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religion_n we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o every_o discern_a man_n if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v up_o to_o it_o with_o what_o face_n can_v any_o man_n continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n that_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o forbid_v all_o sin_n under_o the_o high_a and_o severe_a penalty_n if_o we_o do_v but_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o do_v any_o ordinary_a credible_a story_n and_o do_v we_o but_o regard_v the_o law_n of_o christianity_n as_o we_o do_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v we_o but_o persuade_v that_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n lie_v and_o perjury_n intemperance_n and_o uncleanness_n covetousness_n and_o pride_n malice_n and_o revenge_n the_o neglect_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n will_v bring_v man_n to_o hell_n as_o certain_o as_o treason_n and_o felony_n will_v bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n have_v we_o but_o the_o same_o awe_n and_o regard_n for_o the_o threaten_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o frown_n and_o smile_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n even_o this_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o keep_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o if_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v man_n that_o we_o do_v hearty_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v all_o the_o character_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n upon_o it_o which_o oblige_v man_n to_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v chaste_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n if_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o these_o thing_n in_o our_o life_n he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o a_o man_n believe_v let_v he_o attend_v rather_o to_o what_o he_o do_v than_o to_o what_o he_o talk_v he_o that_o lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n make_v a_o more_o credible_a and_o effectual_a profession_n of_o infidelity_n than_o he_o who_o in_o word_n only_o deny_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o imagine_v that_o that_o man_n believe_v christianity_n who_o by_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n do_v deny_v and_o renounce_v it_o if_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o christian_n it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v evidence_n this_o by_o our_o action_n that_o we_o shall_v live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o the_o heathen_n do_v that_o we_o who_o worship_v a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n shall_v not_o allow_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o sin_n as_o those_o do_v who_o
bring_v upon_o the_o public_a stage_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n there_o be_v nothing_o now_o hide_v which_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v reveal_v nor_o secret_a which_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v know_v 5._o to_o arm_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n death_n be_v terrible_a to_o nature_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o be_v infinite_o increase_v by_o the_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o what_o may_v follow_v it_o but_o the_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n do_v strange_o relieve_v the_o faint_a spirit_n of_o die_a man_n and_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o death_n and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o take_v away_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o i_o know_v that_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v dismal_a even_o to_o good_a man_n and_o we_o have_v never_o more_o need_v of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n than_o when_o we_o be_v conflict_v with_o this_o last_o enemy_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o comfortable_a consideration_n to_o a_o die_a man_n as_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o happy_a eternity_n he_o that_o look_v upon_o death_n only_o as_o a_o passage_n to_o glory_n may_v welcome_v the_o messenger_n of_o it_o as_o bring_v he_o the_o best_a and_o most_o joyful_a news_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o he_o in_o his_o whole_a life_n and_o no_o man_n can_v stay_v behind_o in_o this_o world_n with_o half_a the_o comfort_n that_o this_o man_n leave_v it_o and_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o two_o thing_n employ_v in_o this_o phrase_n of_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n viz._n the_o serious_a thought_n and_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o thought_n and_o consideration_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n i_o crave_v your_o patience_n but_o a_o little_a long_o till_o i_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v the_o happiness_n of_o good_a man_n after_o this_o life_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v incomparable_o beyond_o any_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n that_o it_o be_v great_a in_o itself_o and_o eternal_a in_o its_o duration_n and_o far_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v or_o imagine_v and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a how_o much_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v come_v short_a of_o the_o greatness_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o that_o i_o can_v almost_o begin_v again_o and_o make_v a_o new_a attempt_n upon_o this_o subject_n and_o indeed_o who_o will_v not_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v take_v off_o from_o so_o delightful_a a_o argument_n methinks_v it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o be_v here_o and_o to_o let_v our_o mind_n dwell_v upon_o these_o consideration_n we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o heaven_n and_o unfit_a to_o partake_v of_o so_o great_a a_o glory_n if_o we_o can_v take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o thing_n now_o the_o possession_n whereof_o shall_v be_v our_o happiness_n for_o ever_o with_o what_o joy_n then_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o of_o that_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a which_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v for_o we_o in_o the_o heaven_n how_o shall_v we_o welcome_v the_o thought_n of_o that_o happy_a hour_n when_o we_o shall_v make_v our_o escape_n out_o of_o these_o prison_n when_o we_o shall_v pass_v out_o of_o this_o howl_a wilderness_n into_o the_o promise_a land_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v remove_v from_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n of_o a_o wicked_a and_o ill-natured_a world_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v pass_v all_o storm_n and_o secure_v from_o all_o further_a danger_n of_o shipwreck_n and_o shall_v be_v safe_o land_v in_o the_o region_n of_o bliss_n and_o immortality_n o_o bless_a time_n when_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o death_n and_o