as_o i_o have_v observe_v to_o use_v their_o own_o endeavour_n because_o god_n that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o also_o save_v they_o without_o themselves_o and_o these_o endeavour_n must_v be_v in_o wise_a way_n since_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v god_n shall_v give_v effect_n to_o unsuitable_a mean_n and_o be_v at_o the_o expense_n of_o miracle_n to_o supply_v for_o our_o folly_n and_o when_o we_o endeavour_v thus_o wise_o we_o must_v do_v it_o also_o vigorous_o and_o incessant_o obedience_n be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n and_o pain_n that_o require_v both_o the_o earnestness_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o application_n these_o thing_n be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o if_o we_o take_v care_n to_o perform_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n will_v make_v up_o the_o rest_n and_o most_o certain_o enable_v we_o as_o he_o do_v st._n paul_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n which_o he_o indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o he_o will_v give_v we_o some_o strength_n at_o first_o and_o as_o we_o employ_v that_o according_a to_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o gospel_n distribution_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v matt._n 25.29_o he_o will_v add_v more_o till_o at_o last_o we_o perform_v as_o much_o as_o be_v indispensible_o require_v i·_fw-la e._n as_o â—_o note_a either_o not_o sin_v wilful_o or_o sincere_o repent_v and_o amend_v whensoever_o we_o do_v if_o they_o be_v thus_o careful_a i_o say_v in_o their_o own_o endeavour_n this_o strength_n all_o christian_n shall_v sure_o receive_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n to_o these_o performance_n as_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n declare_v of_o himself_o i_o can_v do_v etc._n etc._n now_o that_o every_o wise_a earnest_a and_o incessant_a endeavourer_n shall_v be_v thus_o enable_v to_o perform_v all_o duty_n will_v appear_v from_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o because_o god_n indispensible_o require_v and_o passionate_o exhort_v we_o to_o this_o performance_n second_o because_o he_o have_v promise_v this_o ability_n and_o obedience_n to_o all_o who_o be_v so_o qualify_v and_o prepare_v for_o the_o same_o three_o because_o all_o good_a man_n heretofore_o and_o at_o this_o present_a time_n do_v themselves_o find_v and_o experience_n it_o 1._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o enable_v to_o perform_v all_o duty_n appear_v because_o god_n indispensible_o require_v and_o passionate_o exhort_v we_o to_o this_o performance_n he_o indispensible_o require_v it_o for_o now_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v god_n command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v act_v 17.30_o and_o that_o of_o all_o sin_n they_o be_v all_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o punishment_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v against_o all_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1.18_o and_o he_o that_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o jam._n 2.10_o and_o this_o he_o require_v under_o the_o strict_a condition_n as_o ever_o they_o hope_v to_o avoid_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v or_o to_o obtain_v everlasting_a salvation_n if_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o all_o his_o sin_n and_o keep_v all_o my_o statute_n then_o say_v god_n by_o ezekiel_n but_o not_o before_o he_o shall_v sure_o live_v ezek._n 18.21_o and_o they_o only_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n say_v christ_n rev._n 22.14_o now_o since_o god_n thus_o require_v we_o to_o obey_v all_o his_o law_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o obey_v they_o for_o god_n never_o require_v a_o impossible_a thing_n what_o he_o command_v he_o both_o desire_n and_o 21.34_o expect_v shall_v be_v perform_v and_o therefore_o call_v man_n to_o the_o 13.17_o performance_n of_o it_o to_o be_v not_o only_a hearer_n but_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 2.13_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o may_v perform_v it_o since_o he_o be_v too_o wise_a either_o to_o desire_v or_o expect_v what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v nay_o he_o do_v not_o only_o indispensible_o require_v this_o obedience_n but_o friendly_a and_o passionate_o exhort_v we_o to_o it_o repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o all_o your_o transgression_n so_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o ruin_n cast_v away_o from_o you_o all_o your_o transgression_n and_o thus_o have_v we_o a_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o