world_n very_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o imitate_v and_o learn_v from_o they_o be_v this_o that_o they_o fix_v to_o themselves_o some_o certain_a end_n and_o so_o act_v not_o loose_o and_o by_o chance_n but_o have_v a_o certain_a mark_n to_o aim_v at_o each_o one_o proposes_n some_o particular_a thing_n or_o other_o to_o himself_o so_o that_o his_o action_n be_v not_o loose_a and_o without_o a_o steady_a aim_n but_o he_o have_v every_o day_n a_o fix_a point_n whereto_o to_o direct_v they_o one_o set_v up_o for_o pleasure_n another_o for_o power_n a_o three_o for_o profit_n but_o general_o all_o of_o they_o for_o one_o thing_n or_o other_o and_o this_o make_v some_o order_n and_o coherence_n in_o life_n their_o action_n be_v not_o loose_a or_o unrelated_a to_o each_o other_o but_o a_o second_o back_n and_o promote_v the_o former_a and_o all_o concur_v to_o carry_v on_o and_o compass_v the_o end_n which_o be_v fix_v for_o they_o now_o this_o point_n of_o their_o wisdom_n be_v very_o fit_a to_o be_v imitate_v by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n not_o that_o they_o must_v propose_v to_o themselves_o wrong_v aim_n like_o they_o either_o such_o as_o be_v ill_a or_o low_a and_o mean_a one_o which_o will_v be_v offensive_a to_o god_n and_o unworthy_a of_o themselves_o and_o no_o way_n fit_a to_o recompense_v the_o pain_n which_o they_o lie_v out_o upon_o they_o but_o as_o they_o do_v christian_n must_v fix_v to_o themselves_o some_o end_n they_o must_v not_o live_v in_o their_o way_n as_o unthinking_a man_n who_o have_v no_o design_n and_o who_o action_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a carry_v about_o here_o or_o there_o as_o chance_v occasion_n or_o undirect_v and_o ungoverned_a fancy_n or_o the_o humour_n call_v they_o but_o they_o must_v always_o propose_v some_o spiritual_a aim_n to_o themselves_o and_o fix_v their_o mark_n whereto_o they_o be_v to_o steer_v their_o course_n and_o to_o direct_v their_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n and_o this_o mark_n in_o one_o word_n be_v their_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o their_o bless_a lord_n in_o all_o point_n and_o at_o all_o time_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o love_v their_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n this_o be_v the_o end_n which_o they_o be_v to_o fix_v themselves_o upon_o who_o profess_v to_o have_v here_o no_o abide_v city_n but_o to_o seek_v one_o to_o come_v heb._n 13.14_o who_o have_v renounce_v this_o world_n and_o lay_v up_o their_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n mat._n 6.20_o who_o look_v for_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o will_v be_v accept_v by_o he_o at_o his_o come_n tit._n 2.13_o 2._o another_o point_n of_o their_o wisdom_n be_v that_o when_o once_o they_o have_v fix_v their_o end_n they_o open_o own_o and_o profess_v it_o they_o espouse_v the_o same_o in_o the_o face_n of_o all_o by_o make_v it_o their_o trade_n their_o occupation_n their_o employment_n in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o way_n they_o do_v more_o public_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v careful_a and_o constant_a in_o the_o prosecution_n thereof_o and_o bespeak_v the_o favour_n of_o all_o their_o friend_n and_o well_o wisher_n who_o may_v be_v in_o any_o capacity_n to_o help_v and_o further_o they_o therein_o and_o this_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a the_o child_n of_o light_n shall_v learn_v from_o they_o they_o must_v not_o conceal_v and_o smother_v the_o service_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o their_o ever_o bless_a saviour_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o make_v it_o know_v and_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o free_a and_o avow_v profession_n they_o must_v as_o occasion_n serve_v give_v all_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n be_v their_o great_a fear_n and_o that_o do_v their_o duty_n at_o all_o time_n towards_o he_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v their_o chief_a profession_n and_o care_n and_o this_o way_n they_o will_v strong_o and_o open_o have_v engage_v themselves_o ever_o after_o to_o make_v good_a their_o own_o religious_a pretence_n and_o put_v a_o timely_a check_n upon_o ill_a man_n not_o to_o tempt_v they_o with_o any_o ill_a thing_n nor_o to_o speak_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n offensive_a to_o god_n or_o to_o a_o good_a mind_n if_o they_o expect_v to_o keep_v they_o company_n and_o this_o we_o be_v call_v to_o when_o we_o be_v call_v together_o in_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o rom._n 12.5_o for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v open_a and_o unite_a profession_n of_o it_o as_o a_o visible_a society_n and_o when_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o let_v our_o light_a shine_n before_o man_n mat._n 5.16_o to_o own_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o law_n in_o a_o evil_a and_o adulterous_a generation_n mar._n 8.38_o and_o with_o the_o mouth_n to_o make_v confession_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 10.10_o 3._o another_o be_v that_o they_o be_v particular_o careful_a to_o be_v well_o skilled_a in_o and_o thorough_o to_o understand_v all_o the_o part_n and_o office_n belong_v to_o their_o occupation_n or_o profession_n a_o man_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o thing_n without_o blame_n and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o other_o may_v deserve_v commendation_n for_o it_o be_v both_o a_o part_n of_o innocence_n and_o a_o guard_n to_o it_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o way_n of_o do_v ill_o and_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o his_o quiet_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o other_o man_n affair_n and_o not_o busy_o inquisitive_a into_o their_o matter_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o well_o employ_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o trifle_n and_o empty_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o he_o profess_v for_o that_o be_v to_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o his_o own_o business_n and_o this_o all_o man_n be_v thorough_o apprehensive_a of_o and_o therefore_o all_o trade_n serve_v apprenticeship_n and_o be_v train_v up_o for_o several_a year_n to_o be_v thorough_o skilled_a in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o occupation_n which_o they_o profess_v yea_o even_o the_o ordinary_a husbandman_n know_v very_o well_o how_o to_o order_v and_o manage_v his_o ground_n when_o to_o blow_n and_o when_o to_o sow_v and_o when_o to_o reap_v and_o what_o be_v the_o fit_a and_o proper_a season_n for_o the_o market_n however_o ignorant_a they_o may_v be_v in_o other_o thing_n they_o be_v careful_a to_o know_v their_o own_o business_n and_o profession_n and_o to_o be_v well_o skilled_a so_o as_o to_o need_v no_o teacher_n in_o their_o own_o employment_n and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o especial_a instance_n of_o wisdom_n which_o it_o necessary_o behoove_v the_o child_n of_o light_a to_o learn_v from_o they_o for_o one_o of_o the_o first_o thing_n and_o of_o the_o most_o necessary_a in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n to_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v make_v article_n of_o his_o salvation_n if_o he_o must_v at_o last_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o he_o set_v himself_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n careful_o to_o observe_v they_o and_o if_o he_o must_v observe_v they_o he_o must_v first_o know_v they_o yea_o and_o have_v they_o make_v familiar_a to_o his_o conscience_n so_o that_o it_o may_v ready_o remind_v he_o of_o they_o as_o oft_o as_o any_o opportunity_n occur_v in_o course_n of_o life_n for_o he_o either_o to_o keep_v or_o break_v they_o this_o knowledge_n of_o every_o particular_a duty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o our_o final_a account_n as_o it_o be_v of_o prime_a necessity_n and_o singular_a advantage_n so_o will_v it_o cost_v pain_n and_o labour_n to_o attain_v it_o but_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o true_o good_a and_o sincere_o pious_a mind_n can_v employ_v themselves_o better_a they_o must_v read_v good_a book_n where_o the_o catalogue_n of_o such_o duty_n be_v most_o particular_o recite_v and_o explain_v and_o the_o particular_a necessity_n of_o our_o observance_n of_o they_o that_o we_o may_v give_v up_o a_o good_a account_n at_o the_o great_a day_n be_v show_v most_o particular_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o these_o they_o must_v read_v attent_o and_o often_o till_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o master_n of_o they_o and_o their_o conscience_n be_v ready_a upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o remind_v they_o thereof_o as_o they_o be_v call_v at_o any_o time_n to_o observe_v they_o in_o the_o course_n of_o conversation_n and_o when_o their_o conscience_n do_v thus_o remind_v they_o of_o any_o of_o they_o in_o conversation_n let_v they_o by_o no_o mean_n take_v off_o their_o eye_n from_o what_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o their_o final_a account_n and_o instead_o thereof_o follow_v the_o practice_n of_o other_o man_n it_o may_v be_v repute_v good_a or_o man_n
they_o can_v not_o be_v his_o disciple_n without_o forsake_v house_n and_o land_n and_o parent_n and_o brethren_n yea_o and_o their_o own_o life_n also_o luk._n 14.26_o 33._o but_o even_o in_o these_o case_n and_o suffer_a time_n when_o religion_n enjoin_v such_o hard_a thing_n yet_o be_v not_o they_o too_o hard_o for_o good_a man_n the_o increase_n of_o difficulty_n be_v so_o answer_v by_o a_o proportionable_a increase_n of_o strength_n as_o make_v it_o no_o heavy_a but_o a_o tolerable_a imposition_n for_o thing_n be_v hard_a or_o easy_a in_o relation_n to_o our_o strength_n according_a as_o we_o be_v more_o or_o less_o able_a to_o deal_v with_o they_o what_o be_v hard_a to_o a_o stripling_n be_v easy_a to_o a_o grow_a man_n and_o what_o will_v be_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n to_o a_o infirm_a be_v a_o very_a supportable_a load_n to_o a_o healthy_a and_o athletic_a person_n and_o in_o these_o suffer_a day_n when_o god_n add_v to_o our_o task_n he_o add_v also_o to_o our_o strength_n so_o that_o we_o be_v still_o well_o able_a to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a say_v st._n paul_n in_o distress_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o flesh_n for_o christ_n then_o be_o i_o strong_a in_o spirit_n to_o go_v through_o with_o they_o 2_o cor._n 12.10_o as_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n abound_v in_o we_o so_o proportionable_o our_o consolation_n abound_v by_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 1.5_o in_o extraordinary_a trial_n god_n be_v faithful_a say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 10.13_o and_o will_v afford_v extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o then_o however_o hard_o their_o case_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o by_o other_o