favour_n of_o lose_a man_n that_o command_v certain_a duty_n and_o set_v before_o they_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n and_o eternal_a death_n the_o punishment_n of_o disobedience_n according_a to_o this_o the_o trial_n and_o decision_n of_o man_n everlasting_a state_n shall_v be_v which_o be_v the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a law_n this_o law_n of_o grace_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o require_v entire_a innocence_n and_o for_o the_o least_o omission_n or_o accuse_v act_n past_o a_o irrevokable_a doom_n upon_o the_o offender_n for_o that_o strictness_n and_o severity_n be_v mollify_v by_o the_o gospel_n which_o accept_v of_o sincere_a persevere_v obedience_n though_o imperfect_a according_o it_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o liberty_n 2._o but_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n be_v unalterable_a and_o admit_v of_o no_o dispensation_n from_o the_o duty_n require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v everlasting_o happy_a 2._o the_o gospel_n be_v style_v a_o covenant_n and_o that_o import_v a_o reciprocal_a engagement_n between_o party_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n include_v the_o promise_n of_o pardon_v and_o reward_v mercy_n on_o god_n part_n and_o the_o condition_n on_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v there_o be_v a_o inviolable_a dependence_n between_o they_o he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n 9_o to_o make_v we_o happy_a but_o we_o must_v be_v his_o people_n to_o yield_v unreserved_a obedience_n to_o he_o cor._n he_o will_v be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v his_o son_n and_o daughter_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o term_n of_o purify_n ourselves_o from_o all_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o unfeigned_a endeavour_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o his_o fear_n it_o be_v astonish_a goodness_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o condescend_v to_o such_o a_o treaty_n with_o fall_v creature_n by_o a_o voluntary_a promise_n he_o encourage_v they_o but_o though_o most_o free_a in_o make_v it_o be_v conditional_a in_o the_o performance_n the_o constancy_n of_o his_o holy_a nature_n oblige_v he_o to_o fulfil_v his_o word_n but_o it_o be_v if_o we_o do_v not_o fail_v on_o our_o part_n by_o carelessness_n of_o our_o duty_n a_o presumer_n may_v seal_v assurance_n to_o himself_o and_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o great_a matter_n but_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v if_o we_o prove_v false_a in_o the_o covenant_n he_o will_v be_v faithful_a and_o exclude_v those_o from_o heaven_n that_o be_v neglectful_a of_o the_o condition_n to_o which_o it_o be_v promise_v 3._o the_o gospel_n be_v style_v a_o testament_n seal_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n confirm_v by_o his_o death_n the_o donation_n of_o eternal_a blessing_n in_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_a and_o irrespective_a but_o the_o heir_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o inheritance_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o rich_a liberal_a and_o wise_a testator_n there_o can_v be_v no_o regular_a title_n or_o claim_v make_v out_o without_o perform_v what_o be_v require_v and_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n our_o sanctification_n without_o which_o we_o can_v enjoy_v it_o now_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v see_v the_o admirable_a agreement_n between_o these_o two_o notion_n that_o heaven_n be_v a_o gift_n and_o a_o reward_n it_o be_v a_o reward_n in_o the_o order_n of_o give_v it_o not_o due_a to_o the_o work_n but_o from_o the_o bounty_n of_o the_o giver_n god_n give_v heaven_n to_o those_o that_o faithful_o serve_v he_o but_o their_o service_n be_v due_a to_o god_n of_o no_o worth_n in_o respect_n of_o heaven_n so_o that_o man_n work_n be_v no_o merit_n and_o god_n reward_n be_v a_o gift_n our_o everlasting_a glory_n must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o his_o most_o free_a grace_n as_o much_o as_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v what_o the_o gospel_n declare_v to_o be_v indispensible_o requisite_a in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o holy_a change_n of_o man_n nature_n which_o i_o will_v brief_o unfold_v and_o show_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o qualify_v we_o for_o celestial_a glory_n 1._o this_o holy_a change_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o new_a birth_n our_o saviour_n with_o a_o solemn_a repeat_v asseveration_n tell_v nicodemus_n 3._o very_o very_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sin_n be_v natural_a to_o man_n from_o his_o conception_n and_o birth_n and_o infect_v with_o its_o contagion_n all_o his_o faculty_n this_o be_v foment_v and_o cherish_v by_o temptation_n that_o easy_o encompass_v he_o the_o understanding_n be_v pollute_v with_o evil_a principle_n full_a of_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la and_o lofty_a imagination_n against_o the_o supernatural_a mystery_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v full_a of_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n and_o from_o hence_o either_o reject_v they_o as_o incredible_a or_o despise_v they_o as_o impertinent_a or_o unprofitable_a the_o will_n be_v deprave_v and_o perverse_a full_a of_o unruly_a and_o unhallowed_a affection_n the_o sense_n be_v luxurious_a and_o rebellious_a in_o short_a man_n be_v so_o vicious_o and_o sensual_o incline_v so_o alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o divine_a part_n within_o he_o that_o shall_v aspire_v to_o a_o spiritual_a blessedness_n that_o shall_v regulate_v and_o control_v the_o excess_n of_o the_o inferior_a appetite_n this_o be_v the_o unhappy_a character_n satan_n impress_v on_o he_o in_o his_o fall_n and_o without_o renovation_n upon_o a_o infinite_a account_n he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o see_v god_n this_o renovation_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o change_n of_o his_o substance_n as_o the_o water_n be_v miraculous_o turn_v into_o wine_n at_o the_o marriage_n in_o cana_n of_o galilee_n the_o same_o soul_n with_o its_o essential_a power_n the_o same_o body_n with_o its_o natural_a sense_n the_o work_n of_o the_o creator_n remain_v but_o in_o the_o cleanse_n of_o his_o stain_a nature_n in_o the_o sanctify_a his_o faculty_n that_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o his_o action_n the_o whole_a man_n be_v quicken_v into_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o enable_v to_o act_v in_o conformity_n to_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o new_a birth_n be_v a_o convenient_a illustration_n a_o active_a principle_n of_o holiness_n be_v plant_v in_o he_o that_o spring_v up_o into_o visible_a action_n the_o apostle_n particular_o express_v it_o in_o his_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o the_o thessalonian_n the_o very_a god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o whole_o and_o