confirm_v and_o fortify_v our_o resolution_n for_o heaven_n god_n promise_v to_o hezekiah_n 15_o year_n but_o not_o to_o preserve_v his_o life_n by_o miracle_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o repair_v the_o wasting_n of_o nature_n by_o daily_a food_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o what_o be_v noxious_a and_o destructive_a to_o his_o body_n the_o apostle_n excite_v christian_n to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o they_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v none_o be_v a_o more_o easy_a conquest_n to_o the_o tempter_n than_o those_o who_o presume_v upon_o their_o own_o strength_n we_o shall_v be_v always_o jealous_a of_o ourselves_o from_o the_o sad_a example_n of_o apostasy_n in_o every_o age._n decepit_fw-la st._n ambrose_n testify_v from_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o many_o after_o the_o courageous_a endure_v of_o cruel_a torment_n for_o 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into_o the_o devil_n snare_n so_o a_o vicious_a dejection_n of_o spirit_n from_o a_o distrust_n of_o relief_n from_o god_n in_o our_o difficulty_n and_o his_o assistance_n with_o our_o unfeigned_a endeavour_n for_o salvation_n be_v very_o pernicious_a for_o this_o damp_n industry_n and_o cause_n either_o a_o total_a neglect_n or_o uncomfortable_a use_n of_o mean_n for_o that_o end_n many_o christian_n consider_v their_o grace_n be_v weak_a their_o nature_n fickle_a and_o apt_a to_o revolt_v be_v ready_a as_o david_n say_v one_o day_n i_o shall_v perish_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n to_o conclude_v sad_o of_o the_o issue_n of_o their_o condition_n to_o encourage_v such_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o perseverance_n be_v not_o only_o a_o condition_n but_o a_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o that_o afford_v supply_v of_o spiritual_a strength_n to_o the_o sincere_a believer_n for_o perform_v the_o condition_n it_o require_v indeed_o if_o grace_n be_v the_o mere_a 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people_n be_v god_n as_o man_n subject_n to_o variation_n there_o may_v be_v jealousy_n in_o believer_n lest_o they_o shall_v lose_v his_o good_a will._n as_o those_o who_o depend_v on_o prince_n be_v suspicious_a lest_o from_o the_o natural_a inconstancy_n of_o the_o human_a will_n a_o new_a favourite_n shall_v supplant_v they_o but_o who_o god_n love_v he_o love_v to_o the_o end_n the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o thessalonian_n that_o god_n will_v preserve_v they_o blameless_a till_o unto_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n by_o this_o consideration_n faithful_a be_v he_o that_o call_v you_o he_o will_v do_v it_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o internal_a call_n that_o open_v the_o heart_n and_o overpower_n all_o resistance_n as_o when_o the_o angel_n come_v with_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o the_o prison_n to_o st._n peter_n and_o strike_v he_o on_o the_o side_n bid_v he_o arise_v quick_o loose_v his_o chain_n and_o lead_v he_o through_o the_o guard_n open_v the_o door_n and_o restore_v he_o to_o liberty_n the_o effectual_a call_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v the_o visible_a and_o infallible_a effect_n of_o elect_a mercy_n and_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a in_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o faithful_a to_o his_o promise_n of_o bring_v all_o such_o by_o sanctification_n to_o glory_n the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v the_o saint_n at_o corinth_n that_o the_o redeemer_n will_v confirm_v they_o to_o the_o end_n god_n be_v faithful_a by_o who_o you_o be_v call_v grace_n that_o be_v at_o first_o inspire_v be_v continual_o actuate_v by_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v style_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o saint_n inheritance_n so_o that_o whereas_o the_o angel_n that_o excel_v in_o strength_n keep_v not_o their_o first_o state_n of_o purity_n and_o glory_n but_o be_v sink_v into_o corruption_n and_o misery_n yet_o true_a humble_a believer_n though_o weak_a and_o encompass_v with_o many_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o destructive_a evil_n and_o raise_v to_o a_o unchangeable_a