the_o psalmist_n a_o moral_a principle_n may_v induce_v one_o to_o abstain_v from_o many_o sin_n and_o to_o perform_v many_o praiseworthy_a thing_n in_o conformity_n to_o reason_n but_o this_o be_v neither_o sanctify_v nor_o save_v for_o it_o only_o prune_v sin_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a plant_n and_o do_v not_o root_v it_o up_o it_o compound_v with_o it_o and_o do_v not_o destroy_v it_o there_o may_v be_v still_o a_o impure_a indulgence_n to_o the_o secret_a lusting_n of_o the_o heart_n notwithstanding_o the_o restraint_n upon_o their_o exercise_n and_o many_o duty_n may_v be_v do_v on_o low_a motive_n without_o a_o divine_a respect_n to_o the_o command_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o renew_v grace_n subject_n the_o soul_n to_o the_o whole_a royalty_n of_o the_o law_n uniform_o incline_v it_o to_o express_v obedience_n to_o all_o its_o precept_n because_o they_o be_v pure_a and_o derive_v from_o the_o eternal_a spring_n of_o purity_n it_o mortify_v concupiscence_n and_o quicken_v to_o every_o good_a work_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o in_o this_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o most_o refine_a unregenerate_a morality_n in_o short_a there_o may_v be_v a_o superficial_a tincture_n of_o religion_n from_o common_a grace_n a_o transient_a esteem_n vanish_v affection_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n for_o a_o time_n after_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o yet_o a_o person_n remain_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n but_o renew_v grace_n be_v a_o permanent_a solid_a principle_n that_o make_v a_o man_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o elevate_v he_o above_o himself_o this_o holy_a change_n be_v wrought_v by_o divine_a power_n our_o saviour_n tell_v nicodemus_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o analogy_n of_o a_o new_a birth_n signify_v that_o it_o be_v entire_o the_o work_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n that_o convey_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n in_o order_n to_o the_o function_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o live_a impression_n of_o god_n the_o sole_a efficient_a and_o exemplar_n of_o it_o the_o fruit_n and_o image_n of_o the_o divine_a virtue_n it_o be_v express_v by_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o production_n of_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n power_n display_v itself_o in_o a_o peculiar_a excellent_a way_n even_o in_o that_o precise_a manner_n as_o in_o make_v the_o world_n for_o as_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v original_o of_o nothing_o so_o in_o the_o second_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v utter_o void_a of_o it_o and_o in_o which_o there_o be_v as_o little_a preparation_n for_o true_a holiness_n as_o of_o nothing_o to_o produce_v this_o great_a and_o regular_a world_n and_o although_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o absolute_a privation_n of_o grace_n but_o a_o fierce_a resistance_n against_o it_o yet_o create_v invincible_a power_n do_v as_o infallible_o and_o certain_o produce_v its_o effect_n in_o form_v the_o new_a creature_n as_o in_o make_v the_o world_n from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o prevent_a renew_n grace_n be_v so_o entire_o the_o work_n of_o god_n as_o his_o form_v the_o human_a body_n from_o the_o dust_n of_o earth_n at_o first_o but_o with_o this_o difference_n the_o first_o creation_n be_v do_v without_o any_o sense_n in_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o efficiency_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n in_o produce_v it_o but_o in_o the_o new_a creation_n man_n feel_v the_o vital_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n apply_v itself_o to_o all_o his_o faculty_n reform_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o admirable_a grace_n show_v to_o man_n in_o the_o renovation_n of_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n in_o the_o composition_n of_o his_o be_v be_v unite_v a_o spirit_n like_o the_o angel_n and_o a_o body_n like_o terrestrial_a animal_n by_o which_o he_o partake_v of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o natural_a life_n but_o he_o have_v peculiar_a favour_n confer_v upon_o he_o for_o whereas_o his_o soul_n sin_v with_o the_o angel_n and_o his_o body_n die_v with_o the_o beast_n yet_o god_n be_v please_v to_o restore_v they_o by_o his_o glorious_a power_n a_o angel_n after_o sin_n never_o repent_v and_o be_v therefore_o incapable_a of_o pardon_n and_o irrecoverable_o disinherit_v of_o heaven_n a_o beast_n after_o death_n never_o revive_v but_o though_o man_n sin_n and_o die_v yet_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v renew_v by_o divine_a grace_n and_o his_o body_n shall_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o incorruptible_a glory_n now_o the_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o this_o holy_a change_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o he_o speak_v universal_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o simple_o declare_v that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n shall_v not_o but_o with_o the_o great_a emphasis_n can_v to_o signify_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o it_o the_o jew_n high_o presume_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o their_o carnal_a birth_n they_o spring_v from_o the_o pure_a and_o noble_a blood_n of_o abraham_n god_n friend_n they_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o holy_a covenant_n mark_v in_o their_o flesh_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v proverbial_a among_o they_o that_o every_o israelite_n shall_v have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o our_o saviour_n overthrow_v this_o vain_a conceit_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o supernatural_a birth_n entitle_v to_o the_o supernatural_a inheritance_n circumcision_n then_o and_o baptism_n now_o without_o real_a grace_n be_v a_o ineffectual_a sign_n of_o no_o avail_n to_o salvation_n 17._o in_o the_o quality_n of_o son_n we_o be_v heir_n of_o god_n kingdom_n and_o that_o honourable_a relation_n we_o have_v upon_o a_o double_a account_n 7._o by_o adoption_n and_o regeneration_n divine_a adoption_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a change_n of_o our_o state_n a_o naked_a declaration_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v dignify_v with_o the_o title_n of_o god_n son_n but_o a_o holy_a nature_n be_v always_o infuse_v into_o the_o person_n whereby_o he_o be_v make_v like_o to_o god_n in_o his_o excellency_n in_o this_o it_o differ_v from_o humane_a adoption_n that_o give_v the_o name_n and_o arm_n the_o honour_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o adopter_fw-mi to_o a_o person_n without_o convey_v any_o of_o his_o intellectual_a or_o moral_a endowment_n who_o god_n adopt_v he_o beget_v to_o a_o divine_a life_n beside_o our_o saviour_n purchase_v this_o high_a privilege_n for_o we_o god_n send_v his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n under_o the_o law_n to_o redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n by_o union_n with_o he_o we_o receive_v the_o investiture_n of_o this_o dignity_n now_o whoever_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n for_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n that_o be_v to_o the_o soul_n what_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o the_o body_n the_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o strength_n of_o beauty_n and_o motion_n and_o a_o active_a purify_n faith_n that_o be_v influential_a upon_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v the_o band_n of_o that_o vital_a union_n so_o that_o as_o all_o in_o adam_n be_v universal_o corrupt_v by_o the_o first_o birth_n all_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v make_v holy_a by_o a_o new_a birth_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n more_o full_o under_o a_o distinct_a head_n brief_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n that_o sanctify_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n that_o seal_v our_o right_n to_o that_o kingdom_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o change_n must_v be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n be_v these_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o exquisite_a wisdom_n shine_v in_o all_o god_n work_n in_o dispose_v they_o for_o the_o end_n to_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o be_v it_o not_o monstrous_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v he_o will_v admit_v into_o his_o presence_n and_o kingdom_n those_o that_o be_v absolute_o unqualify_v for_o its_o blessedness_n and_o opposite_a to_o its_o purity_n 2._o his_o invariable_a justice_n exclude_v for_o ever_o all_o unholy_a person_n from_o heaven_n for_o in_o the_o last_o judgement_n god_n will_v be_v glorify_v as_o a_o governor_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o obedience_n and_o disobedience_n of_o men._n it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n that_o the_o action_n of_o god_n on_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o proceed_v from_o his_o sovereign_a good_a pleasure_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o motive_n or_o reason_n in_o the_o subject_n on_o which_o they_o be_v terminate_v thus_o by_o a_o free_a and_o insuperable_a decree_n when_o all_o mankind_n
