god_n have_v make_v a_o inseparable_a connexion_n betwixt_o faith_n in_o the_o mediator_n in_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n this_o indeed_o can_v be_v without_o obedience_n but_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v two_o thing_n and_o must_v neither_o be_v separate_v nor_o confound_v 7._o last_o what_o love_n have_v we_o to_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n how_o christ_n second_o appearance_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o wherein_o our_o love_n to_o it_o be_v discernible_a i_o have_v already_o open_v four_o this_o notion_n afford_v a_o great_a deal_n use_v 4_o of_o consolation_n to_o every_o good_a christian_a and_o that_o in_o two_o case_n 1._o concern_v all_o the_o labour_n &_o difficulty_n &_o pressure_n of_o this_o life_n the_o good_a christian_n you_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o text_n he_o be_v one_o who_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n who_o not_o only_o run_v but_o finish_v his_o course_n who_o not_o only_o receive_v but_o keep_v the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n the_o labour_n of_o such_o person_n their_o difficulty_n their_o pressure_n be_v usual_o not_o a_o few_o not_o light_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o such_o but_o a_o crown_n a_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n will_v compensate_a let_v they_o therefore_o keep_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n jacob_n prospect_n of_o a_o rachel_n make_v his_o fourteen_o year_n hard_a service_n seem_v to_o he_o but_o as_o a_o few_o day_n what_o shall_v the_o prospect_n of_o this_o mighty_a reward_n this_o glorious_a crown_n do_v the_o apostle_n have_v his_o thought_n upon_o the_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n call_v the_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n light_n and_o momentany_a let_v this_o crown_n promise_v in_o the_o text_n alleviate_v all_o our_o trouble_n if_o we_o suffer_v from_o god_n or_o for_o god_n how_o little_o must_v it_o be_v to_o he_o that_o consider_v he_o shall_v also_o be_v glorify_v with_o christ_n second_o it_o relieve_v we_o against_o all_o our_o doubt_n and_o fear_n about_o our_o eternal_a state_n the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o pious_a affection_n and_o action_n not_o to_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n a_o man_n may_v love_v both_o the_o first_o and_o second_o appearance_n of_o christ_n he_o may_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n finish_v his_o course_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o yet_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o see_v no_o light_n but_o be_v trouble_v with_o his_o own_o dark_a and_o melancholic_a thought_n molest_v with_o satan_n temptation_n want_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o his_o spirit_n the_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v to_o those_o who_o here_o enjoy_v much_o of_o god_n but_o to_o those_o who_o love_n god_n to_o those_o who_o do_v and_o suffer_v much_o for_o god_n we_o have_v therefore_o to_o uphold_v our_o hope_n nothing_o to_o inquire_v upon_o but_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o then_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v use_v 5_o five_o let_v this_o engage_v we_o all_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o text_n let_v other_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o bad_a fight_n of_o the_o world_n let_v they_o if_o they_o will_v be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n against_o his_o truth_n way_n ordinance_n people_n his_o interest_n and_o whole_a concern_v in_o the_o world_n let_v other_o be_v finish_v their_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n till_o their_o sin_n be_v finish_v shall_v bring_v forth_o death_n let_v other_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o feud_n and_o quarrel_n of_o the_o world_n this_o sir_n be_v not_o your_o fight_n this_o be_v not_o the_o good_a fight_n this_o be_v not_o your_o course_n it_o be_v not_o that_o for_o which_o god_n send_v you_o into_o the_o world_n for_o not_o the_o work_n which_o he_o have_v give_v you_o to_o do_v let_v other_o who_o have_v begin_v well_o in_o all_o appearance_n be_v weary_a &_o faint_a &_o turn_v back_o with_o the_o dog_n to_o the_o vomit_n &_o the_o swine_n to_o the_o wallow_v again_o in_o the_o mire_n remember_v you_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v you_o shall_v reap_v if_o you_o faint_v not_o 1._o let_v i_o speak_v first_o to_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n to_o god_n and_o hold_v up_o this_o crown_n this_o glorious_a crown_n to_o reasonable_a soul_n while_o i_o sound_v a_o retreat_n to_o they_o from_o that_o bad_a fight_n wherein_o they_o be_v engage_v do_v ever_o any_o man_n fight_n against_o god_n and_o prosper_v how_o happy_a may_v you_o be_v if_o you_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o understand_v your_o true_a enemy_n and_o to_o engage_v against_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n if_o you_o that_o be_v fight_v for_o your_o lust_n and_o for_o the_o devil_n will_v turn_v and_o fight_v against_o those_o lust_n which_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n