his_o good_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o though_o god_n will_v infuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o a_o miracle_n but_o that_o those_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v blessed_v by_o he_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o old_a oeconomy_n the_o jew_n be_v refer_v to_o moses_n for_o their_o instruction_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o these_o man_n 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the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o to_o fulfil_v they_o this_o he_o perform_v partly_o by_o do_v and_o suffer_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v concern_v he_o and_o by_o accomplish_v what_o be_v fore-shewn_a by_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o law_n partly_o by_o his_o divine_a discourse_n and_o sermon_n give_v new_a life_n and_o authority_n to_o those_o rule_n of_o good_a live_n they_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o moses_n add_v to_o and_o improve_n they_o where_o they_o be_v defective_a and_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a sense_n and_o purity_n where_o they_o be_v either_o obscure_o deliver_v or_o by_o the_o misinterpretation_n of_o their_o doctor_n be_v general_o misunderstand_v and_o this_o he_o do_v suitable_o to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o those_o command_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o moses_n law_n some_o whereof_o consist_v of_o rite_n and_o ceremonial_a observance_n which_o be_v a_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o be_v upon_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o thing_n present_o to_o have_v a_o end_n other_o contain_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n and_o be_v of_o a_o absolute_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n now_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n a_o people_n infinite_o prone_a to_o superstition_n be_v very_o nice_a and_o curious_a in_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o outward_a circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n even_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o righteousness_n judgement_n and_o mercy_n which_o they_o ought_v chief_o to_o have_v do_v though_o not_o to_o have_v leave_v the_o other_o undo_v the_o blame_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o lay_v upon_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o then_o be_v the_o great_a pretender_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o in_o truth_n the_o great_a corrupter_n of_o it_o by_o lay_v the_o chief_a stress_n upon_o the_o outward_a and_o less_o material_a circumstance_n and_o evacuate_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o it_o by_o too_o nice_a and_o narrow_a interpretation_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o design_n at_o the_o 20._o v._n he_o forewarn_v his_o hearer_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ignorant_a in_o what_o particular_n they_o ought_v to_o exceed_v what_o the_o pharisee_n teach_v in_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o sermon_n he_o give_v they_o several_a instance_n wherein_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n partly_o by_o its_o own_o obscurity_n partly_o by_o their_o misinterpretation_n be_v general_o misunderstand_v among_o other_o part_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v not_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v none_o to_o which_o they_o be_v great_a stranger_n than_o this_o in_o the_o text_n of_o love_a enemy_n they_o have_v receive_v levit._n nineteeen_o 18._o this_o precept_n thou_o shall_v not_o avenge_v nor_o bear_v any_o grudge_n against_o the_o child_n of_o thy_o people_n but_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o now_o the_o jew_n understand_v the_o word_n neighbour_n only_o of_o the_o child_n of_o their_o people_n of_o man_n of_o their_o own_o tribe_n and_o country_n of_o man_n that_o keep_v mutual_a correspondence_n and_o agreement_n with_o they_o they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o as_o for_o other_o man_n who_o be_v stranger_n and_o alien_n to_o they_o they_o be_v at_o full_a liberty_n to_o exercise_v what_o revenge_n they_o please_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n but_o this_o latter_a clause_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n be_v a_o additional_a interpretation_n no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o law_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o former_a precept_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n explication_n of_o it_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n have_v thus_o far_o show_v the_o connexion_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o forego_n and_o with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v they_o by_o themselves_o and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o set_v before_o you_o 1._o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v 2._o our_o obligation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o duty_n love_v your_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n love_n be_v of_o a_o very_a large_a signification_n and_o in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v general_o use_v to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n thus_o our_o saviour_n use_v it_o in_o the_o summary_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o teach_v the_o