any_o control_n and_o he_o make_v every_o passage_n to_o promote_v the_o comfort_n &_o welfare_n of_o those_o that_o true_o love_v and_o fear_v he_o and_o will_v bring_v to_o utter_v shame_n and_o misery_n all_o those_o who_o despise_v he_o and_o choose_v the_o world_n for_o their_o portion_n however_o he_o may_v suffer_v they_o to_o flourish_v for_o a_o while_n 2_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n how_o little_a there_o be_v in_o it_o to_o fill_v the_o capacity_n to_o supply_v the_o needs_o to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n how_o vain_a and_o unsavoury_a all_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o be_v especial_o to_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v awaken_v to_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o wretched_a misery_n and_o extreme_a danger_n of_o a_o poor_a soul_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o eternity_n how_o uncertain_a all_o the_o enjoyment_n expose_v to_o infinite_a hazard_n and_o run_v 1000_o way_n and_o while_n possess_v be_v oft_o make_v wearisome_a by_o the_o cumber_n of_o they_o vexation_n by_o the_o cross_n interweave_v with_o they_o dangerous_a by_o the_o snare_n of_o they_o a_o minister_n can_v do_v no_o great_a service_n to_o god_n and_o soul_n then_o by_o rub_v off_o the_o paint_n from_o the_o face_n of_o this_o tempt_v whore_n strip_v she_o of_o her_o gawdy_a ornament_n whereby_o she_o do_v bewitch_v the_o jnhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n 3_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o how_o noble_o descend_v from_o adam_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o mastership_n of_o god_n creation_n how_o rich_o accomplish_v with_o wisdom_n righteousness_n and_o power_n how_o large_o capacitate_v for_o high_a and_o more_o glorious_a enjoyment_n how_o lamentable_o degenerate_v into_o a_o state_n of_o shame_n misery_n and_o danger_n how_o dark_a pollute_a and_o distemper_v our_o soul_n be_v how_o frail_a and_o crazy_a our_o body_n how_o vain_a and_o miserable_a our_o life_n how_o sad_a and_o hopeless_a our_o death_n how_o unconceivable_o wretched_a if_o we_o come_v short_a of_o christ_n how_o strange_o senseless_a of_o one_o need_v of_o he_o how_o gross_o ignorant_a of_o the_o way_n to_o he_o how_o foolish_o content_a to_o take_v up_o short_a of_o he_o how_o few_o real_a friend_n we_o have_v to_o our_o soul_n how_o many_o sly_a enemy_n quite_o out_o of_o favour_n with_o god_n out_o of_o peace_n with_o ourselves_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o heaven_n we_o may_v hear_v of_o indeed_o but_o can_v hope_v for_o hell_n with_o its_o torment_n and_o confusion_n be_v our_o portion_n 4_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o there_o be_v merit_n enough_o to_o appease_v a_o provoke_v god_n to_o satisfy_v violate_v justice_n he_o have_v peace_n enough_o to_o speak_v to_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n ease_n to_o give_v to_o a_o burden_a spirit_n he_o can_v quicken_v the_o dead_a heart_n subdue_v the_o stubborn_a strengthen_v the_o weak_a soften_v the_o hard_a enlarge_v the_o strait_a compose_v the_o distract_a make_v fruitful_a the_o barren_a he_o can_v inform_v the_o ignorant_a rectify_v the_o mistake_a council_n the_o foolish_a resolve_v doubt_n discover_v want_n distemper_n danger_n remedy_n supply_n help_n etc._n etc._n he_o can_v give_v grace_n to_o make_v holy_a heavenly_a meek_a lowly_a selfdenying_a obedient_a resign_v patient_a dependant_a upon_o god_n every_o way_n pious_a towards_o god_n just_a and_o charitable_a to_o brethren_n 5_o knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n to_o christ_n the_o true_a the_o only_a way_n the_o ready_a and_o sure_a way_n that_o this_o be_v obedience_n and_o self_n denial_n faithfulness_n to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o these_o as_o light_v and_o strength_n be_v give_v in_o for_o only_o this_o way_n a_o man_n come_v to_o find_v real_o and_o experimental_o the_o blindness_n weakness_n poverty_n &_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o heart_n which_o else_o at_o best_a he_o know_v but_o by_o hearsay_n until_o by_o put_v himself_o out_o to_o the_o outmost_a he_o find_v that_o his_o soul_n be_v little_a else_o but_o a_o lump_n of_o darkness_n and_o sin_n duty_n he_o know_v but_o very_o faint_o what_o he_o know_v though_o it_o be_v but_o little_a he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o practice_v the_o law_n come_v in_o here_o say_v do_v this_o and_o law_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o though_o it_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n it_o say_v refrain_v such_o course_n or_o my_o curse_n be_v against_o you_o your_o soul_n &_o body_n as_o to_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o yet_o though_o it_o bring_v never_o so_o much_o misery_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o refrain_v notwithstanding_o all_o his_o reason_n with_o himself_o his_o resolution_n &_o endeavour_n either_o put_v of_o your_o lust_n and_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o else_o no_o entrance_n into_o heaven_n he_o find_v he_o can_v do_v neither_o i_o say_v till_o a_o man_n come_v to_o follow_v god_n faithful_o according_a to_o that_o discovery_n which_o he_o make_v of_o