all_o so_o much_o grace_n and_o strength_n as_o will_v suffice_v to_o make_v we_o good_a if_o we_o diligent_o and_o discreet_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o become_v so_o this_o god_n engage_v and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v he_o and_o take_v his_o word_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o all_o other_o promise_v he_o will_v not_o only_o have_v we_o to_o have_v faith_n in_o his_o mercy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o any_o sin_n when_o we_o repent_v of_o they_o but_o likewise_o to_o have_v faith_n in_o his_o power_n and_o spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o overcome_v our_o sin_n when_o we_o serious_o strive_v against_o they_o when_o st._n paul_n bid_v we_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n he_o give_v god_n work_v in_o we_o as_o the_o reason_n plain_o direct_v we_o to_o work_v in_o that_o expectation_n phil._n 2.11_o 12._o and_o we_o be_v keep_v to_o salvation_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n i._n e._n through_o faith_n in_o the_o power_n say_v st._n peter_n 1_o pet._n 1.5_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o strengthen_v we_o against_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o his_o mercy_n to_o pardon_v and_o forgive_v sin_n and_o since_o he_o have_v promise_v both_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o believe_v both_o and_o not_o distrust_v he_o in_o either_o of_o they_o and_o since_o we_o both_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v this_o confidence_n in_o god_n grace_n that_o will_v perfect_o answer_v the_o main_a objection_n against_o the_o possibility_n of_o this_o performance_n which_o be_v take_v from_o ourselves_o and_o the_o reign_a power_n of_o our_o own_o lusts._n for_o our_o lust_n be_v not_o too_o strong_a for_o god_n though_o they_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o we_o though_o there_o be_v great_a may_v in_o corrupt_a nature_n yet_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v mighty_a and_o therefore_o have_v that_o on_o our_o side_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v empower_v to_o please_v god_n let_v our_o own_o sinful_a lust_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n oppose_v themselves_o never_o so_o much_o against_o it_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o we_o say_v st._n john_n than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4.4_o and_o though_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o of_o ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o yet_o have_v the_o same_o promise_v we_o shall_v all_o be_v enable_v 3.5_o as_o st._n paul_n be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v we_o and_o as_o this_o possibility_n of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n through_o our_o own_o care_n and_o pain_n appear_v because_o god_n indispensible_o require_v and_o exhort_v to_o it_o and_o have_v promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o grace_n to_o enable_v all_o who_o due_o labour_v after_o the_o same_o so_o do_v it_o yet_o far_o 3._o because_o good_a man_n heretofore_o and_o at_o this_o present_a time_n do_v themselves_o find_v and_o experience_n it_o whensoever_o they_o wise_o and_o earnest_o endeavour_v and_o do_v not_o grow_v weary_a or_o faint_a they_o always_o succeed_v and_o be_v enable_v to_o have_v such_o regard_n to_o their_o whole_a duty_n as_o god_n require_v the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v endow_v with_o so_o much_o strength_n as_o make_v they_o entire_a with_o god_n and_o able_a to_o perform_v all_o that_o he_o will_v exact_v of_o they_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n follow_v the_o lord_n whole_o numb_a 32.12_o david_n keep_v my_o commandment_n say_v god_n and_o follow_v i_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n 1_o kin._n 14.8_o zachariah_n and_o elizabeth_n be_v both_o righteous_a before_o god_n walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a say_v st._n luke_n luk._n 1.6_o and_o what_o be_v so_o express_o say_v of_o all_o these_o be_v by_o plain_a intimation_n employ_v of_o all_o other_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n say_v st._n paul_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n gal._n 5.24_o if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o the_o body_n be_v dead_a because_o of_o sin_n i._n e._n sin_n must_v have_v no_o more_o service_n from_o it_o than_o one_o will_v expect_v from_o a_o dead_a man_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n i._n e._n life_n in_o righteous_a way_n rom._n 8.10_o they_o who_o do_v no_o iniquity_n walk_v in_o his_o way_n psal._n 119.3_o thus_o be_v it_o a_o constant_a thing_n in_o scripture_n account_n and_o relation_n and_o so_o it_o be_v and_o be_v still_o in_o all_o follow_a age_n for_o god_n faithful_a
