painful_a and_o industrious_a courageous_a and_o undaunted_a in_o the_o work_n and_o cause_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o as_o a_o christian_a but_o also_o as_o a_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v encounter_v with_o elymas_n at_o paphos_n act_v 13._o with_o the_o retriver_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n at_o antioch_n act._n 15._o with_o stoic_n and_o epicurean_o at_o athens_n act_v 17._o with_o beastlike_a man_n such_o as_o demetrius_n and_o his_o follower_n at_z ephesus_z 1_o cor._n 15.32_o with_o alexander_n the_o coppersmith_n with_o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n and_o in_o all_o these_o conflict_n the_o gospel_n still_o prevail_v and_o carry_v the_o victory_n and_o for_o his_o suffering_n the_o instance_n of_o his_o christian_a patience_n and_o passive_a fortitude_n take_v that_o inventary_n which_o himself_o have_v draw_v up_o sometime_o before_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 11._o v._n 23_o etc._n etc._n where_o he_o have_v with_o great_a eloquence_n describe_v his_o adventure_n to_o we_o in_o labour_n abundant_a in_o stripe_n above_o measure_n in_o prison_n frequent_a in_o death_n oft_o v._o 24._o of_o the_o jew_n five_o time_n receive_v i_o forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o 25._o thrice_o be_v i_o beat_v with_o rod_n once_o be_v i_o stone_v thrice_o i_o suffer_v shipwreck_n a_o night_n and_o a_o day_n i_o have_v be_v in_o the_o deep_a 26._o in_o journey_v often_o in_o peril_n of_o water_n in_o peril_n of_o robber_n in_o peril_n by_o my_o own_o countryman_n in_o peril_n by_o the_o heathen_a in_o peril_n in_o the_o city_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o sea_n in_o peril_n among_o false_a brethren_n 27._o in_o weariness_n and_o painfulness_n in_o watch_n often_o in_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n in_o fast_n often_o in_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o scar_n and_o mark_n of_o honour_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o he_o vouch_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n for_o witness_n v._o 31._o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v bless_v for_o evermore_o know_v that_o i_o lie_v not_o brief_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v run_v his_o race_n well_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o zeal_n industry_n and_o which_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o all_o with_o constancy_n 1_o cor._n 9.26_o i_o therefore_o so_o run_v not_o as_o uncertain_o so_o fight_v i_o not_o as_o one_o that_o beat_v the_o air._n his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o as_o jesus_n christ_n have_v count_v he_o faithful_a put_v he_o into_o the_o ministry_n 1_o tim._n 1.12_o so_o he_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v faithful_a 1_o cor._n 7.25_o but_o to_o wave_v the_o metaphor_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o plain_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n conscience_n do_v testify_v 2._o what_o use_v he_o make_v of_o that_o testimonial_a 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n conscience_n do_v testify_v what_o be_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o he_o which_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o faith_n and_o love_n and_o other_o grace_n unfeigned_a 2._o a_o sincere_a and_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o universal_a obedience_n 1._o by_o reflect_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n he_o can_v discern_v that_o he_o do_v firm_o assent_v and_o cleave_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o do_v rely_v upon_o and_o trust_v only_o unto_o the_o righteousness_n wrought_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o acceptance_n with_o god_n the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o his_o right_n to_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n that_o he_o have_v the_o other_o true_a save_a grace_n wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o side_n with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o judgement_n and_o affection_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o vote_n with_o and_o to_o delight_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o overbear_v the_o ebullition_n and_o insurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o mortify_v it_o by_o the_o spirit_n or_o renew_v part_n and_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n that_o be_v in_o he_o which_o be_v call_v the_o inward_a man_n rom._n 7.22_o these_o principle_n habit_n and_o act_n he_o know_v he_o have_v for_o upon_o reflection_n he_o by_o a_o rational_a sense_n may_v feel_v they_o enable_v he_o and_o proceed_n from_o he_o and_o so_o be_v conscious_a of_o they_o and_o that_o his_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o other_o grace_n be_v unfeigned_a and_o genuine_a he_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shine_v through_o the_o write_a word_n upon_o its_o own_o work_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o by_o its_o special_a concourse_n and_o assistance_n enable_v his_o gracious_a soul_n to_o exert_v and_o put_v forth_o such_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a act_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v observe_v by_o a_o diligent_a reflection_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v call_v a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n eph._n 1.17_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o faculty_n the_o visible_a object_n must_v be_v enlighten_v else_o it_o can_v verge_n or_o send_v forth_o its_o