you_o shall_v therefore_o choose_v god_n betimes_o because_o you_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v past_a these_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o application_n and_o i_o shall_v make_v but_o two_o use_v of_o it_o one_o by_o way_n of_o trial_n and_o the_o other_o by_o way_n of_o counsel_n first_o by_o way_n of_o trial_n you_o have_v hear_v young_a one_o what_o your_o duty_n be_v to_o begin_v with_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o your_o choice_n now_o the_o question_n i_o will_v ask_v you_o be_v what_o have_v you_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n you_o that_o be_v in_o your_o youth_n and_o prime_n of_o your_o day_n what_o have_v you_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n now_o be_v your_o choose_n time_n pray_v what_o choice_n have_v you_o make_v it_o be_v a_o needful_a question_n god_n help_v you_o to_o answer_v it_o in_o your_o own_o heart_n one_o choose_v this_o employ_v another_o that_o one_o choose_v to_o go_v to_o sea_n another_o choose_v to_o tarry_v on_o shore_n one_o choose_v this_o call_v another_o choose_v that_o but_o have_v you_o choose_a god_n to_o be_v your_o god_n have_v you_o ever_o make_v that_o choice_n it_o be_v david_n question_n to_o the_o egyptian_a 1_o sam._n 30.14_o to_o who_o belong_v thou_o to_o who_o belong_v thou_o young_a one_o to_o who_o do_v you_o belong_v pray_v do_v you_o belong_v to_o god_n why_o you_o will_v say_v how_o may_v i_o know_v this_o it_o can_v be_v know_v a_o priori_fw-la as_o we_o say_v by_o god_n choose_v of_o you_o that_o be_v a_o imminent_a act_n and_o imminent_a act_n can_v give_v evidence_n they_o prove_v nothing_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v know_v a_o posteriori_fw-la by_o some_o subsequent_a act_n of_o our_o own_o there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n but_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n of_o know_v it_o we_o be_v make_v his_o both_o by_o his_o act_n and_o our_o own_o by_o his_o elect_v of_o we_o and_o by_o our_o elect_v of_o he_o now_o we_o can_v know_v that_o we_o be_v god_n by_o his_o act_n by_o his_o choose_v of_o we_o but_o we_o may_v know_v it_o by_o our_o act_n by_o our_o choose_v of_o he_o this_o be_v the_o question_n that_o i_o will_v put_v to_o you_o have_v you_o serious_o choose_a god_n to_o be_v your_o god_n do_v you_o ever_o make_v this_o choice_n this_o must_v be_v before_o any_o one_o can_v lay_v a_o true_a claim_n to_o he_o god_n will_v never_o be_v you_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o without_o your_o own_o choice_n now_o have_v you_o ever_o choose_a god_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v at_o a_o present_a pinch_n it_o may_v be_v under_o the_o check_n of_o conscience_n or_o in_o some_o present_a distress_n many_o will_v take_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n but_o this_o choice_n seldom_o come_v to_o any_o thing_n it_o last_v but_o till_o the_o storm_n be_v over_o and_o the_o distress_n remove_v but_o have_v you_o ever_o choose_v god_n in_o the_o sense_n describe_v have_v you_o choose_v he_o by_o a_o deliberate_a act_n of_o the_o will_v guide_v by_o judgement_n and_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o cleave_v to_o god_n how_o shall_v i_o know_v this_o you_o will_v say_v brief_o there_o be_v divers_a way_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v know_v i_o will_v name_v but_o two_o or_o three_o it_o may_v be_v know_v first_o by_o a_o self-dedication_n and_o devote_v of_o yourselves_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n whenever_o the_o soul_n true_o choose_v god_n for_o his_o god_n it_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o self-dedication_n to_o god_n so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o those_o macedonian_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o they_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n now_o what_o can_v you_o say_v to_o this_o have_v you_o ever_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n resolve_v to_o live_v in_o a_o entire_a submission_n to_o his_o will_n have_v you_o ever_o make_v a_o solemn_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o your_o own_o soul_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v your_o god_n and_o that_o you_o through_o his_o grace_n will_v be_v he_o why_o if_o so_o than_o you_o have_v choose_v god_n and_o he_o be_v your_o god_n second_o it_o may_v be_v know_v by_o your_o behaviour_n in_o reference_n to_o sin_n when_o you_o be_v tempt_v to_o any_o sin_n either_o by_o satan_n or_o by_o your_o