lawyer_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v comprise_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o 37._o matth._n 22._o 37._o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o on_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n by_o which_o use_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n include_v all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o one_o man_n can_v owe_v to_o another_o and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v when_o apply_v to_o enemy_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o connexion_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o former_a verse_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a our_o saviour_n alter_v not_o the_o comprehensive_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n only_o enlarge_v the_o object_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o whereas_o they_o have_v be_v before_o teach_v to_o confine_v their_o love_n that_o be_v the_o several_a office_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n only_o to_o their_o neighbour_n that_o be_v as_o they_o understand_v it_o only_o to_o their_o friend_n and_o countryman_n they_o shall_v now_o extend_v the_o same_o office_n to_o enemy_n likewise_o as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o not_o only_o to_o stranger_n and_o alien_n but_o to_o those_o also_o that_o profess_a hatred_n to_o they_o and_o do_v they_o injury_n this_o he_o prescribe_v first_o general_o by_o the_o name_n of_o love_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n and_o then_o leave_v they_o shall_v make_v too_o narrow_a a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n he_o further_o explain_v it_o by_o the_o most_o oblige_a instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o contrary_a practice_n of_o their_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o large_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o office_n which_o be_v peculiar_o due_a to_o our_o enemy_n as_o such_o over_z and_o above_o what_o can_v be_v due_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o those_o be_v refer_v usual_o to_o these_o three_o general_a head_n 1._o that_o we_o do_v not_o return_v those_o evil_n upon_o our_o enemy_n which_o he_o have_v do_v we_o 2._o that_o we_o forgive_v he_o from_o our_o heart_n 3._o that_o we_o recompense_v good_a to_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o assistance_n 1._o if_o we_o be_v command_v to_o love_v our_o enemy_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v that_o we_o be_v hereby_o forbid_v all_o practice_n towards_o he_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o must_v forbear_v all_o act_n of_o revenge_n and_o hostility_n towards_o he_o all_o recompense_v evil_a for_o evil_n this_o branch_n of_o our_o duty_n our_o saviour_n particular_o teach_v at_o the_o 38_o 39_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n but_o i_o say_v
their_o endeavour_n in_o that_o affair_n may_v just_o be_v esteem_v a_o common_a enemy_n to_o mankind_n now_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v any_o way_n whereby_o man_n do_v more_o direct_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n and_o hinder_v the_o enlargement_n of_o it_o than_o by_o defame_v the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v entrust_v for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unsafe_a and_o unreasonable_a way_n of_o argue_v for_o any_o man_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o because_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a man_n in_o holy_a order_n be_v unfaithful_a to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o live_v not_o up_o to_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o other_o yet_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n which_o do_v extreme_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a whether_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o real_a or_o but_o suppose_a fault_n of_o man_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v or_o persuade_v other_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n for_o to_o he_o who_o believe_v a_o false_a report_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n the_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n be_v as_o effectual_a as_o though_o the_o report_n be_v true_a and_o the_o censure_n just_a and_o than_o who_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o the_o man_n who_o raise_v the_o false_a accusation_n be_v not_o as_o injurious_a to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o man_n who_o life_n be_v real_o scandalous_a what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ill_a effect_n that_o redound_v to_o the_o public_a from_o the_o uncharitable_a censuring_n of_o man_n of_o this_o public_a capacity_n will_v in_o proportion_n hold_v concern_v the_o rash_a judgement_n we_o make_v of_o private_a person_n according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n 2._o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o second_o instance_n of_o the_o ill_a effect_n which_o redound_v to_o the_o public_a by_o our_o uncharitable_a judge_v one_o another_o namely_o that_o our_o rash_a and_o censorious_a practice_n towards_o other_o provoke_v the_o like_a usage_n from_o they_o towards_o ourselves_o and_o thence_o arise_v those_o many_o feud_n and_o animosity_n mutual_a revile_n and_o bitter_a envy_n so_o visible_a among_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o a_o feud_n thus_o