multitude_n of_o their_o riches_n these_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o powerful_a master_n yet_o mark_v what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v of_o such_o psal._n 49._o 6_o 7_o 8._o none_o of_o they_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n redeem_v his_o brother_n nor_o give_v to_o god_n a_o ransom_n for_o he_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v precious_a and_o cease_v for_o ever_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n with_o all_o the_o wealth_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o save_v one_o soul_n and_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o can_v win_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o he_o lose_v his_o soul_n say_v our_o saviour_n mat._n 16._o 26._o but_o now_o this_o our_o heavenly_a master_n be_v able_a to_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n thou_o have_v deliver_v my_o soul_n from_o death_n say_v david_n psal._n 116._o 8._o yea_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o do_v obey_v he_o heb._n 5._o 9_o here_o be_v a_o master_n worth_a serve_v that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n with_o a_o everlasting_a salvation_n psal._n 3._o 8._o salvation_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a six_o deed_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o accept_v and_o take_v in_o good_a part_n the_o poor_a endeavour_n of_o his_o servant_n yea_o their_o desire_n if_o sincere_a and_o fervent_a do_v find_v acceptance_n with_o he_o god_n do_v indeed_o set_v his_o servant_n hard_a task_n many_o time_n such_o as_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o perform_v of_o themselves_o he_o command_v we_o to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o keep_v all_o his_o commandment_n but_o his_o meaning_n be_v according_a to_o the_o mitigation_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_a that_o we_o shall_v earnest_o desire_v and_o do_v our_o best_a endeavour_n to_o do_v so_o and_o then_o it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o god_n account_n a_o love_a father_n that_o will_v try_v the_o willingness_n of_o his_o child_n bid_v he_o go_v sirrah_n run_v and_o fetch_v i_o such_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o wood_n which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v as_o much_o as_o five_o or_o six_o man_n can_v carry_v but_o if_o he_o find_v he_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n it_o content_v the_o father_n so_o deal_v god_n with_o his_o servant_n he_o spare_v they_o as_o a_o man_n spare_v his_o own_o son_n that_o serve_v he_o mal._n 3._o 17._o yea_o if_o there_o be_v but_o first_o of_o all_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o we_o have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o we_o have_v not_o say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 12._o yea_o sincere_a desire_n be_v gracious_o accept_v see_v how_o nehemiah_n propound_v his_o case_n neh._n 1._o 11._o o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o let_v thy_o ear_n be_v attentive_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n and_o to_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n that_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n especial_o if_o these_o be_v second_v and_o accompany_v with_o earnest_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n thus_o abraham_n resolution_n to_o offer_v his_o son_n gen._n 22._o 12._o be_v accept_v as_o if_o he_o have_v actual_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n heb._n 11._o 17._o and_o yet_o we_o see_v in_o the_o story_n that_o actual_o and_o real_o he_o do_v it_o not_o no_o the_o lord_n himself_o withhold_v he_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o place_n you_o see_v it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o do_v offer_v isaac_n when_o he_o be_v try_v that_o be_v he_o be_v ready_a to_o have_v do_v it_o it_o be_v his_o purpose_n if_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o grant_v he_o a_o dispensation_n and_o therefore_o in_o god_n account_v it_o be_v do_v yea_o say_v the_o lord_n himself_o gen._n 22._o 13._o because_o thou_o have_v do_v this_o though_o indeed_o he_o do_v it_o not_o yet_o because_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v do_v it_o it_o be_v do_v in_o god_n account_n and_o in_o his_o gracious_a acceptance_n oh_o who_o will_v not_o be_v constant_a and_o abundant_a in_o the_o service_n of_o such_o a_o master_n seven_o he_o this_o gracious_a disposition_n of_o our_o master_n do_v far_a show_v itself_o in_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o help_v and_o assist_v his_o servant_n in_o do_v that_o work_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o he_o afford_v they_o help_v and_o strength_n to_o do_v their_o work_n and_o therefore_o though_o paul_n when_o he_o look_v upon_o his_o own_o weakness_n and_o inability_n be_v ready_a to_o cry_v out_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 26._o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n yet_o when_o he_o consider_v the_o help_a hand_n of_o god_n than_o he_o can_v say_v i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o phil._n 4._o 13._o and_o indeed_o most_o true_a be_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n joh._n 15._o 5._o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o so_o by_o his_o assistance_n we_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o command_v so_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o they_o for_o the_o lord_n himself_o put_v to_o his_o help_a hand_n psal._n 37._o 24._o isa._n 41._o 10._o fear_v not_o jacob_n i_o be_o with_o thou_o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v help_v thou_o he_o will_v help_v we_o pray_v his_o spirit_n shall_v help_v our_o infirmity_n rom._n 8._o 26._o and_o help_v we_o preach_v and_o hear_v and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v ready_a to_o work_v all_o our_o work_n for_o we_o as_o we_o deal_v with_o a_o young_a scholar_n that_o begin_v to_o write_v his_o hand_n be_v guide_v so_o do_v the_o lord_n deal_v with_o we_o isa._n 26._o 12._o thou_o have_v wrought_v all_o our_o work_n for_o we_o eight_o let_v we_o be_v abundant_a bountiful_a and_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o god_n service_n for_o he_o be_v a_o good_a paymaster_n we_o be_v not_o only_o sure_a of_o our_o wage_n because_o he_o be_v constant_a and_o faithful_a in_o keep_v covenant_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o but_o also_o he_o be_v exceed_o bountiful_a and_o liberal_a see_v one_o expression_n of_o his_o bounty_n in_o this_o psalm_n 84._o 11._o he_o will_v give_v grace_n and_o glory_n and_o no_o good_a thing_n will_v he_o withhold_v from_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o as_o he_o himself_o love_v a_o bountiful_a giver_n so_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o himself_o sc_n bountiful_a and_o liberal_a he_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o say_v the_o apostle_n jam._n 1._o 5._o he_o do_v even_o daily_o load_v his_o servant_n with_o benefit_n psalm_n 68_o 19_o bless_a be_v god_n even_o the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n who_o do_v daily_o load_v we_o with_o his_o benefit_n oh_o who_o will_v not_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o service_n of_o such_o a_o bountiful_a master_n yea_o he_o reward_v all_o his_o servant_n with_o no_o less_o than_o a_o kingdom_n luk._n 12._o 32._o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n for_o it_o be_v your_o father_n pleasure_n to_o give_v you_o a_o kingdom_n so_o mat._n 25._o 34._o come_v you_o bless_a child_n of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n provide_v for_o you_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o such_o a_o kingdom_n that_o consist_v of_o a_o eternal_a and_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2_o co._n 4._o 17_o even_o such_o as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v neither_o have_v ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o worth_n of_o 2_o co._n 2._o 9_o o_o how_o can_v we_o think_v all_o our_o time_n sufficient_a to_o spend_v in_o the_o service_n of_o such_o a_o master_n that_o be_v thus_o beneficial_a unto_o his_o servant_n consider_v also_o his_o bounty_n in_o give_v rain_n from_o heaven_n act._n 14._o 17_o with_o jer._n 5._o 24._o let_v we_o now_o fear_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n i_o omit_v to_o show_v further_o how_o slow_a he_o be_v to_o anger_n &_o how_o ready_a to_o forgive_v &_o to_o be_v reconcile_v he_o do_v even_o beseech_v we_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2_o co._n 5._o 20_o nine_o prosperity_n he_o be_v such_o a_o master_n that_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o love_n towards_o they_o earthly_a master_n be_v changeable_a and_o fickle_a and_o do_v often_o envy_v the_o prosperity_n of_o their_o servant_n but_o the_o lord_n have_v pleasure_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o his_o love_n towards_o they_o be_v constant_a and_o unchangeable_a for_o the_o first_o observe_v it_o psal._n 35._o 27._o let_v they_o say_v continual_o let_v
for_o this_o purpose_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o 11._o wherefore_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o your_o virtue_n knowledge_n etc._n etc._n add_v one_o grace_n to_o another_o grow_v in_o the_o number_n of_o grace_n and_o grow_v in_o their_o measure_n too_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v say_v the_o apostle_n ver._n 9_o see_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o ver._n 11._o for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o be_v a_o entrance_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n which_o also_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n rom._n 6._o 22._o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n true_a holiness_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n heaven_n be_v the_o plain_a and_o direct_a way_n to_o true_a happiness_n and_o everlasting_a life_n four_o and_o last_o the_o more_o grace_n and_o holiness_n we_o attain_v unto_o here_o the_o more_o glory_n and_o happiness_n be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o for_o though_o god_n do_v not_o reward_v we_o for_o our_o work_n yet_o he_o will_v certain_o reward_v we_o according_a to_o our_o work_n so_o that_o the_o more_o diligence_n in_o god_n service_n the_o more_o glory_n hereafter_o this_o seem_v most_o clear_o intimate_v in_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n mat._n 25._o he_o that_o gain_v most_o have_v best_o reward_v unto_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n ver._n 29._o he_o that_o be_v most_o abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v abundance_n of_o wage_n let_v this_o also_o persuade_v we_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n that_o our_o reward_n in_o heaven_n may_v be_v the_o great_a they_o that_o do_v much_o in_o god_n service_n and_o suffer_v much_o in_o the_o good_a cause_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v the_o great_a reward_n in_o heaven_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a say_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n mat._n 5._o 12._o they_o that_o take_v great_a pain_n in_o god_n service_n shall_v have_v a_o eternal_a and_o a_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n for_o their_o reward_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 7._o this_o encourage_v moses_n heb._n 11._o 26._o he_o esteem_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n for_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n say_v the_o text._n now_o the_o mean_n grace_n that_o we_o must_v use_v that_o we_o may_v grow_v in_o grace_n be_v especial_o these_o two_o first_o the_o right_a use_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o second_o holy_a meditation_n first_o mean_n the_o right_a and_o conscionable_a use_n of_o god_n ordinance_n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n loe_o here_o the_o best_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o grow_v rich_a in_o grace_n and_o full_a of_o spiritual_a wealth_n first_o grace_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n read_v and_o faithful_o preach_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n joh._n 6._o 68_o the_o mean_n to_o quicken_v a_o dead_a soul_n at_o first_o and_o the_o chief_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o same_o spiritual_a life_n and_o to_o help_v we_o to_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o grace_n two_o singular_a and_o most_o pertinent_a testimony_n we_o have_v for_o this_o purpose_n the_o one_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 1._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o only_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o regeneration_n at_o first_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o jam._n 1._o 18._o but_o be_v the_o mean_n also_o to_o help_v we_o grow_v up_o unto_o perfection_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o other_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o his_o valediction_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act_v 20._o when_o he_o be_v to_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o foresee_v that_o they_o shall_v see_v his_o face_n no_o more_o never_o enjoy_v his_o bodily_a presence_n or_o hear_v he_o preach_v again_o see_v what_o he_o especial_o commend_v to_o their_o daily_a use_n and_o constant_a practice_n ver._n 32._o and_o now_o brethren_n i_o commend_v you_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o far_o and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v i._n e._n give_v daily_a attendance_n to_o this_o ply_v this_o task_n follow_v this_o work_n close_o for_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n will_v build_v you_o up_o still_o far_a and_o far_o and_o will_v never_o cease_v work_v in_o you_o until_o it_o bring_v you_o to_o heaven_n and_o translate_v you_o from_o grace_n to_o glory_n second_o sacrament_n the_o right_a and_o religious_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n these_o seal_n of_o righteousness_n