sorrow_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o when_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o we_o shall_v enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o all_o that_o happiness_n and_o glory_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o our_o faith_n have_v believe_v and_o our_o hope_n have_v raise_v we_o to_o the_o expectation_n of_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v ease_v of_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o resolve_v of_o all_o our_o doubt_n and_o be_v purge_v from_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v free_v from_o all_o our_o fear_n and_o be_v happy_a beyond_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o have_v all_o the_o happiness_n secure_v to_o we_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o time_n and_o change_n when_o we_o shall_v know_v god_n and_o other_o thing_n without_o study_n and_o love_v he_o and_o one_o another_o without_o measure_n and_o serve_v and_o praise_v he_o without_o weariness_n and_o obey_v his_o will_n without_o the_o least_o reluctancy_n and_o shall_v still_o be_v more_o and_o more_o delight_v in_o the_o know_n and_o love_v and_o praise_v and_o obey_v of_o god_n to_o all_o eternity_n how_o shall_v these_o thought_n affect_v our_o heart_n and_o what_o a_o mighty_a influence_n ought_v they_o to_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o argument_n fetch_v from_o another_o world_n be_v this_o that_o those_o thing_n be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o and_o not_o sensible_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o affect_v we_o so_o strong_o and_o to_o work_v so_o powerful_o upon_o we_o now_o to_o make_v amends_o for_o this_o disadvantage_n we_o shall_v often_o revive_v these_o consideration_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o inculcate_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o reality_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n together_o with_o the_o infinite_a weight_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v reason_v thus_o with_o ourselves_o if_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o unspeakable_o happy_a and_o consequent_o wicked_a man_n so_o extreme_o miserable_a in_o another_o world_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o will_v one_o day_n be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v to_o i_o as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o present_a why_o shall_v not_o i_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o commit_v any_o sin_n as_o if_o hell_n be_v naked_a before_o i_o and_o i_o see_v the_o astonish_a misery_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o why_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n as_o if_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o my_o view_n and_o i_o see_v jesus_n stand_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n with_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o his_o hand_n ready_a to_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o all_o those_o who_o continue_v faithful_a to_o he_o the_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nearness_n of_o death_n and_o eternity_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v man_n thought_n more_o quick_a and_o pierce_a and_o according_a as_o we_o think_v ourselves_o prepare_v for_o our_o future_a state_n to_o transport_v we_o with_o joy_n or_o to_o amaze_v we_o with_o horror_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o his_o future_a bliss_n be_v already_o enter_v into_o heaven_n have_v begin_v to_o take_v possession_n of_o glory_n and_o have_v as_o it_o be_v his_o bless_a saviour_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o may_v say_v with_o old_a simeon_n lord_n now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n but_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o terrible_a to_o that_o man_n who_o be_v doubtful_a or_o despair_a of_o his_o future_a condition_n it_o will_v daunt_v the_o stout_a man_n that_o ever_o breathe_v to_o look_v upon_o death_n when_o he_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o hell_n beyond_o it_o when_o the_o apparition_n at_o endor_n tell_v saul_n to_o morrow_n thou_o and_o thy_o son_n shall_v be_v with_o i_o these_o word_n strike_v he_o to_o the_o heart_n so_o that_o he_o fall_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o strength_n leave_v in_o he_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o we_o shall_v die_v as_o if_o a_o express_a messenger_n shall_v come_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o from_o the_o other_o world_n and_o tell_v we_o so_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o always_o live_v as_o those_o that_o must_v die_v and_o as_o those_o that_o hope_v to_o be_v happy_a after_o death_n to_o have_v these_o apprehension_n vigorous_a and_o lively_a upon_o our_o mind_n this_o be_v to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n from_o whence_o also_o we_o look_v for_o a_o saviour_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v change_v our_o vile_a body_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fashion_v like_o unto_o his_o glorious_a body_n according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o that_o mighty_a power_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a even_o to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o finis_fw-la
they_o be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o patient_o to_o consider_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v for_o they_o for_o many_o have_v miscarry_v about_o these_o thing_n not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n and_o evidence_n enough_o for_o they_o but_o because_o they_o have_v not_o have_v patience_n enough_o to_o consider_v they_o second_o consider_v these_o thing_n impartial_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v of_o a_o party_n against_o religion_n some_o lust_n or_o interest_n engage_v they_o against_o it_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o slight_v the_o strong_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v for_o it_o and_o to_o cry_v up_o very_o weak_a one_o against_o it_o man_n do_v general_o and_o without_o difficulty_n assent_v to_o mathematical_a truth_n because_o it_o be_v no_o body_n interest_n to_o deny_v they_o but_o man_n be_v slow_a to_o believe_v moral_a and_o divine_a truth_n because_o by_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n they_o be_v prejudice_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o more_o virtuous_o any_o man_n live_v and_o the_o less_o he_o be_v enslave_v to_o any_o lust_n the_o more_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o entertain_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n therefore_o when_o you_o be_v examine_v these_o matter_n do_v not_o take_v into_o consideration_n any_o sensual_a or_o worldly_a interest_n but_o deal_v clear_o and_o impartial_o with_o yourselves_o let_v not_o temporal_a and_o little_a advantage_n sway_v you_o against_o a_o great_a and_o more_o durable_a interest_n think_v thus_o with_o yourselves_o that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o make_n of_o thing_n