afraid_a lest_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o terrible_a truth_n shall_v enter_v into_o their_o breast_n therefore_o be_v utter_o careless_a of_o what_o may_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o danger_n and_o will_v not_o foresee_v what_o they_o shall_v certain_o suffer_v this_o be_v obstinate_a and_o the_o most_o incurable_a infidelity_n a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o pharisee_n who_o reject_v our_o saviour_n though_o all_o the_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v conspicuous_a in_o his_o person_n though_o his_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o that_o omnipotent_a conviction_n so_o strong_a be_v their_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la against_o his_o humble_a state_n and_o holy_a doctrine_n that_o reproach_n be_v more_o just_o due_a to_o infidel_n under_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o israel_n in_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v blind_a as_o my_o servant_n the_o heathen_n who_o be_v blind_a from_o their_o birth_n and_o have_v only_o some_o glimmer_a apprehension_n that_o eternity_n succeed_v time_n be_v less_o culpable_a than_o those_o who_o have_v infinite_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o yet_o believe_v it_o less_o the_o plea_n for_o they_o will_v be_v a_o terrible_a accusation_n against_o such_o unbeliever_n if_o a_o blind_a person_n fall_v it_o move_v compassion_n but_o if_o one_o voluntary_o shut_v his_o eye_n against_o the_o sun_n and_o refuse_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o light_n and_o fall_v from_o a_o precipice_n his_o ruin_n be_v the_o just_a consequence_n of_o his_o folly_n simple_a ignorance_n excuse_v as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o fault_n but_o affect_v wilful_a ignorance_n now_o reason_n and_o revelation_n with_o unite_a beam_n give_v so_o clear_a a_o prospect_n into_o the_o eternal_a world_n aggravate_v the_o gild_n and_o sentence_n of_o such_o unbeliever_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o offer_v argument_n to_o convince_v they_o for_o they_o be_v as_o deaf_a as_o adder_n to_o the_o wise_a instruction_n till_o sense_n extort_v a_o belief_n from_o they_o they_o have_v harden_v their_o heart_n and_o face_n against_o all_o reproof_n and_o by_o a_o open_a contempt_n of_o scripture-threatening_n be_v past_o reclaim_v there_o be_v many_o degree_n of_o sin_n many_o step_n in_o the_o descent_n to_o hell_n but_o the_o low_a and_o near_a the_o gate_n of_o that_o infernal_a prison_n be_v the_o scornful_a derision_n of_o god_n terrible_a preparation_n for_o the_o wicked_a hereafter_o beside_o the_o most_o who_o be_v believer_n in_o title_n be_v infidel_n in_o heart_n our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n who_o pretend_v the_o high_a veneration_n to_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n that_o if_o they_o have_v believe_v moses_n they_o will_v have_v believe_v he_o for_o moses_n write_v of_o he_o if_o man_n do_v serious_o believe_v such_o a_o excellent_a reward_n as_o the_o gospel_n propound_v will_v it_o be_v a_o cold_a unpersuasive_a motive_n to_o they_o the_o depravation_n of_o the_o will_n argue_v a_o correspondent_a defect_n in_o the_o mind_n though_o not_o absolute_a total_a infidelity_n yet_o such_o a_o weakness_n and_o waver_v in_o the_o assent_n that_o when_o temptation_n be_v present_a and_o urgent_a and_o it_o come_v to_o actual_a choice_n sense_n prevail_v over_o faith_n this_o will_v be_v clear_a by_o universal_a experience_n in_o temporal_a thing_n the_o probable_a hope_n of_o gain_n will_v make_v those_o who_o be_v greedy_a of_o gold_n prodigal_a of_o their_o life_n and_o venture_v through_o tempestuous_a sea_n to_o accomplish_v their_o desire_n and_o if_o the_o belief_n be_v equal_a will_v not_o man_n do_v or_o suffer_v as_o much_o for_o obtain_v what_o be_v infinite_o more_o valuable_a a_o firm_a assent_n will_v produce_v adherence_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n fidelity_n in_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ._n tertullian_n propound_v it_o as_o a_o powerful_a incentive_a to_o the_o martyr_n quis_fw-la ergo_fw-la non_fw-la libentissimè_fw-la tantum_fw-la pro_fw-la vero_fw-la habeat_fw-la erogare_fw-la quantum_fw-la alii_fw-la pro_fw-la falso_fw-la who_o will_v not_o joyful_o sacrifice_v life_n and_o all_o it_o sindearment_n to_o obtain_v true_a blessedness_n which_o other_o do_v for_o the_o vain_a appearance_n of_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o fear_n of_o a_o present_a destructive_a evil_n will_v control_v the_o most_o eager_a appetite_n it_o be_v record_v that_o when_o the_o army_n of_o israel_n be_v in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o philistine_n 26._o saul_n to_o complete_a his_o victory_n forbid_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n that_o any_o shall_v taste_v food_n till_o the_o sun_n be_v down_o in_o the_o chase_n of_o their_o enemy_n they_o pass_v through_o a_o wood_n abound_v with_o honey_n yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o hunger_n and_o faintness_n and_o the_o easy_a provision_n before_o they_o no_o man_n so_o much_o as_o taste_v it_o for_o the_o people_n fear_v the_o king_n oath_n and_o do_v man_n true_o believe_v and_o fear_v the_o law_n of_o god_n threaten_v hell_n for_o sin_n will_v they_o dare_v to_o commit_v it_o though_o invite_v by_o pleasant_a temptation_n nay_o not_o only_o a_o strong_a fear_n but_o the_o mere_a suspicion_n of_o great_a danger_n will_v restrain_v the_o most_o vehement_a desire_n of_o nature_n what_o person_n though_o inflame_v with_o thirst_n will_v drink_v a_o glass_n of_o cool_a liquor_n if_o he_o suspect_v that_o deadly_a poison_n be_v mix_v with_o it_o and_o if_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o sin_n be_v attend_v with_o death_n will_v they_o drink_v in_o iniquity_n like_o water_n the_o devil_n themselves_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v therefore_o when_o it_o be_v not_o active_a upon_o the_o conscience_n it_o be_v either_o because_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o thing_n itself_o or_o that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v for_o it_o indeed_o even_o in_o true_a believer_n the_o apprehension_n of_o eternal_a thing_n have_v such_o great_a allay_v that_o temporal_a thing_n be_v overvalue_v and_o over-feared_n a_o strong_a faith_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o god_n will_v make_v the_o glorious_a world_n so_o sure_a and_o near_o in_o our_o thought_n that_o with_o indifferent_a affection_n we_o shall_v receive_v good_a or_o evil_a thing_n here_o rejoice_v as_o if_o we_o rejoice_v not_o and_o mourn_v as_o if_o we_o mourn_v not_o our_o life_n will_v be_v so_o regular_a and_o pure_a as_o if_o the_o judge_n be_v to_o come_v the_o next_o hour_n as_o if_o the_o sun_n do_v now_o begin_v to_o be_v darken_v and_o the_o trumpet_n of_o the_o archangel_n be_v sound_v and_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o dissolve_v world_n be_v universal_o hear_v infidelity_n dead_v the_o impression_n and_o suppress_v the_o reign_a power_n of_o eternal_a thing_n in_o our_o heart_n in_o short_a man_n be_v heavenly_a or_o earthly_a in_o their_o choice_n and_o conversation_n as_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o sincere_a light_n of_o faith_n or_o mislead_v by_o the_o false_a beam_n of_o sense_n chap._n ix_o consideration_n be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o a_o wise_a choice_n how_o it_o must_v be_v manage_v that_o it_o may_v be_v effectual_a it_o must_v be_v serious_a frequent_a and_o with_o application_n to_o the_o soul_n motive_n to_o it_o the_o true_a cause_n why_o carnal_a man_n be_v averse_a from_o it_o the_o second_o thing_n requisite_a in_o order_n to_o a_o wise_a choice_n be_v consideration_n for_o as_o by_o faith_n the_o virtue_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v diffuse_v through_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v feel_v in_o the_o soul_n so_o by_o consideration_n faith_n be_v exercise_v and_o become_v effectual_a this_o unite_v and_o reinforce_v the_o beam_n of_o eternal_a truth_n and_o inflame_v the_o affection_n as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v himself_o my_o heart_n be_v hot_a within_o i_o while_o i_o be_v muse_v the_o fire_n burn_v heaven_n be_v a_o felicity_n so_o glorious_a and_o attractive_a that_o if_o due_o consider_v no_o man_n can_v possible_o refuse_v it_o and_o hell_n be_v a_o misery_n so_o extreme_a and_o fearful_a that_o if_o serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n none_o can_v possible_o choose_v it_o the_o last_o end_n be_v to_o be_v conceive_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o infinite_a good_a without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o evil_a to_o which_o the_o human_a will_n have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n the_o liberty_n of_o indifference_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o some_o particular_a good_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v various_o represent_v so_o as_o to_o cause_v inclination_n or_o aversion_n that_o man_n who_o believe_v eternal_a life_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o holiness_n yet_o with_o a_o careless_a inadvertency_n pass_v over_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o eternal_a death_n be_v the_o wage_n of_o sin_n yet_o secure_o continue_v in_o it_o be_v more_o wonderful_a than_o to_o see_v
habitual_a vice_n in_o the_o possessor_n and_o indifferent_o serve_v for_o bad_a or_o good_a use_n the_o greedy_a pursuit_n of_o they_o blast_v all_o true_a worth_n of_o spirit_n and_o turn_v the_o soul_n to_o earth_n and_o corruption_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v so_o far_o from_o advance_v man_n that_o the_o luxurious_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o by_o the_o low_a degradement_n make_v he_o like_o the_o beast_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o innocence_n in_o short_a all_o the_o admire_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o so_o little_a value_n that_o they_o debase_v and_o enslave_v he_o by_o a_o overprise_a and_o affect_v they_o it_o be_v his_o true_a perfection_n from_o consciousness_n of_o his_o native_a worth_n and_o through_o royality_n of_o mind_n to_o despise_v they_o 2._o the_o sensible_a world_n can_v give_v complete_a satisfaction_n to_o man._n felicity_n be_v the_o complacence_n and_o test_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o suitable_a object_n commensurate_a to_o its_o real_a capacity_n and_o duration_n such_o a_o object_n must_v be_v a_o spiritual_a good_a cicer._n pure_a without_o alloys_n infinite_a and_o eternal_a now_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o every_o respect_n insufficient_a to_o satisfy_v our_o desire_n 1._o they_o be_v not_o a_o convenient_a good_a to_o the_o soul_n what_o proportion_n be_v there_o between_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o carnal_a sensuality_n between_o the_o divine_a offspring_n and_o the_o low_a voluptuousness_n of_o flesh_n what_o be_v treasure_n of_o gold_n and_o pearl_n but_o shine_a dust_n and_o the_o froth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o can_v these_o enrich_v a_o heavenly_a be_v what_o be_v honour_n and_o reputation_n a_o invisible_a imagination_n form_v in_o a_o few_o head_n what_o be_v praise_n a_o favourable_a sound_n from_o a_o few_o mouth_n and_o can_v a_o fancy_n a_o breath_n be_v the_o solid_a good_a of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o may_v a_o empty_a dream_n afford_v substantial_a nourishment_n to_o the_o body_n hence_o the_o expectation_n be_v far_o above_o the_o fruition_n of_o earthly_a