and_o blood_n and_o the_o gate_n that_o must_v admit_v he_o into_o those_o mansion_n of_o glory_n be_v exceed_v straight_o and_o he_o must_v strive_v hard_a if_o he_o will_v enter_v in_o at_o it_o thus_o you_o see_v in_o general_a that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v scarce_o be_v save_v that_o be_v it_o shall_v cost_v he_o much_o labour_n and_o sweat_v and_o pain_n to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n and_o through_o much_o tribulation_n through_o many_o and_o great_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n through_o many_o amaze_a difficulty_n and_o affright_a danger_n he_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o receive_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o plain_o if_o we_o consider_v distinct_o these_o several_a difficulty_n which_o he_o have_v to_o encounter_v in_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o these_o be_v first_o his_o own_o natural_a corruption_n the_o best_a and_o holy_a of_o man_n our_o bless_a saviour_n only_o except_v who_o be_v sanctify_v from_o the_o womb_n be_v all_o conceive_a and_o bear_v in_o sin_n by_o one_o man_n say_v st._n paul_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v rom._n 5.12_o and_o this_o original_a sin_n as_o it_o be_v general_o style_v by_o divine_n which_o the_o righteous_a themselves_o even_o the_o best_a of_o god_n saint_n as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n with_o they_o derive_v it_o from_o adam_n by_o a_o wonderful_a but_o certain_a propagation_n be_v of_o a_o spread_a and_o infectious_a nature_n as_o dangerous_a and_o deadly_a to_o the_o soul_n if_o it_o be_v not_o careful_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v as_o leprosy_n to_o the_o body_n it_o be_v ever_o active_a and_o stir_a labour_a and_o struggle_v continual_o to_o get_v the_o mastery_n over_o the_o soul_n that_o so_o it_o may_v break_v out_o into_o open_a and_o actual_a transgression_n and_o too_o often_o it_o do_v so_o even_o in_o good_a man_n and_o prevail_v sometime_o over_o the_o most_o pious_a and_o devout_a christian_n this_o be_v that_o which_o move_v david_n to_o commit_v adultery_n and_o murder_n this_o be_v that_o which_o shake_v the_o constancy_n of_o peter_n and_o make_v he_o so_o timorous_o and_o base_o to_o deny_v his_o master_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o cause_v so_o many_o weakness_n and_o fail_n in_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o just_a man_n upon_o earth_n that_o do_v good_a and_o sin_n not_o but_o in_o every_o man_n there_o be_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o bring_v he_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o his_o member_n rom._n 7.23_o in_o every_o man_n as_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v gal._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o two_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o this_o intestine_a war_n within_o he_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v often_o time_n that_o he_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o will_v even_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v observe_v and_o complain_v of_o though_o they_o know_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o strange_a depravation_n of_o humane_a nature_n plato_n tell_v we_o that_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n wicked_a and_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o that_o the_o two_o great_a and_o principal_a disease_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ignorance_n and_o vice_n and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n tully_n observe_v that_o nature_n be_v to_o man_n a_o stepmother_n that_o bring_v he_o into_o the_o world_n with_o a_o naked_a body_n feeble_a and_o helpless_a and_o with_o a_o soul_n throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n sorrowful_a and_o distract_a with_o multiplicity_n of_o care_n and_o trouble_n torment_v with_o fear_n tire_v with_o labour_n and_o prone_a to_o lust_n wherein_o the_o divine_a light_n wit_n and_o good_a manner_n be_v as_o it_o be_v overwhelm_v and_o stifle_v this_o sad_a condition_n which_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o by_o nature_n i_o say_v the_o wise_a sort_n even_o among_o the_o heathen_a amid_o the_o gross_a darkness_n of_o paganism_n and_o idolatry_n have_v some_o little_a knowledge_n of_o though_o they_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a cause_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o make_v it_o their_o chief_a care_n and_o business_n by_o their_o learning_n and_o philosophy_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o power_n to_o correct_v and_o amend_v it_o but_o unto_o we_o christian_n god_n have_v unlock_v this_o secret_a and_o have_v full_o discover_v this_o great_a and_o hide_a mystery_n which_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o profound_a heathen_a philosopher_n be_v not_o able_a to_o search_v out_o in_o the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o have_v full_o explain_v unto_o we_o both_o the_o cause_n and_o danger_n and_o remedy_n of_o this_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o that_o sacred_a book_n we_o have_v it_o represent_v to_o we_o under_o divers_a name_n and_o character_n all_o of_o they_o foul_a and_o abominable_a like_o itself_o this_o be_v that_o which_o rom._n 7.17_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o because_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n it_o be_v become_v natural_a and_o hereditary_a to_o we_o and_o never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o in_o this_o world_n but_o abide_v continual_o in_o our_o flesh_n even_o unto_o death_n whence_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o be_v call_v the_o evil_a that_o be_v present_a with_o we_o and_o hebr._n 12.1_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o because_o it_o cleave_v to_o we_o so_o close_o and_o inseparable_o and_o with_o so_o much_o force_n and_o violence_n press_n and_o besiege_n all_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v very_o elegant_a and_o emphatical_a and_o but_o once_o use_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o that_o sin_n which_o do_v as_o it_o be_v hug_v and_o embrace_v we_o and_o be_v continual_o insinuate_v and_o wind_v itself_o like_o a_o serpent_n into_o our_o heart_n with_o a_o design_n to_o deceive_v and_o beguile_v we_o this_o be_v that_o which_o ver_fw-la 15._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n be_v call_v a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o to_o trouble_v we_o because_o it_o be_v ever_o plentiful_a in_o produce_v evil_a branch_n and_o corrupt_v and_o