our_o way_n as_o to_o turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n iii_o 2_o tim_n iii_o 5._o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o this_o know_v say_v st._n paul_n ver._n 1._o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n periolous_a time_n shall_v come_v because_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n as_o he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a proud_a boaster_n blasphemer_n and_o all_o which_o he_o comprehend_v under_o one_o character_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o time_n will_v be_v so_o perilous_a because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o wicked_a person_n shall_v conceal_v their_o crime_n under_o a_o form_n and_o show_v of_o godliness_n be_v they_o profess_o and_o open_o wicked_a there_o be_v some_o ingenuity_n even_o in_o their_o impudence_n because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v tax_v or_o upbraid_v with_o hypocrisy_n be_v they_o covetous_a proud_a blasphemer_n without_o a_o show_n of_o zeal_n and_o pretence_n of_o religion_n than_o all_o man_n may_v plain_o discern_v and_o detect_v they_o 55.12_o psal_n 55.12_o and_o from_o a_o open_a enemy_n i_o will_v have_v hide_v myself_o say_v david_n shelf_n and_o quicksand_n that_o have_v light_n always_o burn_v to_o discover_v they_o by_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o avoid_v and_o we_o be_v forewarn_v against_o the_o dog_n that_o bark_v first_o but_o these_o deceiver_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n speak_v have_v a_o fair_a and_o glorious_a outside_n though_o they_o be_v foul_a within_o these_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o be_v great_a professor_n of_o religion_n they_o put_v on_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n though_o they_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o great_a sin_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a company_n and_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o observe_v the_o caution_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o text_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o from_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o form_n without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n iii_o how_o we_o may_v discover_v whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o else_o only_a the_o form_n of_o it_o iu._n and_o last_o how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o as_o have_v only_o the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o godliness_n in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o devout_a and_o sincere_a worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n both_o inward_o and_o outward_o according_a to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o describe_v it_o more_o full_o and_o express_o 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 1.5_o it_o be_v a_o earnest_a love_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a whereby_o we_o be_v incite_v to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a towards_o man_n so_o that_o in_o this_o one_o word_n be_v imply_v our_o whole_a duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man._n this_o be_v express_v by_o st._n 2.2_o 1_o tim._n 2.2_o paul_n by_o lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o this_o be_v that_o godliness_n which_o be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v by_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v mean_v a_o outward_a resemblance_n a_o colourable_a show_n or_o likely_a appearance_n of_o godliness_n when_o a_o man_n put_v on_o the_o face_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n act_n and_o mimic_n it_o so_o well_o as_o to_o deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o he_o who_o judge_v according_o to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o honest_a holy_a and_o religious_a man_n though_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v nothing_o less_o he_o may_v not_o only_o deceive_v other_o but_o delude_v himself_o also_o and_o be_v confident_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n when_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o form_n must_v be_v like_o the_o pattern_n or_o else_o it_o be_v no_o form_n at_o all_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v a_o picture_n or_o statue_n be_v such_o a_o man_n picture_n or_o statue_n unless_o it_o bear_v a_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o his_o look_n and_o person_n thus_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n must_v be_v such_o a_o show_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o hue_n and_o complexion_n with_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o lively_a portraiture_n of_o it_o though_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o imply_v that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n that_o internal_a principle_n and_o spring_n of_o action_n which_o be_v well_o express_v by_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v as_o st._n 8.12_o 1_o tiâ—â—_n 41_o 8.12_o paul_n say_v a_o example_n of_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n and_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v he_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n if_o a_o man_n have_v charity_n in_o conversation_n faith_n and_o purity_n in_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o in_o himself_o and_o righteous_o towards_o other_o and_o godly_a towards_o his_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n then_o be_v his_o soul_n and_o body_n entire_o subject_a to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n then_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o work_v mighty_o unto_o salvation_n and_o this_o power_n of_o god_n be_v most_o evident_o see_v in_o reduce_v the_o most_o stiffnecked_a and_o hard-hearted_a sinner_n in_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o leave_v their_o belove_a sin_n and_o bosom_n vice_n and_o in_o beat_v down_o and_o subdue_a the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o unruly_a passion_n such_o as_o pride_n envy_n malice_n and_o revenge_n those_o sin_n our_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v most_o subject_a to_o and_o in_o make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o men._n the_o lion_n become_v a_o lamb_n and_o the_o serpent_n a_o dove_n a_o natural_a man_n a_o man_n whole_o spiritual_a and_o a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o child_n of_o god_n he_o aim_v at_o new_a end_n act_n by_o new_a principle_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o expose_v his_o life_n by_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o those_o truth_n which_o before_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 1.16_o rom._n 1.16_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o those_o hypocrite_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o text_n be_v without_o here_o it_o be_v they_o be_v defective_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o show_v 2._o that_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n may_v be_v without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v forewarn_v that_o we_o do_v not_o look_v to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n 11.14_o 2_o cor._n 11.14_o for_o the_o devil_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o his_o servant_n can_v put_v on_o the_o guise_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n there_o be_v numerous_a instance_n set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o a_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o preach_v another_o gospel_n than_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o hereby_o deserve_v a_o anathema_n nay_o he_o may_v preach_v the_o true_a gospel_n with_o such_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o wonderful_a efficacy_n
sensuality_n i_o have_v indulge_v myself_o in_o every_o thing_n which_o my_o heart_n can_v wish_v but_o alas_o all_o those_o delight_n be_v now_o flee_v away_o there_o now_o remain_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o the_o uneasy_a remembrance_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o expect_v from_o a_o just_a and_o offend_a god_n but_o eternal_a misery_n and_o everlasting_a torment_n such_o reflection_n as_o these_o do_v frequent_o break_v in_o upon_o the_o vicious_a liver_n these_o misgiving_n of_o mind_n do_v haunt_n and_o pursue_v he_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o go_v on_o quiet_o in_o his_o wicked_a course_n but_o render_v he_o uneasy_a here_o as_o well_o as_o miserable_a hereafter_o and_o therefore_o second_o the_o way_n to_o lead_v a_o comfortable_a life_n even_o in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o religious_a this_o be_v evident_a i._o because_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n ii_o because_o it_o heighten_v and_o improve_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 1._o the_o lead_n of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n now_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o health_n and_o long_a life_n 2._o riches_n 3._o honour_n and_o reputation_n 1._o a_o honest_a virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a course_n to_o preserve_v our_o health_n and_o prolong_v our_o life_n for_o religion_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v sober_a chaste_a and_o temperate_a to_o avoid_v all_o excess_n in_o meat_n drink_v or_o sleep_n which_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o most_o disease_n and_o break_v off_o the_o thread_n of_o our_o life_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o within_o their_o due_a bound_n and_o hereby_o procure_v such_o a_o even_a and_o steady_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o contain_v the_o blood_n in_o its_o due_a ferment_n the_o humour_n in_o their_o proper_a channel_n and_o promote_v health_n and_o a_o vigorous_a constitution_n bless_a be_v the_o meek_a 5.5_o matth._n 5.5_o for_o they_o shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n i.e._n a_o quiet_a meek_a and_o humble_a frame_n of_o spirit_n will_v conduce_v very_o much_o to_o prolong_v our_o day_n in_o this_o world_n and_o prevent_v those_o broil_n and_o quarrel_n occasion_v