off_o from_o all_o employment_n lest_o you_o put_v they_o in_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o be_v undo_v have_v a_o care_n of_o leave_v they_o no_o other_o business_n but_o to_o spend_v what_o you_o have_v leave_v they_o if_o you_o do_v so_o they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n do_v that_o work_v very_o effectual_o and_o make_v as_o much_o haste_n to_o be_v poor_a as_o you_o do_v to_o make_v they_o rich._n if_o man_n can_v but_o be_v content_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o their_o child_n they_o may_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n better_o for_o themselves_o by_o dispose_v what_o they_o have_v to_o spare_v in_o charity_n three_o other_o will_v fain_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o this_o duty_n at_o present_a by_o tell_v what_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v that_o be_v when_o they_o can_v keep_v what_o they_o have_v no_o long_o it_o seem_v than_o thou_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o thy_o executor_n to_o do_v good_a in_o thy_o stead_n this_o show_v thou_o have_v no_o great_a heart_n to_o the_o business_n when_o thou_o deferre_v it_o as_o long_o as_o ever_o thou_o can_v but_o why_o will_v thou_o trust_v another_o with_o the_o disposal_n of_o thy_o charity_n rather_o than_o thyself_o this_o be_v hardly_o to_o offer_v either_o a_o reasonable_a or_o a_o live_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n to_o do_v good_a only_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a it_o be_v well_o that_o god_n have_v make_v all_o man_n mortal_a and_o that_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v otherwise_o some_o man_n will_v never_o do_v good_a at_o all_o wherefore_o set_v aside_o these_o and_o all_o other_o excuse_n which_o will_v not_o be_v admit_v nor_o will_v any_o of_o we_o have_v the_o face_n to_o plead_v they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n i_o say_v setting_z aside_o all_o excuse_n whatsoever_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o do_v good_a with_o what_o we_o have_v whilst_o we_o can_v and_o to_o that_o end_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o some_o portion_n of_o what_o god_n have_v blessed_v we_o withal_o for_o the_o use_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n and_o let_v it_o bear_v some_o decent_a proportion_n to_o what_o god_n have_v give_v we_o there_o be_v never_o want_v of_o proper_a object_n for_o our_o large_a charity_n and_o now_o less_o than_o ever_o beside_o those_o at_o home_n which_o present_v themselves_o to_o we_o in_o great_a number_n every_o day_n god_n have_v send_v we_o many_o from_o abroad_o who_o call_v loud_o upon_o we_o for_o our_o pity_n and_o help_v both_o as_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o great_a extremity_n and_o be_v sufferer_n in_o the_o best_a cause_n that_o of_o our_o common_a religion_n which_o ought_v now_o to_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o than_o ever_o let_v we_o show_v mercy_n now_o as_o we_o expect_v mercy_n from_o other_o in_o any_o day_n of_o our_o distress_n in_o this_o world_n and_o as_o ever_o we_o hope_v when_o ever_o we_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n to_o find_v mercy_n with_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o day_n consider_v what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o let_v this_o extraordinary_a kind_n of_o caution_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o your_o mind_n take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v a_o sermon_n on_o matth_n vi_o 33._o but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n our_o saviour_n do_v in_o a_o long_a discourse_n caution_n his_o disciple_n against_o a_o inordinate_a care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o he_o conclude_v with_o a_o strict_a charge_n to_o make_v religion_n their_o first_o and_o great_a concernment_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o take_v care_n to_o secure_v to_o themselves_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o handle_n of_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v explain_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n second_o what_o by_o seek_v of_o these_o three_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o necessary_a and_o plain_a direction_n which_o if_o we_o observe_v we_o can_v miscarry_v in_o this_o matter_n four_o i_o shall_v set_v before_o you_o some_o of_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o mind_v of_o this_o great_a interest_n and_o concernment_n among_o which_o i_o shall_v particular_o consider_v the_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n here_o use_v in_o the_o text_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o 1._o i_o shall_v explain_v to_o you_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v two_o famous_a acceptation_n of_o this_o phrase_n and_o both_o of_o they_o very_o frequent_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n sometime_o it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o by_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n mark_v 1._o 15._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o be_v the_o state_n or_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o approach_v and_o ready_a to_o take_v place_n luke_n 17._o 20._o the_o pharisee_n demand_v of_o our_o saviour_n when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v that_o be_v when_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v commence_v he_o answer_v they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n that_o be_v not_o with_o any_o temporal_a pomp_n and_o splendour_n so_o as_o to_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o people_n after_o it_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v vain_o imagine_v but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v among_o you_o not_o within_o you_o as_o our_o translation_n have_v improper_o render_v it_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o tell_v they_o be_v already_o come_v unto_o you_o the_o messiah_n be_v among_o you_o and_o you_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o he_o in_o the_o like_a sense_n this_o phrase_n be_v use_v mat._n 21._o 43._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v use_v mat._n 11._o 11._o where_n speak_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n our_o saviour_n say_v that_o among_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n there_o have_v not_o rise_v a_o great_a than_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o great_a person_n than_o he_o under_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o yet_o he_o that_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v great_a than_o he_o now_o though_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o whole_o exclude_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o sense_n of_o this_o phrase_n very_o usual_a likewise_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o which_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n argument_n and_o discourseâ—_n and_o so_o it_o signify_v that_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o glory_n which_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v advance_v to_o in_o another_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v before_o forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v so_o solicitous_a about_o take_v you_o no_o thought_n say_v what_o shall_v we_o eat_v or_o what_o shall_v we_o drink_v or_o wherewithal_o shall_v we_o be_v clothe_v and_o then_o it_o follow_v in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o this_o inordinate_a and_o solicitous_a care_n about_o worldly_a thing_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v be_v not_o so_o solicitous_a about_o the_o conveniency_n and_o necessary_n of_o this_o life_n as_o about_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o and_o the_o mean_n to_o it_o and_o this_o sense_n of_o this_o phrase_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v so_o very_o frequent_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o give_v particular_a instance_n of_o it_o second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o righteousness_n seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n righteousness_n in_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n signify_v the_o particular_a virtue_n of_o justice_n