estate_n of_o perfection_n this_o be_v as_o true_o admirable_a as_o if_o the_o star_n shall_v fall_v from_o heaven_n and_o clod_n of_o earth_n ascend_v and_o shine_v in_o the_o firmament_n the_o apostle_n who_o acknowledge_v his_o insufficiency_n of_o himself_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n yet_o triumphant_o declare_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o duty_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o the_o love_n fidelity_n and_o power_n of_o god_n be_v a_o sure_a fountain_n of_o assistance_n to_o every_o christian_a that_o sincere_o resolve_v and_o endeavour_n to_o prosecute_v his_o last_o and_o bless_a end_n chap._n vii_o a_o account_n how_o man_n be_v induce_v to_o choose_v a_o false_a happiness_n and_o reject_v the_o true_a direction_n for_o the_o regulate_v our_o choice_n the_o sense_n and_o passion_n be_v the_o worst_a councillor_n the_o example_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v contagious_a i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o the_o direction_n how_o to_o fix_v our_o choice_n aright_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o everlasting_a consequence_n it_o therefore_o become_v we_o with_o the_o most_o intense_a application_n of_o mind_n to_o consider_v it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o wisdom_n to_o keep_v the_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n indeed_o the_o choice_n be_v not_o difficult_a between_o lie_v vanity_n and_o substantial_a blessedness_n if_o uncorrupted_a reason_n have_v the_o superior_a sway_n but_o in_o this_o lapse_v state_n of_o nature_n the_o understanding_n and_o willare_v so_o deprave_v that_o present_a thing_n please_v to_o sense_n ravish_v the_o heart_n into_o a_o compliance_n man_n be_v deceive_v not_o compel_v into_o ruin_n the_o subtle_a seducer_n prevail_v by_o fair_a temptation_n this_o will_v be_v evident_a by_o reflect_v upon_o the_o frame_n and_o composition_n of_o man_n as_o he_o consist_v of_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o act_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o intellective_a discern_a faculty_n the_o seat_n of_o reason_n capable_a to_o compare_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o quality_n of_o thing_n and_o foresee_v their_o issue_n the_o body_n include_v the_o low_a faculty_n the_o sense_n fancy_n and_o passion_n that_o be_v coversant_a about_o present_a thing_n the_o soul_n be_v the_o will_n the_o principle_n of_o election_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o other_o as_o the_o centre_n to_o which_o all_o their_o address_n flow_v now_o upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a good_a in_o order_n to_o choice_n the_o will_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o mind_n and_o by_o its_o own_o authority_n to_o rule_v the_o low_a passion_n but_o alas_o the_o mind_n have_v lose_v its_o primitive_a light_n and_o purity_n vigilance_n and_o integrity_n neglect_v its_o duty_n and_o from_o ignorance_n error_n and_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la often_o plead_v for_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o
be_v discover_v by_o constancy_n in_o obedience_n under_o all_o trial_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o endure_v temptation_n for_o when_o he_o be_v try_v he_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o the_o law_n require_v unsinning_a obedience_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n the_o gospel_n accept_v of_o sincerity_n but_o if_o that_o be_v want_v there_o be_v no_o promise_n that_o give_v right_a to_o the_o reward_n now_o sincerity_n imply_v such_o a_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n as_o make_v a_o person_n submit_v to_o all_o duty_n command_v in_o his_o law_n and_o all_o trial_n appoint_v by_o his_o providence_n a_o high_a example_n we_o have_v of_o this_o in_o abraham_n when_o he_o be_v command_v to_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n isaac_n and_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o a_o burn_v offer_v this_o be_v to_o kill_v a_o double_a sacrifice_n at_o one_o blow_n for_o the_o life_n of_o abraham_n be_v bind_v up_o in_o isaac_n he_o live_v in_o he_o more_o dear_o than_o in_o himself_o all_o his_o joy_n all_o his_o posterity_n by_o sarah_n