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man_n to_o salvation_n which_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o perform_v nor_o he_o never_o command_v impossibility_n well_o have_v now_o show_v you_o negative_o what_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n i_o shall_v also_o endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o affirmitive_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o little_a and_o the_o first_o reason_n i_o judge_v may_v be_v this_o reas_n 1._o because_o the_o reward_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o his_o flock_n be_v in_o another_o world_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v here_o below_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o another_o life_n and_o man_n general_o love_v present_a thing_n and_o be_v much_o take_v with_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o present_a enjoyment_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o most_o man_n be_v so_o careful_a and_o so_o desirous_a after_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n because_o the_o benefit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o thing_n here_o below_o 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but_o real_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o will_v present_o become_v a_o charitable_a person_n and_o will_v easy_o be_v draw_v to_o part_v with_o his_o money_n willing_o upon_o this_o account_n but_o if_o you_o shall_v go_v to_o he_o and_o bid_v he_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o come_v and_o follow_v christ_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o be_v eminent_o reward_v at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a oh_o how_o little_o will_v this_o be_v regard_v by_o he_o oh_o how_o little_a will_v this_o prevail_v upon_o he_o oh_o the_o reward_n seem_v to_o be_v such_o a_o great_a way_n off_o that_o he_o dare_v hardly_o part_v with_o his_o money_n upon_o such_o term_n yea_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o embrace_v your_o counsel_n as_o that_o he_o will_v rather_o be_v trouble_v and_o grieve_v at_o you_o for_o speak_v such_o language_n to_o he_o so_o that_o i_o judge_v this_o may_v be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o little_a and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a but_o few_o but_o second_o another_o be_v this_o reas_n 2._o because_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o trouble_n and_o tribulation_n in_o their_o journey_n towards_o heaven_n they_o must_v expect_v to_o carry_v a_o bitter_a cup_n of_o affliction_n along_o with_o they_o in_o their_o christian_a progress_n they_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o pleasure_n and_o pride_n of_o life_n to_o promote_v their_o own_o honour_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n trial_n and_o temptation_n must_v be_v their_o daily_a portion_n in_o this_o life_n yea_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n therefore_o this_o i_o also_o judge_v to_o be_v another_o reason_n why_o so_o 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world_n smile_v upon_o they_o but_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n then_o present_o they_o fly_v off_o and_o leave_v the_o gospel_n and_o by_o and_o by_o be_v angry_a and_o offend_v with_o it_o for_o bring_v trouble_n upon_o they_o matth._n 13.20_o 21._o so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o tribulation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o many_o time_n keep_v person_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v many_o fall_n away_o from_o it_o after_o profess_v of_o it_o and_o this_o we_o can_v too_o clear_o evidence_n and_o witness_v by_o experience_n at_o this_o day_n that_o many_o person_n can_v very_o willing_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o true_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o god_n appointment_n but_o for_o fear_v of_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n they_o dare_v not_o for_o they_o think_v if_o they_o shall_v embrace_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o walk_v in_o obedience_n thereunto_o than_o they_o may_v come_v to_o lose_v the_o love_n it_o may_v be_v of_o father_n or_o mother_n or_o some_o other_o relation_n and_o all_o their_o former_a friend_n will_v now_o turn_v to_o be_v their_o enemy_n and_o hate_v they_o and_o those_o that_o use_v to_o speak_v well_o of_o they_o former_o will_v now_o mock_v and_o reproach_v they_o and_o do_v they_o what_o mischief_n they_o can_v and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n they_o may_v come_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o great_a many_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n and_o therefore_o under_o this_o consideration_n they_o stand_v off_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o dare_v not_o obey_v the_o gospel_n nor_o come_v into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n hence_o it_o be_v there_o be_v many_o person_n that_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v unto_o they_o and_o ask_v they_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o dwell_v with_o god_n to_o all_o eternity_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o answer_v yes_o oh_o with_o all_o my_o heart_n it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o my_o soul_n to_o be_v with_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n but_o if_o you_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o must_v go_v through_o much_o tribulation_n and_o suffer_v much_o persecution_n if_o they_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdone_v of_o god_n then_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o ture_v their_o back_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o satisfy_v themselves_o without_o it_o rather_o than_o expose_v themselves_o to_o so_o much_o trouble_n about_o it_o so_o that_o i_o judge_v this_o may_v be_v another_o great_a reason_n why_o christ_n flock_n be_v but_o little_a but_o three_o another_o be_v this_o reas_n 3._o because_o there_o be_v but_o a_o very_a few_o great_a man_n that_o