abomination_n to_o he_o and_o his_o soul_n hate_v they_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n be_v less_o considerable_a than_o the_o substantial_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o religion_n of_o less_o consideration_n than_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o aught_o always_o to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o moral_a duty_n of_o religion_n comprehend_v under_o the_o two_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n because_o they_o be_v of_o eternal_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o matter_n of_o mere_a positive_a institution_n and_o where_o they_o can_v stand_v togother_n that_o which_o be_v positive_a aught_o to_o be_v set_v aside_o and_o to_o give_v way_n for_o the_o present_a to_o that_o which_o be_v moral_a and_o good_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v command_v and_o enjoin_v for_o in_o this_o case_n god_n have_v express_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n upon_o which_o ground_n our_o saviour_n declare_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o work_n of_o mercy_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n peace_n and_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v value_v above_o matter_n of_o nicety_n and_o scruple_n of_o doubtful_a dispute_n and_o controversy_n because_o the_o former_a be_v unquestionable_o good_a the_o latter_a doubtful_o and_o uncertain_o so_o all_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o make_v a_o man_n sincere_o and_o wise_o religious_a for_o man_n may_v keep_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o some_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o diligent_a zealous_a and_o earnest_a about_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o yet_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o it_o and_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o inward_a and_o real_a and_o substantial_a righteousness_n which_o alone_o can_v qualify_v we_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o five_o and_o last_o direction_n i_o will_v give_v be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v a_o particular_a regard_n to_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o charity_n or_o almsgiving_n this_o be_v very_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v righteousness_n as_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerty_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n particular_o direct_v to_o as_o the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luke_n 12._o 33._o after_o this_o general_a exhortation_n to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o instance_v in_o charity_n as_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o it_o give_v alm_n provide_v for_o yourselves_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o and_o elsewhere_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o this_o grace_n and_o virtue_n as_o that_o which_o above_o all_o other_o will_v make_v way_n for_o our_o admission_n into_o heaven_n luke_n 16._o 9_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o make_v to_o yourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o you_o fail_v they_o may_v receive_v you_o or_o you_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o everlasting_a habitation_n and_o st._n paul_n call_v it_o lay_v in_o store_n for_o ourselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v better_o be_v render_v in_o this_o place_n a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o we_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 19_o st._n james_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o main_a and_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a and_o sincere_a piety_n jam._n 1._o 27._o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n final_o our_o lord_n instance_v in_o this_o as_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o will_v admit_v we_o into_o or_o shut_v we_o out_o of_o heaven_n by_o the_o performance_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v absolve_v and_o for_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n mat._n 25._o so_o that_o this_o part_n of_o righteousness_n or_o religion_n ought_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o because_o upon_o the_o performance_n or_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n our_o eternal_a happiness_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n only_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o which_o be_v to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o mind_v of_o this_o great_a interest_n and_o concernment_n but_o this_o will_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o matth_n vi_o 33._o but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o these_o word_n which_o i_o begin_v to_o discourse_n upon_o the_o last_o day_n be_v a_o strict_a charge_n and_o command_v to_o all_o christian_n to_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o to_o take_v all_o imaginable_a care_n to_o secure_v the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o which_o argument_n first_o i_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n second_o i_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v these_o and_o what_o by_o seek_v they_o first_o three_o i_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n for_o our_o direction_n and_o furtherance_n in_o this_o great_a business_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n some_o of_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o mind_v of_o this_o great_a interest_n and_o concernment_n among_o which_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n particular_o consider_v the_o encouragement_n here_o give_v in_o the_o text_n seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o 1._o my_o first_o argument_n shall_v be_v from_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a and_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n which_o to_o animate_v our_o endeavour_n and_o to_o tempt_v our_o ambition_n the_o more_o be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o what_o will_v not_o man_n do_v to_o obtain_v that_o what_o pain_n will_v they_o not_o take_v what_o hazard_n will_v they_o not_o run_v what_o difficulty_n will_v they_o not_o grapple_v with_o and_o break_v through_o if_o they_o can_v to_o come_v at_o a_o kingdom_n which_o when_o they_o have_v obtain_v they_o be_v expose_v to_o as_o many_o and_o common_o to_o more_o care_n and_o fear_n to_o great_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n in_o the_o keep_n than_o they_o be_v for_o the_o get_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o man_n will_v do_v for_o a_o corruptible_a crown_n for_o one_o of_o the_o petty_a kingdom_n and_o principality_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v continual_o totter_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v overturn_v by_o open_a violence_n or_o to_o be_v undermine_v by_o secret_a treachery_n but_o the_o kingdom_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o and_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o seek_v after_o be_v not_o like_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n and_o of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o excellency_n and_o stability_n of_o it_o as_o much_o beyond_o any_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o god_n be_v great_a than_o man_n a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v a_o crown_n which_o fade_v not_o away_o a_o sceptre_n which_o can_v be_v wrest_v from_o we_o but_o to_o quit_v the_o metaphor_n and_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n import_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n i_o say_v of_o our_o soul_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o their_o immortal_a duration_n be_v infinite_o more_o valuable_a than_o any_o of_o the_o perish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v much_o dear_a to_o we_o other_o
