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to_o the_o good_a order_n and_o more_o easy_a government_n of_o humane_a society_n because_o they_o have_v a_o good_a influence_n both_o upon_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n 1._o upon_o magistrate_n religion_n teach_v they_o to_o rule_v over_o man_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o though_o they_o be_v god_n on_o earth_n yet_o they_o be_v subject_n of_o heaven_n and_o accountable_a to_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a in_o this_o world_n religion_n in_o a_o magistrate_n strengthen_v his_o authority_n because_o it_o procure_v veneration_n and_o gain_v a_o reputation_n to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n so_o much_o reputation_n be_v real_o so_o much_o power_n we_o see_v that_o piety_n and_o virtue_n where_o they_o be_v find_v among_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n will_v command_v some_o reverence_n and_o respect_n but_o in_o person_n of_o eminent_a place_n and_o dignity_n they_o be_v seat_v to_o a_o great_a advantage_n so_o as_o to_o cast_v a_o lustre_n upon_o their_o very_a place_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a reflection_n to_o double_v the_o beam_n of_o majesty_n whereas_o impiety_n and_o vice_n do_v strange_o lessen_v greatness_n and_o do_v secret_o and_o unavoidable_o derive_v some_o weakness_n upon_o authority_n itself_o of_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o david_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o son_n of_o zurviah_n too_o hard_o for_o he_o this_o probable_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o they_o be_v particular_o conscious_a to_o his_o crime_n 2._o religion_n have_v a_o good_a influence_n upon_o the_o people_n to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o 1._o to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o conformable_a to_o law_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n which_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o loof_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o will_v cease_v when_o ever_o man_n can_v rebel_v with_o safety_n and_o to_o advantage_n but_o out_o of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a and_o last_a principle_n and_o will_v hold_v a_o man_n fast_o when_o all_o other_o obligation_n will_v break_v he_o that_o have_v entertain_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tempt_v from_o his_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n by_o any_o worldly_a consideration_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o resist_v authority_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o who_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o make_v man_n peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o for_o it_o endeavour_n to_o plant_v all_o those_o quality_n and_o disposition_n in_o man_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o to_o fill_v man_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o universal_a love_n and_o good_a will_n it_o endeavour_v likewise_o to_o secure_v every_o man_n interest_n by_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o equity_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o to_o they_o by_o enjoin_v that_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n be_v inviolable_o observe_v in_o all_o our_o word_n promise_n and_o contract_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o it_o require_v the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o vice_n which_o render_v man_n unsociable_a and_o troublesome_a to_o one_o another_o as_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o injustice_n hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n and_o those_o likewise_o which_o be_v not_o so_o common_o repute_v vice_n as_o self-conceit_n and_o peremptoriness_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o opinion_n and_o all_o peevishness_n and_o incompliance_n of_o humour_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o true_a piety_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n every_o where_o teach_v we_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o temper_n thus_o to_o heal_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o to_o sweeten_v their_o spirit_n to_o correct_v their_o passion_n and_o to_o mortify_v all_o those_o lust_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o enmity_n and_o division_n than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o live_v as_o religion_n require_v they_o shall_v do_v the_o world_n will_v be_v a_o quiet_a habitation_n a_o most_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a place_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o now_o it_o be_v and_o indeed_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o society_n of_o man_n be_v so_o full_a of_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n so_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a be_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o true_a religion_n among_o man_n so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o small_a remainder_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v yet_o leave_v scatter_v among_o mankind_n humane_a society_n will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n disband_v and_o run_v into_o confusion_n the_o earth_n will_v grow_v wild_a and_o become_v a_o great_a forest_n and_o mankind_n will_v become_v beast_n of_o prey_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o if_o this_o discourse_n hold_v true_a sure_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o virtue_n shall_v find_v itself_o a_o seat_n wherever_o humane_a society_n be_v and_o that_o religion_n shall_v be_v own_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o world_n