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often_o see_v the_o trial_n of_o in_o other_o with_o that_o ill_a success_n that_o of_o all_o thing_n methinks_v we_o shall_v not_o desire_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n which_o yet_o we_o can_v avoid_v if_o we_o do_v as_o they_o have_v do_v before_o we_o and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v gull_v with_o the_o flattery_n of_o this_o present_a world_n into_o a_o fond_a expectation_n of_o a_o long_a and_o happy_a continuance_n here_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o avoid_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o fatal_a error_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a state_n of_o our_o life_n and_o to_o season_v our_o mind_n with_o frequent_a and_o serious_a meditation_n upon_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v apply_v they_o to_o the_o
be_v say_v to_o have_v dye_v in_o faith_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o have_v embrace_v they_o many_o age_n before_o the_o time_n be_v come_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o then_o for_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o grace_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o transcendent_a thing_n it_o have_v do_v in_o ancient_a time_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o by_o which_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o great_a and_o famous_a action_n record_v of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o other_o worthy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v all_o owe_v to_o their_o faith_n by_o faith_n they_o please_v god_n bear_v up_o against_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n subdue_v kingdom_n and_o wrought_v righteousness_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o high_a discouragement_n many_o instance_n he_o give_v we_o of_o these_o noble_a flight_n of_o faith_n among_o which_o there_o be_v none_o in_o all_o respect_n more_o remarkable_a than_o the_o example_n in_o the_o text_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o promise_v offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v two_o thing_n be_v observable_a in_o these_o word_n 1._o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o trial_n which_o god_n make_v of_o abraham_n when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o offer_v up_o isaac_n to_o he_o 2._o the_o issue_n of_o this_o trial_n or_o the_o victory_n of_o abraham_n faith_n over_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o discouragement_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o both_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n will_v sure_o afford_v we_o very_o useful_a reflection_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n 1._o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o trial_n which_o god_n put_v abraham_n upon_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o affiance_n in_o he_o the_o text_n call_v it_o a_o trial_n which_o imply_v that_o god_n command_v abraham_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n for_o have_v it_o be_v a_o freewill_n offer_n without_o any_o order_n or_o direction_n from_o god_n such_o as_o the_o heathen_a oblation_n be_v when_o they_o sacrifice_v their_o child_n to_o their_o idol_n it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a and_o horrid_a act_n of_o murder_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a as_o some_o have_v fancy_v to_o clear_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o abraham_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o god_n shall_v dispense_v with_o the_o six_o commandment_n when_o he_o oblige_v the_o patriarch_n to_o kill_v his_o son_n because_o it_o have_v be_v murder_n to_o kill_v he_o without_o his_o command_n for_o that_o commandment_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o case_n before_o we_o forbid_v only_o to_o kill_v without_o god_n authority_n which_o abraham_n never_o go_v about_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o need_v no_o dispensation_n for_o it_o he_o have_v a_o express_a commission_n from_o god_n who_o be_v absolute_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o never_o bar_n his_o prerogative_n by_o his_o law_n and_o may_v therefore_o use_v his_o power_n as_o he_o please_v and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a person_n as_o well_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o father_n and_o the_o fire_n upon_o the_o altar_n as_o by_o a_o infection_n in_o the_o air_n by_o lightning_n or_o tempest_n or_o any_o other_o messenger_n of_o death_n and_o thus_o moses_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n tempt_v abraham_n and_o bid_v he_o go_v and_o offer_v his_o son_n upon_o a_o certain_a mountain_n in_o moriah_n for_o a_o burn_a offer_v gen._n 22.1_o 2._o and_o herein_o lie_v the_o sharpness_n of_o abraham_n trial_n that_o either_o he_o must_v contend_v with_o god_n and_o dispute_v his_o authority_n or_o do_v the_o strange_a thing_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o please_v he_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o case_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n demand_v of_o abraham_n as_o a_o test_n of_o his_o sincerity_n towards_o he_o and_o what_o plausible_a argument_n a_o person_n in_o his_o circumstance_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o frame_v against_o it_o 1._o first_o then_o god_n command_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o surprise_v or_o unwelcome_a to_o he_o who_o ever_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o act_n of_o piety_n before_o of_o so_o hard_a a_o precept_n or_o so_o unlikely_a a_o way_n of_o please_a god_n as_o this_o what_o will_v a_o ordinary_a faith_n have_v do_v how_o will_v natural_a reason_n have_v plead_v in_o this_o case_n may_v not_o abraham_n himself_o be_v suppose_v to_o reason_n thus_o must_v i_o then_o lie_v aside_o all_o humanity_n and_o imbrue_v my_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o my_o own_o son_n must_v i_o forget_v that_o i_o be_o a_o father_n and_o destroy_v the_o life_n which_o i_o give_v do_v not_o nature_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o dutiful_a towards_o the_o offspring_n of_o our_o own_o bowel_n and_o be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n engrave_v upon_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o the_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v i_o hither_o to_o condemn_v the_o action_n which_o he_o now_o command_v and_o though_o i_o know_v he_o be_v always_o just_a and_o good_a and_o will_v do_v always_o that_o which_o i_o know_v will_v please_v he_o yet_o how_o can_v i_o hope_v to_o please_v he_o by_o destroy_v his_o image_n in_o my_o own_o child_n what_o will_v the_o world_n say_v of_o i_o who_o profess_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o pure_a manner_n shall_v i_o pollute_v his_o altar_n with_o my_o son_n blood_n and_o do_v that_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a thing_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o his_o holy_a religion_n so_o harsh_a a_o command_n as_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o put_v not_o nature_n only_o but_o faith_n itself_o upon_o the_o stretch_n and_o be_v perfect_o new_a and_o arbitrary_a to_o fright_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o this_o holy_a man_n have_v be_v the_o best_a example_n and_o the_o great_a promoter_n of_o 2._o but_o then_o god_n do_v not_o only_o command_v abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n but_o his_o belove_a and_o only_a son_n isaac_n i._n e._n his_o only_a son_n by_o sarah_n the_o freewoman_n and_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o family_n which_o be_v to_o convey_v a_o universal_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n take_v now_o thy_o son_n say_v god_n thy_o only_a son_n isaac_n 22.2_o gen._n 22.2_o who_o thou_o love_v and_o get_v thou_o into_o the_o land_n of_o moriah_n and_o offer_v he_o there_o for_o a_o burn_a offer_v and_o this_o great_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n of_o abraham_n obedience_n that_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o demand_v not_o one_o out_o of_o many_o but_o his_o only_a son_n his_o isaac_n who_o he_o entire_o love_v the_o only_a joy_n of_o his_o mother_n and_o the_o only_a hope_n of_o the_o family_n which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o best_a figure_n of_o any_o other_o in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o may_v not_o abraham_n have_v say_v lord_n must_v i_o bereave_v myself_o of_o the_o child_n which_o nothing_o but_o a_o miracle_n of_o thou_o can_v raise_v out_o of_o my_o age_a loin_n must_v i_o take_v away_o a_o life_n for_o which_o i_o will_v glad_o exchange_v my_o own_o will_v not_o all_o my_o flock_n and_o herd_n afford_v a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o thou_o all_o these_o i_o will_v free_o offer_v instead_o of_o that_o innocent_a lamb_n in_o which_o all_o my_o earthly_a treasure_n and_o comfort_n lie_v let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a and_o i_o will_v speak_v this_o once_o be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o sarah_n bind_v up_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o child_n how_o shall_v i_o answer_v the_o death_n of_o isaac_n to_o she_o or_o must_v i_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o two_o such_o death_n at_o once_o and_o when_o i_o have_v slay_v the_o son_n carry_v the_o kill_v tiding_n to_o the_o unhappy_a mother_n oh_o how_o great_a a_o straight_o be_v this_o good_a man_n drive_v into_o when_o he_o must_v either_o have_v forfeit_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o bereave_v himself_o of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o strange_a act_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o it_o 3._o another_o grand_a discouragement_n to_o abraham_n obedience_n be_v that_o his_o belove_a isaac_n be_v a_o son_n of_o very_o great_a and_o glorious_a promise_n which_o his_o untimely_a death_n must_v without_o a_o miracle_n frustrate_v the_o completion_n of_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o make_v he_o the_o father_n
accept_v of_o a_o short_a repentance_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o when_o the_o gospel_n make_v they_o equal_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o we_o undertake_v for_o they_o alike_o in_o our_o baptism_n i'faith_o indeed_o and_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v we_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o when_o we_o be_v in_o a_o covenant-state_n and_o have_v solemn_o engage_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n all_o our_o day_n as_o we_o expect_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o we_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n can_v justify_v our_o pretence_n to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o we_o and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v put_v off_o with_o the_o renew_n of_o those_o vow_n at_o our_o death_n which_o our_o life_n have_v be_v a_o continual_a violation_n of_o to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v 3._o that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n can_v never_o be_v try_v and_o therefore_o to_o we_o it_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v that_o repentance_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v some_o instance_n we_o hope_v there_o be_v of_o man_n that_o have_v make_v good_a the_o vow_n which_o they_o make_v in_o their_o sickness_n but_o alas_o how_o many_o of_o those_o that_o have_v outlive_v their_o own_o fear_n of_o death_n have_v outlive_v the_o promise_v too_o which_o they_o make_v under_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o how_o often_o have_v man_n recover_v into_o a_o wickede_a life_n than_o ever_o their_o sorrow_n be_v but_o as_o a_o morning_n cloud_n and_o their_o penitent_a tear_n as_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o soon_o pass_v away_o and_o now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v upon_o this_o head_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o device_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o gospel_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o that_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o ruin_v the_o very_a design_n of_o its_o appear_v unto_o man_n to_o debauch_v the_o christian_a world_n and_o to_o make_v salvation_n cheap_a after_o the_o direful_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n than_o the_o vile_a lust_n that_o be_v practise_v in_o it_o and_o if_o this_o pass_n for_o gospel_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o to_o learn_v