thing_n whilst_o see_v by_o the_o false_a beam_n of_o fancy_n and_o the_o passion_n they_o promise_v fair_a but_o upon_o trial_n be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a illusion_n that_o have_v nothing_o real_a but_o the_o bitterness_n that_o attend_v they_o and_o from_o hence_o there_o be_v a_o perpetual_a generation_n of_o desire_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o man_n the_o sen._n end_n of_o one_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o another_o as_o fuel_n increase_v the_o fire_n the_o want_a soul_n become_v more_o ardent_a by_o fail_v in_o what_o it_o expect_v and_o make_v endless_a inquiry_n for_o matter_n of_o satisfaction_n seneca_n observe_v a_o image_n of_o this_o in_o nature_n and_o give_v the_o moral_a of_o it_o est_fw-la a_o tortoise_n if_o turn_v on_o the_o back_n though_o it_o suffer_v no_o pain_n be_v violent_a in_o motion_n till_o it_o recover_v its_o natural_a posture_n thus_o man_n though_o free_a from_o external_a trouble_n yet_o be_v in_o restless_a change_n always_o cast_v about_o till_o he_o obtain_v the_o happiness_n for_o which_o he_o be_v make_v that_o be_v adequate_a to_o his_o capacity_n who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a be_v the_o voice_n of_o mankind_n chase_v several_a hope_n and_o engage_v in_o infinite_a error_n in_o the_o search_n of_o felicity_n here_o below_o but_o the_o confluence_n of_o all_o worldly_a thing_n can_v quiet_v the_o rave_n of_o their_o misguide_a appetite_n the_o persian_a king_n with_o all_o their_o royalty_n and_o revenue_n and_o delight_n athen._n be_v so_o unsatisfied_a that_o they_o proclaim_v a_o reward_n to_o any_o that_o invent_v a_o new_a pleasure_n the_o sweet_a enjoyment_n be_v not_o without_o secret_a distaste_n the_o most_o pleasurable_a height_n be_v infinite_o distant_a from_o felicity_n therefore_o the_o most_o prosperous_a in_o the_o world_n be_v fain_o to_o borrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o other_o who_o blind_o admire_v what_o they_o never_o have_v experience_n of_o to_o conceit_n themselves_o happy_a for_o their_o real_a inward_a sense_n be_v perfect_o contrary_a to_o the_o vain_a fancy_n of_o those_o below_o they_o nay_o suppose_v a_o man_n possess_v of_o all_o the_o variety_n that_o compound_v earthly_a felicity_n the_o more_o full_a the_o less_o satisfy_v he_o be_v for_o his_o desire_n be_v unquench_a when_o all_o thing_n be_v ready_a that_o promise_v to_o appease_v they_o and_o no_o lure_n of_o hope_n remain_v the_o disappointment_n in_o a_o mistake_a object_n and_o despair_v of_o ever_o find_v satisfaction_n here_o necessary_o involve_v he_o in_o a_o double_a misery_n of_o this_o we_o have_v the_o certain_a testimony_n of_o solomon_n himself_o who_o after_o a_o curious_a and_o earnest_a search_n for_o happiness_n declare_v that_o all_o even_o the_o most_o value_a thing_n below_o be_v vanity_n pompous_a name_n without_o sense_n and_o reality_n and_o therefore_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n lucret._n now_o what_o a_o poor_a happiness_n be_v the_o world_n when_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o enrich_v a_o man_n with_o true_a content_n that_o it_o make_v his_o poverty_n desperate_a 2._o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n be_v temporal_a not_o commensurate_a to_o the_o duration_n of_o the_o soul_n blessedness_n signify_v a_o unchangeable_a state_n not_o a_o transient_a passage_n the_o object_n must_v be_v firm_a as_o the_o centre_n and_o the_o fruition_n of_o it_o without_o end_n or_o interruption_n the_o fear_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o naked_a possibility_n of_o lose_v it_o dash_v our_o joy_n how_o much_o more_o the_o certainty_n now_o suppose_v the_o whole_a world_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o a_o man_n can_v he_o joyful_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o the_o fear_n nay_o certainty_n of_o part_v with_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v inseparable_a property_n of_o our_o possess_v they_o fear_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o transitory_a condition_n certainty_n from_o death_n that_o be_v inevitable_a to_o all_o men._n 1._o fear_v of_o lose_v they_o such_o be_v the_o instability_n of_o worldly_a thing_n through_o vicissitude_n of_o time_n disaster_n of_o chance_n decay_v of_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v be_v secure_a of_o they_o a_o day_n n._n honour_n be_v a_o casual_a happiness_n depend_v on_o the_o uncertain_a opinion_n of_o man_n that_o rise_v and_o fall_v every_o hour_n riches_n be_v deceitful_a not_o only_o because_o they_o do_v not_o supply_v our_o great_a want_n but_o fly_v from_o we_o when_o we_o think_v our_o hold_n be_v fast_o they_o be_v a_o quicksilver_n no_o art_n can_v fix_v ovid._n beauty_n be_v a_o fade_a flower_n often_o blast_v while_o the_o stalk_n remain_v all_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n be_v vanity_n what_o ever_o be_v measure_v by_o time_n be_v in_o a_o continual_a flux_n like_o a_o torrent_n one_o part_n be_v present_a to_o the_o eye_n because_o another_o be_v swift_o pass_v away_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v insufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n happy_a for_o who_o can_v possess_v they_o without_o a_o just_a jealousy_n lest_o they_o shall_v slip_v away_o or_o by_o violence_n be_v ravish_v from_o he_o as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o campania_n the_o most_o fruitful_a and_o delicious_a part_n of_o italy_n but_o near_o vesuvius_n that_o always_o flame_n or_o smoke_n and_o scatter_v ash_n abroad_o be_v in_o frequent_a apprehension_n lest_o a_o sudden_a deluge_n of_o fire_n shall_v break_v forth_o and_o devour_v their_o palace_n and_o garden_n and_o vineyard_n and_o change_v that_o natural_a paradise_n into_o a_o scene_n of_o horror_n a_o accidental_a hell_n now_o the_o very_a suspicion_n of_o lose_v what_o be_v our_o happiness_n be_v perfect_o irreconcilable_a to_o it_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o lose_v all_o earthly_a thing_n at_o death_n other_o evil_n may_v surprise_v we_o unexpected_a or_o not_o come_v when_o fear_v and_o this_o relieve_v mankind_n in_o the_o present_a state_n that_o be_v liable_a to_o innumerable_a evil_n that_o many_o may_v be_v prevent_v but_o the_o last_o evil_n be_v inevitable_a though_o man_n be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o live_v yet_o all_o be_v equal_a in_o the_o necessity_n of_o die_v human_a greatness_n in_o every_o kind_n nobility_n riches_n empire_n can_v protect_v from_o the_o sovereign_n and_o sudden_a hand_n of_o death_n that_o overthrow_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o frailty_n of_o man_n be_v often_o precise_o and_o literal_o verify_v he_o be_v like_a grass_n in_o the_o morning_n it_o flourish_v and_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o evening_n it_o be_v cut_v down_o and_o wither_v now_o suppose_v the_o world_n constant_a and_o faithful_a to_o you_o till_o the_o last_o hour_n of_o your_o life_n will_v it_o not_o fail_v you_o then_o and_o can_v that_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n that_o attend_v he_o for_o a_o time_n and_o leave_v
he_o for_o ever_o the_o most_o conspicuous_a difference_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v that_o of_o the_o victorious_a over_o the_o vanquish_a prostrate_a at_o his_o foot_n but_o death_n make_v they_o equal_a then_o the_o wretched_a captive_n shall_v upbraid_v the_o proud_a conqueror_n be_v thou_o become_v weak_a as_o we_o be_v thou_o become_v like_o we_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o the_o wise_a preacher_n despise_v all_o the_o state_n of_o the_o present_a life_n as_o vanity_n for_o the_o fabric_n can_v be_v more_o solid_a than_o the_o foundation_n nor_o the_o accident_n more_o real_a than_o the_o be_v on_o which_o it_o depend_v on_o every_o side_n death_n be_v in_o our_o view_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o it_o approach_v darken_v our_o bright_a day_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o he_o equal_v the_o fool_n with_o the_o wise._n for_o all_o that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v confine_v to_o mortal_a thing_n die_v with_o they_o nay_o he_o confound_v man_n with_o the_o beast_n one_o thing_n befall_v they_o as_o the_o one_o die_v so_o die_v the_o other_o yea_o they_o have_v all_o one_o breath_n so_o that_o man_n have_v no_o preeminence_n above_o they_o while_o we_o regard_v he_o only_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n what_o shall_v we_o see_v in_o his_o life_n but_o folly_n mix_v with_o anxiety_n and_o care_n and_o what_o in_o his_o death_n but_o waste_v spirit_n the_o spring_n of_o motion_n disorder_v and_o at_o last_o the_o live_a frame_n dissolve_v into_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o soul_n that_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o clear_a mark_n of_o its_o original_a from_o god_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o every_o thing_n shall_v be_v reunite_v to_o its_o principle_n that_o shall_v return_v to_o god_n that_o give_v it_o and_o remain_v for_o ever_o the_o felicity_n therefore_o to_o which_o it_o natural_o aspire_v must_v be_v parallel_n to_o its_o duration_n from_o these_o consideration_n it_o be_v above_o all_o doubt_n that_o man_n be_v design_v by_o his_o maker_n for_o a_o high_a end_n than_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o present_a world_n 2._o the_o consummate_a happiness_n of_o man_n be_v in_o his_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spiritual_a good_a suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o better_a and_o divine_a part_n and_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o spiritual_a faculty_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n the_o principle_n of_o man_n eminent_a operation_n and_o most_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v felicity_n god_n be_v a_o infinite_a good_a and_o can_v so_o full_o appease_v all_o the_o rational_a appetite_n that_o nothing_o be_v want_v to_o his_o entire_a blessedness_n god_n be_v a_o unchangeable_a good_a not_o to_o be_v lose_v with_o this_o life_n but_o may_v be_v secure_o enjoy_v to_o eternity_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n in_o the_o imitation_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o excellency_n the_o high_a elevation_n and_o complete_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o rational_a nature_n consist_v as_o man_n by_o apply_v himself_o to_o unworthy_a thing_n be_v degrade_v into_o a_o low_a order_n