himself_o unto_o his_o conscience_n he_o will_v never_o come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o understand_v real_o the_o depravedness_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o strict_a requiring_n of_o the_o law_n his_o utter_a in_o ability_n to_o help_v himself_o and_o so_o never_o find_v any_o need_n of_o christ_n never_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o lay_v hold_n of_o he_o but_o content_n himself_o with_o a_o christ_n of_o his_o own_o make_n and_o so_o live_v and_o die_v in_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o all_o his_o groundless_a hope_n wherewith_o he_o flatter_v himself_o do_v not_o save_v he_o from_o the_o misery_n he_o never_o think_v of_o 6_o knowledge_n of_o the_o privilege_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n god_n reconcile_v conscience_n quiet_v the_o heart_n at_o rest_v the_o soul_n purify_v and_o enlighten_v fill_v with_o peace_n pass_v understanding_n joy_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n the_o man_n himself_o and_o he_o as_o to_o all_o their_o concernment_n here_o and_o hereafter_o under_o the_o charge_n of_o that_o providence_n which_o over_o rule_v all_o god_n continual_o present_a to_o guide_v he_o in_o his_o way_n to_o comfort_v and_o help_v in_o affliction_n and_o to_o make_v people_n seek_v after_o christ_n not_o only_o out_o of_o necessity_n but_o out_o of_o choice_n as_o one_o who_o have_v enough_o in_o he_o to_o recompense_n for_o all_o the_o loss_n and_o cross_n in_o the_o way_n to_o he_o 7_o knowledge_n of_o duty_n what_o god_n require_v of_o all_o to_o practice_v for_o their_o own_o good_a and_o the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n and_o how_o to_o practice_v it_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o good_a that_o god_n drive_v at_o by_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v to_o show_v what_o the_o man_n owe_v to_o himself_o his_o soul_n &_o his_o body_n to_o keep_v his_o body_n in_o chastity_n &_o sobriety_n to_o get_v his_o soul_n quicken_v with_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o it_o be_v real_a concernment_n what_o he_o owe_v to_o other_o as_o a_o magistrate_n a_o subject_a a_o minister_n a_o parishioner_n a_o master_n or_o servant_n a_o husband_n a_o wife_n a_o father_n a_o child_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o make_v people_n know_v that_o their_o duty_n be_v their_o interest_n too_o and_o nor_o make_v necessary_a by_o be_v enjoin_v but_o therefore_o enjoin_v because_o discern_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o be_v useful_a not_o burden_n lay_v on_o people_n arbitrary_o by_o god_n to_o make_v a_o vain_a ostentation_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n but_o prescription_n accommodate_v to_o the_o necessitous_a and_o distemper_a condition_n of_o apostate_n nature_n to_o direct_v they_o what_o course_n to_o take_v for_o their_o recovery_n and_o to_o do_v this_o with_o that_o authority_n which_o may_v awe_v they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o direction_n though_o contrary_a to_o their_o inclination_n to_o show_v they_o the_o mean_n the_o encouragement_n and_o to_o answer_v their_o objection_n 8_o knowledge_n of_o liberty_n that_o a_o upright_a person_n may_v in_o certain_a case_n act_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n as_o their_o shall_v be_v occasion_n without_o danger_n of_o sin_v even_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o as_o to_o the_o externall_n and_o mutable_a part_n of_o it_o do_v admit_v of_o great_a latitude_n and_o may_v be_v modellize_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o serve_v most_o for_o its_o main_a end_n the_o general_a good_a of_o soul_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o state_n and_o where_o it_o be_v thus_o order_v upon_o serious_a deliberation_n by_o those_o who_o have_v authority_n what_o before_o be_v indifferent_a in_o itself_o now_o become_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o god_n law_n which_o require_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o every_o
do_v this_o gate_n bring_v into_o this_o way_n of_o life_n whereas_o no_o other_o gate_n do_v none_o can_v be_v careless_a whether_o he_o make_v ingress_n and_o progress_n here_o but_o he_o who_o set_v light_n by_o life_n that_o life_n which_o for_o permanency_n and_o privilege_n do_v exceed_o transcend_v this_o or_o 2_o of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o go_v in_o and_o go_v on_o here_o a_o threefold_a difficulty_n be_v here_o mention_v one_a there_o be_v a_o difficulty_n in_o find_v this_o gate_n and_o this_o difficulty_n be_v so_o great_a that_o there_o be_v few_o overcome_v it_o most_o drop_n into_o destruction_n before_o they_o know_v where_o the_o gate_n of_o salvation_n lie_v 2_o there_o be_v a_o difficulty_n in_o enter_v this_o gate_n when_o it_o be_v find_v it_o be_v a_o strait_a gate_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v enter_v with_o any_o bulk_n in_o any_o posture_n a_o man_n must_v strip_v himself_o of_o all_o unnecessary_a lumber_n and_o compose_v his_o body_n into_o the_o most_o advantageous_a posture_n if_o he_o will_v get_v in_o at_o this_o strait_a gate_n 3_o there_o be_v a_o difficulty_n in_o hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n