own_o lust_n what_o do_v you_o do_v do_v you_o give_v way_n to_o it_o or_o do_v you_o run_v to_o christ_n for_o strength_n against_o it_o do_v you_o comply_v with_o it_o or_o do_v you_o resist_v it_o do_v you_o countenance_n or_o curb_n it_o be_v it_o love_v or_o hate_v this_o be_v no_o hard_a case_n to_o determine_v every_o child_n can_v tell_v what_o he_o love_v and_o what_o he_o hate_v no_o one_o that_o live_v in_o the_o love_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n can_v say_v that_o ever_o he_o have_v choose_v god_n mind_n it_o any_o one_o lust_n indulge_v will_v certain_o confute_v this_o claim_n for_o where_o sin_n be_v love_v there_o it_o reign_v and_o where_o sin_n reign_v god_n be_v disow_v and_o can_v any_o one_o disown_n god_n and_o yet_o say_v he_o have_v choose_v god_n it_o can_v be_v three_o it_o may_v be_v know_v by_o your_o obedience_n he_o that_o choose_v god_n for_o his_o chief_a good_a choose_v he_o for_o his_o only_a lord_n and_o that_o necessary_o infer_v obedience_n to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n so_o say_v the_o apostle_n his_o servant_n you_o be_v who_o you_o obey_v rom._n 6.16_o many_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o god_n and_o claim_v a_o propriety_n in_o he_o but_o who_o do_v you_o obey_v pray_v mind_v that_o do_v the_o flesh_n bear_v sway_n do_v pride_n reign_v do_v youthful_a lust_n and_o vanity_n command_v the_o heart_n why_o then_o i_o tell_v you_o god_n be_v never_o the_o object_n of_o your_o choice_n you_o may_v profess_v he_o and_o talk_v of_o god_n but_o you_o have_v never_o choose_v god_n for_o your_o god_n it_o be_v not_o profession_n but_o affection_n and_o action_n that_o must_v warrant_v our_o title_n to_o god_n david_n psalm_n 119.94_o tell_v god_n i_o be_o thou_o lord_n i_o be_o thou_o ay_o but_o how_o do_v he_o prove_v it_o why_o say_v he_o i_o have_v seek_v thy_o precept_n pray_v mind_v he_o do_v not_o only_o say_v i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n i_o have_v do_v they_o but_o i_o have_v seek_v they_o now_o to_o seek_v they_o be_v much_o more_o than_o bare_o to_o do_v they_o it_o imply_v four_o thing_n first_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o know_v they_o and_o that_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o upright_a heart_n and_o a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n to_o be_v inquisitive_a into_o the_o will_n of_o god_n second_o it_o imply_v a_o affection_n and_o respect_n no_o man_n seek_v what_o he_o do_v not_o love_n i_o have_v respect_n say_v david_n to_o all_o thy_o commandment_n three_o it_o imply_v a_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o practise_v they_o for_o the_o end_n of_o seek_v be_v keep_v we_o seek_v to_o know_v his_o will_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o and_o therefore_o seek_v and_o keep_v be_v put_v together_o psalm_n 119.2_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o keep_v his_o testimony_n and_o that_o seek_v he_o with_o the_o whole_a heart_n four_o it_o imply_v earnest_a desire_n after_o high_a measure_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o better_n of_o our_o obedience_n this_o be_v seek_v now_o such_o a_o seek_n be_v a_o sure_a evidence_n of_o your_o choose_n of_o god_n o_o therefore_o that_o i_o can_v prevail_v with_o young_a one_o to_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n in_o this_o matter_n whether_o ever_o you_o have_v real_o choose_v god_n or_o no_o and_o i_o tell_v you_o why_o i_o urge_v it_o for_o three_o reason_n first_o because_o it_o be_v about_o the_o most_o concern_v case_n in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n in_o the_o world_n to_o seek_v after_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o great_a privilege_n in_o the_o world_n to_o know_v my_o interest_n in_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n worth_n inquire_v into_o what_o if_o all_o the_o world_n be_v thou_o if_o god_n be_v not_o thou_o you_o be_v undo_v and_o will_v you_o not_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v you_o or_o no_o second_o i_o urge_v it_o because_o of_o the_o treachery_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o your_o heart_n the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n the_o prophet_n say_v so_o in_o young_a one_o especial_o and_o in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o this_o matter_n how_o fond_o and_o presumptuous_o do_v many_o boast_n of_o their_o propriety_n in_o god_n when_o alas_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o interest_n in_o he_o it_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o laodicea_n she_o