and_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n that_o be_v spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o principle_n be_v sensual_a and_o perish_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o object_n so_o when_o the_o noble_a faculty_n be_v exercise_v in_o a_o perfect_a manner_n on_o their_o sovereign_a good_a he_o be_v advance_v to_o a_o equality_n of_o perfection_n and_o joy_n with_o the_o angel_n the_o more_o refine_a phoed._n heathen_n have_v a_o glimpse_n of_o this_o happiness_n some_o streak_n of_o it_o run_v through_o their_o philosophy_n but_o till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v it_o the_o world_n sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o sleep_v secure_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n unconcern_v for_o a_o invisible_a future_a felicity_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o to_o inquire_v into_o his_o word_n what_o that_o bless_a state_n be_v wherein_o the_o final_a happiness_n of_o man_n consist_v chap._n ii_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o man_n final_a happiness_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o sensible_a representation_n to_o make_v it_o more_o intelligible_a it_o include_v a_o exemption_n from_o all_o evil_n sinful_a and_o penal_a the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o positive_a excellency_n to_o entire_a blessedness_n the_o body_n shall_v be_v raise_v in_o glory_n the_o soul_n shall_v be_v make_v perfect_a the_o understanding_n shall_v clear_o contemplate_v the_o most_o excellent_a object_n the_o will_v be_v inflame_v with_o the_o perfect_a love_n of_o god_n the_o high_a satisfaction_n arise_v from_o union_n with_o god_n by_o knowledge_n and_o love_n the_o full_a joy_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v perpetual_a it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o by_o it_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n it_o be_v not_o whole_o conceal_v from_o man_n that_o only_o see_v the_o creator_n in_o his_o visible_a work_n it_o be_v more_o full_o discover_v by_o the_o law_n but_o with_o incomparable_a more_o clearness_n by_o the_o gospel_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v now_o reveal_v it_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a felicity_n in_o everlasting_a communion_n with_o the_o bless_a god_n the_o subject_n of_o it_o be_v the_o entire_a man_n for_o this_o end_v the_o body_n shall_v be_v awaken_v out_o of_o its_o dead_a sleep_n and_o quicken_v to_o a_o immortal_a life_n the_o place_n be_v the_o high_a heaven_n frame_v by_o the_o divine_a hand_n for_o the_o seat_n of_o his_o majesty_n the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o love_n wherein_o the_o glorious_a communication_n of_o himself_o be_v to_o his_o favourite_n the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o meritorious_a obedience_n of_o his_o son_n in_o man_n nature_n the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v obtain_v be_v a_o lively_a purify_n faith_n that_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o entitle_v we_o to_o a_o inheritance_n purchase_v by_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o to_o confirm_v our_o hope_n of_o this_o supernatural_a happiness_n our_o saviour_n exhibit_v a_o perfect_a example_n of_o this_o in_o himself_o rise_v from_o the_o grave_a crown_v with_o immortality_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o apostle_n ascend_v to_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o glory_n will_v descend_v to_o his_o member_n to_o make_v this_o supernatural_a blessedness_n more_o easy_a and_o intelligible_a to_o we_o the_o scripture_n describe_v it_o by_o sensible_a representation_n for_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n fancy_n have_v such_o a_o dominion_n that_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o nothing_o but_o by_o comparison_n and_o image_n take_v from_o material_a thing_n it_o be_v therefore_o set_v forth_o by_o a_o feast_n and_o a_o kingdom_n to_o signify_v the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o state_n but_o to_o prevent_v all_o gross_a conceit_n it_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v spiritual_a not_o capable_a of_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n nor_o consequent_o of_o any_o refreshment_n that_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o appetite_n the_o object_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a sense_n see_v and_o hear_v the_o pleasure_n of_o which_o be_v mix_v with_o reason_n and_o not_o common_a to_o the_o brute_n be_v more_o frequent_o make_v use_n of_o to_o reconcile_v that_o glorious_a state_n to_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o mind_n thus_o sometime_o the_o bless_a be_v represent_v place_v on_o throne_n with_o crown_n on_o their_o head_n sometime_o clothe_v in_o white_a with_o palm_n in_o their_o hand_n sometime_o sing_v song_n of_o triumph_n to_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o their_o saviour_n but_o the_o reality_n of_o this_o blessedness_n infinite_o exceed_v all_o those_o faint_a metaphor_n heaven_n be_v lessen_v by_o comparison_n from_o earthly_a thing_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v dignify_v with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o success_n that_o shall_v happen_v to_o the_o church_n till_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o tell_v we_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o eternity_n the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o be_v far_o more_o above_o the_o high_a ascent_n of_o our_o thought_n than_o the_o marriage-feast_n of_o a_o great_a prince_n exceed_v in_o splendour_n and_o magnificence_n the_o imagination_n of_o one_o that_o have_v always_o live_v in_o a_o obscure_a village_n and_o never_o see_v any_o ornament_n of_o state_n nor_o taste_v wine_n in_o his_o life_n we_o can_v think_v of_o those_o thing_n but_o according_a to_o the_o poverty_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o so_o much_o we_o know_v that_o be_v able_a to_o sweeten_v all_o the_o bitterness_n and_o render_v insipid_a all_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o world_n
a_o discern_a eye_n see_v reason_n enough_o to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o he_o may_v gain_v the_o pearl_n of_o price_n the_o grace_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o apostle_n declare_v his_o resolute_a contempt_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o the_o prerogative_n either_o the_o law_n or_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v he_o that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n the_o reconciler_n and_o restorer_n of_o man_n to_o the_o favour_n and_o fellowship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o thing_n be_v gain_v to_o i_o those_o i_o count_v loss_n for_o christ_n yea_o doubtless_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n my_o lord_n for_o who_o i_o have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o do_v count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o i_o may_v win_v christ._n the_o glorious_a gospel_n be_v the_o bright_a and_o most_o pleasant_a light_n that_o ever_o shine_v upon_o the_o world_n a_o revelation_n of_o the_o deep_a wisdom_n and_o most_o admirable_a love_n wherein_o the_o combination_n of_o god_n holy_a and_o wonderful_a counsel_n for_o our_o salvation_n be_v unfold_v and_o according_o st._n paul_n with_o the_o great_a life_n of_o affection_n set_v forth_o his_o value_n of_o it_o and_o by_o full_a and_o most_o vilify_a expression_n reject_v all_o thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o heavenly_a choice_n be_v discover_v by_o a_o zealous_a observance_n of_o the_o mean_n requisite_a in_o order_n to_o it_o inanimate_a thing_n incline_v to_o rest_v in_o their_o centre_n the_o rational_a intend_v and_o pursue_v it_o the_o bless_a end_n when_o value_v and_o respect_v according_a to_o its_o worth_n excite_v and_o direct_v the_o affection_n and_o endeavour_n in_o that_o order_n and_o measure_n as_o be_v proportionable_a to_o its_o excellency_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o obtain_v it_o there_o may_v be_v a_o naked_a estimation_n and_o some_o desire_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n simple_o consider_v yet_o the_o will_v remain_v incomplete_a and_o undetermined_a in_o its_o choice_n for_o the_o end_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o mean_n be_v propound_v to_o we_o and_o the_o carnal_a man_n will_v not_o consent_v to_o the_o mean_n he_o dislike_v the_o holiness_n of_o religion_n and_o will_v rather_o forfeit_v heaven_n than_o submit_v to_o such_o strict_a term_n though_o with_o balaam_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o devotion_n he_o say_v o_o that_o i_o may_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o my_o last_o end_n may_v be_v like_o he_o yet_o from_o indulgence_n to_o his_o sensual_a inclination_n he_o will_v not_o live_v as_o the_o righteous_a all_o his_o wish_n of_o true_a happiness_n be_v soon_o strangle_v by_o the_o predominant_a love_n of_o some_o vanity_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o israelite_n they_o despise_v the_o pleasant_a land_n 14._o not_o absolute_o in_o itself_o for_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o land_n abound_v with_o thing_n for_o the_o support_n and_o delight_n of_o man_n but_o consider_v its_o distance_n a_o wilderness_n waste_v and_o wild_a interpose_v and_o the_o enemy_n to_o be_v encounter_v they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o worthy_a of_o undergo_a such_o hazard_n and_o difficulty_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o pleasantness_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o israelite_n obtain_v it_o their_o title_n to_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o rich_a bounty_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v possess_v by_o conquest_n thus_o the_o celestial_a canaan_n be_v the_o pure_a gift_n of_o god_n but_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o it_o be_v obtain_v by_o victorious_a resistance_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o carnal_a man_n despise_v this_o pleasant_a land_n the_o promise_n be_v inseparable_o join_v with_o precept_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n from_o which_o they_o be_v averse_a but_o he_o that_o choose_v sincere_o be_v joyful_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o acquire_v his_o most_o desire_a good_a ardent_a affection_n like_o elijah_n chariot_n of_o fire_n ravish_v the_o soul_n above_o this_o sensible_a world_n to_o the_o place_n