other_o thing_n a_o man_n be_v sure_a of_o it_o sow_v righteousness_n and_o you_o shall_v sow_v to_o yourselves_o none_o shall_v come_v betwixt_o you_o and_o the_o bless_a fruit_n which_o be_v produce_v by_o that_o sow_v wherefore_o it_o be_v here_o add_v and_o reap_v mercy_n in_o mercy_n because_o the_o verb_n here_o be_v the_o imperative_a mood_n some_o will_v have_v this_o a_o command_n for_o a_o far_a progress_n in_o do_v that_o good_a we_o have_v explain_v to_o be_v contain_v under_o the_o first_o head_n but_o this_o can_v be_v admit_v for_o beside_o the_o tautology_n we_o must_v put_v a_o strain_a and_o unusual_a sense_n upon_o reap_v wherefore_o certain_o in_o this_o phrase_n be_v set_v forth_o the_o gracious_a reward_n wherewith_o god_n will_v bless_v sow_v in_o righteousness_n reap_v follow_v sow_v and_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n thereof_o so_o who_o sow_n in_o righteousness_n shall_v reap_v in_o mercy_n though_o what_o they_o thus_o reap_v be_v neither_o the_o necessary_a natural_a effect_n of_o what_o they_o sow_v nor_o yet_o the_o just_a desert_n thereof_o if_o they_o merit_v what_o they_o reap_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v call_v mercy_n but_o it_o be_v so_o call_v that_o they_o may_v not_o think_v what_o be_v give_v they_o to_o be_v their_o due_n if_o man_n will_v consider_v themselves_o and_o their_o action_n impartial_o and_o lay_v aside_o all_o proud_a thought_n they_o will_v adjudge_v their_o merit_n to_o '_o be_v small_a and_o that_o little_a belong_v to_o they_o on_o that_o account_n however_o all_o who_o ply_v sow_v in_o righteousness_n sincere_o may_v look_v for_o mercy_n as_o the_o husbandman_n do_v for_o a_o crop_n after_o he_o have_v sow_v nay_o they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o of_o it_o which_o he_o can_v do_v they_o may_v claim_v it_o as_o their_o privilege_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n which_o can_v never_o fail_v with_o respect_n to_o which_o promise_n and_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n thereof_o the_o prophet_n bid_v they_o here_o reap_v mercy_n reap_v be_v imperative_a to_o denote_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o requisite_a than_o to_o put_v forth_o the_o hand_n and_o take_v it_o in_o which_o sense_n the_o imperative_a be_v usual_o take_v in_o scripture_n as_o ezek._n xviii_o 32._o they_o have_v not_o the_o promise_n nor_o be_v they_o capable_a of_o mercy_n who_o sow_v not_o in_o righteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n shall_v be_v upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a rom._n two_o 9_o as_o therefore_o sow_v must_v go_v before_o reap_v so_o sow_v in_o righteousness_n must_v be_v previous_a to_o the_o reap_v in_o mercy_n this_o be_v necessary_a not_o that_o we_o may_v merit_v but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a object_n of_o mercy_n and_o as_o natural_o the_o crop_n exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o grain_n which_o be_v sow_v so_o the_o gift_n and_o expression_n of_o god_n mercy_n towards_o righteous_a person_n shall_v infinite_o exceed_v the_o work_n do_v by_o they_o wherefore_o a_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v not_o ill_o express_v it_o sow_n etc._n etc._n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o my_o eye_n and_o the_o good_a reward_n which_o you_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o shall_v be_v far_o great_a than_o your_o good_a work_n as_o he_o that_o sow_v a_o bushel_n hope_v to_o reap_v two_o or_o more_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o command_n for_o sow_v he_o use_v the_o word_n justice_n but_o in_o the_o promise_n of_o reap_v the_o word_n chesed_a mercy_n or_o benignity_n which_o be_v more_o than_o justice_n or_o what_o in_o strict_a justice_n can_v be_v require_v the_o mercy_n which_o they_o who_o sow_v in_o righteousness_n shall_v reap_v be_v like_o god_n himself_o the_o author_n thereof_o infinite_a and_o so_o can_v be_v express_v we_o can_v particularize_v all_o the_o way_n whereby_o god_n will_v show_v his_o mercy_n to_o such_o person_n it_o be_v write_v eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 1_o cor._n two_o 9_o as_o long_o before_o the_o harvest_n the_o husbandman_n be_v refresh_v with_o the_o sight_n and_o savour_n of_o his_o field_n so_o god_n comfort_v and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o righteous_a even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o hereafter_o he_o crown_v they_o with_o unspeakable_a glory_n and_o bless_v they_o with_o eternal_a life_n the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n even_o in_o this_o life_n where_o its_o beam_n be_v often_o intercept_v do_v yet_o afford_v more_o joy_n than_o in_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n when_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n abound_v with_o man_n and_o what_o will_v it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o world_n where_o it_o shine_v full_o and_o clear_o and_o without_o interruption_n and_o where_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o obstruct_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n thereof_o lord_n what_o joy_n be_v there_o in_o the_o very_a prospect_n of_o this_o harvest_n how_o happy_a and_o bless_a be_v they_o who_o be_v sure_a of_o it_o what_o a_o kindness_n be_v it_o that_o we_o have_v liberty_n to_o throw_v in_o our_o poor_a stock_n into_o such_o a_o profitable_a bank_n and_o a_o privilege_n to_o sow_n where_o we_o may_v reap_v so_o much_o with_o what_o face_n can_v any_o refuse_v the_o occasion_n or_o what_o excuse_n be_v sufficient_a have_v man_n by_o their_o many_o invention_n find_v out_o any_o high_a felicity_n than_o what_o god_n and_o his_o superabundant_a mercy_n can_v confer_v or_o be_v there_o a_o near_a way_n or_o more_o proper_a to_o this_o than_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n direct_v to_o the_o sow_v in_o righteousness_n be_v it_o better_a to_o labour_v for_o temporal_a than_o eternal_a thing_n for_o that_o meat_n which_o perish_v than_o that_o which_o endure_v to_o life_n everlasting_a will_v you_o plough_v wickedness_n and_o reap_v iniquity_n and_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o lie_n that_o be_v will_v you_o die_v rather_o than_o live_v this_o be_v a_o mad_a and_o shameful_a choice_n and_o yet_o one_o of_o they_o we_o must_v make_v for_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a course_n leave_v we_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o everlasting_a life_n but_o to_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v he_o that_o sow_v to_o his_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o 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 gal._n vi_fw-la 7._o the_o prophet_n have_v tell_v they_o what_o ground_n they_o will_v reap_v return_v to_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o use_v of_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n to_o which_o reap_v in_o mercy_n be_v promise_v which_o people_n have_v need_n to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o for_o ordinary_o they_o be_v very_o slack_a and_o negligent_a many_o will_v be_v at_o reap_v but_o few_o set_v themselves_o to_o the_o work_n and_o labour_n that_o must_v go_v before_o it_o they_o will_v be_v put_v in_o the_o sickle_n in_o harvest-time_n though_o they_o have_v not_o sow_v nor_o make_v any_o preparation_n for_o it_o but_o those_o who_o sow_v not_o shall_v not_o reap_v and_o that_o our_o sow_v may_v be_v successful_a we_o be_v bid_v first_o break_v up_o our_o fallow_a ground_n for_o interpreter_n make_v the_o prophet_n speech_n elliptic_a and_o will_v have_v first_o or_o after_o that_o or_o some_o such_o word_n to_o be_v understand_v if_o the_o ground_n be_v not_o prepare_v sow_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n the_o seed_n be_v lose_v that_o fall_v on_o stony_a ground_n among_o thorn_n and_o in_o the_o highway_n the_o good_a and_o precious_a seed_n to_o be_v sow_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n our_o heart_n be_v the_o ground_n which_o must_v receive_v it_o and_o they_o can_v receive_v it_o till_o they_o be_v make_v honest_a and_o good_a as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v luke_n viij_o 15._o and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o they_o must_v be_v prepare_v pain_n must_v be_v take_v on_o they_o break_v up_o your_o fallow_a ground_n if_o the_o husbandman_n do_v not_o till_o his_o ground_n cast_v furrow_n in_o it_o and_o root_n out_o the_o weed_n thereof_o he_o need_v not_o sow_v and_o will_v in_o vain_a expect_v a_o crop_n so_o our_o heart_n by_o their_o natural_a constitution_n be_v like_o fallow_a ground_n which_o be_v never_o labour_v which_o be_v indispose_v for_o receive_v seed_n from_o the_o sour_a and_o of_o itself_o bring_v forth_o only_a thorn_n and_o briar_n the_o natural_a product_n of_o