with_o joy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o trouble_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a i_o think_v for_o soul_n to_o be_v deject_v and_o cast_v down_o under_o affliction_n and_o to_o turn_v their_o back_n of_o god_n in_o a_o day_n of_o adversity_n if_o they_o do_v but_o serious_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n for_o who_o be_v he_o that_o can_v harm_v you_o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o pet._n 3.13_o see_v also_o that_o notable_a place_n 2_o cor._n 4.16_o 17._o where_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o make_v this_o consideration_n a_o great_a support_n to_o their_o soul_n under_o all_o their_o trouble_n for_o which_o cause_n say_v the_o apostle_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n perish_v yet_o our_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n so_o that_o you_o may_v see_v all_o our_o temporal_a affliction_n be_v but_o so_o many_o soul_n advantage_n and_o all_o our_o earthly_a lâ—sâ—es_n will_v be_v make_v up_o to_o we_o in_o heavenly_a treasure_n and_o all_o our_o cross_n will_v but_o make_v our_o crown_n of_o glory_n the_o great_a therefore_o under_o this_o consideration_n let_v we_o go_v forward_o with_o boldness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o never_o fear_v what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o we_o gen._n 50.20_o rea._n 6._o because_o if_o we_o continue_v faithful_a to_o god_n he_o will_v give_v we_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o a_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n he_o will_v eminent_o reward_v we_o with_o a_o unmoveable_a kingdom_n and_o with_o a_o incorruptible_a inheritance_n which_o fade_v not_o away_o though_o we_o may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o great_a many_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n and_o may_v be_v expose_v to_o many_o outward_a calamity_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v whole_o free_v from_o all_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_v of_o what_o nature_n soever_o and_o shall_v be_v fill_v with_o unspeakable_a joy_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o may_v exceed_o support_v we_o under_o suffering_n and_o arm_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n to_o consider_v that_o we_o who_o be_v now_o despise_v and_o trample_v under_o foot_n and_o make_v as_o the_o offscouring_a of_o the_o world_n shall_v one_o day_n be_v honour_v and_o dignify_v with_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o exalt_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o kingdom_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 2.12_o compare_v with_o rom._n 8.17_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o and_o be_v partner_n together_o with_o he_o in_o glory_n oh_o this_o may_v mighty_o encourage_v we_o to_o presevere_v with_o boldness_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o exceed_o fortify_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o balance_v all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v our_o saviour_n christ_n make_v this_o a_o grand_a reason_n or_o encouragement_n against_o fear_n in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n luke_n 12.32_o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n though_o you_o be_v but_o little_a mean_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o fear_v not_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o endeavour_v like_o wolf_n to_o destroy_v you_o why_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n that_o we_o must_v so_o little_a regard_n the_o terror_n of_o our_o adversary_n why_o here_o be_v the_o business_n for_o it_o be_v your_o father_n good_a pleasure_n to_o give_v you_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o see_v we_o have_v such_o a_o glorious_a portion_n to_o receive_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n let_v we_o never_o be_v afraid_a of_o our_o earthly_a enemy_n see_v also_o that_o notable_a text_n rev._n 2.10_o fear_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v behold_v the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n that_o you_o may_v be_v try_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n certain_a day_n yet_o notwithstanding_o fear_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n though_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n may_v prevail_v against_o thou_o for_o a_o season_n to_o imprison_v and_o persecute_v thou_o yet_o be_v not_o afraid_a but_o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o for_o thy_o encouragement_n herein_o i_o will_v assure_v thou_o thou_o shall_v lose_v nothing_o by_o it_o for_o thou_o shall_v certain_o receive_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o be_v exalt_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n and_o kingdom_n