until_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n ii_o i_o come_v to_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n from_o the_o insinuation_n and_o pretence_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n 2._o that_o as_o for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n they_o be_v arbitrary_a thing_n 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o the_o atheist_n do_v and_o must_v assert_v otherwise_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n a_o declare_a enemy_n to_o government_n and_o unfit_a to_o live_v in_o humane_a society_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v any_o superior_a be_v nor_o any_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o may_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o government_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n for_o suppose_v man_n to_o have_v reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o confusion_n will_v probable_o compel_v they_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o order_n but_o then_o i_o say_v withal_o that_o if_o these_o principle_n be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n government_n will_v be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o now_o it_o be_v because_o it_o will_v want_v its_o firm_a basis_n and_o foundation_n there_o will_v be_v infinite_o more_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n if_o man_n be_v restrain_v from_o injustice_n and_o violence_n only_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o not_o by_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o another_o world_n therefore_o magistrate_n have_v always_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o cherish_v religion_n and_o to_o maintain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n nay_o that_o common_a suggestion_n of_o atheistical_a person_n that_o religion_n be_v at_o first_o a_o politic_a device_n and_o be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o state-engine_n to_o awe_v man_n into_o obedience_n be_v a_o clear_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o do_v as_o full_o contradict_v that_o pretence_n of_o they_o which_o i_o be_o now_o confute_v as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v 2._o that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v arbitrary_a thing_n found_v only_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o that_o that_o be_v virtue_n or_o vice_n good_a or_o evil_n which_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o a_o nation_n declare_v to_o be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v frequent_o and_o confident_o assert_v by_o the_o ingenious_a author_n of_o a_o very_a bad_a book_n i_o mean_v the_o leviathan_n now_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o answer_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v confident_o assert_v be_v to_o show_v the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a evil_n and_o deformity_n in_o they_o as_o perjury_n perfidiousness_n unrighteousness_n and_o ingratitude_n which_o be_v thing_n not_o only_o condemn_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o
of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n how_o gross_o and_o open_o do_v many_o of_o we_o contradict_v the_o plain_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o our_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n by_o live_v intemperate_o or_o unjust_o or_o profane_o in_o this_o present_a world_n as_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v never_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o heaven_n or_o hell_n or_o believe_v not_o one_o word_n that_o the_o scripture_n say_v concern_v they_o as_o if_o we_o be_v in_o no_o expectation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o who_o will_v bestow_v mighty_a reward_n upon_o those_o who_o faithful_o serve_v he_o but_o will_v come_v in_o flame_a sire_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o not_o then_o deceive_v ourselves_o by_o pretend_v to_o this_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n if_o we_o do_v not_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o it_o for_o though_o we_o know_v these_o thing_n never_o so_o well_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o happy_a unless_o we_o do_v they_o nay_o we_o be_v but_o the_o more_o miserable_a for_o know_v they_o if_o we_o do_v they_o not_o therefore_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o believe_v and_o whether_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o due_a effect_n upon_o our_o life_n if_o not_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o and_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n will_v be_v so_o many_o article_n of_o accusation_n and_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o our_o charge_n will_v be_v this_o that_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v that_o gospel_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o make_v confession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o live_v like_o heathen_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n after_o so_o great_a evidence_n and_o confirmation_n as_o god_n have_v give_v to_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a but_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o to_o live_v as_o if_o it_o be_v false_a be_v the_o great_a repugnancy_n and_o contradiction_n that_o can_v be_v he_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v christianity_n either_o have_v or_o think_v he_o have_v some_o reason_n for_o withhold_a his_o assent_n from_o it_o but_o he_o that_o believe_v it_o and_o yet_o live_v contrary_a to_o it_o know_v that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v otherwise_o and_o he_o be_v a_o miserable_a man_n indeed_o that_o do_v those_o thing_n for_o