what_o powerful_a argument_n the_o gospel_n have_v leave_v to_o prevail_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o professor_n who_o notwithstanding_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n do_v hardly_o seem_v to_o be_v half_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n to_o close_v entire_o with_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o the_o best_a we_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o be_v that_o the_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n live_v a_o noble_a life_n and_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a state_n than_o he_o that_o drill_v off_o his_o repentance_n and_o think_v it_o time_n enough_o to_o reform_v when_o he_o be_v die_v because_o he_o may_v be_v surprise_v by_o death_n which_o be_v a_o chance_n the_o other_o be_v provide_v against_o but_o sudden_a death_n happen_v so_o very_o seldom_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v so_o little_o understand_v that_o consider_v the_o guise_n of_o this_o world_n the_o hardness_n of_o a_o impenitent_a heart_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o great_a deceiver_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o violent_a and_o outrageous_a affection_n by_o which_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v hurry_v on_o to_o their_o several_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n no_o man_n that_o have_v any_o insight_n into_o the_o principle_n of_o human_a action_n can_v promise_v any_o competent_a success_n if_o we_o have_v no_o better_a argument_n to_o urge_v than_o these_o and_o indeed_o when_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v go_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v strike_v at_o by_o all_o the_o projector_n of_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n christianity_n must_v be_v a_o very_a precarious_a thing_n a_o matter_n of_o goodwill_n or_o at_o most_o of_o very_o ordinary_a prudence_n have_v lose_v its_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n for_o if_o the_o gospel_n will_v secure_v i_o of_o heaven_n and_o excuse_v i_o for_o not_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n all_o my_o life-long_a it_o plain_o leave_v i_o to_o my_o liberty_n to_o do_v as_o i_o listen_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n my_o unhappy_a nature_n desire_v and_o while_o i_o find_v myself_o easy_a and_o believe_v myself_o safe_a in_o this_o way_n i_o must_v be_v under_o a_o invincible_a prejudice_n against_o any_o other_o that_o can_v be_v recommend_v to_o i_o it_o be_v not_o argue_v that_o will_v reach_v i_o now_o it_o be_v not_o dry_a reason_n that_o will_v work_v upon_o i_o oh_o bless_a jesus_n how_o many_o way_n have_v man_n invent_v to_o shift_v off_o their_o obedience_n to_o thy_o commandment_n but_o how_o can_v i_o think_v that_o thou_o come_v to_o turn_v i_o from_o my_o sin_n if_o part_v sorrowful_o with_o they_o when_o i_o die_v be_v enough_o to_o bring_v i_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n but_o i_o fear_v you_o will_v hardly_o excuse_v i_o if_o i_o shall_v not_o stay_v to_o answer_v a_o question_n or_o two_o in_o behalf_n of_o poor_a die_v penitent_n 1._o first_o then_o may_v not_o god_n in_o a_o moment_n dissolve_v the_o hard_a and_o most_o impenitent_a heart_n and_o cast_v it_o into_o a_o new_a frame_n whenever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o show_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n and_o who_o he_o sanctify_v will_v he_o not_o save_v these_o i_o grant_v be_v undeniable_a truth_n but_o then_o we_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o what_o god_n can_v do_v or_o may_v have_v do_v in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n but_o the_o question_n be_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o declare_v he_o will_v judge_v we_o according_a to_o it_o whether_o he_o will_v think_v fit_a to_o vary_v from_o this_o rule_n if_o he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v sad_o evident_a that_o a_o late_a repentance_n be_v the_o most_o desperate_a adventure_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o will_v he_o have_v no_o where_o tell_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v have_v not_o reason_n to_o presume_v upon_o it_o but_o 2._o do_v not_o the_o penitent_a thief_n go_v immediate_o from_o the_o cross_n into_o paradise_n true_o but_o do_v not_o judas_n also_o repent_v and_o restore_v the_o money_n he_o have_v take_v to_o betray_v his_o master_n and_o after_o that_o go_v to_o his_o own_o place_n be_v not_o judas_n a_o profess_a disciple_n and_o the_o crucify_a thief_n a_o stranger_n to_o the_o covevant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o of_o these_o do_v most_o resemble_v the_o case_n of_o delay_v penitent_n they_o be_v i_o grant_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o judas_n his_o sin_n but_o neither_o be_v they_o in_o condition_n of_o make_v so_o glorious_a a_o confession_n as_o the_o penitent_a thief_n do_v when_o he_o see_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n both_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a case_n one_o of_o which_o may_v serve_v indeed_o to_o balance_v the_o other_o but_o then_o we_o can_v certain_o conclude_v our_o good_a or_o bad_a condition_n from_o either_o 3._o last_o if_o the_o state_n of_o die_v penitent_n be_v thus_o disconsolate_a what_o room_n be_v there_o to_o offer_v any_o advice_n or_o comfort_n to_o they_o i_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o become_v we_o to_o limit_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n or_o to_o say_v that_o he_o can_v extend_v it_o beyond_o the_o term_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o we_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a but_o break_v not_o thou_o into_o his_o secret_n he_o have_v probable_o more_o mercy_n in_o store_n than_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o bestow_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v the_o penitent_a thief_n have_v not_o exhaust_v the_o whole_a treasure_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o think_v that_o extraordinary_a grace_n be_v more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o end_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n and_o perfection_n than_o it_o be_v with_o the_o honour_n and_o good_a government_n of_o pious_a and_o merciful_a prince_n when_o they_o find_v reason_n to_o over-rule_v the_o sentence_n of_o their_o own_o just_a and_o righteous_a law_n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v some_o comfort_n that_o good_a man_n be_v general_o dispose_v to_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o who_o repentance_n at_o any_o time_n be_v signal_n and_o extraordinary_a and_o though_o all_o this_o do_v not_o mount_v to_o a_o sure_a ground_n of_o hope_n yet_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o aught_o to_o
and_o die_v in_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o material_a what_o church_n we_o live_v or_o dye_v in_o communion_n with_o while_o we_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o our_o lust_n all_o the_o absolution_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v we_o not_o good_n if_o we_o study_v to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n we_o need_v not_o any_o indulgency_n from_o man_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n i_o can_v see_v the_o least_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o change_v our_o religion_n to_o leave_v the_o straight_a path_n we_o be_v in_o and_o to_o go_v about_o by_o the_o saint_n to_o our_o redeemer_n and_o by_o purgatory_n to_o heaven_n to_o leave_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o to_o turn_v to_o legend_n and_o story_n of_o saint_n which_o a_o serious_a man_n will_v think_v be_v compose_v only_o for_o merriment_n and_o diversion_n but_o though_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o change_v our_o religion_n yet_o sure_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o many_o of_o we_o to_o make_v considerable_a alteration_n in_o our_o life_n to_o change_v almost_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o tenor_n of_o they_o and_o to_o reform_v ourselves_o who_o call_v ourselves_o the_o reform_a it_o be_v not_o only_a for_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o profession_n that_o our_o life_n be_v uniform_a to_o it_o but_o our_o immortal_a honour_n and_o interest_n depend_v upon_o it_o we_o lose_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n if_o we_o faint_v in_o the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o escape_v everlasting_a death_n than_o to_o persist_v in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n eternal_a if_o a_o man_n shall_v tempt_v you_o to_o renounce_v your_o faith_n i_o very_o hope_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o to_o your_o eternal_a salvation_n will_v hinder_v you_o from_o harken_v to_o he_o but_o then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o danger_n in_o a_o profane_a and_o vicious_a life_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n to_o deny_v every_o sinful_a appetite_n and_o worldly_a lust_n to_o be_v cautious_a of_o our_o step_n and_o have_v find_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n to_o keep_v a_o straight_a and_o even_a course_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v it_o not_o a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o no_o unrighteous_a man_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a jar_n and_o contradiction_n to_o ourselves_o to_o conclude_v we_o have_v as_o good_a pin_n our_o faith_n upon_o the_o sleeve_n of_o other_o man_n or_o bestow_v it_o upon_o any_o body_n that_o will_v take_v it_o off_o our_o hand_n as_o keep_v it_o only_o to_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o sermon_n vi_o of_o growth_n in_o grace_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o name_v any_o of_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o christian_a piety_n without_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sensible_a decay_n of_o it_o in_o the_o present_a age_n a_o age_n much_o addict_v to_o talk_v and_o wrangle_v about_o religion_n very_o stout_a and_o zealous_a in_o oppose_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n which_o divide_v the_o christian_a world_n but_o very_o cold_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o practice_n without_o which_o the_o best_a religion_n degenerate_v into_o two_o of_o the_o worst_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n hypocrisy_n and_o superstition_n this_o be_v our_o present_a case_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o look_v well_o to_o ourselves_o and_o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n to_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a the_o bad_a opinion_n and_o ill_a example_n of_o man_n fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n to_o which_o he_o add_v this_o excellent_a advice_n as_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o so_o fatal_a a_o apostasy_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n grace_n be_v a_o term_n of_o various_a sense_n and_o acceptation_n in_o scripture_n be_v frequent_o take_v for_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o divine_a assistance_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o those_o good_a disposition_n and_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o genuine_a effect_n and_o product_n of_o it_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o be_v most_o proper_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v whenever_o as_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v the_o matter_n or_o subject_a of_o a_o exhortation_n now_o in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v plain_o imply_v 1._o a_o root_n or_o principle_n of_o holiness_n actual_o implant_v in_o we_o we_o must_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n before_o we_o can_v make_v any_o progress_n or_o proficiency_n in_o it_o there_o must_v be_v a_o stock_n before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o increase_n a_o quickness_n in_o the_o root_n before_o the_o branch_n will_v sprout_v or_o flourish_v a_o spring_a of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n before_o a_o abound_a in_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o this_o show_v to_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n belong_v namely_o to_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n and_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a 2._o it_o be_v here_o imply_v that_o good_a man_n be_v nor_o mere_o passive_a in_o grow_v better_a but_o may_v and_o must_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o