epistle_n of_o john_n say_v he_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o young_a man_n because_o you_o be_v strong_a and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o you_o 12._o and_o you_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o but_o when_o he_o write_v to_o child_n he_o say_v i_o write_v to_o you_o because_o your_o sin_n be_v forgive_v for_o his_o name_n sake_n intimate_v that_o though_o weak_a grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o evidence_n to_o we_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n yet_o it_o be_v strong_a grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o devil_n shall_v not_o overcome_v the_o weak_a measure_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o strong_a our_o grace_n be_v the_o more_o able_a we_o be_v to_o rest_v and_o overcome_v that_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n 9_o the_o devil_n be_v call_v a_o roar_a lion_n who_o we_o must_v resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v not_o weak_a faith_n which_o be_v able_a to_o grapple_v with_o the_o devil_n therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v grow_v and_o strong_a christian_n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o strong_a opposition_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n reason_n we_o may_v be_v put_v upon_o it_o as_o paul_n to_o fight_v with_o beast_n 32._o such_o manner_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n we_o may_v meet_v withal_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v command_v to_o watch_v and_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n 13._o to_o quit_v ourselves_o like_o man_n and_o be_v strong_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v give_v v_o 9_o there_o be_v many_o adversary_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o pray_v with_o the_o psalmist_n 7._o to_o be_v strengthen_v and_o save_v by_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n weak_a faith_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v in_o a_o crowd_n of_o opposition_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o grow_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 3._o we_o have_v many_o strong_a corruption_n in_o our_o heart_n reason_n which_o weak_a grace_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o mortify_v strong_a passion_n strong_a lust_n and_o how_o shall_v weak_a grace_n be_v able_a to_o grapple_v with_o and_o have_v a_o conquest_n over_o these_o if_o thy_o grace_n be_v weak_a when_o thy_o corruption_n be_v strong_a thou_o will_v be_v miserable_o foil_v by_o thy_o corruption_n therefore_o pray_v for_o strengthen_v and_o assist_v grace_n whereby_o thou_o may_v be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o resist_v but_o to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v the_o strong_a lust_n and_o passion_n in_o thy_o heart_n another_o ground_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v take_v from_o the_o danger_n if_o you_o grow_v not_o strong_a in_o graceâ—_n as_o 1._o other_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n after_o you_o in_o time_n will_v go_v before_o you_o in_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o grace_n so_o it_o be_v say_v 16._o that_o many_o that_o be_v first_o shall_v be_v last_o and_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o those_o who_o be_v first_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v last_o in_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o grace_n because_o they_o have_v not_o improve_v grace_n to_o a_o further_a increase_n of_o it_o 2._o if_o thou_o do_v not_o grow_v strong_a in_o grace_n thou_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o decay_v regredi_fw-la and_o to_o grow_v weak_a for_o not_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o grace_n be_v to_o go_v backward_o grace_n may_v be_v lose_v in_o some_o degree_n and_o to_o its_o exercise_n and_o comfort_n though_o not_o to_o its_o be_v and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v 2._o they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a intimate_v that_o you_o will_v be_v barren_a if_o you_o do_v not_o add_v grace_n to_o grace_n weak_a thing_n if_o they_o be_v not_o watch_v over_o and_o strengthen_v will_v be_v ready_a to_o die_v 3._o though_o thou_o can_v not_o lose_v the_o be_v of_o thy_o grace_n 3_o yet_o thou_o will_v lose_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o and_o thou_o may_v be_v in_o as_o much_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v no_o grace_n at_o all_o it_o be_v true_a weak_a grace_n will_v bring_v thy_o soul_n to_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v only_o strong_a grace_n which_o will_v bring_v heaven_n into_o