man_n heart_n be_v only_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n god_n see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n 5._o be_v great_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o natural_o man_n heart_n be_v hard_a and_o averse_a to_o all_o good_a the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n 14._o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v but_o as_o hard_a and_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v they_o may_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v change_v and_o improve_v to_o the_o better_a if_o due_a pain_n be_v take_v on_o they_o the_o evil_a and_o naughtiness_n of_o our_o heart_n will_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o be_v or_o do_v good_a though_o many_o pretend_v it_o what_o a_o silly_a excuse_n be_v it_o for_o a_o husbandman_n to_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o his_o labour_n that_o his_o ground_n of_o itself_o yield_v nothing_o but_o briar_n and_o thorn_n and_o other_o weed_n shall_v he_o not_o labour_v for_o all_o that_o and_o by_o art_n and_o industry_n make_v it_o do_v what_o of_o itself_o it_o can_v do_v so_o though_o our_o heart_n be_v as_o fallow_a ground_n yet_o let_v we_o break_v they_o up_o and_o weed_v they_o let_v we_o by_o continue_a care_n and_o diligence_n bear_v down_o their_o natural_a growth_n and_o render_v they_o susceptible_a of_o better_a thing_n let_v we_o pluck_v up_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o our_o nature_n throw_v away_o the_o choke_a care_n of_o this_o life_n and_o break_v off_o the_o course_n of_o sin_n let_v we_o ply_v our_o heart_n continual_o with_o prayer_n meditation_n on_o the_o word_n use_v of_o our_o reason_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o our_o way_n and_o a_o attendance_n on_o those_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n god_n have_v appoint_v and_o in_o process_n of_o time_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n our_o heart_n will_v be_v break_v and_o change_v from_o their_o natural_a barrenness_n to_o be_v fruitful_a in_o holiness_n and_o good_a work_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o break_v up_o our_o fallow_a ground_n to_o make_v our_o heart_n tractable_a and_o obedient_a capable_a of_o receive_v and_o nourish_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n and_o unless_o this_o be_v do_v our_o heart_n will_v be_v as_o a_o wilderness_n barren_a and_o altogether_o unfruitful_a in_o good_a break_v up_o your_o fallow_a ground_n say_v jeremy_n 3._o and_o sow_v not_o among_o thorn_n what_o a_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o sow_v in_o a_o ground_n overgrow_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o what_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v as_o hard_o as_o a_o adamant_n who_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v 11._o and_o pull_v away_o their_o shoulder_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o hear_v as_o the_o prophet_n zechariah_n speak_v there_o be_v many_o complaint_n now_o a-days_o against_o the_o sour_a but_o there_o be_v more_o reason_n to_o retort_v they_o upon_o the_o ground_n i_o mean_v to_o cast_v the_o blame_v of_o not_o profit_v upon_o the_o people_n themselves_o rather_o than_o the_o preacher_n you_o be_v ofttimes_o indispose_v your_o heart_n be_v not_o due_o prepare_v therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n preach_v have_v so_o little_a effect_n in_o you_o mortify_v therefore_o your_o lust_n subdue_v your_o passion_n daily_o cultivate_v your_o heart_n with_o act_n of_o repentance_n and_o contrition_n and_o the_o fore_n mention_v exercise_n of_o prayer_n meditation_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v be_v soften_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n and_o that_o it_o may_v prosper_v and_o spring_v up_o and_o bear_v fruit._n thus_o you_o see_v your_o task_n and_o that_o we_o lord_n may_v be_v excite_v with_o all_o speed_n and_o diligence_n to_o go_v about_o it_o and_o also_o encourage_v with_o assurance_n of_o success_n it_o be_v add_v for_o it_o be_v time_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n until_o he_o come_v and_o rain_v righteousness_n upon_o you_o by_o seek_v the_o lord_n be_v mean_v the_o seek_v his_o favour_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n or_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n without_o which_o we_o labour_v in_o vain_a and_o all_o we_o do_v be_v ineffectual_a and_o we_o then_o seek_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o when_o we_o hearty_o practice_v the_o duty_n enjoin_v we_o for_o his_o favour_n return_v upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n be_v bestow_v as_o we_o labour_v and_o endeavour_v he_o work_v together_o with_o we_o now_o say_v hosea_n it_o be_v time_n thus_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n which_o imply_v first_o a_o proper_a season_n or_o opportunity_n for_o it_o opportunity_n shall_v be_v lay_v hold_v on_o every_o thing_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o its_o time_n and_o man_n be_v encourage_v to_o work_v and_o labour_n so_o long_o as_o the_o time_n of_o do_v it_o be_v not_o past_a the_o season_n for_o sow_v and_o break_v up_o be_v all_o the_o time_n of_o life_n while_o god_n allow_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n while_o he_o make_v offer_n of_o salvation_n and_o call_v by_o his_o providence_n it_o be_v time_n to_o seek_v he_o seek_v the_o lord_n therefore_o 6._o while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o if_o any_o have_v be_v negligent_a if_o hitherto_o he_o have_v loiter_v and_o sleep_v away_o his_o time_n neither_o labour_v nor_o sow_v but_o let_v his_o heart_n lie_v all_o this_o while_n fallow_a that_o it_o be_v quite_o overgrow_v with_o weed_n it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n and_o call_v for_o mourning_n but_o it_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o despair_v nor_o reason_n to_o lay_v aside_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o necessary_a work_n be_v thou_o sensible_a that_o thou_o have_v be_v too_o long_o a_o beginning_n do_v thou_o wish_v that_o thou_o have_v be_v more_o wise_a arise_v the_o day_n be_v not_o yet_o do_v work_v while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o season_n be_v not_o whole_o pass_v lie_v hold_v on_o it_o and_o double_a thy_o diligence_n to_o recover_v misspend_v time_n which_o if_o thou_o do_v it_o shall_v be_v yet_o well_o with_o thou_o according_a to_o the_o common_a but_o wise_a proverb_n better_a late_o than_o never_o remember_v they_o who_o wrought_v but_o one_o hour_n have_v their_o hire_n if_o the_o wicked_a will_v turn_v 21._o from_o all_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o keep_v all_o my_o statute_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v sure_o live_v he_o shall_v not_o die_v say_v the_o lord_n let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o 7._o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n and_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v but_o second_o by_o say_v it_o be_v time_n the_o prophet_n lay_v before_o they_o that_o it_o be_v full_a time_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v let_v slip_n it_o be_v now_o time_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o it_o be_v time_n but_o this_o time_n be_v ever_o run_v and_o will_v once_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o therefore_o delay_n be_v dangerous_a it_o be_v indeed_o time_n yet_o but_o not_o to_o sleep_v and_o stand_v loiter_v it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o awake_v out_o of_o sleep_n to_o gird_v up_o our_o loin_n and_o to_o set_v about_o our_o work_n lest_o the_o night_n come_v in_o which_o no_o man_n can_v work_v it_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n of_o many_o that_o they_o think_v they_o have_v time_n and_o season_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n at_o least_o they_o act_n as_o if_o it_o be_v so_o but_o we_o neither_o have_v always_o time_n and_o opportunity_n nor_o can_v we_o always_o command_v grace_n to_o use_v it_o aright_o and_o therefore_o shall_v take_v it_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v and_o fear_v to_o defer_v and_o put_v it_o off_o sometime_o man_n come_v to_o that_o that_o they_o can_v neither_o seek_v nor_o work_v have_v neither_o strength_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n no_o use_n of_o any_o faculty_n so_o much_o as_o to_o desire_v what_o be_v good_a for_o they_o sometime_o they_o seek_v and_o find_v no_o acceptance_n desire_n and_o endeavour_v but_o have_v no_o success_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o tell_v peremptory_o the_o precise_a time_n when_o it_o be_v so_o with_o any_o but_o the_o scripture_n forewarn_v we_o of_o this_o and_o bid_v we_o fear_v it_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n 15._o i_o will_v hide_v my_o face_n from_o you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v i_o will_v 11._o bring_v evil_a upon_o they_o which_o they_o shall_v