will_v exceed_o further_o our_o progress_n in_o piety_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v of_o a_o good_a constitution_n feed_v on_o dainty_n and_o wholesome_a food_n and_o not_o grow_v strong_a and_o well_o like_v by_o that_o mean_n so_o how_o can_v a_o man_n eat_v the_o very_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o drink_v his_o very_a blood_n in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o every_o worthy_a receiver_n do_v spiritual_o but_o he_o must_v needs_o grow_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o my_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o my_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n joh._n 6._o 35._o and_o hereupon_o he_o infer_v ver._n 56._o he_o that_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n dwell_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o that_o be_v such_o a_o one_o have_v special_a communion_n with_o christ_n and_o interest_n in_o all_o his_o merit_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o obedience_n active_a and_o passive_a which_o how_o can_v he_o enjoy_v but_o he_o must_v needs_o grow_v in_o grace_n three_o prayer_n prayer_n be_v a_o chief_a ordinance_n of_o god_n by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v neglect_v nay_o which_o must_v be_v use_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o bring_v god_n blessing_n upon_o the_o former_a this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o make_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n effectual_a unto_o we_o so_o that_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o mean_n little_a benefit_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o the_o former_a so_o that_o he_o that_o will_v grow_v in_o grace_n must_v be_v a_o daily_a petitioner_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o direct_v his_o course_n to_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o he_o for_o as_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v from_o above_o at_o the_o first_o jam._n 1._o 17._o so_o the_o increase_n of_o those_o gift_n must_v needs_o also_o proceed_v from_o above_o he_o only_o that_o begin_v the_o good_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o elect_n at_o the_o first_o be_v only_o able_a to_o perfect_v that_o work_n which_o he_o have_v begin_v phil._n 1._o 6._o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v confident_a concern_v they_o so_o let_v we_o be_v fervent_a and_o importunate_a in_o our_o request_n to_o he_o for_o ourselves_o that_o as_o he_o have_v begin_v the_o good_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o so_o he_o will_v increase_v it_o in_o we_o daily_o and_o bring_v it_o unto_o perfection_n thus_o the_o apostle_n direct_v their_o course_n unto_o christ_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n luk._n 17._o 5._o the_o disciple_n say_v unto_o the_o lord_n lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n thus_o paul_n for_o the_o philippian_n phil._n 1._o 9_o 11._o and_o this_o i_o pray_v that_o your_o love_n may_v abound_v still_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n increase_v of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o grace_v itself_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o from_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 11._o 36._o second_o meditation_n the_o second_o general_a mean_n that_o we_o must_v use_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n be_v holy_a meditation_n this_o have_v further_v the_o growth_n of_o grace_n in_o god_n saint_n heretofore_o they_o have_v be_v abundant_a and_o constant_a in_o pious_a and_o holy_a meditation_n psal._n 1._o 4._o a_o godly_a man_n delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v his_o meditation_n
it_o tâ—_n serve_v thou_o then_o live_v in_o a_o prison_n a_o dungeâ—â—on_n all_o my_o day_n he_o be_v strong_o engage_v to_o that_o man_n service_n here_o be_v our_o very_a caseâ—_n we_o be_v all_o prisoner_n by_o nature_n and_o satan_n be_v ready_a every_o moment_n to_o carry_v we_o to_o the_o prison_n of_o hell_n where_o we_o shall_v rot_v and_o burn_v for_o ever_o now_o the_o lord_n redeem_v we_o and_o set_v we_o at_o liberty_n from_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o the_o bondage_n oâ—_n corruption_n deliver_v he_o from_o go_v down_o to_o the_o pit_n say_v the_o lord_n his_o ransom_n be_v pay_v according_a to_o that_o in_o job_n 33._o 28._o oh_o then_o how_o strong_o do_v this_o bind_v we_o to_o be_v constant_a in_o god_n service_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o care_n never_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o you_o be_v not_o your_o own_o say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 19_o 20._o but_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n and_o therefore_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o soul_n for_o they_o be_v god_n you_o be_v redeem_v with_o a_o great_a price_n not_o with_o corruptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n from_o your_o vain_a conversation_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o lamb_n without_o spot_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o peter_n 1._o 17_o 18._o excellent_a to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o in_o the_o song_n of_o zachary_n luk._n 1._o 68_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n for_o he_o have_v visit_v and_o redeem_v his_o people_n but_o to_o what_o end_n have_v he_o do_v this_o that_o he_o show_v plain_o ver_fw-la 74._o that_o we_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n may_v serve_v he_o without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n beâ—â—re_v he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n so_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o redemption_n shall_v â—ake_v we_o constant_a in_o god_n service_n because_o â—e_n be_v redeem_v and_o buy_v to_o that_o end_n â—nd_v purpose_n thus_o moses_n expostulate_v the_o â—se_n with_o those_o revolt_a israelite_n deut._n â—â—_o 6._o do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o you_o â—oolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a be_v not_o he_o thy_o father_n that_o have_v buy_v thou_o have_v he_o not_o â—ade_v thou_o and_o establish_v thou_o the_o sin_n of_o backslide_v be_v fearful_o aggravate_v from_o 〈◊〉_d consideration_n of_o the_o lord_n singular_a goodness_n in_o our_o creation_n and_o redemption_n now_o the_o very_a end_n of_o god_n in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v to_o purge_v we_o to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n that_o we_o may_v be_v â—ealous_a of_o good_a work_n five_o servant_n we_o be_v the_o lord_n hire_v servant_n and_o do_v daily_o receive_v our_o wage_n from_o he_o yea_o in_o he_o it_o be_v that_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v after_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v we_o and_o send_v we_o into_o the_o world_n alas_o we_o all_o stand_v idle_a and_o do_v he_o no_o service_n at_o all_o until_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o hire_v we_o and_o set_v we_o a_o work_n matth._n 20._o 7._o why_o stand_v you_o here_o all_o the_o day_n idle_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n go_v you_o into_o the_o vineyard_n and_o work_v etc._n etc._n loe_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n hire_v servant_n who_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a paymaster_n and_o very_o bountiful_a beside_o our_o wage_n he_o be_v very_a kind_n unto_o we_o in_o many_o special_a gift_n and_o veil_n isa._n 65._o 13_o 14._o behold_v my_o servant_n shall_v eat_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v hungry_a my_o servant_n shall_v drink_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v thirsty_a yea_o he_o be_v such_o a_o master_n as_o daily_o load_v we_o with_o gift_n and_o benefit_n psalm_n 68_o 9_o bless_a be_v god_n even_o the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n who_o daily_o load_v uâ—_n with_o his_o benefit_n and_o all_o to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n that_o we_o may_v be_v faithful_a and_o constant_a in_o his_o service_n that_o we_o may_v observe_v his_o statute_n last_o and_o keep_v his_o law_n that_o be_v even_o the_o very_a right_a use_n of_o all_o his_o mercy_n when_o joshua_n have_v reckon_v up_o god_n singular_a mercy_n towards_o the_o jew_n in_o joshuah_n 24._o see_v the_o use_n of_o all_o verse_n 14._o now_o therefore_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o now_o israel_n what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o only_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o fear_v and_o serve_v he_o deut._n 10._o 12._o this_o be_v godly_a samuel_n argument_n to_o the_o revolt_a and_o offend_v israelite_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v sin_v against_o the_o lord_n in_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o but_o i_o will_v show_v you_o the_o good_a and_o the_o right_a way_n 2_o samuel_n 12._o 24._o etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v not_o only_o pray_v for_o you_o but_o i_o will_v also_o further_o teach_v and_o instruct_v you_o in_o the_o right_a way_n only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o for_o consider_v what_o great_a thing_n he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o else_o a_o man_n in_o this_o case_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o very_a ox_n or_o ass_n as_o the_o lord_n himself_o speak_v isa._n 1._o 2_o 3._o hear_v o_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n the_o ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n but_o israel_n have_v not_o know_v my_o people_n have_v not_o understand_v and_o thus_o you_o have_v see_v the_o first_o motive_n that_o may_v persuade_v we_o to_o be_v constant_a in_o god_n service_n sc_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o second_o the_o second_o motive_n benefit_n that_o may_v persuade_v we_o to_o be_v constant_a in_o god_n service_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o utility_n of_o it_o it_o be_v commodious_a and_o profitable_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v in_o god_n service_n there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a psal._n 4._o meaning_n profit_n and_o it_o be_v the_o question_n of_o those_o profane_a one_o in_o job_n 21._o 15._o what_o be_v the_o almighty_a that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o or_o what_o profit_n shall_v we_o have_v if_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o say_v they_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o god_n service_n be_v exceed_v useful_a and_o profitable_a and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n first_o heaven_n constancy_n in_o god_n service_n will_v assure_v a_o man_n that_o when_o he_o die_v he_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n what_o a_o admirable_a and_o desirable_a thing_n it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 1._o we_o know_v that_o when_o the_o earthly_a house_n of_o our_o tabernacle_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n but_o how_o come_v the_o apostle_n by_o this_o assurance_n upon_o what_o ground_n do_v he_o thus_o confident_o assure_v himself_o that_o we_o shall_v see_v ver._n 9_o wherefore_o we_o labour_v that_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a we_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o upon_o this_o ground_n he_o expect_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 7_o 8._o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n be_v the_o very_a condition_n require_v and_o express_v in_o the_o lord_n gracious_a promise_n he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v say_v our_o saviour_n mat._n 24._o 13._o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2._o 10._o in_o due_a time_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o say_v the_o apostle_n gal._n 6._o 9_o yea_o this_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o god_n service_n be_v that_o which_o will_v give_v a_o man_n abundant_a assurance_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ._n excellent_a to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o 11._o wherefore_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o your_o virtue_n knowledge_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n be_v abundant_a and_o constant_a in_o god_n service_n now_o mark_v the_o reason_n ver_n 11._o for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ._n oh_o what_o a_o precious_a thing_n be_v this_o