will_v all_o the_o victory_n which_o you_o can_v get_v over_o the_o people_n and_o and_o interest_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n or_o over_o your_o brethren_n bring_v you_o to_o this_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n will_v your_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o out_o run_v of_o other_o in_o worldly_a business_n and_o concern_v think_v you_o bring_v you_o to_o it_o if_o not_o cease_v that_o race_n and_o turn_v into_o the_o right_a path_n as_o of_o god_n commandment_n run_v that_o race_n the_o win_n of_o which_o will_v bring_v you_o to_o this_o prize_n why_o shall_v you_o spend_v your_o strength_n for_o nought_o and_o your_o time_n for_o that_o which_o will_v not_o profit_v you_o in_o your_o latter_a end_n 2._o let_v what_o you_o have_v hear_v engage_v you_o who_o have_v begin_v well_o to_o go_v on_o if_o the_o righteous_a man_n forsake_v his_o righteousness_n &_o commit_v iniquity_n his_o righteousness_n shall_v never_o be_v remember_v but_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o the_o iniquity_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v o_o let_v not_o your_o hand_n be_v weary_a with_o hold_v up_o the_o spiritual_a weapon_n nor_o your_o foot_n be_v weary_a of_o run_v the_o spiritual_a race_n &_o do_v not_o forget_v your_o particular_a course_n you_o can_v hardly_o be_v good_a christian_n if_o you_o in_o some_o tolerable_a measure_n answer_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o your_o particular_a relation_n god_n have_v set_v all_o of_o we_o in_o some_o particular_a relation_n or_o other_o scarce_o any_o among_o we_o but_o have_v more_o than_o the_o charge_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n upon_o we_o some_o of_o we_o be_v set_v in_o conjugal_a relation_n some_o in_o parental_a relation_n some_o in_o a_o despotic_a relation_n as_o governor_n of_o servant_n o_o let_v we_o be_v all_o able_a to_o say_v as_o to_o these_o we_o have_v finish_v our_o course_n we_o have_v do_v the_o work_n which_o as_o to_o they_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o do_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o hard_a matter_n cheerful_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o day_n of_o our_o departure_n as_o at_o hand_n or_o to_o love_n or_o cheerful_o think_v upon_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n till_o this_o be_v do_v use_v 6._o in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o notion_n afford_v we_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o consolation_n to_o those_o who_o be_v mourner_n for_o their_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n and_o be_v not_o mourner_n without_o hope_n i_o must_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o mourner_n to_o who_o something_o may_v be_v say_v to_o satisfy_v they_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o good_a and_o irresistible_a will_n of_o god_n and_o such_o other_o topic_n but_o little_a to_o comfort_v they_o concern_v those_o that_o be_v go_v but_o if_o any_o have_v lose_v a_o husband_n a_o wife_n a_o parent_n a_o child_n a_o friend_n of_o who_o they_o can_v judge_v that_o while_o they_o be_v alive_a they_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v their_o course_n and_o keep_v the_o faith_n and_o love_v the_o appearance_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o mourn_v there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o righteous_a lord_n have_v in_o part_n already_o set_v upon_o their_o head_n their_o soul_n be_v in_o abraham_n bosom_n and_o with_o which_o he_o will_v further_o encompass_v their_o head_n dignify_v both_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o that_o day_n that_o glorious_a day_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o which_o we_o live_v when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o a_o more_o particular_a discourse_n for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o i_o have_v this_o day_n turn_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o my_o discourse_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n providence_n to_o we_o in_o take_v from_o we_o a_o servant_n of_o he_o in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o have_v leave_v a_o widow_n without_o a_o husband_n
4._o the_o command_n of_o the_o superior_a do_v not_o excuse_v the_o inferior_a agent_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o persecution_n nor_o yet_o deprive_v the_o sufferer_n from_o the_o blessing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v persecute_v if_o a_o person_n be_v pursue_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n sake_n for_o do_v that_o which_o god_n oblige_v he_o to_o do_v the_o persecution_n be_v as_o well_o persecution_n in_o the_o inferior_a agent_n as_o in_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o more_o superior_a agent_n the_o jew_n accuse_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n they_o bring_v he_o before_o pilate_n pilate_n condemn_v he_o the_o jew_n nail_v he_o to_o the_o cross_n do_v not_o they_o who_o nail_v he_o to_o the_o cross_n persecute_v he_o paul_n be_v but_o a_o inferior_a agent_n against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 9_o act._n 9_o the_o letter_n be_v