deadly_a fruit._n this_o be_v that_o which_o by_o st._n james_n be_v call_v the_o lust_n that_o war_n in_o our_o member_n james_n 4.1_o and_o by_o st._n peter_n the_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2.11_o st._n paul_n call_v it_o the_o old_a man_n and_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n rom._n 6_o 6._o and_o what_o the_o member_n of_o that_o body_n be_v he_o tell_v we_o coloss_n 3.5_o fornication_n uncleanness_n inordinate_a affection_n evil_a concupiscence_n and_o covetousness_n which_o be_v idolatry_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o first_o difficulty_n that_o the_o righteous_a man_n have_v to_o encounter_v within_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n which_o render_v that_o way_n so_o troublesome_a to_o he_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o courage_n and_o resolution_n he_o can_v walk_v in_o it_o without_o great_a pain_n and_o labour_n he_o carry_v a_o most_o unwelcome_a and_o heavy_a clog_n about_o he_o from_o which_o he_o can_v possible_o disengage_v himself_o which_o continual_o pull_v he_o back_o and_o hinder_v and_o retard_v his_o soul_n in_o its_o flight_n towards_o those_o glorious_a mansion_n of_o joy_n and_o happiness_n towards_o which_o it_o do_v so_o eager_o press_v forward_o and_o have_v he_o no_o other_o enemy_n but_o this_o one_o to_o vanquish_v even_o this_o alone_a may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o he_o shall_v scarce_o be_v save_v since_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o he_o never_o shall_v be_v save_v at_o all_o except_o he_o do_v overcome_v this_o first_o enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o most_o formidable_a one_o deceitful_a dalilab_n be_v worse_a to_o samson_n than_o all_o the_o philistine_n and_o this_o one_o innate_a intestine_a foe_n of_o we_o which_o lie_v continual_o in_o our_o bosom_n be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o we_o than_o either_o the_o world_n or_o the_o devil_n both_o which_o join_v their_o force_n together_o with_o this_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o destruction_n and_o can_v we_o as_o we_o have_v all_o solemn_o promise_v and_o engage_v to_o do_v in_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n renounce_v all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n
and_o incorruptible_a inheritance_n which_o our_o highpriest_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o in_o heaven_n thus_o i_o say_v if_o in_o this_o world_n god_n have_v bless_v we_o with_o wealth_n and_o honour_n the_o consideration_n of_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n will_v be_v a_o powerful_a mean_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o blessing_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v neither_o idolise_v our_o wealth_n with_o the_o covetous_a nor_o with_o the_o prodigal_a waste_n and_o consume_v it_o upon_o our_o lust_n but_o shall_v wise_o improve_v it_o to_o our_o best_a advantage_n so_o as_o to_o make_v to_o ourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n second_o on_o the_o contrary_a have_v god_n deal_v otherwise_o with_o we_o have_v he_o withhold_v these_o blessing_n from_o we_o be_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n very_o poor_a and_o mean_a so_o that_o we_o have_v not_o where-withal_a to_o help_v ourselves_o but_o be_v fain_o to_o be_v behold_v both_o for_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o our_o life_n to_o our_o rich_a neighbour_n the_o consideration_n of_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n will_v exceed_o comfort_v we_o and_o support_v our_o spirit_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o want_n and_o penury_n for_o how_o can_v we_o be_v trouble_v at_o our_o low_a fortune_n in_o this_o world_n when_o we_o remember_v that_o we_o have_v a_o highpriest_n in_o heaven_n that_o have_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o his_o hand_n ready_a to_o put_v on_o our_o head_n as_o soon_o as_o our_o earthly_a tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v nay_o more_o than_o this_o be_v our_o condition_n here_o yet_o worse_o be_v we_o not_o only_o poor_a and_o despicable_a but_o be_v we_o moreover_o persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n do_v the_o world_n frown_v upon_o we_o and_o rage_n against_o we_o with_o all_o its_o fury_n let_v we_o not_o be_v discourage_v for_o all_o this_o and_o we_o can_v be_v if_o we_o consider_v as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o verse_n after_o my_o text_n that_o in_o heaven_n we_o have_v not_o a_o highpriest_n which_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n he_o himself_o when_o he_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n be_v so_o poor_a that_o he_o have_v not_o a_o house_n wherein_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n he_o be_v all_o his_o life_n long_o a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n and_o be_v at_o the_o last_o most_o cruel_o and_o despiteful_o persecute_v even_o unto_o death_n and_o as_o he_o himself_o be_v for_o the_o suffering_n of_o death_n crown_v with_o glory_n and_o honour_n so_o have_v he_o promise_v the_o same_o reward_n to_o all_o those_o that_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 5.10_o how_o then_o can_v persecution_n seem_v grievous_a to_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o suffer_v for_o our_o highpriest_n who_o have_v suffer_v far_o great_a and_o bitter_a torment_n for_o we_o than_o we_o can_v do_v for_o he_o and_o who_o now_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n ready_a to_o make_v we_o a_o vast_a amends_o for_o our_o light_n and_o momentary_a affliction_n here_o by_o bestow_v upon_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n thus_o powerful_a be_v the_o meditation_n of_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o make_v we_o wary_a and_o cautious_a in_o prosperity_n and_o to_o strengthen_v and_o comfort_v we_o and_o to_o make_v we_o patient_a and_o courageous_a in_o adversity_n and_o to_o arm_n and_o fortify_v we_o both_o against_o the_o smile_n and_o frown_n of_o the_o world_n nay_o second_o when_o death_n itself_o approach_v near_o we_o when_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v ready_a to_o seize_v upon_o we_o the_o same_o meditation_n will_v make_v we_o bid_v that_o hour_n welcome_a when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v a_o highpriest_n in_o heaven_n that_o have_v swallow_v up_o death_n in_o victory_n so_o that_o to_o all_o true_a believer_n it_o be_v now_o but_o asleep_o the_o gate_n through_o which_o we_o must_v enter_v into_o eternal_a life_n again_o three_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o