Selected quad for the lemma: duty_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n christian_n day_n time_n 1,423 5 3.9207 3 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A47296 Five discourses on so many very important points of practical religion by John Kettlewell ... ; with a preface giving some account of the author's life. Kettlewell, John, 1653-1695. 1696 (1696) Wing K367; ESTC R17624 70,803 182

There are 10 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

there_o can_v be_v no_o fix_a bound_n set_v to_o all_o temper_n and_o state_n of_o penitent_n but_o that_o must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o relapse_n into_o any_o wilful_a sin_n they_o must_v renew_v their_o resolution_n particular_o against_o it_o before_o they_o come_v to_o ask_v pardon_n for_o it_o because_o god_n will_v not_o pardon_v any_o wilful_a sin_n till_o we_o have_v particular_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v a_o renewal_a of_o the_o whole_a baptismal_a covenant_n it_o may_v be_v very_o fit_a and_o adviseable_a that_o at_o some_o time_n through_o all_o their_o life_n but_o much_o often_o whilst_o their_o fall_n be_v more_o frequent_a and_o their_o state_n more_o doubtful_a they_o renew_v their_o vow_n and_o penitential_a engagement_n upon_o all_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o duty_n and_o against_o all_o know_a sin_n whatsoever_o and_o to_o be_v prepare_v every_o day_n against_o the_o sin_n which_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o incur_v in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o repeat_v their_o resolution_n against_o all_o probable_a temptation_n of_o that_o day_n every_o morning_n and_o lie_v wait_v for_o the_o opportunity_n of_o perform_v they_o in_o the_o daytime_n and_o take_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o performance_n every_o night_n and_o if_o repentance_n be_v thus_o make_v a_o design_v work_n and_o turn_v into_o a_o daily_a buness_n it_o will_v be_v like_a to_o go_v on_o well_o and_o prosper_v in_o our_o hand_n we_o be_v still_o supply_v it_o where_o it_o want_v and_o renew_v it_o where_o it_o fail_v and_o fortify_v it_o where_o it_o begin_v to_o falter_v and_o if_o we_o persevere_v in_o this_o course_n and_o proceed_v in_o it_o not_o only_o now_o and_o then_o by_o fit_n but_o always_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o relapse_v but_o continue_v penitent_n to_o our_o lives-end_n which_o god_n of_o his_o great_a mercy_n grant_v etc._n etc._n discourse_n iu._n how_o to_o take_v the_o true_a wisdom_n of_o worldly_a man_n in_o their_o management_n and_o apply_v it_o with_o admirable_a use_n and_o advantage_n in_o the_o improvement_n and_o perfection_n of_o holy_a obedience_n on_o luk._n 16.8_o for_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n this_o be_v our_o bless_a saviour_n reflection_n on_o the_o unjust_a steward_n forecast_n and_o provision_n for_o his_o present_a state_n when_o he_o have_v lose_v the_o favour_n of_o his_o lord_n he_o seek_v how_o to_o make_v friend_n among_o his_o tenant_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v he_o into_o their_o house_n when_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o his_o lord_n service_n now_o though_o he_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o his_o injustice_n and_o dishonesty_n yet_o the_o lord_n commend_v he_o for_o his_o prudence_n and_o forecast_n or_o for_o that_o in_o his_o way_n or_o in_o the_o way_n of_o worldly_a man_n he_o have_v do_v wise_o v_o 8._o and_o this_o he_o observe_v be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o he_o but_o be_v common_a to_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n though_o they_o be_v not_o careful_a more_o than_o the_o unjust_a steward_n be_v of_o innocence_n and_o honesty_n yet_o they_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o worldly_a management_n yea_o wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v in_o they_o and_o though_o we_o be_v to_o leave_v their_o injustice_n with_o they_o yet_o our_o bless_a lord_n will_v have_v we_o learn_v wisdom_n of_o management_n from_o they_o in_o discourse_v upon_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v first_o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n and_o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o light_n second_o what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n three_o note_v those_o thing_n wherein_o their_o foresight_n and_o discretion_n be_v more_o particular_o imitable_a and_o wherein_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o learn_v wisdom_n from_o they_o 1._o i_o shall_v show_v who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n and_o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o light_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v they_o who_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o mind_n worldly_a end_n and_o matter_n and_o pursue_v they_o by_o