true_a or_o false_a but_o that_o the_o truth_n and_o existence_n of_o thing_n be_v already_o fix_v and_o settle_v and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v already_o either_o determinate_o true_a or_o false_a before_o you_o think_v of_o they_o either_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o there_o be_v not_o either_o your_o soul_n be_v immortal_a or_o they_o be_v not_o one_o of_o these_o be_v certain_a and_o necessary_a and_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v alter_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o comply_v with_o our_o conceit_n and_o bend_v itself_o to_o our_o interest_n therefore_o do_v not_o think_v what_o you_o will_v have_v to_o be_v but_o consider_v impartial_o what_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v will_v be_v whether_o you_o will_v or_o no._n do_v not_o reason_n thus_o i_o will_v fain_o be_v wicked_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v my_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n nor_o no_o life_n after_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o will_v show_v all_o the_o favour_n i_o can_v to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n i_o will_v bend_v my_o understanding_n and_o wit_n to_o strengthen_v the_o negative_a and_o will_v study_v to_o make_v it_o as_o true_a as_o i_o can_v this_o be_v fond_a because_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o cheat_v thyself_o and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v as_o often_o as_o we_o please_v but_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o if_o then_o thou_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o thou_o ought_v to_o be_v thou_o will_v reason_v thus_o with_o thyself_o my_o high_a interest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deceive_v about_o these_o matter_n therefore_o set_v aside_o all_o other_o consideration_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o yield_v to_o that_o and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n to_o draw_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o long_a discourse_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v all_o this_o while_n be_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o god_n himself_o do_v particular_o recommend_v to_o we_o as_o proper_a for_o humane_a consideration_n unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n whoever_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o call_v himself_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n and_o to_o demean_v himself_o religious_o towards_o he_o for_o god_n be_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o our_o eye_n the_o first_o and_o the_o plain_a and_o the_o most_o glorious_a object_n of_o it_o he_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o do_v represent_v he_o to_o we_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v ourselves_o we_o be_v encounter_v with_o clear_a evidence_n and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v 1._o rom._n 1._o be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n that_o be_v those_o man_n that_o know_v not_o god_n have_v no_o apology_n to_o make_v for_o themselves_o or_o if_o man_n do_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n not_o to_o consider_v the_o proper_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o principle_n not_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o as_o become_v our_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o natural_o owe_v he_o this_o be_v great_a stupidity_n and_o inconsiderateness_n and_o yet_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n will_v very_o think_v that_o they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n represent_v wicked_a man_n as_o without_o understanding_n it_o be_v a_o nation_n void_a of_o counsel_n 14.4_o deut._n 32.28_o psal_n 14.4_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o understanding_n in_o they_o and_o elsewhere_o have_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n no_o knowledge_n not_o that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o understanding_n but_o they_o do_v not_o use_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o be_v not_o blind_a but_o they_o wink_v they_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o though_o they_o know_v god_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n nor_o suffer_v the_o apprehension_n of_o he_o to_o have_v a_o due_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n man_n general_o stand_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hate_v to_o be_v account_v fool_n because_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o reproach_n the_o best_a way_n to_o avoid_v this_o imputation_n and_o to_o bring_v off_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v to_o be_v true_o religious_a to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n for_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o such_o imprudent_a person_n as_o he_o that_o neglect_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o be_v careless_a and_o slothful_a about_o his_o everlasting_a concernment_n because_o this_o man_n act_v contrary_a to_o his_o true_a reason_n and_o best_a interest_n he_o neglect_v his_o own_o safety_n and_o be_v active_a to_o procure_v his_o own_o ruin_n he_o fly_v from_o happiness_n and_o run_v away_o from_o it_o as_o fast_o as_o he_o can_v but_o pursue_v misery_n and_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v undo_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o solomon_n do_v all_o along_o in_o the_o proverb_n give_v the_o title_n of_o fool_n to_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v his_o proper_a name_n and_o the_o fit_a character_n of_o he_o because_o he_o be_v so_o eminent_o such_o there_o be_v no_o fool_n to_o the_o sinner_n who_o every_o moment_n venture_v his_o soul_n and_o lay_v his_o everlasting_a interest_n at_o the_o stake_n every_o time_n a_o man_n provoke_v god_n he_o do_v the_o great_a mischief_n to_o himself_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v a_o mad_a man_n that_o cut_v himself_o and_o tear_n his_o own_o flesh_n and_o dash_v his_o head_n against_o the_o stone_n do_v not_o act_v so_o unreasonable_o as_o he_o because_o he_o be_v not_o so_o sensible_a of_o what_o he_o do_v wickedness_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o voluntary_a frenzy_n and_o a_o choose_a distraction_n and_o every_o sinner_n do_v wild_a and_o more_o extravagant_a thing_n than_o any_o man_n can_v do_v that_o be_v craze_v and_o out_o of_o his_o wit_n only_o with_o this_o sad_a difference_n that_o he_o know_v better_a what_o he_o do_v for_o to_o they_o who_o believe_v another_o life_n after_o this_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a postulatum_fw-la or_o demand_v among_o christian_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o mathematics_n more_o demonstrable_a than_o the_o folly_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o more_o evident_a principle_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o a_o
