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in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o 5._o flesh_n do_v mind_n or_o as_o the_o word_n also_o signify_v do_v relish_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v a_o short_a and_o compendious_a but_o a_o very_a great_a test_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o that_o whereby_o we_o may_v distinguish_v a_o vital_a sense_n of_o religiou_n from_o a_o formal_a profession_n of_o it_o five_o and_o last_o consider_v that_o one_o great_a end_n of_o our_o saviour_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o his_o human_a nature_n be_v that_o we_o christian_n may_v have_v our_o conversation_n there_o in_o order_n to_o which_o end_n the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o double_a influence_n first_o as_o a_o rational_a motive_n and_o second_o as_o a_o moral_a emblem_n first_o as_o a_o
according_o upon_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o conviction_n have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o circle_n of_o this_o world_n for_o their_o happiness_n and_o have_v propose_v to_o themselves_o the_o supreme_a good_a for_o their_o end_n and_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o their_o choice_n be_v style_v child_n of_o light_n even_o these_o man_n be_v chargeable_a with_o this_o strange_a folly_n and_o it_o be_v here_o actual_o charge_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o eternal_a and_o substantial_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o this_o his_o weighty_a remark_n upon_o the_o politic_a stratagem_n of_o the_o unjust_a steward_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v something_o imply_v and_o something_o direct_o assert_v it_o be_v imply_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v child_n of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v who_o make_v the_o good_a of_o this_o world_n their_o end_n and_o seek_v no_o 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thing_n direct_o assert_v by_o our_o lord_n be_v this_o that_o notwitstand_v their_o want_n of_o true_a wisdom_n that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o they_o be_v however_o wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n that_o be_v that_o however_o they_o be_v befool_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o end_n yet_o they_o make_v more_o prudent_a provision_n for_o its_o attainment_n and_o security_n and_o prosecute_v it_o by_o more_o apt_a and_o agreeable_a mean_n and_o with_o great_a cunning_a and_o diligence_n than_o they_o who_o have_v choose_v a_o better_a do_v they_o and_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n though_o great_a fool_n be_v yet_o in_o their_o generation_n in_o their_o way_n and_o manner_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n these_o i_o shall_v make_v distinct_a subject_n of_o discourse_n to_o each_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v according_a to_o the_o present_a order_n and_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v imply_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v child_n of_o this_o world_n who_o make_v the_o good_a of_o this_o world_n their_o end_n and_o seek_v no_o further_o for_o their_o rest_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v i_o confess_v strange_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o consider_v that_o the_o world_n be_v no_o proper_a boundary_a for_o the_o soul_n even_o in_o its_o natural_a capacity_n much_o less_o in_o its_o spiritual_a it_o be_v too_o cheap_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o good_a for_o a_o immortal_a spirit_n much_o more_o for_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o the_o commonness_n of_o the_o thing_n take_v off_o from_o the_o wonder_n it_o will_v seem_v no_o doubt_n as_o great_a a_o prodigy_n to_o see_v a_o man_n make_v the_o world_n his_o end_n as_o to_o see_v a_o stone_n hang_v in_o the_o air._n for_o what_o be_v it_o else_o for_o a_o man_n the_o weight_n of_o who_o nature_n press_v hard_a towards_o a_o stable_n and_o never_o fail_a centre_n to_o stop_v short_a in_o a_o fluid_fw-la and_o yield_a medium_fw-la and_o take_v up_o with_o the_o slender_a stay_v of_o vanity_n and_o lean_a upon_o the_o dream_n of_o a_o shadow_n i_o say_v why_o be_v not_o this_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o equal_o strange_a and_o preternatural_a as_o a_o stone_n be_v hang_v in_o the_o air_n be_v not_o the_o air_n as_o proper_a a_o boundary_a for_o a_o stone_n as_o the_o world_n be_v for_o a_o soul_n and_o why_o then_o be_v not_o one_o as_o strange_a as_o the_o other_o for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n one_o will_v think_v it_o next_o to_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n who_o think_v at_o all_o shall_v not_o consider_v frequent_o and_o thorough_o the_o vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o