worldly_a rule_n and_o management_n not_o regard_v the_o innocence_n more_o than_o the_o unjust_a steward_n do_v but_o only_o the_o serviceableness_n and_o expedience_n of_o they_o the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v they_o who_o profess_v to_o walk_v in_o belief_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o religion_n and_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ._n whatsoever_o do_v make_v manifest_a say_v the_o apostle_n be_v light_a eph._n 5.13_o and_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v come_v to_o manifest_v to_o we_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o call_v himself_o the_o light_n jo._n 8.12_o and_o chap._n 9.5_o and_o 1.7_o and_o all_o who_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o follow_v and_o obey_v he_o to_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n which_o he_o discover_v and_o prescribe_v to_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o light_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n now_o their_o generation_n be_v that_o age_n or_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o those_o man_n of_o that_o time_n of_o like_a end_n profession_n and_o management_n with_o themselves_o among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o their_o being_n wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v in_o they_o be_v their_o manage_n their_o several_a worldly_a end_n and_o profession_n among_o one_o another_o in_o their_o time_n with_o more_o true_a forecast_n and_o wisdom_n than_o christian_n in_o their_o day_n be_v wont_a to_o manage_v their_o profession_n of_o pay_v their_o service_n and_o all_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n or_o of_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o all_o point_n unto_o he_o i_o come_v now_o 3._o which_o be_v the_o main_a point_n i_o be_o to_o insist_v upon_o from_o these_o word_n to_o note_v those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o forecast_n and_o discretion_n of_o worldly_a man_n be_v more_o particular_o imitable_a by_o we_o and_o wherein_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o learn_v wisdom_n from_o they_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v note_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o it_o be_v one_o part_n of_o their_o wisdom_n 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 2._o that_o when_o they_o have_v once_o fix_v their_o end_n they_o open_o own_o and_o profess_v it_o 3._o 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 4._o that_o have_v thus_o fix_v themselves_o upon_o their_o end_n and_o make_v that_o their_o profession_n it_o be_v the_o constant_a mark_n in_o their_o eye_n and_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 5._o 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 to_o its_o prejudice_n 6._o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o cast_v off_o any_o other_o care_n or_o concern_v when_o they_o either_o find_v or_o foresee_v they_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v impediment_n or_o encumbrance_n to_o their_o main_a business_n 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 8._o when_o any_o thing_n be_v propose_v to_o they_o their_o eye_n fall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n upon_o their_o chief_a end_n and_o they_o either_o accept_v or_o refuse_v the_o same_o according_a as_o it_o may_v be_v like_a to_o serve_v or_o disserve_v they_o in_o their_o prosecution_n or_o attainment_n thereof_o 9_o they_o be_v jealous_a of_o their_o great_a end_n and_o examine_v nice_o and_o be_v very_o difficult_o bring_v to_o give_v way_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o bear_v any_o colour_n or_o may_v in_o any_o likelihood_n turn_v to_o its_o prejudice_n 10._o they_o be_v very_o active_a and_o industrious_a to_o engage_v succour_n where_o they_o be_v needful_a to_o their_o great_a purpose_n 1._o one_o point_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o child_n of_o this_o
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 ●_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
and_o temperate_a to_o do_v all_o man_n justice_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o love_v all_o even_o his_o enemy_n and_o employ_v himself_o in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o duty_n which_o must_v at_o the_o last_o and_o great_a day_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o account_n he_o have_v either_o no_o share_n at_o all_o or_o not_o enough_o in_o christ_n salvation_n the_o chief_a grace_n which_o they_o enjoy_v be_v the_o grace_n of_o forbearance_n god_n do_v not_o snatch_v some_o of_o they_o away_o in_o their_o deplorable_a nor_o other_o in_o their_o insecure_a condition_n but_o allow_v they_o time_n and_o opportunity_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o only_a advice_n which_o i_o can_v give_v they_o be_v to_o renounce_v their_o evil_a course_n and_o