have_v die_v in_o isaac_n what_o resentment_n what_o resistance_n of_o nature_n do_v he_o suffer_v yet_o present_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o perform_v his_o duty_n who_o ever_o see_v a_o more_o glorious_a victory_n over_o all_o the_o tender_a and_o powerful_a passion_n of_o human_a nature_n o_o unexampled_a obedience_n be_v a_o original_a without_o any_o precedent_n to_o imitate_v and_o without_o a_o copy_n to_o succeed_v it_o after_o this_o clear_a infallible_a testimony_n of_o his_o sincerity_n the_o angel_n declare_v from_o heaven_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n see_v thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o and_o it_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n that_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o animate_v they_o in_o all_o their_o suffering_n be_v sweet_a than_o life_n and_o strong_a than_o death_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a difference_n in_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o martyr_n under_o suffering_n but_o in_o all_o the_o same_o persevere_v grace_n be_v evident_a though_o work_v various_o some_o in_o the_o most_o beautiful_a flower_n of_o their_o age_n encounter_v fire_n and_o sword_n tormentor_n and_o torment_n with_o that_o sensible_a joy_n with_o those_o song_n of_o praise_n to_o christ_n as_o if_o they_o see_v the_o heaven_n open_a with_o st._n stephen_n and_o their_o saviour_n ready_a to_o receive_v and_o crown_v they_o but_o many_o other_o as_o paul_n chrysostom_n testify_v go_v to_o the_o tribunal_n to_o the_o theatre_n to_o death_n with_o many_o appearance_n of_o fear_n upon_o hear_v the_o wild_a beast_n roar_v they_o be_v strike_v with_o horror_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o executioner_n and_o the_o instrument_n of_o torment_n they_o be_v pale_a and_o tremble_a the_o flesh_n seem_v to_o cry_v out_o o_o let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o yet_o weak_a and_o faint_a it_o follow_v the_o spirit_n that_o correct_v the_o natural_a desire_n with_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v as_o the_o moon_n in_o eclipse_n though_o obscure_a yet_o go_v on_o in_o a_o regular_a course_n as_o when_o it_o be_v full_a of_o light_n by_o the_o reflection_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o those_o desolate_a martyr_n though_o as_o it_o be_v forsake_v and_o deprive_v of_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o comfort_n yet_o persevere_v in_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n when_o one_o word_n to_o renounce_v christianity_n will_v have_v save_v they_o no_o torment_n can_v force_v it_o from_o they_o but_o they_o patient_o endure_v all_o now_o in_o these_o the_o combat_n of_o nature_n be_v visible_a and_o the_o admirable_a power_n of_o grace_n they_o first_o overcome_v their_o own_o fear_n the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o carnal_a part_n their_o affection_n to_o what_o ever_o be_v desirable_a in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o noble_a victory_n and_o then_o the_o cruelty_n of_o their_o persecutor_n in_o they_o be_v verify_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o be_v they_o that_o keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n but_o how_o many_o appear_v faithful_a while_o their_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v show_v by_o difficult_a work_n and_o prove_v by_o suffering_n the_o seed_n that_o fall_v on_o the_o stony_a ground_n spring_v up_o as_o hopeful_a as_o the_o seed_n in_o the_o good_a ground_n at_o first_o but_o when_o tribulation_n come_v it_o wither_v away_o want_v the_o root_n of_o sincerity_n and_o that_o which_o be_v sow_v among_o thorn_n be_v choke_v by_o the_o care_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n some_o lust_n in_o the_o heart_n interweave_v with_o the_o affection_n and_o cause_n apostasy_n how_o many_o from_o glorious_a beginning_n have_v make_v a_o lamentable_a end_n not_o only_o mercenary_n in_o religion_n who_o zeal_n be_v a_o foreign_a complexion_n not_o spring_v from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o health_n relinquish_v even_o the_o profession_n of_o godliness_n when_o their_o gain_n cease_v but_o some_o who_o have_v think_v themselves_o sincere_a yet_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n