by_o exorbitant_a passion_n which_o bring_v so_o many_o man_n to_o untimely_a end_n and_o last_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v create_v whereby_o we_o obtain_v such_o inward_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n the_o feast_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o render_v we_o of_o a_o pleasant_a humour_n and_o cheerful_a disposition_n which_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n observe_v 17.22_o prov_n 17.22_o do_v good_a like_o a_o medicine_n 2._o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a mean_n to_o make_v we_o rich_a by_o encourage_v we_o to_o be_v industrious_a in_o our_o several_a calling_n honest_a in_o our_o deal_n frugal_a in_o our_o expense_n which_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n of_o get_v and_o keep_v riches_n and_o divert_v we_o from_o all_o those_o expensive_a vice_n of_o game_n intemperance_n and_o lasciviousness_n which_o have_v consume_v so_o many_o estate_n and_o bring_v many_o a_o man_n to_o a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n but_o above_o all_o it_o bring_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n along_o with_o it_o and_z gives_z success_n to_o our_o honest_a endeavour_n so_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o stand_v amaze_v at_o our_o own_o plenty_n as_o be_v hardly_o able_a to_o reconcile_v our_o income_n with_o our_o expense_n 3._o for_o honour_n and_o reputation_n these_o be_v scarce_o ever_o know_v to_o be_v obtain_v but_o by_o a_o life_n lead_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o honesty_n for_o though_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v title_n heap_v upon_o he_o and_o derive_v his_o pedigree_n from_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o illustrious_a ancestor_n though_o he_o may_v be_v follow_v by_o a_o numerous_a train_n of_o servant_n and_o dependent_n and_o have_v the_o shout_n and_o acclamation_n of_o the_o rabble_n and_o be_v adore_v by_o his_o servile_a flatterer_n as_o a_o god_n though_o they_o may_v applaud_v every_o word_n he_o speak_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o oracle_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o despise_v and_o contemn_v the_o man_n whilst_o they_o adore_v his_o fortune_n it_o be_v not_o the_o ass_n but_o the_o golden_a image_n he_o bear_v they_o fall_v down_o to_o for_o whenever_o the_o scale_n of_o fortune_n turn_v and_o this_o great_a wicked_a man_n fall_v into_o poverty_n and_o disgrace_n he_o become_v the_o scorn_n and_o laughing-stook_a of_o his_o most_o suppliant_a admirer_n and_o those_o very_a person_n who_o strive_v who_o shall_v caress_n and_o tickle_v he_o with_o the_o most_o fulsome_a flattery_n will_v then_o as_o earnest_o contend_v who_o shall_v treat_v he_o with_o the_o most_o remarkable_a ignominy_n and_o contempt_n thus_o the_o great_a sejanus_n whilst_o he_o be_v the_o favourite_n of_o his_o prince_n be_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o people_n also_o but_o when_o he_o fall_v into_o disgrace_n with_o tiberius_n caesar_n than_o no_o indignity_n be_v omit_v which_o their_o rage_n and_o madness_n can_v invent_v and_o the_o most_o infamous_a death_n be_v think_v too_o good_a for_o he_o then_o one_o may_v have_v hear_v the_o crowd_n give_v vent_n to_o the_o just_a resentment_n of_o their_o mind_n which_o before_o fear_v make_v they_o suppress_v say_v one_o i_o always_o have_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o that_o man_n i_o think_v he_o climb_v too_o high_a to_o stand_v long_o and_o that_o his_o indirect_a and_o wicked_a course_n will_v one_o time_n or_o other_o meet_v with_o a_o just_a reward_n say_v another_o i_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o though_o my_o dependence_n on_o he_o oblige_v i_o to_o give_v he_o some_o external_a homage_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o be_v say_v the_o indian_n do_v the_o devil_n yet_o i_o can_v never_o endure_v he_o in_o my_o heart_n i_o always_o hate_v the_o man_n and_o his_o vice_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o honour_n and_o reputation_n which_o be_v obtain_v by_o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n be_v of_o a_o more_o durable_a stamp_n and_o rather_o increase_v than_o diminish_v by_o adversity_n a_o time_n of_o trial_n make_v the_o good_a man_n virtue_n more_o remarkable_a exercise_v his_o grace_n and_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n purify_v and_o refine_v they_o a_o true_a sterling_a virtue_n will_v be_v honour_v and_o admire_v in_o all_o condition_n in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n good_a man_n natural_o love_v and_o speak_v well_o of_o that_o which_o be_v praiseworthy_a and_o commendable_a all_o love_n be_v found_v in_o likeness_n and_o similitude_n of_o nature_n and_o even_o wicked_a man_n can_v but_o reverence_v that_o virtue_n and_o integrity_n which_o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o practise_v and_o now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o point_n let_v i_o appeal_v to_o your_o experience_n whether_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o world_n health_n riches_n and_o reputation_n be_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o reward_n of_o lead_v a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o as_o religion_n furnish_v we_o with_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n so_o 2._o it_o heighten_v and_o improve_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o it_o enable_v we_o to_o take_v the_o comfort_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n we_o enjoy_v 16.8_o prov._n 16.8_o and_o make_v a_o little_a better_o with_o righteousness_n than_o great_a revenue_n without_o right_n and_o this_o it_o perform_v 1._o by_o make_v we_o content_a with_o our_o lot_n and_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n and_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o those_o anxious_a and_o solicitous_a thought_n which_o render_v the_o life_n of_o many_o man_n uneasy_a to_o they_o who_o abound_v with_o every_o good_a thing_n which_o their_o heart_n can_v wish_v for_o the_o good_a man_n believe_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n who_o best_o know_v the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o what_o station_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o every_o man_n and_o have_v furnish_v he_o with_o suitable_a qualification_n and_o endowment_n and_o entrust_v he_o with_o such_o a_o portion_n of_o this_o world_n good_n as_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o he_o to_o manage_v he_o be_v also_o well_o assure_v that_o god_n be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a love_n and_o kindness_n to_o mankind_n 8.28_o rom._n 8.28_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o will_v make_v all_o
thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o so_o that_o though_o his_o condition_n be_v not_o so_o high_a or_o great_a so_o gay_a and_o splendid_a as_o other_o man_n nay_o though_o he_o meet_v with_o many_o cross_n and_o affliction_n yet_o he_o rest_v very_o well_o content_v and_o satisfy_v with_o it_o because_o he_o know_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o he_o 2._o by_o give_v we_o a_o heart_n to_o take_v the_o comfort_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n we_o enjoy_v and_o lay_v down_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o prudent_a rule_n and_o direction_n how_o we_o may_v do_v so_o and_o teach_v we_o that_o golden_a rule_n of_o moderation_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o which_o render_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n blessing_n indeed_o for_o it_o be_v the_o general_a unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o keep_v a_o mean_a either_o their_o desire_n be_v too_o profuse_a and_o lavish_a or_o else_o too_o narrow_a and_o bind_v up_o how_o many_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v there_o to_o who_o god_n have_v indulge_v health_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o all_o that_o their_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o yet_o have_v not_o give_v they_o the_o power_n to_o eat_v thereof_o so_o that_o they_o reap_v no_o other_o benefit_n by_o all_o those_o good_a thing_n save_v the_o behold_n of_o they_o with_o their_o eye_n and_o whilst_o they_o abound_v in_o wealth_n and_o plenty_n labour_n under_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o attend_v the_o extreme_a want_n and_o poverty_n nay_o they_o be_v the_o poor_a for_o god_n liberality_n towards_o they_o and_o as_o their_o riches_n increase_v so_o their_o desire_n increase_n with_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o common_a be_v it_o to_o see_v man_n drown_v their_o part_n as_o well_o as_o fortune_n and_o render_v themselves_o so_o stupid_a and_o sottish_a that_o even_o their_o vice_n grow_v nauseous_a to_o they_o now_o religion_n by_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v give_v we_o teach_v we_o to_o use_v the_o world_n so_o as_o not_o to_o abuse_v it_o to_o extract_v the_o sweet_n out_o of_o all_o sublunary_a enjoyment_n without_o incur_v the_o danger_n of_o that_o sting_n which_o excess_n and_o debauchery_n leave_v behind_o they_o it_o make_v our_o pleasure_n durable_a and_o last_a by_o teach_v we_o the_o rational_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o deny_v we_o nothing_o which_o be_v please_v and_o divert_v but_o what_o be_v also_o extravagant_a and_o brutish_a it_o also_o 3._o free_v we_o from_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o sour_a the_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n root_a out_o all_o irregular_a passion_n such_o as_o envy_n hatred_n malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o compose_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o calm_a and_o even_a temper_n divert_v our_o affection_n from_o thing_n below_o and_o set_v they_o on_o thing_n above_o it_o stifle_v the_o first_o rise_v of_o our_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o lead_v our_o life_n peaceable_o sober_o and_o moderate_o consider_v that_o we_o live_v under_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o all-seeing_a god_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n