where_o god_n dwell_v in_o glory_n zeal_n animate_v his_o endeavour_n as_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n diffuse_v the_o spirit_n into_o the_o artery_n to_o convey_v life_n to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o body_n one_o thing_n say_v the_o inflame_a psalmist_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o will_v i_o seek_v after_o that_o i_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o his_o temple_n the_o sensual_a man_n be_v range_v abroad_o for_o satisfaction_n and_o shoot_v all_o the_o game_n that_o cross_v his_o eye_n but_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v a_o discover_v light_n and_o feel_a heat_n of_o the_o divine_a beauty_n unite_v all_o its_o desire_n in_o god_n and_o with_o affection_n to_o a_o ecstasy_n belong_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o the_o endeavour_n be_v in_o some_o proportion_n to_o the_o desire_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o from_o the_o day_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n until_o now_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n some_o previous_a ray_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n appear_v in_o his_o ministry_n and_o produce_v such_o a_o holy_a ardency_n in_o those_o convert_v that_o with_o all_o resolution_n diligence_n and_o earnestness_n they_o seek_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o blessedness_n reveal_v lazy_a desire_n easy_a prosecution_n sluggish_a attempt_n discover_v that_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o thorough_o engage_v for_o the_o spiritual_a eternal_a good_n when_o the_o end_n be_v true_o design_v it_o will_v give_v law_n to_o the_o action_n this_o be_v visible_a in_o man_n who_o be_v whole_o lead_v by_o sense_n how_o sagacious_a how_o solicitous_a be_v they_o to_o accomplish_v their_o end_n and_o base_a design_n they_o try_v all_o way_n either_o by_o fine_a dissimulation_n or_o toilsome_a industry_n to_o obtain_v their_o desire_n no_o time_n be_v too_o much_o in_o their_o gainful_a affair_n or_o voluptuous_a enjoyment_n they_o transform_v the_o night_n to_o lengthen_v out_o the_o day_n for_o their_o profit_n they_o vail_v the_o day_n to_o lengthen_v out_o the_o night_n for_o their_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n but_o alas_o heaven_n be_v only_o regard_v by_o the_o by_o as_o if_o the_o intellectual_a soul_n be_v only_o give_v to_o dwell_v with_o the_o body_n on_o earth_n the_o place_n of_o its_o banishment_n and_o direct_a affair_n here_o below_o and_o not_o to_o lead_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n the_o place_n of_o its_o nativity_n and_o prepare_v for_o another_o world_n the_o work_n of_o salvation_n be_v follow_v with_o that_o remiss_a degree_n of_o affection_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o slight_a matter_n whether_o perform_v or_o neglect_v these_o person_n carry_v their_o conviction_n in_o their_o bosom_n for_o they_o be_v ardent_a and_o active_a to_o obtain_v inferior_a and_o infinite_o less_o concern_v end_n but_o with_o that_o cold_a application_n mind_v the_o superior_a noble_a end_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v whole_o frustrate_a which_o plain_o show_v it_o be_v never_o serious_o intend_v by_o they_o 3._o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heavenly_a choice_n declare_v itself_o in_o the_o temper_n and_o frame_v of_o our_o heart_n with_o respect_n to_o all_o temporal_a thing_n in_o this_o world_n for_o our_o main_a and_o happy_a end_n be_v establish_v that_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o secular_a riches_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n but_o in_o the_o clear_a vision_n of_o god_n the_o blessedness_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o follow_v that_o all_o present_a thing_n be_v in_o our_o use_n so_o far_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o to_o be_v desire_v or_o not_o as_o they_o be_v profitable_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o our_o obtain_n salvation_n as_o they_o conduct_v or_o divert_v we_o from_o heaven_n a_o wise_a christian_a look_n on_o temporal_a thing_n not_o through_o the_o glass_n of_o disorder_a passion_n that_o be_v impetuous_a and_o impatient_a for_o what_o be_v grateful_a to_o they_o but_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o future_a happiness_n he_o consider_v the_o train_n of_o temptation_n that_o attend_v a_o exalt_a condition_n and_o desire_v such_o a_o portion_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o may_v redound_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o giver_n and_o be_v improve_v for_o his_o own_o salvation_n this_o purity_n of_o affection_n our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o for_o in_o his_o divine_a form_n of_o prayer_n the_o true_a directory_n of_o our_o desire_n be_v set_v down_o in_o a_o admirable_a order_n all_o
man_n to_o declare_v the_o truth_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n by_o despise_v all_o temptation_n when_o they_o be_v most_o invite_v and_o he_o be_v most_o receptive_a of_o they_o but_o alas_o how_o many_o neglect_n their_o duty_n and_o defer_v their_o happiness_n they_o think_v it_o too_o soon_o to_o live_v for_o heaven_n before_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v wherein_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n when_o they_o can_v sin_n and_o fond_o presume_v they_o can_v repent_v the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o this_o i_o will_v brief_o lay_v open_a the_o devil_n be_v a_o sophister_n in_o perfection_n and_o his_o ordinary_a and_o successful_a artifice_n to_o elude_v the_o force_n of_o present_a conviction_n and_o wrap_v man_n in_o sin_n and_o damnation_n be_v to_o induce_v they_o to_o delay_v the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o soul_n till_o afterward_o he_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a to_o tell_v they_o as_o he_o do_v our_o first_o parent_n you_o shall_v not_o die_v for_o the_o temptation_n be_v so_o palpable_a that_o it_o can_v deceive_v none_o though_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n that_o disturb_v the_o security_n of_o sinner_n be_v sometime_o obscure_v by_o affect_a doubt_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o artifice_n that_o can_v resist_v the_o full_a and_o strong_a conviction_n in_o mankind_n that_o death_n be_v inevitable_a though_o nature_n recoil_v from_o it_o with_o abhorrence_n yet_o this_o sad_a truth_n be_v so_o visible_a that_o it_o force_v a_o assent_n from_o all_o those_o who_o be_v titular_a god_n be_v not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o pretend_v to_o a_o exemption_n by_o privilege_n from_o that_o fatal_a necessity_n not_o to_o fancy_v that_o they_o may_v be_v embalm_v alive_a and_o nature_n make_v incorruptible_a by_o art_n the_o palace_n be_v as_o near_o the_o grave_a as_o the_o cottage_n therefore_o the_o devil_n cherish_v in_o man_n fond_a hope_n of_o long_a life_n as_o some_o optic_a glass_n deceive_v the_o sight_n and_o make_v a_o superficial_a representation_n in_o colour_n on_o a_o wall_n but_o two_o or_o three_o step_n distance_n appear_v a_o long_a deep_a gallery_n thus_o the_o tempter_n by_o a_o dangerous_a artifice_n present_v to_o the_o imagination_n the_o fatal_a term_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o since_o he_o can_v weaken_v the_o certainty_n of_o death_n in_o man_n belief_n he_o remove_v the_o image_n of_o it_o out_o of_o their_o memory_n to_o lessen_v the_o impression_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a to_o make_v on_o their_o spirit_n they_o dare_v not_o venture_v to_o die_v as_o they_o live_v careless_a of_o salvation_n and_o unprepared_a for_o their_o account_n with_o god_n therefore_o to_o suspend_v the_o work_n of_o conscience_n by_o a_o seem_a compliance_n the_o tempter_n insinuate_v there_o will_v be_v a_o long_a interval_n between_o the_o present_a time_n and_o the_o last_o hour_n that_o shall_v decide_v their_o state_n for_o ever_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o convenient_a season_n to_o prepare_v for_o the_o other_o world_n when_o they_o have_v do_v with_o this_o as_o if_o repentance_n be_v best_a at_o last_o when_o there_o be_v no_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o no_o danger_n of_o retract_v it_o and_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v a_o great_a flatterer_n very_o subtle_a to_o deceive_v and_o ruin_v he_o with_o vain_a resolution_n of_o a_o devout_a retirement_n and_o become_v serious_o religious_a hereafter_o and_o thus_o by_o a_o easy_a permission_n he_o gratify_v the_o present_a desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o go_v in_o a_o circuit_n from_o one_o vanity_n to_o another_o till_o death_n surprise_v the_o presumer_n it_o be_v very_o applicable_a to_o this_o purpose_n what_o be_v relate_v of_o alcaeus_n the_o poet_n 9_o who_o from_o every_o season_n of_o the_o year_n take_v argument_n to_o give_v a_o new_a title_n to_o his_o intemperance_n the_o spring_n require_v liberal_a drink_n in_o sign_n of_o joy_n for_o the_o renovation_n of_o nature_n the_o summer_n to_o temper_v the_o heat_n and_o refresh_v our_o draught_n it_o be_v due_a to_o autumn_n as_o dedicate_v to_o the_o vintage_n and_o winter_n require_v it_o to_o expel_v the_o cold_a that_o will_v congeal_v the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n thus_o he_o plead_v for_o the_o allowance_n of_o his_o excess_n and_o thus_o man_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o life_n which_o be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n have_v some_o excuse_n to_o delay_v repentance_n and_o give_v some_o colour_n to_o their_o contumacy_n in_o neglect_v salvation_n the_o vanity_n of_o childhood_n the_o pleasure_n of_o youth_n the_o business_n of_o middle_a age_n the_o infirmity_n of_o old_a age_n be_v plausible_a pretence_n to_o put_v off_o the_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o now_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o present_a choice_n and_o pursuit_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n let_v we_o consider_v 1._o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a season_n allow_v we_o for_o preparation_n in_o order_n to_o immortality_n as_o we_o improve_v or_o neglect_v it_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o it_o be_v observe_v concern_v the_o straits_n where_o the_o sea_n be_v but_o a_o few_o mile_n broad_a plin._n yet_o from_o thence_o it_o pour_v itself_o into_o the_o vast_a ocean_n that_o extend_v to_o both_o the_o indies_n so_o this_o life_n