diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o effectual_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n now_o these_o and_o the_o like_a exhortation_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o to_o persuade_v we_o if_o these_o promise_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o a_o word_n in_o all_o the_o description_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a than_o this_o that_o i_o now_o plead_v for_o that_o god_n will_v reward_v every_o one_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v mention_v but_o two_o place_n more_o rom._n ij_o 6._o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n for_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n the_o other_o place_n be_v mat._n twenty-five_o where_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a description_n of_o those_o good_a work_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v reward_v and_o have_v there_o represent_v the_o vanity_n of_o those_o man_n excuse_n who_o have_v not_o wrought_v they_o he_o conclude_v with_o this_o sentence_n these_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a there_o remain_v only_o to_o draw_v some_o 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virtue_n or_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o vain_a will_v the_o apostle_n here_o make_v use_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o persuade_v man_n if_o god_n have_v before_o determine_v that_o such_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v whatsoever_o diligence_n they_o use_v on_o their_o part_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a force_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o obedience_n if_o once_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o their_o future_a state_n be_v from_o everlasting_a unalterable_o fix_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o by_o any_o neglect_n nay_o upon_o this_o supposition_n all_o the_o various_a method_n of_o persuasion_n which_o god_n use_v in_o scripture_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o better_a life_n prove_v nothing_o else_o but_o illusion_n and_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v so_o often_o by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n invite_v and_o exhort_v and_o beseech_v all_o man_n that_o they_o will_v turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o live_v when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o have_v exclude_v many_o miriads_o of_o man_n from_o any_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n by_o a_o absolute_a and_o irresistible_a decree_n which_o no_o endeavour_n of_o they_o can_v revoke_v or_o cancel_v this_o way_n of_o proceed_v can_v by_v any_o mean_n consist_v with_o that_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o all_o man_n shall_v receive_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v then_o certain_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o reward_n but_o by_o his_o own_o fault_n nor_o yet_o any_o man_n obtain_v the_o same_o but_o by_o a_o due_a diligence_n in_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n and_o perform_v those_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v promise_v 2._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o method_n of_o god_n proceed_v at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n we_o may_v also_o observe_v that_o those_o man_n do_v extreme_o mistake_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n who_o talk_v of_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o good_a work_n and_o obedience_n who_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o cry_v down_o the_o value_n of_o our_o good_a work_n as_o though_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n in_o the_o justification_n or_o salvation_n of_o a_o christian_n for_o sure_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v faith_n alone_o can_v be_v the_o whole_a condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o faith_n in_o holy_a scripture_n but_o these_o thing_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o bare_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a importance_n of_o that_o word_n faith_n but_o of_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o have_v influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o our_o practice_n and_o conversation_n a_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n and_o obedience_n thus_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o single_a virtue_n and_o separate_a from_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o be_v the_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n and_o include_v they_o in_o it_o for_o if_o we_o understand_v faith_n in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n as_o distinct_a from_o a_o holy_a conversation_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o devil_n themselves_o may_v pretend_v to_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o relief_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o misery_n to_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o glorious_a thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o know_v withal_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v final_o exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o this_o doubtless_o be_v a_o mighty_a aggravation_n of_o their_o horror_n and_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v as_o s._n james_n do_v that_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v nay_o that_o this_o belief_n do_v make_v they_o tremble_v 3._o if_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n it_o than_o follow_v that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n must_v be_v perform_v in_o our_o life_n time_n while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n now_o must_v we_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o not_o leave_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v after_o our_o death_n either_o by_o ourselves_o or_o other_o this_o i_o observe_v in_o opposition_n to_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o suppose_v that_o some_o sin_n be_v expiate_v after_o death_n and_o purge_v away_o by_o the_o fire_n of_o purgatory_n and_o by_o the_o prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v leave_v alive_a but_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a opinion_n but_o certain_o do_v much_o tend_v to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o piety_n and_o lessen_v man_n care_n of_o their_o future_a state_n as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v as_o a_o man_n go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n such_o will_v be_v his_o future_a state_n and_o he_o will_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o he_o be_v when_o he_o leave_v the_o body_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n 