will_v restrain_v the_o violence_n and_o impetuousness_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o establish_v we_o in_o a_o just_a empire_n over_o ourselves_o and_o bring_v our_o inferior_a faculty_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o reason_n the_o love_n of_o god_n will_v produce_v in_o we_o a_o love_n to_o all_o mankind_n as_o well_o enemy_n as_o friend_n and_o from_o hence_o will_v proceed_v the_o most_o generous_a and_o comprehensive_a charity_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n will_v keep_v we_o meek_a and_o humble_a and_o inclinable_a to_o forgive_v other_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o whereas_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n which_o can_v rest_v but_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o 20._o isa_n 57_o 20._o be_v continual_o cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n nay_o he_o be_v frequent_o rack_v with_o contrary_a passion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o what_o be_v the_o description_n of_o catiline_n alieni_fw-la appetens_fw-la svi_fw-la profusus_fw-la may_v be_v the_o character_n of_o many_o a_o wicked_a man_n he_o be_v covetous_a but_o yet_o a_o lover_n of_o expensive_a vice_n ambitious_a and_o vainglorious_a and_o yet_o too_o proud_a to_o court_v popular_a applause_n quarrelsome_a and_o revengeful_a but_o fearful_a and_o cowardly_a withal_o thus_o different_a passion_n render_v his_o life_n uneasy_a to_o he_o and_o contrary_a vice_n like_o the_o poet_n description_n of_o the_o four_o wind_n blow_v in_o a_o storm_n rage_n all_o at_o once_o and_o shipwreck_n the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o as_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o good_a man_n be_v calm_a so_o be_v his_o conscience_n clear_a he_o have_v none_o of_o those_o lash_n and_o gird_n which_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a and_o repose_v of_o every_o wicked_a man_n he_o have_v already_o account_v with_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n and_o since_o his_o mind_n can_v charge_v he_o with_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v not_o repent_v of_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o dread_n of_o death_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o take_v away_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o most_o prosperous_a condition_n for_o when_o man_n live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o gild_n the_o dread_a of_o punishment_n will_v follow_v they_o tantum_fw-la metuunt_fw-la quantum_fw-la nocent_a say_v seneca_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o future_a torment_n will_v make_v they_o all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a unto_o bondage_n it_o make_v the_o knee_n of_o a_o belshazar_n smite_v together_o when_o he_o see_v the_o handwriting_n upon_o the_o wall_n and_o it_o will_v damp_n the_o mirth_n of_o the_o most_o atheistical_a epicure_n if_o he_o know_v a_o naked_a sword_n hang_v over_o his_o head_n ready_a to_o drop_v down_o upon_o he_o man_n may_v talk_v big_a when_o their_o blood_n be_v hot_a and_o in_o the_o height_n of_o a_o debauch_n laugh_v at_o those_o superstitious_a fool_n who_o be_v scare_v with_o the_o bugbear_n of_o hell-torment_n but_o this_o be_v seldom_o the_o subject_a of_o a_o morning_n think_v do_v but_o use_v they_o as_o you_o do_v other_o madman_n and_o keep_v they_o for_o some_o time_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o they_o will_v soon_o regain_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o be_v void_a of_o fear_n the_o wicked_a flee_v when_o no_o man_n pursue_v 28.1_o prov._n 28.1_o but_o the_o righteous_a be_v as_o bold_a as_o a_o lion_n he_o only_o be_v prepare_v against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o terror_n of_o a_o eternity_n and_o cheerful_o resign_v up_o his_o breath_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o he_o look_v upon_o death_n that_o king_n of_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a as_o a_o messenger_n of_o peace_n who_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o prison_n of_o his_o body_n and_o open_v the_o gate_n for_o he_o into_o bliss_n and_o immortality_n of_o this_o happy_a and_o easy_a departure_n out_o of_o this_o world_n we_o have_v many_o instance_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o who_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o lie_v down_o in_o their_o grave_n with_o the_o same_o quiet_a and_o composedness_n of_o mind_n they_o use_v to_o lie_v down_o in_o their_o bed_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n 4.8_o 2_o tim._n 4.8_o i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n say_v s_o paul_n â—_o 1_o sam._n â—_o 2_o â—_o who_o ox_n or_o who_o ass_n have_v i_o take_v say_v samuel_n who_o have_v i_o defraud_v or_o at_o who_o hand_n have_v i_o receive_v a_o bribe_n nay_o even_o wicked_a man_n covet_v that_o happiness_n which_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o obtain_v o_o let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a 23.10_o numb_a 23.10_o and_o let_v my_o latter_a end_n be_v like_o he_o be_v balaam_n wish_n but_o here_o i_o expect_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o i_o have_v conceal_v the_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n that_o it_o be_v a_o state_n direct_o opposite_a to_o our_o vicious_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n and_o therefore_o very_o uneasy_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o it_o enjoin_v the_o unwelcome_a duty_n of_o mortification_n self-denial_n and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n that_o the_o
ordinance_n of_o religion_n be_v tiresome_a and_o a_o weariness_n to_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n tell_v we_o 12.6_o act_n 14.22_o heb._n 12.6_o that_o through_o much_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o those_o who_o god_n love_v he_o chastn_v and_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n 7.4_o matth._n 7.4_o and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o if_o so_o then_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v so_o happy_a and_o pleasant_a a_o state_n of_o life_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v it_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v that_o many_o of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o difficulty_n attend_v a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o time_n when_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v persecute_v by_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o in_o danger_n of_o lose_v their_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o even_o in_o our_o time_n when_o king_n be_v become_v the_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v to_o a_o sinful_a and_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o to_o give_v themselves_o entire_o up_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o first_o entrance_n on_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o so_o great_a difficulty_n that_o it_o will_v become_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o easy_a and_o at_o last_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o they_o when_o they_o have_v for_o some_o time_n accustom_a themselves_o to_o it_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o well-spent_a life_n will_v flow_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o nothing_o will_v yield_v they_o great_a satisfaction_n than_o to_o be_v allow_v the_o privilege_n of_o pour_v out_o the_o desire_n of_o their_o soul_n before_o god_n and_o beg_a supply_n from_o he_o and_o return_v he_o thanks_o for_o his_o blessing_n bestow_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v earned_o desire_v to_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n and_o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brooks_n 42.1_o psal_n 42.1_o so_o will_v their_o soul_n pant_v after_o their_o god_n and_o their_o redeemer_n but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o god_n shall_v see_v fit_a to_o make_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n hazardous_a and_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n chargeable_a yet_o what_o generous_a and_o praise_v worthy_a undertake_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o pain_n and_o diligence_n all_o that_o be_v excellent_a and_o noble_a require_v labour_n and_o industry_n and_o the_o pain_n man_n take_v make_v the_o dear-bought_a blessing_n more_o acceptable_a to_o they_o do_v they_o not_o undergo_v much_o great_a difficulty_n for_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n though_o their_o success_n be_v seldom_o answerable_a to_o their_o expectation_n do_v they_o not_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n leave_v their_o best_a friend_n and_o near_a relation_n and_o dig_v even_o into_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o quest_n of_o wealth_n though_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o find_v a_o grave_a where_o they_o seek_v their_o treasure_n do_v they_o not_o toil_n and_o sweat_n and_o wade_v through_o a_o sea_n of_o blood_n in_o pursuit_n of_o honour_n though_o they_o expect_v no_o other_o recompense_n for_o their_o pain_n but_o a_o lawrel-wreath_n or_o the_o applause_n of_o the_o people_n and_o shall_v not_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n deserve_v our_o care_n shall_v we_o not_o take_v as_o much_o pain_n for_o a_o never_o fade_a crown_n as_o we_o do_v for_o a_o wither_a garland_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o great_a difficulty_n we_o can_v possible_o imagine_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n suppose_v as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o fancy_v that_o there_o be_v lion_n in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n mountain_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o our_o natural_a strength_n and_o ability_n yet_o even_o the_o most_o formidable_a evil_n will_v not_o fright_v we_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n if_o we_o consider_v three_o that_o the_o worst_a circumstance_n a_o good_a man_n can_v be_v reduce_v to_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o in_o