visible_a species_n without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v see_v and_o the_o eye_n must_v be_v enlighten_v also_o by_o a_o internal_a light_n else_o it_o can_v see_v the_o object_n though_o never_o so_o conspicuous_a in_o itself_o thus_o also_o be_v it_o here_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o only_o truth_n which_o it_o propound_v to_o we_o from_o without_o but_o also_o the_o grace_n which_o it_o work_v within_o we_o and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o reveal_v the_o object_n to_o we_o but_o than_o it_o do_v also_o inlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o a_o spiritual_a wisdom_n a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v whereby_o it_o distinguish_v and_o discern_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a by_o the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v of_o it_o in_o the_o write_a word_n 2._o st._n paul_n by_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n concern_v the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n there_o record_v can_v observe_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o viz._n ever_o since_o his_o conversion_n a_o sincere_a and_o constant_a purpose_n and_o diligent_a endeavour_n of_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o resignation_n of_o himself_o mention_v act_n 9.6_o lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v his_o obedience_n be_v sincere_a though_o not_o sinless_a and_o perfect_a though_o not_o legal_o yet_o with_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o evangelical_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o which_o aliquid_fw-la fieri_fw-la dicitur_fw-la quando_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la fit_n ignoscitur_fw-la when_o obedience_n be_v sincere_o endeavour_v and_o the_o fail_n of_o it_o pardon_v and_o these_o fruit_n give_v letter_n credential_a to_o his_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v a_o live_a faith_n hereby_o we_o do_v know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o john_n 2.3_o and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n love_n be_v argumentative_a to_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n bear_v witness_n unto_o that_o 1_o john_n 3.14_o paul_n conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o in_o his_o action_n he_o have_v not_o dissemble_v with_o god_n but_o that_o he_o act_v out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o he_o and_o in_o conscience_n of_o his_o command_n and_o that_o he_o direct_v his_o action_n to_o god_n glory_n as_o his_o chief_a end_n thus_o much_o he_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v of_o from_o the_o record_n of_o his_o conscience_n which_o he_o have_v make_v it_o his_o care_n to_o keep_v clear_a and_o legible_a and_o though_o it_o give_v he_o notice_n also_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o fail_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o represent_v they_o as_o expiate_v and_o cancel_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v by_o his_o faith_n and_o thus_o you_o have_v see_v what_o the_o testimonial_a be_v which_o paul_n conscience_n give_v he_o now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o see_v 2._o what_o use_v st._n paul_n make_v of_o this_o testimonial_a a_o double_a use_n 1._o
assure_v that_o he_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o show_v before_o brief_o now_o he_o know_v that_o he_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v fight_v and_o run_v and_o keep_v the_o faith_n by_o reflect_v upon_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o a_o man_n that_o think_v may_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o think_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o rational_a sensation_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v conscious_a of_o its_o own_o acts._n but_o that_o his_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n be_v true_a and_o genuine_a he_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o they_o as_o here_o we_o see_v he_o do_v from_o his_o fight_a and_o run_v and_o from_o observe_v his_o own_o sincerity_n in_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a while_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n do_v by_o shine_v upon_o its_o own_o work_n in_o his_o heart_n illuminate_v the_o object_n and_o by_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o soul_n enable_v the_o faculty_n to_o apprehend_v and_o discern_v that_o object_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o genuine_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o soul_n and_o thus_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n by_o make_v we_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o do_v bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o this_o assurance_n which_o paul_n have_v be_v a_o special_a privilege_n not_o common_a to_o all_o nor_o to_o many_o true_a believer_n all_o true_a believer_n have_v not_o assurance_n some_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o it_o other_o may_v have_v lose_v it_o yet_o all_o must_v endeavour_v after_o it_o and_o all_o may_v attain_v to_o it_o see_v the_o ground_n and_o argument_n whence_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v be_v common_a to_o all_o in_o some_o degree_n but_o they_o be_v eminent_a in_o st._n paul_n his_o knowledge_n clear_a his_o love_n strong_a his_o zeal_n hot_a his_o obedience_n great_a than_o those_o of_o other_o hence_o his_o assurance_n be_v full_a and_o few_o can_v arrive_v to_o his_o pitch_n yet_o since_o all_o true_a believer_n have_v like_a kind_n of_o evidence_n