all_o worldly_a good_a the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n the_o certainty_n of_o die_v and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o doubtful_a and_o momentous_a issue_n of_o eternity_n the_o terror_n of_o damnation_n and_o the_o glorious_a thing_n which_o be_v speak_v and_o which_o can_v be_v utter_v of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n these_o be_v meditation_n so_o very_o obvious_a so_o almost_o unavoidable_a and_o that_o so_o block_n up_o a_o man_n way_n and_o beside_o they_o be_v so_o very_o important_a and_o concern_v that_o for_o my_o part_n i_o wonder_v how_o a_o man_n can_v think_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o if_o a_o man_n do_v consider_v and_o revolve_v these_o thing_n one_o will_v think_v it_o yet_o more_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v make_v so_o vain_a a_o thing_n as_o this_o world_n his_o end_n that_o he_o shall_v think_v of_o building_n tabernacle_n of_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a and_o say_v it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v a_o man_n put_v to_o the_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o rational_a and_o think_v creature_n as_o man_n be_v shall_v be_v so_o far_o a_o child_n of_o this_o world_n as_o to_o make_v the_o good_a of_o it_o his_o end_n and_o seek_v no_o further_o for_o rest_n and_o happiness_n be_v a_o man_n i_o say_v to_o consider_v this_o only_a in_o notion_n and_o theory_n without_o have_v any_o recourse_n to_o observation_n and_o experience_n he_o will_v go_v nigh_o to_o resolve_v the_o question_n in_o the_o negative_a and_o think_v it_o impossible_a that_o he_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o choose_v at_o all_o shall_v choose_v so_o ill_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v that_o man_n do_v not_o hearty_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n or_o if_o they_o do_v that_o they_o do_v not_o actual_o and_o serious_o consider_v it_o but_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v dormant_a and_o unactive_a within_o they_o and_o so_o be_v as_o little_o affect_v with_o it_o as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o or_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o through_o that_o end_n of_o the_o perspective_n which_o respresent_v it_o as_o a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o so_o be_v more_o vigorous_o draw_v by_o the_o near_o though_o lesser_a loadstone_n or_o whatever_o other_o cause_n may_v be_v assign_v for_o it_o we_o be_v too_o well_o assure_v from_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n man_n who_o go_v through_o the_o vale_n of_o misery_n use_v it_o not_o only_o as_o a_o well_o to_o refresh_v 6._o and_o allay_v but_o full_o to_o quench_v and_o satisfy_v their_o thirst_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_n it_o it_o who_o mind_n 19_o and_o relish_v earthly_a thing_n who_o make_v the_o good_a of_o this_o world_n their_o last_o aim_n the_o sum_n total_a of_o their_o wisbes_n the_o upshot_n of_o their_o desire_n and_o expectation_n their_o end_n who_o love_v it_o as_o they_o be_v command_v to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n soul_n mind_n and_o strength_n who_o rest_n and_o lean_v upon_o the_o world_n with_o the_o whole_a stress_n and_o full_a weight_n of_o their_o be_v who_o outdo_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o who_o very_a soul_n cleave_v to_o the_o dust._n for_o i_o demand_v be_v not_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o animal_n life_n the_o great_a govern_v principle_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o statesman_n and_o the_o little_a under-crasts_a of_o the_o plebeian_n all_o put_v into_o motion_n by_o this_o spring_n and_o all_o guide_v and_o determine_v by_o this_o measure_n be_v not_o every_o thing_n almost_o reckon_v profitable_a only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o some_o temporal_a interest_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o very_a name_n interest_n be_v almost_o appropriate_v to_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o great_a bias_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o most_o of_o the_o noise_n and_o