preserve_v your_o whole_a spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n blameless_a till_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ._n every_o faculty_n be_v renew_v and_o every_o grace_n infuse_v that_o constitute_v the_o divine_a image_n the_o mind_n be_v renew_v by_o spiritual_a light_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o unseen_a thing_n promise_v the_o reality_n and_o dreadfulness_n of_o thing_n threaten_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o see_v the_o true_a beauty_n in_o holiness_n the_o high_a honour_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n the_o great_a equity_n and_o excellence_n in_o his_o service_n the_o will_n be_v renew_v by_o holy_a love_n a_o purify_n flame_n and_o feel_v the_o attractive_a virtue_n of_o our_o bless_a end_n before_o all_o desirable_a thing_n on_o earth_n and_o determin_n to_o pursue_v it_o in_o the_o vigorous_a use_n of_o proper_a mean_n the_o body_n be_v make_v a_o holy_a instrument_n fit_a for_o the_o renew_v soul_n in_o short_a the_o natural_a man_n become_v spiritual_a in_o his_o perception_n resolution_n and_o action_n all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a there_o be_v a_o firm_a assent_n a_o inviolable_a adherence_n to_o those_o most_o precious_a object_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o sincere_a choose_a constant_a obedience_n flow_v from_o the_o renew_a faculty_n and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v distinguish_v between_o regenerate_a grace_n and_o formal_a hypocrisy_n in_o some_o and_o the_o proficiency_n of_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o common_a grace_n in_o other_o a_o hypocrite_n in_o religion_n be_v act_v from_o without_o by_o mercenary_a base_a respect_n and_o his_o conscience_n be_v cauterise_v handle_v sacred_a thing_n without_o feeling_n a_o regenerate_a person_n be_v move_v by_o a_o internal_a live_a principle_n and_o perform_v his_o duty_n with_o lively_a affection_n natural_a conscience_n under_o the_o compulsion_n of_o fear_n may_v lay_v a_o restraint_n upon_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n without_o a_o inward_a consent_n to_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o law_n renew_v grace_n cleanse_v the_o fountain_n and_o the_o current_n be_v pure_a it_o reconcile_v the_o affection_n to_o the_o most_o holy_a command_n i_o love_v thy_o law_n because_o it_o be_v pure_a say_v
be_v discover_v by_o constancy_n in_o obedience_n under_o all_o trial_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o endure_v temptation_n for_o when_o he_o be_v try_v he_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o the_o law_n require_v unsinning_a obedience_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n the_o gospel_n accept_v of_o sincerity_n but_o if_o that_o be_v want_v there_o be_v no_o promise_n that_o give_v right_a to_o the_o reward_n now_o sincerity_n imply_v such_o a_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n as_o make_v a_o person_n submit_v to_o all_o duty_n command_v in_o his_o law_n and_o all_o trial_n appoint_v by_o his_o providence_n a_o high_a example_n we_o have_v of_o this_o in_o abraham_n when_o he_o be_v command_v to_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n isaac_n and_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o a_o burn_v offer_v this_o be_v to_o kill_v a_o double_a sacrifice_n at_o one_o blow_n for_o the_o life_n of_o abraham_n be_v bind_v up_o in_o isaac_n he_o live_v in_o he_o more_o dear_o than_o in_o himself_o all_o his_o joy_n all_o his_o posterity_n by_o sarah_n have_v die_v in_o isaac_n what_o resentment_n what_o resistance_n of_o nature_n do_v he_o suffer_v yet_o present_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o perform_v his_o duty_n who_o ever_o see_v a_o more_o glorious_a victory_n over_o all_o the_o tender_a and_o powerful_a passion_n of_o human_a nature_n o_o unexampled_a obedience_n be_v a_o original_a without_o any_o precedent_n to_o imitate_v and_o without_o a_o copy_n to_o succeed_v it_o after_o this_o clear_a infallible_a testimony_n of_o his_o sincerity_n the_o angel_n declare_v from_o heaven_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n see_v thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o and_o it_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n that_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o animate_v they_o in_o all_o their_o suffering_n be_v sweet_a than_o life_n and_o strong_a than_o death_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a difference_n in_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o martyr_n under_o suffering_n but_o in_o all_o the_o same_o persevere_v grace_n be_v evident_a though_o work_v various_o some_o in_o the_o most_o beautiful_a flower_n of_o their_o age_n encounter_v fire_n and_o sword_n tormentor_n and_o torment_n with_o that_o sensible_a joy_n with_o those_o song_n of_o praise_n to_o christ_n as_o if_o they_o see_v the_o heaven_n open_a with_o st._n stephen_n and_o their_o saviour_n ready_a to_o receive_v and_o crown_v they_o but_o many_o other_o as_o paul_n chrysostom_n testify_v go_v to_o the_o tribunal_n to_o the_o theatre_n to_o death_n with_o many_o appearance_n of_o fear_n upon_o hear_v the_o wild_a beast_n roar_v they_o be_v strike_v with_o horror_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o executioner_n and_o the_o instrument_n of_o torment_n they_o be_v pale_a and_o tremble_a the_o flesh_n seem_v to_o cry_v out_o o_o let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o yet_o weak_a and_o faint_a it_o follow_v the_o spirit_n that_o correct_v the_o natural_a desire_n with_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v as_o the_o moon_n in_o eclipse_n though_o obscure_a yet_o go_v on_o in_o a_o regular_a course_n as_o when_o it_o be_v full_a of_o light_n by_o the_o reflection_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o those_o desolate_a martyr_n though_o as_o it_o be_v forsake_v and_o deprive_v of_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o comfort_n yet_o persevere_v in_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n when_o one_o word_n to_o renounce_v christianity_n will_v have_v save_v they_o no_o torment_n can_v force_v it_o from_o they_o but_o they_o patient_o endure_v all_o now_o in_o these_o the_o combat_n of_o nature_n be_v visible_a and_o the_o admirable_a power_n of_o grace_n they_o first_o overcome_v their_o own_o fear_n the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o carnal_a part_n their_o affection_n to_o what_o ever_o be_v desirable_a in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o noble_a victory_n and_o then_o the_o cruelty_n of_o their_o persecutor_n in_o they_o be_v verify_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o be_v they_o that_o keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n but_o how_o many_o appear_v faithful_a while_o their_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v show_v by_o difficult_a work_n and_o prove_v by_o suffering_n the_o seed_n that_o fall_v on_o the_o stony_a ground_n spring_v up_o as_o hopeful_a as_o the_o seed_n in_o the_o good_a