thyself_o thus_o dispose_v thus_o incline_v thus_o resolve_v and_o be_v this_o any_o way_n to_o be_v see_v in_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n then_o be_v of_o courage_n thou_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o see_v thou_o take_v heed_n to_o preserve_v what_o thou_o have_v to_o cherish_v and_o increase_v it_o but_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o show_v thy_o faith_n by_o such_o work_n and_o fruit_n as_o these_o thy_o faith_n be_v vain_a it_o be_v dead_a and_o life-less_a and_o will_v not_o avail_v thou_o for_o these_o work_n and_o effect_n do_v as_o necessary_o flow_v from_o true_a faith_n as_o light_n and_o heat_n from_o the_o sun_n and_o as_o our_o lord_n say_v you_o may_v know_v the_o tree_n by_o its_o fruit._n every_o good_a tree_n bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n but_o that_o which_o bear_v no_o fruit_n be_v barren_a and_o useless_a it_o cumber_v the_o ground_n and_o be_v only_o fit_a for_o the_o fire_n this_o some_o will_v say_v perhaps_o be_v severe_a doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v true_a it_o make_v many_o christian_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o infidel_n which_o be_v sad_a indeed_o but_o who_o can_v help_v it_o we_o must_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o make_v man_n believer_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o exhort_v they_o not_o to_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n with_o mere_a fancy_n and_o conceit_n but_o to_o seek_v serious_o after_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v true_a and_o unfeigned_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n man_n persuasion_n appear_v by_o their_o action_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o faith_n in_o christ_n do_v so_o too_o he_o who_o be_v inward_o affect_v and_o delight_v with_o honour_n be_v always_o seek_v after_o preferment_n he_o who_o think_v it_o a_o fine_a thing_n to_o be_v rich_a be_v ever_o catch_v at_o gain_n he_o who_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o any_o thing_n do_v certain_o forbear_v it_o and_o who_o apprehend_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v good_a will_v not_o fail_v to_o endeavour_v the_o get_v it_o must_v then_o 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and_o hypocrisy_n now_o make_v application_n to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n and_o tell_v i_o then_o how_o can_v he_o be_v free_v of_o hypocrisy_n who_o pretend_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o he_o never_o mind_v what_o be_v please_v to_o he_o but_o be_v with_o every_o small_a temptation_n carry_v to_o the_o transgression_n of_o his_o law_n let_v i_o therefore_o beseech_v you_o not_o to_o rest_v in_o a_o lazy_a sluggish_a unactive_a faith_n if_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v call_v faith_n but_o rather_o seek_v after_o that_o true_a faith_n which_o will_v abide_v the_o test_n and_o hold_v good_a though_o never_o so_o narrow_o search_v and_o examine_v and_o who_o fruit_n be_v not_o word_n and_o a_o outward_a profession_n only_o but_o obedience_n and_o a_o sincere_a compliance_n with_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n also_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v i_o answer_v with_o st._n paul_n faith_n 17._o come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v a_o diligent_a ear_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v and_o meditate_v on_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o and_o serious_o consider_v their_o inward_a evidence_n and_o those_o unquestionable_a testimony_n have_v be_v give_v for_o evince_v their_o authority_n lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n harken_v attentive_o to_o christ_n himself_o for_o he_o be_v light_a and_o truth_n and_o none_o can_v deep_o contemplate_v he_o but_o shall_v be_v convince_v and_o constrain_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o this_o we_o must_v do_v often_o and_o serious_o for_o by_o short_a light_a and_o inconsiderate_a thought_n we_o can_v learn_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n almost_o let_v we_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o for_o god_n be_v willing_a that_o all_o man_n come_v to_o 3._o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o be_v not selfish_o selfish_n nor_o weded_a to_o any_o lust_n pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n cherish_v and_o be_v tractable_a to_o its_o motion_n and_o then_o no_o doubt_n he_o will_v remove_v from_o you_o all_o infidelity_n work_n in_o you_o faith_n and_o make_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n shall_v rich_o dwell_v in_o you_o in_o all_o wisdom_n thus_o we_o have_v see_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o have_v the_o son_n that_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o have_v he_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o that_o the_o necessary_a fruit_n and_o effect_n thereof_o be_v the_o live_n to_o he_o and_o for_o he_o the_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o study_v careful_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o always_o according_a to_o his_o holy_a word_n it_o follow_v next_o that_o we_o consider_v what_o that_o life_n be_v which_o be_v here_o promise_a and_o assure_v to_o every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o son_n life_n have_v divers_a acceptation_n in_o scripture_n explain_v sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o our_o natural_a life_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o accommodation_n thereof_o in_o this_o world_n but_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o son_n have_v this_o life_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n aim_n here_o this_o life_n be_v neither_o the_o end_n nor_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o faith_n christ_n come_v not_o to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o provisor_n for_o it_o it_o be_v true_a to_o free_v we_o from_o immoderate_a care_n and_o anxiety_n he_o have_v give_v we_o some_o assurance_n of_o necessary_a supply_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o 8._o life_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v give_v in_o common_a to_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o the_o godly_a to_o believer_n and_o to_o infidel_n yea_o sometime_o their_o share_n be_v great_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v if_o in_o this_o 19_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n in_o christ_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a and_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o many_o cross_n and_o persecution_n which_o our_o faith_n and_o sincere_a profession_n of_o christ_n sometime_o expose_v we_o to_o but_o also_o because_o faith_n raise_v our_o thought_n high_a than_o this_o life_n it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o disgust_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o and_o even_o to_o despise_v life_n itself_o except_o that_o it_o afford_v the_o occasion_n and_o capacity_n of_o better_a thing_n what_o a_o poor_a mean_a silly_a thing_n be_v it_o for_o one_o to_o live_v only_o that_o he_o may_v eat_v drink_v and_o walk_v abroad_o and_o behold_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o 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to_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o that_o misery_n which_o come_v upon_o they_o and_o we_o both_o but_o behold_v we_o be_v now_o to_o become_v as_o god_n in_o a_o high_a better_a and_o true_a sense_n than_o what_o they_o aim_v at_o or_o can_v have_v come_v to_o by_o any_o fruit_n though_o it_o have_v not_o be_v forbid_v behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n be_v this_o wherewith_o the_o father_n have_v love_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n what_o ineffable_a glory_n what_o high_a dignity_n be_v this_o that_o man_n be_v now_o exalt_v to_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v so_o mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o thou_o have_v make_v he_o but_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o hereafter_o thou_o design_a to_o make_v he_o equal_a to_o they_o yea_o like_v unto_o thyself_o how_o astonish_a be_v the_o thought_n of_o this_o what_o admiration_n may_v they_o breed_v especial_o when_o all_o this_o glory_n and_o honour_n be_v not_o for_o a_o day_n a_o month_n or_o a_o year_n but_o to_o all_o eternity_n the_o duration_n of_o this_o state_n be_v another_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o life_n what_o be_v short_a and_o momentany_a deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o our_o life_n in_o this_o world_n be_v reckon_v in_o scripture_n but_o as_o a_o breath_n a_o vapour_n it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v but_o as_o a_o puff_n of_o wind._n but_o that_o life_n above_o suffer_v no_o change_n it_o be_v unalterable_a it_o never_o have_v a_o end_n it_o last_v not_o only_o a_o thousand_o thousand_o year_n but_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o here_o we_o think_v much_o if_o we_o have_v a_o few_o day_n peace_n and_o contentment_n but_o they_o who_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v eternal_o happy_a thus_o we_o see_v what_o sort_n of_o life_n it_o be_v life_n our_o text_n speak_v of_o if_o you_o ask_v to_o who_o be_v we_o indebt_v for_o it_o look_v to_o the_o precede_a verse_n and_o there_o you_o will_v find_v it_o this_o be_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n it_o be_v to_o jesus_n christ_n only_o that_o we_o owe_v the_o obligation_n it_o be_v by_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o for_o he_o that_o we_o come_v to_o life_n for_o he_o only_o be_v the_o discoverer_n of_o it_o he_o only_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o only_o have_v the_o dispose_n and_o give_v of_o it_o first_o he_o be_v the_o discoverer_n thereof_o he_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n 10._o before_o the_o gospel_n be_v publish_v man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o life_n neither_o the_o certainty_n nor_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v know_v the_o wise_a heathen_n indeed_o have_v some_o notion_n of_o a_o life_n after_o this_o they_o judge_v it_o reasonable_a that_o the_o soul_n shall_v survive_v the_o body_n but_o however_o all_o they_o talk_v be_v mere_a conjecture_n they_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o well_o as_o temporal_a good_a thing_n and_o that_o all_o the_o pious_a and_o holy_a man_n among_o they_o live_v in_o expectation_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o dark_o reveal_v even_o to_o they_o that_o you_o