who_o see_v only_o at_o a_o distance_n it_o will_v appear_v fair_o tolerable_a and_o supportable_a nay_o full_a of_o comfort_n to_o themselves_o as_o the_o numerous_a army_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n have_v comfortable_o experience_v who_o be_v enable_v not_o only_o to_o bear_v but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 12.10_o to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o necessity_n and_o distress_n for_o christ_n yea_o who_o can_v sing_v and_o sometime_o rejoice_v and_o say_v they_o feel_v no_o pain_n even_o in_o the_o hot_a flame_n so_o that_o take_v even_a persecution_n for_o god_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o any_o first_o or_o second_o table_n duty_n which_o seem_v the_o hard_a case_n and_o the_o great_a hardship_n in_o that_o be_v far_a off_o and_o man_n know_v least_o of_o it_o but_o when_o good_a man_n be_v call_v out_o to_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o adhere_v to_o their_o duty_n inviolable_o and_o rely_v on_o god_n and_o entire_o commit_v themselves_o to_o he_o in_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o the_o same_o they_o find_v such_o assistance_n of_o grace_n as_o render_v they_o strong_a enough_o for_o what_o he_o call_v they_o to_o they_o can_v only_o bear_v but_o through_o the_o rich_a supply_n of_o spiritual_a comfort_n the_o applause_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o joyful_a prospect_n of_o a_o vast_a increase_n of_o future_a recompense_n for_o their_o surplusage_n of_o present_a suffering_n they_o can_v take_v pleasure_n and_o rejoice_v therein_o count_v such_o loss_n for_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o be_v their_o great_a and_o true_a gain_n and_o that_o god_n instead_o of_o be_v hard_o upon_o they_o be_v therein_o most_o kind_a and_o beneficent_a to_o they_o 2._o other_o hardship_n attribute_v to_o religion_n concern_v only_a man_n new_a entrance_n upon_o it_o after_o they_o have_v do_v much_o to_o unfit_a themselves_o for_o it_o when_o indeed_o it_o require_v more_o pain_n and_o to_o this_o we_o may_v refer_v all_o those_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o cut_v off_o right_a hand_n and_o pluck_v out_o right_a eye_n i._n e._n cast_v away_o all_o evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n which_o be_v very_o near_o and_o dear_a to_o we_o matt._n 5.29_o 30._o of_o mortify_v our_o member_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n col._n 3.5_o and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v difficulty_n at_o our_o first_o entrance_n on_o the_o amendment_n of_o evil_a course_n for_o than_o we_o throw_v off_o all_o sinful_a lust_n and_o inclination_n it_o be_v very_o painful_a at_o the_o first_o but_o use_n make_v it_o easy_o afterward_o custom_n rectify_v our_o inclination_n and_o beget_v a_o new_a nature_n and_o reconcile_v we_o to_o those_o thing_n whereto_o we_o be_v very_o averse_a before_o so_o that_o the_o hardship_n which_o these_o make_v in_o religion_n be_v only_o when_o we_o begin_v the_o work_n of_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a then_o yet_o even_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v a_o tolerable_a thing_n it_o employ_v our_o strength_n but_o it_o do_v not_o exceed_v it_o for_o when_o we_o do_v a_o little_a god_n still_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v more_o and_o so_o carry_v we_o on_o by_o degree_n till_o at_o last_o we_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o conquer_v and_o as_o we_o grow_v strong_a our_o duty_n grow_v easy_a till_o it_o advance_v at_o last_o beyond_o a_o ease_n into_o a_o pleasure_n so_o that_o this_o difficulty_n be_v both_o tolerable_a while_o it_o continue_v and_o beside_o it_o be_v soon_o over_o 3._o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n denote_v the_o hardship_n of_o religion_n express_v only_o such_o diligent_a and_o just_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n through_o our_o whole_a course_n as_o admit_v of_o comfort_n and_o delight_n enough_o to_o sweeten_v it_o to_o we_o and_o to_o this_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o require_v we_o to_o watch_v mark_v 13.37_o and_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 10._o to_o â—â—_o strive_v and_o â—â—_o labour_n and_o the_o like_a religion_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o do_v nothing_o nor_o eternal_a life_n a_o prize_n that_o can_v be_v gain_v by_o lazy_a careless_a man_n it_o require_v pain_n in_o all_o at_o first_o yea_o much_o and_o great_a pain_n in_o those_o who_o have_v once_o corrupt_v themselves_o by_o contrary_a lust_n and_o wicked_a custom_n and_o it_o also_o require_v a_o constant_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n for_o ever_o afterward_o but_o this_o care_n and_o labour_n be_v moderate_a it_o fair_o comport_v not_o only_o with_o the_o necessary_a business_n but_o also_o with_o the_o prudent_a convenient_a and_o moderate_a diversion_n and_o entertainment_n of_o this_o life_n so_o that_o our_o mind_v it_o will_v not_o force_v we_o to_o neglect_v our_o outward_a comfort_n it_o be_v reasonable_a in_o degree_n not_o hold_v we_o up_o at_o the_o utmost_a stretch_n of_o our_o faculty_n but_o will_v do_v our_o work_n if_o it_o do_v but_o equal_v our_o care_n and_o pain_n for_o the_o interest_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n which_o pain_n man_n be_v very_o well_o content_a to_o take_v without_o ever_o complain_v of_o the_o hardship_n of_o they_o for_o if_o we_o be_v any_o thing_n near_o so_o intent_n upon_o do_v our_o duty_n as_o ordinary_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o get_n a_o estate_n and_o will_v watch_v the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a as_o we_o do_v of_o grow_v rich_a or_o great_a it_o will_v abundant_o suffice_v for_o it_o and_o beside_o as_o this_o labour_n of_o virtue_n be_v in_o itself_o very_o moderate_a so_o have_v it_o many_o accessary_a comfort_n and_o consideration_n which_o great_o sweeten_v and_o recommend_v it_o to_o we_o it_o give_v we_o at_o present_a the_o applause_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o make_v we_o please_v and_o satisfy_v with_o ourselves_o and_o cherish_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o joyful_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o when_o all_o the_o pain_n we_o take_v be_v so_o please_v to_o ourselves_o and_o with_o this_o prospect_n it_o will_v not_o only_o be_v find_v a_o ease_n but_o a_o delight_n too_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v from_o these_o word_n to_o assert_v this_o great_a and_o necessary_a encouragement_n to_o all_o attempt_n in_o religion_n viz._n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n enable_v they_o man_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o succeed_v in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o and_o that_o when_o man_n continue_v wicked_a and_o say_v they_o can_v help_v it_o they_o urge_v a_o shameful_a and_o very_a false_a pretence_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v urge_v against_o this_o plea_n be_v this_o they_o general_o complain_v most_o of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o obey_v god_n who_o lest_o endeavour_n to_o obey_v he_o or_o who_o endeavour_n wrong_v without_o use_v those_o sit_v mean_n whereby_o they_o shall_v become_v obedient_a or_o when_o they_o use_v right_a mean_n endeavour_v but_o by_o half_n and_o do_v not_o go_v through_o with_o their_o endeavour_n whereas_o will_v they_o endeavour_v diligent_o and_o discreet_o and_o incessant_o for_o this_o obedience_n as_o they_o do_v for_o other_o thing_n they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o succeed_v because_o god_n command_v
able_a to_o refrain_v swear_v but_o beside_o his_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n have_v such_o a_o complainer_n labour_v withal_o to_o possess_v his_o conscience_n with_o a_o great_a sense_n and_o dread_n of_o it_o have_v he_o particular_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o resolve_v against_o it_o not_o only_a when_o it_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n but_o when_o he_o be_v expect_v any_o disappointment_n or_o come_v into_o the_o way_n of_o any_o provocation_n which_o will_v tempt_v he_o to_o it_o and_o because_o man_n subject_a to_o this_o vice_n swear_v oft_o in_o eagerness_n of_o spirit_n and_o do_v not_o know_v it_o have_v he_o desire_v some_o true_a friend_n to_o be_v his_o monitor_n to_o warn_v he_o of_o it_o before_o or_o tell_v he_o when_o it_o be_v past_a that_o afterward_o he_o may_v be_v more_o careful_a to_o prevent_v it_o or_o to_o punish_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o in_o regard_n man_n who_o shun_v it_o at_o other_o time_n be_v general_o push_v on_o to_o swear_v in_o haste_n through_o the_o surprise_n of_o a_o provocation_n in_o the_o eagerness_n of_o sport_n or_o through_o the_o suddenness_n of_o some_o cross_a accident_n and_o disappointment_n have_v he_o take_v care_v last_o to_o speak_v nothing_o rash_o especial_o whilst_o he_o be_v in_o heat_n and_o eagerness_n of_o spirit_n but_o to_o bridle_v his_o tongue_n and_o consider_v what_o he_o be_v about_o to_o say_v before_o he_o utter_v it_o that_o so_o if_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v ill_o he_o may_v forbear_v it_o these_o and_o such_o like_a way_n be_v the_o proper_a method_n for_o cure_v this_o sin_n and_o if_o a_o man_n have_v labour_v against_o it_o without_o they_o he_o have_v seek_v the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n and_o pursue_v the_o cure_n without_o the_o right_a prescription_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o will_v correct_v that_o error_n and_o begin_v again_o to_o labour_v in_o right_a way_n i_o question_v not_o but_o that_o he_o will_v succeed_v well_o and_o find_v the_o effect_n through_o god_n blessing_n thus_o do_v man_n who_o endeavour_n in_o vain_a for_o these_o or_o for_o any_o other_o virtue_n plain_o miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o choose_v right_a way_n the_o duty_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v if_o the_o right_a course_n be_v use_v to_o attain_v they_o but_o it_o be_v their_o own_o neglect_n of_o mean_n or_o mistake_v choice_n of_o bad_a one_o which_o make_v the_o disappointment_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v labour_v to_o effect_v let_v they_o be_v careful_a to_o pursue_v good_a thing_n by_o wise_a and_o proper_a method_n when_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o endeavour_v after_o any_o virtue_n let_v they_o learn_v from_o good_a book_n or_o from_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n or_o the_o advice_n of_o any_o wise_a or_o judicious_a person_n what_o rule_v serve_v most_o to_o compass_v it_o and_o if_o they_o careful_o and_o diligent_o follow_v they_o the_o duty_n which_o seem_v before_o impossible_a will_v prove_v a_o very_a possible_a thing_n and_o this_o again_o will_v rid_v we_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o complainer_n who_o fail_v at_o last_o but_o yet_o endeavour_v something_o for_o most_o of_o they_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o