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 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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 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of_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n and_o happiness_n now_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v a_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a influence_n upon_o that_o than_o the_o most_o orthodox_n belief_n the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n i._n e_fw-la of_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v charity_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o which_o main_o avail_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n be_v a_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o charity_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o say_v our_o bless_a lord_n i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o again_o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n i._n e._n make_v profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o again_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o and_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n virtue_n and_o godliness_n and_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n that_o so_o a_o abundant_a entrance_n may_v be_v minister_v to_o they_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o main_a stress_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v there_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o god_n shall_v provide_v for_o the_o infallible_a security_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v much_o strong_a why_o a_o equal_a provision_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o secure_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o life_n because_o without_o this_o faith_n can_v infallible_o attain_v its_o end_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o it_o be_v 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of_o argue_v in_o the_o canon_n law_n may_v well_o have_v be_v spare_v that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o religion_n aliter_fw-la dominus_fw-la non_fw-la videretur_fw-la fuisse_fw-la discretus_fw-la otherwise_o god_n will_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v order_v matter_n discreet_o but_o what_o infallible_a security_n soever_o they_o have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v certain_o the_o worst_a provide_v of_o wholesome_a and_o safe_a direction_n for_o the_o conscience_n and_o life_n of_o man_n of_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n no_o religion_n that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v such_o lewd_a and_o scandalous_a casuist_n witness_v the_o moral_a divinity_n of_o the_o jesuit_n which_o have_v be_v so_o expose_v to_o the_o world_n not_o only_o by_o those_o
a_o covetous_a man_n be_v expose_v to_o in_o the_o keep_n and_o secure_v of_o a_o estate_n when_o he_o have_v get_v it_o a_o covetous_a and_o worldly-minded_n man_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o quit_v his_o religion_n and_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o his_o estate_n come_v to_o be_v in_o hazard_n he_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o in_o these_o circumstance_n he_o will_v choose_v rather_o to_o violate_v his_o conscience_n than_o to_o forfeit_v his_o estate_n what_o the_o devil_n false_o say_v of_o job_n be_v true_a of_o the_o covetous_a man_n he_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n for_o nought_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n and_o the_o young_a man_n part_v he_o have_v great_a possession_n and_o it_o trouble_v he_o to_o part_v with_o they_o when_o demas_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o put_v to_o it_o whether_o he_o will_v stick_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o his_o worldly_a possession_n he_o quit_v st._n paul_n and_o declare_v for_o the_o world_n the_o 2_o d_o of_o tim._n 4._o 10._o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n so_o far_o have_v his_o covetous_a humour_n besot_v he_o as_o to_o make_v he_o prefer_v his_o present_a interest_n in_o these_o temporal_a thing_n before_o those_o eternal_a reward_n which_o the_o gospel_n offer_v iii_o there_o be_v likewise_o many_o temptation_n which_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o in_o the_o enjoy_n and_o spend_v of_o a_o great_a estate_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o have_v a_o great_a estate_n and_o not_o to_o be_v master_v by_o the_o love_n of_o it_o not_o to_o have_v our_o care_n and_o thought_n our_o heart_n and_o affection_n swallow_v up_o by_o it_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v riches_n not_o to_o overvalue_v they_o and_o love_v they_o more_o than_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o by_o they_o and_o so_o place_v his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o they_o prov._n 18._o 11._o the_o rich_a man_n wealth_n be_v his_o strong_a city_n and_o as_o a_o high_a wall_n in_o his_o own_o conceit_n the_o covetous_a man_n set_v up_o his_o riches_n in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v down_o before_o this_o golden_a calf_n and_o worship_n