that_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o strait_n of_o time_n issue_v itself_o into_o a_o boundless_a eternity_n of_o good_a or_o evil._n from_o a_o few_o year_n well_o or_o ill_o spend_v here_o tam_fw-la immensa_fw-la soeculorum_fw-la vastitas_fw-la panditur_fw-la million_o of_o age_n follow_v of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n if_o man_n now_o set_v their_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o earnest_o seek_v they_o they_o shall_v joyful_o ascend_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n for_o the_o preparation_n for_o happiness_n be_v here_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o hereafter_o but_o if_o they_o be_v carnal_o mind_v and_o the_o main_a design_n of_o their_o life_n be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o present_a world_n when_o the_o part_a hour_n be_v come_v and_o death_n shall_v make_v a_o separation_n between_o they_o and_o it_o their_o misery_n be_v irrecoverable_a as_o the_o grave_a indeed_o if_o we_o have_v two_o life_n in_o succession_n allow_v we_o for_o trial_n and_o have_v err_v in_o our_o choice_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o first_o may_v correct_v our_o error_n in_o a_o second_o life_n there_o be_v some_o pretence_n for_o security_n but_o since_o immediate_o after_o death_n a_o private_a judgement_n pass_v upon_o the_o soul_n without_o appeal_n to_o a_o more_o favourable_a tribunal_n since_o then_o the_o error_n be_v unpardonable_a for_o ever_o there_o be_v no_o stupidity_n equal_v the_o present_a neglect_n of_o salvation_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o desperate_a uncertainty_n upon_o which_o man_n build_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a repentance_n and_o divine_a acceptance_n 1._o man_n be_v flatter_v with_o the_o presumption_n of_o long_a life_n but_o what_o be_v more_o uncertain_a it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v conceal_v in_o his_o own_o counsel_n the_o time_n of_o our_o sojourn_v here_o for_o if_o man_n though_o liable_a to_o death_n every_o hour_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v under_o a_o just_a fear_n lest_o it_o surprise_v they_o unprepared_a yet_o against_o so_o strong_a a_o curb_n run_v with_o that_o exorbitant_a vehemence_n after_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n how_o much_o more_o licentious_a will_v they_o be_v if_o secure_v from_o sudden_a death_n but_o none_o can_v promise_v to_o himself_o one_o day_n death_n come_v not_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o divine_a decree_n how_o many_o in_o the_o flower_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o strength_n think_v themselves_o at_o as_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o death_n as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n when_o there_o be_v but_o a_o step_n between_o they_o and_o death_n between_o they_o and_o hell_n the_o lamp_n sudden_o expire_v by_o a_o blast_n of_o wind_n when_o there_o be_v plenty_n of_o oil_n to_o feed_v it_o the_o rich_a man_n please_v himself_o with_o design_n of_o sensual_a enjoyment_n for_o many_o year_n yet_o do_v not_o see_v the_o dawn_n of_o the_o next_o morning_n thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o this_o sentence_n be_v now_o pronounce_v in_o heaven_n against_o thousand_o that_o be_v alive_a this_o day_n conversant_a in_o the_o vanity_n and_o business_n of_o the_o world_n eat_v and_o drink_v play_v and_o trade_n and_o all_o unconcerned_a as_o to_o die_v yet_o shall_v breathe_v their_o last_o before_o to_o morrow_n and_o their_o unwilling_a soul_n be_v rend_v from_o the_o embrace_n of_o the_o body_n in_o various_a manner_n man_n die_v sudden_o from_o inward_a and_o outward_a cause_n a_o 120._o apoplexy_n
to_o make_v a_o experiment_n whether_o any_o satisfaction_n can_v be_v find_v in_o it_o at_o last_o sad_o declare_v that_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o be_v but_o several_a kind_n and_o rank_n of_o vanity_n as_o ineffectual_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a as_o counterfeit_a jewel_n of_o several_a colour_n be_v to_o enrich_v the_o possessor_n nay_o they_o be_v not_o only_a vanity_n but_o vexation_n a_o empty_a show_n that_o have_v nothing_o real_a but_o the_o vexation_n of_o disappointment_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o value_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n when_o they_o be_v best_a instruct_v and_o give_v credit_n to_o their_o testimony_n when_o they_o be_v sincere_a certain_o in_o their_o approach_n to_o the_o divine_a judgement_n they_o be_v most_o considerate_a and_o serious_a they_o have_v the_o true_a and_o just_a thought_n of_o thing_n and_o most_o free_o declare_v they_o o_o the_o astonish_a folly_n of_o man_n the_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o they_o and_o the_o sun_n be_v set_v and_o no_o time_n remain_v for_o their_o return_v into_o the_o way_n of_o life_n chap._n viii_o the_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o eternal_a thing_n requisite_a to_o direct_v our_o choice_n the_o power_n of_o faith_n illustrate_v infidelity_n total_a or_o partial_a the_o cause_n of_o man_n neglect_v eternal_a salvation_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v further_a what_o be_v necessary_a to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o choice_n that_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o double_a misery_n of_o be_v deceive_v with_o a_o false_a happiness_n for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o deprive_v of_o true_a happiness_n for_o ever_o three_o thing_n be_v requisite_a for_o this_o 1._o a_o sound_n and_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o unseen_a eternal_a thing_n 2._o serious_n consideration_n of_o the_o vast_a difference_n between_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sight_n and_o that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n 3._o humble_a and_o ardent_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v turn_v away_o our_o eye_n and_o heart_n from_o vanity_n to_o the_o solid_a durable_a good_n first_o the_o sound_n and_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o eternal_a thing_n be_v requisite_a to_o direct_v our_o choice_n aright_o â—_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v it_o assure_v we_o of_o their_o reality_n and_o worth_a as_o if_o they_o be_v before_o our_o eye_n and_o in_o our_o actual_a possession_n this_o divine_a light_n govern_v and_o conduct_n the_o will_n to_o choose_v wise_o and_o excite_v all_o the_o practic_a power_n for_o the_o prevening_n the_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o obtain_n perfect_a felicity_n when_o the_o devil_n the_o deadly_a flatterer_n by_o invite_a representation_n of_o the_o world_n entice_v the_o heart_n the_o serious_a belief_n of_o the_o future_a reward_n so_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a disgrace_v the_o most_o splendid_a temptation_n and_o make_v they_o ineffectual_a this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n if_o tempt_v to_o lasciviousness_n by_o the_o allurement_n of_o a_o earthly_a beauty_n faith_n represent_v the_o angelical_a lustre_n of_o the_o saint_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v with_o the_o unspotted_a lamb_n in_o his_o glorious_a appearance_n and_o this_o unbind_v the_o charm_n and_o make_v the_o tempt_a person_n a_o object_n not_o of_o desire_n but_o aversation_n if_o tempt_v with_o honour_n to_o a_o sinful_a compliance_n faith_n represent_v so_o convince_o the_o glory_n which_o all_o those_o who_o preserve_v their_o conscience_n and_o integrity_n inviolable_a shall_v receive_v at_o the_o universal_a judgement_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v he_o that_o serve_v i_o he_o will_v my_o father_n honour_n and_o the_o confusion_n wherein_o the_o most_o honourable_a sinner_n shall_v then_o be_v cover_v that_o with_o a_o generous_a disdain_n all_o secular_a honour_n will_v be_v despise_v and_o it_o be_v as_o powerful_a to_o enervate_v the_o temptation_n of_o temporal_a profit_n we_o read_v of_o moses_n that_o by_o faith_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n and_o therefore_o more_o capable_a to_o understand_v and_o enjoy_v what_o felicity_n the_o bright_a honour_n and_o great_a riches_n can_v afford_v refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n '_o s_o daughter_n 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 esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n for_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o a_o wicked_a world_n inspire_v with_o rage_n from_o satan_n can_v threaten_v to_o fright_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n poverty_n disgrace_n banishment_n nay_o torment_n and_o death_n those_o terrible_v visu_fw-la formae_fw-la so_o heighten_v by_o the_o carnal_a fancy_n be_v easy_o overcome_v by_o a_o sincere_a and_o strong_a believer_n thus_o some_o who_o be_v urge_v by_o such_o motive_n to_o renounce_v their_o religion_n tell_v the_o persecutor_n that_o life_n be_v not_o sweet_a to_o they_o if_o they_o may_v not_o live_v christian_n nor_o death_n bitter_a if_o they_o must_v die_v for_o christ._n a_o lively_a firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o excellence_n and_o eternity_n of_o the_o reward_n cyp._n what_o miraculous_a effect_n will_v it_o produce_v nothing_o will_v be_v impossible_a within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o duty_n either_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v in_o order_n to_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n faith_n have_v a_o celestial_a power_n a_o magnetic_a virtue_n to_o draw_v up_o the_o heart_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o fasten_v it_o to_o thing_n above_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o a_o clear_a sight_a soul_n that_o see_v a_o good_a infinite_o great_a shall_v reject_v it_o for_o mean_a thing_n to_o please_v the_o low_a desire_n we_o may_v as_o probable_o imagine_v that_o a_o skilful_a jeweller_n will_v part_v with_o the_o rich_a oriental_a pearl_n for_o cherry_n stone_n to_o play_v with_o child_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n preach_v do_v not_o profit_n not_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o it_o be_v astonish_v to_o consider_v that_o earth_n shall_v contend_v with_o heaven_n for_o our_o affection_n and_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o vanity_n shall_v turn_v the_o scale_n against_o the_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n that_o man_n shall_v pursue_v fleet_a shadow_n and_o neglect_v the_o most_o excellent_a reality_n as_o