final_o by_o his_o mercy_n we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n three_o another_o powerful_a argument_n to_o care_n and_o diligence_n be_v the_o fatal_a danger_n of_o miscarriage_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n we_o may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o the_o rich_a young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o he_o break_v with_o our_o saviour_n only_o upon_o one_o point_n he_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o world_n and_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o his_o great_a possession_n and_o distribute_v they_o in_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o thereupon_o he_o leave_v our_o saviour_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o find_v never_o return_v to_o he_o again_o if_o the_o world_n govern_v and_o bear_v sway_n in_o our_o heart_n if_o we_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n first_o and_o make_v these_o our_o chief_a care_n and_o design_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v add_v unto_o we_o iâ—_n we_o will_v not_o mind_v they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v accessory_n and_o if_o upon_o any_o one_o point_n we_o miscarry_v either_o out_o of_o love_n to_o the_o world_n or_o affection_n to_o any_o other_o lust_n or_o vice_n that_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v withal_o our_o miscarriage_n be_v fatal_a and_o the_o ruin_n which_o we_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o irreparable_a for_o the_o soul_n once_o lose_v be_v lose_v for_o ever_o if_o we_o have_v neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n it_o will_v never_o return_v into_o our_o power_n again_o death_n will_v shut_v the_o door_n against_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n four_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o we_o sincere_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o fair_a probability_n of_o obtain_v they_o but_o all_o the_o security_n we_o can_v desire_v man_n may_v be_v in_o good_a earnest_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n may_v love_v they_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n as_o we_o see_v too_o many_o do_v and_o seek_v they_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o strength_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n may_v be_v shameful_o frustrate_v and_o disappoint_v of_o their_o end_n there_o be_v many_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n daily_o before_o our_o eye_n and_o yet_o man_n be_v not_o discourage_v from_o seek_v these_o thing_n a_o fair_a probability_n nay_o almost_o a_o possibility_n of_o attain_v they_o be_v enough_o to_o a_o worldly-minded_n man_n to_o drudge_n and_o toil_n for_o they_o why_o the_o same_o â—_z the_o â—ame_n zeal_n the_o same_o unwearied_a endeavour_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n will_v infallible_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a but_o true_a say_v of_o cardinal_n wolsey_n when_o he_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n have_v i_o be_v but_o as_o careful_a to_o please_v god_n as_o i_o have_v be_v to_o serve_v my_o prince_n he_o will_v not_o have_v forsake_v i_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o my_o gray_a hair_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o less_o diligence_n and_o care_n about_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o another_o life_n than_o many_o man_n use_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n will_v secure_v our_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o but_o very_o few_o will_v be_v save_v and_o who_o will_v not_o place_v his_o industry_n and_o endeavour_n upon_o a_o design_n in_o which_o he_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o miscarry_v if_o he_o do_v but_o hearty_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n pursue_v it_o especial_o when_o it_o will_v be_v of_o infinite_a great_a advantage_n to_o he_o than_o any_o design_n he_o can_v propound_v to_o himself_o for_o this_o world_n if_o a_o man_n may_v be_v certain_o happy_a for_o ever_o upon_o the_o same_o or_o easy_a term_n than_o he_o can_v ordinary_o compass_v any_o of_o those_o little_a design_n which_o man_n propose_v to_o themselves_o in_o this_o world_n who_o will_v not_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v most_o worthy_a the_o have_v and_o which_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v five_o and_o last_o the_o encouragement_n here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v not_o inconsiderable_a that_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o this_o certain_o be_v a_o very_a tempt_a consideration_n for_o who_o will_v not_o be_v glad_a to_o reconcile_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o man_n do_v not_o general_o like_o our_o saviour_n method_n they_o will_v seek_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o get_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o they_o will_v be_v content_a to_o seek_v the_o one_o and_o have_v the_o other_o cast_v in_o and_o confer_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o seek_n but_o this_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v this_o way_n will_v not_o do_v and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n have_v go_v as_o far_o as_o one_o will_v think_v can_v in_o reason_n be_v desire_v he_o have_v promise_v that_o if_o we_o will_v make_v religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o so_o that_o the_o design_n of_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o a_o competent_a portion_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n godliness_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o a_o man_n thrive_a in_o his_o temporal_a estate_n nay_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o be_v apt_a to_o promote_v and_o advance_v it_o by_o engage_v we_o to_o diligence_n in_o our_o call_v and_o by_o derive_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o honest_a and_o lawful_a endeavour_n by_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o strict_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n and_o fidelity_n in_o all_o our_o deal_n and_o commerce_n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o establish_v a_o clear_a and_o solid_a reputation_n and_o good_a esteem_n among_o man_n which_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o business_n and_o at_o the_o long_o run_v one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o last_a instrument_n of_o prosperity_n and_o success_n beside_o that_o religion_n free_v a_o man_n from_o those_o passion_n and_o vice_n which_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o dissipate_v and_o ruin_v man_n estate_n as_o intemperance_n and_o lewdness_n which_o be_v every_o way_n chargeable_a vice_n and_o do_v not_o only_o take_v man_n off_o from_o business_n and_o render_v they_o unfit_a for_o it_o but_o waste_v their_o estate_n and_o bring_v many_o other_o inconvenience_n upon_o their_o person_n and_o family_n religion_n make_v man_n meek_a and_o peaceable_a and_o inoffensive_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n which_o be_v a_o great_a security_n against_o chargeable_a suit_n and_o contention_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o injury_n and_o affront_v from_o other_o among_o all_o the_o beatitude_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o only_o promise_v temporal_a happiness_n to_o meekness_n bless_a be_v the_o meek_a for_o they_o shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n they_o who_o provoke_v and_o offend_v no_o body_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v least_o disturb_a and_o disquiet_v by_o other_o in_o their_o possession_n and_o enjoment_n who_o will_v harm_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 13._o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a some_o may_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o persecute_v a_o man_n for_o his_o goodness_n but_o it_o rare_o happen_v most_o man_n have_v not_o only_o a_o kindness_n but_o a_o veneration_n for_o true_a goodness_n by_o all_o these_o way_n religion_n natural_o tend_v to_o the_o temporal_a prosperity_n of_o man_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o their_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n beside_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v very_o peculiar_o concern_v for_o good_a man_n and_o a_o special_a blessing_n attend_v they_o in_o all_o their_o undertake_n so_o that_o except_v the_o case_n of_o persecution_n which_o god_n will_v particular_o consider_v and_o reward_v in_o another_o world_n the_o religious_a and_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n stand_v as_o fair_a and_o be_v upon_o as_o good_a term_n for_o all_o