their_o resolution_n like_o sick_a feather_n drop_v away_o as_o the_o foolish_a builder_n that_o compute_v not_o the_o charge_n of_o his_o design_a work_n begin_v to_o raise_v a_o magnificent_a structure_n but_o unable_a to_o finish_v it_o lay_v the_o foundation_n in_o his_o own_o shame_n they_o repent_v their_o choice_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o see_v what_o it_o must_v cost_v they_o and_o will_v save_v the_o world_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o soul_n other_o that_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o with_o raise_v affection_n set_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n yet_o by_o the_o allurement_n of_o sensual_a lust_n and_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o with_o great_a pudicit_fw-la gild_n leave_v their_o first_o love_n and_o end_n in_o the_o flesh._n they_o fall_v from_o high_a profession_n but_o receive_v by_o soft_a pleasure_n feel_v not_o the_o fall_n these_o be_v never_o sincere_a and_o never_o have_v a_o right_a to_o heaven_n they_o take_v up_o sudden_a resolution_n not_o ground_v in_o serious_a and_o deep_a thought_n and_o for_o a_o flash_n be_v hot_a and_o active_a but_o with_o great_a levity_n return_v to_o their_o former_a lusts._n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o such_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o they_o have_v not_o know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o to_o turn_v back_o and_o voluntary_o to_o forsake_v it_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o boil_a water_n take_v off_o from_o the_o fire_n congeal_v more_o strong_o than_o that_o which_o be_v never_o heat_v because_o the_o subtle_a part_n be_v evaporate_v by_o the_o fire_n the_o more_o terrestrial_a part_n remain_v be_v more_o capable_a of_o cold._n so_o those_o who_o have_v feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o afterward_o lose_v that_o holy_a heat_n become_v more_o harden_v in_o their_o sin_n god_n just_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o the_o evil_a spirit_n that_o be_v expel_v for_o a_o time_n return_v with_o seven_o worse_a and_o aggravate_v his_o tyranny_n to_o conclude_v since_o the_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n be_v conditional_a if_o we_o persevere_v in_o a_o holy_a state_n let_v we_o beware_v of_o a_o corrupt_a confidence_n and_o a_o vicious_a dejection_n of_o spirit_n the_o trust_n in_o ourselves_o or_o distrust_v god_n to_o prevent_v the_o trust_n in_o ourselves_o consider_v 1._o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n be_v by_o the_o instability_n of_o nature_n liable_a to_o defection_n subject_n to_o a_o corruptive_a change_n of_o this_o the_o fall_v angel_n be_v a_o dreadful_a example_n who_o of_o their_o own_o motion_n untempted_a sin_v in_o heaven_n 2._o the_o danger_n be_v great_a of_o fall_v away_o when_o they_o be_v urge_v and_o solicit_v by_o a_o violent_a or_o grateful_a temptation_n thus_o our_o first_o parent_n fall_v and_o lose_v more_o grace_n in_o a_o hour_n then_o can_v be_v recover_v by_o their_o posterity_n in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o when_o there_o be_v supervenient_a corruption_n in_o the_o creature_n that_o incline_v they_o with_o earnest_a propensity_n to_o forbid_a thing_n and_o take_v flame_n from_o every_o spark_n the_o danger_n be_v extreme_a like_o a_o besiege_a city_n that_o be_v in_o great_a hazard_n of_o take_v by_o assault_n from_o without_o and_o conspiracy_n from_o within_o let_v we_o therefore_o be_v very_o watchful_a over_o our_o heart_n and_o sense_n and_o keep_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a at_o a_o safe_a distance_n from_o temptation_n and_o be_v very_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o holy_a mean_n to_o