in_o svo_fw-la cuique_fw-la modulo_fw-la according_a to_o their_o several_a measure_n and_o have_v the_o general_a promise_n do_v believe_v and_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o be_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n therefore_o all_o true_a believer_n may_v possible_o attain_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o their_o present_a state_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v persevere_v therein_o and_o so_o in_o the_o end_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n and_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o their_o hope_n the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n no_o danger_n that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o believer_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n shall_v encourage_v they_o in_o the_o least_o to_o indulge_v themselves_o to_o commit_v sin_n see_v it_o arise_v and_o be_v cherish_v ex_fw-la intuitu_fw-la from_o the_o behold_n of_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n holiness_n of_o life_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n if_o that_o once_o flag_n this_o must_v needs_o also_o fail_v for_o if_o upon_o reflection_n we_o find_v our_o life_n unholy_a this_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o assurance_n by_o take_v away_o the_o argument_n by_o force_n whereof_o it_o be_v and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v infer_v or_o conclude_v extra_n studium_fw-la sanctitatis_fw-la &_o usum_fw-la mediorum_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la in_o actum_fw-la exire_fw-la haec_fw-la fidei_fw-la persuasio_fw-la be_v the_o suffrage_n of_o our_o divine_n concern_v assurance_n of_o perseverance_n but_o i_o be_o call_v away_o to_o consider_v the_o other_o particular_n which_o yet_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o i_o shall_v do_v it_o very_o brief_o 3._o the_o bestower_n of_o this_o reward_n the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n by_o the_o lord_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o be_v add_v the_o righteous_a judge_n for_o unto_o he_o have_v god_n the_o father_n commit_v all_o judgement_n even_o to_o the_o son_n the_o person_n of_o christ_n god-man_n shall_v execute_v and_o actual_o exercise_v the_o act_n of_o judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v act._n 17.31_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n by_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n and_o christ_n himself_o say_v mat._n 7.23_o i_o will_v profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o and_o rev._n 2.10_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n there_o be_v one_o in_o the_o world_n who_o undertake_v to_o dispose_v of_o earthly_a crown_n and_o sceptre_n to_o whosoever_o he_o please_v yea_o and_o of_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n too_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n wherein_o yet_o he_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o modesty_n of_o he_o who_o true_a vicegerent_n he_o be_v for_o he_o pretend_v no_o further_a than_o to_o give_v all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o luke_n 4.5_o 6._o all_o this_o be_v deliver_v unto_o i_o and_o to_o whosoever_o i_o will_v give_v it_o but_o what_o ever_o other_o may_v pretend_v unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a dispenser_n of_o this_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n the_o crown_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v judge_n which_o speak_v infinite_a comfort_n unto_o all_o true_a believer_n their_o advocate_n shall_v be_v their_o judge_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v promise_v themselves_o all_o lawful_a favour_n but_o he_o be_v a_o righteous_a judge_n this_o afford_v further_a comfort_n he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v his_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_n by_o his_o free_a promise_n he_o have_v make_v himself_o a_o debtor_n though_o not_o so_o much_o to_o we_o as_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o truth_n so_o that_o it_o be_v now_o but_o a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o recompense_v rest_n unto_o his_o persecute_a servant_n 2_o thess_n 1.7_o 4._o the_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o word_n be_v the_o time_n when_o this_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o paul_n at_o that_o day_n viz._n when_o 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n as_o we_o have_v it_o in_o the_o place_n last_o cite_v which_o time_n our_o saviour_n point_v out_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mat._n 7.22_o in_o that_o day_n by_o way_n of_o emphasis_n and_o so_o st._n paul_n love_v to_o call_v it_o as_o he_o do_v three_o several_a time_n in_o this_o epistle_n chap._n 1.12_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o against_o that_o day_n and_o verse_n 18._o the_o lord_n grant_v that_o he_o may_v find_v mercy_n at_o that_o day_n the_o day_n of_o the_o general_n judgement_n lie_v uppermost_a in_o paul_n mind_n and_o his_o thought_n run_v much_o upon_o it_o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o his_o eye_n be_v always_o upon_o his_o crown_n for_o that_o be_v the_o time_n when_o he_o shall_v receive_v this_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o at_o the_o day_n of_o death_n when_o the_o faithful_a soul_n shall_v return_v to_o god_n that_o give_v it_o and_o be_v resign_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o shall_v be_v perfect_v in_o holiness_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o glory_n shall_v