and_o confidence_n in_o thy_o word_n and_o promise_n three_o this_o remembrance_n imply_v repentance_n forgetfulness_n and_o impenitence_n always_o go_v together_o repentance_n be_v a_o call_v sin_n to_o remembrance_n with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o and_o sorrow_n for_o it_o as_o it_o be_v do_v against_o god_n and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v where_o god_n be_v forget_v if_o there_o be_v no_o right_a conception_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o omniscience_n his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n for_o sin_v against_o he_o they_o be_v frequent_a remembrance_n fresh_a view_n of_o god_n that_o work_n to_o repentance_n and_o self-abhorring_a so_o it_o do_v in_o job_n chap._n 42.5_o 6._o my_o eye_n see_v thou_o therefore_o i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n the_o clear_a manifestation_n a_o soul_n have_v of_o god_n the_o deep_o will_n its_o humiliation_n for_o sin_n be_v when_o peter_n remember_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n than_o he_o go_v out_o and_o weep_v bitter_o till_o we_o remember_v and_o consider_v god_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o holiness_n the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o mercy_n the_o inevitableness_n of_o his_o wrath_n we_o can_v never_o true_o repent_v of_o sin_n four_o this_o remember_v of_o god_n carry_v love_n in_o it_o though_o a_o object_n be_v every_o way_n amiable_a and_o make_v up_o of_o delight_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v let_v into_o the_o affection_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o thought_n nor_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n can_v it_o be_v with_o any_o pleasure_n remember_v when_o it_o have_v no_o room_n in_o our_o respect_n god_n design_n and_o end_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v remember_v by_o we_o as_o to_o be_v love_v by_o we_o and_o his_o bespeak_v a_o room_n in_o our_o thought_n be_v that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o high_a act_n of_o honour_n the_o creature_n can_v do_v to_o god_n be_v to_o trust_v he_o and_o love_v he_o those_o that_o distinguish_v the_o order_n of_o the_o angel_n place_v the_o seraphim_n above_o the_o cherubim_n because_o they_o have_v a_o more_o ardent_a love_n as_o well_o as_o a_o more_o clear_a light_n a_o remembrance_n of_o god_n without_o a_o suitable_a respect_n will_v neither_o be_v profitable_a nor_o durable_a for_o when_o any_o other_o object_n possess_v our_o affection_n god_n be_v soon_o forsake_a and_o forget_v then_o a_o man_n remember_v god_n aright_o when_o his_o affection_n be_v suitable_a to_o his_o apprehension_n as_o it_o be_v with_o sin_n a_o man_n have_v not_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o sin_n unless_o he_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o and_o loathe_v it_o then_o shall_v you_o remember_v your_o own_o evil_a way_n and_o shall_v loath_a yourselves_o for_o your_o iniquity_n ezek._n 36.31_o or_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o man_n remember_v the_o word_n aright_o if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o and_o love_v it_o so_o no_o one_o can_v have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n who_o have_v not_o choice_a affection_n to_o he_o and_o his_o chief_a delight_n in_o he_o look_v what_o that_o be_v which_o we_o love_v best_a and_o we_o always_o think_v of_o that_o most_o what_o a_o man_n love_v best_a be_v his_o chief_a good_a and_o his_o chief_a good_a be_v his_o treasure_n and_o where_o the_o treasure_n be_v there_o the_o heart_n will_v be_v christ_n say_v what_o we_o love_v we_o delight_n to_o think_v upon_o as_o what_o we_o hate_v we_o soon_o forget_v so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o jeshurun_n deut._n 32.15_o he_o forget_v god_n which_o make_v he_o and_o light_o esteem_v the_o rock_n of_o his_o salvation_n he_o light_o esteem_v he_o and_o therefore_o soon_o forget_v he_o if_o one_o that_o be_v but_o a_o common_a acquaintance_n with_o you_o be_v absent_a you_o soon_o forget_v he_o out_o of_o sight_n out_o of_o mind_n but_o a_o bosom_n friend_n a_o dear_a friend_n a_o friend_n that_o be_v as_o a_o man_n be_v own_o soul_n you_o can_v forget_v such_o a_o one_o love_n will_v remember_v he_o when_o the_o eye_n can_v see_v he_o and_o make_v he_o present_a when_o he_o be_v absent_a nay_o he_o live_v in_o the_o mind_n when_o perhaps_o he_o lie_v dead_a in_o the_o grave_a therefore_o i_o pray_v mind_n