ground_n at_o first_o but_o when_o tribulation_n come_v it_o wither_v away_o want_v the_o root_n of_o sincerity_n and_o that_o which_o be_v sow_v among_o thorn_n be_v choke_v by_o the_o care_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n some_o lust_n in_o the_o heart_n interweave_v with_o the_o affection_n and_o cause_n apostasy_n how_o many_o from_o glorious_a beginning_n have_v make_v a_o lamentable_a end_n not_o only_o mercenary_n in_o religion_n who_o zeal_n be_v a_o foreign_a complexion_n not_o spring_v from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o health_n relinquish_v even_o the_o profession_n of_o godliness_n when_o their_o gain_n cease_v but_o some_o who_o have_v think_v themselves_o sincere_a yet_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n their_o resolution_n like_o sick_a feather_n drop_v away_o as_o the_o foolish_a builder_n that_o compute_v not_o the_o charge_n of_o his_o design_a work_n begin_v to_o raise_v a_o magnificent_a structure_n but_o unable_a to_o finish_v it_o lay_v the_o foundation_n in_o his_o own_o shame_n they_o repent_v their_o choice_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o see_v what_o it_o must_v cost_v they_o and_o will_v save_v the_o world_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o soul_n other_o that_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o with_o raise_v affection_n set_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n yet_o by_o the_o allurement_n of_o sensual_a lust_n and_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o with_o great_a pudicit_fw-la gild_n leave_v their_o first_o love_n and_o end_n in_o the_o flesh._n they_o fall_v from_o high_a profession_n but_o receive_v by_o soft_a pleasure_n feel_v not_o the_o fall_n these_o be_v never_o sincere_a and_o never_o have_v a_o right_a to_o heaven_n they_o take_v up_o sudden_a resolution_n not_o ground_v in_o serious_a and_o deep_a thought_n and_o for_o a_o flash_n be_v hot_a and_o active_a but_o with_o great_a levity_n return_v to_o their_o former_a lusts._n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o such_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o they_o have_v not_o know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o to_o turn_v back_o and_o voluntary_o to_o forsake_v it_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o boil_a water_n take_v off_o from_o the_o fire_n congeal_v more_o strong_o than_o that_o which_o be_v never_o heat_v because_o the_o subtle_a part_n be_v evaporate_v by_o the_o fire_n the_o more_o terrestrial_a part_n remain_v be_v more_o capable_a of_o cold._n so_o those_o who_o have_v feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o afterward_o lose_v that_o holy_a heat_n become_v more_o harden_v in_o their_o sin_n god_n just_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o the_o evil_a spirit_n that_o be_v expel_v for_o a_o time_n return_v with_o seven_o worse_a and_o aggravate_v his_o tyranny_n to_o conclude_v since_o the_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n be_v conditional_a if_o we_o persevere_v in_o a_o holy_a state_n let_v we_o beware_v of_o a_o corrupt_a confidence_n and_o a_o vicious_a dejection_n of_o spirit_n the_o trust_n in_o ourselves_o or_o distrust_v god_n to_o prevent_v the_o trust_n in_o ourselves_o consider_v 1._o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n be_v by_o the_o instability_n of_o nature_n liable_a to_o defection_n subject_n to_o a_o corruptive_a change_n of_o this_o the_o fall_v angel_n be_v a_o dreadful_a example_n who_o of_o their_o own_o motion_n untempted_a sin_v in_o heaven_n 2._o the_o danger_n be_v great_a of_o fall_v away_o when_o they_o be_v urge_v and_o solicit_v by_o a_o violent_a or_o grateful_a temptation_n thus_o our_o first_o parent_n fall_v and_o lose_v more_o grace_n in_o a_o hour_n then_o can_v be_v recover_v by_o their_o posterity_n in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o when_o there_o be_v supervenient_a corruption_n in_o the_o creature_n that_o incline_v they_o with_o earnest_a propensity_n to_o forbid_a thing_n and_o take_v flame_n from_o every_o spark_n the_o danger_n be_v extreme_a like_o a_o besiege_a city_n that_o be_v in_o great_a hazard_n of_o take_v by_o assault_n from_o without_o and_o conspiracy_n from_o within_o let_v we_o therefore_o be_v very_o watchful_a over_o our_o heart_n and_o sense_n and_o keep_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a at_o a_o safe_a distance_n from_o temptation_n and_o be_v very_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o holy_a mean_n to_o
in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n know_v our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n i_o know_v the_o carnal_a will_n be_v impetuous_a and_o impatient_a of_o delay_n and_o earnest_n for_o what_o be_v present_a with_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o future_a glory_n but_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a and_o strange_a thing_n to_o sow_v in_o hope_n of_o reap_v a_o harvest_n for_o man_n to_o be_v industrious_a and_o active_a on_o land_n and_o sea_n for_o future_a advantage_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n the_o merchant_n the_o husbandman_n the_o student_n the_o soldier_n and_o every_o man_n in_o the_o circle_n of_o his_o call_v be_v visible_a instance_n of_o this_o and_o though_o many_o time_n the_o most_o flourish_a hope_n be_v blast_v they_o be_v not_o discourage_v and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sight_n full_a of_o wonder_n to_o observe_v man_n cheerful_a in_o labour_n and_o hardship_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o world_n to_o carry_v it_o so_o light_o as_o if_o they_o have_v wing_n and_o all_o for_o a_o poor_a and_o uncertain_a recompense_n and_o to_o be_v slow_a and_o languid_a in_o their_o endeavour_n for_o a_o reward_n as_o great_a and_o as_o sure_a as_o god_n be_v glorious_a and_o true_a how_o many_o ambitious_o strive_v to_o please_v a_o prince_n and_o wait_v long_o in_o his_o service_n who_o be_v but_o a_o man_n and_o therefore_o variable_a in_o his_o temper_n and_o state_n sometime_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o do_v what_o he_o can_v and_o sometime_o can_v do_v what_o he_o will_v to_o reward_v his_o servant_n and_o be_v there_o not_o infinite_o more_o reason_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o please_v god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o liberal_a and_o rich_a and_o certain_a rewarder_n of_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o 3._o consider_v how_o gracious_a the_o term_n be_v upon_o which_o heaven_n be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n law_n be_v so_o holy_a just_a and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o good_a to_o man_n even_o in_o their_o present_a performance_n that_o their_o own_o excellence_n and_o equity_n and_o sweetness_n be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v they_o without_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o obedience_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o conformity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n what_o