therefore_o let_v we_o have_v respect_n unto_o this_o recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n and_o let_v we_o not_o be_v deject_v nor_o cast_v down_o nor_o be_v afraid_a of_o our_o adversary_n when_o they_o reproach_n and_o imprison_v we_o and_o deprive_v we_o from_o our_o calling_n and_o relation_n and_o threaten_v we_o with_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n as_o to_o our_o outward_a man_n but_o let_v we_o be_v content_a and_o cheerful_a if_o it_o be_v for_o christ_n let_v they_o do_v their_o worst_a we_o shall_v have_v satisfaction_n enough_o at_o the_o day_n of_o account_n when_o god_n make_v up_o his_o jewel_n and_o call_v his_o people_n to_o their_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o be_v content_a and_o willing_a to_o lose_v a_o penny_n or_o two_o penny_n if_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o gain_v a_o thousand_o pound_n by_o it_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o be_v content_a and_o willing_a to_o lose_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n for_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o shall_v receive_v such_o a_o eternal_a and_o unspeakable_a portion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o every_o one_o that_o have_v forsake_v house_n or_o brethren_n or_o sister_n or_o pather_z or_o mother_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n or_o land_n for_o christ_n sake_n shall_v receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v everlasting_a life_n mat._n 19.29_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n james_n chap._n 1.12_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o endure_v temptation_n for_o when_o he_o be_v try_v he_o shall_v receive_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o wherefore_o we_o receive_v a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v move_v let_v we_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o never_o fear_v what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o we_o i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o make_v a_o little_a use_n or_o application_n of_o this_o point_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o and_o last_o observation_n use_v 1_o well_o then_o be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o worst_a that_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v fearful_a and_o fainthearted_a in_o the_o work_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o neglect_v any_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n out_o of_o a_o slavish_a fear_n towards_o the_o threaten_n of_o man_n oh_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n now_o that_o we_o do_v not_o dishonour_v the_o lord_n and_o wrong_v our_o own_o soul_n by_o a_o base_a fearful_a unbelieving_a spirit_n in_o this_o day_n of_o jacob_n trouble_n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v call_v we_o forth_o to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n for_o his_o name_n and_o cause_n which_o be_v so_o much_o blaspheme_v and_o trample_v under_o foot_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o catch_v we_o in_o the_o snare_n of_o slavish_a fear_n and_o so_o hinder_v we_o and_o stop_v we_o in_o our_o proceed_n for_o god_n and_o in_o our_o resolution_n for_o christ_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o enemy_n of_o godliness_n and_o join_v issue_n with_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o encourage_n and_o gladn_v the_o heart_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o to_o the_o wound_a and_o sadn_v the_o soul_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o faithful_a i_o say_v let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o these_o thing_n lest_o we_o shameful_o turn_v our_o back_n of_o god_n in_o a_o day_n of_o adversity_n out_o of_o a_o slavish_a fear_n of_o suffer_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o men._n oh_o we_o may_v here_o lament_v the_o apostasy_n of_o abundance_n of_o professor_n since_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v please_v
the_o truth_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o take_v the_o tribulation_n of_o the_o gospel_n cheerful_o and_o joyful_o yea_o we_o shall_v make_v our_o very_a enemy_n admire_v at_o we_o if_o we_o have_v but_o a_o right_a spirit_n upon_o this_o account_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v and_o take_v notice_n how_o we_o be_v trouble_v on_o every_o side_n and_o how_o we_o be_v persecute_v and_o afflict_a and_o trample_v under_o foot_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v cheerful_a and_o full_a of_o courage_n and_o not_o at_o all_o daunt_v nor_o terrify_v at_o it_o they_o must_v needs_o think_v there_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o our_o profession_n and_o so_o by_o that_o mean_v god_n be_v exceed_o glorify_v and_o his_o truth_n admire_v by_o his_o enemy_n though_o possible_o they_o may_v still_o obstinate_o and_o willing_o oppose_v it_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v witness_v against_o they_o to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 4.14_o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n rest_v upon_o you_o on_o their_o part_n he_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o but_o on_o your_o part_n he_o be_v glorify_v there_o be_v also_o a_o notable_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n concern_v peter_n john_n 21.18_o 19_o very_o very_o say_v christ_n unto_o peter_n when_o thou_o be_v young_a thou_o