obey_v do_v not_o endeavour_v wise_o or_o in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o proper_a and_o discreet_a method_n a_o sure_a sit_v to_o work_v obedience_n in_o they_o but_o if_o any_o complain_v still_o that_o they_o have_v take_v advice_n about_o the_o best_a course_n and_o follow_v it_o but_o yet_o all_o their_o labour_n have_v be_v without_o the_o desire_a effect_n yet_o be_v they_o always_o 3._o such_o as_o when_o they_o use_v right_a mean_n endeavour_v but_o by_o half_n and_o do_v not_o go_v through_o with_o they_o a_o faint_a endeavourer_n will_v never_o go_v through_o with_o any_o work_n which_o require_v either_o length_n of_o time_n or_o strength_n of_o labour_n if_o he_o put_v little_a strength_n to_o it_o that_o will_v not_o conquer_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o task_n and_o if_o he_o be_v soon_o weary_a he_o will_v give_v over_o before_o it_o come_v to_o a_o end_n so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o both_o earnest_o and_o long_o if_o he_o will_v succeed_v when_o he_o have_v begin_v and_o go_v on_o to_o finish_v and_o complete_a it_o now_o our_o obey_a god_n and_o amend_v of_o our_o life_n be_v a_o work_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o our_o sin_n be_v many_o in_o number_n they_o will_v require_v a_o considerable_a space_n of_o time_n before_o they_o be_v all_o amend_v and_o our_o hindrance_n in_o leave_v they_o be_v great_a and_o the_o temptation_n strong_a that_o daily_a assault_n and_o draw_v we_o to_o they_o and_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o a_o treacherous_a enemy_n in_o our_o own_o bosom_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o take_v their_o part_n and_o strike_v in_o with_o they_o it_o require_v a_o great_a watchfulness_n and_o a_o constant_a care_n and_o a_o earnest_a vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o overcome_v they_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o plain_o we_o must_v use_v if_o ever_o we_o expect_v to_o prevail_v against_o they_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o we_o must_v give_v all_o diligence_n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 10._o st._n paul_n that_o we_o must_v be_v circumspect_a eph._n 5.15_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o we_o must_v watch_v always_o and_o be_v ever_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n mark_v 13.37_o and_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n luk._n 13.24_o which_o strive_v be_v call_v a_o warfare_n 2_o cor._n 10.4_o and_o a_o fight_n 1_o tim._n 6.12_o all_o which_o show_v the_o greatness_n of_o that_o care_n and_o both_o the_o earnestness_n and_o constancy_n of_o that_o endeavour_n which_o we_o must_v lay_v out_o upon_o it_o and_o this_o now_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o all_o those_o striver_n who_o pursue_v obedience_n by_o right_n and_o proper_a method_n do_v yet_o miss_v of_o it_o at_o last_o they_o endeavour_v but_o by_o half_n and_o seek_v it_o either_o by_o too_o short_a or_o too_o slight_a pain_n they_o have_v not_o either_o the_o resolution_n to_o set_v manful_o about_o it_o or_o the_o patience_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o and_o so_o be_v either_o faint_a in_o their_o pursuit_n or_o fall_v off_o before_o they_o be_v get_v to_o the_o end_n they_o be_v not_o reclaim_v from_o their_o sin_n by_o all_o their_o pain_n but_o continue_v subject_n and_o enslave_v to_o they_o still_o but_o now_o when_o they_o fail_v on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o can_v but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o help_v it_o they_o may_v become_v good_a if_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o trouble_n of_o it_o and_o persevere_v with_o patience_n till_o they_o have_v finish_v it_o but_o if_o they_o will_v use_v only_o slight_a endeavour_n and_o short_a onset_n their_o miss_v of_o success_n must_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o impossibility_n of_o god_n law_n but_o upon_o their_o own_o sloth_n and_o remissness_n in_o perform_v they_o they_o can_v and_o do_v take_v great_a and_o incessant_a pain_n to_o be_v rich_a or_o great_a or_o compass_v a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o if_o they_o please_v they_o can_v labour_v as_o vigorous_o and_o as_o incessant_o too_o to_o be_v good_a and_o do_v what_o god_n command_v they_o and_o if_o once_o they_o will_v do_v this_o it_o will_v be_v the_o best_a demonstration_n how_o possible_a a_o thing_n obedience_n be_v since_o less_o pain_n than_o this_o come_v to_o will_v ordinary_o suffice_v they_o to_o that_o purpose_n and_o this_o will_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o those_o complainer_n who_o have_v not_o be_v silence_v by_o the_o two_o former_a consideration_n if_o they_o have_v not_o complain_v before_o they_o try_v and_o if_o in_o try_v to_o be_v good_a they_o take_v a_o right_a method_n yet_o want_v they_o one_o thing_n still_o they_o endeavour_v but_o by_o half_n and_o be_v not_o vigorous_a and_o constant_a enough_o in_o their_o endeavour_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o fail_v whereas_o if_o they_o will_v try_v again_o and_o endeavour_v not_o only_o wise_o but_o also_o vigorous_o and_o incessant_o they_o will_v most_o certain_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o their_o do_v it_o actual_o will_v be_v the_o most_o effectual_a conviction_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v have_v say_v this_o to_o remove_v the_o prejudice_n that_o lie_v against_o this_o possibility_n of_o perform_v the_o law_n of_o god_n from_o the_o complaint_n of_o those_o who_o say_v they_o find_v it_o otherwise_o i_o proceed_v now_o 2._o to_o show_v that_o among_o christian_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n for_o such_o complaint_n and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v strengthen_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o they_o must_v be_v careful_a
as_o i_o have_v observe_v to_o use_v their_o own_o endeavour_n because_o god_n that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o also_o save_v they_o without_o themselves_o and_o these_o endeavour_n must_v be_v in_o wise_a way_n since_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v god_n shall_v give_v effect_n to_o unsuitable_a mean_n and_o be_v at_o the_o expense_n of_o miracle_n to_o supply_v for_o our_o folly_n and_o when_o we_o endeavour_v thus_o wise_o we_o must_v do_v it_o also_o vigorous_o and_o incessant_o obedience_n be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n and_o pain_n that_o require_v both_o the_o earnestness_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o application_n these_o thing_n be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o if_o we_o take_v care_n to_o perform_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n will_v make_v up_o the_o rest_n and_o most_o certain_o enable_v we_o as_o he_o do_v st._n paul_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n which_o he_o indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o he_o will_v give_v we_o some_o strength_n at_o first_o and_o as_o we_o employ_v that_o according_a to_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o gospel_n distribution_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v matt._n 25.29_o he_o will_v add_v more_o till_o at_o last_o we_o perform_v as_o much_o as_o be_v indispensible_o require_v i·_fw-la e._n as_o â—_o note_a either_o not_o sin_v wilful_o or_o sincere_o repent_v and_o amend_v whensoever_o we_o do_v if_o they_o be_v thus_o careful_a i_o say_v in_o their_o own_o endeavour_n this_o strength_n all_o christian_n shall_v sure_o receive_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n to_o these_o performance_n as_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n declare_v of_o himself_o i_o can_v do_v etc._n etc._n now_o that_o every_o wise_a earnest_a and_o incessant_a endeavourer_n shall_v be_v thus_o enable_v to_o perform_v all_o duty_n will_v appear_v from_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o because_o god_n indispensible_o require_v and_o passionate_o exhort_v we_o to_o this_o performance_n second_o because_o he_o have_v promise_v this_o ability_n and_o obedience_n to_o all_o who_o be_v so_o qualify_v and_o prepare_v for_o the_o same_o three_o because_o all_o good_a man_n heretofore_o and_o at_o this_o present_a time_n do_v themselves_o find_v and_o experience_n it_o 1._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o enable_v to_o perform_v all_o duty_n appear_v because_o god_n indispensible_o require_v and_o passionate_o exhort_v we_o to_o this_o performance_n he_o indispensible_o require_v it_o for_o now_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v god_n command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v act_v 17.30_o and_o that_o of_o all_o sin_n they_o be_v all_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o punishment_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v against_o all_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1.18_o and_o he_o that_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o jam._n 2.10_o and_o this_o he_o require_v under_o the_o strict_a condition_n as_o ever_o they_o hope_v to_o avoid_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v or_o to_o obtain_v everlasting_a salvation_n if_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o all_o his_o sin_n and_o keep_v all_o my_o statute_n then_o say_v god_n by_o ezekiel_n but_o not_o before_o he_o shall_v sure_o live_v ezek._n 18.21_o and_o they_o only_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n say_v christ_n rev._n 22.14_o now_o since_o god_n thus_o require_v we_o to_o obey_v all_o his_o law_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o obey_v they_o for_o god_n never_o require_v a_o impossible_a thing_n what_o he_o command_v he_o both_o desire_n and_o 21.34_o expect_v shall_v be_v perform_v and_o therefore_o call_v man_n to_o the_o 13.17_o performance_n of_o it_o to_o be_v not_o only_a hearer_n but_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 2.13_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o may_v perform_v it_o since_o he_o be_v too_o wise_a either_o to_o desire_v or_o expect_v what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v nay_o he_o do_v not_o only_o indispensible_o require_v this_o obedience_n but_o friendly_a and_o passionate_o exhort_v we_o to_o it_o repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o all_o your_o transgression_n so_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o ruin_n cast_v away_o from_o you_o all_o your_o transgression_n and_o thus_o have_v we_o a_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o all_o so_o much_o grace_n and_o strength_n as_o will_v suffice_v to_o make_v we_o good_a if_o we_o diligent_o and_o discreet_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o become_v so_o this_o god_n engage_v and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v he_o and_o take_v his_o word_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o all_o other_o promise_v he_o will_v not_o only_o have_v we_o to_o have_v faith_n in_o his_o