begin_v common_o spread_v itself_o and_o all_o our_o friend_n and_o correspondent_n be_v soon_o make_v partner_n in_o the_o quarrel_n and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v aside_o or_o allay_v those_o animosity_n which_o have_v be_v thus_o begin_v every_o man_n experience_n may_v convince_v he_o now_o i_o need_v not_o use_v any_o argument_n to_o show_v that_o division_n and_o animosity_n among_o man_n be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a society_n where_o they_o live_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n attest_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n so_o that_o we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o practice_n tend_v to_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o strife_n and_o contention_n be_v very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o public_a nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o practice_n that_o do_v more_o effectual_o tend_v that_o way_n than_o this_o of_o uncharitable_a judge_n and_o censure_v other_o man_n how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o any_o society_n be_v so_o much_o more_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a those_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v which_o cause_n division_n in_o it_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o be_v a_o society_n who_o happiness_n be_v not_o terminate_v in_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o life_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o those_o uncharitable_a censure_n which_o cause_n division_n among_o christian_n receive_v from_o hence_o a_o mighty_a aggravation_n in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hinder_v their_o present_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n but_o endanger_v their_o fall_a short_a of_o that_o eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o none_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v after_o peace_n and_o holiness_n and_o from_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v but_o add_v a_o three_o ill_a effect_n which_o this_o uncharitable_a practice_n of_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o bring_v to_o the_o public_a 3._o viz._n that_o it_o bring_v reproach_n upon_o our_o christian_a profession_n and_o upon_o that_o holy_a name_n whereby_o we_o be_v call_v for_o suppose_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o pagan_a shall_v peruse_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o shall_v read_v there_o the_o many_o precept_n which_o require_v of_o we_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n in_o our_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n shall_v they_o read_v s._n paul_n description_n of_o christian_a charity_n that_o it_o think_v no_o evil_a that_o it_o believe_v all_o thing_n and_o hope_v all_o thing_n do_v they_o consider_v the_o many_o argument_n the_o gospel_n use_v to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n and_o great_a reward_n undispensable_o depend_v upon_o our_o practice_n and_o last_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o who_o in_o his_o conversation_n among_o man_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o all_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o other_o but_o do_v himself_o exercise_v the_o great_a candour_n towards_o all_o man_n scarce_o ever_o pass_v a_o severe_a censure_n upon_o any_o but_o that_o proud_a censorious_a sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o make_v themselves_o judge_n of_o all_o other_o shall_v they_o then_o descend_v to_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_n with_o that_o excellent_a rule_n they_o pretend_v to_o and_o with_o the_o example_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o see_v how_o vast_a the_o disproportion_n be_v between_o our_o practice_n and_o profession_n they_o will_v easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o serious_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o vaunt_v of_o nor_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o saviour_n in_o give_v law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o their_o life_n nor_o expect_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v foretell_v they_o will_v find_v it_o very_o hard_a to_o reconcile_v how_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n can_v consist_v with_o many_o uncharitable_a practice_n unjust_a reproach_n and_o mutual_a enmity_n which_o the_o profess_a disciple_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v so_o easy_o tempt_v to_o thus_o beside_o the_o injury_n we_o do_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o the_o public_a society_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v feel_a member_n we_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o may_v be_v win_v over_o to_o our_o most_o holy_a profession_n do_v they_o not_o see_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o so_o manifest_o contradict_v in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n what_o they_o plead_v for_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o affection_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o particular_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n here_o use_v to_o dissuade_v from_o uncharitable_a judge_v one_o another_o because_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o this_o will_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n if_o compare_v with_o our_o great_a inability_n to_o judge_v