the_o low_a and_o most_o afflict_a condition_n the_o good_a man_n enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o quiet_a mind_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a compensation_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n he_o can_v possible_o endure_v in_o this_o life_n all_o other_o evil_n be_v supportable_a and_o may_v be_v undergo_v by_o a_o stable_n and_o well_o resolve_v mind_n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n 18.14_o prov._n 18.14_o but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v this_o be_v the_o only_a load_n which_o be_v insupportable_a and_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o lot_n of_o the_o prosperous_a wicked_a man._n 2._o the_o good_a man_n be_v furnish_v with_o never-failing_a remedy_n against_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o present_a life_n he_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o affliction_n shall_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o that_o god_n dispose_v all_o thing_n with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o a_o indulgent_a father_n that_o the_o wheel_n of_o god_n providence_n have_v a_o eye_n within_o they_o which_o always_o guide_v they_o to_o some_o wise_a end_n or_o other_o 12.9_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o that_o god_n grace_n will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v proportion_v his_o assistance_n to_o his_o want_n so_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v call_v he_o out_o to_o give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n he_o will_v also_o give_v he_o strength_n to_o undergo_v the_o fiery_a trial_n and_o cheerful_o to_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o flame_n and_o 3._o the_o good_a man_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o evil_n he_o suffer_v will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n that_o the_o time_n draw_v on_o apace_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v ease_v of_o all_o his_o trouble_n 7.17_o rev._n 7.17_o have_v all_o tear_n wipe_v away_o from_o his_o eye_n and_o receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_n for_o all_o those_o momentary_a affliction_n he_o have_v undergo_v in_o this_o life_n whilst_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n his_o faith_n show_v he_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n hang_v over_o his_o head_n and_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o it_o make_v he_o not_o only_o patient_a but_o thankful_a for_o and_o cheerful_a under_o affliction_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o st._n paul_n when_o in_o chain_n and_o under_o all_o his_o calamity_n and_o persecution_n be_v infinite_o more_o content_v than_o caesar_n or_o seneca_n than_o any_o of_o the_o most_o fortunate_a prince_n or_o wise_a philosopher_n among_o the_o heathen_n from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n i_o think_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a true_a pleasure_n to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o debauch_a and_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n 2._o that_o the_o way_n to_o lead_v a_o comfortable_a life_n even_o in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o religious_a 3._o that_o the_o worst_a circumstance_n a_o good_a man_n can_v fall_v into_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o most_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o if_o so_o then_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v i.e._n that_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n be_v best_a secure_v by_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n it_o only_o remain_v that_o i_o show_v second_o that_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n only_o differ_v in_o degree_n grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v and_o glory_n be_v grace_n perfect_v and_o consummate_v so_o that_o every_o good_a action_n and_o religious_a duty_n that_o we_o perform_v be_v a_o step_n towards_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n it_o both_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o and_o lead_v we_o near_o to_o it_o for_o by_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n we_o copy_n out_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o become_v more_o like_a god_n and_o the_o
circumspect_o and_o that_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n they_o will_v yield_v a_o more_o exact_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o every_o lord_n day_n and_o every_o day_n hallow_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o more_o particular_o of_o those_o time_n when_o we_o intend_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n then_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o make_v a_o more_o diligent_a search_n into_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o we_o retain_v no_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n no_o evil_a thing_n unrepented_a of_o which_o may_v deprive_v we_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o bless_a ordinance_n next_o to_o the_o time_n let_v we_o consider_v 2._o the_o subject_a of_o our_o examination_n and_o here_o let_v we_o make_v a_o exact_a scrutiny_n into_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o word_n of_o our_o lip_n and_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n concern_v our_o thought_n let_v we_o ask_v ourselves_o such_o question_n as_o these_o what_o be_v it_o that_o i_o most_o think_v upon_o be_v my_o thought_n serious_a seasonable_a and_o pure_a be_v my_o inclination_n compliant_a with_o god_n law_n what_o do_v most_o easy_o stir_v i_o and_o how_o be_v my_o heart_n move_v be_v my_o affection_n calm_a and_o orderly_o and_o well_o place_v what_o plot_n do_v i_o contrive_v what_o project_n be_o i_o drive_v on_o be_v my_o design_n good_a be_v my_o intention_n upright_o and_o sincere_a concern_v our_o word_n let_v we_o demand_v thus_o 39.1_o psal_n 39.1_o have_v i_o learn_v to_o keep_v my_o tongue_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o bridle_n to_o refrain_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o evil_a speech_n and_o to_o employ_v it_o to_o that_o use_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v viz._n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o communicate_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n one_o to_o another_o as_o to_o our_o action_n let_v we_o first_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v good_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o then_o let_v we_o reason_n thus_o with_o ourselves_o this_o action_n be_v indeed_o well_o do_v but_o may_v i_o not_o have_v do_v better_a may_v i_o not_o have_v bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o procure_v more_o good_a for_o my_o neighbour_n be_v not_o this_o good_a action_n imperfect_a as_o to_o some_o particular_n be_v i_o not_o too_o blame_v as_o to_o some_o circumstance_n and_o if_o so_o let_v we_o resolve_v that_o if_o ever_o god_n put_v another_o opportunity_n into_o our_o hand_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o action_n again_o we_o will_v mend_v these_o defect_n and_o be_v wise_a and_o better_a for_o the_o future_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o upon_o compare_v our_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n we_o find_v they_o have_v be_v evil_a and_o disagreeable_a to_o it_o then_o let_v we_o say_v thus_o to_o ourselves_o i_o have_v do_v this_o wicked_a act_n and_o hereby_o offend_v my_o good_a god_n but_o what_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n have_v i_o get_v for_o myself_o do_v not_o that_o trouble_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n which_o i_o feel_v for_o the_o commission_n of_o this_o sin_n much_o exceed_v the_o pleasure_n i_o take_v in_o it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o very_a foolish_a thing_n to_o purchase_v so_o little_a so_o momentary_a a_o pleasure_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o quiet_a and_o repose_v of_o my_o mind_n a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o true_a and_o last_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a nature_n of_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o several_a aggravate_v circumstance_n which_o attend_v they_o perhaps_o the_o crime_n which_o we_o commit_v be_v do_v with_o deliberation_n perhaps_o in_o despite_n to_o the_o check_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o bless_a motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n perhaps_o it_o have_v be_v frequent_o repeat_v and_o we_o still_o continue_v to_o go_v on_o in_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o call_v to_o repentance_n and_o the_o many_o vow_n and_o resolution_n we_o have_v make_v of_o leave_v and_o forsake_v it_o these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v the_o aggravate_v circumstance_n whereby_o our_o sin_n be_v render_v more_o heinous_a and_o more_o exceed_o sinful_a thus_o the_o treason_n of_o judas_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o deep_o die_v because_o he_o be_v one_o of_o christ_n familiar_a friend_n and_o disciple_n who_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o do_v eat_v of_o his_o bread_n and_o solomon_n idolatry_n do_v offend_v god_n the_o more_o because_o his_o heart_n be_v turn_v from_o the_o lord_n 11.9_o 1_o kin._n 11.9_o who_o appear_v unto_o he_o twice_o and_o have_v command_v he_o concern_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o go_v astray_o after_o other_o go_n these_o be_v the_o step_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o which_o when_o we_o have_v perform_v that_o we_o may_v make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o take_v a_o review_n of_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o compare_v our_o present_a condition_n with_o our_o former_a course_n of_o life_n and_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n whether_o our_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o resolution_n be_v more_o root_v and_o confirm_v 1.8_o 2_o pet_n 1.8_o or_o else_o whether_o we_o lose_v ground_n and_o become_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o here_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o