mercy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o any_o sin_n when_o we_o repent_v of_o they_o but_o likewise_o to_o have_v faith_n in_o his_o power_n and_o spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o overcome_v our_o sin_n when_o we_o serious_o strive_v against_o they_o when_o st._n paul_n bid_v we_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n he_o give_v god_n work_v in_o we_o as_o the_o reason_n plain_o direct_v we_o to_o work_v in_o that_o expectation_n phil._n 2.11_o 12._o and_o we_o be_v keep_v to_o salvation_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n i._n e._n through_o faith_n in_o the_o power_n say_v st._n peter_n 1_o pet._n 1.5_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o strengthen_v we_o against_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o his_o mercy_n to_o pardon_v and_o forgive_v sin_n and_o since_o he_o have_v promise_v both_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o believe_v both_o and_o not_o distrust_v he_o in_o either_o of_o they_o and_o since_o we_o both_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v this_o confidence_n in_o god_n grace_n that_o will_v perfect_o answer_v the_o main_a objection_n against_o the_o possibility_n of_o this_o performance_n which_o be_v take_v from_o ourselves_o and_o the_o reign_a power_n of_o our_o own_o lusts._n for_o our_o lust_n be_v not_o too_o strong_a for_o god_n though_o they_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o we_o though_o there_o be_v great_a may_v in_o corrupt_a nature_n yet_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v mighty_a and_o therefore_o have_v that_o on_o our_o side_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v empower_v to_o please_v god_n let_v our_o own_o sinful_a lust_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n oppose_v themselves_o never_o so_o much_o against_o it_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o we_o say_v st._n john_n than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4.4_o and_o though_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o of_o ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o yet_o have_v the_o same_o promise_v we_o shall_v all_o be_v enable_v 3.5_o as_o st._n paul_n be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v we_o and_o as_o this_o possibility_n of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n through_o our_o own_o care_n and_o pain_n appear_v because_o god_n indispensible_o require_v and_o exhort_v to_o it_o and_o have_v promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o grace_n to_o enable_v all_o who_o due_o labour_v after_o the_o same_o so_o do_v it_o yet_o far_o 3._o because_o good_a man_n heretofore_o and_o at_o this_o present_a time_n do_v themselves_o find_v and_o experience_n it_o whensoever_o they_o wise_o and_o earnest_o endeavour_v and_o do_v not_o grow_v weary_a or_o faint_a they_o always_o succeed_v and_o be_v enable_v to_o have_v such_o regard_n to_o their_o whole_a duty_n as_o god_n require_v the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v endow_v with_o so_o much_o strength_n as_o make_v they_o entire_a with_o god_n and_o able_a to_o perform_v all_o that_o he_o will_v exact_v of_o they_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n follow_v the_o lord_n whole_o numb_a 32.12_o david_n keep_v my_o commandment_n say_v god_n and_o follow_v i_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n 1_o kin._n 14.8_o zachariah_n and_o elizabeth_n be_v both_o righteous_a before_o god_n walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a say_v st._n luke_n luk._n 1.6_o and_o what_o be_v so_o express_o say_v of_o all_o these_o be_v by_o plain_a intimation_n employ_v of_o all_o other_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n say_v st._n paul_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n gal._n 5.24_o if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o the_o body_n be_v dead_a because_o of_o sin_n i._n e._n sin_n must_v have_v no_o more_o service_n from_o it_o than_o one_o will_v expect_v from_o a_o dead_a man_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n i._n e._n life_n in_o righteous_a way_n rom._n 8.10_o they_o who_o do_v no_o iniquity_n walk_v in_o his_o way_n psal._n 119.3_o thus_o be_v it_o a_o constant_a thing_n in_o scripture_n account_n and_o relation_n and_o so_o it_o be_v and_o be_v still_o in_o all_o follow_a age_n for_o god_n faithful_a
they_o and_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v plain_o direct_v in_o two_o similitude_n that_o of_o a_o builder_n who_o before_o he_o begin_v consider_v whether_o he_o have_v enough_o to_o finish_v and_o that_o of_o a_o king_n make_v war_n who_o first_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v strong_a enough_o at_o least_o to_o defend_v himself_o if_o not_o to_o conquer_v for_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o seem_v desirous_a to_o become_v his_o disciple_n he_o instruct_v they_o first_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v go_v to_o undertake_v in_o these_o two_o parable_n which_o of_o you_o say_v he_o intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o war_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a with_o ten_o thousand_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o twenty_o thousand_o so_o that_o he_o may_v proceed_v not_o to_o fight_v but_o seek_v a_o peace_n if_o he_o find_v his_o number_n be_v in_o that_o disproportion_n luk._n 14.28_o 31._o thus_o when_o we_o resolve_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n if_o we_o will_v have_v that_o resolution_n take_v effect_n we_o must_v consider_v and_o weigh_v well_o what_o we_o do_v before_o we_o make_v it_o we_o must_v bethink_v ourselves_o and_o attent_o view_v what_o that_o good_a life_n be_v which_o we_o resolve_v upon_o and_o also_o what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o resolve_v upon_o it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v thus_o consider_v all_o before_o there_o be_v the_o less_o cause_n to_o fear_v that_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o meet_v withal_o afterward_o shall_v make_v we_o alter_v or_o recede_v from_o it_o we_o must_v bethink_v ourselves_o and_o consider_v what_o that_o good_a life_n be_v which_o we_o resolve_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o resolve_v in_o the_o general_a to_o be_v good_a but_o in_o our_o thought_n we_o must_v survey_v the_o particular_a instance_n of_o goodness_n 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advantage_n of_o his_o place_n and_o station_n his_o lot_n be_v cast_v in_o innocent_a employment_n and_o among_o good_a man_n and_o by_o the_o virtuous_a bent_n of_o his_o natural_a temper_n and_o complexion_n a_o invaluable_a gift_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o some_o person_n a_o man_n soul_n be_v original_o dispose_v and_o timely_o secure_v to_o holiness_n he_o will_v find_v little_a trouble_n in_o these_o thing_n nor_o be_v much_o pain_v or_o hinder_v by_o they_o from_o the_o first_o entrance_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v blessed_v in_o all_o these_o particular_n to_o take_v off_o all_o hardship_n from_o the_o first_o yet_o will_v he_o have_v this_o to_o mitigate_v and_o sweeten_v all_o the_o labour_n which_o he_o lay_v out_o upon_o they_o the_o toil_n he_o undergo_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o one_o who_o have_v endure_v far_o more_o for_o he_o and_o infinite_o deserve_v it_o of_o he_o and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o want_n in_o his_o endeavour_n by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o conquer_v they_o and_o to_o reap_v a_o present_a content_a of_o mind_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n after_o every_o conflict_n with_o they_o and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o gain_v the_o everlasting_a joy_n of_o heaven_n by_o they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v be_v use_v to_o they_o a_o little_a while_n use_n will_v take_v off_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o then_o instead_o of_o be_v burden_v by_o the_o ungrateful_a duty_n he_o shall_v begin_v to_o like_v they_o and_o take_v a_o pleasure_n therein_o all_o which_o be_v great_a abatement_n of_o the_o foresay_a difficulty_n and_o very_o encourage_v but_o let_v a_o good_a life_n be_v difficult_a and_o uneasy_a as_o it_o will_v when_o hell_n fire_n be_v threaten_v to_o a_o wicked_a life_n that_o sure_o be_v incomparable_o more_o difficult_a and_o a_o reason_n for_o we_o to_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n for_o if_o the_o sight_n of_o pain_n must_v discourage_v we_o from_o any_o course_n i_o be_o sure_a hell_n fire_n have_v infinite_o the_o most_o of_o it_o and_o if_o ease_n and_o happiness_n may_v be_v any_o inducement_n the_o ease_n and_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n can_v never_o in_o any_o degree_n be_v equal_v so_o that_o if_o we_o serious_o consider_v and_o look_v upon_o eternal_a torment_n as_o inseparable_o annex_v to_o every_o sin_n and_o on_o endless_a joy_n as_o the_o sure_a reward_n of_o our_o be_v entire_o obedient_a they_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o all_o temptation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o bear_v down_o every_o opposite_a argument_n and_o will_v make_v we_o resolve_v to_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n be_v the_o difficulty_n or_o discouragement_n that_o attend_v it_o what_o they_o will_n thus_o must_v our_o penitential_a purpose_n be_v no_o rash_a and_o sudden_a act_n but_o deliberate_a and_o well_o advise_v when_o we_o resolve_v to_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n we_o must_v serious_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o what_o a_o holy_a life_n imply_v and_o what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o resolve_v upon_o it_o attent_o view_v both_o what_o may_v discourage_v we_o from_o it_o and_o also_o what_o notwithstanding_o that_o discouragement_n may_v and_o will_v induce_v we_o to_o it_o 2._o the_o second_o qualification_n of_o a_o penitential_a purpose_n be_v that_o it_o must_v be_v without_o all_o reserve_v full_a and_o perfect_a when_o we_o resolve_v to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o become_v good_a we_o must_v not_o except_v any_o duty_n for_o god_n except_v none_o nor_o reserve_v to_o ourselves_o a_o allowance_n of_o any_o sin_n for_o god_n forbid_v and_o most_o severe_o punish_v all_o sort_n of_o sin_n our_o resolution_n must_v know_v no_o other_o limit_n but_o our_o duty_n and_o extend_v to_o every_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v require_v of_o we_o and_o this_o compass_n of_o religious_a purpose_n the_o commandment_n express_o call_v for_o when_o we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n luk._n 10.27_o for_o if_o we_o keep_v a_o secret_a reserve_n for_o any_o sin_n our_o heart_n be_v give_v but_o by_o half_n to_o god_n and_o be_v not_o whole_a with_o he_o jehu_n walk_v not_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n say_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o proof_n be_v give_v because_o he_o have_v a_o reserve_n in_o one_o point_n and_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_n 2_o kin._n 10.31_o but_o david_n say_v god_n follow_v i_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n which_o appear_v because_o he_o do_v that_o only_a which_o be_v right_a in_o my_o eye_n 1_o kin._n 14.18_o and_o what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n the_o psalmist_n express_v more_o universal_o of_o all_o other_o they_o seek_v the_o lord_n with_o their_o whole_a heart_n who_o do_v no_o iniquity_n psal._n 119.2_o 3._o thus_o must_v our_o