overturn_v the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o he_o give_v this_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o will_v not_o yield_v no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v continue_v with_o you_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v you_o can_v retain_v long_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o you_o admit_v this_o six_o paâ—â—ence_n and_o last_o he_o that_o will_v be_v constant_a in_o god_n service_n must_v put_v on_o patience_n and_o courage_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o opposition_n that_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v withal_o in_o that_o case_n in_o your_o patience_n possess_v your_o soul_n say_v our_o saviour_n luk._n 21._o 19_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o heb._n 12._o 1._o yea_o we_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n say_v the_o apostle_n heb._n 10._o 36._o watch_v you_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n quit_v you_o like_o man_n be_v strong_a say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor_fw-la 16._o 13._o he_o that_o will_v follow_v christ_n constant_o and_o not_o forsake_v he_o must_v resolve_v before_o hand_n to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o arm_v himself_o with_o patience_n luk._n 9_o 23._o if_o any_o come_v unto_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o this_o make_v paul_n so_o constant_a in_o god_n service_n after_o he_o have_v once_o begin_v to_o serve_v he_o sc_n because_o he_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o patient_a and_o courageous_a resolution_n to_o endure_v what_o ever_o can_v befall_v in_o that_o case_n my_o life_n be_v not_o dear_a to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v finish_v my_o course_n and_o fulfil_v the_o ministry_n that_o i_o have_v receive_v etc._n etc._n act_v 20._o 23._o yea_o i_o be_o ready_a not_o only_o to_o be_v bind_v but_o also_o to_o die_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n act_v 21._o 13._o and_o thus_o have_v i_o finish_v the_o second_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v exhort_v unto_o inregard_n of_o ourselves_o sc_n constancy_n in_o god_n service_n and_o have_v show_v both_o the_o motive_n why_o and_o the_o mean_n how_o to_o attain_v ability_n to_o perform_v it_o chap._n vii_o wherein_o the_o last_o duty_n in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o be_v propound_v together_o with_o the_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o thereunto_o three_o possible_o see_v time_n spend_v in_o god_n service_n be_v absolute_o the_o best_a spend_v time_n this_o serve_v to_o exhort_v every_o one_o of_o we_o not_o only_o to_o begin_v to_o serve_v god_n 1._o speedy_o without_o delay_n 2._o and_o constant_o without_o cease_v but_o also_o plentiful_o and_o abundant_o let_v we_o spend_v as_o much_o time_n as_o we_o can_v possible_o this_o way_n we_o can_v spend_v our_o time_n better_o then_o in_o god_n court_n his_o house_n and_o ordinance_n the_o duty_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n oh_o therefore_o let_v we_o deal_v plentiful_o and_o abundant_o this_o way_n let_v we_o give_v all_o diligence_n not_o some_o but_o all_o diligence_n be_v little_a enough_o this_o way_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o thy_o might_n say_v solomon_n eccles._n 9_o 10._o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n know_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o the_o more_o pain_n we_o take_v in_o god_n service_n the_o more_o wage_n shall_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o receive_v and_o therefore_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o wholesome_a water_n of_o god_n sanctuary_n let_v we_o drink_v free_o and_o abundant_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n own_o exhortation_n when_o he_o come_v into_o his_o garden_n of_o the_o church_n assembly_n cant._n 5._o 1._o eat_v o_o friend_n drink_n yea_o drink_v abundant_o o_o belove_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n when_o a_o man_n can_v say_v true_o that_o which_o jehu_n only_o pretend_v in_o another_o case_n 2_o king_n 10._o 18._o ahab_n serve_v baala_n little_a but_o jehu_n shall_v serve_v he_o much_o so_o such_o and_o such_o serve_v god_n a_o little_a i_o will_v serve_v he_o much_o sure_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v well_o take_v at_o god_n hand_n when_o we_o have_v a_o care_n to_o spend_v as_o much_o time_n in_o god_n service_n as_o we_o can_v possible_o now_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o main_a point_n of_o all_o i_o will_v show_v you_o 1._o some_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o it_o 2._o some_o few_o direction_n how_o to_o do_v it_o and_o first_o for_o the_o motive_n the_o motive_n that_o may_v persuade_v we_o motive_n to_o spend_v as_o much_o time_n as_o we_o can_v possible_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n public_a ordinance_n they_o be_v principal_o these_o four_o 1._o because_o the_o time_n present_a purpose_n i_o mean_v the_o time_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v the_o only_a time_n that_o we_o have_v to_o this_o purpose_n either_o now_o or_o never_o must_v we_o serve_v god_n in_o these_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n as_o for_o purgatory_n it_o be_v but_o a_o popish_a dream_n a_o very_a fancy_n the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a time_n for_o this_o purpose_n hereupon_o be_v that_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 9_o 4._o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v by_o night_n he_o mean_v death_n and_o the_o grave_n there_o be_v no_o work_n to_o be_v do_v then_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o next_o verse_n that_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n i._n e._n while_o i_o live_v i_o must_v finish_v the_o work_n that_o i_o have_v in_o hand_n death_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v no_o than_o we_o rest_v from_o our_o labour_n revel_v 14._o 1â—_n while_o we_o have_v time_n let_v we_o do_v good_a say_v the_o apostle_n gal._n 6._o 10._o there_o be_v a_o set_a time_n appoint_v for_o well_o do_v which_o be_v the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v let_v slip_v or_o omit_v if_o death_n once_o come_v it_o present_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o labour_n when_o night_n come_v man_n shut_v up_o shop_n excellent_a therefore_o to_o this_o purpose_n eccles._n 9_o 10._o whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o thy_o might_n ply_v thy_o work_n hard_o now_o mark_v the_o reason_n which_o he_o give_v to_o this_o purpose_n for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o devise_v nor_o knowledge_n nor_o wisdom_n in_o the_o grave_n whither_o thou_o go_v there_o be_v no_o opportunity_n for_o do_v any_o work_n there_o no_o that_o be_v the_o evening_n a_o time_n of_o reckon_n but_o not_o of_o work_v that_o be_v a_o time_n of_o receive_v wage_n not_o of_o labour_n what_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n when_o the_o evening_n be_v come_v matth._n 20._o 8._o call_v the_o labourer_n and_o give_v they_o their_o hire_n not_o set_v they_o a_o work_n but_o pay_v they_o their_o wage_n if_o therefore_o we_o look_v for_o any_o wage_n at_o evening_n let_v we_o ply_v our_o work_n in_o the_o day_n time_n this_o be_v the_o first_o motive_n second_o short_a as_o the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a time_n for_o this_o purpose_n so_o it_o be_v very_o short_a and_o very_o uncertain_a the_o time_n of_o he_o that_o live_v long_a here_o be_v but_o short_a job_n 14._o 1._o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n have_v but_o a_o short_a time_n and_o be_v full_a of_o misery_n remember_v lord_n how_o short_a my_o time_n be_v our_o work_n be_v great_a vitabrevis_fw-la and_o our_o time_n short_a and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v diligent_a our_o journey_n be_v long_o and_o our_o time_n short_a and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o run_v speedy_o as_o well_o as_o constant_o time_n pass_v away_o with_o a_o swift_a foot_n my_o day_n pass_v away_o as_o the_o most_o swift_a ship_n say_v job_n 9_o 26._o man_n be_v like_a to_o vanity_n his_o day_n be_v as_o a_o shadow_n that_o pass_v away_o psalm_n 144._o 4._o yea_o we_o bring_v our_o year_n to_o a_o end_n as_o a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v psalm_n 90._o 9_o and_o our_o life_n be_v very_o like_a unto_o a_o vapour_n james_n 4._o 14._o see_v then_o our_o time_n be_v so_o short_a and_o withal_o so_o uncertain_a we_o have_v need_v to_o run_v with_o speed_n as_o well_o as_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o if_o the_o time_n be_v short_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v less_o danger_n in_o slackness_n but_o it_o be_v not_o more_o short_a then_o uncertain_a like_o the_o thief_n that_o come_v in_o the_o
just_o to_o be_v excuse_v namely_o that_o they_o be_v preach_v to_o a_o plain_a country_n people_n which_o though_o of_o good_a affection_n and_o inclination_n towards_o piety_n i_o hope_v be_v yet_o but_o of_o mean_a and_o small_a capacity_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n beside_o my_o care_n have_v ever_o be_v rather_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o a_o plain_a way_n then_o tickle_v the_o ear_n with_o a_o neat_a discourse_n perhaps_o not_o understand_v and_o therefore_o without_o all_o benefit_n and_o profit_n beside_o no_o marvel_n if_o these_o sermon_n want_v ornament_n when_o the_o anthour_n himself_o be_v scarce_o supply_v with_o necessary_n the_o great_a part_n of_o my_o mean_n at_o that_o time_n be_v whole_o take_v from_o i_o so_o that_o some_o small_a pittance_n only_o of_o outward_a mean_n be_v leave_v i_o though_o god_n in_o his_o goodness_n have_v gracious_o by_o your_o hand_n principal_o provide_v for_o i_o this_o i_o propound_v not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o just_a excuse_n for_o these_o my_o impolished_a labour_n but_o also_o to_o preserve_v alive_a and_o keep_v awake_v your_o pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o i_o and_o to_o stir_v up_o your_o zealous_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n which_o seem_v some_o way_n endanger_v yea_o hereby_o you_o shall_v deep_o engage_v a_o number_n of_o poor_a soul_n to_o pray_v for_o you_o when_o they_o perceive_v the_o constancy_n of_o your_o love_n towards_o both_o they_o and_o i_o in_o support_v of_o i_o by_o way_n of_o maintenance_n that_o i_o may_v still_o impart_v the_o word_n of_o life_n among_o they_o and_o go_v on_o still_o to_o fulfil_v the_o ministry_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n thus_o leave_v these_o thing_n to_o your_o grave_n and_o love_a consideration_n i_o commend_v the_o book_n unto_o your_o read_n and_o your_o worship_n to_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o both_o yourselves_o and_o it_o unto_o his_o blessing_n i_o humble_o take_v leave_v and_o rest_n canwicke_n this_o 1._o of_o july_n 1638._o your_o worship_n ever_o to_o be_v command_v in_o the_o lord_n william_n harrison_n imprimatur_fw-la tho._n wykes_n octob._n 15._o 1638._o the_o purchase_n of_o grace_n chap._n i._n rev._n 3._o 18._o i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a such_o be_v the_o gracious_a disposition_n of_o the_o almighty_a coherence_n and_o so_o sweet_a be_v his_o carriage_n towards_o his_o dear_a servant_n that_o he_o do_v usual_o most_o comfortable_o reveal_v and_o communicate_v himself_o unto_o they_o in_o their_o extremity_n he_o have_v his_o cordial_n ready_a against_o the_o sick_a fit_n of_o his_o child_n he_o love_v to_o comfort_v the_o abject_a to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a to_o speak_v peace_n to_o the_o afflict_a witness_v the_o carriage_n of_o our_o saviour_n towards_o saint_n john_n that_o belove_a disciple_n always_o belove_v but_o most_o manifest_v in_o his_o affliction_n when_o do_v the_o lord_n reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o so_o sweet_o and_o full_o but_o in_o his_o banishment_n when_o he_o be_v banish_v into_o the_o isle_n patmos_n revel_v 1._o 9_o then_o and_o there_o be_v he_o ravish_v in_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n ver_fw-la 10._o then_o come_v the_o great_a and_o yet_o sweet_a voice_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o charge_n to_o write_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n ver_fw-la 11._o unto_o ephesus_n and_o unto_o smyrna_n unto_o pergamos_n and_o unto_o thyatira_n unto_o sardys_n and_o philadelphia_n and_o unto_o laodicea_n unto_o these_o seven_o the_o evangelist_n dedicate_v this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 1._o 4._o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o unto_o each_o of_o these_o he_o direct_v as_o from_o christ_n a_o several_a epistle_n now_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v be_v part_n of_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n which_o continue_v from_o ver_fw-la 14._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o epistle_n itself_o consist_v of_o three_o part_n 1._o a_o proemium_fw-la or_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n ver_fw-la 14._o 2._o a_o narration_n or_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n unto_o ver_fw-la 22._o 3._o a_o peroration_n or_o conclusion_n verse_n the_o last_o again_o in_o the_o second_o part_n or_o narration_n we_o have_v three_o thing_n 1._o a_o reprehension_n increpation_n or_o objurgation_n ver_fw-la 15._o 16_o 17._o 2._o a_o exhortation_n or_o direction_n v_o 18._o 19_o 3._o a_o solemn_a promise_n or_o protestation_n ver_fw-la 20._o 21._o now_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v be_v part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n or_o direction_n and_o in_o general_a they_o hold_v out_o our_o saviour_n advice_n or_o counsel_n to_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o fit_o prescribe_v several_a remedy_n for_o all_o their_o infirmity_n a_o salve_n for_o every_o sore_a they_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a now_o in_o this_o verse_n we_o have_v a_o remedy_n for_o all_o these_o 1._o here_o be_v gold_n to_o enrich_v they_o 2._o white_a raiment_n to_o cover_v their_o nakedness_n 3._o eye_n salve_n to_o anoint_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v see_v i_o intend_v to_o insist_v only_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o which_o contain_v a_o remedy_n for_o their_o poverty_n and_o wretchedness_n i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a which_o word_n be_v the_o advice_n and_o counsel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o great_a counsellor_n isa._n 9_o 6._o to_o this_o church_n of_o laoâ—icea_n and_o in_o they_o to_o we_o also_o and_o to_o all_o true_a christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n now_o i_o think_v in_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v every_o man_n attention_n for_o behold_v we_o have_v here_o a_o lecture_n of_o thrift_n a_o way_n nay_o the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v make_v true_o rich_a there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a psal._n 4._o 6_o behold_v here_o be_v for_o you_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la the_o chief_a good_a gold_n yea_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n gold_z to_o enrich_v you_o gold_n and_o better_a than_o gold_n durable_a riches_n that_o which_o will_v make_v you_o rich_a indeed_o rich_a towards_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v luk._n 12._o 21._o now_o for_o the_o part_n of_o the_o text._n here_o be_v direction_n to_o get_v a_o precious_a and_o excellent_a commodity_n text._n metaphorical_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o under_o the_o name_n of_o gold_n