death_n and_o which_o be_v the_o very_a sting_n and_o poison_n of_o death_n itself_o be_v we_o at_o any_o time_n terrify_v and_o affright_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o any_o grievous_a sin_n into_o which_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o through_o our_o own_o lust_n we_o have_v fall_v be_v our_o soul_n smite_v into_o the_o place_n of_o dragon_n and_o bring_v down_o as_o it_o be_v even_o to_o hell_n with_o the_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o thereby_o we_o have_v just_o deserve_v let_v not_o the_o devil_n who_o in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v ever_o ready_a to_o do_v it_o persuade_v we_o to_o despair_n that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o mercy_n for_o we_o but_o that_o now_o god_n have_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o we_o for_o ever_o and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v no_o more_o entreat_v by_o we_o but_o let_v we_o say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o though_o we_o have_v sin_v yet_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o though_o we_o have_v sin_v yet_o we_o have_v a_o great_a highpriest_n that_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o let_v we_o not_o therefore_o despair_n but_o repent_v let_v we_o trust_v in_o the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o our_o highpriest_n come_v bold_o though_o humble_o and_o penitent_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o come_v we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v find_v both_o grace_n and_o mercy_n not_o one_o tear_n that_o proceed_v from_o godly_a sorrow_n shall_v drop_v to_o the_o ground_n not_o one_o penitential_a sigh_n shall_v be_v breathe_v in_o vain_a but_o our_o highpriest_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o present_v all_o our_o tear_n our_o sigh_n our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n before_o his_o father_n and_o never_o cease_v his_o intercession_n in_o our_o behalf_n until_o our_o pardon_n be_v seal_v in_o heaven_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o in_o whatsoever_o circumstance_n we_o be_v engage_v the_o meditation_n of_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n be_v ever_o extreme_o beneficial_a to_o our_o soul_n and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v so_o how_o shall_v it_o oblige_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o our_o profession_n how_o shall_v the_o thought_n of_o this_o as_o they_o be_v ever_o profitable_a so_o be_v ever_o welcome_a and_o dear_a unto_o we_o let_v we_o not_o then_o set_v up_o our_o staff_n on_o this_o side_n jordan_n let_v we_o not_o lie_v grovel_v upon_o earth_n nor_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v enamour_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o our_o thought_n but_o let_v we_o seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o here_o we_o be_v but_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o behave_v ourselves_o so_o as_o become_v sojourner_n use_v this_o world_n so_o as_o if_o we_o use_v it_o not_o know_v that_o our_o own_o native_a country_n where_o we_o expect_v our_o inheritance_n be_v afar_o off_o even_o in_o heaven_n whither_o our_o highpriest_n be_v pass_v before_o we_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o we_o oh_o then_o if_o we_o desire_v hereafter_o to_o ascend_v up_o thither_o after_o he_o that_o we_o may_v for_o ever_o be_v happy_a in_o his_o presence_n let_v we_o now_o hold_v fast_o our_o profession_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a at_o that_o great_a day_n to_o meet_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o air_n and_o to_o ascend_v up_o with_o he_o into_o heaven_n let_v we_o now_o purify_v ourselves_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o
gospel_n absolute_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o purchase_n make_v disow_v both_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o suffering_n as_o if_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v study_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o mankind_n and_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o most_o plain_o in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o have_v purchase_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n that_o we_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n and_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o and_o that_o not_o only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o full_a sufficient_a and_o satisfactory_a ransom_n yet_o all_o this_o while_n he_o mean_v quite_o otherwise_o than_o what_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o import_v and_o none_o but_o these_o few_o sagacious_a sophister_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o discover_v the_o divine_a fallacy_n how_o many_o thousand_o be_v there_o yet_o even_o among_o we_o christian_n who_o instead_o of_o glorify_v god_n in_o their_o body_n and_o in_o their_o spirit_n open_o dishonour_v he_o in_o both_o glory_n in_o their_o shame_n and_o by_o their_o wicked_a and_o profligate_v life_n crucify_v afresh_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o blaspheme_v that_o worthy_a name_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v last_o how_o many_o myriad_n how_o many_o million_o be_v there_o beside_o all_o these_o that_o yet_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o have_v have_v their_o understanding_n enlighten_v and_o their_o heart_n revive_v and_o awaken_v out_o of_o the_o deadly_a lethargy_n of_o pagan_a ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n by_o the_o benign_a and_o salutiferous_a influence_n of_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n who_o instead_o of_o glorify_v god_n give_v away_o his_o glory_n to_o his_o great_a enemy_n and_o do_v sacrifice_n unto_o the_o devil_n these_o be_v sad_a consideration_n that_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o love_n shall_v be_v receive_v with_o such_o prodigious_a scorn_n and_o ingratitude_n that_o so_o invaluable_a a_o price_n as_o god_n have_v give_v for_o we_o shall_v be_v pay_v in_o vain_a for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n that_o but_o a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a number_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o adam_n shall_v wash_v their_o robe_n and_o make_v they_o white_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o that_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n every_o way_n sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o they_o all_o who_o can_v reflect_v upon_o these_o thing_n without_o sorrow_n since_o