reason_n spoil_v his_o understanding_n and_o help_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o fool_n whereas_o he_o that_o conquer_v his_o passion_n and_o keep_v they_o under_o do_v thereby_o preserve_v and_o improve_v his_o understanding_n freedom_n from_o irregular_a passion_n do_v not_o only_o signify_v that_o a_o man_n be_v wise_a but_o real_o contribute_v to_o the_o make_n of_o he_o such_o 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o mind_n wherein_o happiness_n chief_o consist_v and_o which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n of_o the_o world_n do_v always_o aim_v at_o as_o the_o utmost_a felicity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o these_o text_n 97.11_o psal_n 97.11_o light_n be_v sow_o for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n great_a peace_n have_v all_o they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n 119.165_o psal_n 119.165_o and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n 3.17_o pro._n 3.17_o and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n 32.17_o isa_n 32.17_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o which_o text_n be_v that_o pleasure_n and_o peace_n do_v natural_o result_v from_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a life_n when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o engage_v himself_o in_o a_o religious_a course_n and_o be_v habituate_v to_o piety_n and_o holiness_n all_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n all_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n be_v delightful_a to_o he_o to_o honour_v and_o worship_n god_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o to_o praise_v he_o to_o study_v his_o will_n to_o meditate_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o love_v he_o all_o these_o bring_v great_a pleasure_n and_o peace_n along_o with_o they_o what_o great_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n can_v there_o be_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o it_o be_v once_o purify_v and_o refine_v from_o the_o dregs_o of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o raise_v to_o its_o true_a height_n and_o pitch_n than_o to_o contemplate_v and_o admire_v the_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o adore_v his_o greatness_n and_o to_o love_v his_o goodness_n how_o can_v the_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v troublesome_a to_o any_o one_o who_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n no_o man_n that_o love_v goodness_n and_o righteous_a ness_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v disquiet_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o god_n that_o be_v terrible_a to_o a_o good_a man_n but_o all_o the_o apprehension_n which_o we_o natural_o have_v of_o he_o speak_v comfort_n and_o promise_v happiness_n to_o such_o a_o one_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o attribute_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o recreation_n and_o delight_n it_o be_v for_o wicked_a man_n to_o dread_a god_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o banish_v the_o thought_n of_o he_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n but_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a man_n may_v have_v quiet_a and_o undisturbed_a thought_n even_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n because_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v he_o now_o religion_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o mind_n these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o allay_v those_o passion_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o ruffle_v and_o discompose_v our_o spirit_n malice_n and_o hatred_n wrath_n and_o revenge_n be_v very_o fret_v and_o vexatious_a and_o apt_a to_o make_v our_o mind_n sore_a and_o uneasy_a but_o he_o that_o can_v moderate_v these_o affection_n will_v find_v a_o strange_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n second_o by_o free_v we_o from_o the_o anxiety_n of_o guilt_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o divine_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o sting_a and_o torment_v and_o render_v the_o life_n of_o man_n more_o miserable_a and_o unquiet_a and_o whaâ—_n a_o spring_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o apprehend_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o and_o become_v our_o friend_n that_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v perfect_o forgive_v and_o shall_v never_o more_o be_v remember_v against_o we_o what_o unexpressible_a comfort_n do_v overflow_v the_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o well-spent_a life_n and_o a_o conscience_n of_o its_o own_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v give_v this_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o mind_n and_o consequent_o to_o our_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v holiness_n and_o goodness_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n so_o be_v it_o likewise_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o of_o those_o accurse_a spirit_n the_o devil_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o disposition_n contrary_n to_o god_n they_o be_v envious_a and_o malicious_a and_o cruel_a and_o of_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o be_v natural_o a_o torment_n and_o disquiet_v to_o itself_o and_o here_o the_o foundation_n of_o hell_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o till_o this_o be_v cure_v which_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o religion_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v happy_a that_o be_v please_v and_o content_v within_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o be_v at_o ease_n because_o such_o a_o man_n have_v that_o within_o he_o which_o torment_v he_o and_o he_o can_v be_v at_o ease_n till_o that_o be_v remove_v the_o man_n spirit_n be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o off_o the_o hinge_n and_o till_o that_o be_v put_v into_o its_o right_a frame_n he_o will_v be_v perpetual_o disquiet_v and_o can_v find_v no_o rest_n within_o himself_o the_o prophet_n very_o fit_o describe_v to_o we_o the_o unquiet_a condition_n of_o wicked_a man_n 57.10.21_o isa_n 57.10.21_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a so_o long_o as_o sin_n and_o corruption_n abound_v in_o our_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v restles_o work_v like_o wine_n which_o will_v be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a motion_n and_o agitation_n till_o it_o have_v purge_v itself_o of_o its_o dregs_o and_o foulness_n second_o religion_n do_v likewise_o tend_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n now_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v such_o as_o either_o respect_n our_o health_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n or_o relation_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o these_o religion_n be_v high_o advantageous_a to_o we_o 1._o as_o to_o our_o health_n a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n do_v eminent_o conduce_v to_o that_o and_o to_o long_a life_n as_o a_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o understand_v these_o follow_a text_n 2._o prov._n 3.1_o 2._o my_o son_n forget_v not_o my_o law_n but_o let_v thy_o heart_n