and_o very_o frequent_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v use_v for_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a or_o almsgiving_n psal_n 37._o 25_o 26._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 he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v and_o psal_n 112._o 9_o he_o have_v disperse_v he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a his_o righteousness_n endure_v for_o ever_o but_o righteousness_n in_o its_o large_a and_o most_o extend_a sense_n comprehend_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a man_n and_o so_o it_o signify_v here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o religion_n our_o last_o end_n which_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n and_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o this_o end_n which_o be_v righteousness_n or_o that_o universal_a goodness_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o whereof_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o we_o for_o which_o reason_n it_o be_v call_v his_o righteousness_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n of_o our_o last_o end_n and_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o it_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o righteousness_n be_v use_v in_o another_o place_n even_o of_o this_o sermon_n of_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o mount_n matth._n 5._o 20._o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o righteousness_n be_v make_v the_o necessary_a mean_n and_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o this_o signify_v the_o great_a intention_n of_o mind_n and_o earnestness_n of_o endeavour_n about_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o our_o attain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n such_o a_o seriousness_n and_o earnestness_n of_o endeavour_n as_o earthly-minded_n man_n use_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n for_o after_o all_o these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n do_v the_o gentile_n seek_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o word_n signify_v a_o intense_a care_n and_o vigorous_a endeavour_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v be_v you_o who_o profess_v yourselves_o christian_n as_o intent_n upon_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n as_o the_o heathen_a who_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o another_o life_n be_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o here_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o 2._o what_o by_o seek_v they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o the_o first_o a_o sincere_a and_o earnest_a seek_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n do_v imply_v in_o it_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o a_o fix_a design_n and_o resolution_n as_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o our_o chief_a end_n but_o that_o we_o be_v immovable_o fix_v upon_o it_o and_o always_o have_v it_o in_o our_o aim_n and_o design_n that_o here_o we_o set_v up_o our_o resolution_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o that_o we_o have_v this_o end_v always_o in_o our_o eye_n and_o be_v firm_o resolve_v to_o do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v towards_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o not_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v always_o actual_o to_o think_v upon_o it_o but_o to_o have_v it_o frequent_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o habitual_o to_o intend_v and_o design_v it_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o scope_n of_o all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o action_n and_o that_o every_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v either_o direct_o and_o immediate_o in_o order_n to_o it_o or_o some_o way_n or_o other_o subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o design_n or_o however_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o like_o the_o term_n and_o end_n of_o a_o man_n journey_n towards_o which_o the_o traveller_n be_v continual_o tend_v and_o have_v it_o always_o habitual_o in_o his_o intention_n though_o he_o do_v not_o always_o think_v of_o it_o every_o step_n that_o he_o take_v and_o though_o he_o be_v not_o always_o direct_o advance_v and_o move_v towards_o it_o yet_o he_o never_o know_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o though_o he_o bate_v and_o lodge_v by_o the_o way_n and_o do_v many_o other_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o direct_o set_v he_o forward_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o journey_n or_o in_o prosecution_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o no_o wilful_a deviation_n from_o it_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o we_o while_o we_o be_v sojourn_v in_o this_o world_n our_o fix_a aim_n and_o design_n shall_v be_v to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o thither_o we_o shall_v be_v continual_o tend_v in_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n and_o if_o this_o resolution_n be_v deep_o root_v and_o fix_v in_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v govern_v all_o our_o action_n and_o keep_v they_o steady_a to_o their_o main_n end_n whereas_o if_o we_o be_v uncertain_a and_o unresolved_a upon_o our_o great_a end_n and_o be_v divide_v between_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n and_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v fickle_a and_o unsteady_a in_o all_o our_o motion_n he_o that_o have_v two_o end_n can_v pursue_v neither_o vigorous_o but_o while_o he_o be_v move_v towards_o the_o one_o he_o lean_v and_o incline_v to_o the_o other_o and_o like_o a_o needle_n between_o two_o lodestone_n be_v always_o in_o a_o doubtful_a and_o tremble_a condition_n incline_v to_o both_o but_o be_v constant_a to_o neither_o and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o aphorism_n of_o st._n james_n the_o double-minded_n man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n he_o that_o be_v unresolved_a as_o to_o his_o main_a end_n have_v two_o mind_n and_o can_v prosecute_v nothing_o vigorous_o but_o if_o our_o mind_n be_v once_o fix_v and_o resolve_v that_o will_v determine_v and_o govern_v all_o our_o motion_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o diligence_n and_o zeal_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o our_o end_n second_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n imply_v incessant_a care_n and_o diligence_n as_o to_o the_o mean_n that_o we_o make_v religion_n our_o business_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a at_o proper_a time_n and_o season_n with_o the_o same_o seriousness_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n as_o man_n do_v in_o their_o calling_n and_o profession_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o wealth_n and_o preferment_n especial_o on_o the_o lord's-day_n which_o god_n have_v take_v to_o himself_o and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n not_o that_o we_o be_v excuse_v from_o mind_v religion_n at_o other_o time_n but_o that_o those_o who_o be_v press_v and_o straighten_a by_o the_o necessary_a care_n of_o this_o life_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o mind_v it_o then_o and_o may_v have_v no_o colour_n of_o excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o at_o that_o time_n which_o god_n have_v allot_v for_o that_o very_a purpose_n and_o which_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o employ_v about_o our_o worldly_a affair_n god_n expect_v that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o at_o other_o time_n that_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o a_o habitual_a sense_n of_o he_o and_o as_o solomon_n express_v it_o prov._n 23._o 17._o be_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n long_o so_o as_o to_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o offend_v or_o transgress_v in_o any_o thing_n and_o so_o as_o to_o redeem_v all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n but_o this_o day_n he_o peremptory_o challenge_v to_o himself_o and_o expect_v we_o shall_v employ_v it_o in_o his_o service_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o religion_n to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n with_o the_o same_o seriousness_n and_o diligence_n as_o we_o do_v upon_o other_o day_n labour_v for_o the_o bread_n which_o perish_v and_o the_o less_o leisure_n we_o have_v upon_o other_o day_n for_o this_o purpose_n the_o more_o entire_o shall_v we_o devote_v and_o consecrate_v this_o day_n to_o the_o purpose_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n not_o but_o that_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o