they_o and_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v plain_o direct_v in_o two_o similitude_n that_o of_o a_o builder_n who_o before_o he_o begin_v consider_v whether_o he_o have_v enough_o to_o finish_v and_o that_o of_o a_o king_n make_v war_n who_o first_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v strong_a enough_o at_o least_o to_o defend_v himself_o if_o not_o to_o conquer_v for_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o seem_v desirous_a to_o become_v his_o disciple_n he_o instruct_v they_o first_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v go_v to_o undertake_v in_o these_o two_o parable_n which_o of_o you_o say_v he_o intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o war_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a with_o ten_o thousand_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o twenty_o thousand_o so_o that_o he_o may_v proceed_v not_o to_o fight_v but_o seek_v a_o peace_n if_o he_o find_v his_o number_n be_v in_o that_o disproportion_n luk._n 14.28_o 31._o thus_o when_o we_o resolve_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n if_o we_o will_v have_v that_o resolution_n take_v effect_n we_o must_v consider_v and_o weigh_v well_o what_o we_o do_v before_o we_o make_v it_o we_o must_v bethink_v ourselves_o and_o attent_o view_v what_o that_o good_a life_n be_v which_o we_o resolve_v upon_o and_o also_o what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o resolve_v upon_o it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v thus_o consider_v all_o before_o there_o be_v the_o less_o cause_n to_o fear_v that_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o meet_v withal_o afterward_o shall_v make_v we_o alter_v or_o recede_v from_o it_o we_o must_v bethink_v ourselves_o and_o consider_v what_o that_o good_a life_n be_v which_o we_o resolve_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o resolve_v in_o the_o general_a to_o be_v good_a but_o in_o our_o thought_n we_o must_v survey_v the_o particular_a instance_n of_o goodness_n that_o so_o if_o we_o stick_v at_o any_o of_o they_o we_o may_v give_v it_o all_o its_o weight_n at_o first_o and_o that_o after_o we_o have_v once_o resolve_v it_o may_v not_o cause_v we_o to_o start_v back_o from_o it_o when_o we_o return_v to_o god_n then_o to_o live_v as_o he_o have_v require_v we_o must_v run_v over_o the_o several_a duty_n wherein_o we_o stand_v bind_v to_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o and_o observe_v all_o the_o particular_n ask_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o perform_v all_o of_o they_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o if_o we_o resolve_v to_o do_v they_o after_o we_o have_v take_v such_o particular_a notice_n of_o they_o this_o resolution_n be_v like_a to_o do_v some_o good_a and_o we_o may_v expect_v the_o desire_a effect_n from_o it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v thus_o serious_o consider_v what_o a_o good_a life_n be_v we_o must_v next_o consider_v what_o great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o resolve_v upon_o it_o and_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o may_v either_o discourage_v we_o from_o it_o or_o excite_v we_o to_o it_o to_o discourse_n particular_o upon_o these_o will_v of_o itself_o be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o sermon_n and_o therefore_o upon_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v bare_o mention_v they_o as_o for_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v discourage_v we_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o when_o we_o enter_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n we_o engage_v in_o a_o course_n wherein_o for_o some_o time_n till_o use_n have_v make_v we_o master_n of_o it_o we_o must_v undergo_v the_o toil_n of_o inexpertness_n and_o act_n contrary_a to_o our_o former_a custom_n and_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o contend_v daily_o against_o the_o importunity_n of_o temptation_n and_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v lose_v our_o friend_n and_o disserve_v our_o temporal_a interest_n all_o which_o be_v uneasy_a and_o discourage_a consideration_n indeed_o if_o by_o the_o earliness_n of_o his_o conversion_n and_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o place_n and_o station_n his_o lot_n be_v cast_v in_o innocent_a employment_n and_o among_o good_a man_n and_o by_o the_o virtuous_a bent_n of_o his_o natural_a temper_n and_o complexion_n a_o invaluable_a gift_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o some_o person_n a_o