know_v there_o be_v one_o sect_n among_o they_o who_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n altogether_o and_o even_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o have_v no_o very_a right_n and_o worthy_a thought_n thereof_o or_o else_o they_o may_v have_v soon_o refute_v the_o sadducee_n gross_a apprehension_n but_o whatever_o knowledge_n either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n of_o old_a have_v of_o another_o life_n it_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o christ_n for_o he_o be_v the_o light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o 7._o the_o world_n and_o now_o he_o have_v put_v this_o matter_n clear_o out_o of_o doubt_n neither_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a nor_o the_o life_n hereafter_o need_v now_o be_v dispute_v as_o doubtful_a problem_n for_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o his_o plain_a assertion_n and_o express_a promise_n and_o his_o own_o resurrection_n but_o second_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o the_o it_o discoverer_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o the_o author_n thereof_o also_o there_o be_v more_o require_v to_o the_o attain_v this_o than_o the_o mere_a discovery_n of_o it_o this_o be_v above_o humane_a reach_n it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o height_n for_o man_n of_o himself_o to_o climb_v to_o if_o any_o have_v attempt_v this_o trust_v in_o his_o own_o worth_n he_o have_v be_v certain_o baffle_v and_o defeat_v his_o boldness_n as_o it_o serve_v to_o be_v laugh_v at_o so_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v punish_v but_o as_o christ_n have_v show_v we_o this_o so_o he_o have_v purchase_v it_o for_o we_o it_o be_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n which_o have_v open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v by_o his_o strength_n that_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n it_o be_v even_o he_o himself_z who_o bestow_v it_o on_o we_o for_o he_o be_v that_o holy_a one_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n of_o david_n who_o open_v and_o 10._o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v it_o be_v he_o who_o put_v on_o we_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o work_n it_o be_v from_o he_o that_o we_o receive_v reward_n and_o this_o reward_n be_v promise_v to_o all_o who_o believe_v which_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o last_o particular_a namely_o to_o show_v that_o all_o who_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n this_o be_v a_o point_n we_o need_v life_n not_o stand_v much_o upon_o for_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a not_o only_o through_o this_o epistle_n but_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o pretence_n for_o the_o doubt_n of_o it_o very_o very_o i_o say_v 18._o unto_o you_o say_v christ_n he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n but_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n and_o again_o it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v not_o condemn_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n believer_n have_v full_a assurance_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o their_o faith_n unite_v they_o to_o christ._n he_o that_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o 17._o drink_v my_o blood_n that_o be_v believe_v in_o christ_n dwell_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o see_v also_o chap._n xvii_o now_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n will_v not_o be_v divide_v where_o the_o one_o be_v the_o other_o will_v be_v also_o father_n i_o will_v that_o they_o also_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o be_v with_o i_o where_o i_o be_o that_o they_o may_v behold_v my_o glory_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o and_o we_o be_v sure_a the_o father_n hear_v the_o son_n believer_n also_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o very_a seed_n and_o principle_n from_o which_o it_o flow_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o life_n of_o glory_n the_o one_o be_v but_o the_o perfection_n and_o completion_n of_o the_o other_o bless_a be_v he_o therefore_o who_o believe_v for_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v tell_v he_o from_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v faith_n then_o and_o faith_n only_o which_o give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o eternal_a life_n such_o a_o faith_n i_o mean_v as_o be_v former_o describe_v he_o that_o so_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o the_o son_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o they_o who_o do_v not_o and_o will_v not_o embrace_v christ_n here_o shall_v not_o be_v embrace_v by_o he_o hereafter_o they_o who_o refuse_v his_o yoke_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o his_o glorious_a kingdom_n and_o throw_v to_o that_o place_n of_o darkness_n where_o there_o be_v weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n now_o that_o we_o may_v draw_v to_o a_o close_a inference_n what_o a_o influence_n shall_v these_o consideration_n have_v upon_o our_o soul_n what_o a_o 1._o holy_a disdain_n shall_v they_o work_v in_o we_o
god_n and_o acquire_v those_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n but_o abstract_a from_o this_o what_o a_o dull_a thing_n be_v life_n and_o how_o tedious_a and_o irksome_a must_v it_o be_v to_o every_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o order_n to_o another_o life_n this_o will_v not_o be_v desirable_a and_o the_o short_a life_n will_v be_v preferable_a to_o the_o long_a to_o be_v condemn_v to_o methusalem_n life_n will_v be_v no_o small_a affliction_n to_o be_v oblige_v to_o live_v for_o nine_o hundred_o year_n in_o a_o bedlam_n and_o to_o dwell_v always_o among_o fool_n and_o knave_n for_o the_o world_n general_o be_v no_o better_o where_o there_o be_v daily_o repeat_v the_o same_o scene_n of_o impertinence_n and_o villainy_n this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v very_o grievous_a to_o wise_a and_o think_v men._n wherefore_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n beyond_o this_o life_n the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n will_v of_o all_o 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partake_v more_o of_o his_o favour_n than_o they_o who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o he_o nor_o to_o his_o law_n if_o then_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o make_v man_n less_o happy_a than_o beast_n and_o to_o suffer_v the_o best_a of_o man_n to_o be_v more_o miserable_a than_o the_o worst_a and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v certain_o so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n then_o certain_o there_o must_v be_v another_o better_a life_n to_o make_v the_o vast_a difference_n that_o shall_v be_v betwixt_o man_n and_o other_o creature_n and_o good_a and_o bad_a men._n therefore_o the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n but_o especial_o of_o good_a man_n be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n to_o come_v quod_fw-la erat_fw-la demonstrandum_fw-la have_v thus_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o solid_a inference_n ground_n of_o a_o christian_n hope_n and_o the_o strong_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v look_v for_o a_o better_a life_n to_o come_v i_o will_v next_o proceed_v to_o draw_v some_o necessary_a inference_n from_o this_o great_a important_a truth_n and_o first_o we_o may_v learn_v hence_o the_o first_o true_a rule_n of_o measure_v our_o own_o and_o other_o man_n happiness_n which_o be_v to_o regard_v not_o always_o thing_n present_a but_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n to_o discern_v who_o have_v the_o great_a wealth_n the_o high_a honour_n and_o large_a possession_n but_o from_o these_o we_o can_v conclude_v who_o be_v the_o happy_a for_o man_n happiness_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o these_o outward_a thing_n which_o he_o possess_v but_o in_o the_o sure_a and_o well_o ground_v hope_n of_o that_o better_a life_n to_o come_v the_o outward_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n can_v neither_o secure_v the_o present_a life_n nor_o make_v it_o comfortable_a to_o a_o true_o wise_a consider_v man_n it_o be_v only_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n which_o yield_v true_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o soul_n who_o want_v this_o hope_n be_v miserable_a how_o splendid_a soever_o his_o outward_a state_n be_v and_o though_o one_o possess_v nothing_o of_o this_o world_n but_o live_v in_o the_o want_n of_o all_o outward_a comfort_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v nourish_v with_o this_o inward_a consolation_n if_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o lively_a hope_n of_o that_o life_n which_o be_v above_o and_o demean_v himself_o so_o as_o that_o he_o certain_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o there_o can_v be_v none_o more_o happy_a his_o happiness_n be_v beyond_o expression_n 2_o this_o show_v that_o the_o wicked_a second_o and_o ungodly_a be_v true_o miserable_a and_o the_o good_a and_o upright_a always_o happy_a for_o the_o last_o have_v what_o the_o other_o can_v have_v a_o hope_n beyond_o this_o life_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v here_o that_o he_o and_o such_o as_o himself_o will_v be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o miserable_a if_o 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most_o