bustle_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n about_o the_o world_n itself_o who_o shall_v have_v the_o great_a share_n of_o it_o and_o make_v the_o great_a figure_n in_o it_o do_v we_o not_o see_v man_n all_o set_v and_o intent_n upon_o the_o world_n that_o lie_v themselves_o out_o whole_o upon_o it_o and_o that_o can_v relish_v nothing_o but_o what_o have_v relation_n to_o it_o man_n that_o seem_v to_o grow_v into_o the_o soil_n where_o they_o dwell_v and_o to_o have_v their_o head_n and_o heart_n fasten_v to_o the_o ground_n with_o as_o many_o cord_n and_o fibre_n as_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n and_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v stake_v down_o and_o nail_v fast_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o can_v no_o more_o be_v move_v from_o it_o than_o the_o earth_n itself_o can_v from_o its_o centre_n in_o one_o word_n man_n of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v without_o censure_n that_o the_o world_n be_v their_o god_n and_o its_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o profit_n their_o trinity_n nor_o be_v this_o matter_n of_o practice_n only_o but_o of_o opinion_n too_o for_o we_o know_v there_o have_v be_v some_o among_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n who_o have_v express_o teach_v that_o the_o end_n of_o man_n the_o totum_fw-la hominis_fw-la lie_v in_o the_o good_a of_o the_o animal_n life_n in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o grosser_n sense_n thus_o we_o know_v do_v aristippus_n cyrenaeus_n and_o a_o whole_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n after_o he_o call_v cyrenaici_n which_o opinion_n be_v also_o charge_v upon_o epicurus_n by_o cicero_n and_o by_o many_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o charge_n be_v still_o believe_v and_o entertain_v among_o many_o person_n of_o sufficient_a learning_n and_o worth_n notwithstanding_o the_o favourable_a and_o plausible_a plea_n mounseur_fw-fr gassendi_n have_v offer_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o master_n but_o the_o best_a plea_n be_v that_o these_o be_v pardonable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o in_o its_o last_o perfection_n and_o consummation_n too_o and_o yet_o take_v no_o high_a aim_n than_o at_o the_o good_a of_o this_o world_n and_o in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o our_o saviour_n aphorism_n think_v that_o the_o life_n that_o be_v the_o true_a interest_n and_o happiness_n 15._o of_o man_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o abundance_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v to_o our_o experience_n we_o may_v add_v the_o attestation_n of_o scripture_n which_o give_v several_a intimation_n of_o this_o low-sunk_a wretched_a and_o deplorable_a degeneracy_n of_o soul_n to_o instance_n in_o a_o few_o do_v not_o job_n say_v in_o vindication_n of_o his_o integrity_n if_o i_o have_v make_v gold_n my_o hope_n 24._o or_o have_v say_v to_o the_o fine_a gold_n thou_o be_v my_o confidence_n imply_v that_o some_o there_o be_v that_o do_v so_o and_o do_v not_o the_o psalmist_n say_v lo_o this_o be_v the_o man_n that_o 52.8_o take_v not_o god_n for_o his_o strength_n but_o trust_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o riches_n and_o strengthen_v himself_o in_o his_o wickedness_n and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o some_o who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n and_o of_o 3.19_o other_o who_o godliness_n be_v their_o gain_n 6.5_o and_o what_o else_o do_v the_o apostle_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v of_o covetousness_n that_o it_o be_v idolatry_n do_v he_o not_o thereby_o intimate_v that_o the_o covetous_a wretch_n not_o only_a delight_n in_o his_o possession_n and_o love_v to_o count_v over_o his_o heap_n for_o this_o a_o man_n may_v do_v without_o be_v a_o idolater_n but_o that_o he_o place_v his_o end_n and_o chief_a happiness_n in_o his_o treasure_n that_o he_o fall_v down_o and_o adore_v his_o golden_a calf_n and_o in_o the_o forementioned_a phrase_n of_o fob_n make_v gold_n his_o hope_n and_o say_v to_o the_o fine_a gold_n thou_o be_v my_o confidence_n but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n be_v not_o all_o under_o this_o eclipse_n nor_o be_v this_o darkness_n spread_v over_o the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o deep_a light_n and_o darkness_n divide_v the_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o the_o natural_a world_n though_o with_o the_o difference_n of_o unequal_a proportion_n the_o dark_a be_v here_o the_o big_a side_n there_o be_v however_o though_o not_o so_o many_o yet_o there_o be_v second_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v child_n of_o light_n who_o mind_n be_v more_o illuminate_v and_o their_o eye_n more_o clear_a and_o single_a who_o look_v beyond_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o material_a world_n the_o beauty_n of_o which_o can_v neither_o charm_v nor_o its_o thickness_n detain_v their_o pierce_a sight_n and_o propose_v to_o themselves_o the_o beatitude_n of_o another_o life_n as_o their_o true_a and_o last_o end_n this_o many_o do_v in_o profession_n and_o some_o in_o reality_n in_o profession_n all_o christian_n do_v it_o to_o who_o therefore_o the_o title_n of_o child_n of_o light_n be_v promiscuous_o give_v by_o the_o apostle_n you_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o light_n 5.5_o and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o day_n we_o be_v not_o of_o the_o night_n nor_o of_o