thy_o soul_n little_a grace_n be_v like_o a_o little_a mote_n which_o be_v not_o see_v because_o it_o be_v little_a little_a grace_n be_v as_o it_o be_v no_o grace_n as_o that_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n he_o call_v his_o faith_n unbelief_n 24._o lord_n say_v he_o help_v my_o unbelief_n weakness_n of_o grace_n make_v man_n persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n to_o be_v presumption_n their_o zeal_n to_o be_v lukewarmnesse_n their_o grace_n to_o be_v but_o gift_n and_o as_o here_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v but_o unbelief_n it_o be_v strong_a grace_n which_o give_v gladness_n of_o heart_n and_o hope_v in_o god_n therefore_o say_v jeremy_n my_o strength_n 18._o and_o my_o hope_n be_v perish_v from_o the_o lord_n when_o strength_n in_o grace_n decay_v there_o hope_v &_o comfort_n decay_v also_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n prayer_n in_o the_o inscription_n of_o many_o of_o his_o epistle_n that_o grace_n and_o peace_n may_v be_v multiply_v if_o therefore_o you_o do_v not_o increase_v your_o grace_n you_o will_v neither_o increase_v nor_o keep_v your_o comfort_n he_o that_o lack_v these_o thing_n be_v blind_a say_v the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o he_o can_v see_v afar_o off_o 9_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o a_o total_a lack_n of_o grace_n as_o have_v be_v show_v for_o as_o after_o be_v express_v he_o be_v purge_v from_o his_o old_a sin_n though_o he_o forget_v it_o have_v lose_v the_o sense_n of_o pardon_n for_o want_n of_o add_v grace_n to_o grace_n 4._o weak_a grace_n under_o great_a trial_n will_v expose_v a_o man_n to_o doubt_n and_o fall_v as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o grace_n at_o all_o little_a grace_n will_v keep_v a_o man_n in_o small_a trial_n but_o not_o in_o great_a little_a grace_n as_o to_o the_o strait_a a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o may_v be_v as_o good_a as_o no_o grace_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o disciple_n be_v at_o sea_n 40._o and_o a_o great_a tempest_n arise_v in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a that_o which_o in_o matthew_n be_v say_v to_o be_v little_a in_o mark_n be_v say_v to_o be_v no_o faith_n intimate_v that_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a exigency_n and_o straight_o they_o be_v in_o their_o little_a faith_n do_v stand_v they_o in_o no_o more_o stead_n then_o if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o so_o peter_n christ_n call_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 31._o because_o though_o he_o begin_v to_o walk_v upon_o the_o wave_n but_o 〈◊〉_d when_o the_o wind_n grow_v boisterous_a 29._o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d &_o begin_v to_o sink_v peter_n do_v not_o sink_v into_o the_o sea_n before_o his_o faith_n begin_v to_o sink_v in_o his_o soul_n he_o that_o faint_v in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n it_o argue_v his_o strength_n be_v small_a 10_o so_o say_v solomon_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o a_o second_o particular_a use_v and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v some_o scripture-note_n of_o that_o man_n who_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n bâ—â—_n let_v i_o shut_v up_o this_o sermon_n with_o a_o sharp_a and_o just_a reproof_n of_o many_o professor_n in_o our_o time_n who_o go_v from_o one_o ordinance_n to_o another_o and_o yet_o make_v little_a progress_n or_o increase_n in_o religion_n they_o may_v be_v fit_o compare_v to_o a_o company_n of_o ant_n who_o be_v very_o busy_a about_o a_o molehill_n and_o run_v to_o and_o fro_o but_o never_o grow_v great_a even_o so_o we_o have_v many_o christian_n they_o run_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o from_o one_o preacher_n to_o another_o and_o it_o may_v be_v from_o one_o opinion_n to_o another_o but_o never_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o true_a grace_n and_o in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o i_o shall_v meet_v with_o such_o people_n hereafter_o in_o this_o discourse_n vii_o sermon_n at_o laurence_n jury_n london_n march_n 30._o 1651._o 2_o tim_n 2._o 1._o my_o son_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n observe_v from_o this_o apostolical_a injunction_n to_o timothy_n which_o be_v obligatory_a to_o all_o christian_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o believer_n not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o weak_a measure_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v doct._n but_o they_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o attain_v unto_o great_a strength_n of_o grace_n this_o point_n we_o have_v prove_v both_o by_o scripture-instance_n as_o also_o by_o several_a reason_n now_o i_o proceed_v to_o answer_v this_o