true_a no_o man_n can_v be_v count_v happy_a before_o death_n then_o shall_v you_o return_v and_o discern_v betwixt_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a between_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o for_o they_o shall_v be_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n in_o that_o day_n when_o i_o make_v up_o my_o jewel_n and_o i_o will_v spare_v they_o as_o a_o man_n spare_v his_o own_o son_n that_o serve_v he_o but_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v that_o shall_v burn_v as_o a_o oven_n and_o all_o the_o proud_a yea_o and_o all_o that_o do_v wicked_o shall_v be_v stubble_n and_o the_o day_n that_o come_v shall_v burn_v they_o up_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n that_o it_o shall_v leave_v they_o neither_o root_n nor_o branch_n but_o the_o good_a and_o upright_o have_v not_o only_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o other_o world_n they_o have_v it_o also_o in_o this_o for_o the_o prospect_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o sure_a hope_n they_o have_v of_o it_o give_v they_o great_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o the_o wicked_a can_v receive_v from_o their_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n what_o result_v from_o the_o one_o be_v dull_a and_o insipid_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o the_o wicked_a have_v less_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n even_o here_o so_o they_o be_v disquiet_v with_o many_o vex_a care_n and_o torment_a fear_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v never_o affect_v for_o not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n which_o sometime_o seize_v they_o they_o place_v all_o their_o happiness_n in_o these_o outward_a thing_n which_o be_v daily_o liable_a to_o a_o thousand_o hazard_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v never_o at_o rest_n but_o miserable_o toss_v with_o care_n and_o
say_v we_o will_v not_o consider_v this_o as_o any_o true_a motive_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v neither_o sufficient_a nor_o reasonable_a and_o he_o who_o embrace_v christ_n upon_o no_o other_o ground_n than_o this_o his_o religion_n be_v little_a to_o be_v value_v or_o regard_v neither_o be_v it_o matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o such_o a_o one_o yield_v to_o the_o prevail_a tentation_n of_o sin_n and_o refuse_v compliance_n with_o the_o precept_n of_o a_o strict_a and_o holy_a live_n especial_o when_o he_o perceive_v they_o fall_v into_o desuetude_n and_o that_o vice_n and_o ungodliness_n be_v more_o common_o practise_v for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o other_o reason_n or_o motive_n than_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o place_n he_o live_v in_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v still_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o tide_n but_o what_o a_o shameful_a and_o unworthy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n only_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n we_o live_v in_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n command_v we_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n who_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o very_a slender_a and_o poor_a one_o when_o we_o have_v no_o other_o but_o that_o we_o be_v so_o educate_v and_o that_o this_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v profess_v and_o in_o fashion_n where_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o bred._n indeed_o it_o be_v no_o small_a happiness_n to_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o church_n and_o under_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o among_o those_o who_o may_v educate_v we_o in_o the_o christian_a faith_n because_o hereby_o we_o have_v a_o early_a occasion_n of_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o those_o great_a and_o important_a thing_n which_o concern_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v always_o good_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o these_o excellent_a advantage_n of_o our_o birth_n and_o education_n without_o which_o it_o be_v like_a we_o shall_v have_v never_o come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ._n but_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o a_o reasonable_a enquiry_n and_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n when_o we_o come_v to_o age_n and_o the_o year_n of_o discretion_n we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o pin_v our_o faith_n upon_o our_o grand-mother_n sleeve_n we_o ought_v to_o fix_v it_o on_o a_o better_a bottom_n than_o mere_a education_n we_o shall_v search_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v rather_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o of_o any_o other_o and_o shall_v labour_v to_o understand_v what_o obligation_n be_v upon_o we_o to_o choose_v christ_n and_o none_o other_o to_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o unless_o we_o do_v this_o we_o do_v not_o act_v like_o man_n our_o faith_n be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o divine_a but_o unworthy_a both_o of_o man_n and_o christian_n and_o which_o will_v never_o endure_v the_o shock_n of_o any_o temptation_n that_o which_o shall_v chief_o persuade_v god_n we_o to_o profess_v christ_n and_o to_o become_v his_o disciple_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o his_o be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o a_o serious_a reflection_n on_o those_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o irrefragable_a testimony_n we_o have_v receive_v thereof_o jesus_n christ_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n god_n bare_a witness_n unto_o he_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o angel_n and_o several_a voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o divers_a other_o astonish_a sign_n he_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n not_o only_o beyond_o humane_a reach_n but_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o nature_n itself_o and_o he_o give_v other_o power_n to_o do_v the_o like_a his_o death_n be_v accompany_v with_o many_o amaze_a wonder_n especial_o that_o of_o his_o resurrection_n so_o that_o the_o world_n be_v astonish_v at_o it_o for_o death_n have_v no_o power_n over_o he_o for_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o appear_v unto_o many_o and_o last_o of_o all_o be_v see_v to_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n when_o he_o be_v go_v what_o he_o foretell_v his_o disciple_n come_v to_o pass_v and_o as_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o so_o god_n give_v testimony_n unto_o they_o by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o follow_v they_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v constrain_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v their_o doctrine_n we_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n for_o these_o thing_n as_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o reason_v any_o man_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o by_o these_o thing_n it_o do_v appear_v that_o christ_n be_v no_o impostor_n nor_o the_o gospel_n a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n but_o a_o certain_a divine_a truth_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v high_o exalt_v jesus_n christ_n and_o give_v he_o a_o name_n which_o be_v above_o every_o name_n 9_o that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o thing_n in_o earth_n and_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n if_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n if_o we_o own_v he_o to_o be_v our_o lord_n it_o shall_v be_v for_o these_o reason_n and_o upon_o these_o ground_n otherwise_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o valid_a this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o true_a inducement_n obedience_n to_o the_o receive_v christ_n and_o if_o we_o embrace_v he_o and_o make_v he_o our_o lord_n for_o this_o reason_n because_o he_o be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o have_v receive_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n then_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v a_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o yield_v all_o obedience_n and_o service_n for_o god_n have_v not_o make_v he_o a_o titular_a lord_n he_o have_v not_o give_v he_o a_o name_n of_o dominion_n and_o power_n only_o but_o he_o have_v constitute_v he_o such_o a_o lord_n as_o must_v be_v serve_v and_o obey_v and_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v not_o nominal_a but_o real_a actual_a and_o effective_a and_o consequent_o the_o subjection_n which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v give_v he_o must_v be_v something_o else_o than_o word_n and_o compliment_n it_o must_v be_v more_o than_o a_o barren_a and_o empty_a profession_n it_o must_v be_v real_a deed_n faithful_a service_n and_o a_o impartial_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o command_n or_o else_o whatever_o we_o profess_v or_o say_v he_o will_v never_o own_v or_o acknowledge_v we_o to_o be_v his_o true_a subject_n and_o servant_n a_o son_n honour_v his_o father_n 6._o and_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n if_o i_o then_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n say_v the_o lord_n by_o the_o prophet_n malachy_n if_o we_o do_v real_o acknowledge_v another_o to_o be_v lord_n and_o master_n we_o must_v also_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o