4._o if_o it_o be_v thus_o certain_a that_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n this_o certain_o aught_o to_o awaken_v our_o diligence_n in_o the_o business_n of_o our_o salvation_n that_o to_o day_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n we_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n that_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o our_o so_o journ_v here_o in_o fear_n for_o sure_o do_v man_n serious_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o all_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o darkness_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o man_n heart_n shall_v be_v reveal_v when_o all_o the_o close_a impiety_n which_o have_v pass_v here_o undiscerned_a shall_v be_v lay_v open_a before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n they_o will_v not_o now_o so_o fond_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o hope_n of_o secrecy_n or_o impunity_n do_v man_n serious_o reflect_v upon_o the_o terribleness_n of_o that_o great_a day_n when_o god_n shall_v appear_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o have_v not_o fear_v his_o name_n do_v they_o often_o think_v upon_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n which_o will_v then_o be_v pronounce_v against_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n this_o certain_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v put_v a_o check_n to_o the_o bold_a impiety_n of_o this_o age._n man_n will_v not_o then_o dare_v so_o open_o to_o defy_v heaven_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n who_o will_v at_o that_o day_n appear_v so_o terrible_a nor_o will_v they_o continue_v by_o their_o hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n to_o treasure_n up_o to_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a as_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o day_n ought_v to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o our_o danger_n if_o we_o continue_v in_o disobedience_n so_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o shall_v at_o that_o day_n be_v give_v to_o those_o that_o have_v live_v obedient_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o thereunto_o for_o what_o great_a encouragement_n to_o our_o duty_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o who_o will_v not_o willing_o forsake_v all_o the_o flatter_a joy_n and_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n that_o he_o may_v secure_v to_o himself_o such_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a that_o fade_v not_o away_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v he_o at_o that_o day_n or_o who_o will_v not_o despise_v all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n which_o may_v possible_o attend_v he_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n when_o he_o remember_v that_o these_o light_a affliction_n which_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v out_o for_o he_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n now_o the_o great_a god_n grant_v we_o all_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n always_o present_a to_o our_o mind_n that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o may_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o stand_v before_o that_o great_a tribunal_n we_o may_v be_v present_v pure_a and_o unblamable_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o that_o not_o for_o any_o merit_n of_o our_o own_o but_o through_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o power_n praise_n thanksgiving_n and_o obedience_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la
spirit_n to_o continue_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o guide_v it_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o to_o assist_v and_o govern_v every_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o that_o be_v indispensable_o require_v of_o he_o god_n himself_o have_v a_o singular_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o good_a man_n as_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n tell_v we_o psal_n cxlvij_o ii_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o in_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v condescend_v to_o dwell_v and_o inhabit_v with_o such_o person_n which_o i_o conceive_v can_v be_v understand_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a near_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o good_a man_n that_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v and_o succour_v they_o in_o whatsoever_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o john_n fourteen_o 23._o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o and_o then_o sure_o be_v blessed_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o a_o guest_n they_o can_v want_v any_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o conclude_v then_o what_o remain_v now_o but_o if_o we_o desire_v knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o religion_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o seek_v it_o in_o this_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v viz._n with_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o true_a knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v he_o that_o seek_v in_o this_o way_n shall_v not_o miscarry_v for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o serm._n iu._n heb._n xij_o 1._o wherefore_o see_v we_o also_o be_v compass_v with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o those_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n who_o live_v before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o word_n i_o have_v now_o read_v be_v a_o inference_n from_o their_o example_n that_o we_o also_o have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glorious_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o mighty_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o endure_a affliction_n may_v from_o thence_o be_v excite_v to_o a_o like_a vigour_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o christian_a profession_n so_o that_o the_o word_n contain_v these_o two_o thing_n worthy_a our_o consideration_n a_o exhortation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o exhortation_n in_o these_o word_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o exhortation_n in_o these_o word_n see_v we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o exhortation_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a in_o holy_a scripture_n than_o to_o represent_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a under_o the_o similitude_n of_o such_o other_o employment_n as_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o require_v the_o most_o exact_a care_n and_o vigilance_n in_o those_o who_o undertake_v they_o sometime_o we_o be_v compare_v to_o soldier_n