it_o to_o say_v to_o the_o gold_n thou_o be_v my_o hope_n and_o to_o the_o fine_a gold_n thou_o be_v my_o confidence_n to_o rejoice_v because_o his_o wealth_n be_v great_a and_o because_o his_o hand_n have_v get_v much_o riches_n be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n upon_o this_o account_n agur_n wise_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o moderate_a estate_n because_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o both_o the_o extreme_n of_o riches_n and_o poverty_n because_o of_o the_o great_a and_o violent_a temptation_n which_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o in_o both_o these_o condition_n prov._n 30._o 8_o 9_o give_v i_o neither_o poverty_n nor_o riches_n but_o feed_v i_o with_o food_n convenient_a for_o i_o why_o not_o riches_n leâ—t_v i_o be_v full_a and_o deny_v thou_o and_o say_v who_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o much_o more_o do_v riches_n tempt_v man_n to_o pride_n and_o insolence_n towards_o other_o prov._n 18._o 23._o the_o poor_a use_v entreaty_n but_o the_o rich_a answer_v rough_o man_n spirit_n be_v common_o blow_v up_o and_o bloat_v with_o their_o fortune_n and_o their_o pride_n and_o stomach_n and_o passion_n do_v usual_o increase_v in_o proportion_n to_o their_o wealth_n and_o many_o time_n riches_n tempt_v man_n to_o luxury_n and_o intemperance_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o excess_n rich_a man_n have_v a_o mighty_a temptation_n to_o allow_v themselves_o all_o manner_n of_o unlawful_a pleasure_n because_o he_o who_o have_v a_o great_a estate_n be_v furnish_v with_o that_o to_o which_o hardly_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v deny_v and_o this_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o covetous_a humour_n for_o there_o be_v many_o time_n man_n who_o be_v covetous_a in_o get_v for_o no_o other_o end_n and_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o may_v spend_v it_o upon_o their_o lâ—sts_n as_o covetousness_n sometime_o starve_v other_o vice_n so_o sometime_o it_o serve_v they_o and_o be_v make_v subordinate_a to_o a_o man_n ambition_n or_o lust_n or_o some_o other_o reign_v vice_n there_o be_v no_o such_o absolute_a inconsistency_n between_o riches_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o man_n that_o be_v very_o rich_a may_v be_v very_o good_a but_o yet_o if_o we_o consult_v experience_n i_o doubt_v it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o true_a observation_n that_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o rich_a man_n who_o be_v not_o insupportable_a either_o for_o their_o vanity_n or_o their_o vice_n so_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v reason_n for_o that_o severe_a question_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o well_o may_v he_o upon_o this_o account_n pronounce_v the_o poor_a the_o poor_a in_o estate_n as_o well_o as_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n bless_v as_o we_o find_v he_o do_v luke_n 6._o 20._o bless_a be_v you_o poor_a for_o you_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o often_o enter_v there_o than_o the_o rich._n three_o covetousness_n be_v likewise_o evil_a and_o unreasonable_a because_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o insatiable_a desire_n a_o covetous_a mind_n may_v propose_v to_o itself_o some_o certain_a bound_n and_o limit_n and_o a_o man_n may_v think_v that_o when_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o estate_n and_o have_v raise_v his_o fortune_n to_o such_o a_o pitch_n that_o he_o will_v then_o sit_v down_o content_v and_o satisfy_v and_o will_v seek_v after_o no_o more_o but_o he_o deceive_v himself_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o when_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o that_o which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o he_o will_v be_v never_o the_o near_o be_v satisfy_v so_o solomon_n tell_v we_o eccles_n 5._o 10._o he_o that_o love_v silver_n shall_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o silver_n nor_o he_o that_o love_v abundance_n with_o increase_n for_o no_o degree_n of_o wealth_n can_v satisfy_v a_o covetous_a mind_n he_o may_v think_v so_o beforehand_o that_o if_o he_o have_v so_o much_o it_o will_v be_v enough_o but_o when_o he_o have_v attain_v it_o he_o will_v be_v still_o reach_v after_o more_o for_o covetousness_n be_v a_o disease_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o a_o unnatural_a thirst_n which_o be_v inflame_v by_o that_o which_o shall_v quench_v it_o every_o desire_n that_o be_v natural_a be_v satisfy_v and_o at_o rest_n when_o it_o have_v once_o obtain_v the_o thing_n it_o desire_v if_o a_o man_n be_v hungry_a he_o be_v satisfy_v when_o he_o have_v eat_v or_o if_o he_o be_v thirsty_a his_o thirst_n be_v allay_v and_o quench_v when_o he_o have_v drink_v to_o such_o a_o proportion_n as_o nature_n do_v require_v and_o if_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v beyond_o this_o measure_n nature_n be_v oppress_v and_o it_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o he_o but_o covetousness_n be_v not_o the_o thirst_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o a_o disease_a mind_n it_o be_v the_o thirst_n of_o a_o fever_n