servant_n owe_v obedience_n therefore_o we_o reproach_v ourselves_o so_o often_o as_o we_o call_v christ_n our_o lord_n and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o obey_v he_o our_o ingenuity_n in_o call_v he_o lord_n can_v never_o appear_v so_o long_o as_o we_o do_v not_o hearty_o and_o ready_o obey_v he_o for_o as_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o forecited_n place_n offer_v it_o now_o unto_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v thy_o person_n try_v i_o pray_v you_o and_o see_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v put_v off_o as_o thou_o think_v to_o put_v off_o christ_n when_o thou_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o obey_v he_o will_v any_o prince_n look_v upon_o those_o as_o good_a subject_n who_o pay_v he_o no_o homage_n and_o refuse_v he_o the_o act_n and_o testimony_n of_o their_o allegiance_n will_v any_o master_n count_v he_o his_o servant_n who_o never_o mind_v his_o will_n but_o do_v his_o own_o and_o how_o unreasonable_a then_o be_v thou_o not_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o who_o thou_o call_v and_o believe_v to_o be_v thy_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o master_n if_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o receive_v he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v lest_o we_o be_v esteem_v rebel_n for_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o heaven_n we_o ought_v also_o to_o believe_v and_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o obey_v he_o for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o not_o to_o
into_o shame_n how_o long_o will_v you_o love_v vanity_n and_o seek_v after_o lose_v do_v you_o slight_a god_n set_v at_o nought_o your_o maker_n and_o court_v the_o world_n be_v you_o take_v up_o with_o toy_n and_o trifle_n and_o will_v you_o despise_v life_n and_o cast_v behind_o you_o eternal_a bliss_n be_v astonish_v o_o you_o heaven_n at_o this_o and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a be_v you_o very_o desolate_a say_v the_o lord_n for_o my_o people_n have_v commit_v two_o great_a evil_n they_o have_v forsake_v i_o the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n and_o hew_v they_o out_o cistern_n break_a cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n o_o that_o man_n be_v wise_a o_o that_o they_o do_v understand_v o_o that_o they_o will_v but_o serious_o consider_v this_o come_v i_o pray_v you_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o call_v in_o your_o thought_n consult_v your_o knowledge_n advise_v with_o your_o experience_n and_o then_o tell_v i_o what_o you_o have_v ever_o find_v preferable_a to_o god_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o worthy_a your_o thought_n or_o care_n what_o be_v it_o that_o do_v equal_a his_o favour_n and_o love_n or_o what_o can_v compensate_a the_o loss_n thereof_o will_v riches_n will_v honour_n will_v pleasure_n or_o will_v any_o thing_n else_o be_v profitable_a as_o god_n can_v we_o expect_v to_o draw_v from_o they_o either_o separately_z or_o joint_o as_o much_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n as_o from_o he_o behold_v every_o day_n let_v we_o see_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v frail_a brittle_a and_o uncertain_a and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o fast_a hold_n of_o they_o but_o though_o they_o be_v more_o certain_a and_o stable_a yet_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o draw_v from_o they_o alone_o that_o good_a which_o our_o soul_n crave_v it_o be_v indeed_o somewhat_o hard_o to_o convince_v man_n but_o though_o they_o shall_v act_v over_o all_o the_o experiment_n of_o solomon_n and_o prove_v what_o good_a be_v under_o the_o sun_n they_o can_v not_o draw_v another_o conclusion_n than_o what_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o viz._n that_o all_o thing_n be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o that_o man_n chief_a and_o only_o good_a be_v to_o seek_v god_n and_o to_o delight_v themselves_o in_o he_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o portion_n say_v my_o soul_n 24._o therefore_o will_v i_o hope_v in_o he_o o_o consider_v what_o a_o honour_n it_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o favour_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o psalmist_n fall_v into_o admiration_n when_o he_o behold_v man_n but_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n and_o invest_v with_o dominion_n over_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o whatever_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o praise_n and_o admiration_n in_o that_o case_n yet_o angel_n be_v but_o fellow-creature_n and_o the_o other_o destitute_a of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o far_o below_o 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the_o church_n than_o in_o be_v head_n of_o the_o empire_n for_o to_o be_v a_o true_a lively_a member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v unite_v we_o to_o god_n and_o so_o be_v more_o to_o be_v desire_v than_o the_o great_a dominion_n or_o a_o universal_a monarchy_n for_o hereby_o we_o be_v not_o only_o high_o honour_v but_o great_o enrich_v we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o honourable_a title_n and_o relation_n confer_v on_o we_o but_o also_o the_o large_a emolument_fw-fr eliphaz_n advise_v job_n to_o seek_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v relieve_v out_o of_o all_o his_o trouble_n and_o if_o he_o get_v he_o his_o friend_n he_o tell_v he_o he_o shall_v be_v in_o league_n with_o the_o stone_n of_o the_o field_n and_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n shall_v be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o for_o god_n will_v certain_o oblige_v all_o his_o creature_n to_o keep_v peace_n with_o those_o with_o who_o he_o be_v at_o peace_n as_o a_o king_n make_v peace_n not_o only_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o all_o his_o people_n or_o if_o he_o let_v any_o of_o they_o break_v peace_n it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v make_v those_o his_o belove_a and_o peculiar_a friend_n to_o be_v the_o more_o glorious_a by_o gain_v a_o victory_n over_o they_o he_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n be_v sure_a of_o his_o heart_n wish_v delight_n thyself_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o desire_n of_o thy_o heart_n what_o can_v any_o wish_v for_o more_o than_o what_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v contrive_v a_o infinite_a power_n act_n and_o a_o infinite_a bounty_n bestow_v now_o he_o who_o have_v god_n his_o friend_n be_v ally_v to_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o will_v ever_o interess_n themselves_o in_o all_o his_o concern_v happy_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n bless_v be_v the_o man_n who_o choose_v god_n for_o his_o inheritance_n for_o he_o will_v give_v grace_n and_o glory_n and_o will_v withhold_v no_o good_a thing_n from_o he_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o to_o the_o good_a of_o they_o that_o love_n god_n trouble_v as_o well_o as_o prosperity_n and_o the_o sad_a affliction_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a outward_a plenty_n many_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a but_o say_v david_n lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o thou_o have_v put_v gladness_n in_o my_o heart_n more_o than_o in_o the_o time_n that_o their_o corn_n and_o wine_n increase_v they_o who_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n have_v joy_n which_o the_o world_n can_v rob_v they_o of_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o happiness_n and_o comfort_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o rapine_n or_o violence_n nor_o do_v it_o ever_o decay_n peace_n i_o leave_v with_o you_o my_o peace_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o say_v christ_n but_o not_o as_o the_o world_n give_v give_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o be_v he_o give_v neither_o so_o inconsiderable_a nor_o yet_o so_o brittle_a and_o uncertain_a a_o peace_n as_o what_o the_o world_n give_v but_o what_o be_v more_o solid_a and_o substantial_a wherefore_o he_o add_v let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v neither_o be_v afraid_a if_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n we_o need_v not_o startle_v at_o any_o thing_n neither_o at_o private_a personal_a disaster_n nor_o at_o public_a calamity_n because_o god_n be_v our_o refuge_n and_o present_a help_n the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v be_v without_o cross_n and_o affliction_n but_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v these_o to_o mar_v either_o their_o present_a inward_a comfort_n or_o after_o happiness_n their_o joy_n can_v be_v take_v from_o they_o he_o will_v let_v they_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o the_o wave_n of_o trouble_n but_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v swallow_v up_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o joyful_a exit_fw-la mark_v the_o perfect_a and_o behold_v the_o upright_a for_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v peace_n psal._n xxxvii_o when_o man_n draw_v near_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n when_o their_o day_n be_v near_o a_o period_n whether_o through_o age_n or_o by_o any_o accident_n they_o have_v need_n of_o some_o comfort_a cordial_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o faint_v and_o nothing_o be_v possible_a to_o administer_v this_o but_o the_o hope_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n the_o sense_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o love_n will_v make_v death_n appear_v without_o a_o frightful_a visage_n though_o general_o it_o be_v esteem_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n this_o will_v make_v one_o to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o abhor_v death_n as_o in_o many_o case_n to_o be_v even_o glad_a of_o it_o because_o it_o open_v a_o door_n to_o eternal_a rest_n unspeakable_a joy_n and_o fullness_n of_o glory_n be_v it_o not_o then_o good_a for_o