aright_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v particular_o urge_v by_o our_o apostle_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v my_o text_n judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o both_o will_v bring_v to_o light_v the_o hide_a work_n and_o will_v make_v manifest_a the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o shall_v every_o man_n have_v praise_n of_o god_n the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o what_o man_n do_v can_v be_v determine_v bare_o from_o outward_a appearance_n which_o only_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n many_o action_n may_v proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n true_o pious_a and_o devout_a which_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o know_v the_o heart_n which_o yet_o as_o to_o man_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n and_o mistake_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o outward_a action_n of_o hypocrite_n may_v appear_v to_o man_n as_o instance_n of_o great_a piety_n and_o devotion_n when_o to_o god_n they_o be_v a_o abomination_n now_o shall_v we_o use_v the_o utmost_a of_o our_o discretion_n in_o these_o case_n we_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o these_o man_n or_o their_o action_n so_o many_o be_v the_o secret_a wind_n and_o private_a retirement_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n so_o various_a his_o thought_n and_o intention_n and_o so_o numerous_a his_o pretence_n to_o disguise_v his_o action_n that_o it_o
spirit_n to_o continue_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o guide_v it_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o to_o assist_v and_o govern_v every_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o that_o be_v indispensable_o require_v of_o he_o god_n himself_o have_v a_o singular_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o good_a man_n as_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n tell_v we_o psal_n cxlvij_o ii_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o in_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v condescend_v to_o dwell_v and_o inhabit_v with_o such_o person_n which_o i_o conceive_v can_v be_v understand_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a near_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o good_a man_n that_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v and_o succour_v they_o in_o whatsoever_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o john_n fourteen_o 23._o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o and_o then_o sure_o be_v blessed_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o a_o guest_n they_o can_v want_v any_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o conclude_v then_o what_o remain_v now_o but_o if_o we_o desire_v knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o religion_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o seek_v it_o in_o this_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v viz._n with_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o true_a knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v he_o that_o seek_v in_o this_o way_n shall_v not_o miscarry_v for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o serm._n iu._n heb._n xij_o 1._o wherefore_o see_v we_o also_o be_v compass_v with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o those_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n who_o live_v before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o word_n i_o have_v now_o read_v be_v a_o inference_n from_o their_o example_n that_o we_o also_o have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glorious_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o mighty_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o endure_a affliction_n may_v from_o thence_o be_v excite_v to_o a_o like_a vigour_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o christian_a profession_n so_o that_o the_o word_n contain_v these_o two_o thing_n worthy_a our_o consideration_n a_o exhortation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o exhortation_n in_o these_o word_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o exhortation_n in_o these_o word_n see_v we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o exhortation_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a in_o holy_a scripture_n than_o to_o represent_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a under_o the_o similitude_n of_o such_o other_o employment_n as_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o require_v the_o most_o exact_a care_n and_o vigilance_n in_o those_o who_o undertake_v they_o sometime_o we_o be_v compare_v to_o soldier_n who_o must_v be_v always_o upon_o the_o guard_n sometime_o to_o traveller_n and_o pilgrim_n who_o have_v a_o long_a and_o hazardous_a journey_n to_o make_v sometime_o to_o those_o who_o strive_v for_o mastery_n in_o public_a game_n now_o these_o several_a sort_n of_o employment_n do_v all_o presuppose_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o those_o who_o undertake_v they_o do_v propose_v to_o themselves_o some_o great_a and_o considerable_a end_n some_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v pass_v through_o great_a industry_n and_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o the_o case_n be_v not_o unlike_a in_o our_o christian_a profession_n we_o have_v a_o glorious_a prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_v set_v