that_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n matth._n 22._o ver_fw-la 37._o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n mark_v you_o it_o be_v not_o say_v only_o thou_o shall_v love_v god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n but_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n we_o love_v he_o with_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n when_o we_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o he_o and_o we_o love_v he_o with_o our_o mind_n when_o we_o have_v he_o daily_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o remembrance_n the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o thy_o name_n and_o to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o isa_n 26.8_o five_o this_o remember_v of_o he_o imply_v obedience_n obedience_n to_o his_o will_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n and_o his_o will_n be_v make_v know_v in_o his_o word_n obedience_n be_v knowledge_n digest_v into_o affection_n and_o practice_n hence_o be_v that_o counsel_n of_o david_n to_o his_o son_n solomon_n know_v thou_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o father_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n 1_o chro._n 28.9_o paul_n first_o question_n when_o touch_v his_o heart_n be_v who_o be_v thou_o lord_n and_o then_o the_o next_o be_v what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v act_n 9.5_o 6._o to_o show_v we_o that_o all_o obedience_n be_v produce_v by_o knowledge_n as_o ignorance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n so_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a antidote_n against_o it_o for_o this_o beget_v love_n and_o the_o more_o god_n be_v belove_v the_o more_o ready_o he_o will_v be_v obey_v a_o weak_a conception_n and_o a_o fruitless_a remembrance_n of_o god_n glorify_v he_o no_o more_o than_o a_o painter_n do_v the_o person_n who_o picture_n he_o draw_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o lifeless_a notion_n of_o he_o but_o in_o active_a conformity_n to_o he_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v have_v some_o pleasure_n in_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n ay_o but_o he_o care_v not_o for_o know_v the_o way_n of_o god_n job_n 21.14_o they_o say_v we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n he_o will_v own_v he_o in_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n but_o he_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o his_o precept_n mercy_n be_v suitable_a to_o our_o want_n but_o obedience_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o take_v root_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o grow_v up_o into_o obedience_n in_o the_o life_n it_o be_v blindness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o god_n account_n whatever_o our_o notion_n of_o it_o may_v be_v those_o gentile_n which_o be_v say_v to_o know_v god_n rom._n 1.21_o they_o be_v say_v ver_fw-la 28._o not_o to_o know_v god_n the_o son_n of_o eli_n can_v not_o but_o know_v the_o lord_n have_v such_o a_o good_a father_n and_o be_v the_o lord_n priest_n but_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v loose_a and_o vile_a in_o their_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n therefore_o they_o be_v say_v not_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n 1_o sam._n 2.12_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obedience_n where_o god_n be_v know_v so_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n stand_v for_o nothing_o which_o be_v not_o fruitful_a in_o obedience_n it_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n so_o to_o know_v god_n and_o so_o to_o remember_v he_o as_o not_o to_o forget_v his_o precept_n it_o be_v moses_n his_o counsel_n to_o that_o people_n and_o it_o be_v i_o to_o you_o beware_v that_o thou_o forget_v not_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n deut._n 8.11_o how_o be_v that_o the_o next_o word_n tell_v you_o in_o not_o keep_v his_o commandment_n that_o be_v forget_v of_o god_n disobedience_n be_v call_v a_o forget_v god_n they_o forget_v god_n their_o saviour_n psalm_n 106.21_o and_o we_o be_v say_v to_o forget_v his_o word_n when_o we_o do_v not_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o psalm_n 103.18_o and_o that_o which_o here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v call_v remember_v thy_o creator_n be_v in_o chap._n 12._o ver._n 13._o express_v by_o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man._n if_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v cast_v off_o and_o we_o make_v not_o his_o word_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n he_o be_v as_o much_o forget_v as_o if_o he_o be_v
