the_o psalmist_n a_o moral_a principle_n may_v induce_v one_o to_o abstain_v from_o many_o sin_n and_o to_o perform_v many_o praiseworthy_a thing_n in_o conformity_n to_o reason_n but_o this_o be_v neither_o sanctify_v nor_o save_v for_o it_o only_o prune_v sin_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a plant_n and_o do_v not_o root_v it_o up_o it_o compound_v with_o it_o and_o do_v not_o destroy_v it_o there_o may_v be_v still_o a_o impure_a indulgence_n to_o the_o secret_a lusting_n of_o the_o heart_n notwithstanding_o the_o restraint_n upon_o their_o exercise_n and_o many_o duty_n may_v be_v do_v on_o low_a motive_n without_o a_o divine_a respect_n to_o the_o command_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o renew_v grace_n subject_n the_o soul_n to_o the_o whole_a royalty_n of_o the_o law_n uniform_o incline_v it_o to_o express_v obedience_n to_o all_o its_o precept_n because_o they_o be_v pure_a and_o derive_v from_o the_o eternal_a spring_n of_o purity_n it_o mortify_v concupiscence_n and_o quicken_v to_o every_o good_a work_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o in_o this_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o most_o refine_a unregenerate_a morality_n in_o short_a there_o may_v be_v a_o superficial_a tincture_n of_o religion_n from_o common_a grace_n a_o transient_a esteem_n vanish_v affection_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n for_o a_o time_n after_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o yet_o a_o person_n remain_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n but_o renew_v grace_n be_v a_o permanent_a solid_a principle_n that_o make_v a_o man_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o elevate_v he_o above_o himself_o this_o holy_a change_n be_v wrought_v by_o divine_a power_n our_o saviour_n tell_v nicodemus_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o analogy_n of_o a_o new_a birth_n signify_v that_o it_o be_v entire_o the_o work_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n that_o convey_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n in_o order_n to_o the_o function_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o live_a impression_n of_o god_n the_o sole_a efficient_a and_o exemplar_n of_o it_o the_o fruit_n and_o image_n of_o the_o divine_a virtue_n it_o be_v express_v by_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o production_n of_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n power_n display_v itself_o in_o a_o peculiar_a excellent_a way_n even_o in_o that_o precise_a manner_n as_o in_o make_v the_o world_n for_o as_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v original_o of_o nothing_o so_o in_o the_o second_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v utter_o void_a of_o it_o and_o in_o which_o there_o be_v as_o little_a preparation_n for_o true_a holiness_n as_o of_o nothing_o to_o produce_v this_o great_a and_o regular_a world_n and_o although_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o absolute_a privation_n of_o grace_n but_o a_o fierce_a resistance_n against_o it_o yet_o create_v invincible_a power_n do_v as_o infallible_o and_o certain_o produce_v its_o effect_n in_o form_v the_o new_a creature_n as_o in_o make_v the_o world_n from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o prevent_a renew_n grace_n be_v so_o entire_o the_o work_n of_o god_n as_o his_o form_v the_o human_a body_n from_o the_o dust_n of_o earth_n at_o first_o but_o with_o this_o difference_n the_o first_o creation_n be_v do_v without_o any_o sense_n in_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o efficiency_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n in_o produce_v it_o but_o in_o the_o new_a creation_n man_n feel_v the_o vital_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n apply_v itself_o to_o all_o his_o faculty_n reform_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o admirable_a grace_n show_v to_o man_n in_o the_o renovation_n of_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n in_o the_o composition_n of_o his_o be_v be_v unite_v a_o spirit_n like_o the_o angel_n and_o a_o body_n like_o terrestrial_a animal_n by_o which_o he_o partake_v of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o natural_a life_n but_o he_o have_v peculiar_a favour_n confer_v upon_o he_o for_o whereas_o his_o soul_n sin_v with_o the_o angel_n and_o his_o body_n die_v with_o the_o beast_n yet_o god_n be_v please_v to_o restore_v they_o by_o his_o glorious_a power_n a_o angel_n after_o sin_n never_o repent_v and_o be_v therefore_o incapable_a of_o pardon_n and_o irrecoverable_o disinherit_v of_o heaven_n a_o beast_n after_o death_n never_o revive_v but_o though_o man_n sin_n and_o die_v yet_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v renew_v by_o divine_a grace_n and_o his_o body_n shall_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o incorruptible_a glory_n now_o the_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o this_o holy_a change_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o he_o speak_v universal_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o simple_o declare_v that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n shall_v not_o but_o with_o the_o great_a emphasis_n can_v to_o signify_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o it_o the_o jew_n high_o presume_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o their_o carnal_a birth_n they_o spring_v from_o the_o pure_a and_o noble_a blood_n of_o abraham_n god_n friend_n they_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o holy_a covenant_n mark_v in_o their_o flesh_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v proverbial_a among_o they_o that_o every_o israelite_n shall_v have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o our_o saviour_n overthrow_v this_o vain_a conceit_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o supernatural_a birth_n entitle_v to_o the_o supernatural_a inheritance_n circumcision_n then_o and_o baptism_n now_o without_o real_a grace_n be_v a_o ineffectual_a sign_n of_o no_o avail_n to_o salvation_n 17._o in_o the_o quality_n of_o son_n we_o be_v heir_n of_o god_n kingdom_n and_o that_o honourable_a relation_n we_o have_v upon_o a_o double_a account_n 7._o by_o adoption_n and_o regeneration_n divine_a adoption_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a change_n of_o our_o state_n a_o naked_a declaration_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v dignify_v with_o the_o title_n of_o god_n son_n but_o a_o holy_a nature_n be_v always_o infuse_v into_o the_o person_n whereby_o he_o be_v make_v like_o to_o god_n in_o his_o excellency_n in_o this_o it_o differ_v from_o humane_a adoption_n that_o give_v the_o name_n and_o arm_n the_o honour_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o adopter_fw-mi to_o a_o person_n without_o convey_v any_o of_o his_o intellectual_a or_o moral_a endowment_n who_o god_n adopt_v he_o beget_v to_o a_o divine_a life_n beside_o our_o saviour_n purchase_v this_o high_a privilege_n for_o we_o god_n send_v his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n under_o the_o law_n to_o redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n by_o union_n with_o he_o we_o receive_v the_o investiture_n of_o this_o dignity_n now_o whoever_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n for_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n that_o be_v to_o the_o soul_n what_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o the_o body_n the_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o strength_n of_o beauty_n and_o motion_n and_o a_o active_a purify_n faith_n that_o be_v influential_a upon_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v the_o band_n of_o that_o vital_a union_n so_o that_o as_o all_o in_o adam_n be_v universal_o corrupt_v by_o the_o first_o birth_n all_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v make_v holy_a by_o a_o new_a birth_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n more_o full_o under_o a_o distinct_a head_n brief_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n that_o sanctify_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n that_o seal_v our_o right_n to_o that_o kingdom_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o change_n must_v be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n be_v these_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o exquisite_a wisdom_n shine_v in_o all_o god_n work_n in_o dispose_v they_o for_o the_o end_n to_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o be_v it_o not_o monstrous_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v he_o will_v admit_v into_o his_o presence_n and_o kingdom_n those_o that_o be_v absolute_o unqualify_v for_o its_o blessedness_n and_o opposite_a to_o its_o purity_n 2._o his_o invariable_a justice_n exclude_v for_o ever_o all_o unholy_a person_n from_o heaven_n for_o in_o the_o last_o judgement_n god_n will_v be_v glorify_v as_o a_o governor_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o obedience_n and_o disobedience_n of_o men._n it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n that_o the_o action_n of_o god_n on_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o proceed_v from_o his_o sovereign_a good_a pleasure_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o motive_n or_o reason_n in_o the_o subject_n on_o which_o they_o be_v terminate_v thus_o by_o a_o free_a and_o insuperable_a decree_n when_o all_o mankind_n