then_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o we_o that_o most_o of_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o price_n by_o neglect_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o glorify_v god_n to_o which_o it_o have_v indispensable_o oblige_v we_o let_v we_o brief_o consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o encourage_v unto_o it_o upon_o these_o follow_a account_n first_o this_o duty_n of_o glorify_v god_n be_v exceed_o reasonable_a forasmuch_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a object_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o and_o for_o himself_o glorious_a and_o adorable_a it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o heraldry_n that_o the_o king_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n how_o much_o more_o than_o be_v that_o prerogative_n peculiar_a unto_o god_n by_o who_o king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v justice_n from_o who_o all_o honour_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v derive_v and_o unto_o who_o it_o return_v again_o and_o centre_n itself_o as_o the_o river_n in_o the_o ocean_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o moon_n shine_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o beauty_n we_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o its_o light_n be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o comfortable_a to_o behold_v but_o it_o diminish_v much_o from_o its_o excellency_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o its_o lustre_n be_v borrow_v and_o that_o shall_v the_o sun_n withhold_v its_o influence_n the_o other_o will_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o dark_a invisible_a globe_n so_o likewise_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o angel_n and_o archangel_n and_o all_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o heaven_n that_o excel_v in_o strength_n and_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o be_v creature_n beyond_o all_o our_o thought_n happy_a and_o glorious_a but_o when_o we_o consider_v further_o that_o as_o great_a and_o good_a and_o happy_a as_o they_o be_v yet_o still_o they_o be_v but_o creature_n and_o that_o all_o these_o rich_a endowment_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o owe_v to_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n from_o who_o alone_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n all_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n redound_v sole_o to_o the_o almighty_a creator_n who_o make_v his_o angel_n spirit_n and_o his_o minister_n a_o flame_a fire_n and_o to_o who_o sovereign_a will_n and_o uncontrollable_a power_n the_o high_a archangel_n be_v as_o subject_a and_o subservient_fw-fr as_o the_o most_o despicable_a insect_n that_o we_o trample_v under_o our_o foot_n since_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a object_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o and_o for_o himself_o glorious_a and_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o glory_n and_o honour_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n that_o do_v in_o any_o measure_n participate_v of_o it_o reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o and_o we_o need_v inquire_v no_o further_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o glorify_v he_o and_o that_o shall_v we_o do_v otherwise_o even_o the_o very_a stone_n under_o our_o foot_n may_v just_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o and_o condemn_v we_o second_o as_o god_n be_v the_o only_a object_n that_o be_v in_o and_o for_o himself_o glorious_a and_o that_o in_o a_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a manner_n so_o he_o create_v all_o thing_n at_o the_o first_o for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o require_v this_o homage_n to_o be_v pay_v he_o by_o every_o one_o of_o his_o creature_n in_o their_o respective_a capacity_n for_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n even_o for_o the_o great_a of_o they_o to_o love_v himself_o above_o all_o thing_n or_o to_o make_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o honour_n the_o end_n of_o his_o action_n be_v folly_n be_v injustice_n be_v sin_n be_v such_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a pride_n as_o cast_v the_o fall_v angel_n out_o of_o heaven_n and_o man_n out_o of_o paradise_n but_o for_o god_n to_o do_v thus_o be_v both_o wise_a and_o just_a see_v that_o wisdom_n and_o equity_n require_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o infinite_a perfection_n shall_v be_v the_o adequate_a object_n of_o infinite_a love_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o manifest_a piece_n of_o injustice_n of_o which_o god_n can_v never_o be_v capable_a for_o he_o to_o give_v that_o love_n or_o glory_n to_o another_o which_o be_v due_a to_o none_o else_o but_o himself_o alone_o and_o according_o he_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o never_o will_v do_v it_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o that_o be_v my_o name_n and_o my_o glory_n will_v i_o not_o give_v to_o another_o isa_n 42.8_o no_o he_o have_v reserve_v it_o whole_o to_o himself_o and_o for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o it_o he_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n so_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n confess_v rev._n 4.11_o thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n for_o thou_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o thy_o pleasure_n they_o be_v and_o be_v create_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o creator_n the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiwork_n say_v the_o psalmist_n ps_n 19.1_o be_fw-mi at_o consider_v the_o certain_a and_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o celestial_a body_n can_v choose_v but_o extol_v and_o magnify_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o that_o god_n that_o make_v they_o say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n praise_v you_o he_o sun_n and_o moon_n praise_v he_o all_o you_o star_n of_o light_n let_v they_o praise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v he_o have_v also_o establish_v they_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o he_o have_v make_v a_o decree_n which_o shall_v not_o pass_v neither_o be_v the_o heaven_n only_o create_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o the_o earth_n also_o declare_v the_o same_o and_o his_o wonder_n be_v see_v in_o the_o deep_a even_o the_o merciless_a and_o unruly_a sea_n obey_v the_o decree_n of_o he_o who_o have_v shut_v it_o up_o with_o door_n