from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o chief_a priest_n of_o damascus_n the_o guilt_n lie_v in_o the_o act_n in_o the_o inflict_a of_o punishment_n upon_o such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v real_o free_v from_o punishment_n it_o be_v true_a he_o that_o command_v he_o that_o counsel_v and_o advise_v be_v not_o excuse_v but_o much_o less_o the_o next_o immediate_a actor_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o the_o law_n of_o man_n thus_o deal_v with_o offender_n nay_o when_o it_o excuse_v the_o principal_a agent_n it_o think_v it_o justice_n to_o punish_v severe_o the_o inferior_a minister_n for_o be_v there_o no_o minister_n in_o wickedness_n superior_n can_v do_v no_o hurt_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o think_v they_o be_v excuse_v because_o they_o be_v but_o minister_n and_o do_v but_o execute_v the_o will_n or_o sentence_n of_o other_o they_o be_v mistake_v paul_n hold_v the_o clothes_n when_o stephen_n be_v stone_v bring_v he_o into_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o death_n 5._o they_o be_v not_o only_o persecute_v who_o resist_v sin_n unto_o blood_n and_o choose_v death_n rather_o than_o sin_n but_o they_o who_o be_v revile_v and_o reproach_v our_o saviour_n you_o see_v put_v all_o together_o bless_v be_v you_o when_o you_o be_v revile_v and_o persecute_v and_o when_o they_o shall_v speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n of_o you_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n gal._n 4.29_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o story_n of_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n it_o be_v say_v ishmael_n mock_v he_o thus_o paul_n complain_v rom._n 8.39_o for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o all_o kind_n of_o suffer_v to_o avoid_v sin_n be_v persecution_n and_o those_o that_o make_v they_o to_o suffer_v be_v persecutor_n those_o that_o be_v sufferer_n be_v so_o persecute_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v degree_n both_o of_o this_o and_o of_o other_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o smite_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o tongue_n persecute_v as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o smite_v with_o a_o sword_n that_o be_v make_v of_o iron_n and_o he_o who_o be_v so_o smite_v be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n persecute_v as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o life_n be_v take_v from_o he_o now_o i_o say_v this_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n to_o suffer_v persecution_n to_o be_v pursue_v by_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a man_n both_o with_o their_o tongue_n revile_v they_o and_o with_o their_o hand_n endeavour_v to_o do_v they_o mischief_n either_o spoil_v they_o of_o their_o good_n or_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o life_n and_o that_o because_o they_o will_v not_o sin_v against_o god_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n how_o this_o do_v appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o also_o all_o ecclesiastical_a story_n take_v adam_n family_n immediate_o after_o the_o fall_n abel_n be_v persecute_v by_o cain_n indeed_o he_o do_v not_o suffer_v because_o he_o will_v not_o sin_v but_o because_o he_o be_v more_o righteous_a and_o have_v offer_v up_o a_o better_a sacrifice_n consider_v abraham_n family_n of_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v gal._n 4.29_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n act_n 7.52_o which_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o your_o father_n persecute_v but_o if_o you_o come_v unto_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o consider_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o that_o state_n you_o shall_v find_v it_o be_v persecute_v at_o all_o hand_n first_o by_o the_o jew_n then_o by_o the_o heathen_n then_o by_o false_a and_o pretend_a christian_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o example_n of_o stephen_n the_o proto-martyr_n and_o of_o christian_n ever_o since_o first_o by_o the_o jew_n of_o which_o you_o read_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n then_o by_o the_o heathen_n which_o persecution_n last_v 300_o hundred_o year_n till_o constantine_n the_o great_a then_o by_o false_a christian_n the_o papist_n and_o other_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n always_o persecute_v they_o who_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n it_o may_v therefore_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n rather_o to_o fathom_v the_o bottom_n of_o this_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o mark_n and_o but_o of_o the_o world_n envy_n reas_n 1._o the_o original_a cause_n must_v be_v fetch_v from_o that_o text_n gen._n 3.15_o where_o god_n say_v i_o will_v put_v enmity_n betwixt_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n that_o text_n give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o threefold_a antipathy_n or_o enmity_n which_o you_o find_v in_o the_o world_n 1._o you_o see_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a antipathy_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o a_o serpent_n though_o we_o have_v little_a experience_n of_o it_o in_o england_n in_o