to_o live_v as_o new_a man_n and_o then_o they_o may_v comfortable_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a state_n and_o be_v not_o without_o their_o part_n in_o that_o salvation_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o procure_v for_o they_o 3._o a_o three_o use_v and_o improvement_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o discourse_n be_v for_o the_o direct_n of_o our_o charity_n in_o show_v what_o thing_n we_o ought_v most_o chief_o to_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v after_o for_o our_o brethren_n for_o if_o our_o great_a happiness_n and_o the_o great_a salvation_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o procure_v for_o we_o consist_v in_o our_o deliverance_n from_o our_o sin_n and_o we_o be_v to_o love_v our_o brethren_n as_o christ_n love_v we_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o great_a benefit_n which_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o they_o be_v their_o virtuous_a life_n and_o reformation_n holiness_n be_v the_o great_a kindness_n which_o they_o can_v receive_v or_o we_o can_v endeavour_v to_o promote_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o among_o all_o those_o endeavour_n which_o be_v very_o commendable_o use_v for_o our_o brethren_n good_a whether_o in_o their_o body_n good_a name_n or_o fortune_n let_v we_o still_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o their_o high_a good_a of_o all_o their_o increase_n in_o good_a live_n and_o their_o deliverance_n from_o their_o sin_n let_v our_o great_a care_n be_v to_o make_v they_o better_o rather_o than_o rich_a and_o more_o honourable_a than_o they_o be_v for_o this_o be_v true_a kindness_n and_o love_n indeed_o to_o show_v ourselves_o most_o concern_v for_o that_o whereby_o they_o will_v be_v infinite_o most_v advantage_v this_o deliverance_n from_o their_o sin_n then_o be_v that_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o procure_v for_o they_o and_o as_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a aim_n of_o all_o our_o labour_n for_o their_o advantage_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v of_o those_o more_o especial_o which_o be_v employ_v for_o reclaim_v they_o from_o a_o false_a religion_n or_o establish_v they_o in_o a_o right_a one_o for_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n in_o all_o party_n and_o must_v carry_v man_n who_o other_o error_n god_n shall_v see_v fit_a to_o excuse_v because_o of_o the_o pityableness_n of_o their_o ignorance_n to_o heaven_n in_o all_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o convert_v a_o man_n to_o a_o party_n but_o not_o to_o obedience_n we_o win_v a_o proselyte_n but_o half_a way_n 20._o and_o have_v not_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n till_o we_o have_v reduce_v he_o as_o from_o error_n so_o from_o sin_n too_o in_o all_o our_o endeavour_n therefore_o of_o this_o sort_n let_v we_o strive_v at_o least_o as_o much_o to_o win_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n as_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n let_v we_o seek_v as_o much_o to_o rectify_v their_o heart_n as_o their_o understanding_n and_o to_o get_v they_o over_o unto_o a_o entire_a obedience_n unto_o christ_n and_o not_o only_o to_o a_o external_a communion_n with_o ourselves_o some_o indeed_o instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o save_v and_o rescue_v other_o from_o their_o sin_n take_v a_o pride_n in_o inveigle_v and_o ensnare_a they_o into_o sin_n they_o will_v glory_n in_o make_v a_o sober_a man_n drink_v or_o in_o corrupt_v a_o modest_a virtue_n and_o draw_v it_o captive_a at_o last_o to_o act_n and_o place_n of_o debauchery_n and_o some_o set_v up_o to_o ridicule_n all_o religion_n and_o virtue_n make_v they_o the_o topic_n of_o their_o jest_n and_o merriment_n this_o way_n drive_v those_o out_o of_o all_o profession_n and_o open_a own_n thereof_o who_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v laugh_v at_o now_o these_o man_n who_o thus_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o decoy_n man_n into_o sin_n be_v not_o only_o unchristian_a but_o base_a and_o barbarous_a they_o betray_v they_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o kindness_n and_o seek_v eternal_o to_o destroy_v they_o under_o a_o mask_n of_o friendship_n they_o be_v vile_a wretch_n and_o mischievous_a instrument_n nay_o i_o may_v say_v they_o be_v devil_n and_o destroyer_n in_o the_o very_a same_o sense_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n for_o he_o save_v in_o rescue_v and_o deliver_v man_n from_o their_o sin_n and_o they_o destroy_v they_o in_o entangle_v they_o therein_o and_o make_v they_o subject_n to_o they_o and_o these_o be_v the_o use_v which_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o draw_v from_o the_o forego_n notion_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o christian_a salvation_n and_o god_n