girde_v thyself_o and_o walk_v whither_o thou_o will_v but_o when_o thou_o shall_v be_v old_a thou_o shall_v stretch_v forth_o thy_o hand_n and_o another_o shall_v gird_v thou_o and_o carry_v thou_o whither_o thou_o will_v not_o this_o speak_v he_o signify_v by_o what_o death_n he_o shall_v glorify_v god_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v those_o that_o have_v so_o much_o courage_n as_o to_o suffer_v cheerful_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n their_o death_n and_o suffering_n will_v tend_v much_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n therefore_o when_o our_o enemy_n shall_v threaten_v we_o and_o command_v we_o to_o speak_v nor_o preach_v no_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n nor_o meet_v any_o more_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o own_o way_n let_v we_o with_o peter_n and_o john_n ask_v they_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o hearken_v unto_o you_o more_o than_o unto_o god_n judge_v you_o and_o let_v we_o tell_v they_o plain_o to_o their_o face_n that_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n therefore_o we_o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o we_o can_v but_o practice_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o receive_v in_o command_n from_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v two_o notable_a and_o very_a remarkable_a example_n worthy_a of_o our_o consideration_n which_o i_o shall_v brief_o urge_v for_o our_o encouragement_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o one_o be_v concern_v the_o three_o child_n in_o dan._n 3.16_o 17_o 18._o oh_o that_o there_o be_v but_o such_o a_o spirit_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n now_o in_o this_o day_n of_o zion_n bleed_v well_o but_o let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o the_o king_n have_v make_v a_o decree_n and_o give_v forth_o command_n that_o all_o people_n shall_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_n the_o golden_a image_n which_o he_o he_o have_v set_v up_o and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o shall_v the_o same_o hour_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o burn_a fiery_a furnace_n well_o but_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n they_o break_v his_o decree_n and_o disobey_v his_o command_n and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o afraid_a of_o his_o fury_n nor_o terrify_v at_o the_o punishment_n and_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n before_o the_o king_n for_o this_o their_o disobedience_n to_o his_o decree_n he_o proffer_v they_o pardon_n upon_o condition_n of_o their_o now_o comply_v but_o if_o not_o they_o must_v expect_v to_o feel_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o rage_n and_o fury_n in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n and_o who_o be_v that_o god_n that_o shall_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n well_o now_o it_o be_v come_v to_o this_o with_o they_o they_o must_v either_o turn_v or_o burn_v they_o must_v either_o bow_n to_o the_o image_n or_o be_v burn_v in_o the_o fire_n they_o must_v either_o conform_v with_o their_o body_n to_o the_o king_n command_n or_o else_o expose_v their_o body_n to_o the_o burn_a flame_n well_o and_o how_o do_v they_o behave_v themselves_o in_o this_o case_n see_v the_o story_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v it_o at_o large_a shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n answer_v and_o say_v to_o the_o king_n o_o nabuchadnezzar_n we_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o answer_v thou_o in_o this_o matter_n if_o it_o be_v so_o our_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o burn_a fiery_a furnace_n and_o he_o will_v deliver_v we_o out_o of_o thy_o hand_n o_o king_n but_o now_o herein_o consist_v chief_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o spirit_n in_o the_o next_o word_n therefore_o mark_v but_o if_o not_o whether_o god_n will_v deliver_v we_o or_o no_o yet_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o thou_o o_o king_n that_o we_o will_v not_o serve_v thy_o god_n nor_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v up_o here_o be_v a_o admirable_a spirit_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n full_a of_o confidence_n and_o resolution_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v if_o it_o be_v so_o o_o king_n do_v thy_o worst_a we_o matter_n it_o not_o our_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o and_o he_o will_v deliver_v we_o from_o thy_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n o_o king_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o answer_v thou_o in_o the_o business_n and_o further_o we_o testify_v unto_o thou_o o_o king_n that_o whether_o he_o will_v deliver_v we_o or_o not_o deliver_v we_o whether_o we_o burn_v or_o not_o burn_v come_v life_n or_o come_v death_n yet_o we_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o know_v o_o king_n that_o we_o will_v not_o serve_v thy_o god_n nor_o we_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v up_o oh_o therefore_o now_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o bear_v upon_o our_o heart_n the_o example_n of_o these_o three_o famous_a child_n or_o rather_o champion_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n that_o we_o may_v through_o their_o example_n be_v provoke_v and_o encourage_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o name_n