god_n people_n have_v appeal_v unto_o god_n concern_v the_o uprightness_n of_o their_o heart_n mere_o by_o their_o desire_n so_o say_v the_o church_n 9_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o thy_o name_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o and_o with_o my_o soul_n have_v i_o desire_v thou_o in_o the_o night_n 2._o god_n have_v make_v many_o gracious_a promise_n not_o only_o to_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_v of_o grace_n but_o to_o the_o desire_n after_o grace_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n 6._o for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v if_o any_o man_n thirst_n say_v christ_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n 37._o nay_o there_o be_v a_o general_a and_o universal_a invitation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v to_o come_v to_o the_o water_n and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v to_o he_o that_o be_v at_o hirst_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o 1._o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o 6._o and_o will_v hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o humble_a 19_o so_o that_o by_o these_o promise_v it_o do_v appear_v 17._o that_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v &_o desire_n after_o grace_n be_v grace_n in_o god_n account_n and_o acceptation_n now_o lest_o man_n shall_v rest_v in_o lazy_a and_o sluggish_a desire_n and_o thereby_o neglect_v the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o account_n in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n reckon_v upon_o desire_n after_o grace_n to_o be_v grace_n 1._o they_o be_v supernatural_a desire_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v natural_a desire_n in_o the_o soul_n after_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o nature_n 6._o who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a now_o these_o desire_n may_v and_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o natural_a and_o unsanctified_a will_n of_o man_n and_o these_o desire_n be_v after_o happiness_n and_o not_o after_o holiness_n such_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o balaam_n who_o say_v 10._o let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o let_v my_o last_o end_n be_v like_o he_o this_o be_v but_o a_o natural_a desire_n but_o true_a desire_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v after_o heaven_n for_o holiness_n sake_n bern._n bernard_n notable_o set_v out_o these_o desire_n of_o natural_a man_n that_o they_o have_v a_o desire_n of_o the_o end_n and_o not_o of_o the_o mean_n 2._o desire_v after_o grace_n be_v join_v with_o holy_a endeavour_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n join_v desire_n and_o zeal_n together_o 11._o to_o intimate_v that_o true_a desire_n be_v always_o join_v with_o zealous_a endeavour_n thus_o the_o apostle_n also_o join_v a_o readiness_n of_o will_n and_o performance_n together_o god_n will_v never_o accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o endeavour_n to_o perform_v 11._o what_o we_o say_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v and_o therefore_o solomon_n right_o describe_v how_o pernicious_a desire_n be_v without_o endeavour_n the_o desire_n of_o the_o flothfull_a say_v he_o kill_v he_o because_o his_o hand_n refuse_v to_o labour_v bernard_n describe_v the_o laziness_n to_o the_o life_n carnal_a man_n love_v to_o obtain_v 25_o but_o love_v not_o to_o follow_v christ_n they_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o seek_v he_o who_o they_o desire_v so_o find_v iavenire_fw-it 3._o desire_n which_o be_v true_a and_o gracious_a be_v unsatisfiable_a thus_o david_n speak_v of_o his_o desire_n my_o soul_n say_v he_o break_v for_o the_o long_a it_o have_v to_o thy_o judgement_n at_o all_o time_n yea_o he_o further_o describ_n es_fw-mi the_o ardency_n and_o unsatisfiablenesse_n of_o his_o desire_n by_o the_o heart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n bern._n the_o hart_n be_v natural_o the_o most_o thirsty_a of_o all_o creature_n 20._o but_o this_o thirst_n be_v much_o increase_v when_o the_o poor_a beast_n be_v chase_v with_o dog_n even_o so_o the_o true_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o grace_n 1._o be_v earnest_n ardent_a and_o vehement_a desire_n 11._o 4._o you_o may_v know_v true_a desire_n after_o grace_n by_o their_o object_n desire_v they_o be_v not_o gracious_a if_o they_o be_v more_o after_o outward_a thing_n then_o after_o god_n 2._o so_o david_n my_o soul_n thirst_v after_o god_n after_o the_o live_a god_n 1._o