grant_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v all_o talk_n and_o hope_v for_o salvation_n we_o may_v not_o appear_v at_o last_o to_o have_v be_v all_o the_o while_n lose_v man_n but_o that_o we_o may_v all_o make_v it_o our_o chief_a care_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o all_o sinful_a habit_n and_o wicked_a course_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v qualify_v for_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o bless_a spirit_n and_o deliver_v from_o those_o eternal_a punishment_n which_o will_v be_v inflict_v on_o all_o that_o be_v irreclamable_o disobedient_a in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v amen_o discourse_n ii_o show_v that_o this_o deliverance_n and_o entire_a obedience_n be_v neither_o impossible_a nor_o extreme_a difficult_a if_o sincere_a christian_n set_v about_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v on_o phil._n 4.13_o i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v i_o the_o thing_n st._n paul_n here_o glory_v himself_o able_a to_o perform_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a even_o those_o that_o be_v the_o great_a trial_n of_o a_o strong_a and_o well_o fix_a mind_n and_o have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a temptation_n in_o they_o such_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o prosperous_a and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o be_v content_v in_o a_o necessitous_a state_n and_o that_o which_o give_v he_o this_o ability_n he_o confess_v be_v not_o any_o power_n of_o nature_n derive_v from_o adam_n but_o the_o super-induced_n grace_n of_o christ_n which_o aid_n and_o strengthen_v he_o in_o that_o forlorn_a state_n wherein_o adam_n sin_n leave_v all_o mankind_n subject_n to_o strong_a lust_n surround_v with_o numerous_a and_o powerful_a temptation_n and_o strip_v of_o all_o divine_a aid_n and_o supernatural_a assistance_n they_o all_o lay_v open_a to_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n and_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v overcome_v but_o since_o christ_n have_v be_v the_o restorer_n of_o the_o world_n and_o recover_v more_o grace_n and_o strength_n for_o we_o than_o ever_o adam_n forfeit_v they_o be_v again_o enable_v to_o withstand_v temptation_n and_o perform_v all_o duty_n unto_o god_n even_o those_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v most_o hardship_n in_o they_o i_o know_v both_o how_o to_o be_v abase_v or_o live_v mean_o and_o how_o to_o abound_v in_o honour_n and_o plenty_n every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o place_n i_o be_o instruct_v both_o to_o be_v full_a without_o forget_v god_n and_o to_o be_v hungry_a without_o repine_v at_o he_o both_o to_o abound_v and_o still_o be_v humble_a and_o temperate_a and_o to_o suffer_v need_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n praise_n and_o trust_n god_n and_o rest_v content_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o verse_n 12_o 13._o by_o this_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v such_o a_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o as_o be_v intermix_v with_o no_o escape_n for_o so_o christ_n do_v not_o enable_v any_o of_o his_o servant_n in_o this_o world_n no_o not_o st._n paul_n himself_o to_o live_v without_o all_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o any_o mortal_a man_n but_o only_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o a_o just_a soul_n make_v perfect_a in_o heaven_n some_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n or_o forgetfulness_n have_v and_o surprise_v such_o as_o paul_n speech_n to_o ananias_n act_v 23.3_o will_v adhere_v to_o the_o best_a man_n whilst_o they_o
have_v earthly_a body_n about_o they_o and_o christ_n who_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n have_v a_o fellow-feeling_n of_o all_o our_o infirmity_n when_o he_o come_v to_o sit_v as_o our_o judge_n will_v make_v fair_a allowance_n for_o they_o heb._n 5.2_o but_o it_o imply_v such_o a_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n as_o admit_v of_o no_o damn_v sin_n that_o be_v of_o no_o sin_n which_o be_v wilful_o incur_v against_o knowledge_n or_o it_o may_v be_v against_o check_n and_o loud_a alarm_n of_o conscience_n and_o which_o be_v also_o persist_v in_o without_o true_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o the_o same_o these_o sin_n deprive_v we_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o destroy_v a_o soul_n and_o therefore_o christ_n must_v strengthen_v man_n against_o all_o these_o before_o he_o prove_v a_o saviour_n to_o they_o and_o this_o strength_n st._n paul_n say_v he_o find_v as_o all_o other_o christian_n will_v who_o will_v make_v the_o experiment_n as_o he_o do_v and_o not_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o or_o fail_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o though_o they_o will_v not_o be_v strengthen_v against_o all_o