or_o of_o a_o dropsy_n the_o more_o a_o man_n drink_v the_o more_o he_o desire_v and_o the_o more_o he_o be_v inflame_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o more_o the_o covetous_a man_n increase_v his_o estate_n the_o more_o his_o desire_n be_v enlarge_v and_o extend_v and_o he_o find_v continual_o new_a occasion_n and_o new_a necessity_n and_o every_o day_n as_o he_o grow_v rich_a he_o discover_v new_a want_n and_o a_o new_a poverty_n to_o be_v provide_v against_o which_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o before_o come_v into_o his_o mind_n et_fw-la minùs_fw-la haec_fw-la optat_fw-la qui_fw-la not_o habet_fw-la and_o he_o that_o be_v without_o these_o thing_n covet_v they_o less_o than_o he_o that_o have_v they_o so_o far_o be_v a_o covetous_a man_n attain_v to_o riches_n from_o give_v he_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o who_o have_v scarce_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o be_v many_o time_n much_o near_o to_o contentment_n than_o he_o that_o have_v get_v so_o much_o nay_o so_o unreasonable_a be_v this_o appetite_n as_o to_o desire_v more_o even_o when_o the_o man_n know_v not_o how_o to_o bestow_v what_o he_o have_v already_o this_o solomon_n observe_v long_o since_o for_o the_o vice_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n be_v much_o the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n eccles_n 4._o 8._o there_o be_v one_o alone_o and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o second_o yea_o he_o have_v neither_o child_n nor_o brother_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o end_n of_o all_o his_o labour_n neither_o be_v his_o eye_n satisfy_v with_o riches_n neither_o say_v he_o for_o who_o do_v i_o labour_v
that_o can_v deny_v themselves_o to_o dine_v with_o he_o in_o hope_n to_o make_v better_a meal_n upon_o his_o estate_n when_o he_o be_v go_v and_o if_o he_o be_v so_o penurious_a to_o himself_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o be_v not_o like_a to_o mouâ—_n he_o to_o be_v liberal_a i_o can_v but_o imagine_v one_o occasion_n that_o can_v tempt_v such_o a_o man_n to_o lay_v out_o what_o he_o have_v namely_o when_o one_o part_n of_o his_o estate_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o spend_v the_o other_o to_o secure_v it_o and_o yet_o even_o in_o that_o case_n if_o his_o cause_n be_v not_o very_o clear_a and_o good_a he_o will_v go_v nigh_o to_o lose_v it_o use_v it_o as_o he_o do_v himself_o that_o be_v by_o starve_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o than_o a_o man_n have_v as_o good_a be_v without_o a_o estate_n and_o save_v himself_o the_o trouble_n either_o of_o get_v it_o or_o secure_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v all_o go_v he_o may_v live_v as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v and_o that_o with_o half_a the_o care_n and_o pain_n second_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n consist_v in_o a_o state_n of_o freedom_n from_o evil._n now_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o in_o this_o world_n be_v such_o as_o be_v incident_a to_o they_o either_o in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n or_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n and_o riches_n do_v not_o contribute_v to_o man_n happiness_n by_o free_v they_o from_o either_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o these_o several_o 1._o not_o from_o the_o evil_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o man_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n these_o be_v of_o two_o kind_n inward_a or_o outward_a 1._o inward_a evil_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v those_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o our_o great_a trouble_n be_v from_o within_o from_o the_o anxiety_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o our_o conscience_n from_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o our_o will_n and_o the_o irregularity_n and_o disorder_n of_o our_o passion_n now_o riches_n be_v a_o admirable_a thing_n indeed_o and_o worth_a our_o covet_v if_o they_o will_v help_v to_o cure_v these_o distemper_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o they_o be_v the_o least_o fit_v for_o such_o a_o purpose_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o not_o he_o that_o have_v the_o great_a estate_n but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o few_o and_o most_o reasonable_a desire_n and_o the_o best_a govern_a passion_n and_o the_o most_o virtuous_a inclination_n be_v the_o happy_a man_n and_o dwell_v near_a to_o satisfaction_n nemo_fw-la malus_fw-la foelix_fw-la no_o bad_a man_n can_v be_v happy_a though_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o whole_a world_n because_o he_o have_v that_o within_o he_o which_o fret_v and_o discontent_v he_o which_o gall_v his_o spirit_n and_o keep_v his_o mind_n restless_a and_o uneasy_a and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o enjoy_v himself_o can_v enjoy_v nothing_o else_o do_v but_o man_n know_v how_o much_o happiness_n have_v be_v enjoy_v by_o many_o a_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o a_o mean_a fortune_n how_o quiet_a and_o easy_a their_o mind_n have_v be_v how_o much_o