government_n of_o religion_n and_o direct_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o continual_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o we_o shall_v take_v as_o much_o pain_n and_o be_v as_o hearty_o concern_v to_o be_v good_a man_n as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o grow_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o this_o world_n nay_o so_o much_o more_o by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v a_o better_a and_o noble_a design_n to_o improve_v in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n than_o to_o prosper_v and_o thrive_v in_o our_o temporal_a estate_n and_o we_o do_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n if_o this_o be_v not_o our_o great_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o subdue_v our_o lust_n and_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o reform_v whatever_o be_v amiss_o in_o the_o inward_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o in_o our_o outward_a conversation_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o do_v require_v great_a diligence_n and_o attention_n and_o care_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o become_v true_o and_o thorough_o good_a to_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o patient_a and_o content_v and_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o condition_n to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o placable_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v these_o be_v great_a and_o difficult_a thing_n and_o whatever_o we_o think_v not_o the_o work_n of_o a_o wish_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o sudden_a resolution_n before_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n no_o nor_o the_o fruit_n of_o frequent_a and_o â—ervent_a prayer_n without_o the_o hearty_a concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o care_n and_o endeavour_n to_o render_v our_o life_n such_o as_o we_o pray_v god_n by_o his_o grace_n to_o assist_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o be_v three_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n do_v further_a imply_v zeal_n and_o earnestness_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o design_n and_o this_o be_v a_o degree_n above_o diligence_n for_o zeal_n be_v a_o ardour_n and_o fervency_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o a_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o be_v great_o concern_v and_o which_o we_o vehement_o desire_v to_o obtain_v it_o be_v the_o hot_a and_o most_o intense_a degree_n of_o our_o affection_n towards_o any_o thing_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o love_n mix_v with_o anger_n at_o every_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o our_o way_n and_o hinder_v we_o from_o obtain_v what_o we_o seek_v after_o such_o a_o heat_n as_o ambition_n do_v common_o inspire_v man_n withal_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o power_n and_o preferment_n such_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o edge_n of_o our_o spirit_n in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o do_v usual_o possess_v man_n in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v a_o kingdom_n which_o we_o seek_v for_o and_o aspire_v after_o not_o like_o the_o unstable_a and_o totter_a kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n but_o a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o so_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o design_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o what_o we_o seek_v after_o will_v justify_v and_o warrant_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o discreet_a zeal_n and_o fervour_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o matter_n use_v word_n that_o import_v the_o great_a vehemency_n and_o earnestness_n bid_v we_o to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n to_o labour_v and_o watch_v to_o run_v and_o wrestle_v and_o fight_v and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a last_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n do_v imply_v patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o our_o endeavour_n after_o they_o and_o that_o we_o never_o cease_v our_o pursuit_n of_o they_o till_o we_o have_v obtain_v they_o and_o this_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n the_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o this_o we_o must_v expect_v and_o reckon_v upon_o beforehand_o to_o encounter_v many_o difficulty_n and_o find_v many_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n for_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n as_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o nay_o we_o must_v count_v to_o be_v grievous_o persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o if_o god_n see_v it_o good_a for_o we_o to_o pass_v through_o many_o tribulation_n before_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o patience_n and_o a_o very_a firm_a and_o obstinate_a resolution_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o bear_v up_o and_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o all_o these_o for_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o our_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n so_o our_o lord_n have_v tell_v we_o mat._n 10._o 22._o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v if_o we_o hope_v to_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n we_o must_v be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n rev._n 2._o 10._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n declare_v rom._n 2._o 7._o that_o they_o only_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a life_n who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n you_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v thâ—_n kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n it_o remain_v brief_o to_o be_v show_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v these_o first_o seek_v you_o fâ—rst_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v let_v this_o be_v your_o main_a and_o principal_a design_n so_o as_o to_o take_v place_n of_o all_o other_o in_o your_o esteem_n and_o affection_n in_o your_o aim_n and_o endeavour_v in_o comparison_n of_o this_o mind_n nothing_o else_o not_o the_o comfort_n and_o conveniency_n no_o not_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v and_o what_o you_o shall_v drink_v and_o wherewithal_o you_o shall_v be_v clothe_v these_o you_o see_v our_o saviour_n instance_v in_o before_o the_o text_n as_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o take_v care_n of_o when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o elsewhere_o that_o not_o only_o none_o of_o the_o comfort_n and_o necessary_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v value_v against_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n but_o that_o even_o this_o temporal_a life_n itself_o as_o dear_a as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v part_v withal_o and_o give_v up_o rather_o than_o to_o quit_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n mat._n 10._o 37._o 38._o he_o that_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v son_n or_o daughter_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o he_o instance_v in_o the_o near_a relation_n those_o towards_o who_o we_o have_v the_o most_o tender_a and_o relent_a affection_n and_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n of_o these_o nay_o even_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o so_o it_o follow_v and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o st._n luke_n express_v it_o more_o strong_o and_o vehement_o luke_n 14._o 26._o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o that_o be_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o my_o religigion_n and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n when_o these_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o be_v to_o regard_v and_o value_v they_o no_o more_o than_o if_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o hatred_n but_o to_o set_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o affection_n to_o they_o so_o far_o as_o it_o will_v tempt_v we_o from_o constancy_n in_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n bid_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n his_o meaning_n be_v thaâ—_n religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o they_o in_o another_o world_n shall_v be_v our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n and_o that_o all_o