egypt_n and_o africa_n they_o be_v mortal_a enemy_n unto_o man_n and_o though_o we_o have_v no_o such_o exceed_o mischievous_a serpent_n yet_o we_o see_v man_n general_o averse_a to_o they_o and_o shun_v they_o and_o seek_v to_o destroy_v they_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o antipathy_n betwixt_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o you_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o destroyer_n though_o man_n serve_v he_o yet_o he_o destroy_v they_o witch_n be_v the_o worst_a of_o people_n they_o be_v his_o slave_n he_o be_v their_o ruin_n and_o destroyer_n at_o last_o and_o for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n he_o be_v continual_o molest_v they_o here_o be_v the_o reason_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o antipathy_n betwixt_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n who_o be_v the_o woman_n seed_n but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o wicked_a man_n you_o be_v of_o your_o father_n the_o devil_n say_v christ_n john_n 8.44_o for_o his_o work_n you_o do_v but_o although_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o more_o remote_a cause_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o proximate_n and_o immediate_a cause_n and_o some_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o 2._o the_o next_o cause_n be_v that_o innate_a hatred_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o every_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n rom._n 1.30_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o heathen_a that_o they_o be_v backbiter_n hater_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o fall_n when_o man_n lose_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o which_o he_o be_v create_v no_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a love_n for_o god_n or_o for_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o they_o say_v of_o the_o basilisk_n that_o it_o have_v such_o a_o hatred_n to_o a_o man_n that_o it_o will_v fly_v upon_o the_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n so_o it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n by_o nature_n be_v basilisk_n they_o fly_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n where_o ever_o they_o see_v it_o now_o persecution_n be_v but_o the_o daughter_n of_o hatred_n and_o though_o every_o one_o have_v not_o the_o like_a rough_a and_o harsh_a nature_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o furious_a as_o some_o man_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o no_o man_n natural_o love_v yea_o every_o man_n natural_o hate_v god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n hence_o the_o more_o any_o one_o have_v of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o soul_n the_o more_o he_o be_v the_o object_n of_o hatred_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o hatred_n lie_v in_o
when_o israel_n must_v die_v do_v our_o prophet_n live_v for_o ever_o and_o it_o please_v god_n to_o give_v some_o of_o his_o people_n notice_n of_o this_o time_n paul_n time_n be_v now_o come_v he_o tell_v timothy_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a be_v i_o be_o now_o already_o offer_v paul_n be_v ready_a as_o that_o term_n in_o our_o language_n signify_v prepare_v but_o the_o greek_a word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o rather_o signify_v already_o than_o prepare_v into_o which_o sense_n it_o can_v be_v interpret_v the_o next_o word_n interpret_v it_o the_o time_n of_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n nor_o certain_o do_v the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o mere_o upon_o the_o prospect_n that_o all_o christian_a prisoner_n especial_o teacher_n among_o they_o may_v reasonable_o have_v of_o their_o fate_n under_o such_o a_o pagan_a tyrant_n and_o butcher_n as_o nero_n under_o who_o government_n and_o power_n he_o be_v at_o this_o time_n be_v but_o upon_o some_o more_o special_a and_o particular_a notice_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o that_o his_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n he_o speak_v of_o it_o without_o tremble_a and_o faith_n not_o to_o death_n though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v violent_a have_v thou_o find_v i_o o_o my_o enemy_n but_o with_o confidence_n &_o cheerfulness_n he_o entertain_v the_o thought_n and_o prospect_n of_o it_o this_o text_n tell_v you_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o cheerfulness_n 1._o his_o work_n be_v do_v 2._o he_o have_v wage_n to_o take_v the_o first_o he_o open_v by_o 3_o phrase_n 1._o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o excellent_a fight_n as_o beza_n well_o translate_v it_o 2._o i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n 3._o i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n 2._o he_o have_v wage_n to_o take_v which_o he_o can_v not_o receive_v upon_o earth_n and_o now_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v only_o turn_v the_o text_n into_o a_o proposition_n conclude_v from_o paul_n work_n and_o confidence_n the_o duty_n of_o all_o prop._n those_o who_o will_v at_o death_n have_v the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o and_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v one_o day_n