full_a of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n than_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o covetous_a worldling_n ever_o be_v in_o his_o most_o prosperous_a estate_n and_o when_o his_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n abound_v do_v we_o i_o say_v but_o know_v this_o we_o shall_v not_o envy_v the_o man_n of_o mighty_a fortune_n nam_fw-la neque_fw-la divitibus_fw-la contingunt_fw-la gaudia_fw-la solis_fw-la rich_a man_n be_v not_o the_o only_a happy_a people_n in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v not_o good_a as_o well_o as_o rich_a happiness_n be_v a_o great_a stranger_n to_o their_o dwelling_n than_o to_o the_o cottage_n of_o poor_a men._n now_o riches_n be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v to_o make_v man_n good_a that_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a temptation_n to_o they_o in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v otherwise_o which_o it_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o be_v so_o very_o hard_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n because_o consider_v the_o powerful_a and_o almost_o irresistible_a temptation_n of_o a_o great_a estate_n and_o the_o impotency_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o govern_v itself_o in_o a_o plentiful_a fortune_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o be_v so_o good_a as_o he_o ought_v it_o require_v a_o great_a force_n and_o firmness_n of_o resolution_n a_o very_a solid_a and_o vigorous_a constitution_n of_o mind_n to_o bear_v a_o great_a fortune_n and_o not_o to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o it_o and_o a_o man_n have_v never_o more_o reason_n to_o implore_v god_n gracious_a help_n and_o assistance_n and_o to_o consult_v his_o own_o best_a and_o cool_v thought_n to_o know_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o demean_v himself_o than_o when_o the_o outward_a blessing_n of_o this_o life_n flow_v in_o amain_o upon_o he_o felicitate_a corrumpimur_fw-la nothing_o soon_o debauch_v man_n than_o prosperity_n and_o he_o be_v a_o very_a happy_a man_n who_o wealth_n and_o a_o good_a fortune_n do_v not_o make_v licentious_a and_o dissolute_a because_o these_o tempt_v man_n with_o the_o power_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v all_o the_o ill_a that_o their_o wickeds_n heart_n can_v design_n or_o desire_v the_o temptation_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o power_n that_o go_v along_o with_o they_o be_v so_o forcible_a and_o prevalent_a that_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o sagacious_a spirit_n and_o have_v great_a and_o long_a experience_n in_o this_o kind_n when_o he_o be_v make_v the_o experiment_n whether_o christ_n be_v a_o mere_a man_n or_o the_o son_n of_o god_n reserve_v this_o for_o his_o last_o temptation_n resolve_v if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v to_o try_v he_o no_o far_o after_o he_o have_v assault_v he_o in_o several_a kind_n he_o represent_v to_o he_o at_o last_o that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v surfeit_v two_o of_o the_o most_o insatiable_a desire_n of_o humane_a nature_n ambition_n and_o covetousness_n even_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o in_o a_o moment_n or_o point_n of_o time_n he_o bring_v all_o the_o ray_n of_o this_o glory_n to_o one_o point_n that_o the_o temptation_n may_v kindle_v and_o take_v hold_v the_o soon_o and_o say_v to_o he_o all_o this_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o he_o suppose_v with_o great_a probability_n that_o if_o he_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a man_n the_o strong_a and_o most_o resolve_a mind_n will_v bend_v and_o yield_v to_o so_o dazzle_v a_o temptation_n as_o this_o but_o when_o he_o see_v that_o this_o temptation_n be_v reject_v he_o find_v himself_o baffle_v and_o give_v he_o over_o since_o this_o do_v not_o move_v he_o he_o conclude_v now_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n indeed_o and_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o tempt_v he_o any_o far_o from_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o riches_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v man_n virtuous_a that_o nothing_o be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o virtue_n than_o a_o full_a condition_n if_o man_n have_v not_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o discretion_n to_o manage_v it_o solomon_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o prosperity_n of_o fool_n destroy_v they_o and_o yet_o how_o do_v most_o of_o we_o court_n this_o temptation_n and_o be_v forward_o to_o thrust_v and_o venture_v ourselves_o upon_o it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n in_o which_o most_o man_n make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o themselves_o and_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a for_o they_o every_o man_n will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o physician_n or_o a_o lawyer_n to_o prescribe_v medicine_n in_o dangerous_a case_n and_o to_o give_v counsel_n to_o man_n in_o knotty_a and_o difficult_a point_n about_o their_o estate_n but_o every_o man_n think_v himself_o fit_a enough_o to_o be_v