which_o we_o have_v enter_v into_o through_o the_o gate_n this_o way_n be_v a_o narrow_a way_n such_o as_o will_v not_o leave_v we_o at_o liberty_n to_o do_v as_o we_o listen_v but_o will_v confine_v we_o within_o bound_n and_o tie_v we_o to_o good_a behaviour_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v necessitate_v to_o conform_v our_o step_n unto_o our_o way_n doct._n one_a there_o be_v a_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n this_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o truth_n and_o so_o general_a acknowledge_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o prove_v it_o no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o to_o assert_v it_o neither_o he_o only_o suppose_v there_o be_v such_o a_o way_n all_o that_o he_o do_v direct_o assert_v be_v touch_v the_o narrowness_n of_o this_o way_n and_o the_o straitness_n of_o the_o gate_n which_o admit_v into_o it_o here_o we_o must_v inquire_v what_o this_o life_n be_v which_o have_v a_o way_n to_o it_o what_o this_o way_n be_v which_o least_n unto_o this_o life_n how_o this_o way_n lead_v unto_o this_o life_n quest_n one_a what_o be_v this_o life_n which_o have_v a_o way_n lead_v to_o it_o answer_n man_n have_v a_o double_a life_n one_a a_o life_n of_o the_o body_n in_o this_o world_n 2_o a_o life_n of_o the_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v either_o inchoat_fw-la and_o begin_v in_o this_o world_n or_o consummate_v and_o perfect_a in_o the_o other_o now_o this_o life_n of_o the_o body_n consist_v in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n together_o and_o exert_v its_o self_n in_o natural_a vital_a animal_n operation_n whereby_o we_o eat_v drink_v and_o grow_v and_o breath_n see_v and_o hear_v smell_v and_o feel_v and_o talk_v and_o walk_v etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v not_o rhe_n life_n which_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o here_o for_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o a_o life_n which_o man_n general_o be_v without_o yea_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o and_o can_v arrive_v at_o but_o by_o pass_v through_o a_o long_a way_n but_o such_o a_o life_n be_v not_o this_o present_a bodily_a life_n for_o all_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_n have_v this_o life_n the_o life_n then_o which_o we_o have_v to_o inquire_v about_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o man_n be_v without_o unless_o they_o be_v bear_v again_o to_o it_o and_o they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o be_v bear_v again_o nay_o man_n be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o this_o life_n neither_o prize_v this_o nor_o desire_v it_o nor_o know_v the_o way_n to_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n while_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o body_n this_o vile_a body_n which_o we_o here_o inquire_v after_o for_o though_o these_o two_o life_n that_o of_o the_o soul_n here_o and_o that_o of_o the_o soul_n hereafter_o do_v agree_v much_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o qualitys_n they_o have_v the_o same_o subject_n the_o immortal_a soul_n which_o once_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n eph._n 2._o 1._o the_o same_o principle_n christ_n who_o say_v of_o himself_o job_n 14._o 6._o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n who_o st._n paul_n profess_v to_o be_v his_o life_n gal._n 2._o 20._o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o col._n 3_o 4._o when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o effect_n influence_v upon_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o raise_v and_o enlarge_v they_o better_v both_o mind_n and_o heart_n in_o all_o their_o operation_n the_o same_o excellency_n put_v upon_o noble_a design_n such_o as_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o precious_a soul_n and_o furnish_v with_o satisfactory_a delight_n such_o as_o be_v the_o result_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o according_a to_o our_o power_n we_o have_v keep_v close_o to_o god_n in_o obedience_n the_o same_o permanency_n neither_o of_o they_o ever_o have_v any_o end_n yet_o these_o two_o life_n differ_v much_o in_o degree_n more_o than_o the_o life_n of_o a_o man_n differ_v from_o the_o life_n of_o a_o new_a bear_v child_n yea_o more_o than_o the_o life_n of_o a_o grow_v man_n differ_v from_o the_o life_n of_o a_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n it_o neither_o have_v such_o high_a operation_n nor_o such_o high_a comfort_n it_o be_v oft_o so_o secret_a and_o so_o hardly_o discernible_a either_o by_o the_o man_n who_o enjoy_v it_o or_o by_o other_o that_o christ_n rather_o count_v it_o a_o tendency_n to_o life_n than_o life_n itself_o it_o be_v so_o exceed_o below_o that_o life_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o righteousness_n peace_n joy_n and_o glory_n the_o great_a perfection_n of_o this_o life_n that_o it_o scarce_o deserve_v to_o bear_v the_o same_o name_n the_o life_n then_o which_o we_o be_v here_o inquire_v of_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o it_o be_v uncase_v of_o the_o body_n this_o be_v the_o great_a life_n whereunto_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n receive_v in_o