pleasure_n be_v comparable_a to_o that_o which_o spring_v from_o a_o pure_a conscience_n from_o a_o godly_a righteous_a and_o sober_a conversation_n how_o joyful_a be_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o service_n which_o more_o immediate_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o prayer_n and_o other_o sacred_a action_n we_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o fountain_n of_o felicity_n and_o receive_v from_o his_o fullness_n in_o the_o affectionate_a praise_n of_o god_n we_o be_v companion_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o be_v not_o integrity_n and_o honesty_n in_o our_o deal_n with_o man_n more_o easy_a and_o comfortable_a than_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n be_v it_o not_o troublesome_a to_o be_v always_o under_o a_o mask_n to_o use_v art_n and_o disguise_n to_o avoid_v the_o reproach_n and_o revenge_n that_o attend_v unjust_a action_n when_o discover_v be_v temperance_n and_o chastity_n as_o hurtful_a to_o the_o body_n as_o luxury_n and_o lasciviousness_n the_o essential_a part_n of_o carnal_a felicity_n how_o miserable_o distract_v be_v man_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v rend_v with_o numberless_a vanity_n the_o affection_n divide_v between_o various_a object_n how_o quiet_a and_o compose_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a good_a and_o the_o affection_n joyful_o conspire_v in_o his_o service_n can_v it_o then_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v heavy_a and_o his_o law_n hard_a or_o be_v his_o promise_n uncertain_a and_o his_o reward_n small_a no_o his_o command_n be_v not_o grievous_a in_o the_o keep_v they_o there_o be_v a_o great_a reward_n a_o present_a paradise_n religion_n will_v make_v we_o happy_a hereafter_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o happy_a here_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n such_o be_v his_o goodness_n that_o our_o duty_n and_o happiness_n be_v the_o same_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o the_o gospel_n require_v we_o to_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o mortify_v the_o dear_a lust_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sharp_a suffering_n for_o his_o honour_n that_o we_o may_v be_v eternal_o happy_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a the_o human_a nature_n in_o this_o deprave_a state_n only_o relish_v such_o object_n as_o pleasant_o insinuate_v with_o the_o carnal_a sense_n and_o it_o be_v bitter_a as_o death_n to_o bind_v up_o the_o affection_n from_o they_o but_o grace_n give_v a_o new_a divine_a nature_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lusts._n to_o make_v this_o more_o clear_a by_o a_o sensible_a instance_n suppose_v a_o disease_a person_n who_o stomach_n be_v oppress_v with_o corrupt_a humour_n and_o his_o throat_n and_o mouth_n so_o heat_v with_o choler_n and_o continual_a thirst_n that_o he_o think_v it_o impossible_a though_o for_o his_o life_n to_o abstain_v from_o immoderate_a drink_v if_o a_o physician_n by_o some_o powerful_a medicine_n cleanse_v the_o stomach_n and_o temper_n the_o internal_a heat_n he_o then_o can_v easy_o restrain_v himself_o from_o excess_n thus_o a_o carnal_a man_n that_o be_v full_a of_o false_a estimation_n and_o irregular_a desire_n while_o there_o be_v pleasure_n without_o and_o passion_n unsubdued_a within_o though_o his_o salvation_n depend_v on_o it_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o restrain_v the_o exorbitant_a appetite_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o gentile_n think_v it_o strange_a christian_n do_v not_o run_v with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n but_o divine_a grace_n so_o clarify_v and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n so_o purify_v and_o elevate_v the_o affection_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a to_o abstain_v from_o unlawful_a pleasure_n st._n austin_n before_o his_o conversion_n be_v astonish_v that_o many_o in_o the_o vigour_n of_o youth_n and_o in_o a_o frail_a world_n live_v chaste_o and_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o be_v encourage_v by_o this_o thought_n that_o which_o such_o and_o such_o observe_v why_o shall_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o i_o to_o observe_v and_o upon_o serious_a trial_n by_o the_o prosperous_a influence_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o conqueror_n over_o all_o carnal_a temptation_n nay_o after_o his_o holy_a change_n istis_fw-la the_o withhold_v his_o heart_n from_o vicious_a delight_n be_v inexpressible_o more_o sweet_a than_o his_o former_a enjoy_n of_o they_o and_o be_v there_o not_o many_o visible_a example_n of_o holy_a heavenly_a christian_n to_o who_o grosser_n sensual_a pleasure_n be_v unsavoury_a and_o contemptible_a you_o may_v as_o well_o tell_v the_o number_n of_o the_o star_n as_o of_o those_o who_o have_v practise_v religion_n in_o its_o strictness_n and_o purity_n and_o by_o their_o enlighten_v conversation_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v their_o body_n take_v from_o the_o vein_n of_o a_o rock_n and_o not_o compose_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v their_o passion_n like_o solomon_n brazen_a sea_n unmoveable_a by_o any_o wind_n of_o temptation_n be_v they_o entire_o exempt_v from_o the_o impression_n of_o object_n and_o the_o low_a affection_n no_o they_o be_v alive_a and_o sensible_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o ravish_v the_o affection_n of_o carnal_a man_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n despise_v and_o overcome_v they_o and_o this_o grace_n be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o that_o sincere_o desire_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a wretched_a pretence_n that_o religion_n bind_v to_o hard_a service_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o sometime_o religion_n expose_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o heavy_a suffering_n i_o answer_v indeed_o the_o gospel_n be_v plain_a and_o peremptory_a in_o this_o if_o we_o will_v reign_v with_o christ_n we_o must_v suffer_v with_o he_o when_o we_o be_v call_v forth_o to_o give_v a_o noble_a testimony_n to_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v no_o extraordinary_a elevation_n no_o point_n of_o perfection_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a in_o the_o disposition_n and_o resolution_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o by_o actual_a martyrdom_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o life_n when_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n require_v it_o but_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a condition_n to_o suffer_v transient_a affliction_n for_o the_o obtain_v a_o happy_a immortality_n to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o