law_n to_o he_o and_o the_o special_a privilege_n of_o some_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o as_o thales_n say_v a_o old_a mariner_n that_o have_v escape_v the_o various_a danger_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v a_o new_a miracle_n so_o that_o one_o who_o have_v live_v a_o obstinate_a sinner_n die_v a_o penitent_a believer_n be_v very_o rare_a and_o extraordinary_a what_o our_o saviour_n say_v concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o rich_a man_n be_v just_o applicable_a in_o this_o case_n that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n as_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n this_o so_o astonish_v the_o apostle_n that_o they_o cry_v who_o then_o can_v be_v save_v to_o mitigate_v the_o difficulty_n he_o remember_v they_o of_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n thus_o for_o one_o that_o have_v be_v fit_v himself_o for_o hell_n and_o harden_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v at_o last_o sudden_o prepare_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o pure_a and_o glorious_a society_n above_o be_v possible_a but_o possible_a only_o as_o miracle_n be_v by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v such_o miracle_n and_o be_v heaven_n and_o hell_n such_o trivial_a thing_n as_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o a_o uncertainty_n be_v not_o man_n concern_v in_o a_o other_o manner_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n how_o careful_a to_o prevent_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n of_o imprisonment_n or_o banishment_n how_o diligent_a to_o obtain_v some_o temporal_a advantage_n yet_o how_o neglectful_a in_o thing_n of_o the_o high_a importance_n it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o secure_a wretch_n god_n will_v give_v i_o repentance_n at_o last_o as_o he_o do_v to_o other_o remember_v you_o speak_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d soul_n and_o dare_v you_o hang_v the_o weight_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o a_o naked_a possibility_n of_o receive_v grace_n chrys._n what_o reasonable_a person_n will_v neglect_v a_o disease_n that_o may_v prove_v deadly_a and_o rely_v on_o extreme_a remedy_n and_o can_v you_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o cruel_a indifference_n such_o a_o desperate_a carelessness_n as_o to_o leave_v eternal_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n to_o a_o peradventure_o deceperit_fw-la 2._o aug._n consider_v how_o many_o thousand_o have_v die_v in_o their_o sin_n that_o cherish_v fallacious_a hope_n of_o repent_v at_o last_o diagoras_n the_o atheist_n that_o deny_v a_o govern_v providence_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o low_a world_n the_o sphere_n of_o mutability_n when_o one_o for_o his_o conviction_n show_v he_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o neptune_n many_o votive_a table_n contain_v the_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o those_o who_o by_o address_n to_o the_o god_n in_o dangerous_a storm_n have_v arrive_v safe_a at_o their_o port_n and_o ask_v he_o pervenerint_fw-la whether_o he_o have_v observe_v those_o numerous_a testimony_n for_o divine_a providence_n tull._n he_o reply_v i_o see_v they_o but_o how_o many_o have_v invocate_v neptune_n yet_o perish_v in_o the_o ocean_n and_o never_o come_v to_o pay_v their_o vow_n for_o deliverance_n it_o be_v impiety_n in_o he_o to_o argue_v so_o against_o god_n dispose_n providence_n but_o it_o may_v just_o be_v say_v to_o those_o who_o neglect_v their_o present_a duty_n presume_v upon_o some_o example_n of_o his_o glorious_a goodness_n in_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v and_o save_v in_o their_o approach_n to_o death_n how_o many_o have_v final_o miscarry_v in_o shoot_v that_o gulf_n to_o one_o that_o have_v arrive_v safe_a at_o heaven_n how_o many_o when_o sick_a hope_v either_o by_o the_o vigour_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o virtue_n of_o remedy_n to_o overcome_v their_o disease_n and_o never_o see_v death_n till_o they_o feel_v it_o and_o delay_v repentance_n till_o their_o time_n be_v irrecoverable_o go_v how_o many_o be_v blind_v with_o vain_a presumption_n to_o the_o last_o that_o god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o and_o a_o false_a tranquillity_n be_v more_o terrible_a than_o the_o storm_n of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n for_o those_o who_o hope_v upon_o deceitful_a ground_n be_v in_o the_o most_o hopeless_a state_n neglect_v what_o be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o thus_o innumerable_a pass_n in_o a_o cloud_n of_o ignorance_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o how_o many_o who_o have_v live_v in_o a_o delude_a dream_n sensual_a and_o secure_a yet_o at_o the_o last_o when_o by_o some_o sharp_a affliction_n or_o the_o present_a fear_n of_o divine_a judgement_n conscience_n be_v awaken_v and_o look_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o their_o gild_n fall_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o die_v despair_v the_o devil_n make_v his_o advantage_n of_o the_o timorous_a conscience_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o obdurate_a solitude_n be_v his_o scene_n as_o well_o as_o the_o noisy_a theatre_n and_o by_o contrary_a way_n either_o presumption_n or_o despair_n bring_v sinner_n to_o the_o same_o end_n he_o change_v his_o method_n according_a to_o their_o disposition_n the_o tempter_n turn_v accuser_n and_o then_o such_o who_o have_v a_o dim-sight_n of_o sin_n before_o have_v a_o overquick_a sight_n of_o it_o and_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o a_o abyss_n of_o confusion_n the_o condition_n of_o such_o be_v extreme_o miserable_a it_o be_v observe_v of_o cels._n those_o who_o be_v bite_v with_o a_o mad_a dog_n that_o be_v torment_v with_o thirst_n yet_o so_o fearful_a of_o water_n that_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o sometime_o cause_v sudden_a convulsion_n and_o death_n their_o cure_n be_v extreme_a difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a this_o be_v a_o significant_a emblem_n of_o a_o despair_a soul_n for_o when_o the_o enrage_a conscience_n bite_v to_o the_o quick_a the_o sinner_n fill_v with_o estuation_n and_o terror_n ardent_o thirst_v for_o pardon_n yet_o fearful_o forsake_v his_o own_o mercy_n what_o ever_o be_v propound_v to_o encourage_v faith_n in_o the_o divine_a promise_n he_o turn_v to_o justify_v his_o infidelity_n represent_v to_o he_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n the_o unvaluable_a merit_n of_o christ_n sufficient_a to_o redeem_v the_o lose_a world_n it_o heighten_v his_o despair_n because_o he_o have_v perverse_o abuse_v those_o mercy_n and_o neglect_v those_o merit_n the_o most_o precious_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v kill_v terror_n to_o he_o as_o the_o sweet_a title_n of_o friend_n wherewith_o our_o saviour_n receive_v judas_n when_o he_o betray_v he_o be_v the_o most_o sting_a reproach_n of_o his_o perfidious_a villainy_n thus_o it_o appear_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o delay_v our_o repentance_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n till_o sickness_n and_o a_o deathbed_n when_o the_o remembrance_n or_o forgetfulness_n of_o sin_n the_o sense_n or_o security_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v equal_o destructive_a i_o will_v not_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v discourage_v any_o who_o have_v live_v in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n from_o earnest_n seek_v to_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n in_o their_o last_o hour_n even_o than_o they_o be_v not_o utter_o destitute_a of_o hope_n the_o gospel_n set_v forth_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o return_v sinner_n in_o various_a form_n and_o expression_n of_o incomparable_a tenderness_n when_o the_o lose_a sheep_n be_v recover_v there_o be_v joy_n as_o if_o a_o treasure_n have_v be_v find_v the_o prodigal_n have_v waste_v his_o estate_n in_o lust_n and_o luxury_n and_o by_o a_o harsh_a reduction_n come_v to_o himself_o reflect_v with_o shame_n upon_o his_o folly_n and_o rebellion_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o misery_n not_o a_o more_o ingenuous_a or_o noble_a principle_n at_o first_o compel_v he_o to_o go_v to_o his_o father_n to_o try_v what_o his_o affection_n will_v do_v and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a presumption_n for_o he_o find_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o compassionate_a love_n when_o he_o be_v a_o great_a way_n off_o his_o father_n see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o and_o the_o sun_n say_v father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n but_o the_o father_n say_v to_o his_o servant_n bring_v out_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o finger_n and_o shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n and_o bring_v hither_o the_o fat_a calf_n and_o kill_v it_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o be_v merry_a for_o this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o represent_v his_o heavenly_a father_n in_o that_o parable_n and_o to_o wound_a spirit_n that_o feel_v the_o intolerable_a weight_n of_o sin_n the_o mercy_n and_o mildness_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v show_v god_n be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n to_o
he_o for_o ever_o the_o most_o conspicuous_a difference_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v that_o of_o the_o victorious_a over_o the_o vanquish_a prostrate_a at_o his_o foot_n but_o death_n make_v they_o equal_a then_o the_o wretched_a captive_n shall_v upbraid_v the_o proud_a conqueror_n be_v thou_o become_v weak_a as_o we_o be_v thou_o become_v like_o we_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o the_o wise_a preacher_n despise_v all_o the_o state_n of_o the_o present_a life_n as_o vanity_n for_o the_o fabric_n can_v be_v more_o solid_a than_o the_o foundation_n nor_o the_o accident_n more_o real_a than_o the_o be_v on_o which_o it_o depend_v on_o every_o side_n death_n be_v in_o our_o view_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o it_o approach_v darken_v our_o bright_a day_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o he_o equal_v the_o fool_n with_o the_o wise._n for_o all_o that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v confine_v to_o mortal_a thing_n die_v with_o they_o nay_o he_o confound_v man_n with_o the_o beast_n one_o thing_n befall_v they_o as_o the_o one_o die_v so_o die_v the_o other_o yea_o they_o have_v all_o one_o breath_n so_o that_o man_n have_v no_o preeminence_n above_o they_o while_o we_o regard_v he_o only_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n what_o shall_v we_o see_v in_o his_o life_n but_o folly_n mix_v with_o anxiety_n and_o care_n and_o what_o in_o his_o death_n but_o waste_v spirit_n the_o spring_n of_o motion_n disorder_v and_o at_o last_o the_o live_a frame_n dissolve_v into_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o soul_n that_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o clear_a mark_n of_o its_o original_a from_o god_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o every_o thing_n shall_v be_v reunite_v to_o its_o principle_n that_o shall_v return_v to_o god_n that_o give_v it_o and_o remain_v for_o ever_o the_o felicity_n therefore_o to_o which_o it_o natural_o aspire_v must_v be_v parallel_n to_o its_o duration_n from_o