but_o as_o better_a than_o all_o other_o good_a whatever_n we_o shall_v never_o choose_v god_n before_o all_o till_o we_o come_v to_o esteem_v he_o above_o all_o three_o this_o choose_n of_o god_n imply_v a_o voluntary_a inclination_n and_o desire_n a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o choose_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o like_v and_o love_v and_o which_o his_o soul_n incline_v to_o so_o that_o he_o be_v carry_v after_o they_o not_o by_o the_o force_n of_o any_o external_n principle_n but_o by_o his_o own_o propension_n and_o inclination_n and_o this_o suppose_v love_n for_o desire_n be_v the_o natural_a issue_n of_o love_n the_o soul_n can_v never_o mount_v upward_o if_o the_o affection_n tend_v downward_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v give_v a_o advance_v to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n he_o begin_v first_o with_o the_o affection_n set_v your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o then_o as_o desire_v always_o spring_v from_o love_n so_o they_o be_v draw_v forth_o by_o a_o sense_n of_o want_n for_o what_o we_o love_v and_o have_v not_o that_o become_v a_o want_n and_o sense_n of_o want_n will_v quicken_v appetite_n and_o set_v desire_n on_o work_n now_o these_o desire_n must_v be_v feed_v and_o satisfy_v and_o that_o none_o can_v do_v but_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v god_n that_o he_o choose_v four_o this_o choose_n imply_v a_o firm_a purpose_n and_o a_o fix_a resolution_n of_o adhere_v to_o our_o choice_n we_o never_o choose_v till_o we_o bring_v our_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o a_o firm_a purpose_n there_o may_v be_v many_o good_a thought_n and_o wish_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o still_o till_o we_o be_v resolve_v for_o god_n we_o do_v not_o choose_v he_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v peremptory_a and_o fix_v for_o god_n that_o will_v come_v to_o something_o when_o the_o soul_n say_v i_o see_v i_o be_o a_o undo_v creature_n i_o be_o convince_v of_o my_o state_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o my_o case_n i_o must_v have_v god_n i_o must_v secure_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n i_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o i_o must_v mind_v the_o save_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n this_o will_v come_v to_o somewhat_o and_o a_o profession_n of_o religion_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o signify_v very_o little_a till_o it_o come_v to_o this_o who_o be_v this_o that_o have_v engage_v his_o heart_n to_o approach_v to_o i_o say_v god_n jer._n 30.21_o it_o be_v resolution_n that_o engage_v the_o heart_n for_o god_n and_o make_v our_o choice_n of_o he_o firm_a and_o unalterable_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v deliberate_a and_o entire_a first_o it_o must_v be_v deliberate_a from_o a_o sense_n and_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n resolve_v take_v up_o upon_o sudden_a surprise_v or_o present_a heat_n rare_o produce_v any_o good_a effect_n this_o be_v often_o the_o case_n of_o you_o young_a professor_n that_o be_v like_o a_o early_a spring_n all_o blossom_n but_o no_o fruit_n or_o like_o a_o vapour_n exhale_v by_o the_o warmth_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o rise_v no_o high_a than_o the_o middle_a region_n where_o it_o be_v condense_v and_o drop_n down_o again_o this_o be_v that_o very_a thing_n that_o make_v so_o many_o apostate_n from_o god_n and_o his_o way_n they_o take_v up_o a_o profession_n of_o religion_n too_o soon_o before_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v take_v root_n in_o the_o heart_n indeed_o a_o soul_n that_o choose_v god_n aright_o can_v never_o profess_v he_o too_o soon_o the_o soon_o the_o better_a but_o he_o that_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o god_n before_o he_o make_v a_o choice_n of_o god_n before_o the_o word_n be_v root_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v feel_v within_o such_o a_o one_o take_v up_o a_o profession_n too_o soon_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o seed_n sow_o in_o stony_a place_n mat._n 43._o forthwith_o it_o spring_v up_o above_o ground_n too_o soon_o it_o grow_v upward_o but_o not_o downward_o all_o blade_n but_o no_o root_n so_o say_v christ_n verse_n 21._o yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_n in_o himself_o and_o what_o follow_v he_o dure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n