i_o will_v give_v as_o a_o king_n thus_o god_n in_o the_o dispense_n his_o favour_n do_v not_o respect_v the_o meanness_n of_o our_o person_n or_o service_n but_o give_v to_o we_o as_o a_o god_n and_o the_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n therefore_o all-sufficient_a and_o most_o willing_a to_o make_v his_o creature_n complete_o happy_a 4._o if_o a_o creature_n perfect_o holy_a that_o never_o sin_v be_v uncapable_a to_o merit_v any_o thing_n from_o god_n much_o less_o can_v those_o who_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o sinful_a state_n and_o guilty_a of_o innumerable_a actual_a transgression_n pretend_v to_o deserve_v any_o reward_n for_o their_o work_n this_o be_v presumption_n inspire_v by_o prodigious_a vanity_n for_o 1._o by_o his_o most_o free_a grace_n they_o be_v restore_v in_o conversion_n to_o that_o spiritual_a power_n by_o which_o they_o serve_v he_o the_o chaos_n be_v not_o a_o dead_a lump_n before_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o water_n than_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v before_o the_o vital_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n wrought_v upon_o they_o and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v so_o deep_o oblige_v to_o god_n that_o if_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o for_o his_o glory_n be_v perform_v yet_o they_o can_v discharge_v what_o they_o owe._n 2._o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o powerful_a supply_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o saint_n who_o even_o since_o their_o holy_a call_n by_o many_o lapse_n have_v just_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o grieve_a spirit_n be_v new_a obligation_n to_o thankfulness_n and_o the_o more_o grace_n the_o less_o merit_n 3._o the_o best_a work_n of_o man_n be_v imperfect_a allay_v with_o the_o mixture_n of_o infirmity_n and_o not_o of_o full_a weight_n in_o the_o divine_a balance_n if_o god_n shall_v strict_o examine_v our_o righteousness_n it_o will_v be_v find_v neither_o pure_a nor_o perfect_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o without_o favour_n and_o indulgence_n will_v be_v reject_v and_o that_o which_o want_v pardon_n can_v deserve_v praise_n and_o glory_n he_o show_v mercy_n to_o thousand_o that_o love_n he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n if_o obedience_n be_v meritorious_a it_o be_v strict_a justice_n to_o reward_v they_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o onesiphorus_n who_o have_v expose_v himself_o to_o great_a danger_n for_o his_o love_n to_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n grant_v he_o may_v find_v mercy_n in_o that_o day_n the_o divine_a mercy_n give_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n to_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o day_n of_o eternal_a recompense_n ii_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o obtain_n heaven_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n comprehend_v all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o we_o from_o he_o as_o the_o eternal_a word_n we_o have_v all_o benefit_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o as_o the_o incarnate_a word_n all_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o order_n of_o grace_n what_o we_o enjoy_v in_o time_n and_o expect_v in_o eternity_n be_v by_o he_o to_o show_v what_o influence_n his_o mediation_n have_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a we_o must_v consider_v 1._o man_n by_o his_o rebellion_n just_o forfeit_v his_o happiness_n and_o the_o law_n exact_v precise_o the_o forfeiture_n pure_a justice_n require_v the_o crime_n shall_v be_v punish_v according_a to_o its_o quality_n much_o less_o will_v it_o suffer_v the_o guilty_a to_o enjoy_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o offence_n and_o injury_n to_o a_o private_a person_n but_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o law_n and_o a_o disturbance_n in_o the_o order_n of_o government_n so_o that_o to_o preserve_v the_o honour_n of_o govern_v justice_n a_o equivalent_a reparation_n be_v necessary_a till_o sin_n be_v expiate_v by_o a_o proper_a sacrifice_n the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v a_o seal_a spring_n and_o its_o bless_a effect_n restrain_v from_o the_o guilty_a creature_n now_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o our_o assume_v nature_n offer_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o our_o stead_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n and_o remove_v the_o bar_n that_o mercy_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o our_o salvation_n the_o apostle_n give_v this_o account_n of_o it_o 20._o we_o have_v boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o veil_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh._n 2._o such_o be_v the_o most_o precious_a merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a to_o free_v the_o guilty_a contaminate_a race_n of_o mankind_n from_o hell_n but_o to_o purchase_v for_o they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o consider_v his_o human_a nature_n all_o grace_n be_v bear_v with_o he_o as_o ray_n with_o the_o sun_n and_o shine_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o excellence_n of_o perfection_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o divine_a person_n derive_v a_o immense_a value_n to_o all_o he_o perform_v as_o mediator_n one_o act_n of_o his_o obedience_n be_v more_o honourable_a to_o god_n than_o all_o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o death_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o angel_n god_n be_v more_o please_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o belove_a son_n than_o he_o be_v provoke_v by_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o servant_n therefore_o as_o the_o just_a recompense_n of_o it_o he_o constitute_v he_o to_o be_v universal_a head_n of_o the_o church_n supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n invest_v he_o with_o divine_a glory_n and_o with_o power_n to_o communicate_v it_o to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n he_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n in_o short_a it_o be_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o we_o be_v glorify_v as_o that_o we_o be_v forgive_v the_o wound_v he_o receive_v in_o his_o body_n the_o character_n of_o ignominy_n and_o footstep_n of_o death_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o our_o glory_n his_o abasement_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o exaltation_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o seem_v to_o lessen_v the_o freeness_n of_o this_o gift_n the_o answer_n be_v clear_a this_o be_v due_a to_o christ_n but_o undeserved_a by_o we_o beside_o the_o appoint_v his_o son_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o ransom_n be_v the_o most_o glorious_a work_n of_o his_o goodness_n 2._o the_o mean_n of_o our_o obtain_n heaven_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v though_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v free_a in_o its_o act_n and_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o the_o creature_n of_o merit_n or_o inducement_n to_o prevail_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o cause_n yet_o he_o require_v qualification_n in_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v enjoy_v that_o bless_a unchangeable_a