man_n soul_n be_v original_o dispose_v and_o timely_o secure_v to_o holiness_n he_o will_v find_v little_a trouble_n in_o these_o thing_n nor_o be_v much_o pain_v or_o hinder_v by_o they_o from_o the_o first_o entrance_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v blessed_v in_o all_o these_o particular_n to_o take_v off_o all_o hardship_n from_o the_o first_o yet_o will_v he_o have_v this_o to_o mitigate_v and_o sweeten_v all_o the_o labour_n which_o he_o lay_v out_o upon_o they_o the_o toil_n he_o undergo_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o one_o who_o have_v endure_v far_o more_o for_o he_o and_o infinite_o deserve_v it_o of_o he_o and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o want_n in_o his_o endeavour_n by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o conquer_v they_o and_o to_o reap_v a_o present_a content_a of_o mind_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n after_o every_o conflict_n with_o they_o and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o gain_v the_o everlasting_a joy_n of_o heaven_n by_o they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v be_v use_v to_o they_o a_o little_a while_n use_n will_v take_v off_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o then_o instead_o of_o be_v burden_v by_o the_o ungrateful_a duty_n he_o shall_v begin_v to_o like_v they_o and_o take_v a_o pleasure_n therein_o all_o which_o be_v great_a abatement_n of_o the_o foresay_a difficulty_n and_o very_o encourage_v but_o let_v a_o good_a life_n be_v difficult_a and_o uneasy_a as_o it_o will_v when_o hell_n fire_n be_v threaten_v to_o a_o wicked_a life_n that_o sure_o be_v incomparable_o more_o difficult_a and_o a_o reason_n for_o we_o to_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n for_o if_o the_o sight_n of_o pain_n must_v discourage_v we_o from_o any_o course_n i_o be_o sure_a hell_n fire_n have_v infinite_o the_o most_o of_o it_o and_o if_o ease_n and_o happiness_n may_v be_v any_o inducement_n the_o ease_n and_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n can_v never_o in_o any_o degree_n be_v equal_v so_o that_o if_o we_o serious_o consider_v and_o look_v upon_o eternal_a torment_n as_o inseparable_o annex_v to_o every_o sin_n and_o on_o endless_a joy_n as_o the_o sure_a reward_n of_o our_o be_v entire_o obedient_a they_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o all_o temptation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o bear_v down_o every_o opposite_a argument_n and_o will_v make_v we_o resolve_v to_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n be_v the_o difficulty_n or_o discouragement_n that_o attend_v it_o what_o they_o will_n thus_o must_v our_o penitential_a purpose_n be_v no_o rash_a and_o sudden_a act_n but_o deliberate_a and_o well_o advise_v when_o we_o resolve_v to_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n we_o must_v serious_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o what_o a_o holy_a life_n imply_v and_o what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o resolve_v upon_o it_o attent_o view_v both_o what_o may_v discourage_v we_o from_o it_o and_o also_o what_o notwithstanding_o that_o discouragement_n may_v and_o will_v induce_v we_o to_o it_o 2._o the_o second_o qualification_n of_o a_o penitential_a purpose_n be_v that_o it_o must_v be_v without_o all_o reserve_v full_a and_o perfect_a when_o we_o resolve_v to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o become_v good_a we_o must_v not_o except_v any_o duty_n for_o god_n except_v none_o nor_o reserve_v to_o ourselves_o a_o allowance_n of_o any_o sin_n for_o god_n forbid_v and_o most_o severe_o punish_v all_o sort_n of_o sin_n our_o resolution_n must_v know_v no_o other_o limit_n but_o our_o duty_n and_o extend_v to_o every_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v require_v of_o we_o and_o this_o compass_n of_o religious_a purpose_n the_o commandment_n express_o call_v for_o when_o we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n luk._n 10.27_o for_o if_o we_o keep_v a_o secret_a reserve_n for_o any_o sin_n our_o heart_n be_v give_v but_o by_o half_n to_o god_n and_o be_v not_o whole_a with_o he_o jehu_n walk_v not_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n say_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o proof_n be_v give_v because_o he_o have_v a_o reserve_n in_o one_o point_n and_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_n 2_o kin._n 10.31_o but_o david_n say_v god_n follow_v i_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n which_o appear_v because_o he_o do_v that_o only_a which_o be_v right_a in_o my_o eye_n 1_o kin._n 14.18_o and_o what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n the_o psalmist_n express_v more_o universal_o of_o all_o other_o they_o seek_v the_o lord_n with_o their_o whole_a heart_n who_o do_v no_o iniquity_n psal._n 119.2_o 3._o thus_o must_v our_o