regeneration_n serve_v but_o as_o a_o way_n this_o be_v that_o which_o all_o god_n people_n find_v &_o feel_v a_o want_n yea_o a_o need_n of_o which_o they_o all_o pant_v and_o breathe_v after_o it_o make_v the_o soul_n happy_a immediate_o after_o death_n and_o the_o body_n too_o as_o well_o as_o the_o soul_n soon_o after_o the_o resurrection_n 2_o what_o be_v this_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o this_o life_n ans_fw-fr the_o way_n itself_o be_v obedience_n and_o self-denial_n comply_v with_o god_n will_v and_o deny_v our_o own_o it_o be_v but_o go_v back_o the_o same_o way_n which_o man_n take_v when_o he_o fall_v from_o this_o life_n we_o have_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o this_o life_n if_o adam_n have_v continue_v in_o the_o state_n wherein_o he_o be_v create_v have_v he_o thus_o do_v both_o he_o himself_o have_v be_v confirm_v in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o all_o his_o posterity_n after_o he_o have_v probable_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o same_o state_n but_o he_o be_v tempt_v by_o satan_n close_v with_o the_o temptation_n and_o instead_o of_o comply_v with_o god_n will_n gratify_v his_o own_o and_o thereby_o ruin_v not_o only_a himself_o but_o we_o too_o thus_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 5._o 12._o a_o double_a death_n enter_v by_o adam_n sin_n one_a a_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o to_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v the_o immediate_a result_n of_o his_o sin_n for_o by_o it_o he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v cut_v his_o own_o throat_n and_o thereby_o utter_o strip_v himself_o of_o spiritual_a life_n 2_o a_o death_n of_o the_o body_n as_o to_o this_o temporal_a life_n this_o follow_v upon_o his_o sin_n also_o yet_o not_o so_o speedy_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o death_n be_v only_o then_o sow_o which_o must_v have_v time_n to_o ripen_v now_o the_o way_n to_o get_v out_o of_o this_o death_n into_o which_o we_o be_v plunge_v and_o to_o attain_v again_o that_o life_n which_o we_o have_v through_o sin_n and_o folly_n lose_v be_v to_o take_v a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n and_o whatever_o temptation_n we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o either_o from_o the_o world_n or_o satan_n more_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v god_n will_n than_o our_o own_o and_o rather_o to_o do_v what_o god_n bid_v we_o than_o what_o our_o own_o lust_n incline_v we_o to_o this_o be_v the_o way_n the_o only_a way_n though_o christ_n when_o inward_o receive_v into_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o new_a life_n be_v the_o principle_n incline_v and_o enable_v we_o
the_o condition_n of_o lose_a man_n will_v be_v very_o deplorable_a if_o that_o god_n in_o who_o enjoyment_n his_o happiness_n consist_v can_v in_o no_o wise_a be_v find_v the_o undertake_n of_o christ_n also_o will_v be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a whatever_o he_o he_o have_v do_v or_o suffer_v even_o that_o painful_a shameful_a execrable_a death_n upon_o the_o câ—â—ss_n will_v be_v whole_o to_o no_o purpose_n if_o man_n can_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o god_n so_o as_o to_o find_v he_o for_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o that_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o unto_o god_n s._n pet_n 3._o 18._o doubtless_o then_o god_n may_v be_v find_v if_o he_o be_v but_o seek_v 1._o due_o if_o man_n seek_v he_o out_o of_o a_o feel_a sense_n of_o their_o want_n &_o need_v of_o he_o and_o out_o of_o a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o find_v he_o if_o they_o diligent_o inquire_v after_o he_o faithful_o follow_v the_o guide_n which_o lead_v to_o he_o and_o careful_o use_v the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o be_v draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o have_v promise_v jer._n 29._o 13._o you_o shall_v seek_v i_o and_o find_v i_o when_o you_o shall_v search_v for_o i_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n which_o be_v as_o true_a of_o god_n readiness_n to_o be_v find_v when_o right_o seek_v to_o deliver_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n as_o from_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n 2_o god_n must_v be_v seek_v timely_a while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v before_o the_o proper_a season_n of_o find_v he_o be_v over_o prov._n 8._o 17._o those_o that_o seek_v i_o early_o shall_v find_v i_o for_o the_o five_o thing_n imply_v in_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o time_n of_o find_v god_n by_o seek_v he_o will_v not_o always_o last_o and_o one_a it_o will_v certain_o be_v end_v at_o death_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o presence_n of_o god_n according_a to_o which_o he_o will_v be_v find_v after_o death_n unsought_a for_o and_o undesired_a a_o terrible_a furious_a presence_n which_o fill_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o impenitent_a sinner_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o wrath_n and_o his_o heart_n with_o anguish_n and_o horror_n perplexity_n and_o despair_n it_o be_v this_o presence_n which_o kindle_v that_o fire_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v