who_o must_v be_v always_o upon_o the_o guard_n sometime_o to_o traveller_n and_o pilgrim_n who_o have_v a_o long_a and_o hazardous_a journey_n to_o make_v sometime_o to_o those_o who_o strive_v for_o mastery_n in_o public_a game_n now_o these_o several_a sort_n of_o employment_n do_v all_o presuppose_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o those_o who_o undertake_v they_o do_v propose_v to_o themselves_o some_o great_a and_o considerable_a end_n some_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v pass_v through_o great_a industry_n and_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o the_o case_n be_v not_o unlike_a in_o our_o christian_a profession_n we_o have_v a_o glorious_a prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_v set_v before_o we_o we_o have_v a_o exceed_o great_a reward_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o we_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n and_o just_a rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o bestow_v on_o such_o as_o overcome_v but_o then_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v this_o reward_n and_o crown_n upon_o any_o other_o condition_n than_o that_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o as_o man_n who_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n manful_o and_o courageous_o who_o have_v strive_v lawful_o and_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n the_o similitude_n use_v in_o the_o text_n be_v take_v from_o those_o trial_n of_o skill_n those_o public_a exercise_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o olympic_a game_n now_o for_o those_o who_o run_v in_o a_o race_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v if_o they_o hope_v to_o gain_v the_o victory_n in_o proportion_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v express_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o they_o must_v free_v themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a burden_n from_o all_o their_o loose_a garment_n which_o may_v clog_v or_o entangle_v they_o in_o their_o way_n they_o must_v lay_v away_o every_o weight_n 2._o they_o must_v be_v active_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o course_n they_o must_v run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o they_o 3._o they_o must_v continue_v their_o vigour_n and_o courage_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o run_v with_o patience_n that_o be_v with_o perseverance_n and_o continuance_n in_o well-doing_n now_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apply_v these_o several_a circumstance_n to_o our_o christian_a duty_n and_o i_o shall_v consider_v each_o of_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v that_o what_o be_v here_o metaphorical_o express_v by_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o s._n paul_n elsewhere_o teach_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n and_o call_v the_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o which_o s._n john_n call_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o so_o many_o clog_n and_o weight_n that_o press_v down_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v it_o dull_a and_o unactive_a and_o divert_v it_o from_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o lay_v aside_o these_o encumbrance_n the_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o these_o affection_n and_o desire_n and_o from_o the_o love_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o nay_o of_o our_o life_n itself_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o duty_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o preparation_n for_o our_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o that_o without_o so_o do_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v christ_n disciple_n mat._n xuj_o 24._o jesus_n say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o s._n mat._n x._o 38._o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o now_o that_o the_o renounce_n and_o forsake_v our_o carnal_a lust_n and_o desire_n be_v most_o general_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o deny_v ourselves_o i_o conceive_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o it_o be_v make_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o all_o that_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n not_o only_o those_o who_o suffer_v persecution_n but_o all_o that_o will_v be_v christian_n must_v in_o their_o proportion_n deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v universal_a not_o limit_v to_o any_o time_n or_o place_n or_o other_o circumstance_n but_o equal_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n luke_n fourteen_o 26._o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o
conscience_n be_v as_o it_o be_v bribe_v in_o their_o testimony_n by_o the_o love_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n now_o if_o we_o lie_v aside_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n those_o that_o act_n by_o no_o principle_n of_o reason_n at_o all_o and_o those_o who_o be_v manifest_o corrupt_v by_o their_o lust_n and_o smother_v and_o contradict_v their_o own_o reason_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v esteem_v fit_a man_n to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o judge_n of_o truth_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v any_o not_o reducible_a to_o one_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n be_v infinite_o a_o less_o number_n than_o those_o who_o have_v be_v constant_a witness_n to_o and_o assertor_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o that_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o they_o and_o of_o life_n itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o infer_v that_o though_o the_o father_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v consider_v only_o as_o witness_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o general_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o yet_o their_o example_n add_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o choice_n in_o be_v religious_a though_o we_o have_v no_o further_a motive_n to_o it_o than_o this_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o who_o renounce_v religion_n do_v it_o either_o without_o or_o against_o their_o reason_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o competent_a evidence_n on_o their_o side_n who_o do_v so_o but_o the_o force_n of_o their_o example_n before_o mention_v will_v be_v yet_o more_o considerable_a to_o engage_v we_o to_o imitate_v their_o patience_n if_o we_o consider_v 2._o the_o great_a difference_n between_o their_o state_n and_o we_o and_o the_o far_o great_a advantage_n we_o enjoy_v above_o they_o how_o far_o their_o knowledge_n extend_v beyond_o the_o the_o principle_n before_o mention_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a