keep_v my_o commandment_n for_o length_n of_o day_n and_o long_a life_n shall_v they_o add_v to_o thou_o and_o v._o 7_o and_o 8._o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n it_o shall_v be_v health_n to_o thy_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o thy_o bone_n and_o v._o 16._o among_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o wisdom_n or_o religion_n this_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o v._o 18._o she_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o they_o that_o lie_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o again_o whoso_o find_v i_o find_v life_n but_o he_o that_o sin_v against_o i_o wrong_v his_o own_o soul_n 36._o prov._n 8.35_o 36._o that_o be_v injurious_a to_o his_o own_o life_n all_o they_o that_o hate_v i_o love_v death_n all_o which_o be_v undoubted_o true_a in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n but_o be_v certain_o mean_v by_o solomon_n in_o the_o natural_a sense_n and_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o health_n and_o long_a life_n to_o good_a man_n be_v not_o only_o declaratory_a of_o the_o good_a pleasure_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o but_o likewise_o of_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o religion_n do_v oblige_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o do_v in_o their_o
a_o good_a man_n leave_v a_o inheritance_n to_o his_o child_n child_n 14.26_o prov._n 14.26_o and_o again_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v strong_a confidence_n and_o his_o child_n shall_v have_v a_o place_n of_o refuge_n but_o the_o wicked_a derive_v a_o curse_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o he_o be_v say_v to_o trouble_v his_o own_o house_n and_o again_o 11.29_o prov._n 11.29_o the_o wicked_a be_v overthrow_v and_o be_v not_o 12.7_o prov._n 12.7_o but_o the_o house_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v stand_v but_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n providence_n religion_n do_v likewise_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o those_o who_o be_v relate_v to_o we_o because_o it_o lay_v the_o strict_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o family_n and_o relation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o best_a provision_n both_o for_o their_o comfortable_a subsistence_n here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o their_o salvation_n in_o the_o next_o and_o those_o who_o neglect_v those_o duty_n the_o scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o esteem_v they_o christian_n that_o it_o account_v they_o worse_o than_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n 5.8_o 1_o tim._n 5.8_o he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o especial_o those_o of_o his_o own_o house_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n and_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n this_o i_o know_v be_v speak_v in_o respect_n of_o temporal_a provision_n but_o it_o hold_v à _fw-la fortiori_fw-la as_o to_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n beside_o it_o be_v many_o time_n see_v that_o the_o posterity_n of_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n especial_o of_o such_o as_o have_v evidence_v their_o piety_n towards_o god_n by_o bounty_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n have_v meet_v with_o unusual_a kindness_n and_o respect_n from_o other_o and_o have_v by_o a_o strange_a and_o secret_a disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v unexpected_o care_v and_o provide_v for_o and_o that_o as_o they_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o their_o parent_n this_o david_n tell_v we_o from_o his_o own_o particular_a observation_n 2d_o ps_n 37_o 2d_o i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o be_o old_a yet_o have_v i_o not_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n beg_v bread_n and_o that_o by_o the_o righteous_a be_v here_o mean_v the_o good_a and_o merciful_a man_n appear_v from_o the_o description_n of_o he_o in_o the_o next_o word_n 26._o ver._n 26._o he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v and_o his_o seed_n be_v bless_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o posterity_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v many_o time_n inherit_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o father_n sin_n and_o vice_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o a_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o from_o the_o natural_a course_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o expression_n in_o job_n be_v often_o verify_v that_o god_n lay_v up_o the_o iniquity_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o their_o child_n 21.19_o job_n 21.19_o and_o do_v not_o experience_n testify_v that_o the_o intemperate_a and_o unjust_a do_v many_o time_n transmit_v their_o bodily_a infirmity_n and_o disease_n to_o their_o child_n and_o entail_v a_o secret_a curse_n upon_o their_o estate_n which_o do_v either_o insensible_o waste_v and_o consume_v it_o or_o eat_v out_o the_o heart_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o religion_n in_o all_o respect_n conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n ii_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v likewise_o most_o certain_o and_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o this_o be_v incomparable_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o redound_v to_o man_n by_o be_v religious_a in_o comparison_n of_o which_o all_o temporal_a consideration_n be_v less_o than_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n the_o worldly_a advantage_n that_o religion_n bring_v to_o man_n in_o this_o present_a life_n be_v a_o sensible_a recommendation_n of_o religion_n even_o to_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a spirit_n but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v raise_v above_o sense_n and_o aspire_v after_o immortality_n who_o believe_v the_o perpetual_a duration_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n to_o those_o who_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o inconsiderableness_n of_o this_o short_a die_a life_n and_o of_o all_o the_o concernment_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o eternal_a state_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o in_o another_o life_n to_o these_o i_o say_v the_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o of_o those_o unspeakable_a and_o everlasting_a reward_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v give_v to_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n and_o the_o most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o for_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o can_v choose_v but_o aspire_v after_o a_o happiness_n commensurate_a to_o their_o duration_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v conscious_a to_o its_o self_n of_o its_o own_o immortality_n be_v satisfy_v and_o content_v with_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o endless_a felicity_n and_o this_o hope_n religion_n alone_o give_v man_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o can_v settle_v