my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o thou_o my_o flesh_n long_v after_o thou_o in_o a_o dry_a and_o thirsty_a land_n where_o no_o water_n be_v thus_o his_o soul_n long_v and_o do_v break_v with_o longing_n after_o god_n judgement_n now_o therefore_o will_v thou_o know_v whether_o thou_o have_v any_o begin_n of_o grace_n in_o thy_o soul_n 20_o examine_v what_o thy_o desire_n be_v perhaps_o thou_o can_v not_o pray_v but_o thou_o desire_v to_o pray_v perhaps_o thou_o can_v not_o mourn_v for_o sin_n but_o do_v thou_o mourn_v that_o thou_o can_v not_o mourn_v perhaps_o thou_o do_v not_o believe_v as_o thou_o fear_v but_o do_v thou_o desire_v to_o believe_v perhaps_o thou_o can_v not_o repent_v but_o do_v thou_o desire_v to_o repent_v and_o do_v thou_o labour_v to_o repent_v then_o thou_o may_v conclude_v that_o thou_o have_v some_o beginning_n of_o true_a grace_n in_o thy_o soul_n 5._o we_o may_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n though_o it_o be_v little_a by_o the_o earnest_a desire_n after_o the_o word_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n thus_o peter_n set_v forth_o our_o desire_n 2._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o there_o be_v in_o a_o child_n a_o natural_a instinct_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v bear_v to_o desire_v after_o the_o mother_n breast_n the_o apostle_n make_v it_o a_o resemblance_n of_o a_o spiritual_a man_n a_o man_n spiritual_o new_a bear_v will_v desire_v after_o the_o word_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o may_v grow_v in_o grace_n 6._o a_o endear_a love_n to_o those_o that_o have_v grace_n 14._o by_o this_o you_o know_v you_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o you_o love_v the_o brethren_n casuist_n upon_o this_o text_n say_v that_o love_n to_o god_n child_n be_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o first_o appear_v in_o young_a convert_n the_o native_n in_o new_a england_n it_o be_v observe_v upon_o their_o conversion_n for_o god_n have_v begin_v there_o to_o bring_v some_o of_o those_o poor_a creature_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o himself_o the_o first_o appearance_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o be_v in_o their_o love_n and_o respect_n to_o those_o that_o be_v true_o gracious_a thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n what_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n without_o which_o or_o some_o of_o they_o a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v grace_n and_o wheresoever_o any_o of_o these_o be_v that_o man_n condition_n be_v safe_a and_o these_o little_a measure_n of_o grace_n will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n i_o shall_v here_o lay_v down_o some_o caution_n to_o prevent_v mis-application_n though_o these_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v save_v caution_n yet_o you_o must_v not_o content_v yourselves_o with_o they_o take_v heed_n lest_o what_o i_o have_v say_v for_o the_o support_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o christian_n become_v not_o a_o pillow_n for_o the_o idleness_n of_o other_o but_o let_v we_o strive_v to_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n we_o must_v not_o sit_v down_o with_o any_o measure_n of_o grace_n 1._o and_o to_o persuade_v you_o hereunto_o 1._o consider_v that_o thing_n mere_o necessary_a and_o sufficient_a to_o maintain_v a_o natural_a life_n will_v not_o content_v a_o man_n what_o man_n be_v content_a though_o he_o have_v clothes_n enough_o to_o hide_v his_o nakedness_n and_o food_n enough_o to_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o but_o he_o desire_v not_o only_a clothes_n for_o nakedness_n but_o ornament_n &_o not_o only_a food_n for_o hunger_n and_o necessity_n but_o delight_n now_o shall_v man_n be_v unbounden_a after_o their_o desire_n for_o outward_a thing_n and_o shall_v they_o sit_v down_o and_o say_v they_o have_v enough_o for_o heavenly_a thing_n 2._o consider_v if_o thou_o content_a thyself_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n though_o thou_o shall_v have_v the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o grace_n when_o thou_o die_v yet_o thou_o will_v want_v the_o comfort_n of_o thy_o grace_n while_o thou_o live_v it_o be_v strength_n of_o grace_n that_o give_v assurance_n weak_a grace_n will_v bring_v thy_o soul_n to_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o grace_n will_v bring_v heaven_n into_o thy_o soul_n 17._o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o a_o child_n of_o
