n of_o too_o many_o who_o profess_v to_o be_v disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v engage_v themselves_o by_o their_o character_n and_o vow_n by_o their_o office_n and_o order_n by_o their_o profession_n and_o pretension_n to_o be_v his_o follower_n to_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o holiness_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o these_o solemn_a declaration_n by_o a_o sad_a tergiversation_n return_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o and_o to_o a_o remiss_a and_o loose_a state_n of_o life_n and_o like_o lot_n wife_n by_o sodom_n though_o they_o be_v once_o by_o themerciful_a hand_n of_o convince_a grace_n bring_v out_o of_o that_o supine_n and_o sinful_a condition_n in_o which_o by_o nature_n they_o lay_v after_o all_o those_o enlightning_n and_o lecture_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n do_v return_v again_o like_o the_o dog_n to_o his_o vomit_n to_o their_o former_a corruption_n or_o at_o least_o with_o long_a desire_n and_o incurve_v heart_n look_v back_o to_o that_o state_n which_o will_v become_v a_o prey_n to_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n in_o speak_v therefore_o on_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v these_o follow_a thing_n i._o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o put_v our_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n ii_o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o look_v back_o iii_o to_o show_v the_o danger_n and_o sad_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o dreadful_a retrospection_n after_o we_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o so_o good_a a_o work_n which_o be_v that_o such_o person_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n i._o for_o the_o first_o what_o it_o be_v to_o put_v our_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n since_o our_o lord_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o so_o plain_a and_o homely_a a_o metaphor_n i_o hope_v it_o can_v savour_v of_o clownishness_n or_o rusticity_n to_o follow_v his_o example_n and_o since_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o those_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o afterward_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o his_o service_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v safe_a and_o easy_a too_o to_o follow_v such_o a_o expositor_n the_o plough_n we_o know_v be_v a_o instrument_n of_o husbandry_n and_o they_o that_o hold_v it_o render_v the_o ground_n fit_a for_o seed_n and_o this_o apply_v spiritual_o signify_v all_o those_o that_o labour_n to_o make_v the_o world_n fit_a to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o peace_n that_o strive_v to_o reform_v the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o render_v man_n heart_n capable_a to_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n to_o put_v our_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n therefore_o be_v to_o declare_v against_o sin_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o act_v against_o it_o in_o our_o station_n it_o be_v to_o engage_v in_o the_o service_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o endeavour_v to_o render_v the_o church_n fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n it_o be_v to_o commence_v a_o holy_a warfare_n against_o the_o state_n of_o darkness_n to_o suppress_v vice_n and_o encourage_v holiness_n and_o to_o do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o cause_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v with_o a_o holy_a zeal_n and_o a_o undauntedness_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v opposition_n against_o that_o torrent_n of_o vice_n which_o be_v break_v in_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o bring_v our_o own_o life_n into_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n but_o also_o strenuous_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v other_o to_o break_v up_o that_o soil_n which_o be_v crust_v over_o with_o a_o callus_fw-la of_o sin_n and_o to_o render_v it_o fit_a for_o the_o engraft_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o enter_v it_o be_v in_o a_o word_n public_o to_o espouse_v the_o cause_n and_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o the_o grow_a progress_n of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o since_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o field_n as_o our_o lord_n himself_o deliver_v it_o in_o that_o parable_n mat._n 13._o of_o the_o wheat_n and_o the_o tare_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o much_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o tillage_n and_o cultivation_n of_o it_o in_o order_n that_o a_o bountiful_a crop_n of_o righteousness_n may_v be_v bring_v forth_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o this_o holy_a employment_n one_a every_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v a_o barren_a ground_n in_o which_o only_o the_o seed_n of_o sin_n spring_v up_o and_o fructify_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o destruction_n of_o himself_o and_o since_o by_o that_o infinite_a love_n of_o god_n in_o give_v jesus_n christ_n and_o contract_v with_o we_o on_o condition_n of_o love_n he_o have_v render_v we_o capable_a of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o