man_n in_o a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a assurance_n of_o it_o but_o because_o all_o man_n who_o have_v entertain_v any_o religion_n have_v consent_v to_o these_o principle_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o recompense_n of_o another_o world_n and_o have_v always_o promise_v to_o themselves_o some_o reward_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n after_o this_o life_n and_o because_o i_o do_v more_o particular_o design_n from_o this_o text_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o adavantage_n which_o redound_v to_o man_n from_o religion_n therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o show_v very_o brief_o how_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n do_v conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o godliness_n say_v the_o apostle_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o be_v to_o come_v god_n have_v all_o along_o in_o the_o scripture_n suspend_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n upon_o this_o condition_n he_o have_v peremptory_o declare_v that_o without_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v the_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n may_v be_v argument_n enough_o to_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o thereunto_o for_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o he_o be_v master_n of_o his_o own_o favour_n and_o may_v dispense_v they_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n he_o please_v but_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a condition_n that_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o if_o religion_n bring_v no_o advantage_n to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n yet_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o great_a as_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v all_o our_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n there_o be_v temptation_n enough_o in_o the_o reward_n to_o engage_v any_o man_n in_o the_o work_n have_v god_n think_v fit_a to_o have_v impose_v the_o most_o grievous_a and_o difficult_a thing_n upon_o we_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o have_v submit_v to_o they_o and_o to_o have_v undertake_v they_o with_o cheerfulness_n upon_o such_o great_a and_o glorious_a encouragement_n as_o naaman_n servant_n say_v to_o he_o in_o another_o case_n have_v he_o bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o so_o if_o god_n have_v say_v that_o without_o poverty_n and_o actual_a martyrdom_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o any_o man_n that_o believe_v heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o understand_v what_o these_o word_n signify_v and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o escape_v extreme_a and_o eternal_a misery_n and_o to_o enjoy_v unspeakable_a and_o endless_a glory_n have_v be_v willing_a to_o accept_v these_o condition_n how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v wash_v and_o be_v clean_a and_o let_v every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a but_o god_n have_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o we_o nor_o be_v the_o impose_v of_o this_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n a_o mere_a arbitrary_a constitution_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v two_o that_o a_o
and_o insensible_a degree_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n these_o indeed_o be_v free_v from_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n which_o other_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o bad_a course_n of_o life_n must_v expect_v to_o undergo_v they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n excuse_v from_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n from_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o sudden_a and_o violent_a change_n from_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o affright_a mind_n and_o from_o the_o deep_a and_o pierce_a sorrow_n of_o a_o more_o solemn_a repentance_n whereas_o those_o who_o have_v live_v wicked_o before_o must_v look_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o trouble_n because_o they_o be_v put_v upon_o change_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n at_o once_o and_o must_v contend_v with_o inveterate_a habit_n and_o offer_v no_o small_a violence_n to_o themselves_o in_o pluck_v up_o those_o vice_n which_o have_v be_v root_v in_o they_o by_o long_a custom_n and_o continuance_n this_o indeed_o be_v grievous_a and_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_o painful_a like_o the_o pluck_n out_o of_o a_o right_a eye_n or_o the_o cut_n off_o a_o right_a hand_n for_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n must_v strive_v against_o the_o very_a bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o his_o strong_a appetite_n against_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n and_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o a_o second_o nature_n but_o this_o be_v no_o just_a reflection_n upon_o religion_n because_o this_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n law_n but_o from_o a_o accidental_a indisposition_n in_o ourselves_o which_o religion_n be_v apt_a to_o remove_v and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o allow_v some_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n for_o the_o cure_n when_o that_o be_v once_o wrought_v the_o command_n of_o god_n will_v be_v more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o than_o ever_o our_o sin_n and_o lust_n be_v iii_o nor_n do_v this_o exclude_v our_o after_o care_n and_o diligence_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a he_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n intend_v to_o insinuate_v that_o they_o be_v calculate_v for_o slothful_a and_o lazy_a person_n that_o they_o be_v so_o easy_a as_o to_o require_v no_o industry_n and_o endeavour_n on_o our_o part_n he_o only_o aim_v to_o prevent_v a_o tacit_n objection_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o many_o man_n heart_n as_o if_o religion_n be_v a_o most_o grievous_a and_o intolerable_a burden_n and_o there_o be_v more_o trouble_n and_o less_o pleasure_n in_o it_o than_o in_o any_o other_o action_n of_o humane_a life_n this_o he_o utter_o deny_v but_o do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v to_o exclude_v such_o diligence_n and_o industry_n as_o man_n use_v about_o other_o matter_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o require_v a_o very_a vigorous_a prosecution_n and_o great_a earnestness_n of_o endeavour_n i_o shall_v speak_v quite_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o so_o frequent_o command_v seek_v and_o strive_v and_o labour_v beside_o many_o other_o such_o phrase_n that_o import_v diligence_n and_o earnestness_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v unfit_a that_o so_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a a_o reward_n as_o the_o gospel_n promise_n shall_v stoop_v down_o like_o fruit_n upon_o a_o full-laden_a bough_n to_o be_v pluck_v by_o every_o idle_a and_o wanton_a hand_n that_o heaven_n shall_v be_v prostitute_v to_o the_o lazy_a desire_n and_o