these_o consideration_n it_o be_v above_o all_o doubt_n that_o man_n be_v design_v by_o his_o maker_n for_o a_o high_a end_n than_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o present_a world_n 2._o the_o consummate_a happiness_n of_o man_n be_v in_o his_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spiritual_a good_a suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o better_a and_o divine_a part_n and_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o spiritual_a faculty_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n the_o principle_n of_o man_n eminent_a operation_n and_o most_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v felicity_n god_n be_v a_o infinite_a good_a and_o can_v so_o full_o appease_v all_o the_o rational_a appetite_n that_o nothing_o be_v want_v to_o his_o entire_a blessedness_n god_n be_v a_o unchangeable_a good_a not_o to_o be_v lose_v with_o this_o life_n but_o may_v be_v secure_o enjoy_v to_o eternity_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n in_o the_o imitation_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o excellency_n the_o high_a elevation_n and_o complete_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o rational_a nature_n consist_v as_o man_n by_o apply_v himself_o to_o unworthy_a thing_n be_v degrade_v into_o a_o low_a order_n and_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n that_o be_v spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o principle_n be_v sensual_a and_o perish_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o object_n so_o when_o the_o noble_a faculty_n be_v exercise_v in_o a_o perfect_a manner_n on_o their_o sovereign_a good_a he_o be_v advance_v to_o a_o equality_n of_o perfection_n and_o joy_n with_o the_o angel_n the_o more_o refine_a phoed._n heathen_n have_v a_o glimpse_n of_o this_o happiness_n some_o streak_n of_o it_o run_v through_o their_o philosophy_n but_o till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v it_o the_o world_n sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o sleep_v secure_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n unconcern_v for_o a_o invisible_a future_a felicity_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o to_o inquire_v into_o his_o word_n what_o that_o bless_a state_n be_v wherein_o the_o final_a happiness_n of_o man_n consist_v chap._n ii_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o man_n final_a happiness_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o sensible_a representation_n to_o make_v it_o more_o intelligible_a it_o include_v a_o exemption_n from_o all_o evil_n sinful_a and_o penal_a the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o positive_a excellency_n to_o entire_a blessedness_n the_o body_n shall_v be_v raise_v in_o glory_n the_o soul_n shall_v be_v make_v perfect_a the_o understanding_n shall_v clear_o contemplate_v the_o most_o excellent_a object_n the_o will_v be_v inflame_v with_o the_o perfect_a love_n of_o god_n the_o high_a satisfaction_n arise_v from_o union_n with_o god_n by_o knowledge_n and_o love_n the_o full_a joy_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v perpetual_a it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o by_o it_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n it_o be_v not_o whole_o conceal_v from_o man_n that_o only_o see_v the_o creator_n in_o his_o visible_a work_n it_o be_v more_o full_o discover_v by_o the_o law_n but_o with_o incomparable_a more_o clearness_n by_o the_o gospel_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v now_o reveal_v it_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a felicity_n in_o everlasting_a communion_n with_o the_o bless_a god_n the_o subject_n of_o it_o be_v the_o entire_a man_n for_o this_o end_v the_o body_n shall_v be_v awaken_v out_o of_o its_o dead_a sleep_n and_o quicken_v to_o a_o immortal_a life_n the_o place_n be_v the_o high_a heaven_n frame_v by_o the_o divine_a hand_n for_o the_o seat_n of_o his_o majesty_n the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o love_n wherein_o the_o glorious_a communication_n of_o himself_o be_v to_o his_o favourite_n the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o meritorious_a obedience_n of_o his_o son_n in_o man_n nature_n the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v obtain_v be_v a_o lively_a purify_n faith_n that_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o entitle_v we_o to_o a_o inheritance_n purchase_v by_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o to_o confirm_v our_o hope_n of_o this_o supernatural_a happiness_n our_o saviour_n exhibit_v a_o perfect_a example_n of_o this_o in_o himself_o rise_v from_o the_o grave_a crown_v with_o immortality_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o apostle_n ascend_v to_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o glory_n will_v descend_v to_o his_o member_n to_o make_v this_o supernatural_a blessedness_n more_o easy_a and_o intelligible_a to_o we_o the_o scripture_n describe_v it_o by_o sensible_a representation_n for_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n fancy_n have_v such_o a_o dominion_n that_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o nothing_o but_o by_o comparison_n and_o image_n take_v from_o material_a thing_n it_o be_v therefore_o set_v forth_o by_o a_o feast_n and_o a_o kingdom_n to_o signify_v the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o state_n but_o to_o prevent_v all_o gross_a conceit_n it_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v spiritual_a not_o capable_a of_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n nor_o consequent_o of_o any_o refreshment_n that_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o appetite_n the_o object_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a sense_n see_v and_o hear_v the_o pleasure_n of_o which_o be_v mix_v with_o reason_n and_o not_o common_a to_o the_o brute_n be_v more_o frequent_o make_v use_n of_o to_o reconcile_v that_o glorious_a state_n to_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o mind_n thus_o sometime_o the_o bless_a be_v represent_v place_v on_o throne_n with_o crown_n on_o their_o head_n sometime_o clothe_v in_o white_a with_o palm_n in_o their_o hand_n sometime_o sing_v song_n of_o triumph_n to_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o their_o saviour_n but_o the_o reality_n of_o this_o blessedness_n infinite_o exceed_v all_o those_o faint_a metaphor_n heaven_n be_v lessen_v by_o comparison_n from_o earthly_a thing_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v dignify_v with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o success_n that_o shall_v happen_v to_o the_o church_n till_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o tell_v we_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o eternity_n the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o be_v far_o more_o above_o the_o high_a ascent_n of_o our_o thought_n than_o the_o marriage-feast_n of_o a_o great_a prince_n exceed_v in_o splendour_n and_o magnificence_n the_o imagination_n of_o one_o that_o have_v always_o live_v in_o a_o obscure_a village_n and_o never_o see_v any_o ornament_n of_o state_n nor_o taste_v wine_n in_o his_o life_n we_o can_v think_v of_o those_o thing_n but_o according_a to_o the_o poverty_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o so_o much_o we_o know_v that_o be_v able_a to_o sweeten_v all_o the_o bitterness_n and_o render_v insipid_a all_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o world_n
i_o will_v give_v as_o a_o king_n thus_o god_n in_o the_o dispense_n his_o favour_n do_v not_o respect_v the_o meanness_n of_o our_o person_n or_o service_n but_o give_v to_o we_o as_o a_o god_n and_o the_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n therefore_o all-sufficient_a and_o most_o willing_a to_o make_v his_o creature_n complete_o happy_a 4._o if_o a_o creature_n perfect_o holy_a that_o never_o sin_v be_v uncapable_a to_o merit_v any_o thing_n from_o god_n much_o less_o can_v those_o who_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o sinful_a state_n and_o guilty_a of_o innumerable_a actual_a transgression_n pretend_v to_o deserve_v any_o reward_n for_o their_o work_n this_o be_v presumption_n inspire_v by_o prodigious_a vanity_n for_o 1._o by_o his_o most_o free_a grace_n they_o be_v restore_v in_o conversion_n to_o that_o spiritual_a power_n by_o which_o they_o serve_v he_o the_o chaos_n be_v not_o a_o dead_a lump_n before_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o water_n than_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v before_o the_o vital_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n wrought_v upon_o they_o and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v so_o deep_o oblige_v to_o god_n that_o if_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o for_o his_o glory_n be_v perform_v yet_o they_o can_v discharge_v what_o they_o owe._n 2._o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o powerful_a supply_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o saint_n who_o even_o since_o their_o holy_a call_n by_o many_o lapse_n have_v just_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o grieve_a spirit_n be_v new_a obligation_n to_o thankfulness_n and_o the_o more_o grace_n the_o less_o merit_n 3._o the_o best_a work_n of_o man_n be_v imperfect_a allay_v with_o the_o mixture_n of_o infirmity_n and_o not_o of_o full_a weight_n in_o the_o divine_a balance_n if_o god_n shall_v strict_o examine_v our_o righteousness_n it_o will_v be_v find_v neither_o pure_a nor_o perfect_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o without_o favour_n and_o indulgence_n will_v be_v reject_v and_o that_o which_o want_v pardon_n can_v deserve_v praise_n and_o glory_n he_o show_v mercy_n to_o thousand_o that_o love_n he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n if_o obedience_n be_v meritorious_a it_o be_v strict_a justice_n to_o reward_v they_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o onesiphorus_n who_o have_v expose_v himself_o to_o great_a danger_n for_o his_o love_n to_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n grant_v he_o may_v find_v mercy_n in_o that_o day_n the_o divine_a mercy_n give_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n to_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o day_n of_o eternal_a recompense_n ii_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o obtain_n heaven_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n comprehend_v