darkness_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o concern_v profession_n and_o solemn_a undertake_n but_o that_o which_o all_o christian_n profess_v some_o do_v real_o do_v propose_v to_o themselves_o habitual_o at_o least_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n as_o their_o last_o end_n be_v by_o repeat_v experience_n as_o well_o as_o rational_a reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n abundant_o convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o and_o these_o indeed_o aim_v at_o the_o right_a mark_n though_o all_o of_o they_o have_v not_o a_o hand_n steady_a enough_o to_o hit_v it_o but_o to_o return_v again_o to_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o these_o do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o true_a wisdom_n for_o our_o lord_n do_v not_o say_v absolute_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n which_o imply_v that_o absolute_o speak_v and_o upon_o the_o whole_a they_o be_v not_o wise._n indeed_o they_o think_v themselves_o wise_a and_o the_o world_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v of_o their_o opinion_n they_o be_v general_o esteem_v not_o only_o wise_a but_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n man_n of_o reach_n and_o design_n policy_n and_o conduct_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o play_v his_o game_n so_o as_o to_o thrive_v in_o the_o world_n be_v general_o pity_v more_o for_o his_o folly_n than_o for_o his_o poverty_n nay_o hence_o and_o hence_o only_o be_v take_v the_o measure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n and_o this_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o policy_n and_o discretion_n a_o man_n be_v count_v so_o far_o wise_a and_o no_o far_o than_o he_o know_v how_o to_o get_v a_o estate_n to_o raise_v a_o family_n to_o give_v birth_n to_o a_o name_n and_o make_v himself_o great_a and_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n he_o that_o can_v do_v this_o be_v a_o shrewd_a man_n and_o he_o that_o can_v be_v either_o pity_v or_o laugh_v at_o according_a to_o the_o humour_n the_o world_n be_v in_o by_o those_o that_o can_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o alloy_n or_o abatement_n of_o their_o character_n to_o say_v that_o all_o this_o be_v bring_v about_o by_o sinister_a and_o indirect_a mean_n by_o fraud_n and_o cozenage_n by_o deceit_n and_o corrupt_a proceed_n this_o rather_o commend_v the_o part_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o the_o man_n show_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o art_n and_o contrivance_n and_o that_o he_o owe_v his_o success_n more_o to_o good_a management_n than_o good_a fortune_n nay_o he_o that_o can_v do_v thus_o be_v the_o topping_n wise_a man_n and_o be_v think_v worthy_a not_o only_o to_o have_v but_o so_o far_o to_o engross_v the_o name_n that_o a_o shrewd_a cunning_a man_n even_o in_o their_o own_o language_n be_v but_o another_o word_n for_o a_o knave_n this_o be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o world_n but_o whatever_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n may_v be_v we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v converse_v in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o this_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o 19_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n and_o if_o so_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v foolishness_n in_o itself_o since_o the_o intellect_n of_o god_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o worldly-minded_n man_n that_o think_v their_o house_n shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o call_v their_o land_n after_o their_o own_o name_n say_v express_o this_o be_v their_o foolishness_n and_o this_o censure_n 49.13_o he_o bold_o charge_v upon_o they_o how_o singular_a soever_o it_o may_v
enlarge_n upon_o this_o it_o will_v be_v almost_o as_o ridiculous_a to_o go_v about_o to_o give_v light_n to_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o it_o so_o clear_a as_o it_o be_v to_o disbelieve_v it_o and_o he_o that_o offer_v to_o make_v the_o least_o question_n of_o so_o evident_a a_o truth_n be_v much_o too_o absurd_a to_o be_v serious_o argue_v with_o i_o shall_v therefore_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o consideration_n that_o a_o good_a life_n which_o the_o psalmist_n here_o express_v by_o keep_v innocency_n and_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v right_o will_v certain_o bring_v a_o man_n this_o peace_n at_o the_o last_o and_o first_o it_o will_v bring_v he_o everlasting_a peace_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o establish_v a_o stand_n and_o never_o fail_a connexion_n between_o repentance_n and_o pardon_n it_o be_v the_o very_a purchase_n of_o christ_n death_n that_o now_o repentance_n may_v be_v unto_o life_n and_o according_o it_o