shall_v be_v despise_v for_o paint_a trifle_n if_o a_o spark_n of_o true_a reason_n of_o sincere_a love_n to_o our_o soul_n be_v leave_v we_o shall_v count_v all_o thing_n but_o dross_n and_o dung_n that_o we_o may_v gain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n thus_o eternity_n enlighten_v thus_o it_o counsel_v we_o chap._n xi_o other_o motive_n propound_v god_n desire_v the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o men._n all_o that_o unfeigned_o seek_v it_o shall_v enjoy_v it_o the_o term_n be_v gracious_a and_o easy_a upon_o which_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o men._n to_o excite_v we_o further_a to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o shall_v propound_v other_o motive_n to_o consideration_n 1._o god_n be_v very_o willing_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o partake_v of_o his_o glory_n for_o this_o end_n he_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n have_v dispel_v the_o darkness_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o render_v the_o bless_a and_o eternal_a state_n so_o clear_a and_o so_o visible_a that_o every_o eye_n may_v see_v it_o our_o assurance_n of_o it_o be_v upon_o infallible_a principle_n and_o though_o the_o excellent_a glory_n of_o it_o be_v inexpressible_a yet_o it_o be_v represent_v under_o variety_n of_o fair_a and_o lovely_a type_n to_o invite_v our_o affection_n beside_o god_n make_v a_o earnest_a offer_n of_o life_n to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n he_o command_v counsel_n excite_v urge_v nay_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v with_o infinite_a tenderness_n that_o man_n will_v accept_v of_o it_o thus_o the_o apostle_n declare_v now_o than_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a then_o beyond_o the_o most_o jealous_a suspicion_n god_n be_v desirous_a of_o our_o happiness_n can_v we_o imagine_v any_o design_n any_o insincerity_n in_o his_o word_n why_o shall_v heaven_n court_v a_o worm_n it_o be_v his_o love_n to_o soul_n that_o express_v itself_o in_o that_o condescend_v compassionate_a manner_n to_o melt_v and_o overcome_v the_o perverse_a and_o harden_a in_o sin_n and_o as_o his_o word_n so_o his_o work_n be_v a_o convince_a argument_n of_o his_o will_n his_o most_o gracious_a sustain_n and_o support_v of_o sinful_a man_n his_o innumerable_a benefit_n confer_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o provision_n of_o good_a and_o preservation_n from_o evil_a be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o merciful_a providence_n they_o may_v be_v lead_v to_o repentance_n and_o receive_v to_o grace_n and_o the_o temporal_a judgement_n inflict_v on_o sinner_n be_v medecinal_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o in_o his_o design_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sight_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o sin_n to_o prevent_v their_o final_a ruin_n if_o they_o prove_v mortal_a to_o any_o it_o be_v from_o their_o obstinate_a corruption_n the_o time_n allow_v to_o those_o who_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o his_o justice_n every_o hour_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a reprieve_n from_o torment_n but_o a_o space_n of_o repentance_n to_o sue_v out_o a_o pardon_n they_o be_v spare_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n 9_o the_o lord_n be_v long-suffering_a to_o usward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n but_o above_o all_o his_o other_o work_n the_o give_v of_o his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o incomparable_a demonstration_n how_o much_o he_o delight_v in_o the_o salvation_n of_o men._n since_o god_n have_v be_v at_o such_o cost_n to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o obtain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o unchangeable_a glory_n far_o transcend_v the_o earthly_a paradise_n that_o be_v forfeit_v by_o sin_n we_o have_v the_o strong_a assurance_n that_o he_o desire_v their_o felicity_n and_o how_o guilty_a and_o miserable_a will_v those_o sinner_n be_v that_o when_o christ_n have_v open_v heaven_n to_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n refuse_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o when_o brutus_n propound_v to_o a_o philosopher_n his_o design_n to_o restore_v rome_n to_o liberty_n he_o reply_v that_o the_o action_n will_v be_v glorious_a indeed_o but_o that_o so_o many_o servile_a spirit_n that_o tame_o stoop_v under_o tyranny_n be_v not_o worthy_a that_o a_o man_n of_o virtue_n and_o courage_n shall_v hazard_v himself_o to_o recover_v that_o for_o they_o which_o they_o do_v so_o light_o esteem_v the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n be_v without_o controversy_n the_o most_o glorious_a work_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o