before_o we_o we_o have_v a_o exceed_o great_a reward_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o we_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n and_o just_a rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o bestow_v on_o such_o as_o overcome_v but_o then_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v this_o reward_n and_o crown_n upon_o any_o other_o condition_n than_o that_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o as_o man_n who_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n manful_o and_o courageous_o who_o have_v strive_v lawful_o and_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n the_o similitude_n use_v in_o the_o text_n be_v take_v from_o those_o trial_n of_o skill_n those_o public_a exercise_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o olympic_a game_n now_o for_o those_o who_o run_v in_o a_o race_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v if_o they_o hope_v to_o gain_v the_o victory_n in_o proportion_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v express_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o they_o must_v free_v themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a burden_n from_o all_o their_o loose_a garment_n which_o may_v clog_v or_o entangle_v they_o in_o their_o way_n they_o must_v lay_v away_o every_o weight_n 2._o they_o must_v be_v active_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o course_n they_o must_v run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o they_o 3._o they_o must_v continue_v their_o vigour_n and_o courage_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o run_v with_o patience_n that_o be_v with_o perseverance_n and_o continuance_n in_o well-doing_n now_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apply_v these_o several_a circumstance_n to_o our_o christian_a duty_n and_o i_o shall_v consider_v each_o of_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v that_o what_o be_v here_o metaphorical_o express_v by_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o s._n paul_n elsewhere_o teach_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n and_o call_v the_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o which_o s._n john_n call_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o so_o many_o clog_n and_o weight_n that_o press_v down_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v it_o dull_a and_o unactive_a and_o divert_v it_o from_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o lay_v aside_o these_o encumbrance_n the_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o these_o affection_n and_o desire_n and_o from_o the_o love_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o nay_o of_o our_o life_n itself_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o duty_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o preparation_n for_o our_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o that_o without_o so_o do_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v christ_n disciple_n mat._n xuj_o 24._o jesus_n say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o s._n mat._n x._o 38._o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o now_o that_o the_o renounce_n and_o forsake_v our_o carnal_a lust_n and_o desire_n be_v most_o general_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o deny_v ourselves_o i_o conceive_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o it_o be_v make_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o all_o that_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n not_o only_o those_o who_o suffer_v persecution_n but_o all_o that_o will_v be_v christian_n must_v in_o their_o proportion_n deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v universal_a not_o limit_v to_o any_o time_n or_o place_n or_o other_o circumstance_n but_o equal_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n luke_n fourteen_o 26._o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o
more_o fit_a and_o expedite_v for_o the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o viz._n that_o we_o be_v more_o particular_o careful_a to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o those_o temptation_n to_o lay_v aside_o those_o lust_n to_o which_o we_o perceive_v ourselves_o by_o nature_n or_o custom_n most_o incline_v this_o i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v here_o by_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o every_o man_n who_o give_v himself_o the_o leisure_n to_o examine_v his_o own_o heart_n impartial_o will_v find_v that_o some_o temptation_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o easy_a access_n to_o he_o than_o other_o and_o our_o great_a adversary_n the_o devil_n be_v very_o diligent_a and_o watchful_a to_o set_v before_o we_o such_o object_n and_o lay_v such_o snare_n in_o our_o way_n which_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o we_o the_o sin_n we_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o ofttimes_o creep_v upon_o we_o insensible_o and_o get_v possession_n of_o our_o heart_n before_o we_o be_v well_o aware_a of_o they_o sometime_o they_o disguise_v themselves_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o piety_n and_o seem_a holiness_n and_o a_o great_a zeal_n against_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a sometime_o they_o plead_v nature_n and_o custom_n for_o their_o continuance_n that_o these_o can_v be_v overcome_v sometime_o we_o have_v way_n to_o extenuate_v they_o and_o make_v