all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o we_o from_o he_o as_o the_o eternal_a word_n we_o have_v all_o benefit_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o as_o the_o incarnate_a word_n all_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o order_n of_o grace_n what_o we_o enjoy_v in_o time_n and_o expect_v in_o eternity_n be_v by_o he_o to_o show_v what_o influence_n his_o mediation_n have_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a we_o must_v consider_v 1._o man_n by_o his_o rebellion_n just_o forfeit_v his_o happiness_n and_o the_o law_n exact_v precise_o the_o forfeiture_n pure_a justice_n require_v the_o crime_n shall_v be_v punish_v according_a to_o its_o quality_n much_o less_o will_v it_o suffer_v the_o guilty_a to_o enjoy_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o offence_n and_o injury_n to_o a_o private_a person_n but_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o law_n and_o a_o disturbance_n in_o the_o order_n of_o government_n so_o that_o to_o preserve_v the_o honour_n of_o govern_v justice_n a_o equivalent_a reparation_n be_v necessary_a till_o sin_n be_v expiate_v by_o a_o proper_a sacrifice_n the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v a_o seal_a spring_n and_o its_o bless_a effect_n restrain_v from_o the_o guilty_a creature_n now_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o our_o assume_v nature_n offer_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o our_o stead_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n and_o remove_v the_o bar_n that_o mercy_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o our_o salvation_n the_o apostle_n give_v this_o account_n of_o it_o 20._o we_o have_v boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o veil_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh._n 2._o such_o be_v the_o most_o precious_a merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a to_o free_v the_o guilty_a contaminate_a race_n of_o mankind_n from_o hell_n but_o to_o purchase_v for_o they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o consider_v his_o human_a nature_n all_o grace_n be_v bear_v with_o he_o as_o ray_n with_o the_o sun_n and_o shine_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o excellence_n of_o perfection_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o divine_a person_n derive_v a_o immense_a value_n to_o all_o he_o perform_v as_o mediator_n one_o act_n of_o his_o obedience_n be_v more_o honourable_a to_o god_n than_o all_o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o death_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o angel_n god_n be_v more_o please_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o belove_a son_n than_o he_o be_v provoke_v by_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o servant_n therefore_o as_o the_o just_a recompense_n of_o it_o he_o constitute_v he_o to_o be_v universal_a head_n of_o the_o church_n supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n invest_v he_o with_o divine_a glory_n and_o with_o power_n to_o communicate_v it_o to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n he_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n in_o short_a it_o be_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o we_o be_v glorify_v as_o that_o we_o be_v forgive_v the_o wound_v he_o receive_v in_o his_o body_n the_o character_n of_o ignominy_n and_o footstep_n of_o death_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o our_o glory_n his_o abasement_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o exaltation_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o seem_v to_o lessen_v the_o freeness_n of_o this_o gift_n the_o answer_n be_v clear_a this_o be_v due_a to_o christ_n but_o undeserved_a by_o we_o beside_o the_o appoint_v his_o son_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o ransom_n be_v the_o most_o glorious_a work_n of_o his_o goodness_n 2._o the_o mean_n of_o our_o obtain_n heaven_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v though_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v free_a in_o its_o act_n and_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o the_o creature_n of_o merit_n or_o inducement_n to_o prevail_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o cause_n yet_o he_o require_v qualification_n in_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v enjoy_v that_o bless_a unchangeable_a kingdom_n the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v 16._o nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v but_o of_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n but_o we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o mercy_n which_o be_v dispense_v in_o that_o order_n the_o gospel_n lay_v down_o the_o first_o mercy_n be_v the_o powerful_a call_v the_o sinner_n from_o his_o corrupt_a and_o wretched_a state_n a_o second_o mercy_n be_v the_o pardon_v his_o sin_n the_o last_o and_o most_o eminent_a be_v the_o glorify_v he_o in_o heaven_n now_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o this_o place_n the_o show_v of_o mercy_n signify_v the_o prevent_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o conversion_n for_o in_o the_o 18_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v god_n show_v mercy_n to_o who_o he_o will_v and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v where_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o show_v mercy_n be_v oppose_v not_o to_o condemn_v but_o to_o harden_v and_o consequent_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o divine_a grace_n overcome_v the_o rebellious_a will_n soften_v the_o stiff_a and_o stubborn_a heart_n and_o make_v it_o pliant_a to_o obedience_n this_o flow_v from_o his_o pure_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o least_o motive_n from_o the_o inclination_n or_o endeavour_n of_o sinful_a men._n but_o the_o other_o effect_n of_o god_n mercy_n require_v condition_n in_o the_o subject_n that_o receive_v they_o for_o he_o pardon_v only_o penitent_a believer_n and_o glorify_v none_o but_o persevere_v saint_n to_o make_v this_o clear_a it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n the_o gospel_n have_v several_a denomination_n it_o be_v call_v a_o law_n a_o covenant_n and_o a_o testament_n it_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n as_o a_o law_n it_o signify_v a_o new_a right_o that_o god_n have_v most_o free_o establish_v in_o
sound_v and_o perfect_a health_n that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o art_n he_o that_o seek_v for_o honour_n or_o riches_n be_v not_o content_a with_o a_o mediocrity_n of_o success_n but_o drive_v on_o his_o affair_n to_o the_o full_a period_n of_o his_o desire_n a_o ardent_a lover_n of_o learning_n with_o a_o noble_a jealousy_n strive_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o knowledge_n in_o short_a no_o man_n design_n and_o belong_v for_o a_o thing_n as_o his_o happiness_n but_o will_v use_v all_o diligence_n to_o gain_v the_o present_a and_o full_a possession_n of_o it_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o person_n sincere_o propound_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n as_o his_o end_n but_o love_n will_v make_v he_o fervent_a and_o industrious_a to_o be_v as_o heavenly_a as_o be_v possible_a here_o he_o will_v strive_v by_o bless_a and_o glorious_a gradation_n to_o ascend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o aim_n and_o desire_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o be_v pure_a as_o christ_n be_v pure_a we_o have_v a_o admirable_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o st_n paul_n who_o declare_v 14._o brethren_n i_o count_v not_o myself_o to_o have_v apprehend_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n his_o progress_n be_v great_a yet_o that_o do_v not_o make_v he_o slack_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o his_o end_n he_o labour_v to_o attain_v the_o precedent_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o his_o death_n and_o life_n to_o apprehend_v christ_n entire_o and_o perfect_o as_o christ_n have_v apprehend_v he_o he_o be_v very_o diligent_a to_o improve_v the_o divine_a image_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v of_o lukewarm_a affection_n in_o religion_n the_o abhor_a character_n of_o laodicea_n who_o esteem_v it_o a_o prudent_a principle_n as_o convenient_a for_o their_o carnal_a ease_n and_o interest_n not_o to_o be_v earnest_a in_o follow_v holiness_n vice_n in_o mediocrity_n be_v tolerable_a with_o they_o only_o the_o excess_n be_v condemn_v they_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o mediocrity_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v presumptuous_a and_o secure_a as_o the_o church_n that_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o they_o boast_v as_o if_o they_o have_v find_v out_o the_o temperate_a region_n between_o the_o burn_a line_n and_o the_o freeze_a pole_n they_o account_v all_o that_o be_v above_o their_o degree_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v furious_a or_o indiscreet_a zeal_n and_o all_o below_o to_o be_v dead_a cold_a profaneness_n they_o censure_v those_o for_o hypocrisy_n or_o unnecessary_a strictness_n who_o be_v visible_o better_a and_o stand_v upon_o proud_a comparison_n with_o those_o who_o be_v visible_o worse_o and_o thus_o set_v off_o themselves_o by_o tax_v other_o but_o how_o easy_o do_v man_n deceive_v and_o damn_v themselves_o can_v we_o have_v too_o much_o of_o heaven_n upon_o the_o earth_n can_v we_o become_v too_o like_o god_n when_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o he_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o felicity_n indeed_o moral_a virtue_n consist_v in_o a_o mediocrity_n not_o of_o the_o habitual_a quality_n but_o of_o the_o affection_n and_o action_n between_o the_o vicious_a extremity_n fortitude_n consist_v in_o the_o mean_a between_o cowardice_n and_o rash_a boldness_n but_o how_o much_o the_o more_o confirm_v the_o courageous_a habit_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o a_o man_n excel_v in_o that_o virtue_n liberality_n consist_v between_o a_o indiscreet_a profuseness_n and_o sordid_a avarice_n patience_n between_o a_o soft_a delicacy_n and_o stupid_a insensibility_n thus_o philosophic_a virtue_n glory_n in_o its_o beauty_n as_o pure_a and_o entire_a between_o two_o vicious_a deformity_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o many_o be_v paganism_n dress_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a fashion_n but_o this_o mediocrity_n