the_o do_v of_o which_o he_o continual_o stand_v condemn_v by_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o according_o god_n will_v deal_v more_o severe_o with_o such_o person_n he_o will_v pardon_v a_o thousand_o defect_n in_o our_o understanding_n if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o gross_a carelessness_n and_o neglect_n of_o ourselves_o but_o the_o fault_n of_o our_o will_n have_v no_o excuse_n because_o we_o know_v to_o do_v better_a and_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v so_o do_v thou_o believe_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n and_o do_v thou_o still_o allow_v thyself_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n be_v thou_o convince_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o do_v thou_o still_o persist_v in_o a_o wicked_a course_n be_v thou_o full_o persuade_v that_o no_o whoremonger_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o unrighteous_a person_n shall_v have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o do_v thou_o for_o all_o that_o continue_v to_o practice_v these_o vice_n what_o can_v thou_o say_v man_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v to_o thou_o according_a to_o thy_o faith_n if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o thou_o be_v miserable_a and_o undo_v for_o ever_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v as_o if_o some_o unexpected_a thing_n have_v happen_v to_o thou_o it_o be_v but_o with_o thou_o just_a as_o thou_o believ'd_v it_o will_v be_v when_o thou_o do_v these_o thing_n for_o how_o can_v thou_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v accept_v of_o thy_o good_a belief_n when_o thou_o do_v so_o notorious_o contradict_v it_o by_o a_o bad_a life_n how_o can_v thou_o look_v for_o other_o but_o that_o god_n shall_v condemn_v thou_o for_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o thy_o own_o conscience_n do_v condemn_v thou_o all_o the_o while_o thou_o be_v do_v of_o they_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n there_o be_v no_o consideration_n that_o will_v sting_v our_o conscience_n more_o cruel_o than_o this_o that_o we_o do_v wicked_o when_o we_o know_v to_o have_v do_v better_a and_o choose_v to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a when_o we_o understand_v the_o way_n to_o have_v be_v happy_a to_o conclude_v we_o christian_n have_v certain_o the_o best_a and_o the_o holy_a the_o wise_a and_o most_o reasonable_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n but_o then_o we_o be_v in_o the_o worst_a condition_n of_o all_o mankind_n if_o the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o make_v we_o good_a 1_o john_n 5.3_o and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a one_o of_o the_o great_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v entertain_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v this_o that_o it_o lay_v upon_o man_n heavy_a burden_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v that_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v very_o strict_a and_o severe_a difficult_a to_o be_v keep_v and_o yet_o dangerous_a to_o be_v break_v that_o it_o require_v we_o to_o govern_v and_o keep_v under_o our_o passion_n and_o to_o contradict_v many_o time_n our_o strong_a inclination_n and_o desire_n to_o cut_v off_o our_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pluck_v out_o our_o right_a eye_n to_o love_v cur_n enemy_n to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o to_o forgive_v the_o great_a injury_n that_o be_v do_v to_o we_o and_o to_o make_v reparation_n for_o the_o least_o that_o we_o do_v to_o other_o to_o be_v content_v with_o our_o condition_n patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o ready_a to_o sacrifice_v our_o dear_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n and_o even_o our_o very_a life_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n all_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v hard_a say_n and_o grievous_a commandment_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o prejudice_n i_o have_v choose_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a and_o though_o this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n if_o it_o be_v impartial_o consider_v yet_o it_o be_v also_o a_o great_a paradox_n to_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o vicious_a practice_n who_o be_v prejudice_v against_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n by_o their_o interest_n and_o their_o lust_n this_o seem_v a_o strange_a proposition_n to_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o religion_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o never_o try_v the_o experiment_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o measure_v the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o by_o the_o intrinsical_a goodness_n and_o equity_n of_o they_o but_o by_o the_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n which_o they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n against_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o satisfy_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n concern_v this_o truth_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o make_v it_o so_o evident_a that_o those_o who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_v it_o may_v yet_o be_v ashamed_a to_o deny_v it_o and_o methinks_v i_o have_v this_o peculiar_a advantage_n in_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v now_o undertake_v that_o every_o reasonable_a man_n can_v choose_v but_o wish_v i_o success_n in_o this_o attempt_n because_o i_o undertake_v the_o proof_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v every_o man_n interest_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o out_o this_o pretence_n against_o religion_n will_v not_o only_o be_v baffle_v but_o we_o shall_v gain_v a_o new_a and_o forcible_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n over_o to_o it_o now_o the_o easiness_n or_o difficulty_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o law_n or_o command_n depend_v chief_o upon_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o