faint_a wish_n to_o the_o cheap_a and_o ordinary_a endeavour_n of_o slothful_a man_n god_n will_v not_o so_o much_o disparage_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n as_o to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o those_o who_o have_v conceive_v so_o low_a a_o opinion_n of_o it_o as_o not_o to_o think_v it_o worth_a the_o labour_a for_o and_o sure_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v religion_n to_o any_o considerate_a man_n if_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o be_v much_o great_a than_o of_o any_o worldly_a design_n that_o we_o can_v propound_v to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o not_o great_a if_o the_o same_o seriousness_n and_o industry_n of_o endeavour_n which_o man_n common_o use_v to_o raise_v a_o fortune_n and_o advance_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n will_v serve_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a man_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n what_o reason_n have_v any_o man_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o hard_a term_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o usual_o less_o than_o this_o do_v it_o for_o god_n consider_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o press_a necessity_n of_o this_o life_n that_o we_o be_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n and_o that_o we_o have_v great_a need_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o he_o allow_v we_o to_o be_v very_o sedulous_a and_o industrious_a about_o they_o however_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o if_o man_n will_v be_v as_o serious_a to_o save_v their_o immortal_a soul_n as_o they_o be_v to_o support_v these_o die_a body_n if_o they_o will_v but_o provide_v for_o eternity_n with_o the_o same_o solicitude_n and_o real_a care_n as_o they_o do_v for_o this_o life_n if_o they_o will_v but_o seek_v heaven_n with_o the_o same_o ardour_n of_o affection_n and_o vigour_n of_o prosecution_n as_o they_o seek_v earthly_a thing_n if_o they_o will_v but_o love_v god_n as_o much_o as_o many_o man_n do_v the_o world_n and_o mind_n godliness_n as_o much_o as_o man_n usual_o do_v gain_v if_o they_o will_v but_o go_v to_o church_n with_o as_o good_a a_o will_n as_o man_n ordinary_o do_v to_o their_o market_n and_o fair_n and_o be_v in_o as_o good_a earnest_n at_o their_o devotion_n as_o man_n common_o be_v in_o drive_v a_o bargain_n if_o they_o will_v but_o endure_v some_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o same_o patience_n and_o constancy_n as_o they_o can_v do_v storm_n and_o foul_a way_n and_o mischance_n when_o they_o be_v travel_v about_o their_o worldly_a occasion_n if_o they_o will_v but_o avoid_v bad_a company_n as_o man_n use_v to_o do_v cheater_n and_o reject_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n as_o they_o will_v do_v the_o kind_a word_n and_o insinuation_n of_o a_o man_n who_o they_o very_o believe_v to_o have_v a_o design_n to_o overreach_v they_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o such_o a_o one_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o heaven_n and_o will_v be_v much_o sure_a of_o it_o upon_o these_o term_n than_o any_o man_n that_o do_v all_o the_o other_o thing_n can_v be_v of_o get_v a_o estate_n or_o of_o attain_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n and_o can_v every_o man_n do_v thus_o much_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o man_n shall_v use_v their_o sincere_a endeavour_n and_o this_o sure_o every_o man_n can_v do_v for_o to_o use_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o do_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v and_o it_o be_v nonsense_n for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o he_o can_v do_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o if_o we_o will_v do_v thus_o much_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n but_o man_n expect_v that_o religion_n shall_v cost_v they_o no_o pain_n that_o happiness_n shall_v drop_v into_o their_o lap_n without_o any_o design_n and_o endeavour_v on_o their_o part_n and_o that_o after_o they_o have_v do_v what_o they_o please_v while_o they_o live_v god_n shall_v snatch_v they_o up_o to_o heaven_n when_o they_o die_v but_o though_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a yet_o it_o be_v sit_v to_o let_v man_n know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o thus_o easy_a iu._n all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o much_o allay_v and_o sweeten_v by_o hope_n and_o by_o love_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o mighty_a reward_n so_o great_a as_o be_v enough_o to_o raise_v we_o above_o ourselves_o and_o to_o make_v we_o break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n and_o by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o have_v take_v all_o imaginable_a way_n to_o endear_v himself_o to_o we_o he_o give_v we_o our_o being_n and_o when_o we_o be_v fall_v from_o that_o happiness_n to_o which_o at_o first_o we_o be_v design_v he_o be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o new_a capacity_n of_o it_o by_o send_v his_o only_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o we_o so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o kindness_n we_o can_v but_o love_v he_o who_o have_v do_v so_o much_o to_o oblige_v we_o and_o if_o we_o love_v he_o entire_o nothing_o that_o he_o command_v will_v be_v grievous_a to_o we_o nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o
mean_n whereby_o that_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v ii_o the_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n do_v imply_v likewise_o the_o effect_n which_o those_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o 1._o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n god_n have_v on_o purpose_n make_v this_o world_n troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o sufficient_a temptation_n to_o reasonable_a and_o considerate_a man_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o their_o future_a happiness_n that_o god_n and_o heaven_n may_v have_v no_o rival_n here_o below_o that_o there_o may_v be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n that_o may_v pretend_v to_o our_o affection_n or_o court_v we_o with_o any_o advantage_n in_o comparison_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o glory_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o eternity_n shall_v present_v itself_o to_o our_o serious_a and_o wake_a thought_n than_o thing_n will_v put_v on_o another_o face_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o value_v so_o much_o in_o this_o life_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o be_v nothing_o worth_a but_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o neglect_v to_o be_v of_o infinite_a concernment_n to_o we_o and_o worthy_a to_o have_v be_v the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v these_o thing_n in_o time_n while_o the_o opportunity_n of_o life_n and_o health_n be_v before_o we_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o come_v to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n before_o we_o