convenient_a and_o comfortable_a and_o consequent_o he_o that_o torment_v himself_o about_o the_o get_n of_o these_o thing_n contradict_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o design_n because_o he_o make_v his_o life_n miserable_a that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o comfortable_a 3._o the_o sin_n of_o covetousness_n in_o get_v consist_v in_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o thing_n infinite_o better_a and_o which_o be_v of_o far_o great_a and_o near_a concernment_n to_o we_o he_o be_v a_o covetous_a man_n who_o so_o mind_v the_o world_n as_o to_o neglect_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n who_o be_v so_o busy_a and_o intent_n upon_o make_v provision_n for_o this_o life_n as_o to_o take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o other_o so_o concern_v for_o the_o few_o day_n of_o his_o pilgrimage_n here_o as_o to_o have_v no_o consideration_n and_o regard_n for_o his_o eternal_a abide_v in_o another_o world_n god_n allow_v we_o to_o provide_v for_o this_o life_n and_o consider_v the_o necessity_n which_o do_v continual_o press_v we_o while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n but_o while_o we_o be_v make_v provision_n for_o these_o die_a body_n he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v remember_v that_o we_o have_v immortal_a soul_n which_o since_o they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o endless_a duration_n in_o another_o world_n aught_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o with_o far_o great_a care_n it_o be_v a_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o riches_n when_o man_n so_o lay_v out_o all_o their_o care_n and_o industry_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o as_o if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v as_o if_o no_o consideration_n at_o all_o be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o another_o world_n and_o of_o that_o better_a part_n of_o ourselves_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v and_o live_v for_o ever_o all_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n after_o riches_n which_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o allow_v man_n neither_o the_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n nor_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o love_n god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o this_o sin_n of_o covetousness_n which_o be_v here_o condemn_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text._n 3._o there_o be_v covetousness_n likewise_o in_o possess_v or_o use_v a_o estate_n and_o this_o consist_v chief_o in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o when_o man_n be_v sordid_a towards_o themselves_o and_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o use_v and_o enjoy_v what_o they_o possess_v be_v continual_o add_v to_o their_o estate_n without_o any_o design_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o take_v infinite_a pain_n to_o raise_v a_o huge_a fortune_n not_o that_o they_o may_v use_v it_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v it_o this_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o covetousness_n even_o beyond_o that_o of_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n after_o the_o text_n for_o he_o it_o seem_v after_o he_o have_v enlarge_v his_o barn_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o lay_v up_o good_n for_o many_o year_n design_v at_o last_o to_o have_v take_v his_o ease_n and_o have_v fall_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o he_o have_v get_v to_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o to_o have_v be_v merry_a and_o this_o though_o it_o prove_v but_o a_o foolish_a design_n in_o the_o issue_n he_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o that_o very_a instant_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o the_o point_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o enjoyment_n yet_o be_v it_o infinite_o more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n with_o a_o full_a resolution_n never_o to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o second_o man_n be_v covetous_a in_o keep_v a_o estate_n when_o they_o do_v not_o use_v it_o charitable_o when_o they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o spare_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o abundance_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o want_n though_o a_o man_n get_v a_o estate_n without_o covetousness_n and_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o enjoy_v it_o yet_o so_o far_o he_o be_v covetous_a as_o he_o be_v uncharitable_a he_o love_v money_n more_o than_o he_o ought_v who_o have_v enough_o to_o spare_v choose_v rather_o to_o keep_v it_o than_o to_o do_v good_a with_o it_o and_o to_o use_v it_o to_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o god_n give_v a_o estate_n three_o they_o likewise_o be_v covetous_a who_o place_n their_o chief_a trust_n and_o happiness_n in_o riches_n who_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v job_n 31._o 24._o make_v gold_n their_o hope_n and_o say_v to_o the_o fine_a gold_n thou_o be_v my_o confidence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o covetousness_n be_v so_o often_o in_o scripture_n call_v idolatry_n because_o the_o covetous_a man_n set_v up_o his_o riches_n in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n put_v his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o they_o and_o set_v his_o whole_a heart_n upon_o they_o love_v they_o as_o he_o shall_v love_v god_n only_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o strength_n and_o therefore_o mammon_n which_o signify_v riches_n be_v in_o scripture_n represent_v as_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o covetous_a