concurrence_n and_o concord_n of_o his_o attribute_n appear_v in_o that_o excellent_a manner_n that_o only_o his_o miraculous_a wisdom_n can_v find_v out_o but_o how_o astonish_a be_v the_o unworthiness_n of_o man_n who_o wretched_o neglect_v salvation_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n purchase_v by_o a_o life_n full_a of_o sorrow_n and_o a_o death_n of_o infinite_a suffering_n bless_a redeemer_n may_v it_o be_v speak_v with_o the_o humble_a affectionate_a and_o thankful_a sense_n of_o thy_o die_a love_n why_o do_v thou_o give_v thyself_o a_o ransom_n for_o those_o who_o be_v charm_v with_o their_o misery_n and_o with_o the_o most_o foul_a ingratitude_n disvalue_n so_o precious_a a_o redemption_n how_o just_o shall_v they_o be_v for_o ever_o deprive_v of_o it_o behold_v you_o despiser_n and_o wonder_v and_o perish_v 2._o consider_v this_o glorious_a blessedness_n shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o all_o that_o unfeigned_o choose_v it_o and_o earnest_o seek_v it_o this_o motive_n be_v enclose_v in_o the_o first_o but_o deserve_v a_o separate_a consideration_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v infallible_a assurance_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n the_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v so_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o anchor_n fasten_v in_o heaven_n and_o beside_o the_o fidelity_n of_o his_o word_n god_n have_v give_v we_o security_n of_o the_o reward_n the_o life_n of_o his_o son_n this_o methinks_v shall_v turn_v the_o current_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o heaven_n for_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o toil_n and_o sweat_n the_o labour_n of_o the_o day_n and_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o night_n for_o the_o obtain_n earthly_a thing_n yet_o we_o many_o time_n fall_v short_a of_o our_o aim_n and_o hope_n it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n i_o return_v and_o see_v under_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a neither_o yet_o bread_n to_o the_o wise_a nor_o yet_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n nor_o yet_o favour_v to_o man_n of_o skill_n but_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o all_o indeed_o such_o be_v the_o order_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o the_o world_n there_o must_v be_v different_a condition_n of_o man_n here_o some_o rich_a other_o poor_a some_o noble_a other_o mean_a some_o in_o command_v other_o in_o subjection_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o neither_o dignity_n nor_o riches_n nor_o pleasure_n be_v the_o happiness_n of_o man._n for_o it_o be_v not_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o make_v that_o the_o last_o end_n of_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n which_o though_o seek_v with_o sincerity_n and_o diligence_n may_v not_o be_v obtain_v or_o of_o which_o without_o his_o own_o consent_n he_o may_v be_v deprive_v but_o civil_a distinction_n and_o quality_n be_v of_o no_o value_n and_o consideration_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o obtain_n or_o exclude_v from_o heaven_n the_o rich_a and_o honourable_a that_o be_v in_o a_o exalt_a state_n have_v not_o a_o more_o easy_a ascent_n and_o entrance_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o low_a degree_n the_o star_n appear_v with_o the_o same_o bigness_n to_o he_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o deep_a valley_n as_o on_o the_o high_a hill_n be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o despise_v be_v they_o not_o equal_o the_o offspring_n of_o god_n and_o equal_o ransom_v by_o the_o most_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o son_n be_v they_o not_o equal_o capable_a of_o eternal_a reward_n be_v not_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n equal_o address_v to_o every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n that_o be_v faithful_a to_o his_o duty_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n this_o shall_v inspire_v all_o with_o flame_a desire_n and_o draw_v forth_o their_o utmost_a industry_n and_o make_v they_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a always_o to_o abound_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