reap_v as_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o gracious_a harvest_n eternal_a life_n and_o since_o on_o our_o enter_v into_o this_o contract_n of_o peace_n i_o mean_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v swear_v to_o our_o great_a master_n to_o become_v his_o subject_n and_o servant_n to_o labour_v in_o his_o vineyard_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o his_o work_n the_o neglect_n and_o breach_n of_o which_o awful_a vow_n will_v terminate_v in_o destruction_n every_o one_o therefore_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n and_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n confirm_v by_o our_o redeemer_n between_o god_n and_o we_o have_v put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n he_o have_v vow_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o obedient_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v declare_v himself_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o ungodliness_n he_o have_v promise_v according_a to_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 4.3_o to_o break_v up_o the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o not_o to_o sow_v among_o thorn_n and_o agreeable_a to_o hosea_n 10.12_o to_o sow_v to_o himself_o in_o righteousness_n and_o thereby_o to_o reap_v mercy_n to_o break_v up_o the_o fallow_a ground_n since_o its_o time_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n till_o he_o come_v and_o rain_v righteousness_n upon_o he_o but_o two_o since_o we_o be_v not_o design_v by_o our_o great_a creator_n for_o ourselves_o alone_o but_o make_v for_o society_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o good_a and_o comfort_n of_o other_o and_o since_o in_o this_o regard_n there_o must_v be_v a_o discrimination_n of_o person_n in_o respect_n of_o superiority_n and_o inferiority_n it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v how_o far_o we_o have_v put_v our_o hand_n to_o this_o good_a work_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o and_o who_o those_o be_v that_o be_v more_o particular_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o in_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v the_o three_o great_a division_n into_o which_o all_o man_n be_v rank_v
endeavour_v the_o repress_v of_o sin_n and_o propagation_n of_o piety_n so_o to_o look_v back_o signify_v a_o withdraw_a our_o affection_n and_o endeavour_n from_o it_o and_o a_o relinquish_a this_o so_o glorious_a and_o commendable_a a_o enterprise_n and_o in_o speak_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v brief_o take_v notice_n one_a of_o the_o person_n and_o two_o of_o the_o temptation_n induce_v to_o this_o sinful_a retrospection_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o to_o the_o person_n i_o can_v but_o brief_o remark_n with_o a_o melancholy_a reflection_n that_o not_o only_o vast_a number_n who_o be_v engage_v by_o the_o awful_a obligation_n of_o baptism_n have_v no_o more_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o interest_n than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o land_n of_o darkness_n not_o only_o great_a multitude_n hear_v the_o gospel_n every_o day_n and_o themselves_o also_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v to_o they_o as_o a_o book_n seal_v they_o neither_o feel_v nor_o understand_v their_o power_n and_o life_n but_o also_o there_o be_v other_o who_o have_v have_v a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n have_v be_v under_o conviction_n and_o take_v up_o resolution_n for_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n and_o yet_o all_o their_o purpose_n like_o ephraim_n righteousness_n have_v be_v but_o as_o a_o morning_n dew_n which_o be_v present_o consume_v with_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o next_o approach_v temptation_n and_o this_o be_v very_o sad_o to_o look_v back_o after_o we_o have_v set_v our_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n when_o we_o have_v feel_v the_o warming_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o incubation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n brood_v on_o our_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o renew_a holiness_n when_o we_o have_v make_v some_o advance_n in_o piety_n and_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n yet_o after_o all_o to_o end_v in_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v miserable_o to_o look_v back_o from_o our_o employment_n and_o solemn_a engagement_n but_o two_o to_o carry_v on_o my_o application_n you_o gentleman_n who_o have_v promise_v to_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n not_o only_o by_o the_o vow_n of_o your_o baptism_n but_o also_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o religious_a association_n into_o which_o you_o be_v engage_v to_o encourage_v one_o another_o to_o walk_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o declare_v yourselves_o the_o opponent_n to_o vice_n and_o ungodliness_n and_o to_o repress_v profanation_n debauchery_n and_o excess_n within_o your_o sphere_n and_o knowledge_n by_o endeavour_v to_o give_v life_n and_o vigour_n to_o those_o good_a law_n which_o our_o pious_a legislator_n have_v establish_v for_o this_o end_n consider_v you_o have_v put_v your_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v his_o cause_n that_o