have_v earthly_a body_n about_o they_o and_o christ_n who_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n have_v a_o fellow-feeling_n of_o all_o our_o infirmity_n when_o he_o come_v to_o sit_v as_o our_o judge_n will_v make_v fair_a allowance_n for_o they_o heb._n 5.2_o but_o it_o imply_v such_o a_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n as_o admit_v of_o no_o damn_v sin_n that_o be_v of_o no_o sin_n which_o be_v wilful_o incur_v against_o knowledge_n or_o it_o may_v be_v against_o check_n and_o loud_a alarm_n of_o conscience_n and_o which_o be_v also_o persist_v in_o without_o true_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o the_o same_o these_o sin_n deprive_v we_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o destroy_v a_o soul_n and_o therefore_o christ_n must_v strengthen_v man_n against_o all_o these_o before_o he_o prove_v a_o saviour_n to_o they_o and_o this_o strength_n st._n paul_n say_v he_o find_v as_o all_o other_o christian_n will_v who_o will_v make_v the_o experiment_n as_o he_o do_v and_o not_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o or_o fail_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o though_o they_o will_v not_o be_v strengthen_v against_o all_o involuntary_a surprise_v yet_o if_o they_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o employ_v this_o grace_n as_o christ_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v it_o they_o will_v be_v strengthen_v against_o all_o wilful_a breach_n of_o any_o commandment_n or_o at_o least_o against_o all_o impenitent_a continuance_n in_o the_o same_o when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o have_v wilful_o break_v any_o i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o my_o design_n from_o these_o word_n be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v all_o christian_n to_o obey_v his_o law_n who_o be_v not_o want_v in_o their_o own_o care_n and_o good_a endeavour_n he_o earnest_o desire_v the_o obedience_n of_o man_n and_o afford_v they_o aid_v sufficient_a to_o help_v it_o on_o so_o that_o no_o christian_n can_v ever_o fail_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n but_o through_o his_o own_o fault_n when_o he_o either_o neglect_n or_o reject_v that_o help_n and_o grace_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n hold_v out_o to_o he_o indeed_o the_o great_a excuse_n which_o disobedient_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v for_o themselves_o be_v that_o they_o will_v do_v better_a if_o they_o know_v how_o to_o do_v it_o and_o be_v therefore_o only_o ill_a because_o they_o can_v help_v it_o they_o will_v plead_v impotence_n in_o themselves_o and_o impracticable_a height_n and_o impossibility_n in_o god_n commandment_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v most_o false_a it_o will_v be_v a_o serviceable_a plea_n indeed_o and_o excuse_v they_o both_o for_o be_v ill_a and_o also_o for_o be_v idle_a for_o if_o they_o can_v avoid_v be_v disobedient_a why_o shall_v they_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o obey_v do_v what_o they_o can_v why_o shall_v they_o throw_v away_o their_o pain_n in_o vain_a attempt_n and_o fruitless_o endeavour_v after_o it_o there_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o discretion_n in_o attempt_v impossibility_n and_o labour_v after_o that_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v so_o that_o if_o obedience_n be_v impossible_a every_o man_n may_v as_o innocent_o and_o much_o more_o wise_o disobey_v at_o first_o as_o at_o last_o when_o he_o have_v strive_v in_o vain_a against_o it_o and_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v censure_v as_o the_o fault_n of_o his_o choice_n but_o pity_v as_o his_o invincible_a misfortune_n now_o as_o for_o this_o impotence_n and_o impossibility_n of_o perform_v all_o duty_n it_o be_v often_o plead_v by_o those_o who_o seem_v willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o perform_v they_o and_o in_o regard_n it_o give_v some_o colour_n to_o this_o complaint_n because_o we_o hear_v it_o from_o those_o who_o have_v try_v the_o hardship_n and_o so_o from_o their_o own_o experience_n be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o it_o and_o who_o express_v a_o goodwill_n for_o their_o duty_n and_o so_o may_v be_v presume_v to_o complain_v of_o nothing_o but_o what_o they_o find_v in_o treat_v of_o this_o subject_n i_o shall_v 2._o general_o such_o as_o endeavour_v wrong_a without_o use_v those_o fit_a mean_n which_o shall_v make_v they_o obedient_a the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o