if_o they_o can_v be_v happy_a here_o and_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o hereafter_o there_o be_v neither_o happiness_n nor_o eternity_n but_o this_o release_v the_o wonder_n that_o all_o man_n have_v not_o faith_n eternal_a thing_n be_v not_o of_o conspicuous_a moment_n in_o the_o carnal_a balance_n some_o be_v infidel_n in_o profession_n open_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v without_o religion_n without_o god_n and_o have_v the_o same_o credit_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o hell_n discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o the_o elysian_a field_n and_o stygian_a lake_n the_o fable_n of_o the_o poet_n these_o live_v as_o if_o they_o shall_v never_o die_v and_o die_v as_o if_o they_o shall_v never_o live_v in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o if_o death_n cause_v so_o deep_a a_o sleep_n that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v not_o awaken_v they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n their_o unbelief_n be_v not_o from_o reason_n but_o vicious_a opposite_a affection_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o eternal_a state_n be_v so_o clear_o reveal_v and_o strong_o establish_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o sincere_a mind_n must_v ready_o assent_v to_o it_o but_o the_o wicked_a can_v delight_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o that_o for_o which_o they_o be_v unprepared_a and_o therefore_o try_v all_o way_n to_o elude_v the_o force_n of_o the_o most_o satisfy_a argument_n they_o do_v not_o fear_v hell_n but_o be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v be_v fearful_a of_o it_o this_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o folly_n as_o that_o of_o the_o west_n indian_n who_o at_o the_o first_o invasion_n by_o the_o spaniard_n be_v so_o terrify_v with_o the_o glitter_a of_o their_o sword_n that_o they_o present_o flee_v and_o very_o advise_o resolve_v to_o hide_v themselves_o in_o the_o day_n and_o assault_v their_o enemy_n in_o the_o night_n they_o be_v fearful_a to_o see_v their_o danger_n and_o rash_a to_o encounter_v it_o and_o fight_v in_o the_o dark_a be_v kill_v in_o the_o dark_a the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a death_n be_v the_o brandishing_n of_o god_n glitter_a sword_n before_o he_o strike_v and_o sensual_a infidel_n be_v
image_n of_o our_o suffer_a redeemer_n that_o we_o may_v be_v crown_v with_o his_o glory_n how_o many_o christian_n esteem_v themselves_o honour_v in_o the_o disgrace_n and_o bless_v in_o the_o injury_n they_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o with_o a_o invincible_a patience_n and_o astonish_a joy_n endure_v the_o most_o cruel_a persecution_n though_o yet_o the_o human_a nature_n in_o they_o be_v as_o tender_v and_o sensible_a of_o pain_n as_o in_o other_o but_o the_o natural_a aversion_n and_o repugnance_n to_o suffering_n be_v overrule_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o rational_a will_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o reward_n attend_v it_o they_o give_v a_o most_o convince_a sensible_a testimony_n how_o much_o more_o valuable_a heaven_n be_v than_o this_o present_a world_n willing_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o evil_a here_o and_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a issue_n in_o short_a the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n be_v a_o triumphal_a crown_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o victory_n there_o can_v be_v no_o triumph_n and_o where_o no_o combat_n no_o victory_n and_o where_o no_o enemy_n no_o combat_n therefore_o we_o be_v command_v to_o fight_v against_o our_o internal_a enemy_n our_o corrupt_a affection_n to_o kill_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o encounter_v and_o overcome_v by_o humility_n and_o meek_a submission_n the_o cruelty_n of_o malicious_a enemy_n without_o we_o in_o a_o direct_a order_n of_o obtain_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o a_o believer_n that_o have_v heaven_n in_o taste_n and_o expectation_n will_v easy_o renounce_v the_o most_o pleasant_a and_o willing_o endure_v the_o sharp_a temptation_n for_o the_o bless_a reward_n of_o his_o obedience_n chap._n xii_o the_o gospel_n threaten_v hell_n to_o all_o that_o prefer_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n before_o heaven_n how_o congruous_a and_o powerful_a a_o motive_n this_o be_v to_o work_v on_o carnal_a men._n the_o misery_n of_o a_o everlasting_a hell_n represent_v 4._o consider_v if_o man_n choose_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n before_o heaven_n that_o infinite_o exceed_v this_o world_n than_o a_o everlasting_a hell_n shall_v be_v their_o portion_n there_o be_v no_o middle_a state_n in_o the_o next_o world_n no_o tolerable_a mediocrity_n but_o two_o contrary_a state_n yet_o alike_o in_o this_o that_o the_o happiness_n and_o misery_n be_v equal_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a and_o by_o the_o most_o wise_a righteous_a will_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a connexion_n between_o the_o choice_n and_o action_n of_o man_n here_o and_o their_o future_a condition_n for_o ever_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o renounce_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n for_o when_o by_o a_o chain_n of_o consequence_n sinful_a pleasure_n be_v link_v with_o eternal_a punishment_n threaten_v in_o the_o divine_a law_n he_o that_o will_v enjoy_v those_o forbid_a pleasure_n bind_v himself_o to_o suffer_v all_o the_o pain_n annex_v to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v just_a that_o those_o who_o err_v without_o excuse_n shall_v repent_v without_o remedy_n now_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a argument_n to_o work_v on_o carnal_a secure_a sinner_n 1._o because_o they_o be_v more_o capable_a to_o conceive_v of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n than_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n storm_n and_o darkness_n be_v more_o easy_o draw_v by_o a_o pencil_n than_o a_o calm_a bright_a day_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n be_v very_o painful_a to_o sense_n and_o the_o imagination_n strong_o represent_v its_o vehemence_n in_o torment_v the_o body_n and_o what_o a_o evil_a the_o uncessant_a remorse_n of_o the_o guilty_a conscience_n will_v be_v hereafter_o be_v in_o part_n understand_v by_o the_o secret_a accusation_n and_o twinge_n of_o self-condemning_a sinner_n here_o but_o they_o be_v absolute_o stranger_n to_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o delight_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o contemplation_n and_o love_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n and_o contentment_n of_o conscience_n in_o his_o favour_n they_o can_v without_o experience_n know_v how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v no_o more_o than_o see_v a_o taste_n to_o discourse_v to_o they_o of_o the_o spiritual_a pleasure_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o divine_a presence_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o day_n and_o night_n in_o his_o temple_n be_v to_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o a_o angel_n unintelligible_a thing_n aug._n their_o affection_n and_o mind_n and_o language_n be_v confine_v to_o sensible_a thing_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v there_o may_v be_v in_o a_o carnal_a person_n a_o conception_n of_o heaven_n as_o a_o refuge_n from_o misery_n and_o some_o smother_a confuse_a thought_n of_o its_o felicity_n as_o the_o idea_n of_o light_n and_o colour_n in_o one_o blind_a from_o his_o birth_n but_o only_o the_o pure_a in_o heart_n can_v see_v god_n as_o in_o the_o perfect_a vision_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n so_o in_o the_o imperfect_a reflection_n of_o it_o in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o carnal_a man_n be_v more_o dispose_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o represent_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n than_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n for_o we_o can_v love_v but_o what_o be_v know_v nor_o enjoy_v but_o what_o be_v love_v and_o as_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o vicious_a affection_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o clear_v the_o mind_n so_o the_o illustration_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v very_o influential_a to_o warn_v the_o heart_n the_o true_a conception_n of_o heaven_n in_o its_o amiable_a excellency_n will_v convey_v such_o a_o sweetness_n as_o to_o change_v hatred_n itself_o into_o love_n and_o of_o this_o only_o prepare_v soul_n be_v capable_a but_o those_o who_o be_v sink_v into_o sense_n be_v without_o relish_n of_o spiritual_a felicity_n and_o be_v either_o allure_v or_o terrify_v only_o with_o that_o be_v pleasant_a or_o painful_a to_o sense_n it_o be_v record_v as_o the_o unparalleled_a folly_n of_o nero_n suet._n that_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o cut_v his_o own_o throat_n to_o avoid_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o multitude_n he_o break_v forth_o into_o great_a expression_n of_o sorrow_n what_o a_o excellent_a artist_n he_o die_v it_o be_v not_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n that_o so_o much_o trouble_v he_o as_o that_o so_o much_o skill_n in_o music_n die_v with_o he_o he_o value_v himself_o more_o as_o a_o fiddler_n than_o a_o emperor_n thus_o carnal_a man_n with_o a_o folly_n infinite_o more_o prodigious_a when_o death_n be_v near_o be_v not_o so_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o with_o their_o leave_v the_o present_a world_n and_o its_o vanity_n this_o make_v death_n intolerable_o bitter_a till_o the_o love_n of_o god_n inflame_v and_o purify_v the_o heart_n the_o fruition_n of_o his_o glory_n be_v not_o esteem_v nor_o desire_v a_o seraphim_n send_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o a_o flame_a coal_n from_o the_o altar_n touch_v the_o lip_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v present_o melt_v into_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o divine_a will._n but_o if_o a_o rebel_n angel_n that_o burn_v with_o another_o fire_n than_o of_o divine_a love_n be_v dispatch_v from_o hell_n with_o a_o coal_n from_o that_o altar_n where_o so_o many_o victim_n be_v offer_v to_o divine_a justice_n as_o there_o be_v damn_v soul_n and_o touch_v obdurate_a unreformed_a sinner_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o lively_a sense_n what_o it_o be_v to_o burn_v for_o ever_o this_o be_v the_o most_o congruous_a and_o effectual_a way_n to_o reclaim_v they_o like_o stubborn_a metal_n they_o be_v only_o make_v pliant_a by_o the_o fire_n indeed_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n though_o raise_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n thorough_o to_o god_n for_o that_o religion_n that_o be_v the_o mere_a effect_n of_o fear_n will_v be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o principle_n with_o resistance_n and_o trouble_n waver_v and_o inconstant_a when_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o fear_n be_v lessen_v whereas_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o inclination_n of_o love_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o desire_a good_a be_v full_o voluntary_a and_o persevere_v as_o a_o scholar_n that_o apply_v himself_o to_o learn_v by_o the_o constraint_n of_o fear_n his_o study_n be_v uneasy_a and_o whilst_o he_o be_v read_v his_o fancy_n transport_v he_o to_o other_o thing_n and_o when_o his_o task_n be_v finish_v he_o present_o run_v to_o play_n but_o a_o lover_n of_o