not_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a until_o such_o time_n as_o the_o body_n which_o have_v be_v the_o soul_n yoke-fellow_n and_o companion_n in_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n here_o shall_v be_v redeem_v from_o the_o grave_a for_o which_o we_o be_v say_v to_o wait_v rom._n 8.23_o hence_o the_o soul_n from_o under_o the_o altar_n cry_v how_o long_o rev._n 6.10_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v rev._n 22.17_o come_v quick_o v._o 20._o then_o shall_v the_o soul_n and_o body_n now_o again_o unite_v be_v present_v to_o jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o appear_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n at_o the_o day_n of_o death_n shall_v be_v a_o privy_a session_n for_o every_o particular_a soul_n but_o the_o general_a assize_n shall_v be_v at_o that_o day_n that_o great_a day_n of_o universal_a judgement_n the_o believe_a soul_n at_o the_o day_n of_o death_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n but_o the_o solemnity_n of_o its_o coronation_n shall_v be_v defer_v till_o that_o day_n then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o shall_v its_o glory_n and_o happiness_n be_v complete_v and_o thus_o much_o brief_o be_v speak_v concern_v st._n paul_n
a_o sermon_n at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o lady_n elizabeth_n alston_n wife_z of_o sir_n thomas_n alston_n knight_n and_o baronet_n preach_v in_o the_o parish-church_n of_o woodhill_n in_o bedford-shire_n septemb_n 10._o 1677._o by_o william_n dillingham_n d._n d._n and_o rectour_n there_o now_o publish_v at_o the_o instance_n of_o her_o near_a relation_n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o gold_n lion_n in_o st._n paul_n church_n yard_n 1678._o imprimatur_fw-la novemb_n 1._o 1677._o c._n alston_n r.p.d._n hen._n episc_n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la dome_v 2_o tim_n 4.7_o 8._o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n st._n paul_n who_o as_o he_o report_v of_o himself_o do_v die_v daily_o and_o be_v in_o death_n often_o do_v live_v under_o a_o constant_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o mortality_n but_o yet_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o writing_n this_o epistle_n which_o be_v as_o the_o postscript_n tell_v we_o when_o he_o be_v bring_v the_o second_o time_n before_o nero_n he_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a apprehension_n of_o his_o approach_a end_n death_n be_v now_o already_o in_o his_o view_n and_o come_v towards_o he_o so_o much_o he_o let_v we_o know_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n for_o i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v and_o the_o time_n of_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o so_o much_o imminent_a as_o already_o come_v now_o see_v that_o death_n be_v a_o enemy_n which_o we_o must_v all_o encounter_n it_o be_v all_o our_o concernment_n to_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o that_o we_o may_v so_o do_v it_o will_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o to_o have_v observe_v how_o st._n paul_n a_o good_a old_a and_o try_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v prepare_v himself_o to_o receive_v the_o shock_n and_o to_o cope_v with_o this_o king_n of_o terror_n and_o to_o know_v what_o cordial_n he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o support_v his_o heart_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n approach_v the_o text_n present_v we_o with_o a_o twofold_a meditation_n of_o st._n paul_n 1._o a_o meditation_n of_o what_o be_v pass_v a_o reflection_n upon_o his_o former_a life_n well-spent_a i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a hight_n etc._n etc._n ver._n 7_o 2._o a_o meditation_n on_o what_o be_v future_a be_v a_o prospect_n into_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o henceforth_o etc._n etc._n ver._n 8._o the_o apostle_n work_n and_o his_o reward_n his_o fidelity_n and_o his_o crown_n the_o first_o whereof_o have_v a_o order_n and_o subordination_n to_o the_o other_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n be_v by_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o way_n to_o have_v assurance_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v to_o get_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o we_o have_v lead_v our_o life_n well_o here_o on_o earth_n and_o this_o double_a assurance_n joynâ—d_v together_o do_v enable_v st._n paul_n to_o look_v upon_o death_n but_o as_o a_o departure_n a_o mild_a and_o harmless_a thing_n a_o departure_n and_o that_o not_o from_o home_n but_o from_o a_o inn_n to_o go_v unto_o his_o father_n house_n the_o time_n of_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n medit._fw-la 1._o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o st._n paul_n first_o medication_n or_o his_o reflection_n upon_o his_o well-led_n life_n wherein_o we_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o 1._o a_o character_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n 2._o the_o comfortable_a testimonial_a which_o paul_n conscience_n give_v he_o viz._n that_o he_o have_v lead_v his_o life_n well_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n etc._n etc._n 1._o we_o have_v here_o a_o character_n express_v and_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o that_o under_o a_o threefold_a metaphor_n and_o allusion_n 1._o of_o a_o fight_n 2._o of_o a_o course_n or_o race_n 3._o of_o the_o custody_n or_o keep_v of_o something_o commit_v to_o our_o trust_n 1._o the_o christian_a life_n be_v here_o compare_v to_o a_o fight_n and_o figurative_o so_o call_v