involuntary_a surprise_v yet_o if_o they_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o employ_v this_o grace_n as_o christ_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v it_o they_o will_v be_v strengthen_v against_o all_o wilful_a breach_n of_o any_o commandment_n or_o at_o least_o against_o all_o impenitent_a continuance_n in_o the_o same_o when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o have_v wilful_o break_v any_o i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o my_o design_n from_o these_o word_n be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v all_o christian_n to_o obey_v his_o law_n who_o be_v not_o want_v in_o their_o own_o care_n and_o good_a endeavour_n he_o earnest_o desire_v the_o obedience_n of_o man_n and_o afford_v they_o aid_v sufficient_a to_o help_v it_o on_o so_o that_o no_o christian_n can_v ever_o fail_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n but_o through_o his_o own_o fault_n when_o he_o either_o neglect_n or_o reject_v that_o help_n and_o grace_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n hold_v out_o to_o he_o indeed_o the_o great_a excuse_n which_o disobedient_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v for_o themselves_o be_v that_o they_o will_v do_v better_a if_o they_o know_v how_o to_o do_v it_o and_o be_v therefore_o only_o ill_a because_o they_o can_v help_v it_o they_o will_v plead_v impotence_n in_o themselves_o and_o impracticable_a height_n and_o impossibility_n in_o god_n commandment_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v most_o false_a it_o will_v be_v a_o serviceable_a plea_n indeed_o and_o excuse_v they_o both_o for_o be_v ill_a and_o also_o for_o be_v idle_a for_o if_o they_o can_v avoid_v be_v disobedient_a why_o shall_v they_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o obey_v do_v what_o they_o can_v why_o shall_v they_o throw_v away_o their_o pain_n in_o vain_a attempt_n and_o fruitless_o endeavour_v after_o it_o there_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o discretion_n in_o attempt_v impossibility_n and_o labour_v after_o that_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v so_o that_o if_o obedience_n be_v impossible_a every_o man_n may_v as_o innocent_o and_o much_o more_o wise_o disobey_v at_o first_o as_o at_o last_o when_o he_o have_v strive_v in_o vain_a against_o it_o and_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v censure_v as_o the_o fault_n of_o his_o choice_n but_o pity_v as_o his_o invincible_a misfortune_n now_o as_o for_o this_o impotence_n and_o impossibility_n of_o perform_v all_o duty_n it_o be_v often_o plead_v by_o those_o who_o seem_v willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o perform_v they_o and_o in_o regard_n it_o give_v some_o colour_n to_o this_o complaint_n because_o we_o hear_v it_o from_o those_o who_o have_v try_v the_o hardship_n and_o so_o from_o their_o own_o experience_n be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o it_o and_o who_o express_v a_o goodwill_n for_o their_o duty_n and_o so_o may_v be_v presume_v to_o complain_v of_o nothing_o but_o what_o they_o find_v in_o treat_v of_o this_o subject_n i_o shall_v 2._o general_o such_o as_o endeavour_v wrong_a without_o use_v those_o fit_a mean_n which_o shall_v make_v they_o obedient_a the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o in_o these_o it_o concern_v we_o much_o to_o be_v careful_a what_o choice_n we_o make_v if_o we_o pursue_v any_o virtue_n without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n at_o all_o that_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o dispatch_n of_o any_o business_n with_o our_o hand_n behind_o we_o and_o if_o we_o use_v improper_a and_o unsuitable_a one_o like_o man_n who_o labour_v with_o ill_a instrument_n in_o any_o craft_n we_o shall_v make_v but_o rugged_a work_n and_o find_v that_o too_o to_o prove_v very_o toilsome_a and_o difficult_a and_o after_o much_o time_n and_o pain_n be_v spend_v see_v but_o a_o very_a little_a fruit_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o virtue_n be_v as_o i_o say_v the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v much_o depend_v upon_o the_o mean_v we_o use_v when_o we_o will_v be_v virtuous_a as_o upon_o the_o way_n we_o take_v when_o we_o will_v travel_v to_o any_o town_n or_o place_n we_o may_v go_v the_o straight_a road_n to_o it_o and_o that_o bring_v we_o thither_o in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o without_o be_v much_o weary_v but_o if_o either_o we_o take_v a_o contrary_a path_n or_o go_v much_o about_o we_o shall_v spend_v much_o more_o time_n and_o be_v much_o more_o tire_a in_o go_v yea_o force_a perhaps_o at_o last_o to_o sit_v down_o short_a of_o our_o journeys-end_n and_o this_o now_o be_v a_o ordinary_a fault_n of_o those_o complainer_n who_o endeavour_n to_o obey_v without_o success_n and_o can_v compass_v any_o virtue_n though_o they_o do_v take_v pain_n