in_o these_o it_o concern_v we_o much_o to_o be_v careful_a what_o choice_n we_o make_v if_o we_o pursue_v any_o virtue_n without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n at_o all_o that_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o dispatch_n of_o any_o business_n with_o our_o hand_n behind_o we_o and_o if_o we_o use_v improper_a and_o unsuitable_a one_o like_o man_n who_o labour_v with_o ill_a instrument_n in_o any_o craft_n we_o shall_v make_v but_o rugged_a work_n and_o find_v that_o too_o to_o prove_v very_o toilsome_a and_o difficult_a and_o after_o much_o time_n and_o pain_n be_v spend_v see_v but_o a_o very_a little_a fruit_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o virtue_n be_v as_o i_o say_v the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v much_o depend_v upon_o the_o mean_v we_o use_v when_o we_o will_v be_v virtuous_a as_o upon_o the_o way_n we_o take_v when_o we_o will_v travel_v to_o any_o town_n or_o place_n we_o may_v go_v the_o straight_a road_n to_o it_o and_o that_o bring_v we_o thither_o in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o without_o be_v much_o weary_v but_o if_o either_o we_o take_v a_o contrary_a path_n or_o go_v much_o about_o we_o shall_v spend_v much_o more_o time_n and_o be_v much_o more_o tire_a in_o go_v yea_o force_a perhaps_o at_o last_o to_o sit_v down_o short_a of_o our_o journeys-end_n and_o this_o now_o be_v a_o ordinary_a fault_n of_o those_o complainer_n who_o endeavour_n to_o obey_v without_o success_n and_o can_v compass_v any_o virtue_n though_o they_o do_v take_v pain_n for_o it_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o fail_v be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o well_o direct_v and_o their_o labour_n be_v not_o wise_o manage_v and_o lay_v out_o in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o rule_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o likely_a to_o gain_v the_o point_n and_o introduce_v the_o virtue_n which_o they_o want_v to_o illustrate_v this_o by_o some_o instance_n one_o man_n be_v of_o a_o irritable_a hasty_a temper_n and_o he_o complain_v that_o he_o have_v strive_v but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bridle_v and_o conquer_v his_o passion_n he_o labour_v and_o do_v what_o he_o can_v but_o such_o be_v the_o distract_n variety_n of_o his_o business_n the_o crossness_n or_o carelessness_n of_o those_o he_o be_v concern_v with_o or_o the_o number_n of_o his_o provocation_n one_o way_n or_o other_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o care_n his_o passion_n be_v still_o too_o strong_a for_o he_o but_o i_o will_v ask_v that_o person_n who_o say_v his_o labour_n be_v lose_v whether_o he_o advise_v well_o upon_o what_o he_o do_v and_o take_v the_o ready_a and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o this_o conquest_n have_v he_o for_o instance_n beside_o his_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o grace_n to_o master_v his_o passion_n avoid_v moreover_o as_o much_o as_o the_o concern_v of_o life_n will_v suffer_v he_o all_o unnecessary_a discourse_n especial_o dispute_v with_o wrathful_a loud_a cross_z or_o scornful_a person_n have_v he_o watch_v over_o himself_o daily_o at_o such_o time_n and_o place_n and_o in_o such_o business_n and_o company_n wherein_o he_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o provocation_n and_o particular_o resolve_v within_o himself_o not_o only_o long_o before_o but_o at_o those_o very_a time_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v transport_v by_o they_o and_o above_o all_o last_o have_v he_o make_v this_o a_o constant_a law_n to_o himself_o to_o forbear_v speak_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n sudden_o when_o he_o feel_v a_o passion_n stir_v in_o he_o but_o to_o turn_v aside_o and_o say_v over_o the_o lord_n prayer_n or_o some_o devout_a ejaculation_n to_o himself_o which_o will_v both_o gain_v he_o time_n for_o consideration_n and_o likewise_o call_v god_n and_o goodness_n into_o his_o mind_n which_o will_v be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o all_o to_o restrain_v he_o if_o these_o or_o such_o like_a mean_n have_v not_o be_v use_v he_o have_v not_o take_v the_o best_a way_n he_o can_v and_o if_o he_o will_v set_v himself_o to_o bridle_v his_o nature_n in_o this_o way_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n will_v bless_v he_o in_o it_o and_o then_o let_v he_o complain_v he_o can_v restrain_v himself_o if_o he_o find_v reason_n again_o another_o who_o have_v accustom_v himself_o to_o oath_n complain_v that_o he_o be_v convince_v he_o ought_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v it_o but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o