sometime_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o warfare_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o many_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o encounter_v withal_o thus_o job_n 7.1_o be_v there_o not_o a_o appoint_a time_n to_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n where_o for_o a_o appoint_a time_n the_o marginal_a read_n be_v a_o warfare_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v a_o time_n of_o warring_n according_a hereunto_o we_o find_v that_o the_o roman_a legionary_a soldier_n have_v a_o certain_a period_n or_o term_n of_o year_n sometime_o ten_o sometime_o twenty_o or_o more_o year_n during_o which_o they_o be_v to_o continue_v list_v in_o the_o muster-roll_n and_o to_o fight_v under_o their_o emperor_n banner_n but_o when_o that_o time_n be_v once_o expire_v than_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v emeriti_fw-la &_o exauctorati_fw-la discharge_v of_o their_o oath_n and_o dismiss_v from_o serve_v any_o long_o and_o honourable_o reward_v with_o gift_n and_o possession_n to_o such_o a_o term_n of_o time_n allusion_n be_v make_v isa_n 40.2_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o jerusalem_n that_o her_o warfare_n be_v accomplish_v and_o so_o rev._n 3.12_o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o that_o be_v to_o warfare_n he_o have_v his_o quietus_n est_fw-la but_o if_o the_o natural_a life_n of_o man_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o warfare_n a_o christian_a life_n be_v much_o more_o deserve_o to_o be_v so_o account_v a_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o thus_o paul_n express_v it_o 1_o tim._n 1.18_o that_o thou_o may_v war_v a_o good_a warfare_n and_o 2_o tim._n 2.3_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v a_o double_a sort_n of_o fight_v which_o paul_n have_v allusion_n to_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a life_n sometime_o he_o speak_v of_o fight_v in_o a_o military_a sense_n as_o one_o enemy_n fight_v with_o another_o in_o the_o field_n which_o be_v proper_o call_v warring_n and_o of_o this_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o place_n but_o now_o mention_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o thou_o may_v war_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a warfare_n otherwhile_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o fight_v in_o a_o agonistical_a sense_n as_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o fight_v of_o old_a in_o the_o greek_a olympic_n or_o in_o the_o roman_a cirque_fw-la and_o amphitheatre_n when_o they_o contend_v for_o mastery_n where_o the_o victor_n guerdon_n be_v life_n and_o glory_n and_o unto_o this_o paul_n seem_v to_o allude_v in_o the_o text_n as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v by_o he_o do_v import_v but_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v curious_a to_o observe_v the_o difference_n but_o speak_v of_o they_o promiscuous_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v fit_o compare_v unto_o a_o fight_n or_o warfare_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o as_o in_o war_n there_o be_v always_o some_o cause_n or_o other_o contend_v for_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o revenge_v injury_n or_o to_o defend_v life_n and_o liberty_n or_o to_o obtain_v dominion_n or_o to_o win_v glory_n and_o renown_n so_o be_v it_o here_o christian_n have_v a_o cause_n which_o they_o fight_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o own_o soul_n they_o contend_v for_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o name_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n all_o these_o be_v concern_v in_o our_o christian_a warfare_n all_o these_o do_v satan_n seek_v to_o hinder_v and_o destroy_v 2._o as_o in_o war_n and_o fight_v so_o here_o be_v two_o adverse_a party_n enemy_n and_o antagonist_n to_o one_o another_o fighting_z and_o contend_v with_o one_o another_o and_o those_o we_o find_v to_o be_v list_v under_o opposite_a general_n on_o the_o one_o side_n jesus_n christ_n the_o prince_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o under_o he_o do_v fight_v all_o true_a believer_n on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v satan_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n who_o rule_v and_o command_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o under_o he_o be_v list_v legion_n of_o apostate_n spirit_n and_o wicked_a men._n the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n fight_v against_o we_o by_o temptation_n on_o
without_o we_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o many_o rub_n lay_v in_o our_o way_n many_o snare_n many_o scandal_n many_o stumbling-block_n lay_v by_o satan_n to_o entrap_v we_o and_o make_v we_o fall_v the_o world_n be_v golden_a ball_n of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n be_v cast_v before_o we_o to_o entice_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n satan_n wildfire_n of_o persecution_n be_v flash_v in_o our_o face_n to_o affright_v we_o from_o our_o christian_a course_n our_o way_n be_v hedge_v up_o with_o thorn_n or_o else_o carnal_a relation_n and_o worldly_a interest_n hang_v about_o our_o neck_n to_o pull_v we_o back_o so_o that_o there_o need_v much_o strength_n of_o grace_n much_o courage_n and_o resolution_n much_o earnestness_n and_o contention_n much_o labour_n and_o press_v forward_o that_o so_o we_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o prize_n eternal_a life_n the_o crown_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o we_o for_o a_o prize_n and_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o