they_o pass_v to_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o encourage_v they_o therein_o notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n of_o his_o father_n who_o have_v forsake_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o set_v up_o calf_n at_o dan_n and_o bethel_n other_o think_v the_o goodness_n of_o this_o young_a prince_n be_v in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v not_o consent_v to_o his_o father_n in_o take_v away_o the_o government_n from_o the_o house_n of_o david_n but_o where_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o a_o tongue_n to_o speak_v we_o have_v not_o a_o ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v what_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o determine_v there_o be_v many_o collateral_a observation_n which_o i_o shall_v deduce_v from_o the_o several_a circumstance_n in_o the_o text_n and_o but_o name_n some_o of_o they_o from_o the_o consideration_n that_o this_o good_a abijah_n die_v good_a man_n and_o useful_a observation_n and_o hopeful_a instrument_n may_v be_v take_v away_o by_o death_n when_o wicked_a man_n may_v live_v long_o upon_o the_o earth_n bad_a jeroboam_n live_v long_o his_o good_a son_n die_v soon_o so_o true_a be_v that_o of_o solomon_n a_o righteous_a man_n may_v perish_v in_o his_o righteousness_n when_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v prolong_v his_o day_n in_o his_o wickedness_n brier_n and_o thorn_n and_o thistle_n wither_v not_o so_o soon_o as_o lily_n and_o rose_n they_o may_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a and_o they_o remain_v behind_o who_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n 2._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o death_n of_o godly_a abijah_n 26._o when_o wicked_a nadab_n the_o other_o son_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la live_v observe_v that_o good_a child_n may_v be_v take_v away_o by_o death_n from_o their_o parent_n observation_n when_o ungodly_a child_n may_v live_v to_o be_v a_o shame_n and_o a_o curse_n to_o their_o parent_n 3._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o cause_n why_o this_o gracious_a young_a man_n die_v so_o soon_o it_o be_v for_o his_o father_n sin_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o vers_fw-la 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o that_o good_a child_n as_o well_o as_o bad_a may_v be_v outward_o punish_v observation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o parent_n 4._o from_o all_o israel_n lament_v the_o death_n of_o this_o hopeful_a young_a man_n observe_v that_o good_a man_n who_o have_v be_v observation_n and_o may_v be_v further_a useful_a in_o their_o life_n 1_o shall_v be_v much_o lament_v at_o their_o death_n they_o that_o have_v live_v desire_v shall_v die_v lament_v 5._o from_o these_o word_n he_o shall_v go_v to_o his_o grave_n in_o peace_n it_o be_v a_o great_a blessing_n to_o go_v to_o one_o grave_n in_o peace_n in_o time_n of_o war_n and_o common_a calamity_n observation_n he_o be_v good_a towards_o god_n he_o be_v good_a indeed_o observation_n who_o be_v so_o to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o man_n many_o be_v good_a in_o man_n sight_n that_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 28._o there_o be_v two_o other_o circumstance_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a enlarge_v myself_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o main_a point_n i_o intend_v to_o handle_v from_o the_o age_n of_o this_o son_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la who_o be_v here_o commend_v for_o his_o goodness_n it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v a_o child_n vers_fw-la 12._o whence_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v it_o be_v very_o commendable_a to_o see_v goodness_n in_o young_a people_n to_o see_v young_a man_n good_a man_n doct._n be_v a_o very_a commendable_a thing_n there_o be_v many_o good_a man_n in_o that_o time_n but_o to_o be_v good_a so_o soon_o as_o abijah_n be_v when_o he_o be_v a_o child_n the_o scripture_n record_v this_o to_o his_o praise_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o commendable_a thing_n to_o see_v young_a man_n good_a man_n this_o i_o prove_v first_o because_o the_o scripture_n make_v very_o honourable_a mention_n of_o young_a man_n when_o good_a man_n as_o first_o of_o obadiah_n 12._o that_o he_o fear_v the_o lord_n from_o his_o youth_n and_o it_o be_v record_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o 15._o timothy_n that_o be_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o a_o child_n jerome_n conceive_v that_o john_n be_v the_o most_o 13._o belove_a disciple_n because_o he_o be_v the_o young_a of_o all_o 2._o god_n remember_v the_o kindness_n of_o our_o youth_n god_n take_v more_o kind_o the_o kindness_n of_o our_o youth_n then_o of_o our_o age_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o joy_n unto_o