be_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o hope_n and_o probable_a expectation_n but_o it_o be_v make_v one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n indeed_o repentance_n be_v now_o no_o where_o in_o vain_a but_o among_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n it_o will_v have_v be_v so_o with_o we_o too_o have_v not_o christ_n die_v and_o satisfy_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o upon_o that_o satisfaction_n erect_v a_o new_a covenant_n for_o the_o law_n know_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o repentance_n but_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v must_v die_v penitent_n or_o impenitent_a but_o it_o be_v the_o benefit_n we_o have_v by_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n that_o now_o if_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o accept_v with_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v with_o it_o and_o not_o without_o it_o for_o christ_n do_v not_o as_o some_o fancy_n so_o far_o undertake_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o repent_v and_o live_v well_o but_o that_o we_o may_v repent_v to_o purpose_v he_o do_v not_o design_n to_o make_v our_o repentance_n unnecessary_a but_o only_o to_o render_v it_o useful_a and_o efficacious_a to_o the_o end_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n so_o that_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o only_o the_o mean_n but_o the_o only_a possible_a mean_n to_o everlasting_a peace_n and_o happiness_n as_o it_o be_v second_o to_o bring_v we_o peace_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n nothing_o else_o can_v do_v it_o but_o this_o and_o this_o can_v and_o most_o certain_o will_v as_o a_o good_a life_n give_v we_o a_o firm_a title_n to_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n so_o will_v it_o give_v we_o a_o good_a comfortable_a assurance_n of_o that_o title_n which_o be_v always_o a_o unspeakable_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o especial_o at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n and_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n and_o reward_n of_o a_o life_n well_o spend_v a_o good_a man_n do_v his_o duty_n with_o great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o he_o reflect_v upon_o it_o with_o great_a his_o present_a joy_n be_v very_o savoury_a and_o refresh_a but_o his_o after-comfort_n be_v much_o more_o so_o but_o of_o all_o the_o review_n of_o his_o life_n none_o yield_v he_o so_o much_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n as_o that_o last_o general_n review_n which_o he_o take_v of_o it_o when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v then_o he_o have_v most_o need_n of_o comfort_n than_o he_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o relish_v it_o and_o then_o he_o have_v most_o of_o it_o with_o what_o strange_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n do_v he_o then_o reflect_v upon_o his_o past_a life_n and_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v in_o it_o those_o joy_n and_o consolation_n which_o before_o maintain_v a_o gentle_a course_n within_o their_o own_o channel_n now_o begin_v to_o swell_v above_o their_o bank_n and_o overflow_v the_o man._n a_o kind_n of_o heavenly_a light_n spring_v up_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o shine_v forth_o into_o his_o face_n and_o his_o hope_n and_o his_o desire_n his_o thought_n and_o his_o affection_n his_o presage_n and_o his_o expectation_n his_o body_n and_o his_o soul_n yea_o the_o whole_a man_n be_v full_a of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v wilful_o and_o deliberate_o want_v in_o any_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o have_v rather_o make_v this_o his_o exercise_n and_o constant_a concern_v to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n and_o as_o he_o recollect_n this_o with_o pleasure_n so_o he_o build_v upon_o it_o with_o confidence_n and_o according_o resign_v up_o his_o soul_n into_o his_o maker_n hand_n cheerful_o and_o courageous_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o that_o good_a god_n who_o he_o have_v so_o faithful_o serve_v in_o his_o life_n will_v take_v care_n of_o he_o and_o reward_v he_o after_o death_n and_o for_o such_o a_o assurance_n as_o this_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n great_a be_v the_o peace_n that_o they_o have_v who_o 119._o love_n thy_o law_n say_v the_o psalmist_n and_o 32._o the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n say_v solomon_n and_o say_v the_o prophet_n the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n 17._o and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o and_o say_v the_o great_a apostle_n our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o 12._o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v 3.14_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n say_v saint_n john_n