only_o belong_v to_o inferior_a virtue_n that_o respect_v thing_n of_o create_a limit_a goodness_n and_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o worth_n of_o their_o nature_n but_o divine_a grace_n respect_v a_o object_n supreme_o good_a and_o their_o perfection_n consist_v in_o their_o most_o excellent_a degree_n and_o the_o most_o intense_a affection_n and_o operation_n that_o be_v lead_v to_o it_o faith_n in_o its_o obedience_n hope_v in_o its_o assurance_n love_n in_o its_o ardour_n can_v never_o exceed_v when_o the_o object_n be_v infinite_a a_o mediocrity_n be_v vicious_a humility_n can_v never_o descend_v too_o low_a nor_o love_n ascend_v too_o high_a for_o reflect_v upon_o our_o natural_a and_o moral_a imperfection_n that_o we_o be_v raise_v from_o nothing_o that_o we_o be_v defile_v and_o debase_v with_o sin_n we_o can_v have_v too_o low_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o and_o since_o god_n the_o sovereign_n be_v infinite_a in_o perfection_n and_o infinite_o amiable_a be_v the_o object_n no_o bound_n or_o measure_n must_v be_v set_v to_o our_o affection_n but_o with_o all_o our_o unite_a power_n all_o the_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o the_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o the_o mind_n and_o with_o all_o the_o strength_n we_o must_v love_v he_o and_o please_v he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v belove_v of_o he_o there_o be_v other_o will_v acknowledge_v their_o defect_n and_o tell_v you_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o eminent_a sanctity_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n nor_o aspire_v to_o their_o degree_n in_o glory_n they_o be_v content_a with_o a_o low_a place_n in_o heaven_n and_o less_o strict_a religion_n be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o purpose_n this_o deceit_n be_v strengthen_v by_o popery_n that_o enervate_v and_o dissolve_v many_o of_o our_o saviour_n precept_n by_o teach_v they_o be_v not_o law_n oblige_v all_o christians_n to_o obedience_n that_o will_v attain_v to_o eternal_a life_n but_o counsel_n of_o perfection_n if_o they_o be_v not_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o meritorious_o entitle_v to_o a_o rich_a crown_n and_o though_o man_n by_o impure_a indulgency_n please_v their_o sensual_a affection_n yet_o by_o taste_v purgatory_n in_o the_o way_n they_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n on_o easy_a term_n than_o a_o universal_a respect_n to_o god_n command_n and_o a_o equal_a care_n to_o observe_v they_o but_o death_n will_v confute_v all_o these_o feeble_a wretched_a pretence_n for_o though_o the_o saint_n above_o shine_n with_o a_o unequal_a brightness_n as_o the_o star_n differ_v in_o glory_n yet_o none_o be_v there_o but_o saint_n and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o mourn_v under_o their_o imperfection_n and_o unfeigned_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v better_a be_v never_o real_o good_a the_o slothful_a servant_n that_o do_v not_o waste_v but_o neglect_n to_o improve_v his_o talon_n be_v cast_v into_o outer_a darkness_n there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o punishment_n in_o hell_n but_o the_o least_o miserable_a there_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o in_o short_a it_o be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n a_o prodigy_n for_o any_o man_n to_o think_v he_o be_v sincere_a in_o his_o choice_n and_o prepare_v in_o his_o affection_n for_o the_o pure_a glorious_a felicity_n in_o heaven_n that_o do_v not_o labour_n to_o cleanse_v himself_o from_o all_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n chap._n v._n the_o choice_n of_o heaven_n must_v be_v early_o the_o pretence_n of_o man_n delay_v repentance_n the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o it_o second_o the_o choice_n of_o eternal_a felicity_n must_v be_v early_o in_o the_o prime_n of_o our_o day_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o reason_n bind_v we_o to_o remember_v our_o creator_n in_o our_o youth_n to_o pay_v to_o he_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o our_o time_n and_o strength_n when_o we_o be_v surround_v with_o entice_a object_n and_o the_o sense_n be_v entire_a and_o most_o capable_a to_o enjoy_v they_o when_o the_o elect_a power_n be_v it_o their_o vigour_n then_o it_o be_v just_a we_o shall_v live_v to_o god_n obey_v he_o as_o our_o lawgiver_n and_o prefer_v the_o fruition_n of_o he_o in_o heaven_n the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n before_o as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o vanity_n it_o be_v very_o honourable_a and_o please_a to_o god_n to_o give_v the_o heart_n to_o he_o when_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n strong_o solicit_v to_o withdraw_v it_o it_o be_v a_o high_a endearment_n of_o the_o soâ—_n to_o he_o when_o his_o excellency_n be_v prevalent_a in_o the_o esteem_n and_o affection_n above_o all_o the_o charm_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o
man_n to_o declare_v the_o truth_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n by_o despise_v all_o temptation_n when_o they_o be_v most_o invite_v and_o he_o be_v most_o receptive_a of_o they_o but_o alas_o how_o many_o neglect_n their_o duty_n and_o defer_v their_o happiness_n they_o think_v it_o too_o soon_o to_o live_v for_o heaven_n before_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v wherein_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n when_o they_o can_v sin_n and_o fond_o presume_v they_o can_v repent_v the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o this_o i_o will_v brief_o lay_v open_a the_o devil_n be_v a_o sophister_n in_o perfection_n and_o his_o ordinary_a and_o successful_a artifice_n to_o elude_v the_o force_n of_o present_a conviction_n and_o wrap_v man_n in_o sin_n and_o damnation_n be_v to_o induce_v they_o to_o delay_v the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o soul_n till_o afterward_o he_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a to_o tell_v they_o as_o he_o do_v our_o first_o parent_n you_o shall_v not_o die_v for_o the_o temptation_n be_v so_o palpable_a that_o it_o can_v deceive_v none_o though_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n that_o disturb_v the_o security_n of_o sinner_n be_v sometime_o obscure_v by_o affect_a doubt_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o artifice_n that_o can_v resist_v the_o full_a and_o strong_a conviction_n in_o mankind_n that_o death_n be_v inevitable_a though_o nature_n recoil_v from_o it_o with_o abhorrence_n yet_o this_o sad_a truth_n be_v so_o visible_a that_o it_o force_v a_o assent_n from_o all_o those_o who_o be_v titular_a god_n be_v not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o pretend_v to_o a_o exemption_n by_o privilege_n from_o that_o fatal_a necessity_n not_o to_o fancy_v that_o they_o may_v be_v embalm_v alive_a and_o nature_n make_v incorruptible_a by_o art_n the_o palace_n be_v as_o near_o the_o grave_a as_o the_o cottage_n therefore_o the_o devil_n cherish_v in_o man_n fond_a hope_n of_o long_a life_n as_o some_o optic_a glass_n deceive_v the_o sight_n and_o make_v a_o superficial_a representation_n in_o colour_n on_o a_o wall_n but_o two_o or_o three_o step_n distance_n appear_v a_o long_a deep_a gallery_n thus_o the_o tempter_n by_o a_o dangerous_a artifice_n present_v to_o the_o imagination_n the_o fatal_a term_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o since_o he_o can_v weaken_v the_o certainty_n of_o death_n in_o man_n belief_n he_o remove_v the_o image_n of_o it_o out_o of_o their_o memory_n to_o lessen_v the_o impression_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a to_o make_v on_o their_o spirit_n they_o dare_v not_o venture_v to_o die_v as_o they_o live_v careless_a of_o salvation_n and_o unprepared_a for_o their_o account_n with_o god_n therefore_o to_o suspend_v the_o work_n of_o conscience_n by_o a_o seem_a compliance_n the_o tempter_n insinuate_v there_o will_v be_v a_o long_a interval_n between_o the_o present_a time_n and_o the_o last_o hour_n that_o shall_v decide_v their_o state_n for_o ever_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o convenient_a season_n to_o prepare_v for_o the_o other_o world_n when_o they_o have_v do_v with_o this_o as_o if_o repentance_n be_v best_a at_o last_o when_o there_o be_v no_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o no_o danger_n of_o retract_v it_o and_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v a_o great_a flatterer_n very_o subtle_a to_o deceive_v and_o ruin_v he_o with_o vain_a resolution_n of_o a_o devout_a retirement_n and_o become_v serious_o religious_a hereafter_o and_o thus_o by_o a_o easy_a permission_n he_o gratify_v the_o present_a desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o go_v in_o a_o circuit_n from_o one_o vanity_n to_o another_o till_o death_n surprise_v the_o presumer_n it_o be_v very_o applicable_a to_o this_o purpose_n what_o be_v relate_v of_o alcaeus_n the_o poet_n 9_o who_o from_o every_o season_n of_o the_o year_n take_v argument_n to_o give_v a_o new_a title_n to_o his_o intemperance_n the_o spring_n require_v liberal_a drink_n in_o sign_n of_o joy_n for_o the_o renovation_n of_o nature_n the_o summer_n to_o temper_v the_o heat_n and_o refresh_v our_o draught_n it_o be_v due_a to_o autumn_n as_o dedicate_v to_o the_o vintage_n and_o winter_n require_v it_o to_o expel_v the_o cold_a that_o will_v congeal_v the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n thus_o he_o plead_v for_o the_o allowance_n of_o his_o excess_n and_o thus_o man_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o life_n which_o be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n have_v some_o excuse_n to_o delay_v repentance_n and_o give_v some_o colour_n to_o their_o contumacy_n in_o neglect_v salvation_n the_o vanity_n of_o childhood_n the_o pleasure_n of_o youth_n the_o business_n of_o middle_a age_n the_o infirmity_n of_o old_a age_n be_v plausible_a pretence_n to_o put_v off_o the_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o now_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o present_a choice_n and_o pursuit_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n let_v we_o consider_v 1._o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a season_n allow_v we_o for_o preparation_n in_o order_n to_o immortality_n as_o we_o improve_v or_o neglect_v it_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o it_o be_v observe_v concern_v the_o straits_n