john_n that_o he_o find_v 4._o child_n walk_v in_o the_o truth_n second_o because_o god_n commend_v moral_a and_o common_a goodness_n in_o the_o young_a man_n 21._o in_o the_o gospel_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o love_v he_o for_o his_o moral_a goodness_n and_o natural_a ingenuity_n 2._o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o commendable_a in_o a_o young_a man_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n be_v this_o because_o their_o temptation_n be_v more_o and_o their_o affection_n be_v strong_a to_o carry_v they_o from_o god_n youth_n have_v a_o strong_a aptitude_n and_o proclivity_n to_o sin_n then_o any_o other_o age_n their_o blood_n be_v soon_o stir_v up_o to_o choler_n and_o their_o strength_n to_o lust_n as_o every_o relation_n have_v its_o special_a sin_n so_o every_o age_n of_o a_o man_n life_n old_a age_n be_v peevish_a and_o covetous_a middle_a age_n proud_a malicious_a and_o revengful_a young_a man_n be_v usual_o rash_a lustful_a and_o voluptuous_a and_o therefore_o paul_n bid_v 22._o timothy_n fly_v all_o youthful_a lust_n and_o therefore_o see_v youth_n be_v expose_v to_o so_o many_o temptation_n and_o subject_a to_o so_o many_o corruption_n it_o be_v rare_a to_o see_v young_a man_n good_a oh_o then_o be_v exhort_v you_o that_o be_v young_a to_o become_v religious_a betimes_o use_v and_o to_o quicken_v you_o hereunto_o consider_v 1._o if_o you_o be_v not_o good_a in_o your_o youth_n you_o can_v never_o use_v the_o psalmist_n argument_n cast_v i_o not_o off_o o_o lord_n in_o the_o time_n of_o my_o old_a age_n for_o sake_n i_o not_o when_o my_o strength_n fail_v v_o 9_o and_o his_o argument_n he_o have_v before_o 5._o v_o 5._o for_o thou_o be_v my_o hope_n and_o hâ—st_v be_v my_o trust_n from_o my_o youth_n and_o who_o will_v be_v without_o such_o a_o argument_n on_o his_o deathbed_n 2._o consider_v there_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n many_o young_a man_n that_o be_v good_a of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n and_o of_o all_o calling_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o only_o set_v down_o their_o goodness_n but_o their_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v good_a solomon_n a_o young_a king_n obadiah_n a_o young_a courtier_n daniel_n a_o young_a prophet_n john_n a_o young_a apostle_n timothy_n a_o young_a preacher_n and_o here_o abijah_n a_o young_a prince_n and_o all_o these_o be_v good_a man_n and_o be_v record_v for_o our_o example_n and_o encouragement_n 3._o consider_v that_o god_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n bestow_v it_o upon_o young_a man_n and_o pass_v by_o the_o elder_n thus_o abel_n the_o young_a be_v righteous_a and_o cain_n wicked_a jacob_n the_o young_a brother_n love_v and_o esau_n hate_v thus_o david_n the_o young_a of_o jesses_n son_n 12._o and_o yet_o the_o best_a of_o they_o and_o the_o choose_a of_o the_o lord_n god_n do_v many_o time_n do_v as_o jacob_n do_v when_o he_o bless_v the_o child_n of_o joseph_n he_o stretch_v out_o his_o right_a hand_n 14._o &_o lay_v it_o upon_o the_o head_n of_o ephraim_n the_o young_a so_o do_v god_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n many_o time_n pitch_v on_o the_o young_a god_n say_v as_o joseph_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n bring_v i_o benjamin_n and_o give_v he_o a_o double_a portion_n 4._o the_o time_n of_o your_o youth_n be_v the_o free_a age_n of_o your_o life_n to_o betake_v yourselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n young_a man_n that_o be_v servant_n have_v more_o freedom_n and_o less_o care_n than_o when_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n and_o the_o 33._o care_n &_o encumbrance_n of_o a_o family_n fill_v their_o hand_n and_o clog_v their_o heart_n 5._o consider_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o gracious_a in_o youth_n the_o fin_n of_o thy_o youth_n may_v trouble_v thy_o conscience_n in_o thy_o old_a age_n many_o young_a man_n who_o be_v active_a and_o venturous_a in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o youth_n get_v those_o bodily_a bruise_n and_o blow_n that_o they_o feel_v the_o ache_n thereof_o to_o their_o die_a day_n thou_o that_o give_v a_o blow_n or_o a_o bruise_n to_o thy_o conscience_n in_o thy_o youth_n may_v feel_v this_o in_o thy_o old_a age_n those_o sin_n which_o now_o thou_o feel_v not_o