and_o again_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o 21._o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o controversy_n between_o the_o reform_a and_o the_o romish_a doctor_n concern_v this_o matter_n the_o latter_a general_o deny_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v assure_v or_o certain_a of_o his_o salvation_n now_o though_o it_o may_v and_o perhaps_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o he_o can_v have_v a_o assurance_n of_o divine_a faith_n nothing_o be_v the_o object_n of_o such_o a_o assurance_n but_o for_o which_o we_o have_v a_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n which_o can_v ordinary_o be_v say_v of_o any_o man_n salvation_n in_o particular_a but_o only_o of_o the_o general_a and_o conditional_a proposition_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o which_o we_o build_v yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o conclude_v from_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o scripture_n with_o many_o other_o too_o numerous_a and_o obvious_a to_o allege_v that_o a_o man_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o past_a life_n may_v be_v so_o moral_o assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n as_o to_o be_v out_o of_o all_o reasonable_a doubt_n or_o irresolution_n about_o it_o and_o he_o that_o will_v deny_v this_o must_v oblige_v himself_o to_o maintain_v one_o of_o these_o two_o proposition_n either_o that_o a_o man_n can_v understand_v what_o condition_n be_v require_v of_o he_o in_o order_n to_o a_o salvable_a state_n or_o that_o he_o can_v with_o any_o measure_n of_o certainty_n judge_v of_o himself_o whether_o he_o be_v qualify_v according_a to_o those_o condition_n the_o former_a of_o which_o will_v reflect_v upon_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n which_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v full_a and_o plain_a in_o necessary_a thing_n and_o the_o latter_a will_v redound_v too_o much_o to_o the_o dishonour_n and_o disparagement_n of_o human_a reason_n and_o understanding_n since_o according_a to_o this_o proposition_n a_o man_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o as_o not_o to_o know_v what_o pass_v within_o his_o own_o breast_n contrary_a to_o which_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v in_o that_o question_n who_o know_v the_o thing_n 11._o of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o strict_a certainty_n neither_o of_o science_n nor_o of_o divine_a faith_n but_o only_o a_o moral_a and_o human_a assurance_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o conclusion_n can_v be_v no_o strong_a than_o the_o premise_n and_o therefore_o since_o one_o of_o the_o proposition_n that_o which_o contain_v my_o own_o qualification_n be_v matter_n only_o of_o experimental_a knowledge_n which_o be_v a_o human_a and_o therefore_o fallible_a testimony_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o assurance_n that_o rise_v from_o the_o whole_a can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o human_a or_o moral_a assurance_n but_o that_o be_v enough_o
rational_a motive_n for_o since_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n into_o heaven_n add_v new_a supplement_n of_o support_n to_o our_o hope_n of_o arrive_v thither_o his_o ascension_n be_v a_o pledge_n and_o pattern_n of_o we_o it_o must_v needs_o at_o the_o same_o time_n fan_v the_o flame_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o make_v they_o tend_v upward_o with_o importunate_a reach_n towards_o heavenly_a object_n for_o this_o be_v a_o maxim_n which_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o philosophy_n have_v stamp_v for_o truth_n that_o the_o more_o our_o hope_n of_o any_o good_a be_v establish_v the_o more_o our_o desire_n after_o it_o be_v increase_v and_o that_o nothing_o soon_o cool_v the_o fever_n of_o the_o affection_n than_o despair_n of_o fruition_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n by_o add_v further_o encouragement_n to_o our_o hope_n become_v a_o rational_a motive_n to_o we_o to_o refine_v and_o elevate_v our_o affection_n and_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o that_o heaven_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o which_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o convince_a a_o assurance_n second_o as_o a_o moral_a emblem_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o saviour_n action_n tend_v to_o our_o instruction_n and_o admonishment_n and_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v never_o intend_v to_o be_v copy_v out_o in_o kind_n as_o be_v set_v above_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o imitation_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o far_o out_o of_o our_o reach_n but_o that_o they_o point_v out_o to_o we_o some_o resemble_v excellence_n and_o may_v be_v imitate_v though_o not_o literal_o yet_o in_o figure_n