then_o than_o we_o do_v now_o for_o that_o which_o hinder_v we_o from_o a_o actual_a reformation_n now_o be_v only_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o the_o work_n and_o if_o we_o take_v time_n only_o to_o sin_v more_o that_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v be_v the_o way_n to_o increase_v that_o uneasiness_n but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o lessen_v or_o abate_v it_o we_o have_v no_o exception_n against_o the_o present_a time_n but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v present_a and_o because_o we_o will_v have_v difficult_a thing_n always_o future_a and_o far_o distant_a from_o we_o and_o that_o exception_n will_v lie_v equal_o against_o all_o other_o time_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v present_a too_o nay_o it_o will_v lie_v against_o they_o much_o more_o because_o the_o long_o we_o put_v off_o this_o difficult_a work_n the_o hard_a will_v it_o be_v at_o last_o when_o we_o come_v to_o it_o the_o hardship_n daily_o grow_v upon_o our_o hand_n and_o increase_n by_o continuance_n in_o a_o course_n of_o 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it_o be_v necessary_a 2._o that_o it_o be_v make_v against_o our_o sin_n not_o only_a when_o we_o be_v out_o of_o temptation_n but_o also_o when_o we_o be_v under_o they_o not_o only_a when_o we_o can_v act_n they_o but_o also_o when_o we_o can_v act_v and_o repeat_v they_o too_o some_o man_n be_v very_o zealous_a against_o their_o sin_n whilst_o they_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o they_o but_o their_o indignation_n be_v quite_o cold_a and_o all_o their_o resentment_n be_v lay_v aside_o when_o once_o they_o have_v they_o be_v never_o angry_a with_o they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o be_v melt_v down_o again_o into_o love_n and_o compliance_n when_o once_o they_o come_v to_o a_o second_o meet_v their_o holy_a purpose_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o any_o strength_n of_o their_o virtuous_a conviction_n but_o only_o to_o the_o absence_n of_o sinful_a inducement_n so_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o return_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v altogether_o the_o same_o man_n as_o unresolved_a and_o unreclaim_v as_o they_o be_v before_o and_o other_o be_v firm_o set_v against_o some_o sin_n only_o whilst_o they_o be_v incapacitate_v for_o they_o but_o instant_o revolt_v when_o they_o be_v able_a and_o prepare_v to_o return_v to_o to_o they_o again_o a_o fit_a of_o sickness_n have_v cool_v the_o flame_n of_o lust_n or_o dull_v the_o edge_n of_o appetite_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o this_o impotent_a estate_n they_o can_v easy_o resolve_v against_o intemperance_n and_o uncleanness_n because_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o undergo_v they_o nor_o can_v take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o they_o but_o if_o once_o their_o bodily_a indisposition_n be_v amend_v have_v recover_v to_o the_o same_o desire_n they_o be_v set_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o same_o practice_n as_o ever_o their_o good_a resolution_n be_v owe_v only_o to_o the_o weakness_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o vanish_v in_o course_n when_o it_o become_v vigorous_a and_o strong_a again_o but_o a_o good_a resolution_n be_v make_v for_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v our_o strength_n and_o guard_n and_o be_v then_o most_o especial_o to_o be_v put_v on_o when_o our_o virtue_n be_v assault_v and_o we_o have_v the_o great_a need_n of_o it_o so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o put_v on_o resolution_n whilst_o danger_n be_v at_o a_o distance_n but_o most_o of_o all_o when_o they_o be_v near_o at_o hand_n and_o ready_a to_o assayl_v we_o beside_o these_o qualification_n of_o a_o penitential_a purpose_n hitherto_o insist_v on_o there_o remain_v two_o more_o which_o i_o recite_v at_o first_o and_o which_o i_o have_v not_o time_n now_o to_o explain_v and_o can_v do_v little_o more_o than_o mention_n 4._o in_o the_o four_o place_n then_o our_o penitential_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o new_a life_n must_v not_o only_o be_v upon_o the_o duty_n but_o also_o upon_o the_o mean_n and_o help_n and_o not_o only_o against_o the_o sin_n but_o against_o the_o occasion_n and_o inducement_n to_o sin_n likewise_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o resolve_v upon_o sit_v mean_n and_o help_v of_o live_v well_o and_o against_o the_o occasion_n of_o do_v ill_a make_v as_o many_o good_a resolution_n miscarry_v i_o believe_v as_o any_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o for_o under_o some_o great_a conviction_n and_o fright_v of_o mind_n man_n resolve_v to_o be_v good_a but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o resolve_v upon_o the_o right_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o be_v so_o they_o do_v not_o resolve_v in_o order_n to_o it_o to_o store_v their_o mind_n with_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o all_o particular_a duty_n to_o think_v much_o of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n death_n and_o judgement_n and_o other_o motive_n to_o obedience_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o religious_a companion_n who_o will_v cherish_v in_o they_o a_o sense_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o show_v care_n in_o keep_v out_o of_o temptation_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o circumspection_n when_o they_o be_v under_o they_o and_o call_v themselves_o daily_o to_o a_o account_n of_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o be_v instant_a in_o prayer_n for_o god_n grace_n and_o to_o use_v other_o wise_a mean_n and_o expedient_n which_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o accomplish_v what_o they_o design_v and_o effectual_o perform_v that_o good_a life_n which_o they_o resolve_v upon_o and_o for_o want_v of_o resolve_v thus_o wise_o upon_o the_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o end_n all_o those_o good_a beginning_n and_o holy_a purpose_n fall_v to_o nothing_o for_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o resolve_v to_o be_v rich_a without_o resolve_v to_o mind_v his_o business_n or_o resolve_v to_o be_v learn_v without_o a_o diligent_a application_n to_o his_o study_n as_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a without_o resolve_v also_o upon_o the_o right_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v goodness_n a_o bare_a resolution_n of_o it_o will_v not_o do_v the_o work_n for_o we_o must_v not_o only_o firm_o resolve_v but_o wise_o endeavour_v it_o too_o and_o when_o we_o have_v thus_o considerate_o resolve_v to_o lead_v new_a life_n and_o have_v resolve_v it_o without_o reserve_v in_o all_o point_n and_o that_o too_o in_o all_o time_n both_o at_o present_a and_o for_o the_o future_a in_o temptation_n and_o out_o of_o they_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o duty_n and_o against_o the_o occasion_n as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o sin_n when_o our_o penitential_a purpose_n i_o say_v be_v thus_o qualify_v in_o all_o these_o particular_n to_o make_v it_o strong_a and_o persevere_v in_o all_o time_n we_o must_v take_v care_n 5_o thly_a that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o transient_a act_n but_o oftentimes_o repeat_v and_o renew_v through_o our_o whole_a life_n as_o for_o the_o frequency_n of_o this_o renewal_a
of_o note_n for_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a reflection_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a true_a one_o that_o number_n of_o christian_n and_o those_o too_o of_o note_n and_o eminence_n for_o piety_n and_o understanding_n seem_v in_o their_o daily_a converse_n to_o make_v no_o account_n at_o all_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v declare_v he_o will_v call_v we_o all_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n for_o and_o therefore_o have_v themselves_o happy_o attain_v this_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o all_o necessary_a duty_n let_v they_o stick_v to_o their_o own_o knowledge_n on_o every_o occasion_n and_o follow_v it_o without_o dispute_v and_o not_o once_o think_v of_o leave_v the_o same_o to_o follow_v the_o general_a neglect_n of_o many_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o he_o may_v every_o where_o observe_v in_o other_o man_n and_o this_o we_o be_v call_v to_o in_o scripture_n when_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v ep._n 5.17_o to_o be_v man_n in_o understanding_n 1_o cor_fw-la 14.20_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o our_o virtue_n or_o courage_n knowledge_n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o knowledge_n rom._n 15.14_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n col._n 1.9_o 4._o another_o point_n of_o their_o wisdom_n be_v that_o have_v thus_o fix_v themselves_o upon_o their_o end_n and_o make_v it_o their_o profession_n it_o be_v the_o constant_a mark_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o the_o daily_a care_n and_o employment_n of_o their_o life_n and_o they_o be_v still_o vigorous_o intend_v and_o drive_v it_o on_o it_o fill_v their_o thought_n that_o they_o can_v afford_v little_a room_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v the_o full_a employment_n of_o their_o time_n and_o they_o labour_v in_o it_o with_o pleasure_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o deny_v themselves_o their_o necessary_a food_n their_o rest_n their_o ease_n to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o their_o occupation_n and_o herein_o it_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o needful_a for_o the_o child_n of_o light_a to_o imitate_v they_o the_o do_v their_o duty_n faithful_o and_o in_o all_o point_n to_o their_o bless_a lord_n which_o be_v their_o end_n and_o profession_n shall_v be_v the_o constant_a mark_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o matter_n of_o their_o care_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n they_o have_v set_v themselves_o to_o mind_n and_o daily_o to_o labour_v and_o employ_v themselves_o it_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a which_o they_o have_v fix_v and_o propose_v to_o themselves_o and_o must_v be_v their_o every_o day_n think_v and_o business_n for_o in_o every_o day_n and_o in_o all_o company_n and_o deal_n they_o will_v have_v opportunity_n enough_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o sundry_a point_n or_o transgress_v it_o and_o therefore_o every_o day_n their_o eye_n must_v be_v keep_v earnest_o