present_a in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a disquiet_n but_o if_o we_o resist_v and_o conquer_v they_o we_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o perpetual_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o govern_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o sensual_a delight_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o reason_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o more_o at_o ease_n than_o if_o we_o shall_v let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o our_o appetite_n and_o lust_n for_o the_o more_o we_o gratify_v our_o lust_n the_o more_o crave_v they_o will_v be_v and_o the_o more_o impatient_a of_o denial_n crescit_fw-la indulgens_fw-la sibi_fw-la dirus_fw-la hydrops_fw-la every_o lust_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o hydropic_a distemper_n and_o the_o more_o we_o drink_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v thirst_v so_o that_o by_o retrench_v our_o inordinate_a desire_n we_o do_v not_o rob_v ourselves_o of_o any_o true_a pleasure_n but_o only_o prevent_v the_o pain_n and_o trouble_v of_o far_a dissatisfaction_n humility_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o expose_v a_o man_n to_o some_o contempt_n yet_o it_o be_v true_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o honour_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a pride_n be_v a_o most_o improper_a and_o absurd_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o end_n it_o aim_v at_o all_o other_o vice_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n attain_v their_o end_n covetousness_n do_v usual_o raise_v a_o estate_n and_o ambitious_a endeavour_n do_v often_o advance_v man_n to_o high_a place_n but_o pride_n and_o insolence_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o do_v infallible_o defeat_v their_o own_o design_n they_o aim_v at_o respect_n and_o esteem_v but_o never_o attain_v it_o for_o all_o mankind_n do_v natural_o hate_v and_o slight_v a_o proud_a man_n what_o more_o reasonable_a than_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o love_v we_o as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o know_v what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o better_o than_o 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sacrifice_v to_o he_o our_o dear_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v withal_o how_o disproportionable_o great_a the_o reward_n of_o our_o suffering_n shall_v be_v in_o another_o world_n beside_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v for_o that_o reason_n to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o valuable_a to_o he_o in_o this_o world_n ii_o we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o sufficient_a power_n and_o strength_n for_o the_o perform_n of_o god_n command_n have_v god_n give_v we_o law_n but_o no_o power_n to_o keep_v they_o his_o commandment_n will_v then_o indeed_o have_v be_v grievous_a it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v contract_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o weakness_n and_o impotency_n by_o our_o wilful_a degeneracy_n from_o goodness_n but_o that_o grace_n which_o the_o gospel_n offer_v to_o we_o for_o our_o assistance_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o particular_a reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n say_v here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a because_o he_o offer_v we_o a_o assistance_n proportionable_a to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o command_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o condition_n for_o it_o follow_v immediate_o after_o the_o text_n for_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n therefore_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a because_o every_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v every_o christian_a be_v endue_v with_o a_o power_n whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o resist_v and_o conquer_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o apostle_n elsewhere_o encourage_v christian_n upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o 4.4_o 1_o joh._n 4.4_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o be_v encompass_v with_o many_o and_o potent_a enemy_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o tempt_v and_o to_o deter_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n yet_o our_o case_n be_v not_o hard_o so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o great_a strength_n on_o our_o side_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o christian_a great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v there_o legion_n of_o devil_n who_o be_v continual_o design_v and_o work_v our_o ruin_n there_o be_v also_o miriads_o of_o good_a angel_n who_o be_v more_o cheerful_a and_o officious_a to_o do_v we_o good_a for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o as_o those_o who_o be_v bend_v to_o do_v wicked_o will_v never_o want_v tempter_n to_o urge_v they_o on_o and_o to_o push_v they_o forward_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o yield_v themselves_o tractable_a to_o good_a motion_n will_v find_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n more_o ready_a and_o active_a to_o encourage_v they_o than_o the_o devil_n can_v be_v to_o pull_v they_o back_o unless_o we_o think_v that_o god_n have_v give_v a_o great_a power_n