and_o mystery_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o although_o with_o he_o we_o can_v as_o yet_o loosen_v the_o band_n of_o death_n and_o break_v the_o prison_n of_o the_o grave_a yet_o we_o can_v now_o in_o some_o sense_n rise_v with_o he_o from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o be_v by_o his_o resurrection_n not_o only_o enable_v but_o also_o admonish_v to_o do_v so_o and_o although_o as_o to_o his_o bodily_a ascension_n as_o our_o lord_n tell_v st._n peter_n we_o cannor_n follow_v he_o now_o yet_o we_o can_v in_o some_o sense_n ascend_v with_o he_o by_o a_o passionate_a elevation_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o be_v also_o mystical_o invite_v to_o do_v the_o latter_a from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o former_a the_o local_a and_o bodily_a ascension_n of_o christ_n call_v for_o a_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a ascent_n if_o i_o be_v lift_v up_o from_o the_o earth_n i_o will_v 32._o draw_v all_o man_n unto_o i_o say_v our_o lord_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o crucifixion_n how_o much_o more_o powerful_a than_o ought_v this_o consideration_n to_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o his_o ascension_n for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o he_o now_o what_o be_v then_o when_o his_o beauty_n be_v benight_a under_o a_o cloud_n that_o there_o be_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n in_o he_o that_o we_o shall_v desire_v he_o for_o now_o be_v the_o mist_n scatter_v before_o the_o prevail_a sun_n he_o shine_v forth_o in_o his_o full_a glory_n and_o triumph_n yea_o he_o be_v now_o altogether_o lovely_a now_o therefore_o may_v the_o pious_a and_o seraphic_a soul_n bear_v up_o herself_o upon_o the_o wing_n of_o contemplation_n love_n and_o desire_n and_o follow_v she_o ascend_v lord_n where_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o wonder_a apostle_n be_v force_v to_o leave_v he_o and_o say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o elisha_n to_o his_o depart_a master_n as_o the_o lord_n live_v and_o as_o thy_o 2.2_o soul_n live_v i_o will_v not_o leave_v thou_o and_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o have_v part_n in_o this_o first_o ascension_n for_o over_o he_o the_o second_o death_n shall_v have_v no_o power_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v by_o several_a consideration_n what_o a_o reasonable_a and_o become_a thing_n it_o be_v for_o a_o christian_n to_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v yet_o much_o more_o so_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n the_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o heavenly_a dispensation_n of_o life_n and_o they_o be_v many_o but_o i_o shall_v consider_v only_o some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a of_o they_o first_o this_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a expedient_a to_o beget_v and_o confirm_v in_o we_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o those_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o it_o which_o we_o renounce_v in_o our_o baptism_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a thing_n and_o a_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v assay_v by_o several_a method_n as_o by_o monastic_a engagement_n by_o retire_v into_o cloister_n and_o desert_n by_o vow_n of_o poverty_n and_o the_o like_a but_o these_o be_v rather_o natural_a than_o moral_a way_n of_o forsake_v the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v considerable_a that_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o last_o intercession_n for_o his_o disciple_n pray_v not_o 15._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o deliver_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o it_o the_o best_a way_n to_o forsake_v the_o world_n be_v to_o do_v it_o in_o heart_n and_o affection_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o do_v this_o be_v by_o converse_v in_o the_o other_o world_n this_o indeed_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o serious_a contemplation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o external_a nature_n and_o of_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o own_o by_o compare_v which_o two_n together_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o vanity_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o worldly_a object_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o content_a and_o happiness_n and_o this_o be_v the_o course_n that_o solomon_n take_v to_o convince_v himself_o and_o other_o of_o the_o world_n vanity_n but_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v a_o long_a way_n about_o and_o a_o way_n that_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o experience_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n 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