wherein_o we_o have_v more_o particular_o describe_v 1._o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v a_o precious_a rare_a spiritual_a commodity_n which_o be_v like_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n 2._o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o that_o be_v buy_v it_o must_v be_v buy_v 3._o the_o chapman_n of_o who_o we_o must_v buy_v it_o and_o that_o be_v christ_n buy_v of_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n 4._o the_o end_n of_o buy_v that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a which_o argue_v still_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o commodity_n and_o so_o you_o see_v the_o part_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o word_n divide_v 2._o explication_n for_o the_o explication_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n be_v metaphorical_a the_o chapman_n the_o commodity_n the_o bargain_n the_o profit_n all_o be_v spiritual_a 1._o the_o chapman_n be_v christ_n even_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o send_v the_o epistle_n to_o this_o church_n he_o be_v the_o chapman_n 2._o the_o commodity_n to_o be_v buy_v here_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n or_o if_o you_o please_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n which_o be_v fit_o compare_v unto_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o the_o bargain_n or_o buy_v be_v spiritual_a and_o so_o be_v the_o riches_n here_o mention_v spiritual_a riches_n such_o as_o will_v make_v we_o rich_a towards_o god_n the_o word_n thus_o open_v and_o explain_v doct._n do_v hold_v out_o unto_o we_o these_o three_o proposition_n or_o point_n of_o instruction_n or_o doctrine_n 1._o that_o christ_n jesus_n doct._n and_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v fit_o resemble_v and_o compare_v unto_o gold_n yea_o pure_a gold_n gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n 2._o that_o this_o gold_n doct._n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o make_v we_o spiritual_o and_o true_o rich_a 3._o that_o all_o that_o will_v have_v this_o precious_a commodity_n doct._n must_v buy_v it_o of_o
shall_v be_v make_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o 11._o it_o be_v the_o advice_n and_o counsel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o this_o place_n i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a and_o so_o other_o where_o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n that_o perish_v but_o for_o the_o meat_n that_o endure_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n joh._n 6._o 27._o and_o first_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v labour_n by_o get_v entrance_n into_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n to_o get_v assurance_n of_o interest_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n matth._n 6._o 33._o o_o never_o think_v it_o in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n for_o in_o due_a time_n you_o shall_v reap_v if_o you_o faint_v not_o observe_v that_o speech_n of_o david_n psalm_n 24._o 5._o who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o the_o hill_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o his_o holy_a place_n even_o he_o that_o have_v clean_a hand_n and_o a_o pure_a heart_n etc._n etc._n let_v no_o man_n say_v then_o i_o have_v labour_v in_o vain_a for_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o godly_a labour_n in_o this_o kind_n hebr._n 6._o 10._o let_v i_o therefore_o encourage_v and_o press_v you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o therefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n second_o grace_n be_v true_a save_v grace_n like_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n this_o serve_v to_o reprove_v all_o such_o as_o will_v take_v no_o pain_n to_o get_v it_o but_o do_v utter_o reject_v and_o scorn_v it_o as_o the_o most_o idle_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n carnal_a man_n and_o woman_n be_v not_o of_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n they_o do_v not_o see_v any_o such_o worth_n or_o golden_a virtue_n or_o excellency_n in_o save_v grace_n there_o be_v a_o thousand_o thing_n which_o they_o prefer_v before_o it_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v or_o perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o he_o think_v it_o a_o foolish_a thing_n to_o be_v so_o religious_a and_o so_o diligent_a to_o get_v grace_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o yea_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o discreet_a natural_a man_n be_v direct_o of_o this_o opinion_n the_o learned_a grecian_n do_v account_n preach_v foolishness_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 21._o although_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o unto_o salvation_n thus_o when_o moses_n tell_v pharaoh_n that_o he_o must_v needs_o let_v they_o go_v three_o day_n journey_n into_o the_o wilderness_n you_o be_v idle_a you_o be_v idle_a say_v he_o exod._n 5._o 8._o he_o think_v idleness_n the_o occasion_n of_o their_o desire_n yea_o that_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o every_o natural_a man_n he_o think_v and_o say_v at_o least_o in_o his_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n your_o word_n have_v be_v stout_a against_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n what_o have_v we_o speak_v so_o much_o against_o thou_o say_v they_o mal._n 3._o 13._o now_o observe_v the_o lord_n answer_v ver._n 14._o you_o have_v say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n so_o those_o in_o job_n 21._o 14._o be_v even_o direct_o of_o that_o opinion_n now_o o_o the_o monstrous_a folly_n and_o madness_n of_o these_o man_n they_o prefer_v dross_n before_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n what_o will_v you_o say_v if_o you_o see_v a_o man_n have_v a_o heap_n of_o gold_n lay_v before_o he_o of_o the_o one_o side_n and_o a_o heap_n of_o chaff_n or_o feather_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o other_o and_o shall_v see_v he_o neglect_v the_o gold_n and_o set_v his_o mind_n only_o upon_o the_o chaff_n and_o feather_n it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n cry_v out_o with_o the_o apostle_n o_o foolish_a galatian_n gal._n 3._o 1._o here_o be_v the_o very_a picture_n of_o all_o such_o as_o prefer_v sin_n and_o wealth_n and_o the_o trash_n of_o this_o world_n before_o save_v grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n look_v upon_o the_o profane_a worldling_n that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o marriage_n feast_n of_o the_o king_n son_n luk._n 14._o 18._o they_o all_o with_o one_o consent_n begin_v to_o make_v excuse_n they_o be_v all_o just_a of_o one_o mind_n they_o be_v resolve_v not_o one_o of_o they_o to_o come_v at_o the_o feast_n the_o first_o say_v i_o have_v buy_v a_o piece_n of_o ground_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o go_v and_o see_v it_o i_o pray_v thou_o have_v i_o excuse_v ver._n 19_o and_o another_o say_v grace_n i_o have_v buy_v five_o yoke_n of_o ox_n and_o i_o must_v go_v and_o prove_v they_o i_o pray_v thou_o have_v i_o excuse_v ver._n 20._o and_o the_o three_o say_v i_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v come_v there_o be_v no_o look_v for_o he_o o_o the_o folly_n of_o these_o man_n to_o prefer_v such_o vain_a and_o trivial_a thing_n before_o such_o a_o rare_a and_o heavenly_a banquet_n here_o be_v even_o our_o very_a case_n there_o be_v a_o thousand_o thing_n that_o we_o prefer_v before_o christ_n and_o grace_n and_o therefore_o be_v unworthy_a of_o either_o matth._n 10._o 37._o alas_o we_o be_v all_o mighty_o to_o blame_v this_o way_n we_o be_v careful_a and_o cumber_a about_o many_o thing_n when_o the_o one_o thing_n needful_a be_v whole_o neglect_v one_o be_v for_o pleasure_n another_o for_o profit_n another_o for_o revenge_n another_o for_o his_o lust_n and_o the_o golden_a wedge_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v whole_o neglect_v what_o will_v you_o think_v of_o that_o man_n that_o be_v all_o for_o the_o present_a and_o nothing_o for_o the_o future_a all_o for_o summer_n nothing_o for_o winter_n here_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v whole_o for_o the_o body_n but_o not_o at_o all_o for_o the_o soul_n look_v into_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o picture_n of_o such_o a_o fool_n set_v out_o to_o the_o full_a by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n luk._n 12._o there_o be_v a_o rich_a man_n and_o therefore_o perhaps_o a_o wise_a man_n in_o his_o own_o and_o the_o world_n account_n yea_o he_o do_v not_o think_v to_o spend_v all_o his_o time_n in_o get_v but_o at_o last_o when_o he_o think_v he_o have_v enough_o he_o resolve_v to_o be_v merry_a with_o it_o and_o suck_v the_o sweet_a of_o it_o ver_fw-la 19_o he_o say_v unto_o his_o soul_n soul_n thou_o have_v good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n eat_v drink_n and_o be_v merry_a here_o be_v 1._o wit_n to_o get_v wealth_n 2._o wit_n to_o enjoy_v it_o and_o suck_v the_o sweet_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o mark_v what_o the_o lord_n opinion_n be_v of_o this_o man_n ver_fw-la 20._o but_o god_n say_v unto_o he_o thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o and_o then_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o the_o good_n which_o thou_o have_v provide_v where_o be_v his_o folly_n sure_o in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v spend_v all_o his_o time_n to_o get_v wealth_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o the_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o true_a and_o save_a grace_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v a_o most_o notorious_a fool_n in_o the_o lord_n account_n nay_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o such_o then_o as_o be_v so_o far_o from_o seek_v grace_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n that_o they_o do_v reject_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v and_o thrust_v it_o from_o they_o and_o do_v utter_o despise_v and_o hate_v it_o mark_v the_o condition_n of_o these_o man_n pro._n 13._o 13._o he_o that_o despise_v the_o word_n shall_v be_v destroy_v yea_o pro._n 29._o 1._o he_o that_o have_v be_v often_o reprove_v and_o yet_o harden_v his_o heart_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v destroy_v without_o remedy_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v far_o from_o salvation_n psalm_n 119._o 155._o salvation_n be_v far_o from_o the_o wicked_a why_o so_o for_o they_o regard_v not_o thy_o statute_n so_o that_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o the_o statute_n of_o god_n be_v far_o from_o salvation_n a_o woeful_a thing_n if_o it_o be_v but_o due_o consider_v oh_o the_o woeful_a estate_n of_o all_o such_o they_o do_v judge_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o everlasting_a life_n a_o strange_a
our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o a_o man_n may_v be_v assure_v he_o be_v god_n child_n why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o gold_n of_o his_o save_a grace_n be_v sincere_a and_o will_v not_o deceive_v he_o four_o redemption_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o redemption_n that_o even_o his_o soul_n be_v wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o christ_n redemption_n redemption_n job_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o redemption_n that_o christ_n be_v his_o live_a redeemer_n job_n 19_o 25._o for_o i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v stand_v at_o the_o late_a day_n upon_o the_o earth_n so_o paul_n be_v assure_v that_o christ_n be_v his_o redeemer_n and_o that_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o he_o in_o particular_a gal._n 2._o 20._o the_o life_n that_o i_o now_o live_v i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o a_o man_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o redemption_n much_o more_o that_o his_o grace_n be_v sincere_a etc._n etc._n five_o heaven_n a_o man_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o when_o he_o die_v he_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n see_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2._o cor._n 5._o 1._o we_o know_v that_o when_o this_o earthly_a house_n of_o our_o tabernacle_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o house_n of_o god_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n i._n e._n we_o know_v that_o when_o these_o body_n of_o we_o which_o be_v make_v of_o earth_n shall_v turn_v to_o dust_n the_o soul_n shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n to_o that_o place_n which_o christ_n have_v prepare_v for_o we_o so_o the_o apostle_n s_o john_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n we_o be_v as_o sure_o when_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n but_o how_o what_o by_o revelation_n no_o sure_a but_o because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n he_o that_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o love_v the_o brethren_n may_v be_v sure_a when_o he_o die_v he_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n much_o more_o that_o he_o have_v true_a grace_n six_o reason_n a_o man_n may_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n shall_v follow_v he_o day_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n and_o consequent_o of_o his_o continuance_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n much_o more_o that_o his_o grace_n be_v sound_a and_o sincere_a psal._n 23._o 6._o sure_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n shall_v follow_v i_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n he_o that_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o may_v be_v much_o more_o sure_a that_o the_o gold_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v not_o counterfeit_v and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o four_o perform_v and_o the_o last_o motive_n that_o may_v persuade_v we_o to_o this_o trial_n sc_n the_o comfort_n that_o will_v hereby_o redound_v unto_o our_o soul_n when_o the_o work_n be_v once_o thorough_o perform_v gal._n 6._o 4._o let_v every_o one_o prove_v his_o own_o