a_o imposthume_n a_o flux_n of_o rheum_n stop_v respiration_n kill_v the_o body_n without_o any_o presage_a sign_n of_o death_n as_o if_o the_o roof_n and_o all_o the_o chamber_n shall_v fall_v within_o the_o house_n while_o the_o wall_n be_v stand_v and_o how_o many_o unforeseen_a accident_n and_o therefore_o inevitable_a put_v a_o sudden_a period_n to_o life_n be_v it_o not_o then_o the_o true_a wisdom_n to_o be_v early_o in_o our_o work_n for_o heaven_n when_o the_o season_n be_v certain_o short_a and_o uncertain_o continue_v and_o the_o omission_n be_v irreparable_a therefore_o the_o gospel_n represent_v the_o come_n of_o our_o judge_n under_o different_a image_n of_o surprisal_n of_o a_o thief_n that_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o night_n break_v into_o the_o house_n of_o a_o master_n that_o return_v from_o abroad_o unexpected_a to_o call_v his_o servant_n to_o a_o account_n of_o a_o bridegroom_n that_o make_v his_o nuptial_a entrance_n at_o a_o unthought_a of_o hour_n when_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n be_v asleep_a conscience_n be_v slumber_v in_o the_o good_a and_o stupefy_v in_o the_o bad_a to_o keep_v we_o always_o vigilant_a and_o prepare_v for_o that_o hour_n that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o time_n and_o beginning_n of_o eternity_n 2._o suppose_v life_n be_v continue_v yet_o sinner_n can_v have_v no_o rational_a hope_n that_o they_o shall_v sincere_o repent_v for_o 1._o save_v repentance_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o those_o who_o have_v be_v insensible_a of_o the_o loud_a and_o earnest_a call_v of_o the_o word_n that_o have_v be_v inflexible_a to_o the_o gracious_a method_n of_o providence_n lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n shall_v at_o last_o obtain_v convert_v grace_n the_o gale_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v very_o transient_a and_o blow_v where_o he_o please_v and_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o those_o who_o have_v wilful_o and_o often_o resist_v his_o pure_a motion_n shall_v by_o a_o exuberant_a favour_n receive_v afterward_o more_o powerful_a grace_n to_o over-rule_v their_o stubborn_a will_n and_o make_v they_o obedient_a our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v but_o to_o he_o that_o neglect_v the_o improve_n spiritual_a treasure_n that_o which_o he_o have_v shall_v be_v take_v away_o there_o be_v special_a season_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o pass_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o way_n where_o the_o blind_a man_n sit_v which_o neglect_v be_v irrecoverable_o lose_v god_n have_v threaten_v that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o rebellious_a sinner_n and_o then_o their_o state_n be_v remediless_a this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o even_o in_o this_o life_n who_o be_v insensible_a of_o their_o misery_n as_o consumptive_a person_n decline_v by_o degree_n lose_v their_o appetite_n colour_n and_o strength_n till_o at_o last_o they_o be_v hopeless_a so_o the_o withdrawing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v gradual_a his_o motion_n be_v not_o so_o frequent_a nor_o strong_a and_o upon_o the_o continue_a provocation_n of_o sinner_n final_o leave_v they_o under_o that_o most_o fearful_a doom_n he_o that_o be_v filthy_a let_v he_o be_v filthy_a still_o he_o that_o be_v unrighteous_a let_v he_o be_v unrighteous_a still_o and_o thus_o punish_v they_o on_o this_o side_n hell_n as_o he_o do_v the_o damn_a by_o give_v they_o over_o to_o sin_n nothing_o therefore_o be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o the_o usual_a excuse_n for_o the_o delay_n of_o repentance_n it_o be_v write_v as_o with_o a_o sun_n beam_n that_o god_n will_v gracious_o pardon_v repent_v sinner_n but_o it_o be_v no_o where_o aug._n promise_v that_o he_o will_v give_v repentance_n to_o those_o who_o secure_o break_v his_o law_n upon_o a_o corrupt_a confidence_n they_o will_v repent_v at_o last_o it_o be_v a_o bloody_a adventure_n to_o indulge_v their_o carnal_a affection_n as_o if_o they_o have_v infallible_a assurance_n the_o word_n of_o god_n confirm_v by_o his_o oath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o die_v in_o a_o impenitent_a state_n 2._o suppose_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o total_o withdraw_v yet_o by_o every_o day_n continuance_n in_o a_o evil_a course_n the_o heart_n be_v more_o harden_v against_o the_o impression_n of_o grace_n and_o more_o incapable_a of_o return_v to_o god_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n to_o make_v the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n easy_a for_o he_o know_v that_o after_o sometime_o it_o will_v plead_v a_o right_a by_o prescription_n and_o with_o difficulty_n be_v eject_v custom_n be_v a_o second_o nature_n and_o have_v a_o mighty_a power_n either_o in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n can_v the_o aethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n can_v the_o leopard_n change_v his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a do_v good_a if_o sin_n in_o its_o infancy_n can_v make_v such_o resistance_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n be_v foil_v in_o his_o motion_n to_o rescue_v the_o soul_n from_o its_o bondage_n how_o much_o more_o when_o it_o be_v grow_v into_o a_o confirm_a habit_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n urge_v so_o emphatical_o to_o day_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n lest_o any_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n 3._o how_o uncertain_a be_v it_o whether_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o address_n of_o such_o at_o last_o we_o be_v command_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o maybe_o find_v and_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o the_o limitation_n imply_v if_o the_o season_n be_v neglect_v he_o will_v hide_v his_o face_n for_o ever_o now_o in_o case_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o hazard_n what_o diligence_n what_o caution_n shall_v be_v use_v 1._o how_o derogatory_n be_v it_o to_o his_o majesty_n to_o offer_v to_o he_o the_o dregs_o of_o our_o age_n the_o relic_n of_o a_o licentious_a careless_a life_n spend_v in_o the_o work_n of_o vanity_n be_v this_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n 16._o contempt_n provoke_v superior_n as_o much_o as_o actual_a injury_n and_o how_o vilify_n be_v it_o of_o his_o excellent_a greatness_n that_o man_n lavish_o waste_v the_o best_a of_o their_o time_n upon_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o world_n and_o when_o through_o weakness_n of_o age_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o a_o disease_n they_o can_v no_o more_o relish_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n then_o only_o to_o seek_v his_o favour_n and_o presume_v upon_o it_o as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o be_v happy_a without_o they_o and_o it_o be_v his_o interest_n to_o receive_v they_o if_o you_o offer_v the_o blind_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n be_v it_o not_o evil_a and_o if_o you_o offer_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a be_v it_o not_o evil_a offer_v it_o now_o to_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o to_o accept_v thy_o person_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n 2._o consider_v what_o sincerity_n or_o moral_a value_n be_v in_o religion_n that_o mere_o proceed_v from_o bitter_a constraint_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o law_n falsum_fw-la est_fw-la eam_fw-la peperisse_fw-la cui_fw-la mortuae_fw-la filius_fw-la extractus_fw-la est_fw-la it_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a birth_n when_o the_o child_n be_v extract_v from_o the_o dead_a mother_n it_o be_v not_o genuine_a piety_n that_o be_v only_o extort_a by_o the_o rack_n whilst_o the_o heart_n full_a of_o aversion_n and_o reluctancy_n do_v not_o true_o consent_v pure_a religion_n flow_v uncompelled_a from_o love_n to_o god_n it_o be_v the_o dregs_n that_o come_v forth_o with_o press_v it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o israelite_n that_o when_o god_n slay_v they_o they_o seek_v he_o 36._o and_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n but_o it_o be_v add_v nevertheless_o they_o do_v flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o they_o lie_v to_o he_o with_o their_o tongue_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o neither_o be_v they_o steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n when_o sinner_n be_v plunge_v in_o deep_a distress_n when_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n sit_v upon_o their_o eyelid_n they_o may_v with_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o prayer_n and_o tear_n desire_v god_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o heaven_n not_o to_o serve_v he_o there_o not_o to_o enjoy_v the_o divine_a presence_n but_o as_o a_o sanctuary_n from_o revenge_a justice_n as_o a_o refuge_n from_o hell_n and_o will_v such_o desire_n prevail_v what_o swell_v the_o confidence_n of_o sinner_n but_o unworthy_a notion_n of_o god_n as_o if_o a_o force_a and_o formal_a expression_n to_o he_o be_v sufficient_a to_o reconcile_v his_o offend_a majesty_n 3._o there_o be_v nothing_o render_v man_n more_o unworthy_a of_o mercy_n than_o continuance_n in_o sin_n upon_o presumption_n of_o a_o easy_a pardon_n at_o last_o this_o be_v the_o most_o common_a deceitful_a principle_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v their_o hope_n