quench_v and_o which_o so_o affright_v the_o great_a and_o stout_a that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o abide_v it_o but_o call_v to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n to_o fall_v on_o they_o and_o hide_v they_o from_o it_o rev._n 6_o 16._o when_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o separate_v from_o this_o lumpish_a body_n which_o straiten_n its_o capacity_n and_o dull_v its_o sense_n and_o great_o unfit_v it_o for_o converse_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o this_o gross_a world_n than_o it_o come_v immediate_o to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n himself_o who_o it_o have_v so_o much_o despise_v and_o hate_v and_o his_o presence_n they_o can_v in_o no_o wise_a possible_o avoid_v although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o contrariety_n which_o be_v between_o god_n nature_n and_o they_o it_o be_v extreme_o torment_v to_o they_o like_o a_o fire_n that_o do_v continual_o scorch_v isa_n 33._o 14._o who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n but_o as_o for_o the_o amiable_a and_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n that_o presence_n which_o the_o soul_n need_v and_o desire_v with_o which_o it_o be_v so_o refresh_v and_o ravish_v this_o if_o it_o be_v not_o seek_v here_o can_v never_o be_v find_v hereafter_o after_o death_n the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v unalterable_a it_o be_v with_o man_n then_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o devil_n immediate_o after_o their_o fall_n their_o will_n be_v immutable_o fix_v to_o their_o former_a choice_n so_o that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o seek_v god_n now_o can_v then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o work_n as_o seek_v in_o the_o grave_a whither_o we_o go_v beside_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o seek_v god_n after_o death_n there_o can_v be_v no_o find_v he_o then_o see_v there_o be_v then_o a_o vast_a gulf_n fix_v between_o god_n and_o sinful_a soul_n s._n luke_n 16._o 26._o the_o romanist_n who_o suppose_v a_o purgatory_n after_o death_n and_o a_o seek_v and_o find_v god_n out_o of_o purgatory_n only_o assign_v this_o purgatory_n for_o those_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n who_o have_v be_v sincere_o seek_v god_n during_o this_o life_n but_o have_v not_o find_v he_o be_v not_o sufficient_o purify_v and_o so_o not_o prepare_v for_o he_o 2_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v end_v during_o life_n there_o be_v those_o who_o have_v outlive_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n in_o which_o god_n offer_v himself_o to_o be_v find_v thus_o it_o be_v with_o pharaoh_n who_o god_n after_o the_o six_o plague_n reserve_v alive_a till_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o seasonable_a opportunity_n for_o the_o glorify_v of_o himself_o in_o his_o destruction_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o with_o judas_n of_o who_o christ_n give_v this_o character_n some_o time_n before_o his_o death_n that_o he_o be_v a_o devil_n s._n joh._n 6._o 70._o a_o devil_n not_o only_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o heart_n but_o also_o for_o the_o desperateness_n of_o his_o state_n devil_n may_v as_o soon_o find_v god_n as_o he_o there_o be_v those_o who_o while_n alive_a sin_n the_o sin_n unto_o death_n s._n john_n 5._o 19_o oppose_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o obstinate_o and_o contumacious_o in_o its_o save_a work_n that_o at_o last_o it_o full_o and_o final_o resolve_v to_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o to_o go_v on_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n god_n can_v never_o be_v find_v but_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o be_v find_v say_v behold_v i_o behold_v i_o isa_n 65._o 1._o nay_o while_o he_o himself_o seek_v his_o servant_n psal_n 119._o 176._o and_o this_o be_v only_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n that_o a_o sinner_n may_v be_v reclaim_v by_o any_o method_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n wisdom_n and_o justice_n will_v allow_v to_o be_v use_v towards_o he_o but_o if_o after_o a_o trial_n of_o all_o these_o in_o spite_n of_o instruction_n and_o reproof_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n of_o what_o god_n can_v do_v mediate_o by_o his_o minister_n and_o of_o what_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o do_v immediate_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n the_o sinner_n persist_v obstinate_o and_o incorrigible_o in_o neglect_v and_o reject_v of_o god_n god_n say_v of_o he_o as_o he_o say_v of_o ephraim_n hos_n 4._o 17._o he_o be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o i_o see_v he_o will_v have_v none_o of_o i_o and_o i_o be_o resolve_v he_o shall_v not_o and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a judgement_n a_o sinner_n be_v capable_a of_o on_o this_o side_n hell_n to_o be_v herein_o by_o god_n judicial_o condemn_v to_o his_o own_o sinful_a choice_n after_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o seek_v god_n so_o as_o to_o find_v he_o let_v a_o man_n live_v never_o so_o long_o have_v show_v you_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o