and_o a_o large_a commission_n to_o the_o devil_n to_o do_v man_n mischief_n than_o to_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n for_o our_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n but_o then_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o this_o assistance_n be_v only_o offer_v to_o man_n and_o not_o force_v upon_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n for_o if_o we_o beg_v god_n grace_n but_o neglect_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o if_o we_o implore_v his_o assistance_n for_o the_o mortify_n of_o our_o lust_n but_o will_v not_o contribute_v our_o own_o endeavour_n god_n will_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o take_v away_o his_o holy_a spirit_n from_o we_o nay_o if_o after_o we_o have_v begin_v well_o we_o do_v notorious_o slacken_v our_o endeavour_n we_o forfeit_v the_o divine_a assistance_n if_o when_o by_o god_n grace_n we_o have_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n conquer_v the_o first_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o gain_v some_o habitual_a strength_n against_o sin_n if_o after_o this_o we_o grow_v careless_a and_o remiss_a and_o neglect_v our_o guard_n and_o lay_v ourselves_o open_a to_o temptation_n god_n spirit_n will_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o we_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mighty_a assistance_n there_o offer_v to_o we_o if_o we_o love_v any_o lust_n and_o will_v with_o samson_n lay_v our_o head_n in_o dalilah_n lap_n we_o shall_v be_v insensible_o rob_v of_o our_o strength_n and_o become_v like_o other_o man_n iii_o we_o have_v the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o god_n command_n two_o thing_n make_v any_o course_n of_o life_n easy_a present_a pleasure_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n religion_n give_v part_n of_o its_o reward_n in_o hand_n the_o present_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n it_o offer_v we_o the_o best_a security_n that_o heaven_n can_v give_v now_o these_o two_o must_v needs_o make_v our_o duty_n very_o easy_a a_o considerable_a reward_n in_o hand_n and_o not_o only_o the_o hope_n but_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o far_o great_a recompense_n hereafter_o 1._o present_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n and_o unexpressible_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n flow_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o be_v present_a payment_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o a_o future_a and_o great_a happiness_n and_o this_o do_v natural_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o good_a man_n great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o all_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v not_o only_o delightful_a for_o the_o
mean_n whereby_o that_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v ii_o the_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n do_v imply_v likewise_o the_o effect_n which_o those_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o 1._o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n god_n have_v on_o purpose_n make_v this_o world_n troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o sufficient_a temptation_n to_o reasonable_a and_o considerate_a man_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o their_o future_a happiness_n that_o god_n and_o heaven_n may_v have_v no_o rival_n here_o below_o that_o there_o may_v be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n that_o may_v pretend_v to_o our_o affection_n or_o court_v we_o with_o any_o advantage_n in_o comparison_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o glory_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o eternity_n shall_v present_v itself_o to_o our_o serious_a and_o wake_a thought_n than_o thing_n will_v put_v on_o another_o face_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o value_v so_o much_o in_o this_o life_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o be_v nothing_o worth_a but_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o neglect_v to_o be_v of_o infinite_a concernment_n to_o we_o and_o worthy_a to_o have_v be_v the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v these_o thing_n in_o time_n while_o the_o opportunity_n of_o life_n and_o health_n be_v before_o we_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o come_v to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n before_o we_o despair_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o 2._o to_o make_v we_o very_o active_a and_o industrious_a to_o be_v as_o good_a and_o to_o do_v as_o much_o good_a as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o life_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v qualify_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o man_n be_v usual_o very_o industrious_a for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n do_v we_o but_o value_v heaven_n half_a as_o much_o as_o it_o deserve_v we_o shall_v take_v infinite_o more_o pain_n for_o that_o so_o often_o as_o we_o consider_v the_o glory_n that_o be_v above_o how_o do_v it_o accuse_v our_o sloth_n and_o condemn_v our_o folly_n that_o we_o be_v less_o concern_v for_o our_o soul_n than_o most_o man_n be_v for_o their_o body_n that_o we_o will_v not_o labour_v half_a so_o much_o for_o a_o eternal_a inheritance_n as_o man_n ordinary_o do_v for_o these_o corruptible_a thing_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v haste_v apace_o to_o another_o world_n and_o that_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o lie_v at_o the_o stake_n and_o how_o shall_v it_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n to_o have_v such_o a_o reward_n set_v before_o we_o to_o have_v crown_n and_o sceptre_n in_o