give_v out_o unto_o some_o person_n must_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n finish_v their_o course_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o love_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o those_o who_o do_v these_o thing_n may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o which_o the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v give_v out_o to_o they_o here_o be_v two_o proposition_n put_v together_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o and_o will_v one_o day_n give_v out_o as_o a_o righteous_a judge_n to_o some_o among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 2._o that_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v out_o to_o such_o and_o such_o only_a as_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n finish_v their_o course_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o love_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v discourse_v they_o several_o then_o apply_v they_o together_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o and_o god_n as_o a_o righteous_a judge_n will_v one_o day_n give_v out_o to_o some_o among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 1._o that_o this_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n be_v out_o of_o doubt_n the_o bless_a state_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v set_v out_o in_o scripture_n unto_o we_o under_o a_o variety_n of_o metaphor_n import_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n there_o and_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sometime_o set_v out_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o feast_n 5.4_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o a_o banquet_n sometime_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o see_v god_n 1.12_o 〈◊〉_d 1.12_o sometime_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o inheritance_n immortal_a incorruptible_a etc._n etc._n sometime_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o kingdom_n a_o crown_n sometime_o under_o notion_n of_o profit_n the_o riches_n of_o glory_n sometime_o under_o notion_n of_o pleasure_n here_o it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n so_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n jam._n 1.12_o but_o 1._o why_o a_o crown_n 2._o why_o be_v it_o call_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 3._o how_o be_v it_o lay_v up_o 4._o how_o do_v or_o shall_v god_n show_v himself_o a_o righteous_a judge_n in_o give_v it_o out_o 1._o possible_o it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o combatant_n in_o the_o roman_a game_n in_o which_o the_o victor_n have_v not_o only_a prize_n for_o which_o they_o run_v but_o also_o crown_n of_o bay_n or_o laurel_n or_o some_o green_a thing_n if_o a_o man_n strive_v for_o mastery_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 2.5_o he_o be_v not_o crown_v except_o he_o strive_v lawful_o as_o the_o conqueror_n be_v enrich_v with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o prize_n for_o which_o they_o run_v or_o wrestle_v or_o fight_v so_o they_o be_v honour_v with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o crown_n which_o be_v set_v on_o their_o head_n and_o thus_o it_o let_v we_o know_v 1._o that_o heaven_n will_v be_v a_o place_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o dignity_n 2._o that_o those_o who_o obtain_v it_o must_v strive_v fight_n wrestle_z and_o that_o lawful_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v yea_o and_o they_o must_v conquer_v none_o but_o the_o conqueror_n in_o those_o game_n be_v crown_v the_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n as_o a_o crown_n aught_o to_o mind_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n to_o strive_v and_o fight_v it_o be_v not_o compare_v to_o a_o ordinary_a king_n crown_n which_o it_o may_v be_v come_v to_o he_o by_o election_n or_o inheritance_n but_o a_o combatant_n crown_n which_o be_v never_o put_v on_o his_o head_n till_o he_o be_v declare_v victor_n 2._o second_o this_o notion_n be_v expressive_a of_o the_o high_a reward_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n a_o crown_n be_v the_o high_a dignity_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v also_o a_o kingdom_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o thus_o the_o metaphor_n be_v use_v i_o be_o 5.16_o the_o crown_n be_v fall_v from_o our_o head_n that_o be_v we_o have_v lose_v our_o great_a honour_n and_o dignity_n such_o shall_v be_v the_o honour_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v only_o a_o penny_n a_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o crown_n the_o high_a and_o great_a reward_n such_o a_o one_o as_o no_o eye_n have_v see_v no_o ear_n have_v hear_v neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v we_o can_v fancy_v no_o high_a honour_n and_o dignity_n than_o that_o of_o a_o crown_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v express_v by_o that_o but_o it_o will_v be_v no_o ordinary_a crown_n but_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n 3._o possible_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o express_v to_o signify_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o saint_n happiness_n in_o heaven_n the_o figure_n of_o a_o