first_o proposition_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o proposition_n itself_o and_o shall_v show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o concern_v of_o all_o to_o seek_v god_n so_o as_o to_o find_v he_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o one_a it_o be_v the_o precept_n of_o god_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v psal_n 25._o 4._o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o strength_n seek_v his_o face_n evermore_o 2._o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v this_o be_v the_o generation_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o psal_n 24._o 6._o it_o need_v not_o be_v explain_v who_o god_n speak_v to_o isa_n 51._o 1._o you_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n for_o it_o be_v to_o they_o that_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n 3._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n encourage_v to_o it_o and_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v the_o promise_n assure_v of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v find_v god_n if_o we_o search_v for_o he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n jer._n 26._o 13._o and_o together_o with_o he_o every_o good_a thing_n beside_o psal_n 34._o 10._o they_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o want_v any_o good_a thing_n 4._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n call_v to_o this_o and_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v comply_v with_o mercy_n be_v therefore_o vouchsafe_v to_o man_n to_o this_o purpose_n god_n have_v set_v man_n the_o bound_n of_o their_o habitation_n that_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o lord_n act._n 17._o 46._o 27._o judgement_n be_v inflict_v for_o this_o purpose_n upon_o this_o account_n god_n ill_o resent_v it_o that_o people_n turn_v not_o unto_o he_o that_o smite_v they_o neither_o do_v they_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o
his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o person_n so_o that_o they_o who_o be_v better_o and_o do_v better_o may_v expect_v high_a reward_n those_o that_o be_v worse_o and_o do_v worse_o may_v expect_v severe_a punishment_n qu._n but_o what_o be_v perfection_n then_o attainable_a in_o this_o life_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o how_o can_v we_o be_v oblige_v in_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v a_o thing_n not_o feasible_a and_o to_o pursue_v after_o that_o which_o when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a we_o can_v never_o expect_v to_o attain_v answer_n one_a if_o perfection_n be_v at_o all_o attainable_a whether_o in_o this_o life_n or_o the_o other_o it_o suffice_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o endeavour_v after_o it_o see_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v without_o sincere_a and_o diligent_a endeavour_n now_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o perfection_n be_v attainable_a however_o in_o the_o other_o life_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v either_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n fruitless_a or_o on_o the_o other_o unnecessary_a 2_o though_o complete_a perfection_n that_o be_v freedom_n from_o all_o sinful_a principle_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o high_a measure_n of_o grace_n both_z as_o to_o the_o habit_n and_o act_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o consider_v the_o manifold_a disadvantage_n which_o we_o lie_v under_o be_v not_o to_o he_o expect_v here_o so_o long_o as_o we_o carry_v about_o we_o such_o vile_a body_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o such_o variety_n of_o impression_n from_o the_o star_n and_o element_n and_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v expose_v unto_o several_a temptation_n from_o the_o world_n and_o satan_n on_o the_o right_n and_o lefthand_n yet_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o be_v lay_v here_o and_o as_o this_o be_v more_o large_a or_o narrow_a so_o proportionable_a will_v be_v the_o superstructure_n the_o harvest_n will_v be_v according_a to_o the_o sow_v 3_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a perfection_n attainable_a here_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o some_o as_o perfect_a 1._o cor._n 2._o 6._o we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o reckon_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o phil._n 3._o 5._o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n though_o he_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v attain_v complete_a perfection_n verse_n 10._o not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v either_o be_v already_o perfect_a for_o a_o christian_n be_v continual_o grow_v till_o death_n as_o a_o man_n grow_v great_a in_o all_o his_o member_n till_o he_o come_v to_o his_o full_a stature_n and_o then_o he_o may_v grow_v in_o thickness_n but_o not_o in_o height_n there_o be_v a_o threefold_a state_n which_o a_o christian_a pass_v through_o betwixt_o his_o first_o vocation_n and_o his_o glorification_n a_o state_n of_o enjoyment_n where_o there_o be_v much_o light_n life_n comfort_n and_o sensible_a strength_n a_o state_n of_o dissertion_n where_o there_o be_v much_o