judge_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o rewarder_n if_o we_o strive_v lawful_o and_o run_v well_o so_o run_v therefore_o that_o you_o may_v obtain_v 1_o cor._n 9.24_o 3._o the_o christian_a life_n be_v here_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o under_o the_o metaphorof_o keep_v a_o trust_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n where_o by_o faith_n some_o understand_v faithfulness_n or_o fidelity_n that_o engagement_n which_o be_v usual_o give_v by_o soldier_n to_o their_o general_n by_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v call_v sacramentum_fw-la militare_fw-la and_o so_o to_o keep_v the_o faith_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o oath_n by_o fight_v faithful_o and_o not_o false_o betray_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n neither_o by_o a_o treacherous_a run_v over_o to_o the_o enemy_n as_o a_o transfuga_fw-la partium_fw-la nor_o yet_o by_o a_o cowardly_a run_v away_o and_o draw_v back_o from_o their_o colour_n desert_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v swear_v to_o defend_v as_o all_o of_o we_o have_v in_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n but_o by_o faith_n in_o this_o place_n i_o think_v be_v rather_o to_o be_v understand_v fides_n quae_fw-la creditur_fw-la the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o saint_n be_v describe_v rev._n 14.12_o to_o be_v such_o as_o keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n the_o metaphor_n of_o keep_v this_o faith_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v borrow_v either_o from_o 1._o the_o keep_n of_o a_o fort_n or_o strong_a castle_n the_o faith_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o strong_a hold_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o keep_n and_o defend_v of_o every_o christian_a soul_n and_o while_o we_o keep_v this_o fortress_n that_o will_v keep_v we_o safe_a safe_a from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n 1_o pet._n 1.5_o where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v proper_o keep_v as_o a_o garisson_n be_v keep_v or_o 2._o the_o keep_n of_o a_o precious_a jewel_n or_o treasure_n commit_v to_o our_o charge_n and_o custody_n the_o faith_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o depositum_fw-la commit_v to_o we_o and_o entrust_v with_o we_o to_o this_o st._n judas_n seem_v to_o allude_v judas_n 3_o when_o he_o exhort_v all_o to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n the_o like_a allusion_n have_v st._n paul_n when_o he_o exhort_v timothy_n 1_o tim._n 6._o ver_fw-la 20_o 21._o o_o timothy_n keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o thy_o trust_n and_o what_o that_o be_v may_v appear_v by_o the_o opposition_n there_o subjoin_v avoid_v profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n and_o opposition_n of_o science_n false_o so_o call_v which_o some_o profess_v have_v err_v concern_v the_o faith_n the_o faith_n be_v the_o depositum_fw-la and_o the_o god_n thing_n commit_v to_o timothy_n as_o paul_n phrase_n it_o and_o exhort_v he_o again_o to_o keep_v 2_o tim._n 1.14_o the_o same_o which_o in_o verse_n 13._o he_o have_v express_v in_o other_o word_n viz._n hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n if_o we_o keep_v this_o faith_n and_o truth_n that_o will_v keep_v our_o soul_n for_o by_o keep_v his_o faith_n we_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o commit_v our_o soul_n to_o his_o keep_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o watchful_a lord-keeper_n of_o his_o israel_n and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n exhort_v commit_v the_o keep_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n 1_o pet._n 4.19_o and_o this_o do_v encourage_v st._n paul_n to_o say_v 2_o tim._n 1.12_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v trust_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o against_o that_o day_n and_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v pray_v to_o his_o father_n john_n 17.11_o that_o he_o will_v keep_v all_o his_o elect_n holy_a father_n keep_v through_o thy_o own_o name_n those_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o so_o he_o promise_v rev._n 3.10_o to_o the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n i_o also_o will_v keep_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n 3._o or_o else_o this_o keep_n of_o the_o faith_n may_v allude_v unto_o a_o soldier_n keep_v of_o his_o station_n or_o a_o wrestler_n keep_v of_o his_o ground_n but_o the_o former_a be_v as_o i_o conceive_v more_o proper_a to_o the_o place_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v pursue_v this_o no_o further_o but_o come_v to_o consider_v what_o the_o thing_n be_v which_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o keep_v the_o faith_n now_o to_o keep_v the_o faith_n be_v 1._o true_o and_o firm_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n to_o assent_v unfeigned_o to_o it_o to_o receive_v it_o not_o into_o the_o ear_n only_o but_o into_o the_o heart_n also_o and_o there_o to_o keep_v it_o and_o cleave_v unto_o it_o 2._o to_o keep_v the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o obey_v it_o as_o to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n be_v to_o obey_v and_o do_v they_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v keep_v in_o a_o holy_a life_n 3._o to_o keep_v the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o hold_v it_o fast_o by_o profession_n thus_o christ_n commend_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n rev._n 2.13_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n and_o likewise_o the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n