somewhat_o more_o spiritual_a than_o what_o these_o amount_v to_o but_o to_o leave_v this_o and_o come_v to_o a_o application_n this_o text_n in_o both_o part_n may_v be_v accommodate_v application_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n these_o word_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o may_v be_v without_o stretch_v apply_v to_o our_o come_n to_o this_o ordinance_n for_o this_o be_v one_o way_n of_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n and_o the_o most_o solemn_a we_o can_v make_v in_o this_o life_n and_o a_o earnest_n of_o that_o intimate_a admission_n into_o his_o glorious_a presence_n hereafter_o and_o hereby_o also_o be_v set_v forth_o that_o which_o procure_v we_o this_o gracious_a privilege_n viz._n the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ._n wherefore_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n and_o will_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n shall_v embrace_v ready_o and_o cheerful_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o speak_v free_o to_o you_o i_o know_v nothing_o can_v keep_v people_n from_o this_o sacrament_n and_o make_v they_o slight_v it_o but_o the_o want_n of_o a_o true_a desire_n after_o god_n and_o the_o little_a concern_v they_o have_v for_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n i_o pray_v god_n forgive_v those_o who_o have_v make_v some_o believe_v it_o a_o mark_n of_o religion_n or_o great_a sanctity_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o our_o communion_n i_o entreat_v you_o be_v not_o easy_o deceive_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o examine_v well_o what_o you_o hear_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n none_o that_o know_v the_o truth_n or_o love_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o your_o conscience_n if_o there_o be_v any_o doctrine_n teach_v in_o this_o church_n or_o any_o thing_n practise_v in_o our_o worship_n disagreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o why_o shall_v person_n withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n and_o what_o can_v excuse_v such_o withdraw_n these_o table_n be_v indeed_o too_o seldom_o cover_v but_o when_o they_o be_v cover_v let_v they_o be_v fill_v with_o guest_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o let_v not_o this_o poor_a church_n be_v miserable_o tear_v with_o needless_a and_o unwarrantable_a separation_n whereby_o we_o become_v both_o a_o prey_n and_o a_o laughingstock_n to_o our_o enemy_n how_o comely_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o say_v the_o psalmist_n for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n and_o it_o be_v as_o profitable_a as_o comely_a be_v the_o time_n bad_a we_o shall_v meet_v to_o pray_v god_n to_o make_v they_o better_o be_v this_o a_o wicked_a generation_n that_o shall_v not_o make_v we_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o but_o we_o shall_v the_o rather_o do_v it_o to_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n let_v not_o any_o pretend_v a_o liberty_n of_o do_v what_o they_o please_v or_o say_v they_o be_v not_o accountable_a to_o we_o whether_o they_o go_v or_o come_v consider_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o you_o be_v all_o accountable_a to_o god_n as_o also_o as_o christian_n and_o member_n of_o his_o church_n you_o be_v all_o accountable_a to_o his_o minister_n especial_o to_o his_o supreme_a minister_n under_o christ_n the_o bishop_n to_o who_o you_o be_v subject_a as_o to_o your_o spiritual_a superior_n and_o aught_o to_o obey_v they_o this_o be_v his_o command_n and_o therefore_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o not_o what_o be_v right_a in_o your_o own_o eye_n or_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o let_v therefore_o his_o law_n be_v punctual_o observe_v and_o his_o ordinance_n wait_v on_o and_o let_v none_o take_v to_o themselves_o a_o dispensation_n from_o any_o of_o these_o lest_o they_o incur_v his_o displeasure_n which_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v most_o to_o be_v fear_v but_o though_o i_o wish_v all_o will_v come_v to_o this_o sacrament_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o to_o come_v unworthy_o and_o without_o due_a preparation_n for_o st._n paul_n have_v tell_v we_o the_o sad_a danger_n of_o that_o now_o what_o be_v require_v to_o render_v one_o worthy_a you_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o text_n he_o have_v the_o wedding_n garment_n who_o have_v the_o qualification_n in_o the_o text._n let_v i_o therefore_o beseech_v you_o all_o to_o retire_v home_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o thought_n of_o other_o business_n and_o in_o all_o seriousness_n to_o examine_v how_o it_o stand_v between_o god_n and_o you_o see_v whether_o you_o be_v already_o adorn_v with_o these_o qualification_n here_o speak_v of_o if_o you_o have_v they_o rejoice_v and_o bless_v god_n and_o come_v up_o to_o morrow_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o sacrament_n that_o they_o may_v be_v confirm_v and_o perfect_v in_o you_o if_o as_o yet_o you_o be_v stranger_n to_o these_o qualification_n do_v not_o resolve_v to_o withdraw_v for_o that_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o your_o sin_n and_o so_o without_o god_n but_o be_v you_o rather_o more_o earnest_a this_o night_n in_o acquire_v they_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n it_o be_v true_a you_o can_v bring_v they_o to_o perfection_n but_o you_o may_v have_v they_o in_o sincerity_n which_o for_o the_o present_n will_v be_v admit_v o_o rouse_v up_o your_o faith_n and_o let_v it_o operate_v in_o your_o mind_n besprinkle_v yourselves_o with_o the_o tear_n of_o true_a contrition_n and_o cleanse_v yourselves_o with_o steadfast_a purpose_n of_o depart_v from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o of_o keep_v ever_o hereafter_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o if_o you_o do_v so_o you_o shall_v go_v back_o justify_v in_o god_n sight_n amen_n sermon_n xii_o on_o hosea_n x._o 12._o sow_n to_o yourselves_o in_o righteousness_n reap_v in_o mercy_n break_v up_o your_o fallow_a ground_n for_o it_o be_v time_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n till_o he_o come_v and_o rain_v righteousness_n upon_o you_o these_o word_n contain_v a_o sound_n jew_n and_o wholesome_a advice_n to_o a_o miserable_a people_n lie_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o threaten_v with_o many_o sad_a and_o grievous_a judgement_n the_o people_n be_v israel_n the_o child_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n with_o who_o god_n have_v a_o controversy_n because_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n nor_o mercy_n nor_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n they_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o corrupt_v themselves_o with_o the_o idolatry_n superstition_n and_o other_o abomination_n of_o the_o heathen_a nation_n among_o who_o they_o dwell_v for_o which_o god_n wrath_n be_v kindle_v against_o they_o and_o this_o prophet_n be_v send_v forth_o to_o intimate_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o how_o severe_o it_o will_v fall_v on_o they_o but_o the_o divine_a threaten_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n like_o ionathan_n arrow_n shoot_v for_o warn_v rather_o than_o destruction_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wrath_n he_o remember_v mercy_n and_o when_o he_o denounce_v war_n he_o intend_v to_o spare_v and_o therefore_o denounce_v it_o that_o man_n may_v be_v awaken_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o so_o prevent_v if_o not_o the_o temporal_a evil_n which_o they_o deserve_v yet_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o wherefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n so_o often_o intermix_v his_o threaten_n with_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n obedience_n and_o seek_v the_o lord_n as_o here_o in_o our_o text._n this_o advice_n have_v no_o particularity_n in_o people_n it_o to_o restrain_v it_o to_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v here_o give_v but_o it_o may_v very_o well_o suit_n with_o any_o other_o people_n who_o be_v desirous_a of_o god_n favour_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n nay_o here_o be_v lay_v down_o the_o general_a and_o indispensable_a condition_n on_o which_o any_o people_n may_v expect_v peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o the_o sure_a mean_n of_o obtain_v good_a thing_n from_o he_o and_o so_o they_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v consider_v by_o you_o at_o this_o time_n hosea_n speak_v here_o in_o metaphorical_a husbandry_n term_n borrow_v from_o husbandry_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a employment_n of_o mankind_n so_o according_a to_o cicero_n it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o become_v and_o worthy_a of_o a_o gentleman_n and_o have_v employ_v the_o pen_n of_o the_o etc._n great_a among_o the_o roman_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o force_n in_o the_o term_n of_o it_o to_o carry_v the_o thing_n recommend_v by_o the_o familiar_a use_n of_o they_o home_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o render_v they_o more_o effectual_a upon_o which_o account_v nothing_o be_v more_o