other_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v subordinate_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o great_a design_n and_o be_v no_o further_o mind_v by_o we_o than_o they_o real_o be_v so_o for_o that_o which_o be_v our_o great_a end_n will_v subdue_v all_o other_o thing_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o subjection_n to_o it_o and_o will_v reject_v they_o and_o throw_v they_o aside_o if_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o if_o heaven_n be_v our_o utmost_a aim_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o it_o be_v our_o great_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a this_o resolution_n and_o design_n sincere_o entertain_v will_v over-rule_v all_o other_o consideration_n and_o make_v all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o stoop_v and_o give_v way_n to_o that_o which_o be_v our_o chief_a end_n the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o what_o by_o seek_v they_o first_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o plain_a rule_n for_o our_o direction_n and_o furtherance_n in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n first_o let_v we_o always_o live_v under_o a_o lively_a and_o powerful_a sense_n of_o another_o world_n that_o we_o be_v place_v here_o in_o this_o world_n but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o that_o whole_o in_o order_n to_o our_o preparation_n for_o a_o better_a and_o a_o happy_a life_n let_v this_o thought_n be_v often_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o eternity_n be_v the_o most_o considerable_a duration_n and_o the_o next_o world_n the_o place_n of_o our_o everlasting_a abode_n where_o we_o must_v dwell_v and_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o our_o present_a state_n be_v but_o of_o little_a moment_n and_o consideration_n to_o we_o but_o only_o in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a and_o everlasting_a condition_n we_o may_v please_v ourselves_o here_o for_o a_o little_a while_n with_o toy_n and_o trifle_n with_o dream_n and_o shadow_n of_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n and_o may_v be_v exercise_v with_o some_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n for_o a_o short_a space_n for_o a_o moment_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o all_o eternity_n but_o the_o substantial_a and_o durable_a happiness_n or_o misery_n remain_v for_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v their_o portion_n according_a as_o they_o have_v demean_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n now_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o can_v fail_v to_o put_v we_o upon_o vigorous_a preparation_n for_o another_o world_n and_o to_o make_v we_o whole_o intent_n upon_o our_o eternal_a concernment_n and_o to_o resolve_v whatever_o become_v of_o we_o in_o this_o world_n to_o take_v effectual_a care_n that_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a for_o ever_o he_o that_o firm_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o a_o life_n after_o death_n which_o will_v never_o have_v a_o end_n must_v needs_o take_v into_o consideration_n his_o whole_a duration_n and_o bend_v all_o his_o care_n and_o thought_n how_o he_o may_v avoid_v the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a misery_n and_o secure_a to_o himself_o a_o immortality_n of_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n second_o let_v we_o be_v always_o under_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v and_o that_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v the_o one_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n and_o qualification_n for_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o man_n to_o hope_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n without_o endeavour_v after_o his_o righteousness_n there_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o connexion_n between_o they_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o be_v well_o and_o at_o ease_n without_o health_n as_o to_o be_v happy_a without_o holiness_n for_o this_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n and_o our_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n to_o god_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n in_o order_n to_o our_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a blessedness_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o will_v effectual_o engage_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n three_o let_v we_o always_o remember_v that_o righteousness_n be_v of_o a_o great_a extent_n and_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o goodness_n it_o take_v in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o all_o the_o part_n and_o ingredient_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o a_o good_a man._n to_o denominate_v a_o man_n righteous_a all_o cause_n must_v concur_v all_o the_o essential_a principle_n and_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o goodness_n must_v meet_v together_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n faith_n and_o good_a work_n right_a opinion_n and_o real_a virtue_n a_o orthodox_n profession_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n abstain_v from_o sin_n and_o do_v of_o righteousness_n purity_n of_o heart_n and_o unspotted_a manner_n godliness_n and_o honesty_n the_o bridle_v of_o our_o tongue_n and_o the_o government_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n charity_n which_o be_v the_o band_n of_o perfection_n for_o righteousness_n be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o unrighteousness_n and_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o it_o now_o this_o if_o it_o be_v real_a and_o sincere_a will_v be_v uniform_a and_o universal_a equal_o respect_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o every_o part_n of_o our_o know_a duty_n and_o will_v not_o content_v itself_o with_o a_o especial_a regard_n to_o one_o or_o two_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n though_o never_o so_o considerable_a and_o then_o allow_v itself_o in_o the_o neglect_n and_o violation_n of_o the_o rest_n no_o nor_o with_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o table_n of_o the_o law_n if_o it_o overlook_v the_o other_o no_o nor_o with_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n one_o only_o except_v st._n james_n have_v put_v this_o very_a case_n and_o determine_v it_o that_o he_o that_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n save_v only_o that_o he_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o sincere_a in_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n our_o righteousness_n must_v be_v universal_a as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a so_o must_v we_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n in_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o action_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o any_o one_o reign_v sin_n and_o vice_n any_o gross_a and_o notorious_a defect_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n will_v spoil_v all_o our_o righteousness_n and_o will_v effectual_o shut_v we_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n four_o let_v we_o wise_o subordinate_a the_o several_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o intrinsical_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v mind_v every_o part_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o signify_v nothing_o unless_o they_o produce_v that_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o prayer_n and_o fast_v diligent_a read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reverent_a and_o devout_a receive_v of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n be_v of_o less_o account_n and_o value_n than_o that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o these_o which_o be_v to_o make_v we_o inward_o and_o real_o good_a and_o fruitful_a in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o use_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o these_o end_n without_o which_o they_o be_v mere_a formalility_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o instead_o of_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n they_o be_v a_o