themselves_o nay_o the_o text_n suppose_v they_o must_v do_v enough_o to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o act_n and_o that_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n must_v cease_v if_o they_o refuse_v their_o endeavour_n to_o far_o and_o promote_v it_o do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v do_v signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o make_v we_o better_a there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n for_o our_o endeavour_n and_o consequent_o no_o reason_n for_o all_o the_o counsel_n admonition_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o use_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n but_o than_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n both_o in_o order_n to_o the_o birth_n and_o growth_n of_o it_o he_o know_v therefore_o that_o by_o his_o assistance_n which_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o afford_v we_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o growth_n and_o perfection_n in_o grace_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o by_o his_o direction_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v frequent_o move_v and_o excite_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o piety_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o our_o endeavour_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o this_o end_n and_o that_o as_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a as_o they_o be_v our_o proficiency_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n depend_v upon_o they_o now_o to_o make_v this_o exhortation_n as_o useful_a and_o effectual_a as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v aim_v at_o these_o four_o thing_n 1._o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o promote_v it_o 3._o to_o warn_v you_o of_o the_o great_a hindrance_n and_o impediment_n of_o it_o 4._o to_o enforce_v the_o apostle_n exhortation_n by_o show_v what_o weighty_a reason_n and_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n 1._o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v neither_o begin_v nor_o carry_v on_o by_o natural_a principle_n without_o the_o mighty_a aid_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o inable_v we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n nor_o do_v a_o christian_a grow_v like_o a_o plant_n mere_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n but_o by_o improve_n the_o assistance_n he_o receive_v from_o thence_o and_o use_v the_o mean_n prescribe_v to_o he_o for_o obtain_v new_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v both_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o grow_v in_o it_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o it_o be_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_n and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o subordinate_a to_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n dispose_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n by_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v already_o obtain_v and_o excite_v to_o great_a measure_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o
but_o to_o treat_v of_o that_o which_o all_o the_o world_n be_v agree_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o world_n have_v have_v time_n and_o it_o seem_v have_v be_v no_o ill_a husband_n of_o it_o to_o wear_v off_o some_o of_o the_o very_o deep_a impression_n of_o this_o ancient_a commandment_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v indeed_o run_v the_o people_n into_o many_o gross_a mistake_n and_o conceal_v the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n from_o they_o by_o their_o false_a and_o frigid_a interpretation_n of_o the_o great_a commandment_n of_o god_n but_o to_o do_v they_o right_o they_o be_v much_o better_a expounder_n of_o this_o law_n than_o many_o of_o our_o modern_a christian_n who_o with_o pen_n of_o steel_n and_o in_o letter_n of_o blood_n be_v ready_a to_o justify_v that_o kill_v for_o honour_n be_v no_o murder_n and_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o prudence_n than_o of_o cruelty_n and_o disobedience_n when_o we_o be_v oppress_v with_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n to_o find_v the_o short_a way_n we_o can_v into_o the_o next_o and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o own_o life_n when_o they_o be_v less_o desirable_a than_o death_n itself_o these_o be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o man_n of_o very_o different_a complexion_n the_o former_a be_v general_o man_n of_o flame_n and_o spirit_n of_o a_o hot_a sanguine_a temper_n which_o be_v seldom_o reckon_v the_o best_a friend_n to_o a_o solid_a judgement_n the_o latter_a for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v of_o a_o melancholy_a constitution_n and_o while_o their_o understanding_n be_v cloud_v with_o that_o dark_a humour_n must_v needs_o stand_v but_o in_o a_o ill_a light_n to_o discern_v the_o truth_n but_o what_o ever_o their_o judgement_n be_v in_o other_o matter_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v clean_o forget_v the_o primary_n and_o most_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o what_o be_v say_v of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v which_o precept_n be_v express_v in_o very_a few_o word_n will_v require_v the_o large_a explication_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v undoubted_o lawful_a insome_a case_n to_o kill_v and_o these_o must_v be_v know_v before_o we_o can_v certain_o determine_v wherein_o thenature_n of_o the_o heinous_a sin_n of_o murder_n consist_v which_o all_o man_n agree_v to_o be_v forbid_v in_o this_o law_n for_o these_o reason_n in_o speak_v to_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o in_o what_o case_n it_o may_v be_v just_o suppose_v that_o kill_v be_v not_o forbid_v be_v this_o law_n 2._o what_o the_o sin_n of_o murder_n or_o the_o kill_v here_o forbid_v be_v 3._o wherein_o the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n consist_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v consider_v 4._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o to_o kill_v a_o rival_n in_o a_o quarrel_n of_o honour_n or_o to_o kill_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v grow_v weary_a of_o our_o life_n 1._o in_o what_o case_n it_o may_v be_v just_o suppose_v that_o kill_v be_v not_o forbid_v in_o this_o law_n life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o we_o as_o a_o thing_n sacred_a to_o be_v preserve_v for_o his_o use_n and_o not_o dispose_v of_o without_o his_o leave_n and_o pleasure_n 2.7_o gen._n 2.7_o it_o be_v he_o that_o breathe_v into_o man_n the_o breath_n of_o life_n and_o be_v absolute_a lord_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o he_o may_v resume_v it_o when_o and_o by_o what_o instrument_n he_o please_v and_o that_o there_o be_v crime_n worthy_a of_o death_n both_o the_o scripture_n and_o natural_a reason_n do_v assure_v we_o yea_o such_o crime_n their_o be_v as_o be_v they_o not_o sometime_o punish_v with_o death_n will_v sudden_o dash_v all_o human_a society_n in_o piece_n and_o bring_v the_o world_n into_o such_o confusion_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o live_n among_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v reasoanble_o presume_v that_o kill_v be_v not_o prohibit_v in_o all_o case_n for_o instance_n when_o a_o magistrate_n put_v a_o offender_n to_o death_n that_o be_v worthy_a of_o it_o in_o a_o regular_a course_n of_o justice_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o law_n he_o have_v his_o authority_n from_o god_n the_o spreme_a judge_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n he_o act_v as_o his_o minister_n by_o express_a commission_n from_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v innocent_a of_o all_o the_o blood_n that_o be_v shed_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n and_o hence_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o magistrate_n a_o terror_n to_o evil_a worker_n 4._o rom._n 13.3_o 4._o because_o he_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil._n nor_n have_v god_n only_o give_v a_o general_n commission_n to_o seize_v the_o forfeit_v life_n of_o great_a and_o heinous_a offender_n but_o in_o some_o case_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o murderer_n himself_o he_o particular_o command_v the_o use_v of_o this_o severity_n as_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o of_o equity_n and_o justice_n gen._n 9.6_o for_o who_o so_o shede_v man_n blood_n by_o man_n shall_v his_o blood_n be_v shed_v and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n kill_v in_o the_o war_n when_o the_o cause_n be_v just_a and_o the_o war_n necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o law_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n who_o set_v up_o king_n and_o government_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o common_a safety_n shall_v restrain_v they_o from_o draw_v the_o sword_n of_o war_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o preserve_v it_o the_o sword_n of_o prince_n be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a use_n of_o they_o be_v the_o protection_n of_o their_o subject_n from_o oppression_n and_o violence_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o and_o the_o advantage_n for_o a_o better_a life_n which_o the_o bounty_n of_o heaven_n have_v enrich_v they_o with_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n never_o go_v about_o to_o tie_v the_o hand_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n or_o state_n from_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sharp_a and_o last_o remedy_n in_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n nor_o be_v the_o gospel_n ever_o accuse_v for_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o throne_n upon_o this_o account_n there_o be_v no_o tribunal_n upon_o earth_n high_a enough_o to_o decide_v the_o quarrel_n between_o independent_a government_n and_o nation_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o strong_a presumption_n when_o all_o amicable_a way_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n fail_v that_o god_n approve_v of_o the_o injure_a party_n appeal_n to_o he_o in_o the_o field_n of_o war_n as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n and_o guardian_n of_o right_n and_o innocence_n and_o by_o consequence_n a_o soldier_n that_o serve_v in_o a_o lawful_a war_n be_v not_o forbid_v to_o kill_v the_o enemy_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o country_n he_o be_v in_o this_o case_n a_o minister_n of_o divine_a justice_n be_v invest_v with_o authority_n from_o he_o to_o who_o vengeance_n belong_v these_o be_v public_a case_n in_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n over_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v manifest_o derive_v immediate_o to_o the_o sovereign_n and_o by_o he_o to_o inferior_a magistrate_n and_o dispenser_n of_o justice_n beside_o which_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o when_o a_o private_a person_n be_v desperate_o assault_v and_o in_o the_o necessary_a defence_n of_o his_o own_o life_n take_v away_o the_o invader_n he_o have_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o intent_n of_o this_o law_n every_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a right_o to_o defend_v the_o life_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o against_o he_o that_o shall_v attempt_v by_o unjust_a or_o illegal_a violence_n to_o wrest_v it_o from_o he_o this_o also_o as_o well_o as_o life_n itself_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o debt_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o giver_n of_o life_n to_o keep_v it_o for_o his_o service_n till_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v for_o it_o which_o he_o never_o do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o murderer_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o we_o can_v neither_o fly_v to_o the_o protection_n protection_n of_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o escape_v with_o our_o life_n with_o out_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o he_o that_o assail_v we_o if_o he_o perish_v in_o his_o wicked_a enterprise_n his_o blood_n will_v not_o be_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o public_a to_o lose_v a_o bad_a than_o a_o good_a and_o useful_a member_n and_o when_o the_o case_n be_v such_o