man_n as_o a_o servant_n or_o worshipper_n of_o mammon_n so_o that_o in_o scripture_n he_o be_v a_o covetous_a man_n who_o place_v his_o chief_a felicity_n in_o a_o great_a fortune_n and_o will_v venture_v to_o lose_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o to_o part_v with_o that_o who_o will_v quit_v his_o religion_n and_o violate_v his_o conscience_n and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o his_o soul_n rather_o than_o forfeit_v his_o estate_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o advance_v it_o to_o his_o mind_n and_o this_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o difficulty_n be_v the_o great_a temptation_n to_o which_o the_o covetous_a man_n be_v expose_v when_o a_o man_n may_v not_o only_o save_v himself_o but_o get_v considerable_a advantage_n by_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o change_v his_o religigion_n may_v have_v a_o good_a sum_n of_o money_n to_o boot_v or_o which_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o a_o good_a place_n this_o to_o a_o covetous_a mind_n be_v a_o very_a strong_a temptation_n and_o almost_o irresistible_a when_o error_n and_o delusion_n can_v bid_v so_o high_a and_o offer_v so_o good_a term_n no_o wonder_n if_o it_o gain_v some_o proselyte_n among_o the_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a part_n of_o mankind_n this_o the_o apostle_n give_v warning_n of_o as_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o rich_a man_n in_o time_n of_o suffer_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v lust_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o sad_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n who_o choose_v rather_o to_o leave_v christ_n than_o to_o part_v with_o his_o great_a possession_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v demas_n who_o forsake_v the_o apostle_n and_o christianity_n itself_o to_o cleave_v to_o this_o present_a world_n thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n which_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n caution_n man_n so_o earnest_o against_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o vice_n but_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o luke_n xii_o 15._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v i_o have_v make_v entrance_n into_o a_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n observable_a first_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o caution_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o caution_n or_o the_o sin_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o warn_v his_o hearer_n against_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n and_o three_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o caution_n because_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v in_o discourse_v of_o the_o second_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o matter_n of_o the_o caution_n i_o propose_v 1._o to_o consider_v wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n do_v consist_v 2._o to_o show_v the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v dispatch_v and_o now_o go_v on_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n to_o show_v the_o great_a evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n now_o covetousness_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v
very_o evil_a and_o unreasonable_a upon_o these_o follow_a account_n i._o because_o it_o take_v man_n off_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n ii_o because_o it_o tempt_v man_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o religion_n and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o iii_o because_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o insatiable_a desire_n iv._o because_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a life_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o riches_n v._o because_o riches_n do_v very_o often_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o misery_n and_o infelicity_n of_o men._n first_o covetousness_n take_v man_n off_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o covetous_a man_n be_v whole_o intent_n upon_o this_o world_n and_o his_o inordinate_a desire_n after_o these_o thing_n make_v he_o to_o neglect_n god_n and_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o employ_v all_o his_o time_n and_o care_n and_o thought_n about_o these_o temporal_a thing_n and_o his_o vehement_a love_n and_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o these_o thing_n steal_v away_o his_o heart_n from_o god_n rob_v he_o of_o his_o time_n and_o of_o all_o opportunity_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o divert_v he_o from_o all_o serious_a thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v mat._n 6._o 24._o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n for_o either_o he_o will_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_v the_o other_o or_o else_o he_o will_v hold_v to_o the_o one_o and_o despise_v the_o other_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n so_o different_a as_o god_n and_o the_o world_n be_v because_o they_o will_v give_v cross_a command_n and_o enjoin_v contrary_a thing_n god_n he_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o mind_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n to_o have_v a_o serious_a regard_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o diligent_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o importunity_n of_o business_n and_o a_o eager_a appetite_n of_o be_v rich_a call_v we_o off_o from_o these_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a employment_n or_o disturb_v we_o in_o they_o god_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v charitable_a to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o distribute_v