thing_n be_v without_o we_o they_o neither_o constitute_v our_o be_v nor_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o happiness_n but_o our_o soul_n be_v ourselves_o and_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o be_v our_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o with_o equal_a care_n and_o concernment_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v rescue_v from_o eternal_a misery_n and_o everlasting_o happy_a in_o another_o world_n and_o can_v we_o be_v at_o too_o much_o cost_n and_o pain_n upon_o such_o a_o design_n to_o escape_v so_o dismal_a a_o condition_n so_o dreadful_a a_o ruin_n as_o that_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n can_v any_o man_n be_v concern_v enough_o to_o bring_v about_o so_o great_a a_o good_a to_o himself_o or_o can_v he_o purchase_v it_o too_o dear_a whatever_o he_o give_v or_o part_v with_o for_o it_o a_o good_a so_o desirable_a and_o so_o durable_a as_o our_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o when_o we_o purchase_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o so_o much_o time_n and_o care_n and_o trouble_v we_o pay_v dear_a for_o trifle_n and_o fancy_n but_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v a_o jewel_n of_o so_o inestimable_a a_o price_n that_o a_o wise_a merchant_n will_v have_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o purchase_v it_o of_o such_o value_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o next_o to_o it_o be_v righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o means_n whereby_o this_o kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v seek_v by_o we_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o earnestness_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o a_o great_a and_o desirable_a end_n and_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o end_n and_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v valuable_a next_o to_o the_o end_n and_o almost_o equal_o with_o it_o and_o such_o be_v righteousness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o it_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o qualify_v we_o and_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a ingredient_n into_o it_o and_o that_o which_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n constitute_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n for_o that_o temper_n of_o mind_n that_o conformity_n and_o likeness_n to_o god_n which_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n bring_v we_o to_o be_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o according_a to_o the_o best_a apprehension_n we_o have_v now_o of_o it_o be_v the_o very_a formal_a cause_n and_o essence_n of_o our_o blessedness_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 2._o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o that_o be_v we_o do_v not_o now_o distinct_o understand_v wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n consist_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o frame_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o this_o we_o know_v in_o general_a that_o it_o consist_v in_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v express_v by_o the_o name_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o every_o one_o that_o hope_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n must_v endeavour_v after_o holiness_n every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o press_v you_o to_o seek_v after_o be_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v by_o tell_v you_o what_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o his_o righteousness_n be_v universal_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n be_v qualify_v for_o this_o bless_a state_n now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n better_o than_o goodness_n any_o thing_n more_o desirable_a than_o a_o happiness_n which_o haâ—h_v no_o bound_n nor_o no_o end_n do_v not_o mind_v they_o nor_o look_v after_o they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o certain_o these_o aâ—e_a worthy_a of_o the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o our_o whole_a life_n second_o another_o consideration_n that_o shall_v very_o much_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n and_o diligence_n in_o seek_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o obtain_v they_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v no_o encouragement_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o whet_v our_o industry_n in_o seek_v these_o thing_n when_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v upon_o other_o term_n and_o this_o consideration_n our_o saviour_n use_v to_o quicken_v we_o to_o strive_v and_o to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o eternal_a life_n mat._n 7._o 14._o because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o and_o luke_n 13._o 24._o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a seek_v here_o in_o opposition_n to_o strive_v be_v a_o faint_a and_o weak_a endeavour_n which_o will_v not_o carry_v we_o through_o this_o narrow_a and_o difficult_a passage_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o miscarry_v who_o make_v some_o attempt_n towards_o heaven_n but_o they_o do_v not_o strive_v they_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o any_o vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o get_v thither_o now_o the_o difficulty_n of_o attain_v eternal_a happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v therefore_o hard_a to_o attain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o attain_v his_o righteousness_n as_o desirable_a as_o it_o be_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v very_o difficult_a for_o a_o man_n to_o raise_v himself_o to_o that_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n so_o to_o subdue_v his_o lust_n and_o govern_v his_o passion_n to_o bridle_v his_o tongue_n and_o order_v all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v he_o for_o happiness_n and_o to_o make_v he_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o difficulty_n be_v chief_o in_o ourselves_o but_o great_o increase_v by_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n from_o without_o chief_o i_o say_v in_o ourselves_o from_o the_o strong_a bias_n of_o our_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o the_o strong_a power_n of_o vicious_a habit_n and_o custom_n which_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v inveterate_a do_v tyrannize_v over_o we_o and_o make_v we_o perfect_a slave_n and_o lead_v we_o captive_n at_o their_o pleasure_n so_o that_o our_o nature_n must_v be_v quite_o change_v and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o we_o must_v be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n our_o soul_n must_v be_v new_o mould_v and_o fashion_v we_o must_v be_v as_o it_o be_v create_v and_o bear_v again_o before_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o this_o our_o saviour_n be_v positive_a and_o peremptory_a joh._n 3._o 3._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o difficulty_n indeed_o be_v great_a at_o first_o but_o it_o be_v considerable_a afterward_o till_o a_o through_o change_n be_v make_v and_o new_a inclination_n plant_v in_o we_o and_o the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v super-induced_n and_o that_o which_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n be_v outward_a temptation_n and_o opposition_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n which_o to_o withstand_v and_o resist_v require_v great_a courage_n and_o resolution_n great_a watchfulness_n and_o guard_n over_o ourselves_o but_o yet_o for_o our_o comfort_n these_o difficulty_n be_v not_o insuperable_a to_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o upon_o so_o good_a a_o occasion_n and_o to_o so_o good_a a_o purposeâ—_n great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v matter_n of_o great_a encouragement_n to_o we_o that_o though_o the_o difficulty_n â—f_n work_v out_o our_o salvation_n be_v great_a yet_o if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n set_v about_o it_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o second_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o so_o to_o prevent_v we_o with_o his_o gracious_a favour_n and_o to_o further_o we_o with_o his_o continual_a aid_n that_o