they_o seem_v small_a and_o venial_a and_o if_o man_n take_v time_n to_o deliberate_v about_o part_v with_o they_o there_o be_v great_a hazard_n but_o they_o will_v keep_v possession_n so_o apt_a be_v we_o to_o be_v vanquish_v when_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o when_o our_o adversary_n from_o without_o have_v their_o correspondent_o in_o our_o own_o bosom_n when_o we_o have_v so_o many_o treacherous_a guest_n so_o many_o deceitful_a lust_n within_o we_o which_o be_v ready_a to_o betray_v we_o and_o to_o yield_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o a_o subtle_a and_o powerful_a enemy_n here_o then_o be_v our_o great_a danger_n here_o we_o must_v exert_v our_o great_a care_n and_o vigilance_n here_o we_o must_v show_v our_o courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o throw_v off_o these_o darling_n and_o belove_a lust_n the_o sin_n that_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n elsewhere_o require_v of_o we_o when_o he_o bid_v we_o cut_v off_o our_o right_a hand_n and_o pluck_v out_o our_o right_a eye_n when_o they_o make_v we_o to_o offend_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n have_v according_o to_o our_o power_n lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n have_v free_v ourselves_o from_o our_o evil_a habit_n and_o custom_n and_o from_o our_o most_o secret_a and_o belove_a lust_n we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v here_o thus_o much_o be_v require_v as_o a_o preparation_n to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n but_o when_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o number_n we_o must_v then_o set_v ourselves_o upon_o a_o active_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n a_o negative_a holiness_n will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n we_o must_v not_o only_o eschew_v evil_a but_o we_o must_v do_v what_o good_a we_o can_v in_o the_o several_a place_n and_o station_n to_o which_o god_n have_v call_v we_o they_o who_o run_v in_o a_o race_n when_o they_o have_v strip_v themselves_o and_o lay_v aside_o all_o unnecessary_a weight_n and_o encumbrance_n have_v yet_o the_o whole_a race_n before_o they_o which_o they_o must_v run_v through_o if_o they_o expect_v their_o crown_n and_o prize_n and_o therefore_o in_o proportion_n to_o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o we_o also_o be_v exhort_v in_o the_o 2._o second_o place_n to_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o now_o the_o positive_a duty_n require_v of_o all_o christian_n answer_v to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o similitude_n and_o to_o discharge_v they_o faithful_o be_v mean_v by_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o and_o this_o be_v elsewhere_o express_v in_o plain_a exhortation_n work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n think_v on_o and_o do_v these_o thing_n now_o these_o and_o the_o like_a exhortation_n and_o precept_n often_o repeat_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v all_o in_o general_a term_n the_o particular_a instance_n of_o duty_n require_v by_o they_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o each_o man_n private_a consideration_n and_o they_o be_v various_a according_a to_o man_n several_a ability_n and_o opportunity_n according_a to_o their_o several_a relation_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v they_o god_n the_o supreme_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v by_o his_o wise_a and_o good_a providence_n allot_v every_o man_n his_o course_n it_o be_v not_o of_o our_o choose_n but_o it_o be_v a_o race_n set_v before_o we_o he_o have_v likewise_o distribute_v among_o man_n various_a gift_n and_o ability_n whereby_o they_o be_v several_o fit_v to_o do_v good_a and_o according_a to_o these_o every_o man_n must_v judge_v of_o his_o duty_n in_o particular_a what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o he_o and_o no_o man_n who_o do_v not_o want_n will_v and_o resolution_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v ordinary_o be_v ignorant_a what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o descend_v to_o any_o particular_a instance_n of_o duty_n only_o from_o the_o similitude_n here_o use_v i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o suggest_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v vigorous_a and_o cheerful_a 2._o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a 1._o the_o similitude_n of_o run_v import_v great_a vigour_n and_o alacrity_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n they_o who_o run_v with_o hope_n of_o victory_n must_v not_o be_v fainthearted_a and_o languish_v but_o must_v be_v cheerful_a and_o courageous_a full_a of_o hope_n and_o eager_a expectation_n of_o the_o desire_a triumph_n thus_o must_v a_o christian_a behave_v himself_o in_o the_o race_n set_v before_o he_o he_o must_v go_v about_o his_o duty_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o freedom_n as_o one_o that_o do_v it_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o hope_n for_o success_n by_o so_o do_v he_o must_v always_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n the_o joy_n set_v before_o he_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o he_o and_o in_o prospect_n of_o that_o he_o must_v cheerful_o undertake_v whatever_o difficulty_n he_o meet_v with_o in_o his_o way_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o have_v once_o obey_v the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n