that_o one_o of_o they_o must_v fall_v by_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o both_o god_n and_o his_o miniter_n of_o jutice_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o choice_n and_o by_o a_o virtual_a commission_n empower_v the_o innocent_a person_n to_o execute_v their_o vengenace_n upon_o the_o guilty_a and_o to_o slay_v the_o invader_n rather_o than_o be_v murder_v by_o he_o and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o law_n and_o be_v so_o of_o the_o roman_a which_o allow_v the_o kill_v of_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o day_n time_n si_fw-mi se_fw-mi telo_fw-la defenderit_fw-la if_o he_o offer_v to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o weapon_n and_o much_o more_o may_v we_o presume_v upon_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o save_v our_o life_n when_o we_o be_v assault_v with_o a_o mortal_a violence_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a after_o all_o our_o care_n to_o prevent_v and_o escape_v it_o that_o unless_o we_o immediate_o return_v it_o there_o be_v but_o a_o moment_n between_o we_o and_o death_n these_o be_v all_o the_o ordinary_a case_n in_o which_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o man._n there_o be_v one_o indeed_o of_o a_o more_o heroical_a nature_n which_o have_v fair_a pretence_n to_o the_o like_a immunity_n from_o this_o law_n viz._n when_o a_o man_n be_v cast_v into_o those_o circumstance_n that_o either_o he_o must_v yield_v up_o the_o life_n of_o his_o friend_n that_o be_v as_o his_o own_o soul_n or_o save_v it_o by_o take_v away_o his_o enemy_n from_o he_o but_o this_o case_n be_v liable_a to_o such_o infinite_a abouse_n and_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n that_o as_o the_o tenderness_n of_o our_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n show_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o lawgiver_n so_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o best_a light_n that_o can_v be_v give_v into_o it_o 2._o the_o second_o thing_n be_v to_o show_v what_o the_o sin_n of_o murder_n or_o the_o kill_v here_o forbid_v be_v by_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v that_o this_o law_n prophibit_v the_o bereave_v our_o neighbour_n of_o his_o life_n without_o authority_n justice_n or_o necessity_n enforce_v to_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o which_o be_v when_o a_o man_n of_o his_o own_o motion_n compass_n the_o death_n of_o another_o in_o a_o wilful_a treacherous_a revengeful_a or_o sportive_a manner_n or_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o at_o the_o instigation_n of_o any_o person_n not_o invest_v with_o competent_a authority_n whether_o this_o be_v do_v to_o cover_v our_o shame_n or_o to_o heal_v what_o we_o call_v our_o honour_n or_o with_o respect_n to_o any_o convenience_n satisfaction_n or_o advantage_n to_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o do_v this_o by_o open_a assault_n and_o violence_n or_o by_o secret_a and_o malicious_a craft_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o religion_n or_o law_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o under_o the_o mask_n of_o night_n whether_o immediate_o by_o ourselves_o or_o by_o wicked_a instrument_n by_o purjury_n or_o poison_n by_o false_a suggestion_n evil_a counsel_n or_o enticement_n or_o any_o other_o mean_n or_o method_n tend_v to_o the_o untimely_a death_n and_o destruction_n of_o our_o neighbour_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o murder_n direct_o forbid_v in_o the_o six_o commandment_n the_o first_o and_o immediate_a design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v general_o of_o all_o other_o blessing_n the_o dear_a to_o he_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v high_o value_v because_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o enjoyment_n and_o advantage_n of_o do_v good_a at_o least_o in_o this_o world_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o now_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o god_n who_o forbid_v the_o kill_v of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o express_o command_v we_o to_o love_v he_o as_o ourselves_o do_v by_o consequence_n also_o forbid_v the_o kill_v of_o ourselves_o for_o we_o have_v no_o more_o power_n over_o our_o own_o than_o we_o have_v over_o the_o live_v of_o other_o men._n 2.10_o mal._n 2.10_o have_v we_o not_o all_o one_o father_n have_v not_o one_o god_n create_v we_o nad_z have_v he_o not_o create_v we_o after_o his_o own_o image_n the_o preservation_n of_o which_o in_o man_n be_v the_o manifest_a end_n and_o intention_n of_o this_o commandment_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o full_o under_o the_o last_o general_n 3._o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o murder_n it_o be_v general_o condemn_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o man_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a strain_n of_o wickedness_n and_o inhumanity_n and_o be_v indeed_o a_o crime_n of_o the_o large_a size_n and_o the_o high_a provocation_n of_o any_o against_o the_o second_o table_n of_o the_o law_n the_o very_a relation_n of_o the_o fact_n strike_v every_o innocent_a breast_n with_o horror_n and_o raise_v a_o mighty_a indignation_n against_o the_o murderer_n the_o mean_a while_n his_o own_o conscience_n pursue_v he_o and_o whither_o soever_o he_o fly_v his_o accuser_n witness_v and_o judge_n be_v with_o he_o the_o altar_n be_v no_o sanctuary_n to_o he_o for_o god_n who_o be_v great_a than_o his_o conscience_n hear_v the_o dreadful_a cry_n of_o his_o sin_n strong_o importune_v he_o to_o hasten_v down_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o he_o we_o have_v a_o instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v the_o voice_n of_o thy_o brother_n blood_n say_v the_o lord_n to_o cain_n cry_v unto_o i_o from_o the_o ground_n gen._n 4.10_o and_o it_o be_v observable_a how_o quick_a and_o severe_a a_o answer_n it_o receive_v 11_o 12._o verse_n and_o now_o be_v thou_o curse_v from_o the_o earth_n a_o fugitive_n and_o a_o vagabond_n shall_v thou_o be_v upon_o it_o nay_o the_o malignity_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v such_o that_o it_o difile_v the_o land_n where_o it_o be_v commit_v and_o leave_v a_o guilt_n upon_o it_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expiate_v but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o murderer_n and_o therefore_o no_o sanctuary_n be_v provide_v for_o he_o in_o israel_n and_o if_o he_o flee_v to_o any_o of_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n he_o be_v thence_o to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o special_a command_n of_o god_n and_o immediate_o give_v up_o to_o justice_n thou_o shall_v take_v he_o say_v god_n from_o my_o altar_n that_o he_o may_v die_v exod._n 21.14_o and_o on_o this_o account_n god_n be_v say_v to_o make_v inquisition_n for_o blood_n 9.12_o ps_n 9.12_o i._n e._n to_o search_v out_o the_o shedder_n of_o it_o and_o to_o drive_v he_o out_o of_o all_o his_o refuge_n till_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o inexorable_a justice_n now_o since_o there_o be_v so_o terrible_a a_o outcry_n against_o the_o murderer_n since_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v so_o high_o incense_v against_o he_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v to_o punish_v he_o there_o must_v be_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a malignity_n and_o provocation_n in_o the_o sin_n which_o call_v so_o loud_a for_o so_o solemn_a a_o vengeance_n and_o wherein_o this_o consist_v will_v appear_v with_o the_o least_o glance_n of_o our_o thought_n upon_o these_o tarticulars_n 1._o that_o it_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o direct_o tend_v to_o extinguish_v his_o government_n in_o the_o world_n it_o snatch_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o employ'_v it_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o subject_n contrary_a to_o his_o declare_a will_n and_o most_o sacred_a prerogative_n every_o time_n this_o sin_n be_v punish_v in_o its_o kind_n two_o at_o least_o of_o his_o subject_n be_v cashier_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n the_o kingdom_n he_o have_v found_v among_o man_n it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a affront_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o it_o deface_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n on_o this_o account_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_o great_a sacrilege_n as_o philo_n call_v it_o a_o rob_v god_n of_o that_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o represent_v he_o in_o this_o low_a world_n which_o approach_v the_o near_a in_o perfection_n to_o he_o be_v make_v for_o his_o own_o society_n and_o of_o all_o his_o work_n have_v the_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o when_o god_n pronounce_v sentence_n upon_o the_o murderer_n who_o so_o shede_v man_n blood_n 9.6_o gen._n 9.6_o by_o man_n shall_v his_o blood_n be_v shed_v he_o assign_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n make_v he_o man._n 3._o murder_n be_v a_o act_n of_o excessive_a mischief_n and_o cruelty_n to_o our_o neighbour_n the_o utmost_a wrong_n that_o
extreme_o in_o real_a value_n beyond_o the_o injury_n he_o suffer_v and_o i_o very_o think_v i_o now_o speak_v the_o unfeigned_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n when_o he_o see_v his_o rival_n grovel_v in_o his_o blood_n when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sad_a trophy_n of_o his_o kill_v honour_n and_o have_v surfeit_v himself_o with_o his_o unnatural_a revenge_n the_o occasion_n of_o duel_v be_v observe_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o be_v either_o too_o small_a and_o bashful_a or_o too_o shameful_a and_o reserve_v to_o appear_v in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n but_o let_v the_o calumny_n be_v never_o so_o foul_a or_o public_a or_o so_o malicious_o contrive_v nothing_o stain_v like_o blood_n which_o consideration_n alone_o aught_o to_o restrain_v every_o man_n that_o be_v tender_a of_o his_o honour_n or_o salvation_n from_o shed_v it_o upon_o the_o high_a provocation_n that_o can_v be_v give_v he_o but_o more_o than_o this_o there_o be_v other_o way_n of_o heal_v our_o reputation_n and_o live_v in_o bright_a fame_n than_o ever_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a judge_n of_o honour_n the_o law_n be_v open_a let_v the_o party_n implead_v one_o another_o or_o if_o they_o must_v be_v fight_v let_v thy_o king_n and_o thy_o country_n bind_v the_o laurel_n of_o victory_n about_o thy_o head_n or_o embalm_v thy_o memory_n this_o be_v certain_o more_o honourable_a then_o to_o kill_v the_o worst_a man_n upon_o earth_n in_o a_o private_a quarrel_n and_o make_v the_o case_n of_o duel_v extreme_o different_a from_o that_o of_o one_o man_n kill_v another_o when_o he_o be_v force_v upon_o it_o in_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o after_o all_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o affront_n to_o be_v reminded_a that_o we_o be_v christian_n nor_o any_o diminution_n of_o honour_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n great_a spirit_n as_o they_o be_v better_o fit_v than_o other_o for_o great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o as_o plato_n observe_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o great_a fail_n and_o error_n they_o have_v common_o very_o quick_a and_o pierce_a apprehension_n and_o be_v very_o lively_a in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o difficult_a affair_n but_o be_v not_o always_o so_o happy_a in_o their_o memory_n if_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o as_o to_o forget_v the_o injury_n that_o be_v offer_v they_o in_o imitation_n of_o he_o who_o forgive_v his_o enemy_n who_o forbid_v the_o draw_n of_o the_o sword_n in_o his_o own_o quarrel_n and_o express_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o and_o since_o the_o son_n of_o god_n suffer_v the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n 56._o luk._n 9_o 56._o why_o shall_v the_o disciple_n aspire_v to_o be_v above_o his_o master_n i_o be_o sure_a to_o act_n contrary_a to_o the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n look_v as_o if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o be_v think_v his_o disciple_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o we_o can_v think_v it_o too_o great_a a_o condescension_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o our_o own_o to_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v apparent_o contrary_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o redeemer_n and_o the_o rule_n he_o have_v give_v we_o to_o live_v by_o if_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o his_o law_n be_v of_o much_o better_a authority_n than_o any_o of_o those_o rule_n of_o honour_n which_o some_o man_n prescribe_v to_o themselves_o now_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o allow_v