where_o the_o sea_n be_v but_o a_o few_o mile_n broad_a plin._n yet_o from_o thence_o it_o pour_v itself_o into_o the_o vast_a ocean_n that_o extend_v to_o both_o the_o indies_n so_o this_o life_n that_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o strait_n of_o time_n issue_v itself_o into_o a_o boundless_a eternity_n of_o good_a or_o evil._n from_o a_o few_o year_n well_o or_o ill_o spend_v here_o tam_fw-la immensa_fw-la soeculorum_fw-la vastitas_fw-la panditur_fw-la million_o of_o age_n follow_v of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n if_o man_n now_o set_v their_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o earnest_o seek_v they_o they_o shall_v joyful_o ascend_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n for_o the_o preparation_n for_o happiness_n be_v here_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o hereafter_o but_o if_o they_o be_v carnal_o mind_v and_o the_o main_a design_n of_o their_o life_n be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o present_a world_n when_o the_o part_a hour_n be_v come_v and_o death_n shall_v make_v a_o separation_n between_o they_o and_o it_o their_o misery_n be_v irrecoverable_a as_o the_o grave_a indeed_o if_o we_o have_v two_o life_n in_o succession_n allow_v we_o for_o trial_n and_o have_v err_v in_o our_o choice_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o first_o may_v correct_v our_o error_n in_o a_o second_o life_n there_o be_v some_o pretence_n for_o security_n but_o since_o immediate_o after_o death_n a_o private_a judgement_n pass_v upon_o the_o soul_n without_o appeal_n to_o a_o more_o favourable_a tribunal_n since_o then_o the_o error_n be_v unpardonable_a for_o ever_o there_o be_v no_o stupidity_n equal_v the_o present_a neglect_n of_o salvation_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o desperate_a uncertainty_n upon_o which_o man_n build_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a repentance_n and_o divine_a acceptance_n 1._o man_n be_v flatter_v with_o the_o presumption_n of_o long_a life_n but_o what_o be_v more_o uncertain_a it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v conceal_v in_o his_o own_o counsel_n the_o time_n of_o our_o sojourn_v here_o for_o if_o man_n though_o liable_a to_o death_n every_o hour_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v under_o a_o just_a fear_n lest_o it_o surprise_v they_o unprepared_a yet_o against_o so_o strong_a a_o curb_n run_v with_o that_o exorbitant_a vehemence_n after_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n how_o much_o more_o licentious_a will_v they_o be_v if_o secure_v from_o sudden_a death_n but_o none_o can_v promise_v to_o himself_o one_o day_n death_n come_v not_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o divine_a decree_n how_o many_o in_o the_o flower_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o strength_n think_v themselves_o at_o as_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o death_n as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n when_o there_o be_v but_o a_o step_n between_o they_o and_o death_n between_o they_o and_o hell_n the_o lamp_n sudden_o expire_v by_o a_o blast_n of_o wind_n when_o there_o be_v plenty_n of_o oil_n to_o feed_v it_o the_o rich_a man_n please_v himself_o with_o design_n of_o sensual_a enjoyment_n for_o many_o year_n yet_o do_v not_o see_v the_o dawn_n of_o the_o next_o morning_n thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o this_o sentence_n be_v now_o pronounce_v in_o heaven_n against_o thousand_o that_o be_v alive_a this_o day_n conversant_a in_o the_o vanity_n and_o business_n of_o the_o world_n eat_v and_o drink_v play_v and_o trade_n and_o all_o unconcerned_a as_o to_o die_v yet_o shall_v breathe_v their_o last_o before_o to_o morrow_n and_o their_o unwilling_a soul_n be_v rend_v from_o the_o embrace_n of_o the_o body_n in_o various_a manner_n man_n die_v sudden_o from_o inward_a and_o outward_a cause_n a_o 120._o apoplexy_n
image_n of_o his_o saviour_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n disgrace_n and_o pain_n be_v evil_n that_o humane_a nature_n have_v a_o most_o tender_a sense_n of_o yet_o the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o a_o divine_a generosity_n and_o constancy_n endure_v they_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n he_o be_v scorn_v as_o a_o feign_a king_n and_o a_o false_a prophet_n he_o suffer_v a_o bloody_a death_n and_o by_o the_o cross_n ascend_v to_o glory_n and_o we_o must_v follow_v he_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v where_o he_o be_v 2._o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a trial_n of_o a_o christian._n prosperity_n be_v a_o more_o dangerous_a enemy_n to_o the_o soul_n though_o adversity_n be_v more_o rigorous_a saevior_fw-la armis_fw-la incumbit_fw-la luxuria_fw-la for_o the_o spirit_n be_v excite_v by_o peril_n and_o difficulty_n to_o seek_v to_o god_n for_o strength_n juven_n and_o with_o vigilant_a resolute_a thought_n unite_v all_o its_o power_n to_o oppose_v they_o but_o it_o be_v make_v weak_a and_o careless_a by_o what_o be_v grateful_a to_o the_o sensual_a inclination_n it_o keep_v close_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n in_o the_o open_a encounter_n of_o danger_n that_o threaten_v its_o ruin_n but_o be_v entice_v to_o put_v it_o off_o by_o the_o caress_n and_o blandishment_n of_o the_o world_n it_o do_v not_o see_v its_o enemy_n under_o the_o disguise_n of_o a_o pleasant_a temptation_n thus_o sin_n insinuate_v its_o self_n and_o by_o steal_v step_n get_v into_o the_o throne_n without_o observation_n a_o man_n be_v wound_v with_o a_o pleasant_a temptation_n as_o with_o the_o plague_n that_o fly_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o grace_n be_v insensible_o weaken_a from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o adversity_n often_o reform_v the_o vicious_a and_o prosperity_n corrupt_v the_o virtuous_a now_o perseverance_n must_v be_v of_o proof_n against_o fire_n and_o water_n against_o what_o ever_o may_v terrify_v or_o allure_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n 5._o save_v perseverance_n exclude_v not_o all_o sin_n but_o total_a apostasy_n and_o final_a impenitency_n which_o be_v fatal_a and_o deadly_a under_o the_o new_a covenant_n if_o the_o righteous_a turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n 24_o and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v shall_v he_o live_v all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v he_o shall_v die_v if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o 38_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n these_o threaten_n imply_v there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o the_o saint_n fall_v away_o consider_v in_o themselves_o but_o not_o that_o they_o be_v ever_o total_o desert_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o leave_v under_o the_o reign_a power_n of_o sin_n the_o threaten_n be_v intend_v to_o awaken_v their_o care_n and_o be_v preservative_n of_o they_o from_o ruin_n and_o have_v a_o singular_a influence_n on_o their_o perseverance_n a_o vigilant_a and_o cautious_a fear_n establish_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o hope_n indeed_o from_o the_o relic_n of_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o saint_n they_o sometime_o actual_o fall_v into_o presumptuous_a sin_n and_o by_o rebellious_a relapse_n wound_v conscience_n and_o let_v out_o much_o of_o the_o vital_a spirit_n their_o grace_n and_o comfort_n but_o though_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o they_o be_v miserable_o waste_v by_o such_o sin_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o abolish_v as_o after_o the_o creation_n of_o light_n there_o be_v never_o pure_a and_o total_a darkness_n in_o the_o world_n grace_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o point_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o degree_n the_o new_a creature_n may_v decline_v in_o beauty_n and_o strength_n yet_o life_n remain_v between_o a_o lively_a and_o a_o dead_a faith_n there_o may_v be_v a_o faint_a faith_n as_o in_o st._n peter_n for_o certain_o our_o saviour_n be_v hear_v in_o his_o prayer_n for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n shall_v not_o fail_v in_o his_o dreadful_a temptation_n the_o saint_n do_v not_o by_o a_o particular_a fall_n extinguish_v the_o first_o live_v principle_n of_o obedience_n faith_n and_o love_n nor_o change_v their_o last_o end_n by_o a_o entire_a turn_n from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n in_o short_a a_o single_a act_n of_o wickedness_n do_v not_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sin_n single_o consider_v but_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o sinner_n that_o denominate_v he_o if_o grace_n in_o the_o saint_n shall_v utter_o perish_v as_o some_o bold_o assert_v their_o recovery_n will_v be_v impossible_a for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o those_o who_o be_v enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n that_o have_v be_v under_o some_o common_a work_n and_o low_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o such_o fall_n away_o universal_o and_o live_v in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n opposite_a to_o their_o former_a illumination_n and_o resolution_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o by_o repentance_n how_o much_o more_o than_o if_o those_o who_o be_v true_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v entire_o lose_v all_o those_o gracious_a habit_n plant_v in_o they_o in_o their_o regeneration_n but_o david_n though_o guilty_a of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n sin_z of_o so_o foul_a a_o nature_n as_o will_v dishonour_v paganism_n itself_o and_o make_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n to_o blaspheme_v be_v restore_v by_o repentance_n the_o gospel_n propound_v a_o remedy_n not_o only_o for_o sin_n commit_v before_o conversion_n but_o after_o it_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a god_n do_v not_o revoke_v the_o adoption_n nor_o reverse_v the_o justification_n of_o a_o believer_n but_o upon_o scandalous_a disorder_n a_o pardon_n be_v not_o grant_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o new_a contract_a gild_n till_o there_o be_v sincere_a and_o actual_a repentance_n he_o be_v not_o disinherit_v but_o his_o right_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v eclipse_v as_o to_o the_o comfortable_a sense_n of_o it_o nay_o suspend_v till_o by_o renovation_n