and_o ready_a to_o communicate_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brethren_n but_o our_o covetousness_n pull_v we_o back_o and_o hale_v we_o another_o way_n and_o check_v all_o merciful_a and_o charitable_a inclination_n in_o we_o god_n call_v we_o to_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n and_o command_v we_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o worldly_a consideration_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o world_n inspire_v we_o with_o other_o thought_n and_o whisper_v to_o we_o to_o save_v ourselves_o not_o to_o be_v righteous_a over_o much_o and_o rather_o to_o trust_v god_n with_o our_o soul_n than_o man_n with_o our_o body_n and_o estate_n if_o we_o set_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n strong_o upon_o any_o thing_n they_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o object_n which_o they_o be_v conversant_a about_o for_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v as_o our_o lord_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o if_o a_o great_a estate_n be_v our_o chief_a end_n and_o design_n if_o riches_n be_v our_o treasure_n and_o our_o happiness_n our_o heart_n will_v be_v find_v among_o the_o stuff_n we_o can_v bestow_v our_o affection_n free_o upon_o two_o object_n we_o can_v intense_o love_v god_n and_o the_o world_n for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v two_o ultimate_a end_n two_o principal_a design_n our_o riches_n may_v increase_v but_o if_o we_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o and_o give_v they_o the_o chief_a place_n in_o our_o affection_n we_o make_v they_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n whatever_o we_o make_v our_o ultimate_a end_n we_o give_v it_o a_o sovereignty_n and_o empire_n over_o we_o we_o put_v ourselves_o under_o its_o dominion_n and_o make_v ourselves_o subject_a to_o all_o its_o command_n so_o that_o if_o it_o bid_v we_o go_v we_o must_v go_v come_v we_o must_v come_v do_v this_o we_o must_v do_v it_o because_o we_o be_v under_o authority_n the_o world_n be_v our_o master_n and_o we_o be_v its_o slave_n now_o he_o that_o be_v under_o the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n of_o this_o master_n must_v withdraw_v his_o obedience_n from_o god_n and_o in_o many_o case_n decline_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n this_o worldly_a covetous_a disposition_n be_v that_o which_o make_v those_o in_o the_o parable_n to_o make_v so_o many_o excuse_n when_o they_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o supper_n luke_n 14._o 18._o one_o have_v buy_v a_o farm_n and_o he_o can_v not_o come_v another_o have_v buy_v so_o many_o yoke_n of_o ox_n and_o therefore_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v riches_n do_v so_o fill_v the_o covetous_a man_n heart_n and_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n so_o possess_v his_o mind_n that_o he_o have_v no_o room_n leave_v in_o his_o soul_n for_o any_o other_o guest_n intus_fw-la existens_fw-la prohibet_fw-la alienum_fw-la that_o which_o be_v full_a already_o can_v receive_v no_o more_o the_o covetous_a man_n heart_n be_v take_v up_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o keep_v out_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o better_a thing_n if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o this_o degree_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a mat._n 13._o 7._o our_o saviour_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n which_o choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o thorn_n which_o spring_v up_o among_o the_o seed_n and_o stifle_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o take_v deep_a root_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o have_v any_o permanent_a effect_n upon_o they_o and_o ezek._n 33._o 31._o god_n give_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o prophet_n because_o their_o heart_n be_v upon_o the_o world_n they_o come_v unto_o thou_o say_v god_n there_o to_o the_o prophet_n as_o the_o people_n come_v and_o they_o sit_v before_o thou_o as_o my_o people_n and_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o for_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n a_o heart_n that_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n will_v stand_v out_o against_o all_o the_o invitation_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n invite_v such_o person_n it_o be_v like_o make_v love_n to_o those_o who_o have_v already_o fix_v their_o heart_n and_o affection_n elsewhere_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n signify_v but_o very_o little_a to_o such_o man_n because_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o worldly_a thing_n and_o all_o their_o affection_n be_v bend_v that_o way_n all_o their_o hope_n and_o desire_n be_v worldly_a to_o be_v rich_a and_o abound_v in_o wealth_n and_o all_o their_o fear_n be_v of_o poverty_n and_o loss_n now_o such_o a_o man_n can_v only_o be_v move_v with_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o temporal_a thing_n for_o no_o promise_n have_v any_o effect_n upon_o we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o some_o good_a which_o we_o care_v for_o and_o value_n nor_o be_v any_o threaten_n apt_a to_o move_v we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o some_o evil_n which_o we_o dread_v and_o be_v afraid_a of_o and_o therefore_o when_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o world_n be_v offer_v to_o a_o worldly-minded_n man_n he_o do_v not_o desire_v it_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o sensible_a of_o the_o value_n of_o itâ—_n the_o man_n heart_n be_v full_a already_o of_o other_o hope_n and_o desire_n and_o the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o hony-comb_n promise_v to_o such_o a_o man_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o eternity_n this_o do_v not_o signify_v to_o such_o a_o man_n any_o good_a or_o happiness_n that_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o or_o know_v how_o to_o relish_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n threaten_v he_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o god_n and_o a_o eternal_a separation_n from_o that_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n and_o with_o the_o unspeakable_a anguish_n and_o torment_n of_o a_o long_a eternity_n these_o thing_n though_o they_o be_v terrible_a yet_o they_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o the_o covetous_a man_n be_v enure_v to_o sense_n and_o be_v only_o to_o be_v move_v with_o thing_n present_a and_o