may_v be_v a_o trouble_n to_o thy_o conscience_n and_o a_o ache_n to_o thy_o heart_n when_o thou_o lie_v on_o thy_o death_n bed_n and_o though_o god_n do_v not_o remember_v the_o sin_n of_o your_o youth_n to_o damn_v your_o soul_n yet_o he_o may_v make_v you_o remember_v they_o so_o as_o to_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o your_o conscience_n gravamina_fw-la these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o youth_n may_v be_v the_o bitter_a burden_n of_o old_a age_n take_v heed_n of_o lay_v a_o load_n on_o thy_o conscience_n when_o thou_o be_v young_a lest_o god_n write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o thou_o when_o old_a and_o make_v thou_o to_o possess_v the_o sin_n of_o thy_o youth_n 26._o and_o fill_v thy_o bone_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o youth_n 11._o a_o second_o use_n of_o reproof_n of_o two_o sort_n of_o people_n first_o of_o those_o who_o instead_o of_o be_v good_a when_o young_a be_v wicked_a when_o they_o be_v young_a such_o as_o fill_v their_o youth_n with_o manifold_a evil_n usual_o youth_n be_v subject_a to_o these_o evil_n 1._o pride_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o youth_n a_o preacher_n must_v not_o be_v a_o young_a novice_n 6._o lest_o he_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o pride_n 2_o rashness_n and_o indiscretion_n be_v usual_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o young_a head_n exhort_v young_a man_n say_v paul_n to_o titus_n to_o be_v sober-minded_a 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v discreet_a or_o wise_a how_o rash_a and_o heady_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o young_a man_n to_o rehoboam_n which_o make_v he_o lose_v his_o kingdom_n year_n teach_v experience_n 3._o lustfulnesse_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o paul_n caution_n to_o young_a timothy_n 22_o it_o timothy_n who_o be_v so_o abstemious_a a_o man_n that_o paul_n give_v he_o advice_n to_o drink_v some_o wine_n with_o his_o water_n have_v need_n of_o this_o caution_n how_o much_o more_o have_v they_o that_o be_v not_o so_o exercise_v in_o duty_n of_o mortification_n which_o give_v solomon_n ground_n to_o give_v that_o counsel_n put_v away_o the_o evil_n of_o thy_o flesh_n 10_o for_o childhood_n and_o youth_n be_v vanity_n he_o be_v a_o young_a man_n that_o follow_v the_o harlot_n to_o her_o house_n 7._o 4._o fickleness_n and_o unsettledness_n of_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o in_o time_n of_o error_n the_o young_a sort_n be_v most_o subject_a to_o be_v seduce_v child_n be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n 14._o the_o hebrew_n call_v a_o young_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o come_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o signify_v to_o toss_v to_o and_o fro_o locum_fw-la intimate_v that_o they_o be_v unsettle_a and_o unstaied_a in_o their_o judgement_n and_o resolution_n 22._o how_o soon_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o that_o rich_a and_o forward_o young_a man_n change_v 23._o mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n 5._o to_o scoff_n and_o condemn_v the_o age_a 12._o they_o be_v child_n who_o do_v mock_v the_o age_a prophet_n the_o young_a man_n deride_v job_n 6_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o pastime_n 9_o they_o do_v rejoice_v and_o cheer_v their_o heart_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n 10._o samson_n make_v a_o feast_n for_o so_o use_v the_o young_a man_n to_o do_v second_o 4._o reproof_n light_v heavy_o on_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v good_a in_o their_o youth_n but_o in_o their_o old_a age_n cast_v off_o goodness_n how_o many_o be_v like_o joash_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o good_a young_a man_n whilst_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v under_o the_o tuition_n of_o jehojada_n but_o when_o he_o be_v dead_a how_o do_v he_o break_v out_o how_o many_o be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v lose_v their_o affection_n and_o desire_n after_o god_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o youth_n it_o be_v a_o brand_n set_v upon_o solomon_n who_o though_o when_o young_a be_v well_o teach_v by_o his_o mother_n 1._o yet_o when_o he_o grow_v old_a his_o wife_n turn_v away_o his_o heart_n from_o god_n so_o david_n have_v his_o first_o day_n which_o be_v better_o than_o his_o last_o even_o so_o among_o we_o we_o have_v too_o many_o who_o when_o they_o be_v young_a do_v love_v religion_n and_o delight_n in_o ordinance_n and_o when_o they_o become_v old_a have_v abate_v exceed_o which_o may_v make_v they_o to_o fear_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o goodness_n for_o he_o that_o be_v true_o good_a in_o youth_n will_v be_v so_o in_o his_o old_a age_n a_o second_o remarkable_a circumstance_n be_v this_o that_o this_o young_a abijah_n be_v good_a in_o the_o house_n of_o jeroboam_n whence_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a commendation_n for_o man_n to_o retain_v their_o goodness_n while_o they_o