he_o be_v qualify_v and_o make_v fit_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o pure_a inheritance_n for_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o excommunicate_v a_o offender_n from_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n will_v exclude_v he_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n without_o repentance_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o what_o be_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n and_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v of_o those_o kind_n of_o sin_n for_o which_o professor_n must_v be_v remove_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n here_o that_o they_o be_v a_o exclusive_a bar_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o i_o have_v write_v to_o you_o 11._o not_o to_o keep_v company_n if_o any_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v and_o know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 10._o be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o effeminate_a nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n if_o one_o that_o be_v true_o a_o child_n of_o god_n fall_v into_o any_o of_o these_o sin_n till_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a repentance_n he_o be_v prepare_v for_o pardon_n he_o can_v obtain_v it_o nor_o have_v a_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o only_o those_o who_o be_v justify_v be_v glorify_v indeed_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a where_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v the_o vital_a principle_n of_o grace_n as_o it_o do_v in_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n but_o that_o notorious_a sin_n that_o can_v be_v conceal_v from_o the_o view_n of_o conscience_n will_v cause_v sting_n and_o sorrow_n proportionable_a to_o their_o malignity_n and_o consequent_o a_o hatred_n and_o forsake_v of_o they_o now_o perseverance_n principal_o respect_v the_o end_n of_o our_o course_n there_o may_v be_v interruption_n in_o the_o way_n for_o a_o time_n but_o if_o with_o renew_a zeal_n and_o diligence_n we_o prosecute_v our_o bless_a end_n we_o shall_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o second_o thing_n propound_v the_o reason_n why_o perseverance_n be_v requisite_a in_o all_o that_o will_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o their_o sincerity_n may_v
in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n know_v our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n i_o know_v the_o carnal_a will_n be_v impetuous_a and_o impatient_a of_o delay_n and_o earnest_n for_o what_o be_v present_a with_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o future_a glory_n but_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a and_o strange_a thing_n to_o sow_v in_o hope_n of_o reap_v a_o harvest_n for_o man_n to_o be_v industrious_a and_o active_a on_o land_n and_o sea_n for_o future_a advantage_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n the_o merchant_n the_o husbandman_n the_o student_n the_o soldier_n and_o every_o man_n in_o the_o circle_n of_o his_o call_v be_v visible_a instance_n of_o this_o and_o though_o many_o time_n the_o most_o flourish_a hope_n be_v blast_v they_o be_v not_o discourage_v and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sight_n full_a of_o wonder_n to_o observe_v man_n cheerful_a in_o labour_n and_o hardship_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o world_n to_o carry_v it_o so_o light_o as_o if_o they_o have_v wing_n and_o all_o for_o a_o poor_a and_o uncertain_a recompense_n and_o to_o be_v slow_a and_o languid_a in_o their_o endeavour_n for_o a_o reward_n as_o great_a and_o as_o sure_a as_o god_n be_v glorious_a and_o true_a how_o many_o ambitious_o strive_v to_o please_v a_o prince_n and_o wait_v long_o in_o his_o service_n who_o be_v but_o a_o man_n and_o therefore_o variable_a in_o his_o temper_n and_o state_n sometime_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o do_v what_o he_o can_v and_o sometime_o can_v do_v what_o he_o will_v to_o reward_v his_o servant_n and_o be_v there_o not_o infinite_o more_o reason_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o please_v god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o liberal_a and_o rich_a and_o certain_a rewarder_n of_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o 3._o consider_v how_o gracious_a the_o term_n be_v upon_o which_o heaven_n be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n law_n be_v so_o holy_a just_a and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o good_a to_o man_n even_o in_o their_o present_a performance_n that_o their_o own_o excellence_n and_o equity_n and_o sweetness_n be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v they_o without_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o obedience_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o conformity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n what_o pleasure_n be_v comparable_a to_o that_o which_o spring_v from_o a_o pure_a conscience_n from_o a_o godly_a righteous_a and_o sober_a conversation_n how_o joyful_a be_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o service_n which_o more_o immediate_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o prayer_n and_o other_o sacred_a action_n we_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o fountain_n of_o felicity_n and_o receive_v from_o his_o fullness_n in_o the_o affectionate_a praise_n of_o god_n we_o be_v companion_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o be_v not_o integrity_n and_o honesty_n in_o our_o deal_n with_o man_n more_o easy_a and_o comfortable_a than_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n be_v it_o not_o troublesome_a to_o be_v always_o under_o a_o mask_n to_o use_v art_n and_o disguise_n to_o avoid_v the_o reproach_n and_o revenge_n that_o attend_v unjust_a action_n when_o discover_v be_v temperance_n and_o chastity_n as_o hurtful_a to_o the_o body_n as_o luxury_n and_o lasciviousness_n the_o essential_a part_n of_o carnal_a felicity_n how_o miserable_o distract_v be_v man_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v rend_v with_o numberless_a vanity_n the_o affection_n divide_v between_o various_a object_n how_o quiet_a and_o compose_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a good_a and_o the_o affection_n joyful_o conspire_v in_o his_o service_n can_v it_o then_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v heavy_a and_o his_o law_n hard_a or_o be_v his_o promise_n uncertain_a and_o his_o reward_n small_a no_o his_o command_n be_v not_o grievous_a in_o the_o keep_v they_o there_o be_v a_o great_a reward_n a_o present_a paradise_n religion_n will_v make_v we_o happy_a hereafter_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o happy_a here_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n such_o be_v his_o goodness_n that_o our_o duty_n and_o happiness_n be_v the_o same_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o the_o gospel_n require_v we_o to_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o mortify_v the_o dear_a lust_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sharp_a suffering_n for_o his_o honour_n that_o we_o may_v be_v eternal_o happy_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a the_o human_a nature_n in_o this_o deprave_a state_n only_o relish_v such_o object_n as_o pleasant_o insinuate_v with_o the_o carnal_a sense_n and_o it_o be_v bitter_a as_o death_n to_o bind_v up_o the_o affection_n from_o they_o but_o grace_n give_v a_o new_a divine_a nature_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lusts._n to_o make_v this_o more_o clear_a by_o a_o sensible_a instance_n suppose_v a_o disease_a person_n who_o stomach_n be_v oppress_v with_o corrupt_a humour_n and_o his_o throat_n and_o mouth_n so_o heat_v with_o choler_n and_o continual_a thirst_n that_o he_o think_v it_o impossible_a though_o for_o his_o life_n to_o abstain_v from_o immoderate_a drink_v if_o a_o physician_n by_o some_o powerful_a medicine_n cleanse_v the_o stomach_n and_o temper_n the_o internal_a heat_n he_o then_o can_v easy_o restrain_v himself_o from_o excess_n thus_o a_o carnal_a man_n that_o be_v full_a of_o false_a estimation_n and_o irregular_a desire_n while_o there_o be_v pleasure_n without_o and_o passion_n unsubdued_a within_o though_o his_o salvation_n depend_v on_o it_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o restrain_v the_o exorbitant_a appetite_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o gentile_n think_v it_o strange_a christian_n do_v not_o run_v with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n but_o divine_a grace_n so_o clarify_v and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n so_o purify_v and_o elevate_v the_o affection_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a to_o abstain_v from_o unlawful_a pleasure_n st._n austin_n before_o his_o conversion_n be_v astonish_v that_o many_o in_o the_o vigour_n of_o youth_n and_o in_o a_o frail_a world_n live_v chaste_o and_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o be_v encourage_v by_o this_o thought_n that_o which_o such_o and_o such_o observe_v why_o shall_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o i_o to_o observe_v and_o upon_o serious_a trial_n by_o the_o prosperous_a influence_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o conqueror_n over_o all_o carnal_a temptation_n nay_o after_o his_o holy_a change_n istis_fw-la the_o withhold_v his_o heart_n from_o vicious_a delight_n be_v inexpressible_o more_o sweet_a than_o his_o former_a enjoy_n of_o they_o and_o be_v there_o not_o many_o visible_a example_n of_o holy_a heavenly_a christian_n to_o who_o grosser_n sensual_a pleasure_n be_v unsavoury_a and_o contemptible_a you_o may_v as_o well_o tell_v the_o number_n of_o the_o star_n as_o of_o those_o who_o have_v practise_v religion_n in_o its_o strictness_n and_o purity_n and_o by_o their_o enlighten_v conversation_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v their_o body_n take_v from_o the_o vein_n of_o a_o rock_n and_o not_o compose_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v their_o passion_n like_o solomon_n brazen_a sea_n unmoveable_a by_o any_o wind_n of_o temptation_n be_v they_o entire_o exempt_v from_o the_o impression_n of_o object_n and_o the_o low_a affection_n no_o they_o be_v alive_a and_o sensible_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o ravish_v the_o affection_n of_o carnal_a man_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n despise_v and_o overcome_v they_o and_o this_o grace_n be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o that_o sincere_o desire_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a wretched_a pretence_n that_o religion_n bind_v to_o hard_a service_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o sometime_o religion_n expose_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o heavy_a suffering_n i_o answer_v indeed_o the_o gospel_n be_v plain_a and_o peremptory_a in_o this_o if_o we_o will_v reign_v with_o christ_n we_o must_v suffer_v with_o he_o when_o we_o be_v call_v forth_o to_o give_v a_o noble_a testimony_n to_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v no_o extraordinary_a elevation_n no_o point_n of_o perfection_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a in_o the_o disposition_n and_o resolution_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o by_o actual_a martyrdom_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o life_n when_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n require_v it_o but_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a condition_n to_o suffer_v transient_a affliction_n for_o the_o obtain_v a_o happy_a immortality_n to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o