if_o we_o have_v once_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o low_a and_o sordid_a care_n and_o encumbrance_n of_o this_o life_n present_a there_o can_v then_o remain_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v or_o retard_v our_o motion_n or_o to_o abate_v our_o courage_n in_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o and_o this_o holy_a david_n seem_v to_o express_v say_v i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n when_o thou_o have_v set_v my_o heart_n at_o liberty_n when_o we_o be_v once_o at_o liberty_n from_o the_o world_n and_o have_v wean_v our_o affection_n from_o thing_n below_o and_o place_v they_o on_o a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n then_o though_o we_o meet_v with_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n we_o shall_v joyful_o go_v on_o and_o every_o day_n progress_n in_o our_o course_n of_o piety_n will_v render_v our_o task_n more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a we_o shall_v apprehend_v ourselves_o every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o approach_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o to_o the_o crown_n of_o our_o labour_n and_o out_o of_o prospect_n of_o so_o sure_a a_o reward_n so_o nigh_o at_o hand_n and_o out_o of_o a_o fore-taste_a of_o that_o happiness_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v of_o religion_n from_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n 2._o another_o thing_n represent_v by_o this_o similitude_n of_o run_v be_v that_o our_o course_n of_o piety_n our_o religious_a conversation_n ought_v to_o be_v constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a he_o that_o run_v in_o a_o race_n can_v find_v leisure_n to_o stop_v and_o divert_v himself_o or_o salute_v his_o friend_n by_o the_o way_n a_o little_a needless_a ceremony_n at_o such_o a_o time_n may_v hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o whole_a
prize_n his_o adversary_n perhaps_o who_o be_v of_o less_o ability_n and_o courage_n may_v by_o such_o a_o advantage_n easy_o get_v the_o start_n of_o he_o and_o defeat_v he_o of_o the_o crown_n and_o he_o become_v the_o derision_n and_o scorn_n of_o the_o beholder_n the_o case_n be_v not_o unlike_a in_o our_o christian_a race_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o be_v religious_a and_o devout_a by_o fit_n and_o start_v at_o some_o set_a time_n or_o upon_o some_o solemn_a occasion_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o constant_a behaviour_n the_o continue_a employment_n of_o our_o life_n the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v much_o more_o our_o business_n than_o any_o other_o employment_n whatsoever_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o constant_o and_o vigorous_o pursue_v for_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o give_v ourselves_o leisure_n to_o be_v idle_a and_o make_v any_o least_o delay_n or_o stop_v in_o our_o christian_a race_n alas_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o easy_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o our_o desire_a end_n for_o how_o fast_o soever_o we_o go_v on_o in_o our_o way_n our_o former_a lust_n and_o desire_v we_o have_v cast_v off_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o follow_v we_o close_o to_o tread_v in_o our_o step_n and_o will_v watch_v every_o opportunity_n to_o desire_v parley_n with_o we_o and_o entreat_v our_o stay_n and_o if_o we_o once_o make_v the_o least_o intermission_n to_o treat_v with_o they_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o foresee_v how_o soon_o our_o vigour_n and_o heat_n with_o which_o we_o begin_v the_o race_n will_v abate_v and_o cool_v our_o joint_n will_v then_o grow_v stiff_a and_o unactive_a and_o then_o present_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n arise_v and_o we_o be_v as_o far_o from_o our_o journey_n end_v as_o when_o we_o first_o set_v out_o so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v when_o we_o have_v begin_v well_o and_o go_v on_o for_o a_o while_n then_o to_o stay_v and_o look_v back_o and_o deliberate_a whether_o we_o shall_v go_v far_o or_o not_o nay_o in_o these_o case_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n to_o stay_v be_v to_o go_v backward_o for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n he_o can_v be_v altogether_o idle_a if_o he_o be_v not_o engage_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a he_o will_v certain_o be_v employ_v in_o somewhat_o else_o that_o be_v bad_a and_o sinful_a and_o then_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o a_o good_a habit_n be_v much_o more_o weaken_a by_o a_o little_a intermission_n than_o it_o can_v be_v strengthen_v or_o improve_v by_o many_o instance_n of_o virtue_n so_o that_o from_o these_o consideration_n it_o may_v abundant_o appear_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o our_o progress_n in_o this_o race_n before_o we_o shall_v be_v constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o this_o exhortation_n be_v that_o our_o vigour_n and_o diligence_n in_o this_o affair_n must_v be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n we_o must_v run_v with_o patience_n how_o diligent_a and_o active_a soever_o we_o may_v have_v be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n how_o far_o soever_o we_o have_v proceed_v in_o our_o christian_a race_n let_v no_o man_n yet_o flatter_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o whole_a duty_n or_o