for_o it_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o fail_v be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o well_o direct_v and_o their_o labour_n be_v not_o wise_o manage_v and_o lay_v out_o in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o rule_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o likely_a to_o gain_v the_o point_n and_o introduce_v the_o virtue_n which_o they_o want_v to_o illustrate_v this_o by_o some_o instance_n one_o man_n be_v of_o a_o irritable_a hasty_a temper_n and_o he_o complain_v that_o he_o have_v strive_v but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bridle_v and_o conquer_v his_o passion_n he_o labour_v and_o do_v what_o he_o can_v but_o such_o be_v the_o distract_n variety_n of_o his_o business_n the_o crossness_n or_o carelessness_n of_o those_o he_o be_v concern_v with_o or_o the_o number_n of_o his_o provocation_n one_o way_n or_o other_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o care_n his_o passion_n be_v still_o too_o strong_a for_o he_o but_o i_o will_v ask_v that_o person_n who_o say_v his_o labour_n be_v lose_v whether_o he_o advise_v well_o upon_o what_o he_o do_v and_o take_v the_o ready_a and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o this_o conquest_n have_v he_o for_o instance_n beside_o his_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o grace_n to_o master_v his_o passion_n avoid_v moreover_o as_o much_o as_o the_o concern_v of_o life_n will_v suffer_v he_o all_o unnecessary_a discourse_n especial_o dispute_v with_o wrathful_a loud_a cross_z or_o scornful_a person_n have_v he_o watch_v over_o himself_o daily_o at_o such_o time_n and_o place_n and_o in_o such_o business_n and_o company_n wherein_o he_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o provocation_n and_o particular_o resolve_v within_o himself_o not_o only_o long_o before_o but_o at_o those_o very_a time_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v transport_v by_o they_o and_o above_o all_o last_o have_v he_o make_v this_o a_o constant_a law_n to_o himself_o to_o forbear_v speak_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n sudden_o when_o he_o feel_v a_o passion_n stir_v in_o he_o but_o to_o turn_v aside_o and_o say_v over_o the_o lord_n prayer_n or_o some_o devout_a ejaculation_n to_o himself_o which_o will_v both_o gain_v he_o time_n for_o consideration_n and_o likewise_o call_v god_n and_o goodness_n into_o his_o mind_n which_o will_v be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o all_o to_o restrain_v he_o if_o these_o or_o such_o like_a mean_n have_v not_o be_v use_v he_o have_v not_o take_v the_o best_a way_n he_o can_v and_o if_o he_o will_v set_v himself_o to_o bridle_v his_o nature_n in_o this_o way_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n will_v bless_v he_o in_o it_o and_o then_o let_v he_o complain_v he_o can_v restrain_v himself_o if_o he_o find_v reason_n again_o another_o who_o have_v accustom_v himself_o to_o oath_n complain_v that_o he_o be_v convince_v he_o ought_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v it_o but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o
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
and_o exhort_v they_o to_o it_o and_o promise_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o help_v they_o therein_o and_o good_a man_n who_o have_v endeavour_v thus_o either_o now_o or_o heretofore_o have_v actual_o by_o such_o endeavour_n perform_v the_o same_o nay_o if_o they_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n they_o will_v find_v it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o possible_a but_o after_o some_o time_n at_o least_o a_o agreeable_a service_n and_o that_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o tolerable_a in_o most_o a_o easy_a and_o in_o many_o a_o most_o pleasurable_a and_o delightful_a thing_n god_n grant_v that_o as_o by_o his_o grace_n assist_v we_o we_o have_v all_o the_o power_n so_o we_o may_v likewise_o have_v the_o will_n and_o heart_n to_o make_v a_o right_a use_n thereof_o and_o accomplish_v that_o obedience_n which_o he_o so_o sincere_o and_o earnest_o desire_v we_o shall_v and_o will_v most_o glad_o enable_v we_o upon_o our_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o perform_v discourse_n iii_o how_o to_o form_n such_o a_o purpose_n of_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o entire_a obedience_n as_o will_v be_v effectual_a for_o this_o purpose_n on_o act_v 11.23_o and_o exhort_v they_o all_o that_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n when_o some_o of_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v disperse_v abroad_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o st._n stephen_n come_v to_o antioch_n and_o upon_o their_o preach_v multitude_n believe_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n send_v out_o barnabas_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o new_a course_n of_o