a_o sinner_n though_o not_o so_o great_a a_o one_o that_o willing_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o one_o know_v sin_n as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o sell_v himself_o to_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commit_v all_o iniquity_n with_o greediness_n israel_n must_v fall_v before_o their_o enemy_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v a_o accurse_a thing_n among_o they_o and_o so_o long_o as_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o one_o sin_n our_o very_a prayer_n themselves_o will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n and_o now_o if_o it_o will_v profit_v a_o man_n nothing_o though_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n what_o a_o madness_n then_o be_v they_o guilty_a of_o who_o be_v otherwise_o well_o affect_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n forfeit_a heaven_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o but_o one_o predominant_a lust_n this_o be_v like_o esau_n to_o sell_v their_o birthright_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n like_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o lose_v the_o whole_a garden_n by_o the_o eat_n of_o but_o one_o forbid_a tree_n methinks_v when_o they_o have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o when_o they_o be_v advance_v so_o near_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n they_o may_v take_v one_o step_n more_o and_o enter_v in_o when_o they_o have_v mortify_v all_o their_o lust_n but_o one_o what_o a_o shameful_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o yield_v to_o that_o at_o the_o last_o and_o how_o dismal_a will_v their_o fall_n be_v who_o shall_v be_v cast_v down_o to_o hell_n from_o so_o fair_a a_o prospect_n of_o salvation_n but_o to_o leave_v these_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o though_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o righteousness_n than_o this_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o righteous_a which_o be_v here_o mean_v in_o my_o text._n for_o there_o be_v some_o man_n of_o so_o unprejudiced_a and_o unbiased_a understanding_n so_o quick_a sight_v that_o they_o can_v discover_v such_o a_o splendour_n and_o beauty_n in_o virtue_n and_o such_o a_o abominable_a filthiness_n and_o deformity_n in_o vice_n that_o the_o former_a be_v sweet_a to_o they_o than_o their_o life_n and_o death_n itself_o less_o dreadful_a than_o the_o latter_a neither_o art_n nor_o force_n neither_o flattery_n nor_o threat_n can_v divorce_v they_o from_o that_o sweet_a content_n and_o joy_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n or_o persuade_v they_o to_o ingulf_n themselves_o in_o that_o deplorable_a misery_n which_o torment_v those_o soul_n that_o be_v enslave_v to_o vice_n but_o they_o constant_o do_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n they_o see_v that_o the_o laughter_n of_o those_o fool_n who_o combine_v together_o to_o make_v a_o mock_n at_o sin_n proceed_v only_o from_o the_o tooth_n outward_a and_o be_v but_o like_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n they_o see_v all_o that_o madness_n that_o reign_v and_o rage_n in_o the_o world_n and_o they_o find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v have_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o virtue_n alone_o and_o therefore_o to_o that_o they_o steadfast_o cleave_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o part_v with_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o rather_o than_o to_o violate_v any_o of_o its_o law_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o though_o i_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o such_o person_n as_o these_o be_v burn_v and_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v not_o one_o qualification_n more_o to_o make_v they_o perfect_a they_o be_v not_o the_o righteous_a here_o mean_v in_o my_o text._n for_o such_o person_n as_o historian_n tell_v we_o be_v socrates_n and_o cato_n and_o many_o more_o of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o only_a name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v thus_o far_o i_o have_v give_v you_o only_o a_o negative_a description_n of_o the_o righteous_a man_n and_o show_v you_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n that_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o world_n have_v nevertheless_o no_o just_a right_n to_o that_o title_n and_o now_o to_o declare_v to_o you_o positive_o who_o he_o be_v and_o to_o show_v you_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o righteous_a man_n here_o mean_v in_o my_o text_n from_o the_o three_o former_a sort_n of_o man_n which_o i_o have_v be_v describe_v i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o he_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o he_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o you_o shall_v imagine_v he_o to_o be_v a_o notorious_a hypocrite_n and_o he_o have_v all_o in_o he_o that_o be_v good_a in_o either_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a and_o to_o all_o this_o he_o add_v the_o last_o and_o best_a qualification_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v faith_n alone_o by_o which_o he_o live_v it_o be_v faith_n alone_o which_o render_v he_o true_o righteous_a and_o justify_v he_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o here_o i_o mean_v not_o a_o false_a and_o dead_a faith_n which_o indeed_o be_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a one_o that_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o show_v itself_o in_o he_o by_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o his_o work_n praise_v he_o in_o the_o gate_n all_o those_o excellent_a virtue_n which_o have_v commend_v the_o name_n of_o cato_n and_o socrates_n and_o other_o renown_a heathen_n to_o posterity_n be_v in_o he_o but_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n sublimate_v and_o refine_v by_o grace_n and_o make_v acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o cato_n may_v love_v his_o friend_n but_o he_o love_v his_o enemy_n cato_n may_v do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o do_v good_a to_o he_o but_o he_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v he_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v he_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o which_o despiteful_o use_v he_o and_o persecute_v he_o cato_n heroic_a spirit_n may_v one_o will_v have_v think_v patient_o have_v endure_v tribulation_n but_o his_o unhappy_a end_n plain_o show_v that_o he_o faint_v under_o it_o but_o job_n do_v not_o only_o patient_o bear_v all_o that_o heavy_a chain_n of_o affliction_n with_o which_o he_o be_v try_v but_o he_o bless_v