you_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o if_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o little_a opposition_n you_o withdraw_v your_o assistance_n or_o stop_v in_o your_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o look_v back_o here_o intimate_v in_o the_o text._n i_o beg_v gentleman_n i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o be_v afraid_a you_o be_v weary_a of_o that_o good_a work_n which_o you_o have_v set_v your_o hand_n unto_o and_o be_v about_o to_o relinquish_v it_o my_o discourse_n proceed_v from_o another_o design_n namely_o that_o by_o show_v the_o great_a mischief_n which_o must_v attend_v your_o forsake_v this_o cause_n i_o may_v the_o more_o effectual_o recommend_v it_o to_o your_o self_n and_o persuade_v other_o to_o engage_v in_o it_o and_o encourage_v your_o zeal_n to_o all_o the_o prudential_a and_o vigorous_a method_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o its_o prosecution_n but_o yet_o since_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o some_o who_o have_v set_v their_o hand_n to_o this_o good_a work_n may_v look_v back_o may_v flag_n in_o their_o diligence_n and_o cool_v in_o their_o affection_n i_o shall_v brief_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o temptation_n tend_v to_o it_o and_o these_o fall_n under_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o these_o 3_o head_n one_a fear_n 2_o shame_n 3_o sloth_n one_a fear_n when_o a_o person_n that_o have_v not_o first_o sit_v down_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n what_o it_o will_v stand_v he_o in_o to_o be_v the_o soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o what_o degree_n of_o valour_n and_o holy_a resolution_n it_o require_v to_o fight_v in_o this_o glorious_a cause_n and_o to_o labour_v in_o this_o work_n that_o he_o must_v be_v sincere_a and_o impartial_a not_o afraid_a of_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o small_a or_o the_o frown_n of_o the_o great_a or_o any_o diminution_n of_o his_o temporal_a interest_n when_o such_o a_o person_n find_v that_o the_o cause_n he_o have_v undertake_v may_v eclipse_v his_o profit_n and_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o great_a opposition_n than_o he_o expect_v then_o he_o begin_v to_o faint_v and_o to_o chill_a in_o his_o warmth_n and_o to_o find_v excuse_n for_o his_o recession_n but_o let_v such_o consider_v that_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o fearful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o vnbelieve_a shall_v have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n rev._n 21.8_o i_o e._n such_o who_o faint_v in_o the_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o have_v not_o courage_n enough_o to_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o conveniency_n and_o friendship_n of_o the_o world_n such_o be_v unfit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o as_o solomon_n observe_v that_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n bring_v a_o snare_n prov._n 29.25_o a_o snare_n on_o the_o conscience_n and_o a_o intangle_a hindrance_n to_o religious_a duty_n so_o he_o that_o venture_v upon_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o man_n or_o who_o sordid_a apprehension_n of_o worldly_a loss_n or_o the_o breach_n of_o carnal_a friendship_n or_o the_o browbeating_n of_o the_o powerful_a can_v beat_v off_o from_o his_o work_n such_o a_o person_n do_v hereby_o render_v himself_o unfit_a for_o that_o bless_a sentence_n of_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n enter_z thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n for_o he_o that_o can_v venture_v himself_o on_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o who_o faith_n be_v too_o feeble_a to_o shore_v he_o up_o from_o sink_v under_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n such_o a_o person_n be_v a_o miserable_a bondman_n to_o the_o world_n how_o fair_a soever_o his_o pretension_n may_v be_v to_o regeneration_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n but_o beloved_n i_o believe_v and_o hope_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v a_o zeal_n of_o sincerity_n and_o a_o vigorous_a prosecution_n of_o your_o glorious_a undertake_n 2_o shame_n be_v another_o temptation_n to_o induce_v man_n to_o look_v back_o it_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a policy_n of_o satan_n ever_o since_o god_n have_v in_o wonderful_a mercy_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v please_v to_o stop_v the_o violence_n of_o his_o rage_n and_o persecution_n to_o oppose_v religion_n by_o scoff_v and_o mock_n at_o those_o that_o will_v not_o still_o remain_v his_o vassal_n and_o our_o age_n and_o nation_n have_v be_v so_o unhappy_o exercise_v by_o this_o stratagem_n of_o hell_n that_o one_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o st._n peter_n look_v at_o these_o day_n 2_o pet._n 3.3_o know_v this_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n for_o how_o have_v holiness_n of_o life_n be_v ridicule_v and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o state_n of_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o impious_a derision_n and_o scornful_a reproach_n insomuch_o that_o some_o have_v be_v even_o ashamed_a to_o own_v themselves_o so_o good_a as_o they_o real_o be_v for_o fear_v that_o some_o name_n of_o ignominy_n