work_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o then_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o sc_n that_o his_o grace_n be_v sincere_a and_o not_o in_o another_o a_o man_n that_o have_v have_v his_o gold_n call_v in_o question_n and_o yet_o prove_v sound_a and_o currant_n oh_o it_o fill_v he_o full_a of_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v let_v this_o persuade_v we_o to_o try_v our_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v partake_v of_o that_o joy_n and_o comfort_n which_o will_v hereby_o redound_v unto_o we_o which_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o a_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n a_o peace_n that_o pass_v all_o understanding_n phil._n 4._o 7._o let_v the_o expectation_n of_o this_o sweet_a fruit_n of_o joy_n which_o will_v accompany_v our_o endeavour_n this_o way_n make_v we_o fall_v to_o this_o work_n of_o search_v ourselves_o with_o all_o diligence_n o_o what_o a_o comfort_n to_o hezechiah_n in_o that_o extremity_n that_o he_o be_v assure_v and_o dare_v appeal_v to_o god_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v upright_o isaiah_n 38._o 3._o remember_v lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n so_o this_o also_o support_v job_n job_n 23._o 10._o he_o know_v the_o way_n that_o i_o take_v and_o when_o he_o have_v try_v i_o i_o shall_v come_v out_o like_o gold_n there_o be_v his_o comfort_n that_o his_o grace_n be_v of_o a_o right_n golden_a metal_n though_o his_o friend_n conceive_v otherwise_o of_o he_o and_o charge_v he_o deep_o with_o hypocrisy_n yet_o he_o know_v that_o god_n know_v his_o grace_n be_v sound_a and_o upright_o oh_o let_v we_o in_o time_n make_v the_o like_a search_n and_o trial_n of_o our_o grace_n that_o he_o do_v that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o like_a comfort_n and_o ground_n of_o rejoice_v that_o he_o have_v so_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n comfort_n at_o all_o time_n whatsoever_o befall_v he_o yet_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v true_o gracious_a 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n a_o man_n that_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v a_o heart_n full_a of_o true_a save_a grace_n will_v have_v more_o true_a comfort_n in_o it_o and_o more_o solid_a joy_n then_o if_o he_o have_v a_o great_a chest_n full_a of_o gold_n a_o heart_n full_a of_o grace_n will_v afford_v far_o more_o joy_n and_o comfort_n than_o a_o purse_n full_a of_o gold_n and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o motive_n that_o may_v persuade_v we_o to_o this_o trial_n and_o diligent_a examination_n whether_o our_o grace_n be_v sincere_a and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o now_o for_o the_o second_o general_a point_n grace_n that_o i_o propound_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o point_n sc_n the_o mark_v and_o sign_n of_o true_a grace_n they_o be_v indeed_o many_o but_o i_o will_v keep_v close_o to_o the_o metaphor_n which_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o give_v you_o some_o few_o for_o your_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n first_o condition_n true_a and_o pure_a gold_n gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n will_v show_v the_o lustre_n and_o brightness_n both_o in_o the_o fire_n and_o water_n so_o true_a grace_n will_v teach_v a_o man_n how_o to_o carry_v himself_o in_o every_o estate_n and_o condition_n here_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o paul_n grace_n golden_a paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n in_o all_o estate_n philippian_n 4._o 11._o i_o have_v learn_v in_o what_o estate_n soever_o i_o be_o therewith_o to_o be_v content_a both_o to_o be_v full_a and_o to_o be_v hungry_a to_o abound_v and_o to_o suffer_v need_n though_o it_o be_v a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v rather_o than_o to_o receive_v yet_o he_o that_o have_v true_a grace_n be_v skilful_a in_o both_o his_o face_n will_v shine_v in_o every_o condition_n he_o that_o have_v true_a grace_n will_v manifest_v it_o by_o his_o gracious_a carriage_n in_o every_o condition_n both_o in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n if_o he_o be_v rich_a he_o be_v bountiful_a and_o liberal_a he_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o lay_v up_o for_o himself_o a_o good_a foundation_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 17._o if_o he_o be_v poor_a he_o show_v his_o golden_a nature_n in_o another_o kind_n in_o humble_a submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a say_v golden_a ely_n 1_o sam._n 3._o 18._o in_o his_o patience_n and_o thankfulness_n he_o kiss_v the_o rod_n and_o thanks_n his_o father_n even_o for_o his_o love_n in_o correct_v he_o be_v like_o a_o well_o cut_v dye_n every_o way_n square_a which_o way_n soever_o you_o cast_v it_o cast_v it_o easy_o it_o will_v be_v square_a cast_v it_o violent_o it_o remain_v square_a still_o so_o will_v a_o gracious_a heart_n show_v its_o purity_n in_o all_o estate_n and_o condition_n look_v upon_o job_n in_o his_o twofold_a condition_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v he_o pure_a gold_n in_o both_o look_v upon_o his_o demeanour_n in_o the_o water_n of_o prosperity_n when_o he_o even_o swim_v in_o river_n of_o prosperity_n oh_o how_o bountiful_a be_v he_o how_o full_a of_o good_a work_n job_n 30._o chap._n 31._o by_o the_o lord_n own_o testimony_n a_o man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a none_o like_o he_o in_o all_o the_o earth_n job_n 1._o 1._o 7._o what_o a_o gracious_a testimony_n from_o god_n himself_o
rich_a and_o wealthy_a oh_o then_o in_o any_o case_n bless_v god_n for_o it_o and_o strive_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o such_o a_o precious_a favour_n i_o tell_v thou_o god_n have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o every_o person_n how_o many_o thousand_o have_v god_n leave_v poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o yet_o have_v set_v his_o love_n upon_o thou_o and_o make_v thou_o true_o and_o spiritual_o rich_a who_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o as_o poor_a and_o miserable_a as_o any_o other_o and_o indeed_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n on_o this_o kind_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o mention_v without_o special_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n see_v the_o apostolical_a practice_n of_o god_n people_n in_o this_o kind_n bless_v be_v god_n and_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n ephes._n 1._o 3._o see_v the_o like_a practice_n in_o peter_n to_o this_o purpose_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 3_o bless_a be_v god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n have_v beget_v we_o again_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o a_o inheritance_n immortal_a etc._n etc._n thus_o david_n psalm_n 103._o 1_o 2_o 4._o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o ver._n 4._o who_o do_v redeem_v thy_o life_n from_o destruction_n and_o crown_v thou_o with_o mercy_n and_o love_a kindness_n bless_a be_v god_n that_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o even_o lode_v we_o with_o his_o benefit_n especial_o of_o this_o kind_n psal._n 68_o 19_o if_o we_o do_v but_o serious_o consider_v our_o former_a poverty_n and_o misery_n and_o how_o free_o and_o undeserved_o the_o lord_n have_v bestow_v this_o spiritual_a wealth_n and_o riches_n upon_o we_o it_o can_v choose_v but_o press_v we_o to_o thankfulness_n this_o make_v paul_n thankful_a 1_o tim._n 1._o 13_o 14._o i_o thank_v christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n that_o he_o have_v judge_v i_o faithful_a and_o have_v put_v i_o into_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v before_o a_o blasphemer_n a_o persecutor_n and_o injurious_a etc._n etc._n i._n e._n i_o be_v a_o poor_a wretched_a and_o graceless_a persecutor_n of_o god_n bless_a saint_n but_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n have_v make_v i_o a_o rich_a and_o glorious_a apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ._n so_o in_o the_o like_a form_n and_o manner_n he_o make_v mention_n of_o god_n singular_a goodness_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 6._o 17._o but_o god_n be_v thank_v that_o you_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n but_o you_o have_v obey_v from_o the_o heart_n the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v etc._n etc._n bless_a be_v god_n that_o whereas_o once_o you_o be_v poor_a base_a slave_n and_o servant_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n god_n have_v enrich_v you_o with_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o raise_v up_o the_o poor_a out_o of_o the_o dust_n and_o set_v he_o with_o the_o prince_n of_o his_o people_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o make_v poor_a and_o make_v rich_a oh_o than_o bless_v god_n for_o his_o singular_a goodness_n towards_o thou_o in_o that_o he_o have_v so_o enrich_v thou_o with_o the_o golden_a merit_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o the_o excellent_a grace_n of_o his_o holy_a and_o bless_a spirit_n second_o grace_n see_v true_a save_a grace_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o only_o mean_v to_o make_v we_o true_o and_o spiritual_o rich_a this_o serve_v also_o to_o exhort_v all_o such_o as_o have_v any_o measure_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n to_o labour_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o endeavour_v to_o increase_v in_o this_o spiritual_a wealth_n and_o riches_n o_o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o rich_a miser_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v never_o satisfy_v with_o what_o they_o have_v but_o still_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o more_o here_o be_v a_o most_o lawful_a and_o commendable_a kind_n of_o avarice_n covet_v after_o the_o best_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 31._o covet_v after_o christ_n and_o earnest_o thirst_v after_o a_o more_o near_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o thrice_o bless_a spirit_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o so_o paul_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n 1_o thes._n 4._o 1._o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_z and_o exhort_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o as_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o we_o how_o you_o ought_v to_o walk_v and_o to_o please_v god_n so_o you_o will_v abound_v still_o more_o and_o more_o the_o like_a exhortation_n he_o direct_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 15._o last_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o know_v how_o that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n never_o think_v that_o you_o shall_v loose_v your_o labour_n in_o this_o kind_n up_o therefore_o and_o be_v do_v labour_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v with_o we_o and_o will_v bless_v our_o endeavour_n now_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o point_n give_v i_o leave_v brief_o to_o show_v unto_o you_o first_o the_o motive_n that_o may_v persuade_v we_o and_o second_o the_o chief_a mean_n to_o help_v and_o to_o direct_v we_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n first_o grace_n because_o god_n command_v it_o second_o because_o the_o lord_n commend_v it_o three_o the_o lord_n be_v much_o honour_v by_o it_o four_a the_o lord_n will_v most_o sure_o reward_v it_o first_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o grow_v rich_a in_o grace_n it_o and_o not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o some_o small_a measure_n of_o piety_n because_o the_o lord_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v do_v express_o require_v it_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o very_a bare_a command_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v unto_o we_o a_o argument_n of_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o obedience_n see_v how_o the_o lord_n propound_v his_o very_a â—are_a command_n to_o josuah_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o be_v of_o courage_n and_o to_o abandon_v all_o carnal_a fear_n jos._n 1._o 9_o have_v not_o i_o command_v thou_o be_v strong_a and_o of_o a_o good_a courage_n etc._n etc._n so_o here_o have_v not_o i_o command_v thou_o oh_o therefore_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o labour_n to_o increase_v in_o godliness_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n express_v command_v a_o evangelical_a precept_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o in_o any_o case_n make_v conscience_n of_o it_o because_o the_o lord_n require_v it_o second_o it_o because_o the_o lord_n himself_o expect_v it_o he_o look_v for_o it_o at_o our_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o get_v some_o grace_n but_o he_o expect_v our_o growth_n and_o increase_v in_o it_o when_o god_n have_v once_o plant_v a_o vineyard_n he_o look_v that_o it_o shall_v bring_v forth_o grape_n as_o isa._n 5._o 2._o yea_o he_o daily_o and_o yearly_a expect_v it_o luk._n 13._o 7._o yea_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v into_o his_o garden_n of_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v see_v how_o the_o tree_n flourish_v and_o prosper_v cant._n 6._o 10._o i_o go_v down_o into_o the_o garden_n of_o nut_n to_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o valley_n to_o see_v if_o the_o vine_n bud_v and_o the_o pomegranate_n flourish_v the_o lord_n expect_v and_o look_v for_o fruitfulness_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o people_n yea_o further_o the_o lord_n expect_v and_o look_v for_o fruit_n in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a to_o the_o mean_n he_o have_v use_v and_o the_o pain_n which_o he_o have_v take_v to_o make_v they_o fruitful_a heb._n 6._o 7._o the_o earth_n that_o drink_v in_o the_o rain_n that_o come_v often_o upon_o it_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v receive_v blessing_n from_o god_n oh_o let_v we_o therefore_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o be_v rich_a in_o grace_n and_o full_a of_o good_a work_n that_o we_o may_v not_o frustrate_v the_o lord_n expectation_n three_o it_o as_o the_o lord_n command_v and_o expect_v it_o so_o the_o lord_n do_v high_o commend_v and_o prize_v it_o when_o it_o be_v so_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n commend_v the_o diligence_n of_o those_o servant_n that_o have_v increase_v their_o talent_n by_o the_o holy_a employment_n of_o they_o luk._n 19_o 17._o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a