kingdom_n the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v 16._o nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v but_o of_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n but_o we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o mercy_n which_o be_v dispense_v in_o that_o order_n the_o gospel_n lay_v down_o the_o first_o mercy_n be_v the_o powerful_a call_v the_o sinner_n from_o his_o corrupt_a and_o wretched_a state_n a_o second_o mercy_n be_v the_o pardon_v his_o sin_n the_o last_o and_o most_o eminent_a be_v the_o glorify_v he_o in_o heaven_n now_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o this_o place_n the_o show_v of_o mercy_n signify_v the_o prevent_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o conversion_n for_o in_o the_o 18_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v god_n show_v mercy_n to_o who_o he_o will_v and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v where_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o show_v mercy_n be_v oppose_v not_o to_o condemn_v but_o to_o harden_v and_o consequent_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o divine_a grace_n overcome_v the_o rebellious_a will_n soften_v the_o stiff_a and_o stubborn_a heart_n and_o make_v it_o pliant_a to_o obedience_n this_o flow_v from_o his_o pure_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o least_o motive_n from_o the_o inclination_n or_o endeavour_n of_o sinful_a men._n but_o the_o other_o effect_n of_o god_n mercy_n require_v condition_n in_o the_o subject_n that_o receive_v they_o for_o he_o pardon_v only_o penitent_a believer_n and_o glorify_v none_o but_o persevere_v saint_n to_o make_v this_o clear_a it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n the_o gospel_n have_v several_a denomination_n it_o be_v call_v a_o law_n a_o covenant_n and_o a_o testament_n it_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n as_o a_o law_n it_o signify_v a_o new_a right_o that_o god_n have_v most_o free_o establish_v in_o
heart_n and_o accept_v of_o christ_n entire_o as_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n the_o part_n of_o the_o mediator_n office_n be_v inseparable_o connect_v and_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o same_o person_n jesus_n christ_n be_v make_v of_o god_n to_o believer_n 1._o wisdom_n to_o cure_v their_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n righteousness_n to_o abolish_v their_o gild_n sanctification_n to_o renew_v their_o nature_n and_o redemption_n to_o free_v they_o at_o last_o from_o the_o grave_a and_o bring_v they_o to_o glory_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v include_v in_o its_o nature_n as_o dependence_n and_o trust_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o powerful_a and_o merciful_a mediator_n that_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n and_o make_v we_o for_o ever_o happy_a in_o his_o favour_n so_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o all_o his_o holy_a command_n even_o to_o the_o pluck_v out_o of_o the_o right_a eye_n and_o the_o cut_n off_o the_o right_a hand_n the_o part_n with_o the_o most_o please_a or_o profitable_a sin_n for_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n make_v a_o offer_n of_o christ_n upon_o these_o condition_n to_o we_o he_o have_v god_n exalt_v with_o his_o right_a hand_n 31._o to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n for_o to_o give_v repentance_n to_o israel_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o only_o the_o justify_v shall_v be_v glorify_v 8._o those_o therefore_o who_o desire_v a_o partial_a interest_n in_o he_o as_o a_o saviour_n out_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o escape_v hell_n and_o will_v not_o out_o of_o love_n submit_v to_o he_o as_o their_o prince_n have_v not_o that_o faith_n that_o be_v unfeigned_a and_o give_v a_o title_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o we_o must_v choose_v heaven_n as_o our_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o regard_v it_o as_o the_o main_a end_n of_o our_o life_n man_n fall_v from_o his_o duty_n and_o felicity_n by_o prefer_v sensual_a pleasure_n before_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a disobedience_n and_o dishonour_n to_o his_o maker_n and_o be_v restore_v by_o the_o holy_a change_n of_o his_o will_n the_o set_v his_o affection_n on_o a_o pure_a spiritual_a blessedness_n this_o sublime_v the_o will_n and_o turn_v its_o love_n and_o choice_n from_o the_o creature_n to_o god_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o wrought_v in_o a_o rational_a way_n for_o man_n be_v not_o move_v as_o artificial_a engine_n by_o force_n nor_o as_o brute_n from_o necessity_n their_o faculty_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o outward_a application_n of_o object_n he_o be_v not_o draw_v up_o to_o heaven_n by_o such_o a_o natural_a impression_n as_o steel_n by_o the_o loadstone_n nor_o force_v by_o a_o violent_a motion_n as_o a_o stone_n ascend_v but_o as_o a_o understanding_n free_a agent_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o enlighten_v mind_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n a_o elective_a unconstrained_a faculty_n and_o herein_o the_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o equity_n of_o god_n transaction_n with_o man_n appear_v his_o wisdom_n in_o that_o as_o he_o have_v order_v in_o the_o whole_a sphere_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o active_a power_n of_o every_o creature_n be_v draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n for_o their_o preservation_n and_o according_o he_o be_v please_v to_o work_v in_o and_o by_o they_o so_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n the_o principle_n of_o operation_n in_o man_n be_v to_o deliberate_v and_o choose_v in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n otherwise_o the_o rational_a faculty_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a his_o goodness_n and_o equity_n in_o that_o he_o set_v before_o they_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n god_n will_v be_v glorify_v by_o he_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n and_o a_o benefactor_n and_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o all_o who_o choose_v and_o diligent_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n shall_v infallible_o obtain_v it_o and_o none_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o but_o for_o their_o neglect_n the_o decree_n of_o a_o final_a state_n of_o misery_n though_o not_o in_o time_n yet_o be_v consequent_a in_o the_o order_n of_o cause_n to_o the_o obstinate_a reluctancy_n of_o sinner_n against_o restore_a grace_n and_o the_o wilful_a forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n therefore_o god_n vindicate_v the_o equity_n of_o his_o proceed_n with_o man_n by_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o with_o tender_a pity_n expostulate_v why_o will_v you_o die_v the_o corrupt_a will_n decline_v from_o god_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o creature_n as_o its_o happiness_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o man_n