god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o all_o as_o hearty_o as_o ever_o he_o do_v in_o the_o height_n of_o his_o prosperity_n as_o well_o in_o his_o sickness_n as_o in_o his_o health_n as_o well_o when_o god_n take_v away_o from_o he_o all_o that_o he_o have_v as_o when_o he_o cause_v his_o candle_n to_o shine_v upon_o his_o head_n and_o make_v he_o the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o man_n of_o the_o east_n cato_n may_v prefer_v death_n before_o vice_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o endure_v the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n than_o to_o commit_v a_o wicked_a action_n but_o the_o righteous_a man_n do_v not_o only_o willing_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n whensoever_o he_o be_v call_v to_o it_o but_o he_o rejoice_v that_o he_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n for_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n in_o a_o word_n that_o love_v of_o virtue_n which_o be_v in_o cato_n and_o socrates_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o excellent_a worthy_n which_o we_o read_v of_o among_o the_o heathen_a though_o it_o have_v procure_v they_o a_o name_n which_o be_v far_o better_a than_o precious_a ointment_n and_o will_v shine_v in_o history_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v last_v to_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o come_v short_a of_o their_o perfection_n yet_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o it_o proceed_v chief_o from_o self-interest_n either_o from_o some_o hope_n and_o expectation_n they_o have_v of_o a_o reward_n in_o another_o life_n or_o else_o from_o that_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n which_o they_o find_v that_o it_o procure_v they_o in_o this_o but_o the_o righteous_a man_n aim_v chief_o at_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n all_o his_o action_n as_o near_o as_o he_o can_v he_o design_v primary_o and_o principal_o to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o his_o own_o salvation_n possess_v but_o the_o second_o place_n in_o his_o thought_n as_o s._n paul_n exhort_v whether_o he_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n he_o do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o after_o he_o have_v pass_v the_o time_n of_o his_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n when_o he_o have_v fight_v
the_o good_a fight_n finish_v his_o course_n keep_v the_o faith_n overcome_v all_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n subdue_v and_o mortify_v his_o own_o lust_n and_o corruption_n despise_v the_o derision_n of_o those_o fool_n that_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a trample_v upon_o all_o the_o vain_a pomp_n and_o flatter_a glory_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o after_o all_o this_o perhaps_o at_o the_o last_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v a_o ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o endure_v the_o cruel_a torment_n that_o the_o wit_n and_o malice_n of_o wicked_a man_n can_v inflict_v upon_o he_o then_o he_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n with_o joy_n go_v like_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v do_v nothing_o that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n that_o he_o be_v less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o god_n mercy_n and_o that_o his_o life_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n unworthy_a of_o his_o acceptance_n and_o therefore_o he_o desire_v to_o appear_v before_o god_n tribunal_n not_o have_v his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n this_o be_v such_o a_o righteous_a man_n as_o be_v here_o mean_v in_o my_o text_n this_o be_v that_o bless_a man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o iniquity_n and_o in_o who_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n and_o this_o be_v that_o man_n who_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o my_o text_n shall_v scarce_o be_v save_v how_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o shall_v hereafter_o endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o for_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v scarce_o save_v yet_o save_v he_o shall_v be_v infallible_o for_o to_o he_o that_o be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n christ_n will_v give_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n sermon_n xi_o 1_o pet._n iu_o 18._o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o who_o the_o righteous_a man_n be_v and_o how_o he_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o temper_n and_o conversation_n exceed_o different_a from_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o life_n among_o they_o like_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o sojourner_n in_o a_o foreign_a country_n where_o he_o have_v few_o or_o no_o acquaintance_n like_o a_o single_a stalk_v of_o good_a corn_n in_o a_o large_a field_n of_o tare_n few_o man_n mind_v he_o few_o regard_v he_o few_o keep_v he_o company_n few_o delight_n in_o his_o conversation_n and_o few_o imitate_v it_o he_o be_v a_o proverb_n and_o a_o byword_n among_o the_o ungodly_a who_o account_v his_o life_n madness_n and_o his_o end_n to_o be_v without_o honour_n for_o christ_n sake_n he_o bear_v reproach_n they_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o gate_n speak_v against_o he_o and_o he_o be_v the_o song_n of_o the_o drunkard_n the_o world_n and_o he_o be_v irreconcilable_a enemy_n as_o contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o as_o light_n and_o darkness_n as_o heaven_n and_o hell_n as_o christ_n and_o belial_n while_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a rejoice_v he_o mourn_v while_o they_o laugh_v he_o weep_v while_o they_o triumph_v in_o the_o very_a gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n he_o be_v a_o prisoner_n of_o jesus_n christ_n while_o they_o be_v in_o great_a power_n and_o spread_v themselves_o like_o a_o green_a bay_fw-mi three_fw-mi lie_v upon_o bed_n of_o ivory_n and_o stretch_v themselves_o upon_o their_o couch_n and_o eat_v the_o lamb_n out_o of_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o calf_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o stall_n live_v in_o idleness_n and_o luxury_n and_o pleasure_n nourish_v their_o heart_n as_o in_o a_o day_n of_o slaughter_n and_o pamper_v up_o those_o lust_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o rebel_v he_o keep_v under_o his_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n crucify_v the_o old_a man_n that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v subdue_v and_o mortify_v his_o corruption_n