in_o a_o few_o thing_n i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o many_o thing_n etc._n etc._n oh_o what_o a_o encouragement_n in_o this_o sc_n that_o though_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v we_o do_v but_o our_o duty_n neither_o can_v we_o do_v that_o perfect_o yet_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n be_v ready_a to_o encourage_v and_o commend_v we_o if_o we_o do_v our_o best_a endeavour_n here_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o a_o right_a tree_n of_o righteousness_n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o flourish_v and_o increase_v still_o more_o and_o more_o psal._n 92._o 12_o 13._o the_o righteous_a shall_v flourish_v like_o a_o palm_n tree_n and_o grow_v like_o a_o cedar_n in_o lebanon_n such_o as_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v flourish_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n they_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o their_o age_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a here_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatyra_n revel_v 2._o 19_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o love_n and_o thy_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o thy_o work_n that_o they_o be_v more_o at_o last_o then_o at_o first_o thou_o do_v still_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o be_v every_o day_n better_o and_o better_o the_o lord_n take_v notice_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o do_v most_o high_o commend_v and_o prize_v it_o four_o as_o the_o lord_n commend_v it_o it_o so_o he_o be_v much_o honour_v by_o it_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o master_n of_o the_o vineyard_n that_o the_o vine_n flourish_v and_o be_v fruitful_a it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o husbandman_n that_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o abundance_n it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n when_o the_o sheep_n bring_v forth_o thousand_o and_o ten_o thousand_o hereupon_o be_v that_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n joh._n 15._o 8._o herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n the_o more_o fruitful_a we_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o piety_n the_o more_o glory_n redound_v to_o god_n mat._n 5._o 16._o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n hence_o be_v that_o prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 1._o 9_o 11._o and_o this_o i_o pray_v that_o your_o love_n may_v abound_v still_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n why_o so_o see_v that_o ver._n 11._o and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n oh_o this_o above_o all_o other_o consideration_n shall_v persuade_v we_o to_o labour_v to_o grow_v rich_a in_o grace_n because_o it_o tend_v so_o express_o to_o god_n glory_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o that_o which_o we_o shall_v aim_v at_o especial_o in_o all_o our_o proceed_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 31._o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o equity_n ply_v that_o work_n most_o that_o tend_v most_o to_o his_o glory_n five_o it_o the_o lord_n will_v most_o sure_o reward_v it_o let_v no_o man_n ever_o think_v that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n but_o if_o we_o be_v faithful_a in_o do_v god_n service_n let_v we_o never_o doubt_v of_o his_o fidelity_n and_o bounty_n in_o pay_v our_o wage_n always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o know_v how_o that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 15._o last_o he_o that_o be_v faithful_a in_o god_n service_n unto_o death_n may_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n revel_v 2._o 10._o god_n be_v absolute_o the_o best_a master_n and_o piety_n the_o best_a mistress_n that_o a_o man_n can_v possible_o serve_v godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o to_o come_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o let_v we_o but_o see_v the_o reward_n of_o piety_n in_o some_o few_o particular_n first_o election_n a_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o thrive_v in_o godliness_n will_v assure_v a_o man_n of_o his_o election_n it_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a no_o better_a mean_n to_o do_v it_o then_o by_o a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o careful_a endeavour_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n our_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v not_o only_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o grace_n but_o also_o a_o good_a pledge_n and_o token_n of_o our_o election_n faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o our_o eternal_a election_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o true_a save_a faith_n be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_v titus_n 1._o 1._o this_o shall_v make_v we_o earnest_o to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o disciple_n luk._n 17._o 5._o lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o pledge_n of_o our_o election_n for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v act_v 13._o 48._o holiness_n be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o our_o election_n we_o be_v choose_v in_o christ_n jesus_n before_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n before_o he_o in_o love_n ephes._n 1._o 4._o hence_o be_v that_o sweet_a and_o excellent_a parenthesis_n of_o the_o apostle_n col._n 3._o 12._o put_v upon_o you_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n holy_a and_o belove_v bowel_n of_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o more_o faith_n the_o more_o piety_n the_o more_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n the_o more_o evident_a pledge_n and_o token_n of_o our_o election_n oh_o how_o this_o shall_v persuade_v we_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v thereby_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a unto_o ourselves_o a_o admirable_a and_o most_o desirable_a benefit_n second_o other_o the_o rich_a we_o be_v in_o grace_n the_o better_a able_a shall_v we_o be_v to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o and_o also_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n belong_v to_o the_o place_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v we_o wisdom_n be_v good_a with_o a_o inheritance_n say_v solomon_n so_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v without_o a_o inheritance_n but_o yet_o he_o that_o have_v wisdom_n with_o a_o inheritance_n be_v the_o best_a able_a to_o express_v and_o make_v use_n of_o his_o wisdom_n so_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 17._o charge_v those_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n as_o if_o they_o have_v the_o best_a opportunity_n so_o much_o more_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_o rich_a that_o be_v full_a of_o the_o golden_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n they_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o be_v or_o may_v be_v the_o better_a fit_v and_o enable_v to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o this_o make_v our_o saviour_n himself_o so_o rich_a in_o good_a work_n so_o plentiful_a in_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n he_o go_v about_o continual_o do_v good_a teach_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o heal_v every_o sickness_n and_o every_o disease_n among_o the_o people_n mat._n 9_o 35._o and_o why_o so_o sure_o because_o he_o be_v full_a of_o grace_n joh._n 1._o 14._o this_o make_v barnabas_n such_o a_o admirable_a instrument_n of_o god_n glory_n in_o do_v so_o much_o good_a at_o antioch_n see_v how_o the_o text_n report_v it_o act_n 11._o 23._o who_o when_o he_o be_v come_v and_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o be_v glad_a and_o exhort_v they_o all_o that_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n why_o so_o what_o make_v he_o so_o zealous_a and_o ready_a to_o do_v good_a that_o you_o may_v see_v ver._n 24._o for_o he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o much_o people_n join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n he_o that_o be_v true_o and_o real_o good_a himself_o be_v the_o fit_a and_o best_a able_a to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o see_v here_o another_o benefit_n that_o may_v persuade_v we_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n three_o glory_n a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o careful_a endeavour_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n will_v give_v we_o not_o only_a entrance_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n but_o also_o assurance_n of_o interest_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n see_v a_o direct_a place_n
â—ave_n full_o preach_v the_o grapple_n of_o christ_n yea_o he_o be_v content_a to_o spend_v his_o dear_a life_n in_o this_o cause_n act_v 20._o 24._o my_o life_n be_v not_o dear_a unto_o i_o that_o i_o may_v finish_v my_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o fulfil_v the_o ministry_n that_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o testify_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o when_o he_o be_v preach_v upon_o occasion_n be_v to_o depart_v on_o the_o morrow_n he_o continue_v his_o speech_n until_o midnight_n say_v the_o text_n act_v 20._o 7._o hereupon_o also_o be_v that_o godly_a resolution_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n act_v 6._o 4._o a_o excellent_a pattern_n for_o all_o faithful_a minister_n and_o why_o all_o this_o but_o only_o to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n namely_o that_o of_o all_o other_o that_o be_v the_o best_a spend_v time_n that_o be_v spend_v in_o god_n service_n last_o saviour_n to_o this_o purpose_n observe_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n christ_n jesus_n it_o appear_v by_o his_o daily_a practice_n that_o he_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o he_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o preach_v pray_v and_o such_o like_a exercise_n of_o religion_n nay_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o real_a and_o exact_a practice_n of_o piety_n after_o he_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o his_o prophetical_a office_n see_v with_o what_o unwearied_a industry_n he_o proceed_v this_o way_n jesus_n go_v about_o teach_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o heal_v every_o sickness_n and_o every_o disease_n among_o the_o people_n say_v the_o evangelist_n matth._n 9_o 35._o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a continual_o this_o way_n see_v what_o he_o can_v say_v of_o himself_o i_o ever_o teach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n joh._n 18._o 20._o and_o again_o i_o sit_v daily_o with_o you_o teach_v in_o the_o temple_n mat._n 26._o 55._o yea_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v luk._n 6._o 12._o that_o he_o continue_v all_o night_n in_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o afterward_o upon_o occasion_n we_o read_v that_o he_o spend_v three_o whole_a day_n together_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v according_a to_o that_o we_o find_v mar._n 8._o 2._o i_o have_v compassion_n upon_o the_o multitude_n because_o they_o have_v now_o be_v with_o i_o three_o day_n etc._n etc._n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o the_o multitude_n have_v now_o be_v with_o our_o saviour_n 3_o day_n together_o to_o hear_v he_o preach_v 2._o they_o must_v needs_o spend_v some_o time_n also_o in_o go_v and_o come_v to_o this_o end_n 4._o that_o he_o have_v compassion_n upon_o they_o and_o will_v rather_o work_v a_o miracle_n in_o feed_v they_o then_o suffer_v they_o to_o faint_a by_o the_o way_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o appear_v evident_o that_o time_n spend_v in_o god_n service_n be_v absolute_o the_o best_a spend_v time_n chap._n ii_o contain_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v especial_o threefold_n reason_n 1._o in_o regard_n of_o god_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o 3._o in_o regard_n of_o other_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n god_n time_n spend_v in_o his_o service_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o best_a spend_v way_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v spend_v with_o he_o 2._o to_o he_o 3._o for_o he_o time_n spend_v in_o god_n service_n be_v the_o best_a spend_v god_n because_o it_o be_v spend_v with_o god_n we_o account_v that_o time_n well_o spend_v that_o be_v spend_v with_o our_o dear_a friend_n that_o time_n be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o now_o god_n be_v our_o best_a friend_n and_o therefore_o time_n spend_v with_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o best_a spend_v now_o that_o god_n be_v with_o his_o servant_n thus_o busy_v observe_v it_o matth._n 18._o 20._o for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o o_o happy_a company_n where_o câ—rist_n himself_o be_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d thus_o he_o encourage_v his_o disciple_n when_o he_o send_v they_o out_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n matth._n 28._o 20._o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n time_n spend_v in_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o best_a spend_v time_n but_o time_n spend_v in_o god_n service_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v say_v with_o david_n while_o he_o be_v so_o employ_v nevertheless_o i_o be_o continual_o with_o thou_o lord_n psal._n 7â—_n 23._o and_o therefore_o time_n spend_v in_o god_n