intent_n and_o their_o care_n watchful_a and_o they_o serious_o and_o vigorous_o at_o work_n to_o do_v the_o business_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o discharge_v faithful_o as_o they_o be_v call_v to_o they_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o their_o bless_a lord_n require_v of_o they_o and_o this_o we_o be_v call_v to_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n under_o the_o several_a expression_n of_o walk_v with_o god_n gen._n 5.24_o of_o walk_v before_o god_n gen._n 17.1_o of_o set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o we_o psal._n 16.8_o of_o be_v always_o upon_o our_o watch_n mar._n 13.35_o 37._o and_o walk_v circumspect_o or_o still_o have_v our_o eye_n intent_n in_o every_o affair_n or_o time_n how_o we_o may_v keep_v off_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o faithful_o discharge_v all_o those_o particular_a duty_n which_o do_v await_v we_o therein_o eph._n 5.15_o 5._o another_o point_n of_o their_o wisdom_n be_v that_o they_o careful_o and_o timely_o foresee_v and_o provide_v for_o futurity_n so_o as_o that_o nothing_o may_v be_v want_v to_o set_v on_o this_o end_n and_o profession_n or_o fall_v out_o unaware_o to_o prejudice_v the_o same_o they_o be_v intent_n and_o careful_a not_o only_o to_o use_v what_o come_v and_o make_v it_o serve_v their_o turn_n but_o to_o look_v on_o careful_o to_o what_o may_v come_v and_o consider_v how_o it_o may_v be_v make_v serviceable_a to_o their_o purpose_n or_o how_o to_o prevent_v or_o remedy_n what_o may_v likely_o be_v a_o hindrance_n or_o any_o way_n hurtful_a to_o it_o and_o this_o part_n of_o their_o wisdom_n in_o forecast_v and_o make_v provision_n for_o futurity_n i_o shall_v consider_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n first_o they_o forethink_v what_o mean_n and_o method_n to_o take_v as_o most_o proper_a for_o their_o end_n and_o profession_n and_o fit_a to_o serve_v it_o second_o have_v study_v and_o labour_v diligent_o and_o constant_o to_o compass_v their_o desire_a end_n they_o be_v careful_a to_o secure_v their_o claim_n and_o title_n to_o it_o and_o careful_o five_o and_o inquire_v into_o it_o and_o take_v all_o way_n they_o can_v to_o make_v it_o good_a when_o a_o trial_n be_v like_a to_o be_v bring_v upon_o it_o three_o they_o timely_o provide_v and_o forecast_v supply_n against_o straits_n and_o accident_n that_o when_o they_o come_v they_o may_v be_v as_o little_a hurt_n by_o they_o as_o may_v be_v or_o otherwise_o provide_v against_o they_o the_o best_a they_o can_v 1._o they_o forethink_v what_o mean_n and_o method_n to_o take_v as_o most_o proper_a for_o their_o end_n and_o profession_n and_o fit_a to_o serve_v it_o the_o merchant_n wise_o and_o careful_o consider_v what_o port_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o send_v to_o and_o when_o and_o what_o good_n give_v great_a appearance_n of_o make_v the_o best_a return_n and_o man_n in_o all_o trade_n consider_v well_o with_o themselves_o where_o it_o be_v best_a to_o buy_v and_o what_o thing_n be_v likely_a to_o sell_v and_o forecast_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n what_o way_n and_o method_n be_v likely_a to_o make_v they_o thrive_v in_o their_o several_a occupation_n a_o king_n go_v to_o war_n as_o our_o lord_n observe_v will_v first_o very_o careful_o consider_v his_o force_n and_o a_o builder_n go_v to_o build_v must_v consider_v his_o purse_n and_o what_o it_o be_v like_a to_o cost_v he_o both_o in_o work_n and_o material_n luk._n 14.31_o 32._o and_o verse_n 28_o 29._o and_o the_o unjust_a steward_n forecast_v for_o his_o future_a support_n in_o his_o way_n wise_o resolve_v on_o pass_v false_a account_n that_o he_o may_v find_v reception_n among_o his_o lord_n tenant_n luk._n 16.3_o 45_o 8._o and_o this_o be_v another_o piece_n of_o wisdom_n most_o fit_a for_o the_o child_n of_o light_n to_o imitate_v and_o learn_v from_o they_o they_o must_v wise_o consider_v and_o observe_v before_o hand_n what_o thing_n do_v most_o help_n and_o further_o what_o do_v most_o tempt_v and_o ensnare_v what_o do_v most_o obstruct_v and_o hinder_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o profession_n or_o in_o faithful_o discharge_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian._n they_o must_v have_v careful_o and_o discreet_o forethink_v with_o themselves_o against_o they_o enter_v upon_o every_o day_n action_n and_o business_n what_o duty_n they_o will_v be_v likely_o call_v to_o exercise_v therein_o and_o how_o they_o may_v discharge_v they_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n what_o temptation_n also_o they_o may_v likely_o meet_v withal_o and_o how_o likely_a they_o be_v to_o withstand_v they_o or_o how_o to_o prevent_v or_o get_v seasonable_o out_o of_o their_o way_n if_o they_o be_v like_a to_o endanger_v or_o prove_v too_o hard_o for_o they_o they_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v off-hand_n and_o unstudy_v liver_n but_o have_v their_o action_n wise_o forethought_a and_o be_v still_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o take_v the_o best_a way_n of_o go_v on_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o sincere_o discharge_v their_o duty_n to_o their_o bless_a lord_n in_o all_o the_o point_n thereof_o and_o this_o wise_a and_o careful_a forecast_n and_o fix_v on_o the_o fit_a way_n to_o serve_v our_o purpose_n we_o be_v call_v to_o in_o the_o forecited_a parable_n of_o the_o builder_n and_o the_o king_n go_v to_o war_n and_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o those_o who_o build_v their_o house_n one_o upon_o a_o rock_n and_o another_o upon_o the_o sand_n mat._n 7.24_o 26._o if_o forecast_n and_o wise_a contrivance_n do_v not_o direct_a action_n and_o undertake_n folly_n and_o shame_n be_v but_o too_o like_a to_o be_v the_o issue_n and_o event_n of_o they_o but_o on_o this_o point_n of_o their_o wisdom_n in_o forecast_v and_o fix_v on_o the_o proper_a way_n and_o method_n i_o shall_v observe_v three_o other_o imitable_a point_n of_o their_o wisdom_n concern_v the_o execution_n of_o they_o for_o they_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n
i._n speedy_o ii_o with_o assiduity_n and_o diligence_n iii_o with_o resoluteness_n 1._o they_o put_v their_o well_o choose_a mean_n of_o thrive_a in_o execution_n speedy_o they_o stay_v for_o nothing_o but_o make_v the_o most_o of_o their_o good_a contrivance_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v if_o they_o have_v put_v themselves_o in_o readiness_n against_o a_o good_a market_n without_o more_o ado_n they_o take_v it_o if_o they_o have_v lay_v in_o for_o a_o good_a bargain_n without_o any_o delay_n they_o be_v for_o make_v a_o end_n of_o it_o where_o they_o have_v prepare_v a_o advantage_n they_o be_v for_o the_o first_o opportunity_n of_o take_v possession_n of_o it_o so_o that_o they_o lose_v nothing_o by_o delay_n or_o by_o slip_v their_o time_n and_o season_n but_o earnest_o desire_v to_o accomplish_v their_o end_n they_o be_v still_o in_o a_o readiness_n hasty_o to_o accomplish_v any_o wise_a mean_n which_o will_v make_v they_o master_n of_o it_o now_o in_o this_o they_o shall_v be_v follow_v by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n for_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o after_o once_o they_o be_v wise_o and_o well_o resolve_v upon_o their_o duty_n either_o a_o good_a life_n at_o large_a or_o the_o amendment_n and_o improvement_n of_o some_o particular_a part_n thereof_o to_o use_v delay_n and_o put_v it_o off_o from_o one_o duty_n to_o another_o they_o must_v not_o be_v on_o and_o off_o in_o this_o great_a work_n as_o man_n who_o be_v uncertain_a nor_o slow_a as_o man_n who_o be_v unwilling_a delay_n show_v nothing_o but_o the_o inability_n or_o insincerity_n of_o their_o own_o purpose_n and_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n for_o themselves_o to_o renew_v and_o make_v they_o better_o but_o they_o must_v execute_v their_o wise_a purpose_n of_o holy_a live_n without_o more_o ado_n they_o must_v lose_v no_o time_n but_o be_v eager_a of_o grow_v more_o perfect_a in_o it_o the_o next_o day_n than_o they_o be_v the_o day_n forego_v they_o must_v make_v no_o stop_n but_o still_o earnest_o push_v on_o and_o not_o cease_v till_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o master_n of_o the_o grace_n or_o good_a improvement_n which_o they_o have_v propose_v to_o themselves_o and_o this_o we_o be_v call_v to_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o it_o be_v say_v to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n psal._n 95.7_o 8._o and_o i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n psal._n 119.60_o work_n whilst_o it_o be_v day_n for_o the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v joh._n 9.4_o and_o in_o this_o great_a and_o most_o important_a business_n no_o day_n be_v to_o be_v neglect_v because_o no_o man_n know_v but_o it_o may_v be_v his_o last_o 2._o they_o put_v their_o well_o choose_a way_n of_o thrive_a in_o execution_n with_o assiduity_n and_o diligence_n the_o tradesman_n will_v stick_v to_o his_o shop_n from_o morning_n till_o night_n and_o man_n of_o other_o occupation_n will_v be_v constant_o attend_v and_o ready_a to_o take_v all_o advantage_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o business_n and_o this_o they_o do_v with_o goodwill_n with_o great_a diligence_n and_o vigour_n of_o application_n they_o will_v spare_v no_o pain_n they_o will_v miss_v no_o advantage_n they_o be_v not_o slothful_a but_o push_v on_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o show_v how_o they_o can_v bestir_v themselves_o to_o gain_v their_o purpose_n and_o this_o it_o be_v extreme_o fit_a the_o child_n of_o light_n shall_v learn_v from_o they_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o be_v negligent_a or_o slothful_a in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v their_o one_o thing_n necessary_a the_o chief_a point_n they_o have_v or_o profess_v to_o mind_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v constant_o attend_v upon_o it_o and_o stand_v ever_o ready_a to_o perform_v a_o duty_n or_o avoid_v a_o sin_n as_o any_o affair_n or_o accident_n of_o life_n shall_v give_v they_o occasion_n for_o the_o same_o and_o this_o they_o must_v do_v hearty_o and_o earnest_o diligent_o lay_v out_o themselves_o upon_o it_o and_o put_v what_o strength_n they_o have_v to_o it_o which_o can_v never_o be_v better_o employ_v nor_o lay_v out_o in_o any_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o shall_v in_o any_o comparable_a degree_n be_v so_o happy_o and_o infinite_o reward_v and_o this_o the_o holy_a scripture_n require_v of_o we_o when_o it_o call_v we_o to_o be_v always_o upon_o our_o watch_n mar._n 13.35_o 37._o to_o attend_v this_o as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a luk._n 10.42_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n in_o it_o 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 10._o and_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n mar._n 12.30_o and_o the_o like_a 3._o they_o put_v these_o well_o choose_a mean_n in_o execution_n with_o resoluteness_n they_o be_v not_o discourage_v by_o occurrent_a