by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o walk_v mournful_o before_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n he_o meet_v with_o scarce_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o sinful_a world_n which_o can_v delight_v his_o soul_n but_o almost_o every_o spectacle_n that_o he_o behold_v be_v to_o he_o a_o occasion_n of_o sorrow_n he_o grieve_v for_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o he_o grieve_v for_o those_o of_o other_o man_n who_o he_o see_v with_o so_o much_o eagerness_n and_o jollity_n post_v towards_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n he_o grieve_v for_o the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n and_o lament_n to_o see_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o adversity_n nothing_o content_v he_o nothing_o please_v he_o in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n but_o that_o he_o be_v please_v at_o nothing_o here_o below_o but_o his_o affection_n be_v set_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o and_o the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o happy_a end_n he_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o most_o certain_o attain_v to_o though_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v without_o great_a pain_n and_o difficulty_n and_o as_o my_o text_n express_v it_o scarce_o and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o make_v good_a my_o second_o undertake_n which_o be_v to_o show_v you_o why_o st._n peter_n here_o suppose_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v scarce_o save_v which_o word_n imply_v not_o a_o impossibility_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o certain_o then_o of_o all_o man_n they_o will_v be_v most_o miserable_a nor_o a_o possibility_n that_o any_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v for_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v as_o sure_a to_o obtain_v salvation_n as_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v it_o scarce_o those_o that_o thou_o give_v i_o say_v our_o saviour_n i_o have_v keep_v and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v lose_v but_o the_o son_n of_o perdition_n who_o never_o be_v one_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o this_o word_n scarce_o denote_v only_o the_o many_o and_o great_a difficulty_n and_o trouble_n and_o danger_n through_o which_o the_o righteous_a be_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n they_o must_v be_v tempt_v afflict_a scorn_a deride_v persecute_v they_o must_v labour_v they_o must_v sweat_v they_o must_v die_v that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o pass_v by_o the_o very_a gate_n of_o hell_n in_o their_o way_n to_o paradise_n there_o be_v large_a mansion_n and_o a_o glorious_a and_o everlasting_a kingdom_n prepare_v for_o they_o but_o they_o have_v many_o potent_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n all_o which_o they_o must_v overcome_v before_o they_o can_v take_v possession_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o but_o they_o must_v run_v for_o it_o if_o they_o will_v obtain_v it_o they_o must_v wage_v war_n with_o devil_n and_o wrestle_v against_o principality_n and_o power_n before_o they_o can_v be_v account_v worthy_a to_o be_v companion_n for_o angel_n and_o now_o if_o david_n that_o repose_v so_o great_a a_o confidence_n in_o his_o god_n and_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v king_n over_o israel_n do_v nevertheless_o begin_v to_o despond_v and_o be_v sore_o afraid_a that_o he_o shall_v one_o day_n perish_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n much_o more_o may_v the_o righteous_a fear_n and_o tremble_v who_o have_v far_o great_a and_o mighty_a enemy_n than_o saul_n to_o oppose_v they_o able_a to_o dismay_v the_o stout_a soldier_n in_o the_o camp_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o not_o a_o shield_n of_o faith_n to_o defend_v he_o from_o their_o weapon_n and_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n to_o discover_v that_o those_o that_o be_v for_o he_o be_v more_o than_o those_o that_o be_v against_o he_o when_o a_o mighty_a host_n of_o the_o syrian_n besiege_v elisha_n god_n place_v horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o fire_n round_o about_o he_o for_o his_o defence_n so_o though_o the_o righteous_a man_n have_v devil_n for_o his_o enemy_n yet_o he_o have_v angel_n for_o his_o guardian_n and_o jesus_n christ_n the_o captain_n of_o his_o salvation_n he_o may_v march_v on_o then_o with_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o victory_n but_o he_o must_v fight_v if_o he_o will_v obtain_v it_o heaven_n be_v his_o inheritance_n the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o he_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o a_o pilgrim_n here_o in_o a_o far_a country_n and_o his_o journey_n to_o it_o be_v long_o and_o troublesome_a he_o have_v a_o narrow_a and_o rugged_a way_n to_o walk_v in_o tedious_a and_o irksome_a to_o flesh_n
trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o shall_v he_o die_v again_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v not_o deliver_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o transgression_n as_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o shall_v not_o fall_v thereby_o in_o the_o day_n that_o he_o turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v the_o righteous_a be_v able_a to_o live_v for_o his_o righteousness_n in_o the_o day_n that_o he_o sin_v without_o all_o controversy_n by_o the_o righteous_a in_o these_o place_n be_v mean_v one_o who_o be_v true_o and_o indeed_o righteous_a and_o just_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o description_n which_o he_o give_v of_o he_o from_o the_o 5_o verse_n of_o this_o 18_o chapter_n of_o ezekiel_n unto_o the_o 10_o where_o he_o express_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v one_o that_o have_v walk_v in_o his_o statute_n and_o have_v keep_v his_o judgement_n to_o deal_v true_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v understand_v it_o otherwise_o viz._n of_o one_o that_o be_v only_o outward_o and_o hypocritical_o righteous_a these_o text_n will_v be_v downright_a nonsense_n and_o must_v mean_v this_o which_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o when_o the_o righteous_a i._n e._n the_o hypocrite_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n i._n e._n his_o hypocrifie_n he_o shall_v die_v certain_o god_n will_v never_o threaten_v to_o punish_v any_o soul_n with_o death_n for_o turn_v away_o from_o hypocrifie_n neither_o will_v he_o oppose_v hypocrifie_n to_o iniquity_n as_o a_o thing_n contrary_n to_o it_o when_o he_o have_v so_o