service_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o best_a spend_v 2._o because_o time_n spend_v in_o god_n service_n be_v spend_v to_o god_n that_o be_v to_o his_o pleasure_n pleasure_n to_o his_o contentment_n he_o be_v marvellous_o delight_v with_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v say_v god_n jer._n 9_o 24._o and_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a place_n to_o this_o purpose_n heb._n 13._o 15_o 16._o by_o he_o let_v we_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n continual_o and_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v do_v not_o forget_v to_o spend_v your_o time_n in_o duty_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n for_o for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v time_n spend_v for_o god_n pleasure_n etc._n etc._n 3._o because_o time_n spend_v in_o god_n service_n be_v spend_v for_o god_n glory_n that_o be_v for_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o supreme_a end_n of_o all_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 31._o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v howsoever_o you_o spend_v your_o time_n do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n isa._n 43._o 7._o for_o my_o glory_n have_v i_o create_v he_o say_v the_o lord_n o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n and_o fall_v down_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lordour_n maker_n say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 95._o 6._o o_o let_v we_o employ_v our_o time_n so_o as_o may_v be_v most_o for_o god_n glory_n now_o time_n spend_v in_o holy_a duty_n in_o well_o do_v be_v spend_v to_o god_n glory_n herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n say_v our_o saviour_n the_o more_o fruitful_a we_o be_v in_o good_a duty_n the_o more_o glory_n redound_v to_o god_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n hence_o be_v that_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n â—ast_n 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glory_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o best_a spend_v time_n but_o so_o be_v all_o that_o time_n that_o be_v spend_v sincere_o in_o god_n service_n and_o therefore_o time_n spend_v in_o god_n service_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o best_a spend_v time_n thus_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n second_o consider_v it_o be_v the_o best_a in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o 2._o time_n spend_v in_o god_n service_n be_v the_o best_a spend_v time_n ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o 1._o it_o be_v most_o for_o our_o credit_n 2._o for_o our_o profit_n 3._o for_o our_o pleasure_n 4._o for_o our_o comfort_n in_o life_n and_o death_n 1._o time_n spend_v in_o god_n service_n be_v most_o for_o â—ur_n credit_n god_n will_v ever_o
impossible_a the_o further_a a_o man_n go_v out_o of_o his_o way_n the_o long_a journey_n he_o have_v to_o go_v at_o his_o return_n and_o than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o stay_v too_o long_o four_o last_o but_o admit_v that_o at_o last_o he_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o god_n and_o spend_v time_n in_o his_o service_n yet_o how_o just_a be_v it_o with_o god_n to_o reject_v he_o in_o that_o case_n what_o a_o base_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o spend_v all_o the_o best_a of_o his_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o then_o to_o begin_v to_o serve_v god_n when_o he_o be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o feed_v worm_n what_o will_v you_o think_v of_o that_o servant_n who_o you_o shall_v hire_v to_o serve_v you_o for_o a_o year_n and_o yet_o he_o never_o will_v do_v you_o day_n work_v until_o the_o last_o month_n or_o week_n or_o hour_n immediate_o before_o he_o shall_v receive_v his_o wage_n or_o what_o will_v you_o conceive_v of_o that_o soldier_n that_o shall_v spend_v all_o his_o youth_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o war_n against_o his_o king_n and_o sovereign_a and_o then_o offer_v his_o old_a age_n to_o his_o prince_n when_o he_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o carry_v his_o weapon_n here_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o all_o those_o that_o spend_v all_o the_o best_a of_o their_o health_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o offer_v their_o poor_a despicable_a old_a age_n to_o god_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o offer_v the_o lame_a and_o tear_v and_o the_o sick_a mal._n 1._o o_o how_o just_o may_v god_n reject_v we_o in_o that_o case_n consider_v that_o fearful_a place_n pro._n 1._o 28_o 29._o then_o shall_v they_o call_v but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o because_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n etc._n etc._n they_o that_o despise_v god_n service_n in_o their_o youth_n may_v just_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v despise_v they_o in_o their_o age_n 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shall_v be_v abundant_a in_o duty_n to_o he_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o oh_o for_o shame_n let_v we_o not_o be_v niggardly_o with_o he_o that_o be_v so_o bountiful_a to_o we_o he_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o say_v the_o apostle_n jam._n 1._o 6._o o_o let_v we_o be_v liberal_a in_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n see_v no_o time_n be_v so_o well_o spend_v as_o that_o which_o be_v spend_v in_o god_n service_n o_o let_v we_o therefore_o be_v cheerful_a and_o hearty_a in_o it_o now_o for_o remedy_n in_o this_o case_n 〈…〉_z let_v we_o consider_v these_o four_o particular_n first_o the_o more_o time_n we_o spend_v 〈…〉_z and_o the_o more_o pain_n we_o take_v in_o god_n service_n the_o more_o glory_n redound_v to_o god_n herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n say_v our_o saviour_n joh._n 15._o 8._o second_o 〈…〉_z the_o more_o pain_n we_o take_v and_o the_o more_o time_n we_o spend_v in_o god_n service_n the_o great_a reward_n be_v reserve_v for_o we_o for_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o patience_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n heb._n 6._o 10._o but_o will_v both_o sure_o and_o full_o reward_v it_o in_o the_o end_n these_o small_a pain_n of_o we_o which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n they_o cause_n unto_o we_o or_o work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_v and_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 17._o abundance_n of_o time_n sincere_o spend_v in_o god_n service_n will_v procure_v abundance_n of_o glory_n three_o the_o more_o time_n we_o spend_v in_o god_n service_n and_o the_o more_o pain_n we_o take_v still_o to_o get_v grace_n salvation_n the_o strong_a will_v be_v our_o assurance_n that_o when_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 6._o 22._o the_o more_o fruitful_a we_o be_v in_o holiness_n the_o fast_o we_o lay_v hold_v on_o eternal_a life_n hence_o be_v that_o excellent_a place_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o one_o grace_n unto_o another_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v spend_v much_o time_n in_o god_n service_n take_v much_o pain_n to_o abound_v in_o grace_n why_o so_o what_o be_v the_o apostle_n reason_n that_o you_o shall_v see_v vers_fw-la 11._o for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ._n loe_o here_o the_o excellent_a benefit_n of_o pain_n and_o diligence_n in_o god_n service_n this_o will_v fill_v a_o man_n full_a of_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v four_o and_o last_o hereby_o we_o shall_v bring_v credit_n to_o our_o profession_n profession_n and_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v our_o religion_n and_o do_v good_a to_o other_o mat._n 5._o 16._o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n say_v our_o saviour_n a_o good_a conversation_n prevail_v where_o the_o word_n sometime_o prevail_v not_o that_o if_o any_o obey_v not_o the_o word_n they_o may_v be_v win_v by_o the_o good_a conversation_n of_o the_o wife_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 1._o five_o go_n this_o serve_v to_o reprove_v such_o as_o spend_v more_o time_n in_o the_o devil_n service_n then_o in_o god_n yea_o and_o the_o number_n of_o these_o be_v exceed_o great_a that_o spend_v more_o time_n in_o swear_v in_o rail_v in_o drunkenness_n in_o wantonness_n etc._n etc._n then_o in_o hear_v or_o pray_v and_o such_o like_a exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o godliness_n nay_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o such_o as_o spend_v that_o very_a time_n in_o the_o devil_n service_n that_o be_v appoint_v for_o god_n service_n such_o as_o spend_v that_o very_a time_n in_o swear_v and_o game_n and_o drink_v drink_v in_o the_o alehouse_n which_o shall_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o god_n house_n when_o man_n be_v so_o weary_a of_o god_n service_n that_o they_o be_v even_o tire_v out_o with_o a_o hour_n or_o two_o spend_v therein_o and_o yet_o can_v without_o weariness_n spend_v twice_o as_o much_o in_o vicious_a course_n and_o not_o be_v weary_a oh_o fearful_a height_n of_o impiety_n that_o man_n shall_v take_v more_o delight_n in_o the_o devil_n service_n then_o in_o god_n yea_o that_o be_v so_o earnest_o bend_v upon_o it_o that_o they_o do_v even_o imagine_v mischief_n upon_o their_o bed_n that_o when_o the_o morning_n light_n be_v they_o may_v practice_v it_o mich._n 2._o 1._o yea_o some_o be_v so_o sharp_a set_v in_o this_o case_n that_o it_o do_v even_o break_v their_o sleep_n according_a to_o that_o in_o proverb_n 4._o 16._o they_o sleep_v not_o except_o they_o do_v evil_a and_o their_o sleep_n depart_v from_o they_o except_o they_o cause_v some_o to_o fall_v oh_o how_o foolish_o and_o desperate_o do_v such_o spend_v their_o time_n even_o in_o cut_v and_o wound_v and_o stab_v their_o soul_n and_o do_v daily_a treasure_n up_o to_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n rom._n 2._o 4_o 5._o now_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o branch_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o show_v you_o the_o remedy_n of_o this_o dangerous_a mischief_n and_o the_o help_n which_o we_o must_v use_v to_o this_o purpose_n preservative_n be_v principal_o these_o four_o 1._o consider_v wrath_n that_o all_o the_o while_o we_o spend_v our_o time_n
of_o age_n fly_v the_o lust_n of_o youth_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 22._o there_o be_v certain_a lust_n which_o man_n be_v most_o subject_a unto_o in_o time_n of_o youth_n yea_o these_o lust_n be_v noisome_a and_o dangerous_a and_o fight_v direct_o against_o the_o soul_n abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o fight_v against_o the_o soul_n say_v another_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 11._o these_o many_o time_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o best_a in_o time_n of_o age_n harken_v how_o holy_a david_n cry_v out_o psal._n 25._o 7._o remember_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o youth_n say_v that_o good_a man_n he_o know_v what_o a_o woeful_a case_n he_o shall_v be_v in_o if_o god_n shall_v call_v he_o to_o account_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n and_o yet_o doubtless_o he_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n even_o from_o his_o youth_n see_v what_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o psal._n 71._o 5._o thou_o be_v my_o hope_n o_o lord_n god_n thou_o be_v my_o trust_n even_o from_o my_o youth_n yea_o he_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n from_o his_o youth_n ver_fw-la 17._o yea_o mark_v what_o the_o lord_n himself_o say_v of_o he_o even_o in_o his_o youth_n 1_o sam._n 13._o 14._o the_o lord_n have_v seek_v he_o a_o man_n after_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n yet_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n so_o consider_v job_n by_o the_o lord_n own_o testimony_n a_o incomparable_a man_n a_o man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a yet_o see_v how_o he_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n job_n 13._o 26._o thou_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o i_o and_o make_v i_o to_o possess_v the_o sin_n of_o my_o youth_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v religious_a and_o merciful_a even_o in_o his_o youth_n see_v what_o he_o can_v speak_v of_o himself_o job_n 31._o 18._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a for_o from_o my_o youth_n he_o that_o be_v the_o fatherless_a be_v bring_v up_o with_o i_o as_o with_o a_o father_n and_o i_o have_v guide_v she_o that_o be_v the_o widow_n from_o my_o mother_n womb_n now_o mark_v it_o i_o pray_v you_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o youth_n thus_o bitter_a to_o such_o as_o david_n and_o job_n such_o godly_a person_n what_o will_v they_o then_o be_v to_o they_o that_o draw_v iniquity_n with_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o cart-rope_n they_o must_v needs_o feel_v and_o find_v one_o day_n that_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n and_o bitter_a to_o forsake_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o his_o fear_n be_v not_o in_o they_o in_o their_o youth_n as_o the_o lord_n himself_o speak_v jer._n 2._o 19_o they_o that_o have_v take_v great_a pain_n and_o toil_v and_o moil_v in_o their_o youth_n be_v apt_a to_o cry_v out_o of_o stitch_n and_o ache_n in_o their_o age_n this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o such_o as_o take_v great_a pain_n in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n in_o their_o youth_n they_o will_v cry_v out_o of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o it_o in_o their_o age_n as_o abner_n say_v to_o joab_n they_o will_v find_v it_o bitterness_n in_o the_o late_a end_n thus_o wise_a solomon_n dissuade_v the_o young_a man_n from_o whoredom_n pro._n 5._o 8._o come_v not_o nigh_o the_o door_n of_o her_o house_n why_o so_o 1._o lest_o thou_o give_v thy_o honour_n to_o other_o and_o thy_o year_n to_o the_o cruel_a thy_o credit_n go_v ver_fw-la 9_o yea_o and_o thy_o profit_n too_o lest_o stranger_n be_v fill_v with_o thy_o wealth_n and_o thy_o labour_n