shall_v interpose_v one_o caution_n that_o the_o standard_n of_o our_o improvement_n in_o holy_a live_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o affection_n these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v most_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a when_o we_o first_o enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n we_o be_v then_o soon_o warm_v and_o raise_v up_o into_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n of_o devotion_n especial_o in_o our_o tender_a year_n when_o our_o passion_n bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o we_o and_o captivate_v our_o reason_n but_o as_o we_o grow_v in_o year_n these_o heat_n languish_v and_o decay_n and_o as_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n improve_v we_o be_v less_o subject_a to_o these_o transport_v of_o our_o assection_n and_o proceed_v in_o a_o steady_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v to_o consider_v whether_o we_o live_v up_o more_o exact_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n whether_o we_o yield_v a_o more_o ready_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o we_o have_v former_o do_v whether_o we_o have_v leave_v off_o any_o of_o our_o evil_a practice_n and_o bid_v adieu_o to_o our_o belove_a sin_n whether_o we_o have_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n patient_o to_o resign_v up_o our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n more_o content_o these_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a sign_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o judge_v of_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o if_o we_o find_v that_o we_o do_v indeed_o grow_v better_a and_o better_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n by_o what_o mean_v we_o have_v make_v these_o improvement_n what_o motive_n and_o inducement_n most_o wrought_v upon_o we_o what_o rule_n and_o direction_n be_v most_o useful_a what_o company_n and_o example_n be_v most_o allure_a 3.16_o phil._n 3.16_o and_o then_o let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o find_v that_o we_o decline_v in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o our_o sin_n those_o son_n of_o anak_n have_v be_v too_o hard_o for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o many_o heinous_a and_o presumptuous_a crime_n then_o let_v we_o careful_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v which_o betray_v we_o into_o these_o sin_n how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o do_v such_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a action_n action_n which_o be_v both_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o rank_a of_o be_v which_o we_o hold_v in_o the_o world_n by_o what_o mean_n and_o method_n do_v the_o devil_n that_o old_a serpent_n wind_v himself_o into_o our_o soul_n with_o what_o bait_n do_v he_o allure_v we_o under_o what_o specious_a show_n do_v he_o represent_v his_o temptation_n which_o be_v our_o weak_a side_n that_o first_o yield_v to_o the_o assault_n what_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o inducement_n of_o our_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o
9.27_o 1_o cor._n 9.27_o so_o as_o to_o save_v other_o and_o yet_o he_o himself_o number_v among_o the_o cast_n aways_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o instance_n because_o this_o proposition_n be_v plain_o affirm_v in_o the_o text_n not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o have_v the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o that_o many_o shall_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n they_o do_v not_o only_o fail_v in_o observe_v it_o through_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n but_o they_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o in_o despite_n of_o god_n word_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n act_n quite_o contrary_a and_o go_v direct_o against_o it_o like_o herod_n they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n and_o perhaps_o in_o part_n reform_v their_o life_n and_o do_v many_o good_a deed_n but_o still_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o keep_v their_o herodias_n their_o belove_a sin_n and_o darling_n vice_n and_o this_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n forego_v even_o for_o heaven_n itself_o they_o say_v with_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a 5.18_o 2_o kin._n 5.18_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n pardon_v thy_o servant_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o many_o who_o have_v a_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n then_o certain_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o great_a care_n in_o the_o 3._o place_n to_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n and_o serious_o to_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o no._n and_o this_o may_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o follow_a mark_n and_o character_n set_v down_o by_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o chapter_n immediate_o before_o the_o text_n verse_n 2_o 3_o 4._o they_o be_v say_v he_o lover_n of_o themselves_o covetous_a proud_a boaster_n blasphemer_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n truce-breaker_n false_a accuser_n incontinent_a fierce_a despiser_n of_o those_o who_o be_v good_a traitor_n heady_a high-minded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o will_v know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v not_o only_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o also_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n 23._o gal._n 5.22_o 23._o long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n but_o because_o a_o wicked_a and_o bad_a man_n may_v counterfeit_v these_o grace_n so_o exact_o as_o to_o deceive_v not_o only_o other_o man_n but_o himself_o also_o i_o shall_v therefore_o lay_v down_o four_o rule_n by_o which_o any_o man_n who_o will_v but_o honest_o and_o conscientious_o examine_v his_o own_o heart_n may_v certain_o know_v whether_o he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o the_o form_n only_o and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o such_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v act_n out_o of_o religious_a motive_n and_o principle_n i._n e._n they_o will_v be_v religious_a because_o god_n have_v make_v religion_n their_o duty_n and_o have_v annex_v the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o the_o due_a obedience_n of_o his_o law_n their_o religion_n be_v not_o take_v up_o from_o the_o mode_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o only_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o think_v it_o will_v suit_v best_a with_o their_o interest_n nor_o do_v they_o make_v it_o a_o engine_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o worldly_a project_n and_o design_n but_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o then_o they_o ready_o comport_v their_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n they_o look_v upon_o serve_v god_n as_o the_o great_a business_n of_o their_o life_n and_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n truckle_n and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o their_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n be_v to_o make_v sure_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o its_o righteousness_n 6.33_o matth._n 6.33_o and_o then_o they_o be_v not_o very_o solicitous_a for_o those_o other_o thing_n which_o will_v be_v add_v thereunto_o they_o prefer_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o all_o other_o comfort_n this_o world_n can_v afford_v they_o and_o have_v rather_o part_v with_o father_n mother_n wife_n and_o child_n 10.29_o mark_v 10.29_o nay_o their_o own_o life_n than_o deny_v their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n 2._o such_o as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v religious_a in_o private_a as_o well_o as_o in_o public_a they_o who_o have_v the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o retain_v awful_a apprehension_n of_o his_o majesty_n consider_v that_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n be_v every_o where_o and_o behold_v the_o very_a intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o therefore_o who_o be_v true_o religious_a be_v as_o devout_a in_o his_o closet_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o conscientious_a in_o perform_v his_o private_a devotion_n as_o in_o frequent_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n he_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o unjust_a action_n though_o he_o be_v assure_v they_o will_v never_o be_v discover_v as_o he_o be_v to_o prevent_v open_a violence_n he_o will_v not_o defame_v backbite_v or_o so_o much_o as_o speak_v a_o evil_a word_n against_o his_o neighbour_n though_o he_o be_v moral_o assure_v it_o will_v never_o come_v to_o his_o ear_n nay_o he_o will_v not_o harbour_v the_o least_o wicked_a thought_n against_o god_n or_o injurious_a intent_n against_o his_o brother_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n will_v one_o day_n call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o they_o 16.27_o matth._n 16.27_o and_o either_o reward_n or_o punish_v he_o according_a to_o his_o deed_n 3._o that_o man_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n yield_v a_o uniform_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o god_n law_n he_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o obey_v one_o precept_n which_o he_o have_v for_o observe_v the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o think_v that_o his_o performance_n of_o any_o one_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n will_v atone_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o other_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o with_o the_o more_o easy_a duty_n of_o religion_n or_o avoid_v only_o such_o vice_n as_o be_v burdensome_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o he_o but_o he_o perform_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v he_o how_o contrary_a soever_o to_o his_o temporal_a interest_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n 12.1_o heb._n 12.1_o