government_n of_o religion_n and_o direct_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o continual_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o we_o shall_v take_v as_o much_o pain_n and_o be_v as_o hearty_o concern_v to_o be_v good_a man_n as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o grow_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o this_o world_n nay_o so_o much_o more_o by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v a_o better_a and_o noble_a design_n to_o improve_v in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n than_o to_o prosper_v and_o thrive_v in_o our_o temporal_a estate_n and_o we_o do_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n if_o this_o be_v not_o our_o great_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o subdue_v our_o lust_n and_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o reform_v whatever_o be_v amiss_o in_o the_o inward_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o in_o our_o outward_a conversation_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o do_v require_v great_a diligence_n and_o attention_n and_o care_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o become_v true_o and_o thorough_o good_a to_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o patient_a and_o content_v and_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o condition_n to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o placable_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v these_o be_v great_a and_o difficult_a thing_n and_o whatever_o we_o think_v not_o the_o work_n of_o a_o wish_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o sudden_a resolution_n before_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n no_o nor_o the_o fruit_n of_o frequent_a and_o â—ervent_a prayer_n without_o the_o hearty_a concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o care_n and_o endeavour_n to_o render_v our_o life_n such_o as_o we_o pray_v god_n by_o his_o grace_n to_o assist_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o be_v three_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n do_v further_a imply_v zeal_n and_o earnestness_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o design_n and_o this_o be_v a_o degree_n above_o diligence_n for_o zeal_n be_v a_o ardour_n and_o fervency_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o a_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o be_v great_o concern_v and_o which_o we_o vehement_o desire_v to_o obtain_v it_o be_v the_o hot_a and_o most_o intense_a degree_n of_o our_o affection_n towards_o any_o thing_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o love_n mix_v with_o anger_n at_o every_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o our_o way_n and_o hinder_v we_o from_o obtain_v what_o we_o seek_v after_o such_o a_o heat_n as_o ambition_n do_v common_o inspire_v man_n withal_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o power_n and_o preferment_n such_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o edge_n of_o our_o spirit_n in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o do_v usual_o possess_v man_n in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v a_o kingdom_n which_o we_o seek_v for_o and_o aspire_v after_o not_o like_o the_o unstable_a and_o totter_a kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n but_o a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o so_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o design_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o what_o we_o seek_v after_o will_v justify_v and_o warrant_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o discreet_a zeal_n and_o fervour_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o matter_n use_v word_n that_o import_v the_o great_a vehemency_n and_o earnestness_n bid_v we_o to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n to_o labour_v and_o watch_v to_o run_v and_o wrestle_v and_o fight_v and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a last_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n do_v imply_v patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o our_o endeavour_n after_o they_o and_o that_o we_o never_o cease_v our_o pursuit_n of_o they_o till_o we_o have_v obtain_v they_o and_o this_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n the_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o this_o we_o must_v expect_v and_o reckon_v upon_o beforehand_o to_o encounter_v many_o difficulty_n and_o find_v many_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n for_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n as_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o nay_o we_o must_v count_v to_o be_v grievous_o persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o if_o god_n see_v it_o good_a for_o we_o to_o pass_v through_o many_o tribulation_n before_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o patience_n and_o a_o very_a firm_a and_o obstinate_a