despair_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o 2._o to_o make_v we_o very_o active_a and_o industrious_a to_o be_v as_o good_a and_o to_o do_v as_o much_o good_a as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o life_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v qualify_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o man_n be_v usual_o very_o industrious_a for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n do_v we_o but_o value_v heaven_n half_a as_o much_o as_o it_o deserve_v we_o shall_v take_v infinite_o more_o pain_n for_o that_o so_o often_o as_o we_o consider_v the_o glory_n that_o be_v above_o how_o do_v it_o accuse_v our_o sloth_n and_o condemn_v our_o folly_n that_o we_o be_v less_o concern_v for_o our_o soul_n than_o most_o man_n be_v for_o their_o body_n that_o we_o will_v not_o labour_v half_a so_o much_o for_o a_o eternal_a inheritance_n as_o man_n ordinary_o do_v for_o these_o corruptible_a thing_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v haste_v apace_o to_o another_o world_n and_o that_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o lie_v at_o the_o stake_n and_o how_o shall_v it_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n to_o have_v such_o a_o reward_n set_v before_o we_o to_o have_v crown_n and_o sceptre_n in_o our_o eye_n will_v we_o but_o often_o represent_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o glorious_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n what_o fervour_n shall_v we_o feel_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n and_o wing_n and_o shall_v do_v god_n will_n almost_o with_o the_o same_o readiness_n and_o delight_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v who_o continual_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o their_o father_n the_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n shall_v actuate_v all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o be_v continual_o inspire_v we_o with_o new_a vigour_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n how_o shall_v this_o thought_n swell_v our_o resolution_n and_o confirm_v our_o purpose_n of_o obedience_n that_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n 3._o to_o mitigate_v and_o lighten_v the_o evil_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n how_o rough_a the_o way_n be_v provide_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o lead_v to_o happiness_n the_o incomparable_o great_a good_a of_o the_o next_o life_n will_v to_o a_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n weigh_v down_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o 8.18_o rom._n 8.18_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n afflict_v man_n more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o soul_n be_v fortify_v with_o consideration_n proper_a to_o support_v we_o under_o they_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a while_n to_o be_v here_o that_o we_o be_v upon_o our_o journey_n travel_v towards_o our_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o all_o the_o delight_n we_o can_v desire_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o trouble_v we_o much_o to_o endure_v storm_n and_o foul_a way_n and_o to_o want_v many_o of_o those_o accommodation_n we_o may_v expect_v at_o home_n this_o be_v the_o common_a fate_n of_o traveller_n and_o we_o must_v take_v thing_n as_o we_o find_v they_o and_o not_o look_v to_o have_v every_o thing_n just_a to_o our_o mind_n these_o difficulty_n and_o inconvenience_n will_v short_o be_v over_o and_o after_o a_o few_o day_n will_v be_v quite_o forget_v and_o be_v to_o we_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v and_o when_o we_o be_v safe_o land_v in_o our_o own_o country_n with_o what_o pleasure_n shall_v we_o look_v back_o upon_o those_o rough_a and_o boisterous_a sea_n which_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o more_o trouble_v we_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o kind_a usage_n we_o shall_v find_v when_o we_o come_v to_o our_o father_n house_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_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 when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n our_o happiness_n shall_v then_o be_v as_o real_a as_o our_o misery_n be_v here_o upon_o earth_n and_o far_o great_a and_o more_o last_a and_o what_o great_a matter_n be_v it_o though_o we_o suffer_v a_o while_n in_o this_o world_n provide_v we_o escape_v the_o endless_a unsufferable_a torment_n of_o the_o next_o though_o we_o have_v not_o our_o good_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n if_o infinite_o great_a be_v reserve_v for_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o with_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o several_a of_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n will_v be_v unsufferable_a indeed_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o better_a to_o be_v hope_v for_o hereafter_o if_o this_o be_v true_a christian_n will_v not_o only_o be_v of_o all_o man_n but_o of_o all_o creature_n the_o most_o miserable_a but_o out_o religion_n have_v abundant_o assure_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o embrace_v suffering_n with_o so_o much_o cheerfulness_n to_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n and_o to_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v that_o in_o heaven_n they_o have_v a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n the_o seven_o brethren_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o maccabee_n upon_o this_o persuasion_n will_v not_o accept_v deliverance_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n that_o storm_n of_o stone_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o st._n stephen_n be_v no_o more_o to_o he_o than_o a_o common_a shower_n when_o he_o see_v the_o heaven_n open_v and_o jesus_n in_o who_o cause_n he_o suffer_v stand_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n 4._o to_o make_v we_o sincere_a in_o all_o our_o profession_n word_n and_o action_n do_v man_n firm_o believe_v the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n their_o religion_n will_v not_o be_v only_o in_o show_n and_o pretence_n but_o in_o life_n and_o reality_n no_o man_n will_v put_v on_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o for_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o but_o all_o with_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o be_v as_o curious_a of_o our_o thought_n and_o most_o retire_a action_n as_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o open_a theatre_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a assembly_n for_o in_o the_o next_o life_n man_n shall_v not_o be_v reward_v for_o what_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o for_o what_o they_o real_o be_v in_o this_o world_n therefore_o whatever_o we_o think_v or_o speak_v or_o do_v we_o shall_v always_o remember_v that_o the_o day_n of_o revelation_n be_v come_v when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v when_o all_o disguise_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o every_o one_o mask_n shall_v be_v take_v off_o and_o all_o our_o action_n and_o design_n shall_v be_v