servant_n to_o experiment_n his_o faithfulness_n in_o this_o grand_a promise_n and_o to_o be_v sufficient_o assist_v to_o do_v his_o will_n when_o they_o diligent_o and_o due_o applied·_v themselves_o to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o when_o they_o wise_o and_o resolute_o set_v themselves_o to_o it_o and_o stick_v to_o it_o and_o call_v to_o he_o for_o help_v he_o put_v to_o his_o almighty_a hand_n and_o strengthen_v they_o to_o accomplish_v what_o they_o attempt_v and_o god_n promise_n be_v still_o the_o same_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o they_o and_o he_o to_o the_o full_a as_o inclinable_a and_o as_o able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a his_o ear_n be_v not_o grow_v heavy_a that_o it_o can_v hear_v nor_o his_o arm_n short_a or_o feeble_a that_o it_o can_v help_v we_o so_o that_o if_o we_o follow_v their_o example_n in_o wise_o and_o faithful_o endeavour_v we_o shall_v happy_o find_v their_o success_n in_o acceptable_o and_o entire_o obey_v too_o nay_o i_o add_v further_o as_o the_o good_a experiment_n this_o power_n in_o themselves_o viz._n of_o do_v their_o duty_n through_o god_n assistance_n and_o evidence_n the_o same_o by_o their_o actual_a performance_n thereof_o so_o likewise_o do_v all_o the_o bad_a confess_v it_o by_o repent_v where_o they_o fail_v for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n for_o a_o sin_n where_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o avoid_v it_o all_o repentance_n be_v a_o blame_v of_o ourselves_o and_o no_o man_n can_v accuse_v himself_o for_o want_n of_o power_n where_o he_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o be_v his_o own_o carver_n but_o only_o for_o mis-use_a of_o it_o where_o he_o be_v so_o that_o we_o can_v repent_v for_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v we_o be_v wise_a and_o wary_a enough_o our_o own_o heart_n tell_v we_o we_o may_v have_v do_v otherwise_o if_o any_o man_n then_o in_o hope_n to_o clear_v themselves_o shall_v deny_v it_o in_o word_n yet_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o shall_v they_o all_o confess_v this_o power_n in_o their_o practice_n when_o they_o do_v ill_a they_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o that_o show_v how_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o may_v have_v do_v better_a since_o otherwise_o they_o can_v only_o be_v pity_v not_o blame_v and_o censure_v for_o what_o they_o do_v i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o 3._o and_o last_o place_n to_o show_v that_o this_o performance_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o impossible_a task_n that_o it_o be_v not_o extreme_a difficult_a when_o man_n set_v to_o it_o in_o earnest_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o care_n of_o pious_a parent_n several_a good_a soul_n be_v train_v up_o as_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o keep_n of_o their_o baptismal_a innocence_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o solemn_a engagement_n they_o be_v teach_v to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o fear_v he_o to_o know_v good_a and_o ill_a and_o in_o reverence_n to_o god_n to_o do_v the_o good_a and_o refuse_v the_o ill_a as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v any_o thing_n now_o here_o religion_n grow_v up_o with_o they_o and_o corrupt_a passion_n and_o evil_a custom_n which_o be_v other_o people_n great_a complaint_n and_o difficulty_n be_v stifle_v and_o prevent_v from_o the_o first_o and_o never_o come_v to_o grow_v headstrong_a or_o have_v any_o power_n to_o reign_v in_o they_o so_o that_o what_o difficulty_n they_o have_v to_o find_v in_o religion_n be_v chief_o the_o pain_n and_o service_n of_o religious_a action_n not_o those_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n of_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o evil_a habit_n which_o create_v so_o much_o trouble_v to_o other_o person_n but_o the_o great_a part_n alas_o have_v give_v way_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o subject_v themselves_o to_o wicked_a custom_n and_o their_o work_n be_v not_o retain_v innocence_n but_o recover_v it_o and_o rectify_v and_o amend_v transgression_n now_o in_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o obey_v god_n after_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o thus_o averse_a to_o his_o obedience_n there_o be_v difficulty_n and_o pain_n at_o first_o our_o former_a course_n and_o custom_n general_o must_v be_v alter_v our_o friend_n sometime_o disoblige_v our_o temporal_a interest_n cross_v and_o thwart_v and_o our_o natural_a lust_n former_o indulge_v now_o gainsay_v and_o conquer_v all_o this_o be_v against_o our_o inclination_n which_o be_v a_o