rev._n 3.8_o thou_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n &_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n 4._o last_o the_o faith_n be_v keep_v by_o hold_v out_o and_o constant_a continuance_n and_o perseverance_n in_o all_o these_o believe_v practise_v and_o profess_v it_o this_o be_v that_o which_o receive_v the_o promise_a reward_n mat._n 24.13_o he_o that_o shall_v endure_v unto_o the_o end_n the_o same_o shall_v be_v save_v rev._n 2.10_o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n paul_n must_v finish_v his_o course_n before_o he_o shall_v receive_v a_o crown_n without_o this_o we_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o the_o prize_n thus_o we_o have_v brief_o survey_v the_o character_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n observe_v in_o st._n paul_n first_o meditation_n ii_o the_o second_o thing_n propound_v to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o comfortable_a testimonial_a which_o paul_n conscience_n give_v he_o concern_v his_o past_a life_n and_o conversation_n he_o be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n etc._n etc._n st._n paul_n have_v long_o since_o make_v it_o his_o exercise_n his_o constant_a care_n and_o endeavour_n to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n act_n 24.16_o and_o now_o you_o see_v here_o he_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o according_o as_o we_o use_v our_o conscience_n so_o will_v they_o deal_v by_o we_o if_o we_o wound_v they_o they_o will_v wound_v we_o if_o we_o keep_v not_o peace_n in_o our_o conscience_n how_o can_v they_o speak_v peace_n to_o we_o but_o if_o we_o keep_v they_o tender_a and_o pure_a they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o great_a strait_n and_o difficulty_n st._n paul_n reflect_v upon_o his_o life_n past_a his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o what_o he_o here_o profess_v of_o himself_o first_o that_o he_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n in_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o that_o he_o have_v fight_v it_o well_o observe_v therein_o the_o command_n of_o his_o general_n that_o he_o have_v be_v
to_o assure_v he_o of_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n and_o by_o that_o assurance_n mediate_o to_o comfort_v he_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o 2._o by_o this_o consideration_n to_o comfort_v himself_o immediate_o and_o next_o way_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n conscientia_fw-la rectè_fw-la factorum_fw-la do_v arm_n and_o support_v a_o man_n against_o the_o ghastly_a aspect_n of_o approach_a death_n for_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v death_n so_o terrible_a unto_o mortal_n that_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o it_o make_v they_o tremble_v like_o a_o aspine-leaf_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n 1_o cor._n 15.56_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n upon_o the_o conscience_n be_v that_o which_o put_v the_o heart_n into_o such_o a_o palpitation_n for_o the_o conscience_n know_v that_o for_o all_o those_o impiety_n whereof_o it_o keep_v the_o register_n it_o must_v come_v to_o judgement_n and_o the_o book_n must_v be_v open_v and_o every_o one_o must_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o be_v find_v write_v in_o the_o book_n it_o dread_v judgement_n to_o come_v as_o felix_n do_v and_o not_o but_o look_v upon_o death_n as_o on_o the_o grim_a sergeant_n that_o come_v to_o arrest_v we_o and_o to_o summon_v we_o to_o judgement_n this_o be_v the_o sting_n in_o the_o tail_n of_o death_n but_o now_o a_o good_a conscience_n sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o sincere_o report_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o have_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n receive_v he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o give_v we_o in_o a_o holy_a life_n in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n do_v thereby_o show_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v make_v conditional_o be_v now_o become_v absolute_a unto_o we_o and_o that_o therefore_o we_o be_v already_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o then_o be_v once_o assure_v that_o our_o debt_n be_v pardon_v and_o the_o handwriting_n cancel_v we_o fear_v no_o long_o death_n arrest_n but_o may_v say_v with_o this_o apostle_n o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.55_o 56._o thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o nothing_o else_o without_o it_o can_v give_v we_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v a_o wicked_a man_n may_v through_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o searedness_n of_o his_o conscience_n be_v senseless_a and_o stupid_a in_o his_o death_n and_o so_o fall_v down_o like_o a_o log_n into_o hell-flame_n a_o erroneous_a conscience_n may_v make_v a_o man_n brave_a it_o out_o and_o with_o curtius_n leap_v desperate_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n a_o hypocrite_n conscience_n may_v set_v a_o fair_a outside_n upon_o it_o and_o die_v possible_o with_o seem_v joy_n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o laughter_n his_o heart_n be_v sad_a his_o joy_n be_v but_o like_o the_o risus_fw-la sardonius_n when_o man_n seem_v to_o die_v laugh_v but_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o rictus_fw-la than_o a_o risus_fw-la a_o grin_n of_o the_o tooth_n than_o laughter_n and_o shall_v end_v in_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n in_o another_o world_n it_o be_v only_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a