difficulty_n nor_o drive_v back_o by_o the_o labour_n or_o pain_n or_o by_o the_o length_n and_o tediousness_n of_o their_o business_n they_o be_v not_o weary_a of_o their_o work_n but_o overlook_v trouble_n and_o bear_v self-denial_n and_o go_v on_o with_o zeal_n and_o without_o faintness_n till_o they_o have_v accomplish_v their_o desire_a purpose_n all_o labour_n be_v easy_a to_o they_o that_o accomplish_v their_o desire_n and_o they_o will_v not_o cease_v labour_v till_o they_o have_v do_v their_o utmost_a to_o gain_v what_o they_o seek_v for_o and_o this_o also_o shall_v be_v imitate_v by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n if_o they_o want_v zeal_n and_o good_a resolution_n they_o be_v not_o like_a to_o do_v much_o nor_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o good_a live_n but_o they_o must_v go_v on_o without_o fear_n or_o slackness_n they_o must_v think_v no_o pain_n too_o dear_a to_o perfect_v themselves_o in_o any_o duty_n they_o must_v be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n else_o rather_o than_o witting_o transgress_v their_o duty_n in_o any_o particular_a or_o fall_v short_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o be_v the_o pearl_n of_o price_n which_o they_o must_v sell_v all_o to_o purchase_v mat._n 13.44_o 46._o they_o must_v shun_v no_o trouble_n or_o fly_v from_o any_o loss_n which_o will_v sure_o be_v repay_v with_o such_o a_o inestimable_a recompense_n nay_o instead_o of_o shun_v they_o they_o have_v the_o true_a cause_n to_o give_v thanks_o and_o rejoice_v therein_o and_o this_o the_o holy_a scripture_n require_v when_o it_o call_v we_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n ephes._n 6.10_o to_o be_v terrify_v in_o nothing_o by_o our_o adversary_n phil._n 1.28_o not_o to_o put_v on_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n but_o of_o love_n to_o god_n of_o power_n or_o courage_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n 2_o tim._n 1.7_o and_o to_o be_v always_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o bear_v it_o after_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n mat._n 16.24_o and_o ch_z 10.38_o 2._o another_o instance_n of_o their_o forecast_n and_o provision_n for_o futurity_n be_v that_o have_v study_v and_o labour_v thus_o to_o compass_v their_o end_n they_o be_v careful_a to_o secure_v their_o claim_n and_o title_n to_o it_o but_o more_o especial_o careful_a to_o sift_v and_o inquire_v into_o it_o and_o to_o take_v all_o way_n they_o can_v to_o make_v it_o good_a when_o a_o trial_n be_v like_a to_o be_v bring_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v a_o trial_n for_o estate_n or_o much_o more_o for_o life_n how_o forecast_v and_o busy_a be_v they_o in_o inquire_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n in_o collect_v and_o clear_v up_o evidence_n in_o prepare_v witness_n consult_v counsel_n and_o make_v their_o case_n as_o good_a as_o it_o can_v be_v make_v against_o the_o great_a assize_n now_o the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v absolute_o inexcusable_a if_o they_o learn_v not_o this_o point_n of_o wisdom_n from_o they_o for_o the_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v to_o secure_v be_v not_o like_a that_o of_o worldly_a man_n vain_a transitory_a and_o fade_a which_o may_v soon_o be_v take_v from_o they_o or_o which_o they_o shall_v sure_o be_v soon_o take_v from_o but_o it_o be_v a_o eternal_a life_n mar._n 10.30_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o a_o state_n where_o they_o need_v no_o sun_n to_o light_v they_o where_o all_o tear_n be_v wipe_v away_o from_o their_o eye_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o cry_v nor_o sorrow_n nor_o pain_n rev._n 21.4_o and_o 23._o now_o all_o this_o most_o happy_a state_n depend_v upon_o our_o perfect_v our_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n whilst_o we_o be_v
here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o whether_o we_o have_v faithful_o discharge_v the_o same_o or_o no_o must_v come_v to_o a_o most_o fair_a and_o just_a examination_n and_o account_n when_o we_o all_o come_v as_o we_o all_o most_o certain_o shall_v soon_o come_v to_o be_v try_v upon_o the_o same_o at_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o it_o infinite_o concern_v all_o good_a serious_a christian_n to_o be_v often_o and_o careful_o beforehand_o inquire_v into_o the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o stand_v in_o that_o trial_n or_o no._n they_o must_v pose_v themselves_o upon_o all_o those_o point_n upon_o which_o god_n will_v try_v they_o at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o they_o or_o under_o their_o circumstance_n and_o opportunity_n be_v sincere_o able_a to_o compass_v of_o the_o same_o and_o where_o they_o find_v they_o have_v wilful_o fail_v in_o any_o part_n of_o that_o obedience_n which_o god_n necessary_o require_v they_o must_v instant_o amend_v and_o recover_v themselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n and_o this_o they_o must_v do_v not_o only_o once_o or_o twice_o for_o man_n spiritual_a state_n be_v often_o variable_a and_o their_o life_n be_v always_o uncertain_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o need_v more_o frequent_a do_v especial_o till_o they_o come_v to_o acquire_v a_o steadiness_n in_o a_o safe_a condition_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v always_o ready_a and_o if_o god_n call_v they_o unaware_o they_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v thereby_o but_o go_v with_o comfort_n to_o give_v up_o their_o account_n to_o he_o and_o this_o god_n require_v of_o we_o when_o he_o call_v we_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a 2_o pet._n 1.10_o and_o to_o fear_v least_o have_v a_o promise_n leave_v we_o of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n any_o of_o we_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o heb._n 4.1_o and_o to_o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n heb._n 12.15_o 3._o they_o timely_o provide_v and_o forecast_v supply_n against_o straits_n and_o accident_n that_o when_o they_o come_v they_o may_v be_v as_o little_a hurt_n by_o they_o as_o may_v be_v or_o otherwise_o provide_v against_o they_o the_o best_a they_o can_v and_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n which_o the_o lord_n commend_v in_o the_o unjust_a steward_n for_o he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a straight_o be_v warn_v out_o of_o his_o lord_n service_n and_o make_v a_o wise_a speedy_a and_o seasonable_a provision_n for_o himself_o by_o take_v care_n to_o be_v receive_v among_o his_o lord_n tenant_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o man_n of_o all_o other_o occupation_n if_o straits_n or_o misfortune_n be_v like_a to_o come_v upon_o they_o they_o foresee_v they_o in_o time_n and_o try_v all_o way_n in_o due_a season_n to_o prevent_v they_o or_o to_o keep_v they_o off_o as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v or_o to_o make_v they_o fall_v as_o light_v as_o may_v be_v when_o they_o do_v come_v but_o be_v it_o better_o or_o worse_o they_o be_v careful_a to_o make_v the_o best_a for_o themselves_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v in_o their_o present_a circumstance_n and_o condition_n now_o in_o this_o also_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a the_o child_n of_o light_n shall_v learn_v from_o they_o they_o must_v have_v their_o eye_n before_o they_o and_o timely_o foresee_v where_o they_o want_v counsel_n and_o there_o provide_v instruction_n where_o they_o may_v be_v attack_v on_o a_o weak_a side_n and_o there_o contrive_v how_o to_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o temptation_n where_o they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v call_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o there_o forecast_v how_o to_o do_v it_o faithful_o and_o profitable_o where_o they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n and_o disoblige_v friend_n and_o disserve_v interest_n and_o there_o either_o wise_o contrive_v how_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o vigorous_o and_o steadfast_o resolve_v to_o break_v through_o they_o where_o cross_n be_v like_a to_o come_v how_o they_o may_v meet_v and_o receive_v they_o with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n a_o good_a christian_a must_v not_o want_v foresight_n and_o be_v plunge_v in_o difficulty_n and_o fall_v into_o folly_n unaware_o but_o must_v wise_o and_o seasonable_o foresee_v what_o may_v happen_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o all_o when_o it_o come_v and_o this_o the_o holy_a scripture_n call_v for_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o which_o two_o lay_v in_o their_o forecast_n and_o in_o make_v or_o not_o make_v seasonable_a and_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o futurity_n mat._n 25.1_o etc._n etc._n of_o the_o two_o man_n build_v their_o house_n one_o upon_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o other_o upon_o the_o sand_n mat._n 7.24_o 26._o of_o the_o builder_n forecast_v well_o with_o himself_o how_o to_o defray_v all_o charge_n and_o accident_n of_o work_n and_o material_n and_o how_o able_a he_o be_v to_o finish_v luk._n 14.28_o and_o the_o like_a 6._o a_o six_o instance_n former_o note_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o worldly_a man_n in_o their_o management_n be_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o cast_v off_o any_o care_n or_o concern_v when_o they_o either_o find_v or_o foresee_v that_o they_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v impediment_n or_o encumbrance_n in_o their_o main_a business_n if_o they_o have_v grasp_v at_o more_o business_n than_o they_o can_v manage_v to_o advantage_n they_o will_v ease_v their_o hand_n by_o lay_v that_o aside_o which_o be_v least_o for_o their_o purpose_n if_o some_o prove_v to_o be_v but_o of_o little_a profit_n and_o uncertain_a hazard_n and_o of_o much_o pain_n they_o will_v try_v another_o way_n which_o be_v like_a to_o yield_v better_o with_o more_o ease_n and_o less_o uncertainty_n they_o be_v ever_o true_a to_o their_o point_n and_o will_v not_o engage_v themselves_o in_o way_n which_o make_v against_o it_o now_o this_o likewise_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o be_v learn_v of_o they_o by_o all_o good_a christian_n it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o engage_v themselves_o for_o any_o inducement_n in_o any_o ill_a thing_n for_o that_o be_v absolute_o contrary_a to_o all_o their_o obedient_a profession_n nor_o in_o any_o occupation_n or_o business_n which_o abound_v so_o much_o with_o strong_a temptation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o reasonable_a expectation_n of_o their_o keep_a innocence_n and_o faithful_o discharge_v their_o duty_n therein_o in_o their_o consideration_n and_o choice_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v look_v at_o and_o care_v for_o be_v keep_v innocence_n and_o whether_o their_o business_n be_v fair_o consistent_a with_o a_o entire_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o all_o point_n and_o where_o he_o can_v make_v a_o moderate_a and_o