the_o lawful_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n as_o he_o that_o make_v it_o his_o only_a design_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o this_o world_n nay_o as_o to_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n and_o a_o competency_n of_o outward_a thing_n he_o have_v a_o much_o great_a and_o better_a security_n from_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n than_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v by_o all_o their_o care_n and_o pain_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o mind_v these_o thing_n only_o as_o accessory_n that_o if_o he_o miss_v of_o they_o he_o have_v something_o better_a to_o support_v he_o in_o the_o want_n of_o they_o be_v secure_a of_o a_o happiness_n which_o this_o world_n can_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v from_o he_o but_o now_o the_o worldly_a man_n if_o he_o be_v defeat_v in_o his_o design_n be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a because_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o comfort_v he_o nothing_o else_o to_o trust_v to_o he_o fail_v of_o his_o hope_n as_o to_o this_o world_n and_o have_v do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o make_v his_o case_n desperate_a as_o to_o the_o other_o upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n and_o encouragement_n you_o see_v how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o life_n our_o great_a care_n and_o business_n and_o yet_o how_o be_v these_o neglect_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o the_o best_a of_o we_o god_n know_v not_o mind_v as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o they_o deserve_v what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o in_o excuse_n of_o so_o intolerable_a a_o folly_n there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o man_n common_o prâ—tend_v if_o not_o in_o justification_n yet_o in_o mitigation_n and_o excuse_n of_o this_o great_a neglect_n first_o they_o pretend_v great_a difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n this_o i_o have_v already_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a so_o far_o as_o to_o awaken_v our_o care_n and_o to_o whet_v our_o industry_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o despond_v and_o give_v over_o all_o care_n of_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n because_o of_o the_o difficulty_n it_o be_v attend_v withal_o man_n who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o and_o to_o magnify_v they_o in_o their_o fancy_n beyond_o reason_n as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o canaan_n which_o be_v the_o type_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n represent_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n who_o they_o be_v to_o conquer_v more_o terrible_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v report_v to_o one_o another_o that_o the_o land_n be_v full_a of_o giant_n and_o son_n of_o anak_n man_n of_o prodigious_a stature_n which_o reach_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o this_o the_o wise_a man_n observe_v to_o be_v the_o perpetual_a excuse_n of_o the_o slothful_a when_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n they_o say_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n that_o be_v they_o fancy_n to_o themselves_o danger_n and_o terror_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o man_n who_o be_v averse_a from_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n and_o pain_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n be_v apt_a to_o complain_v of_o the_o monstrous_a and_o insuperable_a difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o mortify_v his_o lust_n and_o subdue_v his_o appetite_n and_o govern_v his_o passion_n and_o to_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n well!_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v difficult_a and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o to_o get_v a_o estate_n and_o to_o rise_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n the_o true_a pain_n which_o man_n take_v about_o these_o thing_n show_v that_o they_o be_v difficult_a only_o when_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o it_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o difficulty_n but_o buckle_v to_o it_o and_o grapple_v with_o it_o be_v religion_n difficult_a and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o that_o be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o law_n a_o difficult_a and_o crabbed_a study_n do_v it_o not_o require_v great_a labour_n and_o perpetual_a drudge_a to_o excel_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v master_n of_o any_o art_n or_o profession_n in_o a_o word_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n worthy_a the_o have_v that_o be_v to_o be_v get_v without_o pain_n and_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n the_o only_a slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o care_n and_o industry_n be_v it_o fit_a that_o so_o great_a a_o good_a shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o faint_a and_o idle_a wish_n to_o the_o cheap_a and_o lazy_a endeavour_n of_o slothful_a man_n for_o what_o reason_n nay_o with_o what_o conscience_n can_v we_o bid_v less_o for_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n than_o man_n be_v content_v to_o give_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n thing_n of_o no_o value_n in_o comparison_n not_o worthy_a the_o toil_a for_o not_o sure_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o all_o our_o endeavour_n thing_n which_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o which_o when_o we_o have_v they_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deprive_v of_o by_o a_o thousand_o accident_n one_o fit_a of_o a_o fever_n may_v shatter_v our_o understanding_n and_o confound_v all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o turn_v we_o into_o fool_n and_o idiot_n a_o inundation_n or_o a_o fire_n may_v sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v our_o estate_n a_o succession_n of_o calamity_n may_v in_o a_o few_o hour_n make_v the_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n as_o poor_a as_o job_n and_o set_v he_o upon_o a_o dunghill_n but_o be_v the_o difficulty_n what_o it_o will_v of_o attain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n they_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v at_o any_o rate_n because_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o we_o miserable_a and_o undo_v if_o we_o have_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o dissemble_v in_o the_o matter_n the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v considerable_a but_o then_o they_o be_v much_o great_a aâ—_n first_o and_o will_v every_o day_n abate_v and_o grow_v less_o and_o the_o work_n by_o degree_n will_v become_v eaâ—â—e_n and_o turn_v into_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n a_o pleasure_n so_o great_a as_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o will_v not_o exchange_v it_o for_o all_o the_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n second_o other_o pretend_v want_n of_o time_n for_o the_o mind_v of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o all_o person_n have_v not_o equal_a leisure_n for_o this_o purpose_n some_o be_v much_o more_o straighten_a than_o other_o and_o more_o take_v up_o with_o the_o necessary_a care_n of_o this_o life_n but_o god_n have_v put_v no_o 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