a_o mushroom_n christian_n the_o birth_n of_o a_o night_n and_o the_o abide_v of_o a_o day_n such_o begin_v too_o soon_o to_o hold_v out_o with_o god_n long_o this_o have_v cause_v many_o scoffer_n at_o religion_n to_o take_v up_o that_o envious_a proverb_n a_o young_a saint_n and_o a_o old_a devil_n whereas_o if_o they_o have_v say_v a_o young_a hypocrite_n and_o a_o old_a apostate_n it_o have_v be_v a_o truth_n too_o too_o often_o experience_v flashy_a affection_n that_o have_v no_o principle_n to_o maintain_v they_o within_o come_v to_o nothing_o they_o be_v like_o fire_n in_o green_a wood_n that_o burn_v no_o long_a than_o it_o be_v blow_v or_o like_o water_n hang_v over_o a_o quick_a flame_n that_o be_v soon_o hot_a but_o when_o it_o be_v take_v off_o again_o be_v as_o soon_o cold_a nay_o cold_o than_o it_o be_v before_o because_o the_o natural_a spirit_n be_v evaporate_v how_o nimble_o do_v the_o windmill_n work_v when_o it_o blow_v a_o brisk_a gale_n but_o the_o wind_n no_o soon_o cease_v but_o the_o mill_n stand_v so_o sudden_a and_o immature_n resolution_n come_v to_o nothing_o they_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o judgement_n and_o deliberation_n david_n practice_n be_v a_o excellent_a pattern_n psalm_n 119.59_o i_o consider_v my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n to_o thy_o testimony_n david_n speak_v like_o a_o man_n under_o a_o dilemma_n as_o have_v two_o way_n before_o he_o there_o be_v the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o lust_n and_o carnal_a delight_n this_o the_o flesh_n present_v and_o it_o seem_v a_o easy_a and_o a_o pleasant_a way_n ay_o but_o it_o lead_v to_o destruction_n then_o there_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n this_o the_o word_n present_v it_o be_v narrow_a it_o be_v troublesome_a but_o it_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o that_o make_v amends_o for_o all_o now_o when_o we_o stand_v still_o and_o debate_n upon_o the_o choice_n which_o of_o these_o be_v the_o better_a way_n and_o consider_v the_o loss_n and_o the_o gain_n of_o either_o side_n and_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o the_o one_o way_n and_o the_o other_o and_o thereupon_o resolve_v to_o take_v in_o with_o the_o way_n of_o god_n as_o promote_a our_o true_a interest_n and_o felicity_n this_o be_v a_o deliberate_a resolution_n and_o this_o be_v the_o course_n of_o that_o prodigal_a son_n when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o luke_n 15._o v._o 17._o he_o first_o bethink_v himself_o fall_v into_o a_o serious_a debate_n of_o his_o case_n how_o many_o hire_a servant_n of_o my_o father_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o i_o perish_v with_o hunger_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n thus_o he_o debate_v the_o case_n with_o himself_o and_o thereupon_o take_v up_o this_o resolve_n well_o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n there_o be_v his_o deliberate_a resolution_n second_o our_o resolution_n must_v be_v entire_a that_o be_v without_o boggle_n at_o any_o of_o god_n command_n and_o without_o the_o reserve_n of_o any_o one_o sin_n or_o lust_n for_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o satan_n be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a obedience_n to_o the_o one_o be_v downright_a rebellion_n against_o the_o other_o we_o must_v not_o capitulate_v with_o christ_n and_o think_v that_o strictness_n in_o some_o duty_n will_v excuse_v our_o indulgence_n to_o any_o lust_n the_o great_a stand_a law_n of_o heaven_n be_v thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v the_o work_n of_o the_o christian_a call_v be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o this_o we_o have_v many_o enemy_n to_o oppose_v many_o sin_n to_o conquer_v many_o lust_n to_o mortify_v many_o duty_n to_o perform_v therefore_o our_o resolution_n must_v be_v entire_a and_o that_o be_v a_o four_o thing_n five_o this_o choose_v in_o the_o text_n imply_v a_o complacency_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o object_n of_o our_o choice_n though_o election_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n yet_o it_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o affection_n as_o where_o the_o will_n be_v bend_v against_o sin_n there_o be_v always_o a_o hatred_n of_o it_o include_v so_o wherever_o it_o fix_v upon_o god_n it_o be_v attend_v with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n when_o david_n have_v choose_v god_n