nor_o necessary_a to_o determine_v but_o thus_o much_o be_v plain_a that_o their_o condition_n be_v much_o more_o imperfect_a than_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a the_o promise_n they_o receive_v be_v mysterious_a and_o unevident_a but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o case_n be_v much_o otherwise_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n under_o which_o the_o promise_a messiah_n be_v obscure_o represent_v of_o old_a be_v now_o exchange_v for_o the_o substance_n itself_o now_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v now_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o than_o they_o have_v in_o that_o he_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o give_v he_o for_o we_o all_o we_o have_v a_o better_a prospect_n of_o the_o promise_a reward_n we_o have_v now_o clear_a promise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o assist_v and_o support_v we_o in_o all_o our_o trial_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o run_v our_o race_n with_o patience_n these_o and_o many_o other_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n we_o enjoy_v these_o encouragement_n to_o practice_v we_o have_v receive_v beyond_o what_o the_o father_n be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n refer_v to_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n these_o all_o have_v obtain_v a_o good_a report_n through_o say_v receive_v not_o the_o promise_n god_n have_v provide_v some_o better_a thing_n for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v perfect_a now_o the_o inference_n from_o this_o consideration_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a for_o if_o the_o father_n before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o receive_v not_o those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o exercise_v so_o great_a degree_n of_o faith_n so_o mighty_a a_o confidence_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n as_o to_o endure_v such_o bitter_a thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o we_o read_v they_o do_v how_o strong_o shall_v this_o excite_v and_o provoke_v our_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n to_o follow_v after_o they_o in_o this_o glorious_a enterprise_n and_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v ashamed_a and_o blush_v to_o read_v the_o history_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o virtue_n if_o we_o who_o enjoy_v so_o many_o advantage_n above_o they_o do_v yet_o come_v short_a of_o their_o bravery_n and_o resolution_n and_o constant_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n aught_o to_o have_v this_o further_a influence_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o like_o cheerful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o reward_n the_o crown_n we_o seek_v for_o the_o hard_a duty_n require_v of_o we_o have_v be_v long_o since_o accomplish_v by_o they_o and_o accomplish_v with_o such_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n such_o ravish_a apprehension_n of_o the_o joy_n set_v before_o they_o as_o perfect_o over-balanced_n all_o the_o difficulty_n they_o meet_v with_o and_o make_v they_o joyful_a and_o courageous_a amid_o the_o most_o severe_a torture_n let_v no_o man_n then_o pretend_v that_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v keep_v that_o his_o law_n be_v hard_a or_o grievous_a to_o be_v do_v since_o we_o have_v see_v they_o fulfil_v in_o so_o high_a a_o manner_n and_o that_o under_o a_o more_o imperfect_a dispensation_n than_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o state_n of_o those_o manifest_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o our_o task_n which_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o their_o example_n but_o they_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v very_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a worthy_a our_o choice_n and_o constant_a embrace_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o great_a danger_n and_o persecution_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o shall_v have_v express_v so_o constant_a a_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v for_o its_o sake_n it_o be_v a_o fansiful_a supposition_n of_o tully_n that_o if_o virtue_n can_v be_v see_v by_o bodily_a eye_n it_o will_v appear_v so_o comely_a and_o amiable_a so_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a that_o man_n will_v need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o embrace_v it_o i_o will_v not_o say_v this_o supposition_n be_v altogether_o extravagant_a because_o it_o may_v fair_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o great_a example_n of_o virtue_n some_o of_o which_o have_v appear_v in_o all_o age_n to_o vindicate_v its_o practice_n from_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n under_o which_o the_o folly_n and_o slothfulness_n of_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o represent_v it_o in_o brave_a and_o heroic_a example_n virtue_n appear_v as_o it_o be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n visible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o most_o stupid_a and_o insensible_a since_o there_o be_v none_o so_o barbarous_a and_o savage_a who_o will_v not_o follow_v a_o true_o virtuous_a man_n with_o reverence_n and_o applause_n though_o they_o see_v he_o ofttimes_o cloud_v by_o affliction_n and_o oppress_v by_o the_o malicious_a and_o unjust_a the_o truth_n be_v no_o kind_n of_o argument_n have_v great_a advantage_n of_o persuasion_n and_o leave_v we_o more_o without_o excuse_n than_o good_a and_o virtuous_a example_n other_o may_v speak_v great_a thing_n in_o commendation_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o reward_v prepare_v for_o it_o but_o if_o notwithstanding_o they_o live_v not_o as_o they_o teach_v there_o be_v a_o easy_a answer_n to_o be_v make_v to_o such_o exhortation_n and_o we_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o reply_v sure_o these_o man_n do_v not_o real_o believe_v what_o they_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v we_o for_o if_o they_o do_v it_o will_v be_v their_o interest_n to_o practice_v virtue_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o why_o do_v they_o neglect_v it_o but_o when_o man_n teach_v we_o by_o example_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n than_o they_o may_v urge_v their_o precept_n with_o good_a assurance_n and_o we_o have_v no_o excuse_n or_o pretence_n leave_v why_o we_o shall_v not_o follow_v and_o imitate_v they_o the_o saint_n therefore_o and_o martyr_n who_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o such_o glorious_a memorial_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o patient_a suffering_n for_o conscience_n sake_n do_v herein_o give_v we_o the_o most_o powerful_a