crown_n let_v you_o know_v that_o it_o incompass_v the_o whole_a head_n not_o a_o part_n of_o it_o only_o 16.11_o psa_fw-la 16.11_o at_o thy_o right_a hand_n say_v the_o psalmist_n there_o be_v pleasure_n and_o a_o fullness_n of_o pleasure_n and_o that_o for_o evermore_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n shall_v encompass_v they_o as_o a_o crown_n do_v the_o head_n god_n in_o this_o life_n incompass_v his_o people_n with_o favour_n as_o a_o shield_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v he_o will_v encompass_v they_o with_o glory_n as_o with_o a_o crown_n in_o this_o life_n we_o have_v our_o good_a thing_n but_o in_o part_n nemo_fw-la est_fw-la ex_fw-la omni_fw-la parte_fw-la beatus_fw-la there_o be_v scarce_o any_o to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v every_o way_n happy_a one_o have_v a_o head_n at_o ease_n but_o a_o ache_a heart_n another_o have_v a_o heart_n at_o ease_n but_o a_o ache_a head_n but_o in_o heaven_n the_o saint_n shall_v be_v crown_v perfect_o happy_a on_o all_o side_n bless_v 2._o qu._n but_o why_o be_v this_o call_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n not_o only_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n but_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 1._o i_o answer_v not_o because_o it_o be_v the_o merit_n of_o our_o righteousness_n our_o righteousness_n be_v all_o a_o rag_n a_o filthy_a rag._n the_o next_o word_n be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o
magistrate_n and_o power_n take_v no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o thing_n you_o shall_v answer_v or_o what_o you_o shall_v say_v for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v teach_v you_o in_o that_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o ought_v to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o promise_n that_o some_o have_v apply_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o duty_n as_o prayer_n preach_v etc._n etc._n and_o it_o may_v be_v there_o have_v be_v but_o a_o ill_a use_n make_v of_o that_o promise_n the_o promise_n in_o the_o first_o place_n manifest_o relate_v to_o a_o time_n of_o testimony_n i_o do_v not_o say_v but_o there_o be_v a_o dabitur_fw-la in_o hora_fw-la which_o those_o who_o be_v much_o with_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o which_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d experience_n but_o that_o promise_n respectâ—â—â—_n not_o that_o so_o much_o as_o it_o respect_v man_n in_o confession_n and_o their_o testimony_n for_o christ_n in_o give_v our_o testimony_n for_o christ_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v assist_v word_n shall_v be_v give_v we_o in_o that_o hour_n and_o courage_n and_o strength_n shall_v be_v give_v we_o in_o that_o hour_n you_o shall_v not_o give_v a_o testimony_n for_o the_o gospel_n you_o shall_v not_o suffer_v affliction_n for_o the_o gospel_n in_o your_o own_o strength_n it_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v teach_v you_o what_o to_o say_v and_o what_o to_o do_v and_o you_o shall_v experience_n that_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v and_o act_v but_o the_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o what_o you_o do_v in_o this_o case_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n you_o shall_v not_o spend_v mere_o upon_o your_o own_o stock_n you_o shall_v spend_v upon_o christ_n stock_n when_o you_o be_v upon_o christ_n service_n you_o shall_v spend_v upon_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o there_o have_v be_v many_o experience_n of_o those_o that_o can_v never_o find_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n so_o strong_a in_o the_o consolation_n of_o their_o spirit_n as_o in_o that_o hour_n be_v not_o therefore_o ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o your_o lord_n for_o not_o only_o the_o thing_n which_o you_o testify_v be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o your_o action_n in_o testify_v the_o testimony_n which_o you_o give_v shall_v be_v from_o the_o lord_n the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v in_o you_o so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n it_o be_v a_o stand_v up_o for_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v use_v your_o tongue_n and_o your_o hand_n 2._o another_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v be_v frâ—â—_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o which_o you_o testify_v and_o the_o person_n for_o who_o you_o testify_v you_o testify_v for_o the_o truth_n which_o bring_v eternal_a salvation_n you_o testify_v for_o he_o who_o have_v call_v you_o with_o a_o holy_a call_n and_o he_o have_v do_v this_o free_o not_o according_a to_o your_o work_n but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o grace_n for_o he_o who_o have_v abolish_v death_n and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o every_o one_o be_v a_o debtor_n unto_o truth_n there_o be_v such_o a_o cognation_n betwixt_o a_o rational_a soul_n and_o truth_n that_o every_o rational_a soul_n be_v a_o debtor_n to_o truth_n he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o own_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o own_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o another_o and_o