your_o sin_n the_o presence_n of_o his_o power_n to_o support_v your_o person_n the_o presence_n of_o his_o omniscience_n to_o know_v your_o want_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o supply_v they_o he_o be_v your_o god_n your_o own_o god_n as_o david_n call_v he_o god_n even_o our_o own_o god_n shall_v bless_v we_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v happy_a that_o have_v nothing_o of_o his_o own_o and_o a_o man_n can_v call_v nothing_o his_o own_o but_o god_n all_o thing_n else_o may_v be_v lose_v but_o he_o that_o have_v make_v sure_a of_o god_n his_o right_n can_v never_o be_v invade_v nor_o his_o propriety_n lose_v mary_n have_v choose_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v from_o she_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o benefit_n second_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a benefit_n to_o have_v the_o heart_n fix_v and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n the_o cause_n of_o all_o halt_a in_o religion_n be_v the_o want_n of_o a_o choice_n and_o purpose_n resolute_o set_v the_o apostle_n say_v james_z 1.8_o a_o double-minded_n man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o two-souled_a man_n one_o that_o have_v a_o heart_n and_o a_o heart_n one_o for_o this_o way_n another_z for_o that_o one_o for_o god_n and_o another_o for_o the_o world_n such_o a_o one_o must_v needs_o be_v unstable_a and_o of_o a_o inconstant_a soul_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o depart_v from_o god_n as_o to_o close_v with_o he_o but_o he_o that_o own_v god_n and_o his_o way_n by_o choice_n will_v suit_v his_o conversation_n to_o his_o election_n if_o he_o be_v sincere_a in_o his_o choice_n of_o god_n that_o will_v make_v he_o faithful_a in_o all_o his_o carriage_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o joshua_n when_o he_o will_v engage_v the_o people_n to_o continue_v faithful_a with_o god_n he_o draw_v they_o on_o to_o a_o choice_n and_o then_o lay_v that_o upon_o their_o conscience_n to_o bind_v they_o joshua_n 24.22_o you_o be_v witness_n against_o yourselves_o that_o you_o have_v choose_v the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o they_o say_v we_o be_v witness_n it_o great_o strengthen_v a_o bond_n when_o a_o man_n free_o bind_v himself_o three_o this_o resolute_a choice_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a advantage_n in_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_v with_o the_o more_o ease_n and_o delight_n because_o a_o choice_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n guide_v by_o judgement_n strengthen_v by_o resolution_n and_o actuate_v by_o love_n now_o as_o judgement_n justify_v our_o choice_n and_o resolution_n make_v it_o entire_a so_o love_n make_v it_o easy_a and_o sweet_a and_o so_o our_o delight_n in_o obey_v god_n answer_v to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o choose_n of_o he_o four_o this_o choose_v god_n give_v great_a peace_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n this_o be_v as_o natural_a as_o for_o the_o fire_n to_o produce_v heat_n the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v peace_n as_o sin_n cause_v a_o sting_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o a_o wound_n in_o the_o soul_n so_o every_o good_a action_n do_v in_o sincerity_n have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o that_o give_v peace_n and_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o bring_v joy_n and_o comfort_n this_o be_v intend_v in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 14.7_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o be_v a_o double_a benefit_n mention_v peace_n and_o joy_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o peace_n be_v a_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n spring_v from_o the_o rectitude_n of_o our_o action_n joy_n be_v from_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o comfort_a spirit_n peace_n be_v a_o acquittance_n from_o conscience_n but_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o acquittance_n from_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v our_o supreme_a judge_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o that_o endless_a joy_n that_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o five_o this_o entitle_v you_o to_o a_o future_a and_o a_o full_a reward_n for_o in_o choose_v god_n you_o choose_v he_o for_o the_o future_a as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o present_a in_o choose_v the_o way_n of_o god_n you_o choose_v all_o that_o be_v entail_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o be_v life_n and_o blessedness_n so_o say_v wisdom_n whoso_o