be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o stranger_n it_o will_v empty_v thy_o house_n of_o wealth_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o end_n it_o will_v be_v bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n ver_fw-la 11._o lest_o thou_o mourn_v at_o last_o and_o say_v how_o have_v i_o hate_a instruction_n &c_n &c_n i.e._n how_o have_v i_o mis-spend_v my_o precious_a time_n and_o neglect_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o my_o youth_n now_o the_o way_n and_o chief_a mean_n to_o prevent_v this_o be_v to_o set_v ourselves_o to_o serve_v god_n even_o in_o our_o youth_n for_o this_o will_v bring_v sweetness_n and_o comfort_n in_o time_n of_o age_n oh_o what_o a_o happiness_n when_o a_o man_n can_v say_v with_o paul_n act._n 23._o 1._o i_o have_v live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n unto_o this_o day_n or_o with_o the_o young_a man_n mark_n 10._o 20._o all_o this_o have_v i_o keep_v from_o my_o youth_n see_v the_o respect_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o he_o for_o this_o then_o jesus_n behold_v he_o love_v he_o he_o even_o love_v he_o in_o some_o sort_n for_o his_o external_a obedience_n how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o love_v they_o that_o true_o and_o sincere_o love_v and_o serve_v he_o ich._n 14._o 21._o 23._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o be_v he_o that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v belove_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v manifest_v myself_o to_o he_o yea_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o o_o happy_a company_n what_o great_a comfort_n it_o be_v heaven_n upon_o earth_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o bitter_a sin_n of_o youth_n we_o shall_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 1._o 3_o three_o etc._n time_n spend_v sincere_o in_o god_n service_n in_o our_o youth_n will_v make_v we_o constant_o religious_a in_o our_o age_n i_o know_v indeed_o that_o some_o that_o have_v seem_v saint_n in_o youth_n age_n have_v prove_v devil_n in_o their_o age_n as_o joash_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o do_v but_o seem_v so_o they_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 5._o but_o such_o as_o be_v true_o and_o sincere_o religious_a in_o youth_n will_v be_v constant_a in_o age_n that_o be_v the_o right_a property_n of_o a_o tree_n of_o righteousness_n psal._n 92._o that_o psalm_n for_o the_o sabbath_n day_n vers_fw-la 13._o 14._o they_o that_o be_v true_o plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v flourish_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n they_o shall_v still_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o their_o old_a age_n they_o shall_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o speech_n of_o solomon_n pro._n 22._o 6._o train_n up_o a_o child_n or_o catechise_v in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v go_v and_o when_o he_o be_v old_a he_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o loe_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n in_o youth_n he_o that_o spend_v time_n in_o god_n service_n in_o his_o youth_n will_v hardly_o neglect_v it_o in_o his_o age_n he_o that_o be_v a_o tymothy_n in_o his_o youth_n for_o the_o most_o part_n prove_v a_o mnaason_n a_o old_a disciple_n in_o his_o age_n act._n 21._o 26._o a_o heart_n season_v with_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n in_o a_o man_n youth_n will_v make_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o god_n when_o he_o be_v old_a solomon_n indeed_o fall_v foul_o and_o dangerous_o in_o his_o age_n but_o return_v to_o god_n by_o repentance_n at_o last_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n yea_o see_v what_o warrant_v we_o have_v to_o think_v thus_o jer._n 32._o 40._o and_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o depart_v from_o i_o he_o that_o once_o true_o fear_v god_n depart_v not_o from_o he_o four_o hereafter_o the_o more_o time_n we_o spend_v and_o the_o more_o pain_n we_o take_v in_o god_n service_n in_o our_o youth_n the_o more_o comfort_n shall_v we_o have_v for_o the_o present_a and_o the_o more_o glory_n hereafter_o this_o add_v still_o more_o weight_n and_o massiness_n to_o our_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n the_o small_a pain_n that_o we_o take_v in_o god_n service_n though_o in_o comparison_n they_o be_v but_o as_o for_o a_o moment_n yet_o work_v unto_o we_o a_o eternal_a and_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 17._o o_o how_o this_o shall_v persuade_v we_o to_o begin_v betimes_o the_o soon_o we_o begin_v to_o spend_v time_n in_o god_n service_n the_o more_o time_n shall_v we_o spend_v in_o it_o and_o reap_v the_o more_o glory_n hereafter_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n the_o more_o talent_n we_o have_v and_o the_o better_a we_o employ_v they_o the_o more_o glory_n in_o heaven_n see_v what_o be_v say_v to_o he_o that_o have_v five_o talent_n well_o improve_v luk._n 19_o 17._o well_o do_v thou_o good_a
the_o stall_n ver._n 6._o that_o drink_n wine_n in_o bowl_n etc._n etc._n but_o be_v not_o grieve_v for_o the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n isa._n 5._o 11._o ver_fw-la 12._o woe_n to_o they_o that_o rise_v up_o early_o to_o follow_v strong_a drink_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o tabret_n and_o the_o pipe_n be_v in_o their_o feast_n but_o they_o regard_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o hand_n where_o we_o see_v that_o time_n spend_v in_o inordinate_a and_o excessive_a feast_n and_o time_n spend_v in_o god_n service_n can_v well_o stand_v together_o it_o be_v a_o great_a let_v and_o impediment_n in_o this_o case_n this_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o make_v the_o rich_a man_n that_o he_o can_v find_v no_o time_n for_o god_n service_n nor_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o soul_n luk._n 16._o 19_o because_o as_o he_o be_v clothe_v with_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n so_o he_o fare_v delicious_o every_o day_n say_v the_o text._n every_o day_n be_v a_o day_n of_o feast_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o time_n leave_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n they_o feed_v the_o body_n but_o starve_v and_o pine_v the_o soul_n therefore_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n to_o spend_v less_o time_n in_o feast_v it_o that_o we_o may_v spend_v more_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o consider_v these_o five_o remedy_n first_o creature_n immoderate_a feast_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o without_o the_o abuse_n of_o god_n good_a creature_n and_o so_o we_o fight_v against_o god_n and_o strike_v he_o with_o those_o blessing_n which_o he_o have_v gracious_o give_v we_o for_o our_o delight_n yea_o hereby_o we_o commit_v idolatry_n in_o make_v our_o belly_n our_o god_n phil._n 3._o 19_o second_o unquietness_n seldom_o without_o brabble_n and_o quarrel_n many_o time_n between_o person_n of_o near_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o great_a feast_n make_v by_o ahashuerus_n that_o last_v so_o long_o what_o be_v the_o event_n of_o it_o but_o a_o woeful_a breach_n between_o he_o and_o his_o wife_n hest._n 1._o 19_o three_o 〈…〉_z a_o man_n in_o that_o case_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o deny_v god_n this_o make_v agur_n pray_v against_o wealth_n and_o riches_n give_v i_o not_o poverty_n nor_o riches_n say_v the_o text_n pro._n 30._o 8._o and_o theâ—_n see_v the_o reason_n that_o he_o give_v for_o it_o ver._n 9_o lest_o i_o be_v full_a and_o deny_v thou_o and_o say_v who_o be_v the_o lord_n thus_o full-fed_a pharaoh_n cry_v out_o exod._n 5._o 3._o who_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o shall_v obey_v his_o voice_n to_o let_v israel_n go_v i_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n neither_o will_v i_o let_v israel_n go_v excessive_a fullness_n will_v make_v a_o man_n even_o to_o kick_v against_o god_n jesurun_n be_v wax_v fat_a and_o kick_v say_v the_o text_n deut_n 32._o 15._o thou_o be_v cover_v with_o fatness_n then_o he_o forsake_v god_n that_o make_v he_o and_o light_o esteem_v the_o rock_n of_o his_o salvation_n loe_o the_o fruit_n of_o excessive_a fullness_n yea_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o sodom_n idleness_n and_o fullness_n of_o bread_n make_v they_o so_o intolerable_o filthy_a that_o they_o fall_v to_o that_o uncleanness_n which_o be_v unnatural_a as_o the_o prophet_n show_v ezeck_n 16._o 49._o four_o god_n this_o excessive_a use_n or_o rather_o abuse_v of_o god_n creature_n be_v great_a mean_n to_o make_v we_o forget_v god_n true_a it_o be_v that_o even_o then_o we_o have_v most_o cause_n to_o remember_v he_o with_o all_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n but_o such_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o even_o then_o above_o all_o other_o time_n we_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o forget_v he_o according_a to_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o by_o moses_n deut._n 8._o 11_o 12._o when_o thou_o have_v eat_v and_o be_v full_a than_o thou_o shall_v bless_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n for_o the_o good_a land_n that_o he_o have_v give_v thou_o there_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o fullness_n and_o plenty_n but_o what_o follow_v ver._n 12._o beware_v that_o thou_o forget_v not_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o ver._n 13_o 14._o lest_o when_o thou_o have_v eat_v and_o be_v full_a etc._n etc._n then_o they_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o and_o thou_o forget_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o dangerous_a mischief_n indeed_o psal._n 9_o 17._o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n and_o all_o that_o forget_v god_n o_o consider_v this_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n and_o feast_v yourselves_o without_o fear_n lest_o he_o tear_v you_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v you_o when_o i_o feed_v they_o to_o the_o full_a they_o then_o commit_v adultery_n against_o i_o and_o assemble_v themselves_o by_o troop_n in_o the_o harlot_n house_n jere._n 5._o 7._o five_o not_o the_o more_o that_o we_o have_v mis-spend_v our_o time_n in_o feast_v and_o carnal_a pleasure_n the_o more_o torment_n we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v hereafter_o all_o such_o immoderate_a carnal_a pleasure_n end_v in_o torment_n without_o repentance_n what_o become_v of_o he_o that_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v delicious_o every_o day_n luk._n 16._o 19_o what_o be_v the_o next_o news_n we_o hear_v of_o this_o belly-god_n this_o mirth-mung_a the_o rich_a man_n die_v and_o be_v bury_v and_o in_o hell_n he_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n be_v in_o torment_n and_o see_v abraham_n afar_o off_o and_o lazarus_n in_o his_o bosom_n ver_fw-la 23._o yea_o and_o see_v there_o what_o abraham_n especial_o object_v against_o he_o ver._n 25._o son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o he_o be_v comfort_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v see_v a_o direct_a testimony_n concern_v the_o woeful_a estate_n of_o such_o phil._n 3._o 18_o 19_o for_o many_o walk_n of_o who_o i_o tell_v you_o often_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o end_n be_v destruction_n well_o what_o be_v their_o course_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n who_o glory_n be_v their_o shame_n who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n see_v here_o the_o end_n of_o excessive_a feast_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o four_o impediment_n and_o the_o remedy_n against_o it_o five_o let_v or_o impediment_n dangerous_a that_o keep_v man_n from_o spend_v time_n in_o god_n service_n be_v the_o inordinate_a pursuit_n and_o excessive_a use_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n vain_a mirth_n and_o merriment_n this_o do_v follow_v to_o be_v handle_v after_o the_o former_a as_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o it_o exod._n 32._o 6._o the_o people_n sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v and_o they_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v so_o in_o isaiahs_n time_n this_o be_v a_o adjunct_n of_o their_o feast_n isaiah_n 5._o 12._o the_o harp_n and_o the_o viol_n the_o tabret_n and_o pipe_n be_v in_o their_o feast_n therefore_o they_o have_v no_o time_n to_o serve_v god_n therefore_o it_o follow_v but_o they_o regard_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n certain_o these_o vain_a pleasure_n if_o eager_o follow_v will_v do_v we_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o hurt_n in_o usurp_v a_o great_a part_n of_o precious_a time_n which_o be_v better_o spend_v in_o god_n service_n recreation_n if_o moderate_o use_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o refresh_a but_o if_o inordinate_a they_o spoil_v all_o as_o it_o be_v fit_o say_v of_o fire_n and_o water_n that_o they_o be_v very_o good_a servant_n but_o evil_a master_n fire_n on_o the_o hearth_n be_v useful_a but_o in_o the_o thatch_n of_o the_o house_n fatal_a and_o dangerous_a so_o pleasure_n and_o recreation_n be_v very_o convenient_a if_o use_v moderate_o but_o very_o hurtful_a if_o they_o be_v abuse_v by_o excess_n yea_o even_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a pleasure_n that_o can_v be_v be_v very_o hurtful_a if_o follow_v immoderate_o as_o the_o best_a wine_n make_v the_o sharp_a and_o the_o quick_a vinegar_n to_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o of_o god_n 2._o tim._n 3._o 4._o or_o to_o spend_v that_o time_n in_o pleasure_n which_o we_o shall_v spend_v in_o god_n service_n will_v poison_v the_o most_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n now_o the_o remedy_n that_o we_o must_v use_v against_o remedy_n this_o great_a usurper_n of_o precious_a time_n be_v principal_o these_o 1._o let_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n lawful_a be_v just_a and_o lawful_a to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o sin_v against_o god_n it_o be_v a_o sport_n for_o