that_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o perfection_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o or_o that_o he_o be_v already_o secure_a of_o his_o reward_n and_o crown_n for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a mistake_n and_o many_o who_o do_v run_v once_o well_o may_v upon_o this_o presumption_n foolish_o miscarry_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pain_n and_o labour_n they_o have_v heretofore_o endure_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n and_o this_o very_a similitude_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o it_o for_o who_o ever_o pretend_v to_o have_v win_v the_o prize_n without_o run_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n now_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a than_o that_o our_o life_n here_o be_v the_o time_n of_o our_o trial_n wherein_o we_o must_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n and_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o and_o that_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v the_o time_n of_o reward_n or_o retribution_n as_o long_o therefore_o as_o we_o live_v here_o we_o must_v keep_v up_o our_o diligence_n in_o our_o christian_a calling_n labour_v every_o day_n to_o go_v on_o from_o strength_n to_o strength_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o improve_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n of_o live_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o imagine_v to_o themselves_o i_o know_v not_o what_o security_n of_o their_o condition_n they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v that_o god_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o have_v make_v no_o such_o irrevocable_a decree_n for_o any_o particular_a man_n salvation_n but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o if_o he_o fall_v from_o his_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n ez._n 33._o 13._o when_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o righteous_a that_o he_o shall_v sure_o live_v if_o he_o trust_v to_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n all_o his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v remember_v for_o his_o iniquity_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v he_o shall_v die_v for_o it_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o possibility_n and_o danger_n of_o this_o s._n paul_n exhort_v we_o 1_o cor._n x._o 12._o wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v where_o the_o apostle_n plain_o intimate_v that_o they_o who_o think_v themselves_o perfect_a and_o secure_a of_o their_o condition_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v than_o other_o because_o that_o very_a security_n be_v apt_a in_o its_o own_o natural_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n supine_n and_o negligent_a and_o unwilling_a to_o proceed_v further_o in_o the_o race_n set_v before_o they_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n though_o we_o have_v make_v it_o our_o endeavour_n to_o throw_v off_o every_o weight_n though_o we_o have_v use_v great_a diligence_n in_o our_o christian_a race_n yet_o still_o we_o have_v something_o more_o to_o do_v we_o have_v still_o many_o adversary_n to_o contend_v with_o many_o temptation_n to_o resist_v the_o seed_n of_o those_o desire_n which_o we_o have_v before_o do_v still_o remain_v in_o we_o which_o will_v always_o afford_v new_a matter_n for_o our_o vigilance_n and_o care_n nor_o can_v we_o ever_o be_v secure_a that_o we_o have_v earn_v our_o prize_n till_o we_o have_v finish_v our_o course_n with_o patience_n and_o god_n call_v we_o hence_o to_o receive_v our_o reward_n sure_o i_o be_o if_o any_o man_n may_v be_v secure_a before_o hand_n that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o whole_a duty_n and_o be_v now_o ascertain_v of_o his_o reward_n s._n paul_n may_v pretend_v as_o reasonable_o to_o that_o privilege_n as_o any_o other_o but_o yet_o he_o describe_v his_o own_o condition_n as_o still_o imperfect_a and_o still_o depend_v upon_o his_o future_a diligence_n phil._n iij._n 12._o not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v either_o be_v already_o perfect_a but_o i_o follow_v after_o if_o that_o i_o may_v apprehend_v that_o for_o which_o also_o i_o be_o apprehend_v of_o christ_n jesus_n brethren_n i_o count_v not_o myself_o to_o have_v apprehend_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n thus_o if_o we_o will_v follow_v s._n paul_n example_n and_o the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o text_n we_o must_v still_o continue_v press_v forward_o and_o run_v with_o patience_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o race_n have_v thus_o far_o consider_v the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o i_o may_v now_o endeavour_v to_o enforce_v it_o by_o represent_v to_o your_o thought_n the_o exceed_v great_a reward_n the_o glorious_a prize_n we_o be_v to_o run_v for_o in_o the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o blessedness_n that_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n sufficient_o to_o conceive_v of_o it_o i_o may_v also_o here_o recall_v to_o your_o remembrance_n the_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v this_o reward_n and_o will_v bestow_v it_o on_o those_o who_o have_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o run_v with_o patience_n i_o may_v far_o add_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n good_a spirit_n the_o great_a comfort_n support_v and_o