and_o contempt_n will_v be_v cast_v upon_o they_o and_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o opposition_n great_a than_o this_o to_o balk_v you_o in_o the_o way_n of_o your_o virtuous_a procedure_n but_o to_o counterpoise_v this_o remember_v that_o you_o be_v engage_v to_o own_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o crucify_a jesus_n of_o he_o that_o be_v number_v among_o the_o transgressor_n and_o who_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n and_o if_o you_o have_v not_o constancy_n enough_o to_o bear_v a_o little_a reproach_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o great_a master_n and_o to_o be_v content_v to_o undergo_v the_o name_n of_o informer_n and_o busy_a fellow_n or_o such_o who_o make_v a_o noise_n to_o get_v yourselves_o a_o name_n if_o you_o can_v patient_o endure_v the_o reproach_n of_o the_o agent_n of_o hell_n
and_o the_o lie_v and_o scandal_n they_o will_v cast_v at_o your_o door_n if_o you_o faint_v at_o this_o trial_n as_o syracides_n say_v your_o strength_n be_v small_a and_o if_o this_o shall_v induce_v any_o member_n to_o look_v back_o let_v he_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v hereby_o make_v unfit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o remember_v what_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o mark_v 8.38_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 the_o holy_a angel_n 3_o sloth_n may_v be_v another_o inducement_n to_o look_v back_o for_o he_o that_o apply_v himself_o to_o this_o good_a work_n with_o that_o fitness_n which_o it_o require_v aught_o to_o be_v a_o person_n of_o industry_n and_o diligence_n he_o must_v dedicate_v some_o part_n of_o his_o time_n for_o fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n against_o the_o public_a goliah_n of_o the_o army_n of_o hell_n he_o ought_v to_o appear_v personal_o in_o the_o cause_n that_o he_o have_v undertake_v and_o not_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o contributor_n towards_o the_o charge_n of_o this_o glorious_a fabric_n of_o reformation_n for_o though_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o that_o every_o penny_n that_o be_v bestow_v on_o this_o account_n be_v as_o true_a charity_n as_o feed_v the_o hungry_a or_o clothe_v the_o naked_a and_o have_v also_o in_o it_o something_o of_o a_o excellency_n far_o beyond_o it_o as_o a_o compassion_n on_o man_n immortal_a soul_n do_v exceed_v the_o pity_n that_o be_v express_v to_o their_o body_n yet_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o deliver_v my_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n although_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o some_o here_o present_a that_o the_o poor_a member_n of_o these_o society_n who_o by_o a_o personal_a endeavour_n labour_v in_o this_o work_n who_o sacrifice_n his_o time_n and_o pain_n at_o this_o altar_n his_o offer_n be_v great_a and_o he_o cast_v in_o more_o to_o his_o corban_n than_o they_o who_o of_o their_o abundance_n bestow_v many_o pound_n yearly_a not_o that_o i_o blame_v no_o i_o commend_v the_o one_o but_o i_o high_o praise_v and_o extol_v the_o other_o and_o i_o do_v it_o in_o order_n to_o give_v all_o possible_a encouragement_n to_o a_o personal_a zealous_a and_o avow_a prosecution_n of_o this_o heroic_a undertake_n last_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v add_v a_o word_n to_o encourage_v to_o a_o exemplary_a holiness_n of_o life_n and_o this_o if_o you_o who_o have_v undertake_v to_o be_v the_o patron_n of_o virtue_n and_o supporter_n of_o piety_n shall_v fail_v in_o if_o you_o shall_v sink_v down_o from_o your_o exalt_a post_n to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o vice_n and_o dishonesty_n this_o will_v be_v such_o a_o tergiversation_n as_o must_v not_o only_o be_v satal_a to_o yourselves_o but_o also_o to_o your_o design_n and_o will_v cast_v the_o black_a cloud_n on_o the_o honest_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o be_v join_v with_o you_o it_o will_v open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o the_o foul_a reproach_n that_o hell_n can_v invent_v and_o the_o agent_n thereof_o inject_v upon_o you_o which_o will_v not_o only_o fall_v with_o the_o great_a weight_n on_o the_o head_n of_o the_o guilty_a but_o will_v also_o affect_v those_o that_o be_v innocent_a it_o therefore_o become_v every_o one_o that_o be_v engage_v in_o this_o holy_a work_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a consider_v the_o eagle_n eye_n of_o all_o your_o adversary_n await_v your_o step_n and_o nothing_o can_v give_v they_o such_o a_o occasion_n of_o impious_a joy_n as_o your_o stumble_a and_o falter_v at_o the_o same_o stone_n which_o you_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v and_o this_o will_v indeed_o be_v the_o worst_a sort_n of_o look_v back_o which_o possible_o you_o can_v commit_v be_v therefore_o wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o harmless_a as_o dove_n and_o as_o glorious_a design_n must_v be_v manage_v with_o the_o high_a prudence_n in_o order_n to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o reproach_n of_o their_o enemy_n so_o let_v this_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o wisdom_n and_o circumspection_n agreeable_a to_o it_o such_o as_o your_o adversary_n can_v gainsay_v or_o resist_v and_o to_o obtain_v this_o be_v