ruin_n this_o will_v infinite_o clear_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n the_o purity_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n from_o all_o imputation_n the_o choice_n of_o heaven_n for_o our_o felicity_n be_v primary_o to_o be_v determine_v for_o it_o be_v from_o the_o prospect_n of_o it_o that_o all_o holy_a counsel_n derive_v their_o life_n and_o vigour_n as_o in_o draw_v the_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n the_o first_o work_n be_v to_o delineate_v the_o head_n not_o only_o as_o the_o part_n that_o in_o dignity_n and_o eminence_n be_v above_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o it_o regulate_v the_o draw_v of_o the_o other_o part_n and_o give_v a_o just_a proportion_n and_o correspondence_n between_o they_o without_o which_o the_o whole_a figure_n become_v disorder_v and_o monstrous_a thus_o in_o the_o moral_a consideration_n of_o man_n that_o which_o be_v primary_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o soul_n and_o its_o final_a felicity_n as_o incomparable_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o body_n and_o its_o pleasure_n for_o this_o will_v have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a life_n direct_v to_o avoid_v what_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o impertinent_a and_o to_o do_v what_o be_v conducive_a to_o it_o now_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o unspeakable_a importance_n i_o will_v first_o show_v what_o the_o regular_a choice_n of_o heaven_n include_v as_o to_o its_o quality_n and_o effect_n second_o direct_v how_o to_o make_v this_o choice_n three_o present_v some_o powerful_a motive_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o it_o the_o quality_n of_o this_o choice_n be_v three_o first_o it_o must_v be_v sincere_a and_o cordial_a second_o early_o in_o our_o first_o and_o best_a day_n three_o firm_a and_o constant_a 1._o it_o must_v be_v sincere_a and_o cordial_a the_o most_o essential_a and_o active_a desire_n in_o human_a nature_n be_v to_o happiness_n but_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o good_a thing_n present_v to_o the_o will_n that_o solicit_v the_o affection_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n and_o spiritual_a joy_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o that_o which_o make_v man_n happy_a be_v the_o object_n of_o election_n and_o although_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o uniform_a and_o inviolable_a than_o the_o natural_a inclination_n to_o happiness_n yet_o the_o great_a distinction_n of_o mankind_n arise_v from_o this_o source_n the_o regular_a or_o perverse_a use_n of_o this_o inclination_n the_o wise_a or_o mistake_a choice_n of_o happiness_n now_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o choice_n be_v discover_v when_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o entire_a arise_v from_o a_o transcendent_a esteem_n of_o the_o favour_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o our_o chief_a good_a and_o absolute_o requisite_a for_o we_o the_o choice_n of_o true_a happiness_n necessary_o include_v the_o despise_n and_o reject_v of_o the_o false_a happiness_n that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o there_o can_v be_v two_o reign_a principle_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o can_v vigorous_o apply_v itself_o to_o two_o object_n at_o the_o same_o time_n our_o saviour_n have_v decide_v it_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n for_o either_o he_o will_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_n the_o other_o or_o hold_v to_o the_o one_o and_o despise_v the_o other_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n the_o master_n be_v irreconcilable_a and_o their_o command_n be_v direct_o opposite_a it_o be_v as_o possible_a to_o place_v upon_o the_o same_o altar_n the_o ark_n of_o god_n and_o the_o idol_n of_o the_o philistine_n as_o that_o heaven_n and_o the_o world_n shall_v compound_v and_o take_v equal_a share_n in_o our_o affection_n indeed_o if_o the_o conception_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v but_o faint_a and_o float_a of_o the_o universal_a satisfy_a goodness_n of_o the_o object_n propose_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a the_o will_n remain_v in_o suspense_n but_o when_o it_o be_v clear_o and_o strong_o represent_v the_o heart_n be_v draw_v entire_o to_o embrace_v it_o divine_a grace_n by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n purify_v and_o change_v the_o deprave_a will_n and_o heal_v the_o distemper_a affection_n the_o wise_a merchant_n that_o have_v
all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n but_o to_o tell_v sinner_n who_o secure_o proceed_v in_o a_o habitual_a course_n of_o evil_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v at_o last_o and_o notwithstanding_o their_o presumptuous_a repulse_n of_o god_n call_v to_o his_o service_n yet_o they_o may_v come_v into_o the_o vineyard_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n and_o be_v reward_v be_v to_o give_v countenance_n and_o protection_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o harden_v they_o to_o destruction_n poison_n be_v not_o cure_v by_o give_v food_n but_o antidote_n that_o put_v nature_n into_o a_o passion_n till_o it_o be_v expel_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v only_o prove_v medicinal_a to_o such_o deprave_a soul_n to_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n let_v we_o serious_o consider_v the_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o father_n and_o a_o judge_n that_o justice_n and_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o mercy_n be_v essential_a to_o his_o nature_n that_o our_o affection_n may_v be_v according_o move_v towards_o he_o if_o you_o call_v on_o the_o father_n who_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n judge_v according_a to_o every_o man_n work_n pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n presumption_n and_o despair_n be_v very_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n the_o one_o destroy_v the_o fear_n the_o other_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o hope_v contemper_v with_o fear_n have_v a_o excellent_a influence_n in_o the_o christian_a life_n as_o the_o ballast_n and_o the_o wind_n be_v both_o necessary_a that_o the_o ship_n may_v go_v safe_o and_o regular_o without_o the_o wind_n the_o ship_n can_v make_v no_o way_n and_o without_o ballast_n it_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o oversetting_n by_o every_o gust_n thus_o hope_v and_o fear_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o bring_v we_o safe_o to_o eternal_a felicity_n fear_v without_o hope_n stupefy_v the_o vigour_n and_o alacrity_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o can_v come_v to_o god_n and_o hope_v without_o fear_n make_v it_o vain_a and_o careless_a of_o its_o duty_n and_o liable_a to_o be_v overthrow_v by_o every_o please_a temptation_n brief_o let_v we_o right_o understand_v the_o tenor_n of_o evangelical_n promise_v of_o pardon_n and_o grace_n they_o be_v conditional_a and_o applicable_a