resolution_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o bear_v up_o and_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o all_o these_o for_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o our_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n so_o our_o lord_n have_v tell_v we_o mat._n 10._o 22._o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v if_o we_o hope_v to_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n we_o must_v be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n rev._n 2._o 10._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n declare_v rom._n 2._o 7._o that_o they_o only_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a life_n who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n you_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v thâ—_n kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n it_o remain_v brief_o to_o be_v show_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v these_o first_o seek_v you_o fâ—rst_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v let_v this_o be_v your_o main_a and_o principal_a design_n so_o as_o to_o take_v place_n of_o all_o other_o in_o your_o esteem_n and_o affection_n in_o your_o aim_n and_o endeavour_v in_o comparison_n of_o this_o mind_n nothing_o else_o not_o the_o comfort_n and_o conveniency_n no_o not_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v and_o what_o you_o shall_v drink_v and_o wherewithal_o you_o shall_v be_v clothe_v these_o you_o see_v our_o saviour_n instance_v in_o before_o the_o text_n as_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o take_v care_n of_o when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o elsewhere_o that_o not_o only_o none_o of_o the_o comfort_n and_o necessary_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v value_v against_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n but_o that_o even_o this_o temporal_a life_n itself_o as_o dear_a as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v part_v withal_o and_o give_v up_o rather_o than_o to_o quit_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n mat._n 10._o 37._o 38._o he_o that_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v son_n or_o daughter_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o he_o instance_v in_o the_o near_a relation_n those_o towards_o who_o we_o have_v the_o most_o tender_a and_o relent_a affection_n and_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n of_o these_o nay_o even_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o so_o it_o follow_v and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o st._n luke_n express_v it_o more_o strong_o and_o vehement_o luke_n 14._o 26._o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o that_o be_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o my_o religigion_n and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n when_o these_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o be_v to_o regard_v and_o value_v they_o no_o more_o than_o if_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o hatred_n but_o to_o set_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o affection_n to_o they_o so_o far_o as_o it_o will_v tempt_v we_o from_o constancy_n in_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n bid_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n his_o meaning_n be_v thaâ—_n religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o they_o in_o another_o world_n shall_v be_v our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n and_o that_o all_o
nor_o use_v any_o industry_n about_o they_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o your_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v neither_o for_o the_o body_n what_o you_o shall_v put_v on_o now_o to_o avoid_v all_o inconvenience_n from_o our_o saviour_n word_n i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v common_o say_v by_o interpreter_n that_o he_o do_v here_o only_o condemn_v a_o distrustful_a and_o anxious_a care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o a_o over-solicitous_a industry_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o but_o that_o he_o allow_v a_o prudent_a care_n and_o regular_a industry_n about_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v very_o well_o say_v if_o it_o will_v agree_v with_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n but_o the_o instance_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n which_o be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o without_o any_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o they_o and_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o set_v before_o we_o for_o a_o pattern_n behold_v say_v he_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n i_o say_v these_o instance_n which_o he_o give_v seem_v to_o exclude_v even_o all_o regular_a and_o ordinary_a care_n and_o diligence_n about_o these_o thing_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v by_o his_o religion_n to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o all_o labour_n and_o industry_n in_o their_o calling_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o indeed_o so_o it_o certain_o be_v if_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v this_o for_o a_o stand_n and_o ordinary_a rule_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n who_o constant_o charge_v christian_n to_o labour_n with_o great_a diligence_n in_o their_o calling_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o and_o their_o family_n but_o this_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o a_o general_n and_o stand_a rule_n to_o all_o christian_n but_o only_o design_v for_o his_o disciple_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o all_o care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n that_o