man_n to_o kill_v one_o another_o in_o a_o quarrel_n that_o he_o forbid_v all_o quarrel_v and_o provocation_n in_o word_n or_o action_n ch._n verse_n 22._o of_o this_o ch._n and_o represent_v the_o danger_n of_o those_o liberty_n which_o man_n give_v to_o their_o passion_n though_o they_o proceed_v no_o far_o than_o to_o reproachful_a language_n to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o hellfire_n he_o also_o require_v we_o to_o forgive_v our_o brother_n 12.19_o mat._n 18.22_o ro._n 12.19_o as_o often_o as_o he_o offend_v and_o not_o to_o revenge_v our_o self_n but_o to_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n and_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o forgiveness_n at_o god_n hand_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o unless_o therefore_o to_o kill_v be_v to_o forgive_v and_o to_o break_v christ_n commandment_n must_v go_v for_o honour_v he_o no_o christian_a can_v engage_v with_o honour_n in_o a_o single_a combat_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v with_o what_o success_n he_o can_v hope_v to_o do_v it_o while_o he_o fight_v against_o heaven_n and_o grapple_v with_o one_o who_o he_o know_v be_v infinite_o strong_a than_o himself_o 2._o this_o be_v to_o fall_v great_o short_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n which_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o before_o the_o text_n unless_o we_o exceed_v we_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o man_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o never_o deny_v but_o that_o kill_v a_o man_n either_o in_o hot_a or_o cod_n blood_n without_o public_a authority_n be_v a_o notorious_a violation_n of_o god_n commandment_n nay_o to_o do_v this_o in_o hot_a boud_n be_v in_o their_o opinion_n a_o crime_n worthy_a of_o death_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n of_o barrabas_n who_o by_o their_o law_n be_v sentence_v to_o die_v at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n 7._o mark_v 15_o 7._o for_o commit_v murder_n in_o the_o insurrection_n and_o according_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n between_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o jew_n concern_v this_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v our_o fight_a gallant_n will_v consider_v who_o follower_n they_o be_v and_o whether_o they_o also_o do_v not_o prefer_v barrabas_n before_o jesus_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o revenge_a their_o own_o lay_v his_o with_o their_o own_o honour_n in_o the_o dust_n 3._o for_o man_n to_o stake_v their_o life_n in_o a_o duel_n be_v to_o run_v the_o most_o desperate_a hazard_n i_o mean_v of_o die_v in_o a_o sin_n which_o seldom_o allow_v a_o few_o moment_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o or_o of_o kill_v another_o person_n it_o may_v be_v their_o old_a dear_a and_o confident_a friend_n and_o perhaps_o eternal_o by_o cut_v off_o his_o time_n of_o repentance_n and_o make_v his_o peace_n with_o god_n he_o that_o attempt_v to_o kill_v his_o brother_n whether_o he_o kill_v he_o or_o not_o mortal_o hate_v he_o for_o he_o will_v be_v the_o death_n of_o he_o if_o he_o can_v and_o then_o i_o fear_v he_o forfeit_v something_o more_o than_o his_o honour_n that_o attempt_n it_o 15._o 1_o joh._n 3_o 15._o for_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n and_o we_o know_v that_o no_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o dueller_n what_o a_o dreadful_a venture_n be_v it_o to_o stake_v two_o precious_a life_n and_o two_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o a_o mere_a imaginary_a point_n of_o honour_n if_o this_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o christian_n who_o religion_n as_o st._n james_n describe_v it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a 17._o jam._n 3_o 17._o and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o wrangle_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o without_o hypocrisy_n then_o let_v light_a and_o darkness_n embrace_v and_o the_o plain_a contradiction_n assume_v the_o name_n of_o the_o bright_a reason_n and_o truth_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v worthy_a of_o a_o serious_a thought_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o balance_v the_o mighty_a pretence_n of_o honour_n i_o know_v it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o a_o gentleman_n and_o a_o man_n of_o honour_n ought_v not_o to_o put_v up_o a_o affront_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o revenge_v it_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o christian_a of_o the_o best_a rank_n and_o quality_n ought_v to_o do_v this_o and_o that_o great_a man_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o gospel_n whether_o they_o will_v think_v fit_a to_o live_v by_o it_o or_o not_o 2._o for_o the_o case_n of_o self-murder_n or_o cast_v away_o our_o own_o life_n when_o we_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v viz._n because_o every_o man_n bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o violation_n of_o it_o to_o kill_v ourselves_o as_o to_o kill_v any_o other_o man_n and_o since_o we_o be_v command_v to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o
ourselves_o and_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o have_v as_o great_a obligation_n to_o the_o full_a to_o be_v tender_a of_o our_o own_o life_n as_o of_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v murder_n to_o kill_v our_o neighbour_n it_o must_v be_v at_o least_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n to_o kill_v ourselves_o nay_o in_o some_o respect_n it_o exceed_v all_o the_o instance_n of_o inhumanity_n and_o vice_n and_o transcend_v the_o most_o cruel_a and_o cry_v sin_n for_o 1._o to_o kill_v ourselves_o be_v the_o most_o unnatural_a murder_n that_o can_v be_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o deep_o the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n be_v plant_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o law_n in_o our_o mind_n teach_v we_o to_o abhor_v the_o destruction_n of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v the_o best_a care_n we_o can_v to_o preserve_v our_o own_o life_n and_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o unnatural_a murder_n as_o the_o put_n of_o ourselves_o to_o death_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a union_n in_o the_o world_n so_o dear_a and_o intimate_v as_o that_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n nor_o any_o that_o have_v great_a interest_n depend_v upon_o it_o both_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o and_o the_o future_a state_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o voice_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n than_o the_o wilful_a destruction_n of_o it_o by_o the_o same_o person_n that_o be_v most_o near_o concern_v to_o preserve_v and_o enjoy_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v of_o any_o sin_n the_o most_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o save_a condition_n of_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o remedy_n for_o all_o other_o sin_n but_o this_o self-murder_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o that_o quick_a dispatch_n and_o that_o desperate_a nature_n that_o it_o leave_v a_o man_n no_o time_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o many_o other_o sin_n and_o may_v live_v to_o repent_v of_o they_o but_o he_o that_o murder_v himself_o be_v fure_z to_o die_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o in_o the_o reek_n and_o gild_n of_o his_o own_o blood_n to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n without_o allow_v himself_o time_n to_o ask_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o purge_v his_o conscience_n from_o so_o deep_a and_o indelible_a a_o stain_n as_o this_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v be_v save_v without_o repentance_n as_o the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o we_o can_v not_o he_o that_o destroy_v his_o own_o life_n can_v be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-covenant_n because_o he_o die_v in_o a_o sin_n that_o can_v be_v repent_v of_o it_o be_v true_a god_n may_v have_v more_o mercy_n for_o sinner_n than_o he_o make_v we_o acquaint_v with_o which_o may_v be_v just_a enough_o to_o keep_v our_o hope_n alive_a at_o the_o death_n of_o such_o person_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o infinite_a presumption_n in_o expectation_n of_o unrevealed_a grace_n to_o venture_v upon_o a_o sin_n which_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o truth_n that_o come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v too_o little_a to_o secure_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o these_o be_v great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o self-murder_n and_o i_o fear_v the_o excuse_n which_o be_v make_v for_o it_o will_v prove_v no_o better_o since_o they_o all_o centre_n in_o a_o high_a discontent_n at_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n no_o man_n offer_v to_o make_v away_o himself_o that_o think_v himself_o well_o in_o this_o world_n or_o that_o submit_v to_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v he_o as_o come_v from_o the_o just_a and_o overrule_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o for_o man_n to_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n in_o a_o pet_n and_o to_o grow_v so_o utter_o weary_a of_o they_o that_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o live_v a_o few_o day_n long_a or_o wait_v for_o god_n permission_n to_o depart_v in_o peace_n be_v a_o very_a high_a reflection_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o if_o he_o have_v thrust_v they_o into_o a_o world_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o live_v in_o as_o if_o hey_n know_v better_a when_o and_o how_o to_o deliver_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n than_o he_o do_v as_o if_o god_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o their_o suffering_n or_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o their_o discretion_n to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o discharge_v themselves_o from_o his_o service_n when_o they_o please_v or_o have_v not_o provide_v a_o better_a world_n to_o requite_v they_o for_o it_o as_o if_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a recompense_n for_o their_o patience_n under_o the_o heavy_a affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n this_o be_v so_o false_a and_o insolent_a a_o charge_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o spoil_v the_o best-designed_n action_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o can_v excuse_v so_o bloody_a and_o unnatural_a a_o one_o as_o self-murder_n be_v i_o shall_v close_v all_o with_o a_o caution_n or_o two_o concern_v this_o desperate_a &_o unnatural_a sin_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o that_o have_v travel_v into_o foreign_a country_n that_o self-murder_n be_v far_o more_o common_a in_o this_o than_o in_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n about_o we_o 1._o first_o then_o let_v we_o be_v very_o cautious_a of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o have_v occasion_v many_o and_o some_o very_a serious_a person_n to_o despair_v of_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o anguish_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o fling_v away_o themselves_o into_o the_o dreadful_a abyss_n of_o eternity_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n that_o i_o know_v of_o from_o the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v no_o goodwill_n to_o any_o particular_a man_n from_o eternity_n and_o much_o less_o to_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v bind_v over_o to_o destruction_n with_o the_o iron_n chain_n of_o a_o irrespective_a decree_n or_o that_o christ_n die_v to_o save_v but_o very_o few_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n and_o methinks_v the_o effect_n which_o these_o and_o the_o like_a doctrine_n have_v have_v upon_o poor_a melancholy_a soul_n shall_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o recom_v they_o to_o any_o serious_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o narrow_a the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v or_o lay_v the_o damnation_n of_o man_n upon_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o own_o wilful_a opposition_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o lead_v to_o repentance_n 2._o it_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a of_o all_o the_o method_n and_o degree_n of_o this_o sin_n such_o as_o pierce_v our_o heart_n with_o worldly_a care_n poison_v our_o health_n and_o surfeit_v our_o body_n with_o excess_n and_o die_v the_o martyr_n of_o intemperance_n or_o lust_n how_o many_o owe_v their_o death_n to_o the_o revel_n of_o a_o night_n drink_v away_o their_o reason_n and_o drown_v themselves_o in_o river_n of_o wine_n game_n high_a and_o when_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o money_n or_o engage_v their_o estate_n or_o honour_n sell_v their_o life_n to_o redeem_v they_o these_o man_n do_v as_o certain_o kill_v themselves_o and_o very_o often_o as_o sudden_o too_o as_o he_o that_o strangle_v himself_o or_o sheath_n the_o fatal_a poniard_n in_o his_o sob_a and_z despairin_fw-mi breast_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o die_v as_o a_o fool_n dyes._n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o the_o life_n he_o have_v lead_v or_o of_o the_o everlasting_a state_n he_o be_v launch_v into_o that_o man_n that_o be_v not_o fond_a of_o destruction_n and_o in_o love_n wih_o misery_n will_v venture_v his_o life_n and_o soul_n upon_o such_o hazard_n as_o these_o be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n than_o this_o a_o prudent_a man_n will_v not_o be_v prodigal_a of_o it_o but_o to_o throw_v it_o away_o at_o one_o cast_v or_o to_o stake_v it_o against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o debauch_n when_o all_o eternity_n depend_v upon_o it_o be_v a_o astonish_a instance_n of_o the_o madness_n of_o folly_n oh_o that_o mean_v be_v wise_a 32.9_o deut._n 32.9_o that_o they_o understand_v this_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n that_o in_o kindness_n to_o their_o soul_n which_o must_v live_v forever_o they_o will_v frequent_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o the_o serious_a thought_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n and_o not_o suffer_v their_o lust_n and_o