and_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n even_o in_o the_o worst_a condition_n that_o may_v befall_v we_o that_o so_o be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n we_o may_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o sit_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o kingdom_n another_o example_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o our_o consideration_n and_o encouragement_n be_v concern_v paul_n in_o act_n 21.13_o which_o indeed_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n and_o practice_n paul_n it_o seem_v have_v some_o work_n to_o do_v for_o god_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v much_o press_v in_o spirit_n to_o go_v and_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n there_o but_o it_o seem_v before_o he_o go_v he_o be_v foretell_v in_o a_o figure_n how_o he_o shall_v suffer_v when_o he_o come_v there_o and_o how_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o persecutor_n for_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a prophet_n name_v agabus_n come_v down_o from_o judea_n and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v among_o the_o disciple_n he_o take_v paul_n girdle_n and_o bind_v his_o own_o hand_n and_o foot_n with_o it_o and_o prophesy_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o so_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n shall_v bind_v the_o man_n that_o owe_v that_o girdle_n and_o shall_v deliver_v he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o when_o the_o disciple_n hear_v that_o they_o begin_v to_o persuade_v he_o and_o earnest_o entreat_v he_o not_o to_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o lay_v before_o he_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o suffering_n think_v to_o prevent_v he_o of_o his_o journey_n well_o but_o what_o do_v paul_n do_v in_o this_o case_n do_v he_o neglect_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o avoid_v his_o suffering_n do_v he_o forbear_v to_o go_v because_o of_o danger_n no_o it_o be_v almost_o death_n to_o he_o to_o think_v of_o forbear_v and_o leave_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n undo_v at_o
thing_n except_o we_o ourselves_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o and_o can_v call_v they_o we_o it_o will_v do_v we_o little_a good_a to_o hear_v of_o the_o saint_n happiness_n if_o we_o ourselves_o be_v miserable_a therefore_o i_o say_v let_v we_o take_v heed_n and_o diligent_o examine_v how_o it_o be_v with_o we_o lest_o any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o defile_v we_o and_o make_v we_o unfit_a for_o this_o glorious_a kingdom_n for_o no_o unclean_a thing_n nor_o no_o unrighteous_a person_n shall_v ever_o inherit_v this_o heavenly_a kingdom_n there_o be_v none_o shall_v be_v bless_v with_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o such_o as_o have_v clean_a hand_n and_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o be_v cleanse_v from_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n there_o be_v none_o shall_v receive_v the_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v move_v but_o such_o as_o serve_v god_n acceptable_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n there_o be_v none_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o heavenly_a habitation_n but_o such_o as_o be_v humble_a and_o upright_o in_o conversation_n there_o be_v none_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o heaven_n but_o such_o as_o be_v holy_a and_o heavenly_a mind_a on_o earth_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n but_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n therefore_o let_v we_o not_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o vain_a fancy_n nor_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o a_o bare_a profession_n of_o godliness_n nor_o proclaim_v peace_n and_o safety_n to_o ourselves_o with_o sin_n in_o our_o bosom_n for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v be_v deceive_v and_o undo_v for_o ever_o for_o god_n can_v be_v mock_v but_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o he_o shall_v also_o reap_v and_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o yield_v obedience_n therefore_o say_v christ_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mark_v not_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v his_o name_n and_o call_v he_o lord_n but_o he_o that_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o walk_n with_o god_n as_o well_o as_o a_o talk_n of_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o a_o speak_v the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v our_o lord_n but_o we_o must_v make_v it_o appear_v by_o our_o action_n and_o by_o our_o obedient_a conversation_n that_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o he_o rule_v and_o reign_v in_o our_o soul_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o that_o can_v call_v jesus_n christ_n lord_n lord_n with_o their_o tongue_n and_o yet_o work_v iniquity_n with_o their_o hand_n and_o intend_v mischief_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o alas_o such_o shall_v never_o find_v acquaintance_n with_o god_n at_o the_o last_o day_n nor_o never_o be_v entertain_v nor_o receive_v into_o this_o heavenly_a kingdom_n for_o every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n must_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o abhor_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a or_o else_o they_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v