instant_a in_o prayer_n that_o that_o great_a god_n who_o cause_n you_o have_v undertake_v will_v give_v a_o particular_a blessing_n in_o direct_v every_o member_n so_o to_o walk_v that_o you_o may_v be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o perverse_a and_o crooked_a generation_n among_o who_o you_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o pattern_n of_o piety_n humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v praiseworthy_a iii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o danger_n and_o sad_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o dreadful_a retrospection_n after_o we_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o so_o good_a a_o employment_n which_o be_v that_o such_o person_n who_o look_v back_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o have_v already_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n give_v frequent_a hint_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a on_o this_o topick_n that_o i_o may_v oppress_v your_o patience_n no_o long_o in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n the_o sense_n be_v obvious_a to_o every_o capacity_n it_o signify_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o that_o happiness_n which_o jesus_n have_v purchase_v and_o be_v go_v into_o heaven_n to_o prepare_v for_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o as_o those_o who_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o kingdom_n do_v not_o only_o miss_v of_o happiness_n but_o fall_v into_o misery_n so_o that_o show_v something_o more_o than_o the_o loss_n of_o heaven_n there_o be_v a_o implication_n of_o the_o punishment_n of_o hell_n the_o loss_n therefore_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o condemnation_n to_o everlasting_a vengeance_n must_v strike_v terror_n one_o very_a one_o that_o consider_v the_o worth_n of_o his_o never-dying_a soul_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o undergo_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o but_o yet_o this_o must_v kindle_v a_o great_a fire_n of_o torment_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o some_o than_o of_o other_o for_o he_o that_o never_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n or_o on_o who_o they_o never_o come_v with_o power_n and_o efficacy_n the_o reflection_n of_o such_o can_v never_o be_v so_o bitter_a so_o sharp_a and_o sting_a as_o of_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o divine_a light_n and_o love_n and_o therefore_o for_o such_o who_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v not_o only_o impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o by_o repentance_n but_o also_o to_o render_v their_o condemnation_n half_o so_o tolerable_a as_o of_o those_o who_o have_v never_o those_o participation_n consider_v therefore_o you_o who_o have_v put_v your_o hand_n to_o the_o spiritual_a plough_n in_o order_n to_o cultivate_v both_o yourselves_o and_o other_o if_o you_o after_o both_o the_o vow_n of_o your_o baptism_n inward_a conviction_n and_o outward_a profession_n and_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a oblige_a yourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n jesus_n if_o you_o look_v back_o of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n you_o be_v most_o unfit_a for_o the_o glorious_a kingdom_n the_o backslider_n in_o heart_n say_v solomon_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o his_o own_o way_n prov._n 14.14_o i_o e._n shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o own_o folly_n but_o as_o i_o hope_v you_o have_v well_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o work_n which_o you_o have_v undertake_v so_o i_o trust_v your_o perseverance_n in_o it_o will_v become_v a_o pattern_n to_o succeed_a time_n and_o other_o place_n and_o that_o your_o zeal_n your_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n will_v be_v still_o more_o and_o more_o illustrious_a and_o fit_v you_o for_o the_o love_n of_o all_o good_a man_n here_o and_o for_o great_a than_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o agreeable_a hereunto_o this_o observation_n shall_v shut_v up_o my_o discourse_n that_o as_o he_o that_o look_v back_o be_v unfit_a so_o he_o that_o go_v on_o and_o prosecute_v his_o work_n that_o have_v a_o eye_n of_o resolution_n look_v forward_o on_o his_o duty_n such_o a_o person_n be_v through_o jesus_n christ_n fit_a for_o the_o favour_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o your_o be_v such_o will_v add_v to_o your_o crown_n another_o day_n and_o will_v advance_v you_o above_o the_o common_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o eternal_a life_n your_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n will_v be_v reward_v with_o a_o double_a portion_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n for_o the_o god_n that_o you_o serve_v be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n but_o will_v be_v a_o master_n of_o the_o great_a bounty_n in_o liberal_o requite_v all_o your_o diligent_a and_o faithful_a service_n and_o that_o you_o may_v all_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o have_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o have_v finish_v your_o work_n with_o joy_n and_o faithfulness_n this_o the_o almighty_a grant_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_n finis_fw-la