force_n upon_o any_o man_n and_o that_o while_o it_o last_v will_v make_v a_o uneasiness_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o cure_v this_o god_n grace_n will_v be_v work_v in_o we_o and_o new-molding_a of_o our_o nature_n and_o by_o use_n we_o shall_v grow_v perfect_a and_o inclineable_a to_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o practice_v so_o that_o after_o god_n grace_n and_o our_o own_o virtuous_a usage_n have_v go_v on_o for_o some_o due_a time_n the_o case_n will_v be_v alter_v and_o religion_n will_v appear_v not_o only_o a_o reasonable_a and_o beneficial_a but_o likewise_o a_o agreeable_a thing_n divine_a aid_n and_o good_a custom_n will_v give_v we_o a_o new_a sense_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n and_o make_v they_o almost_o always_o fair_o tolerable_a and_o usual_o delightful_a thing_n and_o thus_o our_o lord_n encourage_v we_o to_o his_o service_n take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n light_n matt._n 11.29_o 30._o and_o st._n john_n speak_v of_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o our_o comfort_n add_v that_o those_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a 1_o joh._n 5.3_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a our_o saviour_n say_v but_o how_o may_v some_o reply_n do_v it_o consist_v with_o sundry_a severity_n and_o strictness_n which_o his_o law_n require_v for_o he_o enjoin_v we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n the_o plainfulness_n whereof_o be_v express_v by_o cut_v off_o right_a hand_n and_o pluck_v out_o right_a eye_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o patient_o suffer_v persecution_n to_o watch_v and_o strive_v and_o wrestle_v against_o spiritual_a enemy_n these_o be_v all_o hard_a thing_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o severity_n and_o heavy_a load_v how_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o find_v i_o will_v not_o say_v delight_n but_o easiness_n since_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o expect_v ease_n under_o such_o uneasy_a imposition_n but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o these_o and_o all_o such_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n speak_v only_o either_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n in_o some_o less_o common_a case_n as_o persecution_n in_o which_o the_o increase_n of_o difficulty_n be_v so_o answer_v by_o a_o proportionable_a increase_n of_o strength_n as_o make_v it_o a_o tolerable_a task_n to_o encounter_v they_o or_o the_o hardship_n of_o it_o at_o man_n new_a entrance_n on_o it_o after_o they_o have_v do_v much_o to_o unfit_a themselves_o for_o it_o at_o which_o time_n as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o do_v call_v for_o more_o pain_n or_o last_o such_o diligent_a and_o just_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n afterward_o as_o admit_v of_o comfort_n and_o delight_n enough_o to_o sweeten_v it_o to_o we_o 1._o the_o hard_a thing_n speak_v of_o religion_n concern_v it_o only_o in_o some_o less_o common_a case_n as_o persecution_n to_o this_o case_n all_o those_o hard_a say_n relate_v it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i._n e._n to_o turn_n christian_n which_o be_v punish_v with_o confiscation_n of_o good_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o leave_v the_o disciple_n no_o other_o way_n of_o save_v any_o thing_n than_o by_o sell_v all_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a which_o in_o those_o day_n and_o all_o other_o like_v they_o be_v a_o extreme_a difficulty_n call_v here_o a_o impossibility_n in_o the_o way_n of_o rich_a man_n matt._n 19.23_o 24._o if_o thou_o will_v be_v perfect_a sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a which_o refer_v i_o suppose_v to_o that_o particular_a time_n and_o other_o succeed_a time_n like_o it_o when_o if_o he_o will_v adhere_v to_o christ_n a_o man_n can_v not_o keep_v his_o estate_n ver._n 21._o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o he_o must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n matt._n 16.24_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n 2_o tim._n 3.12_o he_o that_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o he_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o lose_v it_o for_o my_o sake_n that_o will_v expect_v to_o find_v it_o matt._n 10.39_o all_o which_o strict_a say_n do_v not_o respect_v the_o ordinary_a course_n and_o state_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o its_o state_n in_o some_o certain_a occurrence_n which_o more_o seldom_o happen_v and_o under_o great_a persecution_n which_o be_v very_o hot_a in_o the_o first_o day_n when_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o