deadness_n darkness_n discomfort_n and_o pollution_n experience_v and_o a_o state_n of_o restitution_n wherein_o the_o former_a light_n and_o life_n and_o comfort_n be_v restore_v and_o increase_v those_o who_o be_v arrive_v unto_o these_o state_n may_v be_v reckon_v all_o among_o the_o perfect_a as_o those_o who_o be_v new_o recover_v from_o under_o a_o relapse_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v come_v to_o their_o perfect_a health_n though_o they_o be_v far_o short_a of_o their_o wont_a strength_n and_o in_o this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n i_o understand_v the_o word_n 1._o pet._n 5._o 10._o where_o perfection_n be_v immediate_o consequent_a to_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o suffer_v weakness_n etc._n etc._n unsettledness_n in_o dissertion_n now_o of_o such_o as_o be_v perfect_a in_o this_o sense_n i_o e._n compare_v with_o beginner_n or_o proficient_o under_o desertion_n there_o be_v different_a attainment_n so_o that_o some_o have_v arrive_v at_o a_o high_a measure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n and_o some_o at_o a_o low_a and_o such_o a_o perfection_n as_o this_o be_v attainable_a here_o by_o those_o who_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o manage_v advantage_n of_o providence_n and_o ordinance_n with_o a_o subserviency_n hereunto_o use_v 1._o be_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o seek_v and_o press_v after_o perfection_n then_o certain_o it_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o our_o reproach_n and_o shall_v be_v our_o grief_n that_o we_o do_v so_o little_o concern_v ourselves_o about_o perfection_n as_o we_o do_v yea_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o shame_n too_o when_o every_o thing_n be_v press_v after_o perfecton_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n which_o be_v at_o rest_n for_o its_o aspire_n after_o perfection_n though_o it_o spend_v itself_o by_o this_o industrious_a pursuit_n after_o perfection_n and_o expire_v as_o when_o the_o herb_n with_o much_o bear_n have_v grow_v up_o into_o a_o flower_n it_o then_o begin_v to_o decline_v and_o wither_v shall_v man_n only_o content_v himself_o with_o a_o imperfect_a state_n though_o he_o be_v the_o choice_a piece_n of_o god_n creation_n capable_a of_o the_o high_a perfection_n whereunto_o he_o be_v design_v a_o perfection_n most_o sublime_a most_o durable_a when_o every_o one_o endeavour_n to_o be_v perfect_a in_o the_o art_n which_o he_o profess_v the_o councillor_n in_o the_o skill_n of_o law_n the_o physician_n in_o the_o skill_n of_o preserve_v and_o restore_v health_n prevent_v and_o cure_v disease_n be_v it_o not_o a_o shame_n that_o a_o christian_n who_o profess_v the_o skill_n of_o vanquish_a the_o world_n and_o hell_n of_o cure_v the_o most_o desperate_a disease_n of_o soul_n of_o heap_v up_o a_o bank_n of_o true_a riches_n which_o will_v never_o be_v exhaust_v to_o all_o eternity_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o care_v though_o he_o be_v a_o bungler_n in_o this_o art_n of_o art_n what_o thought_n do_v we_o take_v what_o inquiry_n do_v we_o make_v what_o endeavour_n do_v we_o use_v that_o we_o may_v be_v perfect_a can_v we_o tell_v what_o re_fw-mi we_o not_o ashamed_a they_o be_v so_o few_o be_v we_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v herein_o whether_o we_o be_v perfect_a or_o we_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n be_v the_o less_o weighty_a but_o when_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v happy_a unless_o we_o be_v perfect_a and_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o escape_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o perfect_a law_n nor_o to_o stand_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o perfect_a god_n any_o other_o way_n be_v it_o not_o palpable_a folly_n nay_o extreme_a madness_n to_o neglect_v it_o 2_o be_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o press_v after_o perfection_n let_v we_o make_v it_o our_o care_n study_v to_o excel_v ourselves_o excel_v other_o to_o be_v every_o way_n perfect_a let_v we_o make_v that_o our_o business_n while_o we_o live_v which_o we_o shall_v wish_v when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v we_o have_v make_v our_o business_n in_o order_n hereunto_o let_v we_o one_a endeavour_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o great_a imperfection_n our_o extreme_a want_n of_o useful_a knowledge_n save_a grace_n solid_a comfort_n our_o unprofitableness_n under_o mercy_n judgement_n mean_n our_o awkwardness_n to_o carry_v like_o christian_n in_o those_o various_a change_n we_o undergo_v 2_o see_v the_o great_a worth_n and_o use_n of_o perfection_n how_o subservient_fw-fr it_o be_v to_o god_n glory_n the_o good_a of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o certain_o the_o most_o perfect_a christian_n be_v every_o way_n best_o fit_v for_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o opportunitye_n of_o do_v and_o get_v good_a 3_o learn_v the_o way_n to_o attain_v perfection_n accustom_v yourselves_o to_o have_v mean_a thought_n of_o yourselves_o live_v up_o to_o light_n and_o strength_n in_o obey_v god_n and_o deny_v yourselves_o keep_v daily_o in_o your_o eye_n perfection_n as_o the_o mark_n to_o aim_n at_o the_o goal_n