rich_a and_o sufficient_o qualify_v to_o manage_v a_o great_a estate_n if_o he_o can_v but_o get_v it_o when_o perhaps_o there_o be_v few_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o man_n be_v more_o insufficient_a for_o than_o to_o wield_v and_o govern_v a_o great_a fortune_n nor_o wherein_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n and_o miscarriage_n it_o be_v not_o every_o body_n talon_n to_o be_v wealthy_a and_o wise_a rich_a and_o innocent_a 2._o as_o for_o the_o outward_a evil_n of_o this_o life_n such_o as_o want_v and_o contempt_n bodily_a pain_n and_o disease_n unhappiness_n in_o friend_n and_o relation_n a_o great_a estate_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o sufficient_a security_n or_o remedy_n to_o a_o covetous_a man_n against_o these_o 1._o as_o for_o want_v and_o sure_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 man_n upon_o this_o hard_a necessity_n that_o for_o want_v of_o time_n he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o neglect_v his_o body_n and_o his_o health_n his_o family_n and_o estate_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o yet_o if_o any_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o distress_n it_o be_v well_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o secure_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o neglect_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o those_o who_o be_v most_o straighten_a for_o time_n have_v so_o much_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o require_v time_n but_o resolution_n and_o care_n not_o to_o commit_v sin_n not_o to_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v intemperate_a to_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o do_v not_o spend_v time_n but_o save_v it_o for_o better_a purpose_n so_o that_o every_o man_n have_v time_n not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o for_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o in_o the_o external_n act_v of_o religion_n no_o man_n be_v so_o distress_v but_o he_o have_v time_n to_o think_v of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n time_n to_o love_n god_n to_o esteem_v he_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o a_o man_n may_v do_v very_o frequent_o and_o very_o acceptable_o while_o he_o be_v labour_v and_o travel_v about_o his_o worldly_a affair_n while_o his_o hand_n be_v upon_o the_o blow_n his_o heart_n may_v be_v with_o god_n and_o while_o he_o converse_v here_o upon_o earth_n his_o thought_n and_o affection_n may_v be_v in_o
upbraid_v the_o degenerate_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n at_o this_o day_n which_o do_v so_o abound_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n so_o that_o we_o may_v cry_v out_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o read_v the_o gospel_n profectò_fw-la aut_fw-la hoc_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la evangelium_fw-la aut_fw-la nos_fw-la non_fw-la sumus_fw-la evangelici_fw-la either_o this_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o read_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v or_o we_o be_v no_o christian_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v man_n to_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o divine_a nature_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o we_o be_v degenerate_v into_o beast_n and_o devil_n wallow_v in_o abominable_a and_o filthy_a lust_n indulge_v ourselves_o in_o those_o devilish_a passion_n of_o malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o strife_n and_o discord_n of_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n of_o sedition_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v never_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o who_o have_v the_o face_n to_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o demean_v themselves_o at_o another_o rate_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o have_v their_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o the_o vicious_a practice_n of_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n to_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o hang_v over_o we_o or_o if_o they_o can_v do_v that_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n a_o sermon_n on_o 1_o peter_n iu_o 19_o wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o instruct_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o towards_o the_o heathen_a or_o gentile_n among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o more_o particular_o to_o arm_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o those_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n which_o he_o foretell_v will_v short_o overtake_v they_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v happen_v they_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v and_o startle_v at_o they_o as_o if_o some_o strange_a and_o unexpected_a thing_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o at_o the_o 12_o v_o of_o this_o chapter_n belove_v think_v it_o not_o strange_a concern_v the_o fiery_a trial_n which_o be_v to_o try_v you_o that_o be_v do_v not_o wonder_v and_o be_v not_o astonish_v at_o it_o as_o if_o some_o strange_a thing_n happen_v unto_o you_o and_o