live_v in_o bad_a place_n and_o family_n that_o this_o be_v so_o we_o may_v see_v by_o that_o commendable_a mention_n the_o scripture_n make_v of_o such_o as_o be_v good_a in_o evil_a place_n thus_o god_n commend_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v 13._o and_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n my_o faithful_a martyr_n who_o be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v pergamus_n be_v a_o city_n more_o give_v to_o idolatry_n then_o all_o the_o city_n of_o asia_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o that_o hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 22._o and_o do_v not_o deny_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o saint_n in_o nero_n be_v family_n be_v very_o commendable_a and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v 1._o because_o many_o of_o god_n child_n have_v fail_v and_o abate_v much_o of_o their_o goodness_n in_o bad_a place_n how_o do_v peter_n fall_v in_o the_o high_a priest_n hall_n though_o when_o in_o good_a company_n he_o be_v zealous_a yet_o there_o he_o deny_v christ_n so_o abraham_n when_o he_o be_v in_o gerar_n and_o isaac_n also_o deny_v their_o wife_n so_o joseph_n in_o pharaoh_n court_n and_o learn_v the_o court_n oath_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n hence_o god_n command_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n not_o to_o mix_v themselves_o with_o the_o heathen_n lest_o they_o learn_v their_o manner_n and_o custom_n bad_a place_n be_v like_o bad_a air_n for_o zeal_n to_o breath_n in_o as_o sheep_n among_o brair_n lose_v part_n of_o their_o fleece_n so_o good_a man_n in_o bad_a company_n lose_v part_n of_o their_o goodness_n 15_o as_o one_o scab_a sheep_n may_v infect_v a_o whole_a flock_n so_o one_o root_n of_o bitterness_n may_v spring_v up_o and_o defile_v many_o 2._o reas_n because_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o man_n goodness_n to_o be_v good_a in_o a_o bad_a place_n this_o show_v thy_o grace_n to_o be_v grace_n indeed_o when_o thou_o have_v discouragement_n to_o be_v good_a and_o then_o be_v holy_a this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o thou_o be_v sincere_o good_a and_o that_o thy_o goodness_n be_v not_o counterfeit_a and_o take_v up_o upon_o any_o sinister_a and_o hypocritical_a end_n it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v 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up_o each_o other_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o christian_a discourse_n and_o holy_a fellowship_n do_v not_o our_o weakness_n require_v it_o as_o among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n god_n have_v so_o order_v they_o that_o each_o member_n be_v serviceable_a to_o another_o the_o eye_n can_v say_v to_o the_o hand_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 21._o so_o among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n some_o be_v weak_a other_o strong_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v communion_n together_o there_o be_v a_o instinct_n in_o nature_n that_o thing_n weak_a in_o themselves_o cleave_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v strong_a than_o they_o 26_o the_o coney_n be_v but_o a_o feeble_a flock_n yet_o make_v they_o their_o house_n in_o the_o rock_n among_o bird_n the_o dove_n the_o silly_a and_o most_o shiftless_a creature_n 14._o yet_o she_o hide_v herself_o in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n the_o vine_n among_o the_o tree_n the_o weak_a yet_o it_o cling_v to_o the_o wall_n 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a_o giant_n and_o a_o dwarf_n a_o grow_v man_n of_o a_o tall_a stature_n and_o a_o child_n but_o of_o a_o span_n long_o so_o be_v god_n wisdom_n great_o illustrate_v that_o as_o there_o be_v variety_n of_o natural_a proportion_n in_o the_o world_n so_o there_o be_v various_a proportion_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o church_n among_o his_o child_n before_o i_o come_v to_o apply_v this_o point_n which_o be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n to_o god_n child_n for_o their_o comfort_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o general_a position_n about_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n that_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v find_v more_o weak_a christian_n then_o strong_a posit_n more_o young_a convert_v then_o old_a and_o grow_v christian_n as_o in_o a_o forest_n there_o be_v more_o young_a sprout_n then_o old_a tree_n in_o a_o garden_n more_o young_a slip_n then_o old_a root_n in_o the_o world_n more_o young_a child_n then_o old_a man_n in_o niniveh_n there_o be_v 120000_o infant_n but_o there_o be_v not_o 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