life_n which_o they_o have_v undertake_v and_o in_o the_o holy_a faith_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o this_o he_o do_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n who_o when_o he_o come_v and_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v glad_a and_o exhort_v they_o all_o etc._n etc._n by_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n we_o may_v understand_v not_o only_o adhere_v to_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jewish_a worship_n and_o to_o all_o false_a god_n and_o heathen_a idol_n a_o point_n very_o necessary_a to_o be_v press_v when_o they_o seek_v convert_v among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o only_o adhere_v to_o gospel-truths_n when_o they_o grow_v hazardous_a a_o thing_n very_o requisite_a to_o be_v inculcate_v under_o approach_a trial_n and_o in_o difficult_a time_n but_o also_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o wicked_a life_n a_o thing_n most_o indispensible_o require_v and_o fit_a to_o be_v studious_o urge_v in_o all_o time_n in_o adhere_v thus_o to_o god_n in_o a_o virtuous_a course_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o many_o difficulty_n and_o be_v put_v to_o de●y_v ourselves_o and_o very_o likely_a other_o too_o who_o either_o out_o of_o some_o temporal_a expectation_n or_o affection_n we_o glad_o will_v comply_v withal_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o stagger_v our_o choice_n and_o to_o draw_v our_o heart_n off_o from_o god_n unless_o they_o be_v full_o bend_v upon_o his_o way_n and_o knit_v to_o he_o by_o a_o six_o resolution_n and_o steady_a purpose_n of_o obedience_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n call_v for_o in_o this_o place_n from_o those_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o will_v go_v on_o with_o god_n service_n he_o exhort_v they_o all_o that_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n my_o design_n from_o these_o word_n be_v to_o show_v how_o to_o form_v such_o a_o resolution_n of_o new_a life_n and_o penitential_a purpose_n as_o may_v both_o set_v we_o in_o and_o also_o carry_v we_o through_o with_o god_n service_n and_o this_o may_v seem_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v insist_v on_o because_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o penitential_a purpose_n fall_v off_o before_o they_o have_v wrought_v a_o answerable_a practice_n so_o that_o it_o be_v high_o useful_a to_o inquire_v what_o be_v their_o defect_n and_o how_o in_o a_o point_n of_o such_o eternal_a moment_n we_o may_v prevent_v miscarriage_n it_o be_v not_o all_o holy_a resolution_n that_o will_v overcome_v our_o lust_n and_o keep_v we_o true_a to_o our_o maker_n against_o all_o temptation_n if_o it_o be_v weak_a or_o waver_a the_o solicitation_n of_o our_o old_a friend_n will_v quick_o alter_v or_o the_o strength_n of_o great_a temptation_n overpower_v it_o if_o it_o be_v chief_o for_o remote_a futurity_n and_o overlook_v what_o be_v next_o at_o hand_n it_o will_v allow_v we_o to_o be_v wicked_a for_o the_o present_a if_o it_o be_v make_v only_o in_o a_o good_a mood_n and_o the_o absence_n of_o temptation_n it_o will_v not_o bear_v we_o out_o when_o we_o come_v under_o they_o if_o it_o be_v rash_a and_o hasty_a without_o a_o due_a foresight_n and_o consideration_n both_o of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o difficulty_n which_o we_o resolve_v upon_o it_o will_v be_v quash_v when_o hardship_n come_v that_o be_v not_o expect_v if_o this_o resolution_n be_v too_o indulgent_a about_o mean_n and_o expediency_n and_o not_o strict_a enough_o against_o all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n it_o leave_v open_v a_o backdoor_n to_o let_v in_o many_o damnable_a offence_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o it_o be_v indiscreet_o rigorous_a in_o these_o point_n it_o will_v prove_v a_o snare_n to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v only_o a_o transient_a act_n and_o be_v not_o frequent_o repeat_v and_o renew_v again_o in_o a_o little_a time_n it_o will_v pass_v off_o from_o we_o a_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n may_v prove_v ineffective_a and_o miscarry_v upon_o all_o these_o ground_n as_o be_v daily_o see_v in_o the_o good_a purpose_n of_o awaken_v sinner_n which_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o raise_v in_o they_o by_o sickness_n or_o some_o affect_a providence_n but_o vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o ere_o they_o have_v wrought_v the_o reformation_n which_o they_o be_v design_v for_o when_o our_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v then_o with_o a_o frightful_a sense_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o we_o think_v serious_o of_o reform_v and_o lead_v new_a life_n great_a care_n must_v be_v take_v so_o to_o fix_v the_o bent_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o form_v such_o a_o penitential_a purpose_n