who_o humble_v and_o exalt_v say_v the_o wise_a son_n of_o syrach_n and_o solomon_n who_o word_n have_v yet_o great_a weight_n say_v whoso_o mock_v the_o poor_a reproach_v his_o maker_n 5._o and_o he_o that_o be_v glad_a at_o calamity_n shall_v not_o be_v unpunished_a so_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n say_v that_o he_o be_v humble_v at_o these_o disaster_n of_o midian_a and_o cushan_n that_o he_o himself_o may_v rest_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n who_o wise_o and_o serious_o consider_v the_o instability_n of_o humane_a affair_n will_v neither_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o their_o own_o prosperity_n nor_o will_v they_o insult_v over_o their_o neighbour_n misery_n for_o what_o be_v the_o one_o case_n to_o day_n may_v be_v the_o other_o to_o morrow_n who_o at_o present_a brave_v it_o out_o with_o pride_n and_o scorn_n may_v within_o a_o little_a time_n come_v to_o be_v contemptible_a quem_fw-la dies_fw-la vidit_fw-la veniens_fw-la superbum_fw-la seneca_n hunc_fw-la dies_fw-la vidit_fw-la fugiens_fw-la jacentem_fw-la res_fw-la deus_fw-la nostras_fw-la celeri_fw-la citatas_fw-la turbine_fw-la versat_fw-la second_o we_o see_v here_o that_o the_o church_n affliction_n and_o people_n of_o god_n be_v often_o visit_v with_o the_o rod_n of_o affliction_n the_o text_n declare_v it_o and_o if_o any_o person_n doubt_v it_o let_v they_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v full_o convince_v as_o for_o the_o jewish_a church_n it_o be_v first_o sad_o oppress_v in_o egypt_n and_o thereafter_o for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n it_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n with_o divers_a kind_n of_o affliction_n after_o they_o come_v to_o canaan_n during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n they_o be_v often_o bring_v low_a they_o have_v peace_n a_o part_n of_o david_n and_o all_o solomon_n life_n but_o afterward_o it_o be_v continual_o interrupt_v till_o they_o be_v carry_v captive_a to_o babylon_n when_o they_o be_v bring_v back_o and_o restore_v to_o their_o own_o land_n they_o be_v not_o settle_v without_o hot_a debate_n and_o contest_v with_o their_o neighbour_n and_o after_o their_o settlement_n they_o have_v severe_a war_n and_o be_v keep_v in_o continual_a exercise_n with_o divers_a sore_a trouble_n until_o christ_n as_o appear_v from_o josephus_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o as_o for_o the_o christian_a church_n trouble_n spring_v up_o with_o it_o and_o continual_o attend_v it_o for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o hundred_o year_n it_o suffer_v ten_o severe_a general_n persecution_n beside_o many_o sad_a particular_a conflict_n and_o though_o after_o that_o the_o emperor_n and_o ruler_n turn_v christian_a there_o be_v no_o general_a persecution_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n or_o people_n without_o the_o rod_n of_o correction_n they_o have_v be_v visit_v either_o with_o foreign_a war_n or_o intestine_a division_n with_o pestilence_n or_o famine_n or_o some_o other_o calamity_n no_o nation_n or_o people_n can_v boast_v of_o a_o immunity_n from_o such_o disaster_n but_o for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o hundred_o year_n as_o man_n in_o his_o private_a capacity_n so_o state_n and_o society_n be_v bear_v to_o trouble_n nor_o be_v a_o exemption_n from_o the_o same_o among_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o roman_a church_n make_v temporal_a felicity_n one_o of_o the_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o her_o infallibility_n appear_v as_o little_a here_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n for_o as_o it_o be_v no_o where_o promise_v in_o scripture_n so_o no_o church_n can_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la show_v it_o she_o herself_o will_v fail_v if_o she_o be_v put_v to_o prove_v herself_o the_o true_a church_n by_o this_o for_o where_o be_v her_o temporal_a felicity_n when_o rome_n itself_o be_v sack_v and_o the_o pope_n shut_v up_o in_o prison_n calamity_n and_o affliction_n do_v indeed_o indicate_v that_o they_o who_o suffer_v they_o be_v sinner_n but_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v reprobate_n and_o castaways_a for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v expect_v they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o nay_o they_o may_v look_v for_o they_o more_o than_o other_o because_o god_n be_v more_o jealous_a of_o they_o and_o his_o glory_n be_v more_o concern_v to_o punish_v sin_n in_o they_o three_o we_o may_v observe_v here_o that_o will._n even_o when_o god_n be_v most_o provoke_v to_o lay_v on_o his_o afflict_a hand_n and_o to_o punish_v he_o do_v not_o forbear_v to_o show_v kindness_n and_o that_o in_o the_o extreme_a misery_n there_o be_v still_o ground_n to_o hope_n in_o god_n for_o a_o deliverance_n none_o ever_o provoke_v god_n more_o than_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n in_o the_o day_n to_o which_o this_o prophecy_n refer_v nor_o do_v any_o people_n case_n look_v more_o desperate_a than_o they_o when_o carry_v captive_a by_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o yet_o you_o see_v here_o that_o the_o prophet_n in_o regard_n to_o they_o then_o sai_z when_o i_o fall_v i_o shall_v rise_v when_o i_o sit_v in_o darkness_n the_o lord_n shall_v be_v a_o light_n unto_o i_o as_o god_n cast_v down_o with_o one_o hand_n he_o lift_v up_o with_o another_o soepe_z prement_fw-la deo_fw-la fert_fw-la deus_fw-la alter_fw-la opem_fw-la thus_o when_o he_o cast_v the_o israelite_n out_o of_o their_o own_o land_n he_o make_v they_o to_o find_v favour_n with_o the_o people_n among_o who_o they_o be_v disperse_v god_n wise_o temper_v his_o punishment_n so_o that_o while_o they_o vindicate_v his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n they_o also_o serve_v to_o manifest_v his_o mercy_n and_o goodwill_n god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o see_v it_o he_o punish_v it_o but_o all_o his_o hatred_n be_v against_o the_o crime_n and_o not_o the_o person_n therefore_o he_o save_v and_o comfort_v they_o and_o make_v their_o very_a affliction_n tend_v to_o their_o good_a unless_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o altogether_o incorrigible_a and_o have_v harden_v their_o heart_n against_o all_o his_o method_n and_o then_o indeed_o he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o destruction_n when_o he_o see_v it_o necessary_a to_o withdraw_v external_a and_o worldly_a comfort_n he_o double_v inward_a and_o spiritual_a consolation_n so_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n have_v denounce_v judgement_n against_o israel_n he_o add_v and_o therefore_o will_v the_o lord_n wait_v that_o he_o may_v be_v gracious_a unto_o you_o and_o therefore_o will_v he_o be_v exalt_v that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o you_o and_o though_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o the_o 18._o bread_n of_o adversity_n and_o the_o water_n of_o affliction_n yet_o shall_v not_o thy_o teacher_n be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n any_o more_o but_o thy_o eye_n shall_v see_v thy_o teacher_n and_o thy_o ear_n shall_v hear_v a_o word_n behind_o thou_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o when_o you_o turn_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o when_o you_o turn_v to_o the_o left_a the_o felicity_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n and_o spiritual_a consolation_n to_o worldly_a advantage_n now_o because_o ordinary_o people_n be_v insensible_a of_o the_o former_a and_o indispose_v to_o receive_v they_o while_o the_o latter_a abound_v with_o they_o therefore_o he_o take_v away_o this_o that_o they_o may_v seek_v the_o other_o and_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o so_o that_o we_o real_o gain_v by_o our_o loss_n and_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v hos._n two_o 14._o therefore_o behold_v i_o will_v allure_v she_o and_o bring_v she_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o speak_v comfortable_o unto_o she_o and_o i_o will_v give_v she_o her_o vineyard_n from_o thence_o and_o the_o valley_n of_o anchor_n for_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n and_o she_o shall_v sing_v there_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o youth_n and_o as_o in_o the_o day_n when_o she_o come_v up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n these_o word_n show_v that_o god_n comfort_v his_o people_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o therefore_o afflict_v they_o that_o he_o may_v make_v they_o sensible_a of_o his_o kindness_n and_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v comfortable_o to_o they_o as_o also_o that_o in_o due_a time_n he_o will_v deliver_v they_o and_o make_v they_o to_o rejoice_v for_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v afflict_v it_o be_v good_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v both_o hope_n and_o quiet_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v always_o ground_n to_o hope_n and_o never_o reason_n to_o despair_v be_v our_o condition_n never_o so_o low_a perplex_v and_o trouble_v for_o he_o be_v