frequent_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n that_o hypocrifie_n itself_o be_v most_o gross_a iniquity_n such_o as_o his_o soul_n abhor_v since_o therefore_o we_o can_v suppose_v god_n here_o to_o speak_v of_o counterfeit_n and_o hypocritical_a righteousness_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v from_o these_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o he_o who_o be_v once_o true_o righteous_a may_v turn_v from_o such_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n may_v fall_v from_o grace_n into_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n and_o that_o he_o may_v continue_v in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o die_v in_o his_o sin_n again_o three_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o our_o saviour_n parable_n john_n 15.1_o 2._o i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n and_o my_o father_n be_v the_o husbandman_n every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n he_o take_v away_o now_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o this_o heavenly_a vine_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n but_o by_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n declare_v here_o that_o such_o a_o branch_n as_o this_o that_o be_v once_o in_o he_o may_v cease_v to_o bear_v fruit_n and_o thereupon_o be_v take_v away_o such_o a_o man_n may_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o fall_v from_o christ_n four_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o passage_n 2_o pet._n 2.20_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o unto_o which_o place_n that_o of_o hebrew_n 6.4_o 5_o 6._o be_v parallel_n from_o both_o which_o place_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o they_o who_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i._n e._n by_o a_o true_a faith_n in_o he_o for_o none_o but_o such_o can_v enable_v any_o man_n to_o escape_v those_o pollution_n may_v notwithstanding_o all_o this_o fall_n away_o ay_o and_o fall_v so_o too_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n i_o may_v produce_v many_o more_o text_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o doctrine_n but_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o those_o which_o i_o have_v already_o cite_v and_o for_o the_o further_a proof_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o some_o few_o example_n of_o holy_a and_o just_a man_n in_o scripture_n who_o have_v fall_v from_o grace_n which_o certain_o be_v record_v on_o purpose_n to_o teach_v we_o this_o excellent_a lesson_n here_o in_o my_o text_n that_o he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v may_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v omit_v the_o case_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n who_o be_v once_o holy_a but_o keep_v not_o their_o first_o estate_n and_o the_o case_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n who_o though_o they_o be_v create_v by_o god_n in_o his_o own_o image_n in_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n yet_o quick_o fall_v from_o that_o happy_a condition_n into_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n but_o the_o example_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o shall_v be_v these_o 1._o saul_n who_o certain_o at_o the_o first_o be_v a_o pious_a and_o good_a king_n though_o afterward_o he_o become_v quite_o otherwise_o and_o be_v final_o reject_v of_o god_n for_o his_o disobedience_n the_o adversary_n to_o thâ—â—_n doctrine_n object_n that_o saul_n never_o be_v real_o good_a nor_o endue_v with_o true_a grace_n but_o for_o all_o that_o the_o story_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v upon_o saul_n and_o rest_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o behave_v himself_o well_o and_o that_o afterward_o he_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o a_o evil_a spirit_n from_o the_o lord_n trouble_v he_o and_o certain_o unto_o whosoever_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o come_v grace_n and_o true_a grace_n too_o must_v needs_o come_v along_o with_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o author_n of_o it_o and_o if_o ever_o he_o depart_v though_o but_o for_o a_o season_n grace_n can_v never_o stay_v behind_o he_o they_o therefore_o that_o deny_v that_o saul_n have_v once_o true_a grace_n may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n deny_v that_o the_o man_n in_o the_o parable_n matth._n 25._o that_o receive_v but_o one_o talon_n ever_o have_v a_o true_a talon_n and_o then_o he_o have_v very_o hard_a measure_n to_o be_v condemn_v for_o not_o put_v it_o to_o the_o exchanger_n when_o he_o have_v receive_v nothing_o but_o false_a coyn._n but_o if_o this_o example_n be_v not_o satisfactory_a perhaps_o the_o next_o may_v and_o that_o shall_v be_v that_o of_o david_n who_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o he_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o by_o those_o two_o grievous_a sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n he_o fall_v from_o this_o grace_n and_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n for_o the_o space_n of_o many_o month_n together_o and_o never_o think_v of_o repentance_n until_o he_o be_v restore_v again_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o adulterer_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 6.9_o and_o s._n john_n say_v that_o no_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o 1_o john_n 3.15_o it_o be_v manifest_a therefore_o that_o by_o these_o sin_n david_n do_v fall_v from_o grace_n and_o have_v he_o die_v without_o repentance_n must_v have_v perish_v eternal_o i_o may_v instance_n further_o in_o solomon_n who_o be_v once_o belove_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o yet_o in_o his_o old_a age_n become_v a_o idolater_n in_o s._n peter_n who_o deny_v his_o saviour_n in_o demas_n who_o be_v once_o one_o of_o the_o fellow-labourer_n with_o s._n paul_n and_o perhaps_o one_o of_o those_o he_o mean_v phil._n 4.3_o who_o name_n be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n yet_o he_o forsake_v s._n paul_n have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n 2_o tim._n 4.10_o but_o by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v already_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o scripture_n that_o true_a believer_n may_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o fall_v from_o grace_n i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o rubric_n after_o the_o order_n of_o public_a baptism_n of_o infant_n the_o church_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o god_n word_n that_o child_n which_o be_v baptize_v die_v before_o they_o commit_v actual_a sin_n be_v