our_o eye_n will_v we_o but_o often_o represent_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o glorious_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n what_o fervour_n shall_v we_o feel_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n and_o wing_n and_o shall_v do_v god_n will_n almost_o with_o the_o same_o readiness_n and_o delight_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v who_o continual_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o their_o father_n the_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n shall_v actuate_v all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o be_v continual_o inspire_v we_o with_o new_a vigour_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n how_o shall_v this_o thought_n swell_v our_o resolution_n and_o confirm_v our_o purpose_n of_o obedience_n that_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n 3._o to_o mitigate_v and_o lighten_v the_o evil_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n how_o rough_a the_o way_n be_v provide_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o lead_v to_o happiness_n the_o incomparable_o great_a good_a of_o the_o next_o life_n will_v to_o a_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n weigh_v down_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o 8.18_o rom._n 8.18_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n afflict_v man_n more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o soul_n be_v fortify_v with_o consideration_n proper_a to_o support_v we_o under_o they_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a while_n to_o be_v here_o that_o we_o be_v upon_o our_o journey_n travel_v towards_o our_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o all_o the_o delight_n we_o can_v desire_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o trouble_v we_o much_o to_o endure_v storm_n and_o foul_a way_n and_o to_o want_v many_o of_o those_o accommodation_n we_o may_v expect_v at_o home_n this_o be_v the_o common_a fate_n of_o traveller_n and_o we_o must_v take_v thing_n as_o we_o find_v they_o and_o not_o look_v to_o have_v every_o thing_n just_a to_o our_o mind_n these_o difficulty_n and_o inconvenience_n will_v short_o be_v over_o and_o after_o a_o few_o day_n will_v be_v quite_o forget_v and_o be_v to_o we_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v and_o when_o we_o be_v safe_o land_v in_o our_o own_o country_n with_o what_o pleasure_n shall_v we_o look_v back_o upon_o those_o rough_a and_o boisterous_a sea_n which_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o more_o trouble_v we_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o kind_a usage_n we_o shall_v find_v when_o we_o come_v to_o our_o father_n house_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n our_o happiness_n shall_v then_o be_v as_o real_a as_o our_o misery_n be_v here_o upon_o earth_n and_o far_o great_a and_o more_o last_a and_o what_o great_a matter_n be_v it_o though_o we_o suffer_v a_o while_n in_o this_o world_n provide_v we_o escape_v the_o endless_a unsufferable_a torment_n of_o the_o next_o though_o we_o have_v not_o our_o good_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n if_o infinite_o great_a be_v reserve_v for_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o with_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o several_a of_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n will_v be_v unsufferable_a indeed_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o better_a to_o be_v hope_v for_o hereafter_o if_o this_o be_v true_a christian_n will_v not_o only_o be_v of_o all_o man_n but_o of_o all_o creature_n the_o most_o miserable_a but_o out_o religion_n have_v abundant_o assure_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o embrace_v suffering_n with_o so_o much_o cheerfulness_n to_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n and_o to_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v that_o in_o heaven_n they_o have_v a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n the_o seven_o brethren_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o maccabee_n upon_o this_o persuasion_n will_v not_o accept_v deliverance_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n that_o storm_n of_o stone_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o st._n stephen_n be_v no_o more_o to_o he_o than_o a_o common_a shower_n when_o he_o see_v the_o heaven_n open_v and_o jesus_n in_o who_o cause_n he_o suffer_v stand_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n 4._o to_o make_v we_o sincere_a in_o all_o our_o profession_n word_n and_o action_n do_v man_n firm_o believe_v the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n their_o religion_n will_v not_o be_v only_o in_o show_n and_o pretence_n but_o in_o life_n and_o reality_n no_o man_n will_v put_v on_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o for_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o but_o all_o with_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o be_v as_o curious_a of_o our_o thought_n and_o most_o retire_a action_n as_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o open_a theatre_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a assembly_n for_o in_o the_o next_o life_n man_n shall_v not_o be_v reward_v for_o what_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o for_o what_o they_o real_o be_v in_o this_o world_n therefore_o whatever_o we_o think_v or_o speak_v or_o do_v we_o shall_v always_o remember_v that_o the_o day_n of_o revelation_n be_v come_v when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v when_o all_o disguise_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o every_o one_o mask_n shall_v be_v take_v off_o and_o all_o our_o action_n and_o design_n shall_v be_v