find_v i_o find_v life_n the_o word_n set_v before_o every_o one_o of_o we_o life_n and_o death_n as_o moses_n do_v to_o that_o people_n of_o old_a deut._n 30.15_o now_o many_o choose_v death_n rather_o than_o life_n for_o they_o choose_v to_o please_v their_o lust_n and_o to_o gratify_v their_o carnal_a appetite_n and_o therein_o they_o choose_v death_n as_o christ_n say_v all_z they_o that_o hate_v i_o love_v death_n but_o he_o that_o choose_v god_n and_o the_o way_n of_o god_n choose_v life_n and_o he_o shall_v have_v it_o he_o choose_v endless_a felicity_n in_o another_o world_n and_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v disappoint_v o_o the_o benefit_n of_o choose_v god_n and_o his_o way_n that_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n four_o the_o choose_v god_n and_o his_o way_n in_o our_o youth_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o prevent_v or_o cure_v the_o many_o mischief_n that_o flow_v from_o our_o neglect_n of_o it_o day_n of_o youth_n be_v day_n of_o folly_n now_o the_o way_n to_o correct_v the_o folly_n of_o youth_n be_v to_o be_v wise_a towards_o god_n childhood_n and_o youth_n be_v vanity_n now_o the_o way_n to_o cure_v this_o vanity_n be_v to_o be_v serious_a and_o earnest_a about_o eternity_n youth_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o power_n of_o lust_n hence_o be_v that_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n flee_v youthful_a lust_n and_o the_o proper_a way_n to_o flee_v from_o they_o be_v to_o flee_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o helpe_n and_o strength_n against_o they_o youth_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n against_o sin_n have_v they_o but_o wisdom_n to_o improve_v this_o now_o in_o the_o text._n now_o sin_n be_v but_o bud_a and_o therefore_o may_v the_o easy_o be_v nip_v now_o corruption_n be_v but_o twig_n and_o therefore_o may_v soon_o be_v lop_v off_o now_o lust_n be_v but_o conceive_v and_o therefore_o may_v more_o easy_o be_v stifle_v in_o the_o birth_n a_o green_a wound_n be_v soon_o cure_a but_o if_o it_o be_v let_v alone_o long_o it_o may_v turn_v to_o a_o gangreen_n that_o may_v prove_v incurable_a o_o my_o brethren_n there_o be_v no_o age_n so_o fit_a so_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n as_o youth_n be_v religion_n be_v the_o christian_a race_n now_o who_o choose_v a_o old_a man_n to_o run_v a_o race_n it_o be_v call_v a_o wrestle_a and_o who_o will_v call_v a_o old_a man_n into_o the_o ring_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o have_v his_o heel_n trip_v up_o by_o his_o own_o age_n it_o be_v call_v a_o warfare_n and_o under_o the_o law_n the_o age_a be_v discharge_v from_o war_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o youth_n religion_n be_v a_o call_v a_o high_a a_o holy_a a_o heavenly_a call_v now_o youth_n be_v the_o fit_a season_n for_o choose_v any_o call_v and_o therefore_o the_o text_n bid_v we_o to_o choose_v the_o heavenly_a call_v by_o choose_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o choice_n the_o choose_v of_o worldly_a thing_n first_o shut_v god_n out_o of_o our_o thought_n and_o sensual_a object_n quick_o draw_v the_o heart_n from_o god_n therefore_o you_o shall_v choose_v god_n first_o that_o be_v the_o four_o thing_n five_o to_o name_n no_o more_o no_o man_n know_v how_o soon_o his_o day_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v past_a therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o choose_v god_n betimes_o the_o season_n of_o your_o close_v with_o god_n be_v arbitrary_a salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v when_o you_o will_v but_o when_o god_n will_v and_o god_n will_n be_v that_o you_o shall_v seek_v after_o it_o now_o in_o your_o youth_n god_n have_v his_o set_a time_n of_o find_v seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v isa_n 55.6_o and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o if_o god_n time_n be_v once_o past_a though_o you_o seek_v he_o you_o will_v never_o find_v he_o they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o prov._n 1.28_o i_o say_v this_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o most_o perish_v upon_o their_o slight_n of_o god_n time_n esau_n he_o will_v have_v have_v the_o blessing_n but_o alas_o he_o come_v too_o late_o he_o miss_v the_o season_n heb._n 12.6_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n will_v fain_o have_v enter_v in_o but_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v enter_v their_o oil_n be_v to_o get_v and_o when_o they_o will_v have_v enter_v the_o door_n be_v shut_v