and_o pure_a sincere_a and_o enlighten_v conscience_n that_o can_v yield_v a_o man_n good_a ground_n of_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n be_v now_o as_o it_o be_v at_o death_n door_n take_v this_o cordial_a before_o he_o knock_v have_v recourse_n unto_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o his_o letter_n testimonial_a draw_v up_o from_o a_o survey_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o well-led_n life_n and_o here_o he_o find_v support_v and_o the_o like_a he_o have_v do_v before_o 2_o cor._n 1.12_o for_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n this_o also_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n and_o method_n of_o other_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n who_o when_o they_o be_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o their_o approach_a departure_n have_v fetch_v their_o comfort_n from_o the_o lame_a topick_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o make_v use_v of_o viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n concern_v their_o pass_a life_n and_o conversation_n thus_o good_a hezekiah_n isa_n 38.1_o etc._n etc._n have_v receive_v that_o doleful_a message_n the_o sentence_n of_o death_n pronounce_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n set_v thy_o house_n in_o order_n for_o thou_o shall_v die_v and_o not_o live_v whence_o do_v he_o look_v for_o his_o comfort_n but_o from_o the_o secret_a witness_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n testify_v unto_o he_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o former_a course_n which_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v try_v by_o the_o sunbeam_n of_o god_n own_o knowledge_n v._o 3._o remember_v now_o o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v i_o before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n thus_o elijah_n sit_v under_o the_o juniper-tree_n 1_o kin._n 19.4_o can_v not_o with_o any_o comfort_n have_v desire_v serious_o as_o he_o do_v that_o god_n will_v take_v away_o his_o life_n from_o he_o have_v he_o not_o have_v this_o assurance_n write_v on_o the_o table_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o he_o have_v be_v very_o zealous_a or_o jealous_a for_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n as_o himself_o profess_v v._o 10.1_o and_o how_o can_v good_a old_a simeon_n with_o joy_n have_v sing_v his_o nunc_fw-la dimittis_fw-la have_v he_o not_o know_v in_o his_o conscience_n what_o the_o gospel_n report_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a and_o devout_a man_n wait_v for_o the_o consolation_n of_o israel_n luk._n 2.25_o as_o ever_o therefore_o we_o desire_v to_o find_v comfort_n in_o our_o death_n let_v we_o lead_v holy_a life_n and_o keep_v good_a conscience_n as_o paul_n and_o these_o other_o servant_n of_o god_n do_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o so_o profligate_v and_o give_v up_o to_o all_o impiety_n but_o do_v desire_n comfort_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v but_o alas_o by_o their_o wicked_a life_n they_o have_v stop_v the_o minister_n mouth_n sear_v the_o breast_n of_o consolation_n and_o cut_v off_o those_o conduit-pipe_n which_o shall_v have_v convey_v comfort_n into_o their_o soul_n there_o be_v many_o who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o balaam_n o_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 but_o they_o will_v not_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o righteous_a mark_v the_o perfect_a man_n and_o behold_v the_o upright_a for_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v peace_n psal_n 37.37_o but_o alas_o what_o peace_n can_v thy_o conscience_n or_o any_o other_o speak_v to_o thou_o while_o thy_o cry_a sin_n and_o impiety_n be_v so_o many_o light_n be_v sow_o for_o the_o righteous_a and_o joy_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n psal_n 97.11_o a_o man_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n expect_v to_o reap_v where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_o as_o to_o reap_v joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o death_n without_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o it_o in_o a_o holy_a life_n sow_v then_o in_o thy_o life-time_n what_o thou_o will_v reap_v when_o thou_o come_v to_o die_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o st._n paul_n first_o meditation_n or_o his_o reflection_n upon_o his_o former_a life_n well-spent_a i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o medit._fw-la 2._o st._n paul_n second_o meditation_n be_v a_o prospect_n into_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o together_o with_o his_o own_o share_n in_o it_o wherein_o we_o have_v these_o several_n to_o be_v take_v into_o our_o consideration_n 1._o the_o reward_n itself_o call_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 2._o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o in_o those_o word_n lay_v up_o for_o i_o 3._o the_o bestower_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o 4._o the_o time_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v bestow_v at_o that_o day_n i._o the_o reward_n itself_o which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o eternal_a life_n the_o glory_n and_o joy_n of_o heaven_n which_o we_o have_v here_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o under_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o heaven_n be_v call_v a_o crown_n 1._o because_o eternal_a life_n and_o blessedness_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n luk._n 12.32_o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n for_o it_o be_v your_o