he_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n and_z lays_z aside_o every_o weight_n and_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n 1.6_o luk._n 1.6_o he_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v god_n with_o mammon_n or_o by_o be_v nice_a and_o exact_a in_o perform_v some_o of_o god_n command_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o obey_v god_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o exception_n or_o reserve_v and_o endeavour_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o strength_n it_o be_v true_a a_o good_a man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o sin_n the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v such_o 24.16_o prov._n 24.16_o that_o the_o most_o just_a man_n fall_v seven_o time_n a_o day_n but_o though_o he_o fall_v yet_o he_o quick_o rise_v again_o by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n he_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o himself_o and_o resolve_n to_o be_v more_o careful_a for_o the_o future_a he_o do_v not_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n but_o he_o be_v sorry_a for_o they_o he_o pray_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o and_o by_o degree_n he_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o they_o 4._o he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v religious_a through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n he_o do_v not_o only_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n at_o some_o certain_a time_n and_o season_n but_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v regular_a and_o uniform_a and_o he_o maintain_v the_o same_o steady_a course_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n many_o there_o be_v who_o be_v very_o religious_a and_o devout_a at_o some_o time_n but_o then_o they_o let_v the_o reins_o lose_v at_o other_o and_o think_v by_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o some_o duty_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o those_o gross_a miscarriage_n they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o life_n but_o the_o true_o religious_a man_n persevere_fw-la to_o the_o end_n in_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n he_o be_v not_o indeed_o always_o equal_o zealous_a and_o fervent_a he_o do_v not_o always_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o same_o ardency_n of_o affection_n nor_o be_v he_o always_o wrought_v up_o to_o the_o
to_o refrain_v from_o good_a work_n because_o a_o papist_n hope_n to_o merit_v by_o they_o i_o will_v learn_v from_o a_o turk_n to_o die_v for_o my_o religion_n and_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n from_o a_o jew_n our_o saviour_n make_v the_o unjust_a steward_n wisdom_n a_o pattern_n for_o his_o disciple_n the_o ox_n and_o the_o ass_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o teach_v man_n gratitude_n and_o the_o pismire_n wisdom_n nay_o we_o may_v learn_v diligence_n and_o care_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o the_o devil_n himself_o who_o compass_v the_o whole_a earth_n 5.8_o 1_o pet._n 5.8_o and_o walk_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v 2._o let_v we_o bear_v with_o they_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a follow_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o where_o we_o lawful_o and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n may_v become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n 8.19_o zech._n 8.19_o that_o we_o may_v save_v some_o in_o short_a we_o must_v love_v both_o truth_n and_o peace_n i._n e._n both_o of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n one_o with_o the_o other_o we_o must_v so_o love_v peace_n as_o not_o to_o lose_v truth_n in_o matter_n substantial_a and_o so_o love_v truth_n as_o not_o to_o break_v peace_n in_o matter_n indifferent_a last_o let_v we_o turn_v away_o and_o avoid_v only_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o they_o this_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o that_o caveat_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n to_o beware_v of_o their_o leven_n i_o e._n all_o that_o be_v sour_a and_o infectious_a which_o will_v spread_v the_o contagion_n and_o propagate_v the_o mischief_n let_v we_o distinguish_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a the_o light_n from_o the_o darkness_n let_v the_o one_o be_v call_v day_n and_o the_o other_o night_n let_v the_o one_o be_v imitate_v and_o the_o other_o avoid_v 5.11_o eph._n 5.11_o let_v only_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n be_v reject_v but_o let_v we_o welcome_v the_o light_n and_o embrace_v love_n and_o imitate_v the_o good_a wherever_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o then_o mercy_n and_o truth_n shall_v meet_v together_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n shall_v kiss_v each_o other_o truth_n shall_v flourish_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v look_v down_o from_o heaven_n yea_o the_o lord_n shall_v show_v lovingkindness_n for_o his_o salvation_n be_v nigh_o unto_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o that_o glory_n may_v be_v in_o our_o land_n amen_o sermon_n iu._n prov_n xix_o 25._o smite_v a_o scorner_n and_o the_o simple_a will_v beware_v and_o reprove_v one_o that_o have_v understanding_n and_o he_o will_v understand_v knowledge_n the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n be_v a_o collection_n of_o wise_a sentence_n and_o apophthegm_n ground_v upon_o the_o long_a observation_n and_o ripe_a experience_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o potent_a prince_n and_o wise_a of_o man_n and_o since_o proverb_n in_o general_n be_v observe_v to_o contain_v the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o nation_n therefore_o we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v to_o find_v a_o rich_a treasure_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o those_o of_o which_o solomon_n be_v the_o author_n or_o else_o by_o collection_n make_v his_o own_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n may_v well_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o fruitful_a soil_n but_o this_o of_o the_o proverb_n abound_v with_o a_o more_o rich_a vein_n and_o be_v of_o the_o great_a use_n because_o it_o contain_v precept_n accommodate_v to_o all_o the_o necessity_n of_o humane_a life_n for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o have_v no_o coherence_n but_o be_v set_v down_o just_a as_o they_o come_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o inspire_a author_n the_o verse_n which_o i_o have_v read_v to_o you_o be_v of_o the_o near_a importance_n and_o show_v we_o the_o prudent_a use_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n make_v of_o a_o friendly_a reproof_n and_o what_o great_a advantage_n he_o reap_v by_o it_o reprove_v one_o that_o have_v understanding_n and_o he_o will_v understand_v knowledge_n i._n e._n it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o wise_a a_o good_a and_o a_o understand_a man_n to_o take_v reproof_n patient_o and_o thankful_o to_o give_v a_o attentive_a ear_n to_o it_o to_o be_v very_o quick-sighted_a in_o discover_v his_o own_o fault_n when_o they_o be_v lay_v open_a to_o he_o and_o very_o diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o reform_v himself_o reprove_v one_o that_o have_v understanding_n 55.32_o psal_n 55.32_o and_o he_o will_v understand_v knowledge_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v i._o the_o excellent_a use_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n make_v of_o a_o friendly_a reproof_n ii_o the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o perform_v this_o friendly_a office_n iii_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o set_v about_o it_o and_o iv_o give_v some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o right_a management_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o and_o first_o of_o the_o excellent_a use_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n make_v of_o a_o friendly_a reproof_n 25.12_o prov._n 25.12_o as_o a_o ear-ring_n of_o gold_n and_o a_o ornament_n of_o fine_a gold_n so_o be_v a_o wise_a reprover_n upon_o a_o obedient_a ear_n which_o be_v thus_o paraphrase_v by_o a_o right_n reverend_a father_n of_o our_o church_n a_o good_a man_n will_v not_o think_v himself_o reproach_v but_o rather_o oblige_v by_o a_o prudent_a reproof_n which_o meet_v with_o a_o attentive_a consider_v and_o patient_a mind_n make_v a_o man_n take_v it_o so_o kind_o that_o he_o esteem_v he_o who_o bestow_v it_o as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v hang_v a_o jewel_n of_o gold_n or_o put_v the_o rich_a ornament_n about_o his_o neck_n there_o be_v nothing_o hard_a to_o find_v than_o a_o true_a friend_n and_o he_o be_v the_o true_a and_o best_a friend_n who_o will_v most_o impartial_o reprove_v we_o for_o our_o fault_n show_v we_o the_o error_n of_o our_o life_n discover_v to_o we_o those_o rock_n on_o which_o we_o split_v and_o faithful_o tell_v we_o when_o we_o do_v amiss_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v one_o way_n of_o make_v a_o friend_n of_o a_o inveterate_a enemy_n by_o take_v notice_n what_o fault_n or_o weakness_n he_o upbraid_v we_o most_o with_o and_o accuse_v we_o of_o and_o thus_o by_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o error_n we_o take_v the_o first_o step_n towards_o the_o amendment_n and_o reformation_n of_o they_o and_o if_o reproof_n be_v so_o useful_a from_o a_o enemy_n how_o much_o more_o beneficial_a may_v it_o be_v make_v from_o a_o friend_n who_o will_v both_o inform_v we_o when_o we_o go_v astray_o and_o set_v we_o in_o the_o right_a path_n who_o will_v conceal_v our_o fault_n from_o other_o man_n and_o yet_o impartial_o expose_v they_o to_o our_o own_o view_n who_o know_v first_o how_o to_o lance_n and_o lay_v open_a the_o sore_a and_o then_o to_o apply_v a_o fit_a remedy_n to_o it_o certain_o he_o who_o have_v get_v such_o a_o friend_n be_v possess_v of_o a_o inestimable_a treasure_n and_o there_o be_v require_v only_o a_o understand_a mind_n and_o a_o unessayed_v heart_n to_o make_v he_o capable_a to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o his_o advice_n but_o alas_o for_o