as_o may_v take_v effect_n and_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o perform_v what_o we_o have_v design_v and_o this_o i_o think_v will_v be_v well_o provide_v for_o in_o these_o particular_n first_o our_o resolution_n of_o a_o new_a life_n must_v be_v considerate_a and_o well_o advise_v second_o it_o must_v be_v without_o all_o reserve_v full_a and_o perfect_a three_o it_o must_v be_v adequate_a to_o all_o time_n or_o a_o resolution_n to_o forsake_v sin_n not_o only_o hereafter_o but_o instant_o and_o now_o at_o present_a 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 our_o sin_n but_o also_o when_o we_o can_v act_n and_o repeat_v they_o too_o four_o it_o 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_v of_o duty_n not_o only_o against_o the_o sin_n but_o against_o the_o inducement_n and_o occasion_n that_o lead_v to_o sin_n likewise_o and_o that_o be_v once_o well_o form_v it_o may_v never_o wear_v off_o but_o last_o through_o all_o time_n five_o it_o must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o transient_a act_n but_o oftentimes_o repeat_v and_o renew_v through_o our_o whole_a life_n 1._o to_o form_v such_o a_o resolution_n of_o a_o new_a life_n as_o may_v be_v like_a to_o take_v effect_n it_o must_v not_o be_v a_o rash_a and_o indeliberate_a act_n but_o well_o advise_v and_o considerate_a when_o some_o extraordinary_a providence_n as_o great_a loss_n and_o danger_n or_o severe_a smart_n and_o sickness_n have_v awaken_v man_n conscience_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o great_a and_o painful_a dread_a of_o god_n deserve_a wrath_n to_o cure_v that_o dread_a they_o resolve_v without_o more_o ado_n to_o please_v he_o by_o a_o good_a life_n never_o consider_v what_o that_o be_v or_o what_o pain_n it_o cost_v or_o whether_o it_o may_v not_o prove_v such_o a_o remedy_n as_o afterward_o they_o will_v fancy_n worse_o than_o the_o disease_n itself_o and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o rash_a and_o unadvised_a in_o resolve_v on_o it_o they_o quick_o repent_v of_o such_o resolution_n when_o they_o find_v it_o worse_o than_o they_o imagine_v and_o meet_v with_o hardship_n which_o they_o never_o expect_v to_o prevent_v this_o sickliness_n in_o our_o resolution_n of_o a_o good_a life_n than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o view_v and_o consider_v it_o well_o what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o pain_n it_o require_v before_o we_o make_v they_o and_o look_v on_o all_o side_n to_o see_v both_o what_o may_v discourage_v we_o from_o and_o what_o may_v move_v we_o to_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 wickedness_n so_o that_o when_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o entire_a reformation_n man_n defer_v it_o to_o a_o distant_a time_n they_o will_v find_v to_o their_o cost_n when_o that_o time_n come_v that_o the_o same_o difficulty_n be_v still_o in_o force_n yea_o have_v more_o add_v to_o they_o to_o make_v they_o delay_v it_o yet_o a_o little_a long_o and_o that_o which_o hinder_v they_o at_o first_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v a_o sufficient_a hindrance_n will_v equal_o nay_o much_o more_o hinder_v they_o for_o ever_o after_o and_o this_o st._n austin_n ingenious_o confess_v he_o find_v modum_fw-la when_o i_o delay_v repent_v say_v he_o i_o say_v yet_o a_o little_a while_n and_o then_o again_o a_o little_a while_n and_o then_o i_o will_v repent_v till_o at_o last_o i_o find_v if_o i_o give_v way_n to_o these_o little_a while_n they_o will_v be_v infinite_a and_o last_o always_o thus_o if_o man_n will_v repent_v in_o earnest_n and_o have_v their_o holy_a purpose_n take_v any_o good_a effect_n they_o must_v resolve_v to_o do_v it_o out_o of_o hand_n and_o not_o delay_v it_o till_o their_o sickbed_n or_o some_o other_o time_n yet_o distant_a they_o be_v too_o late_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o have_v a_o work_n of_o that_o necessity_n and_o importance_n yet_o to_o begin_v and_o they_o may_v well_o be_v the_o far_o from_o it_o but_o can_v expect_v to_o be_v more_o able_a or_o likely_a to_o begin_v it_o at_o another_o season_n the_o present_a time_n be_v only_o that_o which_o they_o can_v call_v their_o own_o and_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v like_a to_o go_v on_o most_o easy_o and_o sure_o with_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n so_o that_o when_o they_o resolve_v to_o repent_v the_o only_a wise_a course_n be_v to_o resolve_v to_o do_v it_o instant_o and_o use_v no_o delay_n at_o all_o but_o beside_o this_o that_o our_o penitential_a purpose_n must_v not_o only_o be_v to_o repent_v at_o some_o time_n hereafter_o but_o instant_o now_o at_o present_a 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
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
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
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