that_o make_v they_o grow_v the_o fast_o and_o that_o a_o mercy_n so_o ready_a to_o pardon_v do_v not_o produce_v in_o they_o a_o correspondent_a affection_n of_o grateful_a obedient_a love_n but_o by_o the_o most_o unworthy_a provocation_n they_o pluck_v down_o the_o vengeance_n due_a to_o obstinate_a rebel_n will_v so_o enrage_v the_o damn_a against_o themselves_o that_o they_o will_v be_v less_o miserable_a by_o the_o misery_n they_o suffer_v than_o by_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o tear_a mind_n that_o they_o be_v the_o sole_a cause_n of_o it_o what_o repenting_n will_v be_v kindle_v within_o they_o for_o the_o stupid_a neglect_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n so_o dear_o purchase_v and_o earnest_o offer_v to_o they_o what_o a_o fiery_a addition_n to_o their_o torment_n that_o when_o god_n be_v so_o willing_a to_o save_v they_o they_o be_v so_o wilful_a to_o be_v damn_v they_o will_v never_o forgive_v themselves_o that_o for_o the_o short_a and_o mean_a pleasure_n of_o sense_n which_o if_o enjoy_v a_o thousand_o year_n can_v recompense_v the_o loss_n of_o heaven_n nor_o requite_v the_o pain_n of_o hell_n for_o a_o hour_n they_o must_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o one_o and_o suffer_v the_o other_o for_o ever_o 4._o the_o sorrow_n and_o rage_n will_v be_v increase_v by_o dispair_n for_o when_o the_o wretched_a sinner_n see_v the_o evil_a be_v peremptory_a and_o no_o outlet_n of_o hope_n he_o abandon_v himself_o to_o the_o violence_n of_o sorrow_n and_o by_o cruel_a thought_n wound_v the_o heart_n more_o than_o the_o fierce_a fury_n in_o hell_n can_v this_o misery_n that_o flow_v from_o despair_n shall_v be_v more_o full_o open_v under_o the_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o hell_n and_o as_o from_o dispair_n the_o condemn_a creature_n turn_v enemy_n to_o himself_o so_o to_o god_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n 11._o that_o they_o gnaw_v their_o tongue_n for_o pain_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n because_o of_o their_o pain_n the_o torment_n and_o blasphemy_n of_o those_o impenitent_a idolater_n be_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a where_o the_o just_a and_o dreadful_a wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o man_n and_o the_o impious_a rage_n of_o man_n against_o god_n be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o when_o the_o guilty_a sufferer_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o they_o neither_o by_o patience_n can_v sustain_v their_o torment_n nor_o by_o strength_n resist_v the_o power_n that_o inflict_v they_o yet_o be_v wicked_a and_o stubborn_a they_o be_v irritate_v by_o their_o misery_n and_o foam_v out_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o righteous_a judg._n they_o hate_v god_n with_o a_o direct_a enmity_n and_o be_v always_o under_o his_o invincible_a torment_a power_n hatred_n take_v pleasure_n in_o revenge_n either_o real_a or_o imaginary_a the_o damn_a wretch_n be_v they_o as_o omnipotent_a to_o effect_v as_o they_o be_v malicious_a to_o desire_v will_v dethrone_v god_n and_o destroy_v his_o be_v but_o he_o be_v infinite_o above_o the_o transport_v of_o their_o fury_n all_o their_o rancorous_a curse_a imprecation_n be_v reflexive_o pernicious_a to_o themselves_o like_o arrow_n shoot_v up_o against_o the_o sun_n that_o fall_v down_o upon_o their_o head_n that_o shoot_v they_o now_o what_o more_o enrage_v a_o stubborn_a malicious_a spirit_n than_o to_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o reach_v and_o hurt_v a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n the_o object_n of_o its_o habitual_a detestation_n brief_o as_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o heaven_n be_v in_o they_o by_o those_o holy_a and_o joyful_a affection_n that_o be_v always_o exercise_v in_o the_o divine_a presence_n so_o the_o damn_a be_v in_o hell_n and_o hell_n be_v in_o they_o by_o those_o fierce_a and_o miserable_a passion_n that_o continual_o prey_n upon_o they_o 4._o the_o eternity_n of_o their_o misery_n make_v it_o above_o all_o other_o consideration_n intolerable_a our_o saviour_n repeat_v it_o thrice_o in_o the_o space_n of_o a_o few_o verse_n to_o terrify_v those_o who_o spare_v some_o favourite_n corruption_n that_o in_o hell_n their_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n be_v never_o quench_v god_n will_v never_o reverse_v his_o sentence_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o change_v their_o state_n how_o willing_o will_v carnal_a man_n raze_v the_o word_n eternal_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o to_o their_o grief_n they_o find_v it_o join_v with_o the_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n the_o second_o death_n have_v all_o the_o terrible_a quality_n of_o the_o first_o but_o not_o the_o ease_n and_o end_v it_o bring_v to_o misery_n all_o the_o tear_n of_o those_o forlorn_a wretch_n shall_v never_o quench_v one_o spark_n of_o the_o fire_n where_o be_v the_o delicious_a fair_a the_o music_n the_o purple_a and_o all_o the_o carnal_a delight_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n they_o be_v all_o change_v into_o a_o contrary_a state_n of_o misery_n and_o that_o state_n be_v fix_v for_o ever_o from_o his_o vanish_v paradise_n he_o descend_v into_o a_o everlasting_a hell_n in_o this_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_o more_o heavy_a than_o the_o most_o terrible_a execution_n from_o men._n human_a justice_n and_o power_n can_v inflict_v but_o one_o death_n that_o will_v be_v soon_o dispatch_v upon_o a_o malefactor_n worthy_a to_o suffer_v a_o hundred_o death_n if_o he_o be_v condemn_v to_o the_o fire_n they_o can_v make_v he_o live_v and_o die_v together_o to_o burn_v and_o not_o be_v consume_v but_o god_n will_v so_o far_o support_v the_o damn_a in_o their_o torment_n that_o they_o shall_v always_o have_v strength_n to_o feel_v though_o no_o strength_n to_o endure_v they_o those_o extreme_a torment_n which_o will_v extinguish_v the_o present_a life_n in_o a_o moment_n shall_v be_v suffer_v for_o ever_o this_o consideration_n infinite_o aggravate_v the_o misery_n for_o the_o lose_a soul_n rack_v with_o the_o fearful_a contemplation_n of_o what_o it_o must_v suffer_v for_o ever_o feel_v as_o it_o be_v at_o once_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o shall_v torment_v it_o in_o its_o whole_a duration_n the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o misery_n be_v always_o feel_v by_o prevision_n this_o be_v as_o the_o cruel_a break_n of_o the_o bone_n upon_o the_o wheel_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v torment_v by_o the_o foresight_n of_o misery_n that_o without_o allay_v shall_v continue_v in_o the_o circulation_n of_o eternal_a age_n to_o make_v this_o more_o sensible_a let_v we_o consider_v that_o pain_n make_v the_o mind_n observant_a of_o the_o pass_n of_o the_o hour_n in_o pleasure_n time_n with_o a_o quick_a and_o silent_a motion_n insensible_o slide_v away_o but_o in_o trouble_v the_o hour_n be_v tedious_a in_o violent_a pain_n we_o reckon_v the_o minute_n as_o long_o it_o be_v observable_a how_o passionate_o the_o afflict_a psalmist_n complain_v 7._o will_v the_o lord_n cast_v off_o for_o ever_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o have_v he_o forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a have_v he_o in_o anger_n shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n in_o what_o various_a pathetic_a form_n do_v he_o express_v the_o same_o affection_n though_o he_o have_v assurance_n that_o the_o gracious_a god_n will_v not_o be_v always_o severe_a yet_o his_o anguish_n force_v from_o he_o complaint_n as_o if_o the_o moment_n of_o his_o trouble_n be_v a_o eternity_n but_o what_o strain_v of_o sorrow_n be_v among_o the_o damn_a who_o beside_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o their_o misery_n have_v always_o in_o their_o thought_n the_o vast_a eternity_n wherein_o they_o must_v suffer_v it_o when_o three_o terrible_a evil_n be_v propound_v to_o david_n choice_n pine_a famine_n for_o three_o year_n or_o bloody_a war_n for_o three_o month_n or_o devour_a pestilence_n for_o three_o day_n he_o choose_v the_o short_a though_o in_o itself_o the_o heavy_a evil._n many_o sad_a day_n must_v pass_v under_o the_o other_o judgement_n where_o death_n by_o anticipation_n in_o such_o variety_n of_o shape_v will_v be_v present_v to_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o linger_a expectation_n of_o it_o will_v afflict_v more_o than_o the_o sudden_a stroke_n whereas_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o pestilence_n will_v be_v soon_o over_o but_o the_o damn_a have_v not_o this_o relief_n but_o shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o how_o earnest_o do_v they_o seek_v for_o death_n but_o can_v find_v it_o what_o a_o favour_n will_v they_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v annihilate_v for_o certain_o if_o when_o the_o evil_n in_o the_o present_a state_n be_v so_o multiply_v that_o no_o comfort_n be_v leave_v or_o so_o violent_a that_o the_o afflict_a person_n can_v enjoy_v they_o and_o refresh_v his_o sorrowful_a spirit_n death_n be_v choose_v rather_o than_o life_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o in_o the_o