only_o to_o penitent_a believer_n and_o unfeigned_a faith_n the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n purify_v the_o heart_n work_v by_o love_n and_o be_v the_o live_a principle_n of_o universal_a obedience_n and_o repentance_n unto_o life_n be_v productive_a of_o all_o good_a fruit_n in_o their_o season_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v as_o a_o man_n sow_n so_o shall_v he_o reap_v he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a chap._n vi_o our_o choice_n must_v be_v constant._n perseverance_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n absolute_o require_v in_o order_n to_o attain_v the_o reward_n the_o various_a temptation_n that_o assault_v christian_n to_o divert_v they_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o heaven_n the_o reason_n why_o perseverance_n be_v necessary_a caution_n against_o presumption_n and_o a_o vicious_a dejection_n of_o spirit_n i_o shall_v proceed_v next_o to_o consider_v that_o our_o choice_n must_v be_v firm_a and_o last_a victorious_a over_o all_o temptation_n the_o two_o principal_a rule_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n be_v to_o begin_v and_o end_v well_o to_o fix_v and_o establish_v the_o main_a design_n for_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o from_o a_o determinate_a resolution_n and_o ratify_v purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o pursue_v it_o with_o firmness_n and_o constancy_n to_o live_v for_o heaven_n and_o with_o readiness_n and_o courage_n to_o die_v for_o it_o if_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o require_v perseverance_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a in_o all_o that_o will_v obtain_v the_o eternal_a reward_n for_o the_o clear_n this_o most_o important_a point_n i_o will_v first_o represent_v from_o scripture_n the_o idea_n of_o perseverance_n that_o be_v attend_v with_o salvation_n second_o confider_v why_o it_o be_v so_o strict_o require_v i._o save_v perseverance_n include_v the_o permanent_a residence_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v compose_v of_o the_o whole_a chain_n of_o grace_n the_o union_n of_o holy_a habit_n that_o be_v at_o first_o infuse_v into_o a_o christian_a by_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n when_o eternal_a life_n be_v promise_v to_o faith_n or_o love_n or_o hope_v it_o be_v upon_o supposal_n that_o those_o grace_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o heart_n shall_v final_o prosper_v 2._o he_o that_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n shall_v inherit_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n 13._o it_o be_v love_n that_o never_o fail_v that_o shall_v enter_v into_o heaven_n it_o be_v hope_n firm_a unto_o the_o end_n that_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v in_o a_o glorious_a fruition_n if_o grace_n be_v disseise_v by_o a_o usurp_a lust_n apostasy_n will_v follow_v and_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o our_o right_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o grace_n must_v be_v continual_o draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n according_a to_o our_o several_a state_n and_o duty_n and_o the_o various_a occasion_n that_o happen_v in_o our_o course_n through_o the_o world_n those_o who_o be_v light_a in_o the_o lord_n be_v command_v to_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n to_o signify_v the_o excellency_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n must_v walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o a_o conspicuous_a course_n of_o holiness_n declare_v the_o vigour_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a principle_n that_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o paulum_fw-la sepultae_fw-la distat_fw-la inertiae_fw-la celata_fw-la virtus_fw-la virtue_n that_o break_v not_o forth_o into_o visible_a action_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o name_n the_o mere_a abstain_v from_o evil_n be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o all_o the_o positive_a act_n of_o the_o holy_a life_n be_v to_o be_v constant_o do_v in_o discharge_v both_o these_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n complete_a religion_n be_v express_v and_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n consist_v 3._o perseverance_n include_v not_o only_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n but_o fervour_n and_o progress_n towards_o perfection_n there_o be_v two_o fix_a state_n the_o one_o in_o heaven_n the_o other_o in_o hell_n the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o height_n of_o holiness_n the_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n be_v sink_v to_o the_o low_a extremity_n of_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o middle_a state_n here_o grace_n in_o the_o saint_n be_v a_o rise_a grow_a light_n and_o sin_n in_o the_o wicked_a improve_v every_o day_n like_o poison_n in_o a_o serpent_n that_o become_v more_o deadly_a by_o his_o age._n we_o be_v enjoin_v not_o to_o remain_v in_o our_o first_o imperfection_n but_o to_o follow_v holiness_n to_o the_o utmost_a issue_n of_o our_o life_n to_o its_o entire_a consummation_n for_o this_o end_n all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n must_v be_v improve_v whether_o prosperous_a or_o afflict_a and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v appoint_v that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o we_o may_v be_v change_v into_o the_o divine_a image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 4._o perseverance_n be_v require_v notwithstanding_o all_o temptation_n that_o may_v allure_v or_o terrify_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n what_o ever_o affect_v we_o one_o way_n or_o other_o while_o we_o be_v clothe_v with_o frail_a flesh._n it_o be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n declare_v by_o our_o saviour_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o that_o be_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o servant_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o even_o to_o be_v crucify_v with_o he_o rather_o than_o wilful_o forfeit_v his_o integrity_n and_o loyalty_n to_o christ._n he_o must_v by_o a_o 22_o sacred_a fix_a resolution_n divest_v himself_o of_o all_o thing_n even_o the_o most_o value_a and_o desirable_a in_o the_o present_a world_n and_o actual_o forsake_v they_o nay_o entertain_v what_o be_v most_o distasteful_a and_o resist_v unto_o blood_n rather_o than_o desert_n his_o duty_n 1._o he_o must_v with_o unfainting_a patience_n continue_v in_o do_v his_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o misery_n and_o calamity_n loss_n disgrace_n torment_n or_o death_n itself_o which_o wicked_a man_n and_o great_a enemy_n the_o power_n of_o darkness_n can_v inflict_v upon_o we_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n be_v promise_v he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n notwithstanding_o the_o most_o terrible_a suffering_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v for_o christ_n sake_n shall_v be_v save_v in_o this_o a_o christian_a must_v be_v the_o express_a