the_o most_o part_n self-conceit_n be_v so_o prevalent_a in_o we_o that_o we_o dote_v even_o upon_o our_o blemish_n and_o imperfection_n because_o our_o own_o we_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o our_o own_o picture_n though_o never_o so_o deform_v and_o ugly_a and_o there_o be_v no_o ready_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o disoblige_v we_o than_o by_o perform_v the_o most_o friendly_a office_n in_o the_o world_n the_o give_v we_o a_o faithful_a glass_n to_o behold_v ourselves_o in_o and_o set_v our_o action_n in_o a_o true_a light_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v such_o a_o act_n of_o superiority_n as_o few_o man_n can_v admit_v of_o for_o though_o we_o must_v give_v the_o pre-eminence_a to_o other_o in_o riches_n and_o power_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o fortune_n yet_o few_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o believe_v any_o one_o be_v more_o wise_a prudent_a and_o discreet_a than_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o ii_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a task_n to_o perform_v this_o kind_n and_o friendly_a office_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n either_o 1._o of_o the_o reprover_n or_o 2._o of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v reprove_v and_o first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o reprover_n for_o 1._o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o such_o person_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o reprove_v other_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n too_o modest_a to_o reprove_v other_o men._n either_o he_o have_v too_o low_a and_o mean_a opinion_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o performance_n or_o else_o he_o be_v desirous_a
damnation_n and_o such_o as_o only_o deserve_v some_o temporary_a punishment_n especial_o since_o under_o the_o head_n of_o venial_a sin_n they_o rank_v the_o gross_a enormity_n so_o that_o even_o murder_n shall_v become_v a_o venial_a sin_n if_o commit_v to_o maintain_v a_o man_n honour_n or_o under_o pretence_n of_o return_v some_o trivial_a affront_n a_o box_n on_o the_o ear_n have_v be_v make_v by_o some_o jesuitical_a casuist_n a_o justifiable_a provocation_n for_o a_o man_n to_o imbrue_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o neighbour_n though_o our_o saviour_n have_v in_o express_a term_n determine_v the_o quite_o contrary_a so_o plain_o do_v these_o man_n make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n and_o distinction_n but_o 2._o we_o must_v abstain_v even_o from_o lawful_a and_o justifiable_a action_n if_o they_o appear_v evil_a to_o we_o for_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i._n e._n 14.23_o rom._n 14.23_o whosoever_o do_v any_o action_n without_o that_o persuasion_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o his_o do_n which_o be_v here_o call_v faith_n he_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o our_o duty_n to_o act_n according_a to_o the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o have_v use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o inform_v our_o conscience_n of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o lawful_a convenient_a and_o most_o expedient_a to_o be_v do_v and_o by_o consequence_n most_o please_v unto_o god_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n in_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o he_o who_o thus_o act_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o perform_v what_o he_o sincere_o believe_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n will_v be_v more_o excusable_a when_o he_o do_v amiss_o than_o that_o man_n who_o think_v he_o act_v in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o his_o own_o knowledge_n though_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o no_o action_n be_v good_a without_o the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o will_n of_o he_o who_o perform_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o resolve_v upon_o a_o action_n which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n do_v violence_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o commit_v a_o very_a heinous_a sin_n though_o the_o action_n in_o itself_o shall_v be_v lawful_a and_o praiseworthy_a for_o our_o conscience_n be_v god_n vicegerent_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o sustain_v the_o part_n of_o a_o judge_n as_o well_o as_o a_o witness_n and_o accuser_n and_o suppose_v our_o conscience_n due_o inform_v whilst_o we_o follow_v its_o determination_n we_o can_v do_v amiss_o but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o we_o be_v hereby_o excuse_v from_o perform_v a_o know_v and_o absolute_o necessary_a duty_n only_o because_o we_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o every_o minute_n circumstance_n which_o be_v require_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o this_o will_v administer_v fuel_n to_o such_o perplexity_n and_o scruple_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o will_v render_v christ_n easy_a yoke_n far_o more_o burdensome_a than_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish-law_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v command_v by_o a_o unquestionable_a authority_n to_o perform_v a_o action_n which_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v direct_v we_o not_o to_o be_v too_o nice_a in_o weigh_v every_o particular_a circumstance_n but_o in_o this_o case_n to_o prefer_v our_o submission_n to_o a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n or_o our_o lawful_a governor_n before_o the_o trivial_a doubt_n of_o a_o unsettle_a and_o waver_a conscience_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o wilful_a omission_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n be_v certain_o a_o grievous_a sin_n whereas_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o the_o perform_n of_o it_o with_o that_o questionable_a circumstance_n be_v so_o or_o no_o and_o therefore_o common_a prudence_n will_v direct_v we_o rather_o to_o venture_v upon_o some_o circumstance_n of_o a_o action_n we_o be_v not_o so_o full_o satisfy_v in_o than_o on_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n which_o be_v certain_o a_o sin_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o those_o action_n which_o be_v manifest_o evil_a rather_o than_o from_o those_o which_o have_v only_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o thus_o a_o common_a soldier_n be_v oblige_v to_o execute_v the_o command_n of_o his_o superior_a officer_n a_o servant_n of_o his_o master_n without_o play_v the_o casuist_n and_o nice_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o they_o be_v only_o the_o hand_n which_o be_v to_o execute_v what_o the_o head_n command_v and_o if_o the_o action_n be_v not_o plain_o contradictory_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o land_n they_o ought_v to_o obey_v their_o superior_n will_v be_v answerable_a for_o all_o the_o lesser_a defect_n whilst_o there_o will_v be_v great_a allowance_n make_v to_o that_o man_n who_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n peace_n and_o charity_n not_o only_o sacrifice_n his_o own_o private_a opinion_n but_o square_n his_o action_n in_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n so_o as_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o great_a end_n of_o government_n but_o 3._o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o such_o action_n as_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o incite_v ensnare_v and_o tempt_v we_o unto_o sin_n and_o avoid_v as_o far_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o incentives_n unto_o evil_a for_o he_o that_o will_v the_o cause_n will_v the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n which_o follow_v thereupon_o he_o that_o expose_v himself_o to_o temptation_n be_v blame-worthy_a though_o he_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o it_o nor_o be_v overpower_a thereby_o it_o be_v the_o business_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o reasonable_a be_v by_o reflect_v on_o its_o past_a action_n to_o collect_v from_o thence_o what_o will_v be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o avoid_v not_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o least_o degree_n but_o also_o all_o those_o which_o be_v the_o inlet_n and_o inducement_n to_o it_o the_o true_a spiritual_a warrior_n will_v not_o have_v any_o parley_n with_o his_o enemy_n he_o stand_v continual_o on_o his_o guard_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o make_v the_o least_o approach_n towards_o he_o well_o know_v that_o he_o be_v only_o then_o secure_a when_o his_o enemy_n have_v not_o the_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o hurt_v he_o and_o that_o the_o first_o step_n towards_o his_o ruin_n be_v to_o be_v secure_a 30.6_o psal_n 30.6_o and_o to_o fancy_n he_o stand_v so_o fast_o that_o he_o can_v never_o be_v move_v it_o will_v be_v therefore_o the_o wise_a course_n for_o every_o one_o to_o consider_v what_o sin_n he_o be_v most_o addict_v to_o what_o vice_n bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o his_o temper_n and_o constitution_n how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v betray_v into_o these_o sin_n what_o be_v the_o occasion_n the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o they_o and_o let_v he_o take_v up_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o psalmist_n i_o will_v set_v no_o wicked_a thing_n before_o my_o eye_n 101.3_o psal_n 101.3_o i_o will_v remove_v far_o from_o i_o all_o such_o object_n and_o example_n show_n and_o appearance_n as_o may_v prove_v a_o snare_n to_o i_o and_o betray_v i_o into_o sin_n thus_o for_o example_n if_o he_o find_v himself_o of_o a_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a temper_n let_v he_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v avoid_v be_v angry_a let_v he_o endeavour_v to_o subdue_v and_o keep_v under_o his_o passion_n when_o first_o raise_v and_o throw_v these_o coal_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v retain_v they_o long_a theâ—e_n and_o not_o be_v burn_v anger_n maintain_v and_o encourage_v turn_n natural_o either_o into_o fury_n or_o malice_n and_o when_o once_o it_o degenerate_v into_o either_o of_o these_o devilish_a temper_n of_o mind_n who_o know_v what_o will_v be_v the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o it_o that_o spark_n which_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v suppress_v will_v be_v ungovernable_a when_o blow_v up_o into_o a_o flame_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n either_o to_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o such_o a_o meek_a and_o humble_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o not_o to_o be_v angry_a at_o all_o or_o to_o restrain_v it_o within_o its_o due_a bound_n and_o hereby_o prevent_v its_o be_v criminal_a and_o sinful_a if_o he_o find_v himself_o addict_v to_o uncleanness_n and_o lust_n let_v he_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o eye_n 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o