reasonable_a advantage_n by_o innocence_n and_o fairness_n there_o a_o good_a man_n will_v be_v easy_a and_o exemplary_a too_o in_o his_o occupation_n nor_o must_v they_o give_v way_n to_o overmuch_o business_n religion_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v be_v eat_v up_o by_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o meddle_v with_o more_o than_o allow_v they_o daily_o to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n and_o faithful_o to_o attend_v and_o acquit_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n as_o they_o come_v before_o they_o now_o this_o the_o holy_a scripture_n require_v of_o we_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o we_o unto_o the_o world_n gal._n 6.14_o to_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n that_o oppress_v we_o heb._n 12.1_o and_o not_o entangle_v ourselves_o in_o any_o affair_n to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o his_o service_n who_o have_v choose_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n in_o heaven_n 2_o tim._n 2.4_o 7._o they_o be_v studious_a and_o observant_a to_o direct_v all_o accident_n and_o occurrence_n and_o cast_v about_o how_o they_o may_v pick_v out_o any_o advantage_n from_o they_o or_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o their_o own_o great_a purpose_n they_o be_v quick_a to_o espy_v a_o advantage_n and_o as_o quick_a to_o pursue_v it_o and_o let_v nothing_o pass_v by_o they_o neglect_v if_o they_o can_v serve_v themselves_o thereof_o and_o by_o this_o they_o bring_v in_o to_o themselves_o many_o a_o accidental_a advantage_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o several_a occupation_n and_o this_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a the_o child_n of_o light_n shall_v imitate_v they_o in_o in_o all_o they_o do_v and_o in_o all_o they_o receive_v or_o meet_v withal_o they_o shall_v look_v about_o and_o careful_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v turn_v it_o to_o give_v praise_n or_o to_o do_v honour_n
difficult_a work_n and_o desire_v some_o good_a christian_a friend_n to_o be_v their_o admonisher_n therein_o yea_o they_o be_v mutual_o to_o teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o col._n 3.16_o to_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a heb._n 3.13_o to_o stand_v fast_o and_o strive_v together_o phil._n 1.27_o to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o jam._n 1.16_o and_o earnest_o to_o desire_v each_o other_o prayer_n 1_o thes._n 5.25_o to_o pray_v earnest_o themselves_o to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n jam._n 5.13_o 1_o thes._n 5.10_o and_o to_o be_v liberal_a in_o alm_n which_o send_v up_o a_o sweet_a smell_n before_o god_n and_o which_o though_o in_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o get_v money_n ill_o and_o spend_v it_o ill_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n yet_o in_o christian_n who_o get_v it_o just_o and_o lay_v it_o out_o virtuous_o and_o charitable_o our_o bless_a lord_n tell_v we_o it_o will_v make_v they_o friend_n in_o everlasting_a habitation_n luk._n 16.9_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o wisdom_n which_o i_o think_v fit_a pursuant_n to_o our_o lord_n direction_n in_o the_o text_n to_o note_v in_o the_o management_n of_o worldly_a man_n and_o earnest_o to_o recommend_v to_o the_o child_n of_o light_n from_o they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v what_o advantage_n they_o will_v find_v to_o themselves_o in_o the_o perfect_a of_o their_o spiritual_a course_n if_o they_o will_v but_o wise_o observe_v and_o remember_v these_o excellent_a rule_n of_o their_o management_n and_o careful_o use_v and_o follow_v they_o in_o pursue_v their_o own_o infinite_o better_a and_o more_o happy_a purpose_n for_o this_o way_n their_o duty_n will_v continual_o be_v their_o mark_n and_o in_o their_o eye_n they_o will_v not_o only_o secret_o propose_v but_o open_o profess_v it_o they_o will_v study_v to_o be_v thorough_o inform_v in_o every_o part_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v want_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o profession_n they_o will_v make_v it_o as_o their_o daily_a mark_n so_o their_o daily_a care_n and_o employment_n and_o be_v continual_o drive_v it_o on_o they_o will_v timely_o and_o careful_o foresee_v and_o provide_v for_o futurity_n contrive_v and_o fix_v on_o the_o fit_a mean_n of_o improvement_n in_o their_o way_n and_o execute_v they_o with_o speed_n assiduity_n and_o resoluteness_n and_o look_v oft_o and_o inquire_v before_o hand_n into_o the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o themselves_o to_o god_n in_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o supply_v what_o be_v want_v and_o that_o without_o delay_n now_o whilst_o they_o have_v time_n for_o it_o and_o timely_o provide_v and_o forecast_v against_o any_o spiritual_a straits_n and_o accident_n that_o when_o they_o come_v they_o may_v not_o be_v unready_a or_o surprise_v by_o they_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o cast_v off_o any_o care_n and_o concern_v which_o prove_v or_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v a_o hindrance_n a_o encumbrance_n or_o any_o way_n a_o snare_n to_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o holy_a obedience_n they_o will_v study_v how_o to_o direct_v all_o accident_n and_o occurrence_n and_o seek_v how_o they_o may_v spiritualise_v or_o pick_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o they_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o improvement_n of_o themselves_o or_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holy_a obedience_n and_o religion_n when_o any_o thing_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o their_o first_o reflection_n and_o inquiry_n will_v be_v whether_o it_o be_v innocent_a and_o lead_v to_o good_a and_o make_v for_o the_o easy_a and_o more_o profitable_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n not_o stay_v to_o give_v the_o least_o ear_n thereto_o if_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o will_v even_o be_v jealous_a about_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o keep_v all_o danger_n far_o off_o and_o not_o come_v near_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v any_o wise_a lessen_v their_o aversion_n to_o what_o be_v ill_a or_o tempt_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o and_o they_o will_v be_v very_o studious_a and_o industrious_a to_o gain_v succour_n seek_v out_o for_o all_o good_a and_o proper_a spiritual_a help_n when_o they_o be_v needful_a to_o their_o holy_a obedience_n now_o what_o a_o body_n of_o christian_n will_v these_o way_n make_v will_v they_o all_o govern_v themselves_o thereby_o in_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o i_o have_v direct_v we_o shall_v hear_v no_o complaint_n of_o the_o impossibility_n or_o extreme_a difficulty_n of_o do_v their_o duty_n we_o shall_v see_v a_o generation_n of_o saint_n fit_a to_o be_v light_n to_o the_o world_n to_o live_v without_o any_o imputable_a fault_n or_o blemish_n and_o die_v with_o comfort_n and_o enter_v into_o everlasting_a joy_n and_o peace_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a grace_n and_o mercy_n grant_v unto_o we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n and_o our_o only_a lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o bless_a for_o evermore_o amen_n discourse_n v._o about_o the_o return_n of_o prayer_n or_o when_o we_o may_v and_o when_o we_o may_v not_o promise_v ourselves_o the_o particular_a thing_n we_o ask_v for_o on_o matt._n 7.7_o 8._o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v if_o we_o consider_v all_o those_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n we_o shall_v present_o be_v induce_v to_o conclude_v that_o a_o man_n who_o can_v make_v use_n of_o it_o can_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o nothing_o for_o so_o abundant_o have_v god_n engage_v himself_o to_o all_o supplicant_n and_o so_o comprehensive_a the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o our_o prayer_n that_o we_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v it_o in_o our_o power_n to_o have_v every_o thing_n for_o ask_v the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o say_v david_n to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n psal._n 145.18_o and_o in_o another_o place_n thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o psal._n 86.5_o and_o whatever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v say_v our_o saviour_n you_o shall_v receive_v matt._n 21.22_o thus_o ample_a and_o munificent_a full_a and_o comprehensive_a be_v those_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o our_o prayer_n if_o we_o want_v pardon_n for_o our_o sin_n he_o bid_v we_o ask_v and_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o if_o we_o need_v strength_n and_o aid_n to_o overcome_v temptation_n he_o order_v we_o to_o seek_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o if_o we_o want_v any_o mercy_n either_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a he_o direct_v we_o to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o for_o a_o supply_n and_o bind_v himself_o to_o grant_v what_o we_o desire_v of_o he_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o rich_a and_o extensive_a promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o our_o prayer_n we_o daily_o see_v that_o vast_a number_n of_o man_n who_o pray_v to_o god_n be_v not_o thus_o better_v or_o supply_v by_o they_o for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v it_o may_v be_v every_o morning_n and_o evening_n upon_o their_o knee_n desire_v pardon_n for_o their_o sin_n who_o will_v yet_o be_v eternal_o condemn_v and_o punish_v for_o they_o how_o many_o man_n be_v frequent_o and_o importunate_o ask_v grace_n and_o strength_n to_o overcome_v temptation_n who_o be_v still_o ordinary_o overcome_v by_o they_o they_o pray_v for_o sobriety_n but_o yet_o they_o continue_v intemperate_a they_o sue_v for_o meekness_n but_o still_o they_o be_v fierce_a and_o passionate_a they_o ask_v for_o peace_n but_o yet_o they_o remain_v unruly_a and_o turbulent_a they_o beg_v humility_n contentedness_n charity_n and_o several_a other_o virtue_n and_o after_o all_o they_o rest_v still_o as_o proud_a and_o covetous_a wrathful_a and_o contentious_a as_o ever_o now_o here_o god_n promise_n be_v not_o perform_v and_o man_n prayer_n be_v not_o answer_v so_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o must_v be_v a_o failure_n some_o where_o either_o god_n do_v not_o give_v man_n what_o he_o promise_v or_o they_o do_v not_o ask_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v who_o shall_v receive_v some_o fault_n there_o be_v either_o in_o god_n faithfulness_n or_o our_o prayer_n which_o render_v they_o so_o unsuccessful_a and_o make_v they_o so_o often_o bring_v down_o nothing_o to_o we_o where_o they_o be_v promise_v all_o and_o in_o this_o competition_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o apologise_v for_o my_o maker_n and_o to_o assert_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o this_o business_n he_o be_v always_o