to_o run_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n of_o perfection_n read_v the_o most_o spiritual_a book_n hear_v the_o most_o spiritual_a preacher_n converse_v with_o the_o most_o spiritual_a person_n decline_v all_o hindrance_n of_o perfection_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o attainable_a presume_v you_o have_v already_o attain_v it_o take_v up_o with_o low_a attainement_n distract_n your_o mind_n with_o care_n and_o endeavour_n about_o religious_a impertinence_n pray_v unto_o god_n to_o perfect_a you_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o seek_v perfecton_n god_n prerogative_n to_o give_v it_o when_o god_n therefore_o say_v be_v you_o perfect_a say_v lord_n perfect_a i_o 1._o peter_n 5._o 10._o sanctify_v i_o throughout_o there_o be_v promise_n of_o perfect_a subdue_n lust_v perfect_a complete_n grace_n phill_n 4._o 5._o let_v your_o moderation_n be_v know_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o phillipian_o unto_o who_o paul_n direct_v this_o epistle_n be_v then_o in_o a_o suffer_a condition_n cap._n 1_o v._n 29._o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o
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have_v all_o rule_v all_o and_o do_v all_o if_o by_o find_v he_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o he_o and_o to_o have_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o 2_o the_o possibility_n nay_o probability_n of_o find_v god_n if_o he_o be_v but_o due_o seek_v be_v god_n not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v find_v or_o be_v he_o at_o such_o a_o vast_a distance_n from_o we_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v find_v without_o a_o very_a tedious_a inquisition_n we_o may_v hereby_o somewhat_o excuse_v our_o sloth_n in_o neglect_v to_o seek_v he_o but_o when_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o that_o without_o go_v very_o far_o he_o be_v so_o near_o we_o it_o be_v a_o madness_n to_o lose_v he_o for_o want_n of_o a_o little_a seek_v after_o he_o i_o shall_v comprehend_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o text_n in_o this_o brief_a but_o full_a proposition_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o concern_v of_o all_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v to_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o 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seldom_o seek_v god_n in_o good_a earnest_n till_o the_o incessant_a judgement_n of_o god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v drive_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sin_n their_o earthly_a comfort_n and_o themselves_o unto_o god_n this_o be_v one_o great_a piece_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o apostate_n state_n that_o man_n be_v senseless_a of_o it_o and_o so_o do_v not_o concern_v themselves_o to_o seek_v unto_o he_o who_o only_o can_v save_v from_o it_o like_o man_n in_o high_a fever_n who_o great_o need_v the_o help_n of_o a_o physician_n yet_o be_v in_o rage_a frenzy_n they_o as_o much_o despise_v and_o reject_v it_o as_o be_v altogether_o unapprehensive_a of_o their_o own_o danger_n man_n be_v general_o so_o averse_a from_o seek_v god_n that_o the_o apostle_n observe_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o seek_v after_o god_n and_o he_o impute_v it_o to_o this_o that_o they_o understand_v not_o rom._n 3._o 11._o alas_o they_o know_v not_o their_o want_n of_o god_n they_o feel_v not_o their_o need_n of_o god_n they_o understand_v not_o the_o worth_n of_o god_n they_o have_v several_a thing_n to_o make_v god_n of_o to_o themselves_o to_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n blind_v they_o that_o they_o see_v not_o their_o godless_a condition_n he_o harden_v they_o that_o they_o feel_v it_o not_o and_o hold_v they_o that_o they_o stir_v not_o out_o of_o it_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o the_o world_n find_v they_o several_a other_o thing_n to_o seek_v beside_o god_n who_o they_o most_o need_v 4_o that_o god_n may_v be_v find_v if_o due_o and_o timely_o fight_v while_o one_o observe_v what_o gross_a neglect_n there_o be_v of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n how_o few_o seek_v he_o and_o that_o man_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n whole_o intent_n upon_o the_o pursuit_n of_o other_o thing_n he_o have_v temptation_n to_o conceit_n that_o sure_o god_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v find_v otherwise_o man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o desperate_o mad_a as_o never_o to_o concern_v themselves_o about_o seek_v he_o see_v without_o he_o they_o can_v but_o be_v utter_o and_o everlasting_o undo_v without_o remedy_n but_o this_o strange_a carelessness_n of_o god_n be_v rather_o the_o result_n of_o their_o senselessness_n of_o the_o need_n they_o stand_v in_o of_o god_n than_o of_o their_o despair_n of_o find_v he_o for_o the_o gâ—d_n of_o truth_n will_v never_o have_v command_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o seek_v he_o if_o in_o seek_v they_o be_v likely_a to_o lose_v their_o labour_n no_o he_o never_o say_v neither_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n nor_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o adam_n seek_v you_o i_o in_o vain_a isa_n 45._o 19_o