of_o the_o residue_n of_o my_o year_n my_o age_n be_v depart_v and_o be_v remove_v from_o i_o as_o a_o shepherd_n tent_n and_o this_o he_o immediate_o ascribe_v to_o the_o special_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n he_o will_v cut_v i_o off_o with_o pine_v sickness_n from_o day_n even_o to_o night_n thou_o ilt_v make_v a_o end_n of_o i_o thus_o also_o our_o body_n be_v style_v tabernacle_n which_o be_v no_o durable_a habitation_n no_o certain_a dwelling-place_n the_o spirit_n that_o lodge_v within_o they_o know_v they_o be_v never_o design_v for_o its_o constant_a abide_v and_o residence_n know_v say_v s._n peter_n that_o short_o i_o must_v put_v off_o this_o my_o tabernacle_n 1.14_o 2_o pet._n 1.14_o even_o as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v show_v i_o we_o know_v these_o sorry_a tenement_n can_v stand_v long_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o soon_o we_o may_v be_v devest_v of_o these_o earthly_a body_n but_o when_o death_n come_v to_o undress_v we_o we_o certain_o put_v they_o off_o and_o very_o often_o before_o they_o be_v wear_v out_o with_o age_n or_o be_v almost_o ever_o the_o worse_a for_o wear_v we_o have_v no_o lease_n of_o our_o life_n but_o be_v every_o day_n liable_a to_o a_o discharge_v for_o though_o god_n have_v set_v we_o a_o term_n that_o we_o can_v pass_v yet_o he_o have_v leave_v it_o in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o cut_v off_o as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o he_o please_v and_o according_o our_o live_v be_v frequent_o much_o short_a than_o the_o common_a measure_n 5._o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v so_o very_o frail_a and_o short_a that_o it_o be_v resemble_v to_o the_o vain_a and_o most_o insignificant_a thing_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v to_o flee_v away_o as_o a_o dream_n 73.20_o job_n 20.8_o psal_n 73.20_o a_o mere_a delusion_n of_o the_o fancy_n which_o vanish_v at_o the_o chase_n of_o a_o wake_a thought_n and_o be_v nothing_o but_o ramble_n and_o contradiction_n when_o the_o mind_n recover_v the_o scatter_a idea_n of_o it_o the_o psalmist_n also_o compare_v it_o to_o the_o tell_v of_o a_o story_n ps_n 90.9_o we_o bring_v our_o year_n to_o a_o end_n as_o it_o be_v a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v as_o we_o be_v talk_v and_o jest_v death_n intrude_v into_o our_o company_n and_o our_o life_n be_v go_v in_o a_o trice_n dicto_fw-la citius_n before_o we_o can_v bring_v out_o the_o say_n we_o be_v upon_o or_o as_o some_o paraphrase_n the_o word_n record_v to_o the_o arabia_n version_n our_o year_n be_v repute_v as_o a_o spider_n web_n who_o curious_a frame_n and_o contexture_n signify_v nothing_o to_o its_o own_o preservation_n have_v no_o strength_n or_o solidity_n to_o support_v it_o by_o such_o familiar_a emblem_n as_o these_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v breath_n and_o have_v our_o being_n admonish_v we_o of_o what_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o forget_v the_o frailty_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o this_o it_o do_v to_o cure_v we_o of_o our_o heat_n and_o passion_n for_o this_o world_n and_o the_o great_a vanity_n of_o reckon_n upon_o time_n to_o come_v which_o at_o present_a we_o be_v sure_o be_v none_o of_o we_o and_o perhaps_o never_o shall_v be_v and_o to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v we_o to_o secure_v our_o everlasting_a interest_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o our_o being_n of_o which_o the_o long_a life_n in_o this_o world_n be_v a_o very_a small_a and_o inconsiderable_a portion_n and_o as_o this_o show_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o our_o creator_n for_o our_o well-being_n and_o happiness_n so_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o shall_v stir_v and_o affect_v our_o mind_n and_o that_o while_o we_o be_v hear_v we_o have_v but_o a_o short_a time_n to_o live_v we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o understand_v the_o best_a way_n of_o live_v and_o die_v of_o make_v a_o good_a hand_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o of_o order_v our_o step_n as_o behoove_v those_o that_o tread_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o eternity_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o practical_a inference_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o our_o life_n and_o as_o unpleasant_a as_o this_o argument_n be_v if_o we_o will_v but_o deal_v faithful_o with_o ourselves_o &_o impartial_o weigh_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o may_v learn_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n from_o it_o both_o for_o the_o regulation_n of_o our_o life_n and_o reconcile_a our_o mind_n to_o the_o shortness_n of_o they_o first_o then_o we_o shall_v hence_o learn_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o expectation_n of_o meeting_n with_o true_a and_o real_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n for_o true_a happiness_n be_v the_o most_o constant_a and_o durable_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n from_o which_o we_o must_v part_v so_o soon_o and_o without_o which_o we_o must_v live_v a_o whole_a eternity_n in_o the_o other_o be_v not_o true_a and_o proper_a happiness_n we_o come_v into_o this_o world_n to_o conquer_v not_o to_o court_v or_o enjoy_v it_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v conversant_a with_o it_o and_o lie_v upon_o its_o border_n it_o will_v be_v always_o tempt_v and_o trouble_v we_o ever_o and_o anon_o present_v we_o with_o new_a occasion_n of_o show_v our_o virtue_n and_o improve_n our_o conquest_n over_o it_o and_o till_o we_o have_v complete_v our_o victory_n we_o can_v expect_v our_o triumph_n and_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o that_o our_o triumph_n be_v not_o assign_v we_o in_o this_o world_n where_o the_o green_a laurel_n do_v quick_o fade_v and_o the_o head_n that_o wear_v they_o be_v soon_o lay_v in_o the_o dust_n now_o let_v we_o digest_v this_o principle_n well_o that_o this_o life_n be_v not_o a_o state_n of_o rest_n and_o happiness_n and_o it_o will_v sure_o cool_v our_o affection_n to_o the_o present_a world_n and_o save_v we_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n in_o pursue_v the_o vanity_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a name_n of_o thing_n which_o appear_v but_o for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a step_n towards_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o place_n and_o nature_n of_o happiness_n and_o engage_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o here_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v and_o therefore_o i_o must_v seek_v for_o it_o in_o the_o next_o world_n where_o i_o shall_v dwell_v for_o ever_o and_o where_o all_o thing_n be_v firm_a and_o everlasting_a and_o since_o it_o lie_v not_o in_o fade_a pleasure_n or_o in_o any_o of_o the_o perish_a delight_n of_o fence_n i_o will_v look_v for_o it_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o permanent_a nature_n in_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a enjoyment_n i_o will_v expect_v my_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n only_o as_o the_o place_n and_o in_o god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o and_o let_v the_o world_n smile_v at_o i_o for_o this_o as_o it_o be_v like_o it_o will_v my_o life_n will_v be_v sudden_o go_v and_o it_o be_v my_o interest_n to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o that_o i_o can_v and_o much_o better_a to_o be_v jeer_v into_o happiness_n than_o decoy_v into_o misery_n thus_o as_o the_o shortness_n of_o our_o life_n be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v true_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n so_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o will_v both_o lessen_v our_o esteem_n of_o its_o delight_n and_o treasure_n and_o strong_o move_v we_o to_o aspire_v after_o a_o more_o last_a and_o bless_a state_n and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v those_o excellent_a man_n hebr._n 11_o 16._o who_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n here_o to_o day_n 13._o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o to_o morrow_n go_v to_o their_o everlasting_a home_n despise_v this_o world_n transitory_a glory_n and_o desire_v a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a a_o more_o assure_v and_o endure_a state_n a_o place_n of_o undisturbed_a rest_n and_o joy_n of_o endless_a and_o never-fading_a happiness_n 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n shall_v silence_v our_o complaint_n and_o comfort_v we_o under_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o trouble_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n the_o misery_n of_o this_o present_a life_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v chequer_v with_o innumerable_a mercy_n can_v be_v very_o great_a because_o they_o must_v be_v short_a and_o a_o little_a time_n and_o patience_n will_v