they_o may_v attend_v upon_o his_o person_n and_o whole_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o that_o work_n to_o which_o he_o have_v call_v they_o and_o therefore_o st._n luke_n take_v notice_n that_o after_o he_o have_v caution_v his_o hearer_n in_o general_a against_o covetousness_n he_o apply_v himself_o particular_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v have_v they_o so_o far_o from_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o use_v that_o ordinary_a care_n and_o industry_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o necessary_a for_o man_n in_o all_o ordinary_a case_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o your_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v and_o this_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o direction_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o first_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v mat._n 10._o 9_o provide_v neither_o gold_n nâ—r_a silver_n nor_o brass_n in_o your_o purse_n neither_o coat_n nor_o scrip_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o understand_v as_o a_o general_a law_n to_o all_o christian_n but_o as_o a_o particular_a precept_n to_o the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n there_o be_v then_o no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o this_o caution_n against_o covetousness_n do_v forbid_v man_n to_o use_v a_o provident_a care_n and_o regular_a industry_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n three_o nor_o be_v every_o degree_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n condemn_v in_o scripture_n as_o any_o branch_n or_o part_n of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n but_o such_o a_o love_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o be_v true_o consistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o due_a and_o serious_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v allow_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n st._n john_n indeed_o seem_v to_o condemn_v all_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o as_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 15._o love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v to_o forbid_v thing_n absolute_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o comparative_o so_o mat._n 6._o 19_o lay_v not_o up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n but_o lay_v up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n i._n e._n be_v not_o so_o solicitous_a for_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o for_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o and_o luke_n 12._o 4._o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n that_o be_v fear_v they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o he_o that_o can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n and_o luke_n 14._o 26._o if_o any_o man_n come_v unto_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v that_o be_v if_o he_o do_v not_o love_v i_o more_o than_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o john_n 6._o 27._o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n that_o be_v labour_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o be_v not_o so_o solicitous_a about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o about_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o eternity_n so_o likewise_o colos_n 3._o 2._o set_a your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n i._n e._n set_v they_o more_o on_o thing_n above_o than_o on_o earthly_a thing_n so_o here_o love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v do_v not_o overvalue_v they_o do_v not_o love_v they_o so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o part_v with_o they_o for_o christ_n for_o if_o any_o man_n thus_o love_v the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o love_n god_n as_o he_o ought_v so_o that_o when_o the_o scripture_n command_v we_o not_o to_o love_v the_o world_n this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v comparative_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o love_v these_o thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o it_o do_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o love_v theâ—e_n thing_n in_o a_o due_a degree_n and_o with_o a_o due_a subordination_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o of_o infinite_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o inconsistent_a than_o to_o recommend_v to_o man_n diligence_n in_o their_o worldly_a calling_n and_o employment_n as_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o do_v and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o to_o forbid_v we_o to_o love_v these_o thing_n at_o all_o for_o if_o man_n have_v no_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o they_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o diligence_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o will_v be_v take_v away_o beside_o that_o we_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o bestow_v on_o we_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o we_o be_v to_o love_v he_o upon_o this_o account_n now_o can_v any_o man_n love_v the_o giver_n for_o bestow_v such_o gift_n upon_o he_o which_o if_o he_o do_v as_o he_o ought_v he_o must_v not_o love_v you_o see_v then_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o condemn_v as_o any_o branch_n or_o degree_n of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n a_o provident_a care_n and_o a_o regular_a industry_n and_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v what_o be_v condemn_v in_o scripture_n under_o the_o name_n of_o covetousness_n and_o by_o this_o we_o shall_v best_o understand_v wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n do_v consist_v now_o covetousness_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o large_a signification_n and_o comprehend_v in_o it_o most_o of_o the_o irregularity_n of_o man_n mind_n either_o in_o desire_v or_o get_v or_o in_o possess_v and_o use_v a_o estate_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o each_o of_o these_o several_o first_o covetousness_n in_o the_o desire_n of_o riches_n consist_v in_o a_o eager_a and_o unsatiable_a desire_n