i_o tell_v you_o by_o how_o much_o a_o truth_n be_v of_o high_a importance_n to_o our_o or_o another_o interest_n by_o so_o much_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n be_v a_o great_a debtor_n a_o man_n be_v a_o debtor_n to_o the_o truth_n when_o it_o concern_v but_o his_o honour_n and_o reputation_n and_o when_o it_o concern_v his_o estate_n but_o much_o more_o when_o it_o concern_v life_n and_o so_o when_o it_o be_v for_o his_o brother_n by_o how_o much_o his_o brother_n be_v more_o concern_v by_o so_o much_o he_o be_v more_o oblige_v and_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o truth_n raise_v his_o obligation_n so_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o person_n increase_v it_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o neighbour_n much_o more_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brother_n and_o high_a yet_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o father_n or_o mother_n that_o beget_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o forth_o but_o yet_o his_o obligation_n rise_v high_o when_o it_o be_v for_o his_o saviour_n for_o he_o who_o have_v do_v he_o the_o great_a kindness_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v without_o which_o he_o have_v better_o never_o have_v be_v bear_v such_o be_v the_o testimony_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v unto_o christ_n the_o truth_n be_v of_o high_a import_n the_o person_n be_v of_o the_o high_a concern_v oh_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o your_o salvation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n you_o testify_v for_o christ_n who_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n before_o pilate_n who_o have_v do_v more_o for_o you_o than_o all_o the_o friend_n you_o ever_o have_v in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v for_o he_o who_o have_v call_v you_o with_o a_o holy_a call_n this_o be_v another_o argument_n to_o enforce_v this_o exhortation_n the_o consideration_n for_o who_o and_o for_o what_o this_o testimony_n be_v give_v 3._o another_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n bring_v here_o to_o persuade_v timothy_n not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o testimony_n be_v his_o own_o example_n v._o 12._o for_o the_o which_o cause_n i_o also_o suffer_v these_o thing_n nevertheless_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a the_o apostle_n say_v god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n and_o he_o say_v of_o christ_n heb._n 2.11_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v we_o brethnen_a shall_v we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o testify_v his_o truth_n shall_v we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o name_n of_o his_o witness_n and_o observe_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a for_o i_o know_v in_o who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o 4._o let_v i_o use_v one_o argument_n further_o with_o you_o bless_v be_v god_n we_o yet_o can_v say_v as_o heb._n 12.4_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o resist_v unto_o blood_n strive_v against_o sin_n there_o be_v divers_a argument_n in_o that_o text_n to_o make_v a_o christian_a valiant_a in_o his_o spiritual_a fight_n 1._o that_o a_o christian_n fight_n be_v against_o sin_n 2._o that_o in_o this_o fight_n of_o christian_n against_o sin_n we_o ought_v if_o call_v to_o it_o to_o resist_v unto_o blood_n 3._o by_o how_o much_o the_o lesser_a the_o trial_n be_v that_o god_n call_v to_o we_o to_o undergo_v by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a obligation_n be_v upon_o we_o to_o endure_v it_o all_o a_o christian_n fight_n and_o strive_v be_v against_o sin_n he_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v against_o sin_n to_o prevent_v the_o come_n in_o of_o damnable_a error_n which_o will_v sink_v the_o soul_n of_o people_n into_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n he_o give_v a_o testimony_n for_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v to_o keep_v out_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n he_o give_v a_o testimony_n for_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v also_o against_o sin_n against_o those_o that_o say_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o rule_v over_o they_o or_o other_o but_o we_o will_v rule_v over_o you_o all_o our_o fight_n all_o the_o resistance_n that_o we_o make_v be_v against_o sin_n now_o the_o fight_n against_o sin_n be_v so_o noble_a a_o fight_n that_o every_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o resist_v unto_o blood_n rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n or_o to_o suffer_v sin_n to_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n but_o now_o when_o god_n do_v not_o call_v we_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n but_o only_o to_o bear_v a_o low_a testimony_n there_o our_o obligation_n rise_v much_o high_a if_o god_n have_v call_v we_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n shall_v we_o not_o do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o the_o lord_n only_o call_v we_o to_o give_v a_o testimony_n st._n john_n rev._n 6.9_o see_v they_o under_o the_o altar_n that_o be_v slay_v for_o the_o testimony_n that_o they_o