ease_v we_o of_o they_o many_o of_o they_o be_v but_o vmbrae_fw-la malorum_fw-la 89._o sen._n ep._n 89._o as_o seneca_n call_v they_o mere_a shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o evil_a such_o as_o we_o apprehend_v in_o our_o dream_n when_o our_o fancy_n be_v trouble_v and_o when_o we_o awake_v have_v no_o real_a mischief_n or_o terror_n in_o they_o and_o such_o be_v our_o want_n of_o all_o the_o unnecessary_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n we_o fancy_v we_o shall_v live_v more_o pleasant_o if_o we_o have_v more_o estate_n or_o more_o power_n and_o applause_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o may_v be_v we_o shall_v live_v worse_o than_o we_o do_v and_o not_o so_o long_o as_o we_o may_v do_v without_o they_o for_o we_o see_v that_o few_o man_n that_o have_v they_o have_v virtue_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o estate_n and_o the_o owner_n do_v very_o often_o help_v to_o ruin_n one_o another_o and_o for_o those_o affliction_n which_o be_v real_a and_o we_o can_v but_o feel_v the_o smart_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o such_o as_o sickness_n pain_n ignominy_n and_o oppression_n if_o they_o be_v moderate_a they_o be_v worth_a a_o complaint_n if_o excessive_a and_o insupportable_a they_o can_v last_v long_o without_o mixture_n of_o ease_n and_o comfort_n because_o we_o can_v bear_v they_o long_o the_o sharp_a they_o be_v the_o soon_o will_v they_o cut_v our_o way_n through_o they_o and_o let_v in_o death_n to_o release_v we_o from_o they_o and_o this_o comfort_n we_o have_v from_o the_o shortness_n of_o our_o life_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sure_a remedy_n at_o hand_n against_o all_o our_o malady_n against_o all_o the_o disease_n we_o contract_v in_o this_o unwholesome_a climate_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n we_o endure_v in_o this_o troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a world_n must_v i_o short_o dye_v why_o then_o i_o shall_v quick_o have_v ease_n and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n shall_v never_o be_v sick_a more_o after_o that_o i_o shall_v no_o more_o complain_v of_o restless_a night_n and_o tiresome_a day_n i_o shall_v sleep_v secure_o under_o the_o clod_n of_o the_o valley_n and_o never_o mind_n what_o the_o busy_a and_o ungoverned_a rout_n or_o the_o malicious_a and_o censorious_a world_n will_v be_v say_v of_o i_o i_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v gripe_v with_o oppression_n or_o pinch_v with_o want_n or_o sting_v with_o reproach_n or_o disturb_v by_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o the_o people_n the_o grave_n be_v a_o sanctuary_n 19_o job_n 3.17_o 18_o 19_o there_o the_o wicked_a say_v job_n cease_v from_o trouble_v and_o there_o the_o weary_a be_v at_o rest_n there_o the_o prisoner_n rest_v together_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o oppressor_n the_o small_a and_o the_o great_a be_v there_o and_o the_o servant_n be_v free_a from_o his_o master_n the_o poor_a man_n lie_v as_o easy_o in_o his_o grave_n and_o want_v as_o little_a there_o as_o the_o monarch_n on_o his_o throne_n and_o consider_v how_o full_a of_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v its_o happy_a for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o far_o to_o go_v to_o our_o grave_n where_o we_o may_v bury_v all_o our_o grief_n and_o be_v ease_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v cross_a and_o burdensome_a to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n since_o all_o the_o day_n of_o the_o afflict_a be_v evil_a 15.15_o prov_fw-mi 15.15_o why_o shall_v they_o repine_v that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o why_o shall_v the_o mariner_n that_o be_v embark_v in_o a_o crazy_a vessel_n among_o the_o rock_n and_o pirate_n be_v trouble_v that_o the_o haven_n be_v near_a it_o be_v a_o noble_a answer_n that_o the_o spartan_n return_v to_o king_n philip_n of_o macedon_n when_o he_o threaten_v to_o distress_v they_o he_o can_v hinder_v we_o from_o die_v death_n will_v give_v we_o a_o writ_n of_o ease_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o angry_a tyrant_n and_o if_o we_o take_v care_n to_o live_v well_o we_o may_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v dispatch_v out_o of_o the_o storm_n and_o hurricane_n of_o this_o threaten_a and_o tempestuous_a world_n 3._o since_o our_o life_n be_v very_o short_a we_o see_v what_o a_o fair_a proposal_n god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v we_o when_o he_o promise_v eternal_a life_n upon_o the_o spend_n of_o these_o short_a life_n in_o his_o service_n what_o great_a offer_n can_v we_o desire_v or_o what_o better_a advantage_n can_v we_o hope_v to_o make_v of_o our_o time_n if_o it_o be_v at_o our_o own_o disposal_n and_o there_o lie_v no_o other_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o employ_v it_o in_o god_n service_n we_o can_v but_o say_v that_o religion_n teach_v we_o to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o our_o time_n because_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o live_v like_o man_n in_o a_o due_a subordination_n to_o our_o maker_n and_o to_o do_v the_o best_a thing_n for_o the_o world_n and_o for_o self_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o suppose_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v discharge_v from_o this_o obligation_n to_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n or_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o break_v it_o without_o draw_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o yet_o since_o heaven_n be_v promise_v we_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o we_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a for_o the_o little_a time_n we_o have_v to_o spend_v in_o this_o world_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v refuse_v it_o when_o we_o have_v the_o prospect_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o reward_n and_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v complete_o happy_a ever_o after_o again_o suppose_v religion_n have_v no_o temporal_a promise_n to_o invite_v we_o to_o it_o and_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o be_v ever_o pretend_a against_o it_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o tiresome_a thing_n to_o spend_v our_o life_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v tie_v up_o from_o the_o liberty_n which_o humane_a nature_n so_o strong_o desire_v yet_o sure_o when_o eternal_a joy_n be_v set_v before_o we_o we_o may_v well_o endure_v the_o uneasiness_n of_o it_o and_o cheerful_o dispense_v with_o a_o short_a trouble_n to_o possess_v ourselves_o of_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o alas_o what_o be_v this_o little_a flash_n of_o life_n when_o thou_o look_v st_o into_o a_o vast_a eternity_n and_o be_v invite_v into_o a_o state_n of_o endless_a bliss_n and_o glory_n when_o it_o be_v almost_o spend_v we_o general_o complain_v that_o it_o be_v quick_o go_v and_o they_o that_o have_v spend_v it_o best_o be_v best_a please_v with_o themselves_o and_o be_v only_o trouble_v that_o they_o have_v not_o spend_v it_o better_o and_o if_o they_o have_v a_o hundred_o life_n more_o they_o will_v not_o choose_v to_o spend_v one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n or_o on_o any_o account_n to_o want_v the_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o they_o find_v in_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n many_o of_o they_o have_v think_v heaven_n a_o cheap_a bargain_n at_o the_o price_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o persecution_n and_o glad_o embrace_v a_o stake_n rather_o than_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n and_o certain_o the_o testimony_n of_o good_a man_n who_o have_v make_v religion_n the_o business_n of_o their_o life_n be_v far_o more_o credible_a than_o they_o that_o never_o have_v the_o patience_n to_o examine_v its_o principle_n or_o to_o make_v any_o competent_a trial_n of_o they_o beside_o this_o if_o we_o subtract_v all_o that_o time_n which_o god_n allow_v we_o to_o provide_v for_o ourselves_o and_o family_n to_o refresh_v our_o body_n with_o food_n and_o rest_n and_o other_o lawful_a diversion_n to_o serve_v and_o enjoy_v our_o friend_n and_o exchange_v good_a office_n with_o our_o neighbour_n and_o acquaintance_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n pass_v away_o pleasant_o enough_o with_o we_o the_o remainder_n of_o our_o life_n be_v so_o small_a that_o we_o may_v be_v ashamed_a to_o grutch_v the_o devote_v of_o it_o to_o our_o great_a benefactor_n at_o who_o pleasure_n it_o be_v whether_o we_o shall_v live_v a_o moment_n or_o not_o after_o all_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n every_o where_o as_o sharp_a and_o difficult_a as_o some_o man_n esteem_v they_o yet_o sure_o they_o be_v much_o easy_a than_o eternal_a torment_n and_o it_o be_v nothing_o so_o irksome_a to_o serve_v god_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v damn_v and_o if_o we_o think_v so_o we_o can_v but_o allow_v that_o the_o spend_v a_o few_o year_n in_o his_o service_n though_o it_o shall_v prove_v a_o penance_n to_o we_o since_o we_o may_v both_o escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n and_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n by_o it_o be_v so_o fair_a a_o demand_n that_o nothing_o can_v ever_o excuse_v the_o refusal_n of_o it_o 4._o
the_o jew_n who_o be_v not_o call_v into_o the_o vineyard_n till_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n be_v over_o and_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n many_o age_n after_o it_o be_v ratify_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n shall_v yet_o enjoy_v the_o full_a benefit_n of_o it_o and_o assure_o receive_v the_o same_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a israelite_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o whenever_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o call_v in_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o never_o yet_o behold_v the_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n their_o late_a entrance_n into_o the_o vineyard_n shall_v not_o bar_v they_o of_o a_o equal_a reward_n with_o those_o that_o have_v finish_v their_o work_n and_o be_v long_o since_o go_v to_o heaven_n before_o they_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a mean_v and_o importance_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o to_o have_v in_o many_o respect_v the_o advanvantage_n of_o that_o which_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o which_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v if_o we_o try_v they_o by_o the_o rule_v before_o mention_v and_o consider_v 1._o the_o rise_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o parable_n or_o the_o dependence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o word_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v immediate_o before_o it_o ult_n chap._n 19_o ult_n many_o that_o be_v first_o shall_v be_v last_o and_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o whereupon_o it_o follow_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n that_o go_v out_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o hire_v labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n 16._o chap._n 20._o 16._o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n close_v his_o parable_n with_o the_o same_o say_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o it_o and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o can_v be_v no_o good_a interpretation_n of_o it_o which_o do_v not_o square_a with_o this_o say_n and_o certain_o the_o true_a if_o any_o choice_n there_o be_v be_v that_o which_o sall_n in_o most_o natural_o with_o it_o now_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n upon_o this_o issue_n by_o the_o labourer_n we_o understand_v the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n and_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n tell_v that_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o the_o first_o last_o so_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v hire_v last_o into_o the_o vineyard_n be_v the_o first_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v first_o call_v will_v be_v the_o last_o be_v cast_v off_o for_o reject_v the_o son_n 21.38_o mat._n 21.38_o who_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n send_v to_o receive_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o their_o season_n 25._o rom._n 11_o 25._o till_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o and_o thus_o our_o lord_n himself_o interpret_v this_o very_a passage_n mat._n 8.11_o 12._o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o reject_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o outer_a darkness_n thus_o far_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a congruity_n between_o the_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o this_o text_n and_o that_o remarkable_a sentence_n which_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o have_v place_v at_o both_o end_n of_o the_o parable_n purposely_o to_o guide_v we_o through_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o let_v we_o see_v now_o how_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o that_o expound_v it_o of_o die_v penitent_n will_v suit_v with_o their_o be_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o christian_n can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v first_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n unless_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o judas_n be_v who_o be_v traitor_n to_o he_o till_o their_o last_o hour_n or_o do_v they_o do_v he_o better_o or_o long_a service_n than_o other_o that_o defer_v their_o repentance_n till_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o ask_v his_o forgiveness_n for_o what_o they_o have_v always_o do_v in_o contradiction_n to_o he_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o there_o be_v man_n that_o for_o many_o year_n from_o their_o youth_n to_o their_o die_a day_n have_v live_v in_o the_o sear_n of_o god_n and_o a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o the_o best_a of_o these_o come_v behind_o those_o who_o live_v as_o long_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o very_a edge_n and_o point_n of_o eternity_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v imagine_v what_o construction_n these_o man_n can_v make_v of_o our_o saviour_n prophecy_n so_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o the_o first_o last_v unless_o they_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o