deny_v by_o christ_n and_o to_o depart_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n as_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o all_o their_o profession_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v they_o any_o good_a as_o it_o will_v rather_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o and_o condemn_v they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o examine_v serious_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o we_o and_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a by_o a_o humble_a walk_n with_o god_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a persevere_v in_o the_o pure_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n lest_o we_o shall_v deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o miss_v of_o his_o glorious_a reward_n in_o this_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o if_o upon_o examination_n we_o find_v ourselves_o to_o be_v in_o god_n way_n stand_v upon_o a_o sure_a foundation_n than_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n at_o this_o heavenly_a fountain_n and_o so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v faithful_a to_o god_n in_o purity_n of_o soul_n we_o may_v challenge_v a_o interest_n in_o this_o heavenly_a portion_n and_o call_v the_o kingdom_n and_o all_o its_o glory_n we_o and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o to_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o continue_v and_o persevere_v in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o this_o heavenly_a kingdom_n but_o now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o intermix_v a_o word_n of_o caution_n into_o this_o use_n of_o examination_n and_o that_o be_v this_o if_o upon_o right_a examination_n we_o find_v that_o we_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o this_o glorious_a kingdom_n then_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o turn_v aside_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o travel_v again_o in_o the_o path_n of_o iniquity_n and_o so_o lose_v our_o interest_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o once_o we_o have_v a_o right_a unto_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o beguile_v we_o with_o his_o golden_a bait_n of_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n and_o so_o rob_v we_o of_o our_o heavenly_a portion_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o fell_v our_o heavenly_a birthright_n for_o a_o little_a worldly_a pottage_n nor_o change_v our_o heavenly_a kingdom_n for_o a_o little_a earthly_a profit_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n i_o say_v let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o these_o thing_n lest_o there_o shall_v spring_v up_o some_o root_n of_o bitterness_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n and_o grieve_v his_o holy_a spirit_n with_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o give_v he_o occasion_n to_o swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o this_o heavenly_a rest_n for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o that_o begin_v well_o but_o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v not_o every_o one_o that_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n for_o a_o little_a season_n and_o so_o leave_v he_o that_o shall_v receive_v the_o reward_n but_o he_o that_o continue_v and_o abide_v faithful_a unto_o death_n shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o that_o begin_v to_o fight_v well_o that_o shall_v obtain_v the_o prize_n but_o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n therefore_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o grow_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v and_o so_o faint_a before_o we_o reap_v neither_o let_v we_o give_v place_n to_o the_o devil_n lest_o he_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o eternal_a harvest_n and_o plunder_v we_o of_o our_o heavenly_a treasure_n but_o let_v we_o continue_v and_o persevere_v all_o our_o day_n in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o never_o turn_v again_o unto_o folly_n for_o alas_o we_o have_v better_o never_o begin_v well_o except_o we_o continue_v so_o and_o end_v well_o for_o if_o after_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v than_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o our_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o never_o to_o have_v know_a the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o we_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o we_o 2_o pet._n 2.20_o 21._o therefore_o now_o let_v we_o take_v our_o last_o leave_n of_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o whole_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o our_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v we_o to_o a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n so_o let_v we_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o be_v no_o more_o in_o love_n with_o the_o beggarly_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o let_v we_o always_o be_v find_v act_v suitable_a to_o our_o profession_n and_o walk_v in_o such_o way_n as_o become_v those_o that_o be_v heir_n of_o a_o glorious_a kingdom_n confess_v that_o we_o be_v but_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n here_o on_o earth_n have_v our_o affection_n estrange_v from_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n that_o we_o may_v declare_v plain_o that_o here_o we_o have_v no_o continue_a