desire_n and_o affection_n to_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v we_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n iv_o to_o add_v some_o direction_n to_o facilitate_v this_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o to_o assist_v we_o to_o govern_v our_o heart_n aright_o 1._o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o the_o business_n of_o your_o lawful_a call_v for_o every_o man_n either_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v some_o lawful_a employment_n or_o call_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o which_o he_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v a_o useful_a member_n of_o that_o community_n in_o which_o he_o live_v those_o who_o by_o the_o eminency_n of_o their_o birth_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o their_o fortune_n move_v in_o a_o superior_a orb_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v free_v from_o that_o original_a curse_n 3.19_o gen._n 3.19_o of_o get_v their_o bread_n with_o the_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v exempt_v from_o it_o that_o as_o they_o have_v more_o talent_n commit_v to_o their_o trust_n so_o their_o account_n will_v be_v the_o great_a at_o the_o last_o day_n now_o by_o diligence_n in_o our_o lawful_a calling_n we_o shall_v keep_v our_o mind_n intent_n upon_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o hereby_o raise_v up_o useful_a and_o profitable_a thought_n in_o our_o soul_n nay_o we_o may_v improve_v the_o business_n of_o our_o calling_n to_o administer_v occasion_n for_o devout_a and_o holy_a meditation_n those_o who_o go_v down_o to_o the_o sea_n in_o ship_n say_v the_o psalmist_n see_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n 107.23_o psal_n 107.23_o and_o his_o wonder_n in_o the_o deep_a the_o tradesman_n whilst_o he_o weigh_v his_o ware_n consider_v that_o all_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o husbandman_n when_o he_o till_v the_o ground_n may_v call_v to_o mind_n what_o long_a furrow_n the_o scourge_v make_v on_o the_o back_n of_o our_o saviour_n 129.3_o psal_n 129.3_o when_o he_o behold_v his_o crop_n it_o may_v put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o resurrection_n that_o as_o the_o corn_n perish_v in_o the_o ground_n and_o sprout_n out_o again_o more_o green_a and_o fresh_a than_o it_o be_v before_o so_o our_o vile_a body_n after_o they_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o grave_a shall_v arise_v at_o the_o last_o day_n in_o great_a glory_n and_o splendour_n when_o he_o gather_v his_o grain_n into_o his_o barn_n he_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o the_o good_a shall_v be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o the_o wicked_a like_o chaff_n shall_v be_v burn_v with_o unquenchable_a fire_n 3.12_o matth._n 3.12_o thus_o the_o business_n of_o every_o man_n be_v particular_a call_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v i_o have_v here_o give_v only_o the_o most_o obvious_a instance_n may_v be_v improve_v to_o raise_v up_o religious_a thought_n and_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v best_a employ_v when_o the_o hand_n be_v at_o work_n on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o fruitful_a of_o vain_a and_o sinful_a thought_n than_o sloth_n and_o laziness_n for_o our_o thought_n be_v restless_a and_o in_o perpetual_a motion_n and_o will_v grind_v one_o upon_o another_o 33.27_o eccl._n 33.27_o if_o they_o have_v no_o good_a employment_n idleness_n teach_v much_o evil_n say_v the_o wise_a son_n of_o syrach_n some_o copy_n have_v it_o all_o evil_a the_o devil_n think_v the_o fit_a time_n to_o tempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v when_o he_o be_v alone_o and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o that_o say_n of_o cato_n be_v subscribe_v to_o by_o the_o wise_a heathen_n as_o a_o oracle_n nihil_fw-la agendo_fw-la male_a agere_fw-la disces_fw-la for_o when_o man_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v the_o devil_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v they_o employment_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o care_n even_o when_o we_o unbend_v our_o mind_n from_o more_o serious_a matter_n and_o allow_v ourselves_o those_o diversion_n which_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o good_a god_n have_v indulge_v we_o in_o to_o employ_v our_o mind_n on_o such_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a recreation_n as_o may_v render_v they_o more_o active_a and_o our_o body_n more_o vigorous_a in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o maker_n 2._o next_o to_o idleness_n let_v we_o avoid_v bad_a company_n for_o it_o be_v a_o common_a and_o true_a observation_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o company_n he_o keep_v conversation_n win_v insensible_o upon_o we_o have_v the_o most_o endear_n charm_n and_o make_v the_o most_o last_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n 3._o check_v wicked_a thought_n at_o the_o first_o appearance_n and_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n for_o the_o soon_o we_o cast_v they_o out_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o the_o more_o easy_o every_o moment_n we_o suffer_v they_o to_o remain_v there_o they_o will_v grow_v more_o powerful_a and_o the_o difficulty_n will_v increase_v by_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n if_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n any_o wicked_a imagination_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 10.5_o 1_o cor._n 10.5_o and_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o know_a rule_n of_o our_o duty_n let_v we_o maintain_v no_o treaty_n with_o it_o or_o excuse_v it_o say_v 19.20_o gen._n 19.20_o be_v it_o not_o a_o little_a one_o but_o put_v it_o out_o of_o our_o mind_n as_o soon_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v the_o devil_n will_v be_v continual_o suggest_v evil_a thought_n into_o our_o fancy_n and_o solicit_v we_o with_o the_o most_o allure_a though_o pernicious_a object_n he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o disturb_v we_o in_o our_o devotion_n by_o divert_v our_o affection_n and_o turn_v the_o current_n of_o our_o thought_n on_o our_o worldly_a affair_n and_o cast_v into_o our_o mind_n vain_a and_o sinful_a imagination_n these_o be_v those_o bird_n of_o prey_n 19.11_o gen._n 19.11_o which_o attend_v the_o most_o pure_a and_o holy_a sacrifice_n but_o then_o it_o be_v our_o business_n to_o drive_v they_o away_o and_o not_o to_o harbour_v or_o allow_v of_o any_o thought_n in_o our_o mind_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v discover_v in_o our_o word_n and_o action_n to_o incite_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n let_v we_o consider_v 1._o what_o pain_n wicked_a man_n take_v to_o get_v rid_v of_o good_a thought_n if_o they_o happen_v into_o company_n where_o good_a discourse_n and_o pious_a admonition_n have_v make_v some_o impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n if_o some_o truth_n be_v set_v home_o upon_o their_o conscience_n by_o some_o good_a book_n or_o awaken_n sermon_n or_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o their_o latter_a end_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v by_o a_o fit_a of_o sickness_n or_o the_o death_n of_o some_o friend_n or_o relation_n or_o any_o other_o surprise_v emergency_n how_o restless_a be_v they_o till_o they_o have_v get_v these_o thought_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o be_v rid_v of_o these_o uneasy_a companion_n do_v they_o not_o run_v from_o one_o business_n to_o another_o from_o one_o diversion_n to_o another_o and_o turn_v every_o stone_n to_o still_o the_o clamour_n of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n shall_v not_o we_o use_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o cast_v out_o sinful_a and_o wicked_a thought_n and_o take_v as_o much_o pain_n to_o be_v happy_a 4.12_o quantascunque_fw-la tenebras_fw-la factis_fw-la tuis_fw-la perstrinxeris_fw-la deus_fw-la lumen_fw-la est_fw-la tertul._n heb._n 4.12_o as_o other_o do_v to_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a consider_v far_o that_o god_n see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o our_o thought_n he_o pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o discern_v even_o the_o most_o hide_a thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n now_o if_o the_o sinner_n be_v so_o effectual_o awe_v and_o deter_v from_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o some_o grave_a person_n who_o remark_n and_o oversees_a his_o do_n how_o dare_v he_o allow_v himself_o in_o wicked_a thought_n when_o he_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n look_v down_o upon_o he_o and_o behold_v the_o intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o his_o heart_n that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n all_o his_o most_o secret_a thought_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o write_v in_o such_o legible_a character_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v read_v they_o to_o both_o these_o add_v this_o consideration_n consider_v what_o have_v be_v the_o event_n of_o harbour_v evil_a thought_n in_o our_o mind_n what_o the_o issue_n have_v be_v and_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v be_v do_v