begin_v not_o to_o look_v towards_o god_n and_o religion_n till_o their_o last_o sickness_n be_v 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labour_v under_o nay_o this_o raise_v their_o envy_n so_o high_a that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o the_o great_a impediment_n to_o their_o conversion_n the_o main_a thing_n that_o hinder_v their_o effectual_a close_n with_o the_o gospel_n but_o still_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o what_o be_v do_v suppose_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v the_o early_a and_o the_o gentile_n the_o late_a comer_n into_o the_o vineyard_n for_o though_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v old_a when_o the_o gentile_n be_v call_v yet_o be_v we_o general_o call_v as_o young_a as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v and_o may_v work_v as_o long_o in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o perform_v as_o much_o and_o as_o faithful_a service_n as_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o our_o come_n after_o they_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o our_o great_a master_n shall_v not_o reward_v we_o as_o liberal_o to_o the_o full_a as_o they_o he_o that_o do_v a_o days-work_n the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o year_n if_o he_o be_v call_v to_o it_o no_o soon_o deserve_v a_o days-wage_n as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o be_v hire_v the_o first_o but_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v say_v there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o a_o deathbed_n sorrow_n after_o ten_o thousand_o call_n to_o repentance_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v equal_o reward_v with_o the_o long_a holy_a and_o most_o religious_a life_n however_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o of_o this_o mind_n may_v appear_v 3._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o plain_a scope_n and_o meaning_n of_o other_o parable_n such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n who_o want_v oil_n in_o their_o lamp_n at_o the_o bridegroom_n come_v 12._o mat._n 25.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v be_v bar_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n which_o the_o wise_a be_v admit_v into_o and_o when_o they_o cry_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o methinks_v i_o hear_v the_o sorrowful_a deathbed_n cry_v receive_v this_o dreadful_a answer_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o and_o as_o little_a coherence_n will_v be_v find_v between_o a_o die_a penitent_n be_v equal_o reward_v with_o the_o most_o eminent_a christian_n as_o he_o must_v be_v if_o we_o rank_v he_o with_o the_o labourer_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o parable_n concern_v the_o talent_n the_o moral_a of_o which_o be_v apparent_o this_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v and_o the_o several_a advantage_n they_o be_v entrust_v with_o and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v none_o but_o squander_v away_o their_o life_n and_o opportuity_n of_o grace_n shall_v feel_v the_o high_a displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n be_v cast_v into_o outer_a darkness_n let_v man_n impartial_o
and_o we_o all_o pretend_v to_o know_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o memory_n be_v short_a too_o and_o that_o our_o fondness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v such_o that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v where_o we_o be_v upon_o what_o term_n we_o be_v here_o how_o sudden_o we_o must_v remove_v and_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o procure_v we_o a_o safe_a and_o easy_a passage_n into_o that_o eternal_a world_n where_o we_o must_v dwell_v in_o perfect_a bliss_n or_o anguish_n for_o ever_o we_o be_v so_o much_o enamour_a with_o this_o present_a world_n that_o like_o passionate_a lover_n we_o seem_v not_o to_o remember_v what_o we_o say_v or_o do_v while_o we_o be_v converse_v with_o it_o it_o fetter_n our_o memory_n while_o it_o captivate_v our_o affection_n and_o while_o it_o subdue_v our_o heart_n it_o bereave_v we_o of_o the_o best_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n which_o certain_o be_v to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o where_o we_o hope_v ever_o long_o to_o be_v and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n where_o be_v it_o worth_a our_o while_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o can_v stay_v long_o to_o enjoy_v they_o this_o be_v our_o great_a unhappiness_n it_o be_v the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o this_o world_n that_o make_v we_o forget_v ourselves_o and_o the_o design_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o send_v we_o hither_o and_o the_o proper_a remedy_n against_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v our_o mind_n as_o much_o awake_a as_o we_o can_v with_o frequent_a and_o serious_a thought_n on_o the_o suddenness_n of_o our_o departure_n hence_o for_o it_o be_v not_o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o our_o life_n be_v short_a when_o we_o hear_v a_o discourse_n about_o it_o or_o follow_v a_o hearty_a man_n to_o his_o grave_n that_o will_v cure_v we_o of_o our_o dotage_n on_o present_a thing_n nothing_o less_o will_v do_v this_o than_o a_o quick_a and_o last_a sense_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n the_o power_n of_o conviction_n last_v no_o long_o than_o it_o be_v present_a to_o the_o mind_n or_o become_v habitual_a and_o familiar_a to_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o vanish_v of_o those_o solemn_a vow_n which_o man_n common_o make_v in_o their_o sickness_n and_o which_o nothing_o else_o can_v extort_v from_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o danger_n be_v over_o and_o they_o begin_v to_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o new_a hope_n of_o a_o long_a and_o pleasant_a life_n and_o therefore_o as_o melancholy_a a_o thought_n as_o it_o be_v that_o our_o life_n be_v short_a beside_o that_o it_o be_v never_o unseasonable_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o useful_a thought_n that_o we_o can_v carry_v about_o we_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v never_o over_o come_v this_o flatter_a and_o enchant_a world_n without_o it_o and_o then_o we_o can_v never_o arrive_v to_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o that_o to_o come_v as_o cold_a a_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v short_o die_v and_o leave_v this_o delicious_a world_n it_o will_v mighty_o help_v to_o quicken_v our_o devotion_n and_o inflame_v our_o affection_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n it_o will_v thereby_o prevent_v a_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n it_o will_v excite_v we_o to_o hasten_v our_o repentance_n to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o our_o little_a life_n and_o improve_v all_o advantage_n we_o hold_v by_o it_o for_o a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o for_o these_o reason_n the_o scripture_n often_o recommend_v this_o serious_a meditation_n to_o we_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o fresh_a in_o our_o memory_n present_v we_o with_o great_a variety_n of_o affect_v emblem_n and_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o humane_a life_n such_o as_o be_v most_o obvious_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o apt_a to_o raise_v a_o new_a passion_n in_o our_o mind_n every_o time_n we_o think_v of_o they_o for_o instance_n 1._o our_o life_n be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n to_o thing_n of_o the_o most_o transitory_a and_o fade_a nature_n st._n james_n call_v it_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o such_o be_v the_o life_n of_o mortal_a man_n even_o the_o great_a and_o gallant_a of_o they_o it_o be_v up_o &_o down_o in_o a_o moment_n it_o be_v a_o vapour_n very_o often_o in_o the_o civil_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a sense_n and_o common_o the_o great_a ostentation_n it_o make_v the_o soon_o it_o disappear_v and_o be_v go_v and_o the_o eye_n that_o see_v it_o see_v it_o not_o more_o and_o on_o the_o same_o account_v it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o shadow_n 1_o chron._n 29.15_o and_o to_o the_o grass_n and_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n for_o its_o weak_a and_o fade_a nature_n psalm_n 103.15_o 16._o verse_n as_o for_o man_n his_o day_n be_v as_o grass_n as_o a_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n so_o he_o flourish_v for_o the_o wind_n pass_v over_o it_o and_o it_o be_v go_v and_o the_o place_n thereof_o shall_v know_v it_o no_o more_o so_o job_n 14.1_o 2._o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n be_v of_o few_o day_n and_o full_a of_o trouble_n he_o come_v forth_o like_o a_o flower_n and_o be_v cut_v down_o he_o flee_v also_o as_o a_o shadow_n and_o continue_v not_o 2._o the_o shortness_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v represent_v by_o thing_n that_o be_v small_a in_o number_n and_o extension_n in_o their_o kind_n thus_o the_o day_n of_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o the_o day_n of_o a_o hireling_n 7.1_o job_n 7.1_o which_o be_v few_o and_o precarious_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o which_o the_o child_n of_o the_o family_n enjoy_v in_o their_o father_n house_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o observe_v 8.35_o john_n 8.35_o the_o servant_n abide_v not_o in_o the_o house_n for_o ever_o but_o the_o son_n abide_v for_o ever_o and_o so_o the_o psalmist_n measure_v the_o life_n of_o man_n by_o the_o breadth_n of_o his_o hand_n which_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o vast_a circumference_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o heaven_n behold_v say_v he_o thou_o have_v make_v my_o day_n as_o a_o handbreath_n 6._o psal_n 39_o 6._o thou_o have_v enclose_v my_o life_n in_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n and_o then_o he_o add_v as_o if_o he_o have_v speak_v too_o lavish_o of_o it_o and_o my_o age_n be_v as_o nothing_o before_o thou_o a_o mere_a cypher_n or_o nullity_n if_o compare_v to_o thy_o eternal_a duration_n whereupon_o he_o conclude_v very_o every_o man_n at_o his_o best_a estate_n be_v altogether_o vanity_n 3._o our_o life_n be_v also_o compare_v to_o thing_n of_o the_o speedy_a and_o swiste_v motion_n to_o remind_v we_o that_o it_o be_v hasten_v away_o apace_o and_o will_v be_v too_o nimble_a for_o we_o if_o we_o delay_v the_o proper_a work_n and_o business_n which_o god_n have_v assign_v we_o in_o this_o world_n my_o day_n say_v job_n be_v swister_n than_o a_o weaver_n shuttle_n 7._o job_n 7.6_o 7._o oh_o remember_v that_o my_o life_n be_v wind._n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n which_o denote_v the_o wonderful_a swiftness_n of_o it_o and_o such_o be_v our_o life_n it_o be_v always_o upon_o the_o wing_n it_o make_v all_o possible_a haste_n to_o be_v go_v it_o keep_v pace_n with_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n it_o be_v a_o wind_n say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o pass_v away_o 78.29_o psal_n 78.29_o and_o come_v not_o again_o our_o time_n be_v ever_o in_o motion_n and_o always_o keep_v the_o same_o speed_n what_o ever_o we_o be_v do_v the_o while_n and_o since_o we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a time_n and_o that_o little_a however_o spend_v be_v always_o lessen_v and_o draw_v to_o a_o period_n it_o can_v be_v long_o ere_o the_o whole_a stock_n be_v exhaust_v though_o we_o shall_v husband_n it_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o live_v out_o which_o perhaps_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o do_v to_o the_o utmost_a stretch_n and_o possibility_n of_o live_v 4._o the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o allusion_n to_o thing_n which_o be_v movable_a at_o pleasure_n imply_v that_o as_o short_a as_o the_o ordinary_a term_n of_o life_n be_v it_o be_v always_o subject_a to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o often_o lessen_v by_o he_o in_o who_o hand_n our_o time_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n our_o life_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o shepherd_n tent_n and_o our_o body_n to_o tabernacle_n i._n e._n extempore_o house_n or_o receptacle_n that_o be_v present_o set_v up_o and_o take_v down_o or_o remove_v at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o owner_n and_o in_o this_o language_n hezechiah_n complain_v upon_o the_o sad_a tiding_n the_o prophet_n bring_v he_o of_o his_o approach_a death_n isa_n 38._o v._n 10_o 12._o i_o be_o deprive_v