then_o he_o instruct_v they_o more_o particular_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o under_o those_o trial_n and_o suffering_n when_o they_o shall_v happen_v not_o only_o with_o patience_n which_o man_n ought_v to_o exercise_v under_o all_o kind_n of_o suffering_n upon_o what_o account_n and_o cause_n soever_o but_o with_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n consider_v the_o glorious_a example_n and_o reward_n of_o they_o v_o 13._o but_o rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o when_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v you_o may_v be_v glad_a also_o with_o exceed_a joy_n and_o at_o the_o 14._o ver_fw-la he_o tell_v they_o that_o beside_o the_o encouragement_n of_o so_o great_a a_o example_n and_o so_o glorious_a a_o reward_n they_o shall_v be_v support_v and_o assist_v in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a manner_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rest_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o glorious_a manner_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n with_o they_o v._n 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o best_a copy_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o power_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n re_v upon_o you_o that_o be_v the_o glorious_a power_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v present_a with_o you_o to_o comfort_v and_o bear_v up_o your_o spirit_n under_o these_o suffering_n but_o then_o he_o caution_n they_o to_o take_v great_a care_n that_o theiâ—_n suffering_n be_v for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n v._n 15._o but_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n or_o as_o a_o thief_n or_o as_o a_o evildoer_n that_o be_v as_o a_o offender_n in_o any_o kind_n against_o human_a law_n make_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n of_o the_o world_n or_o as_o a_o busy-body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n that_o be_v as_o a_o pragmatical_a person_n that_o meddle_v out_o of_o his_o own_o sphere_n to_o the_o disquiet_a and_o disturbance_n of_o human_a society_n for_o to_o suffer_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o account_n will_v be_v matter_n of_o shame_n and_o trouble_v but_o not_o of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n but_o if_o they_o suffer_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n this_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o shame_n and_o reproach_n to_o they_o but_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o call_v they_o to_o suffer_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n and_o upon_o so_o glorious_a a_o account_n v._o 16._o yet_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a if_o that_o be_v his_o only_a crime_n let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o let_v he_o glorify_v gâ—d_v on_o this_o behalf_n for_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o judgement_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o at_o this_o time_n for_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o end_n that_o the_o first_o calamity_n and_o suffering_n shall_v fall_v upon_o christian_n the_o peculiar_a people_n and_o church_n of_o god_n for_o their_o trial_n and_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o god_n be_v now_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o iâ—_n first_o begin_v at_o we_o that_o be_v at_o we_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n and_o have_v now_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o shall_v the_o end_n be_v of_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n that_o be_v how_o much_o more_o severe_o will_v god_n deal_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v that_o be_v if_o good_a man_n be_v save_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n and_o must_v through_o so_o many_o tribulation_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n what_o will_v become_v of_o all_o ungodly_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n where_o shall_v they_o appear_v how_o shall_v they_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o inference_n or_o conclusion_n in_o the_o last_o ver_fw-la of_o this_o chapter_n wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o these_o word_n upon_o the_o apostle_n forego_v discourse_n i_o shall_v explain_v the_o several_a expression_n in_o the_o text_n and_o then_o handle_v the_o main_a point_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o expression_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v these_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n what_o by_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n â—s_a unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n and_o what_o by_o well-doing_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o suffer_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n such_o as_o god_n will_v approve_v but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o probable_a because_o this_o be_v mention_v afterward_o in_o the_o follow_a expression_n of_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n that_o be_v in_o suffer_v upon_o a_o good_a account_n and_o therefore_o the_o plain_a and_o