a_o covetous_a man_n be_v expose_v to_o in_o the_o keep_n and_o secure_v of_o a_o estate_n when_o he_o have_v get_v it_o a_o covetous_a and_o worldly-minded_n man_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o quit_v his_o religion_n and_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o his_o estate_n come_v to_o be_v in_o hazard_n he_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o in_o these_o circumstance_n he_o will_v choose_v rather_o to_o violate_v his_o conscience_n than_o to_o forfeit_v his_o estate_n what_o the_o devil_n false_o say_v of_o job_n be_v true_a of_o the_o covetous_a man_n he_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n for_o nought_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n and_o the_o young_a man_n part_v he_o have_v great_a possession_n and_o it_o trouble_v he_o to_o part_v with_o they_o when_o demas_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o put_v to_o it_o whether_o he_o will_v stick_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o his_o worldly_a possession_n he_o quit_v st._n paul_n and_o declare_v for_o the_o world_n the_o 2_o d_o of_o tim._n 4._o 10._o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n so_o far_o have_v his_o covetous_a humour_n besot_v he_o as_o to_o make_v he_o prefer_v his_o present_a interest_n in_o these_o temporal_a thing_n before_o those_o eternal_a reward_n which_o the_o gospel_n offer_v iii_o there_o be_v likewise_o many_o temptation_n which_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o in_o the_o enjoy_n and_o spend_v of_o a_o great_a estate_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o have_v a_o great_a estate_n and_o not_o to_o be_v master_v by_o the_o love_n of_o it_o not_o to_o have_v our_o care_n and_o thought_n our_o heart_n and_o affection_n swallow_v up_o by_o it_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v riches_n not_o to_o overvalue_v they_o and_o love_v they_o more_o than_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o by_o they_o and_o so_o place_v his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o they_o prov._n 18._o 11._o the_o rich_a man_n wealth_n be_v his_o strong_a city_n and_o as_o a_o high_a wall_n in_o his_o own_o conceit_n the_o covetous_a man_n set_v up_o his_o riches_n in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v down_o before_o this_o golden_a calf_n and_o worship_n it_o to_o say_v to_o the_o gold_n thou_o be_v my_o hope_n and_o to_o the_o fine_a gold_n thou_o be_v my_o confidence_n to_o rejoice_v because_o his_o wealth_n be_v great_a and_o because_o his_o hand_n have_v get_v much_o riches_n be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n upon_o this_o account_n agur_n wise_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o moderate_a estate_n because_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o both_o the_o extreme_n of_o riches_n and_o poverty_n because_o of_o the_o great_a and_o violent_a temptation_n which_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o in_o both_o these_o condition_n prov._n 30._o 8_o 9_o give_v i_o neither_o poverty_n nor_o riches_n but_o feed_v i_o with_o food_n convenient_a for_o i_o why_o not_o riches_n leâ—t_v i_o be_v full_a and_o deny_v thou_o and_o say_v who_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o much_o more_o do_v riches_n tempt_v man_n to_o pride_n and_o insolence_n towards_o other_o prov._n 18._o 23._o the_o poor_a use_v entreaty_n but_o the_o rich_a answer_v rough_o man_n spirit_n be_v common_o blow_v up_o and_o bloat_v with_o their_o fortune_n and_o their_o pride_n and_o stomach_n and_o passion_n do_v usual_o increase_v in_o proportion_n to_o their_o wealth_n and_o many_o time_n riches_n tempt_v man_n to_o luxury_n and_o intemperance_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o excess_n rich_a man_n have_v a_o mighty_a temptation_n to_o allow_v themselves_o all_o manner_n of_o unlawful_a pleasure_n because_o he_o who_o have_v a_o great_a estate_n be_v furnish_v with_o that_o to_o which_o hardly_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v deny_v and_o this_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o covetous_a humour_n for_o there_o be_v many_o time_n man_n who_o be_v covetous_a in_o get_v for_o no_o other_o end_n and_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o may_v spend_v it_o upon_o their_o lâ—sts_n as_o covetousness_n sometime_o starve_v other_o vice_n so_o sometime_o it_o serve_v they_o and_o be_v make_v subordinate_a to_o a_o man_n ambition_n or_o lust_n or_o some_o other_o reign_v vice_n there_o be_v no_o such_o absolute_a inconsistency_n between_o riches_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o man_n that_o be_v very_o rich_a may_v be_v very_o good_a but_o yet_o if_o we_o consult_v experience_n i_o doubt_v it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o true_a observation_n that_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o rich_a man_n who_o be_v not_o insupportable_a either_o for_o their_o vanity_n or_o their_o vice_n so_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v reason_n for_o that_o severe_a question_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o well_o may_v he_o upon_o this_o account_n pronounce_v the_o poor_a the_o poor_a in_o estate_n as_o well_o as_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n bless_v as_o we_o find_v he_o do_v luke_n 6._o 20._o bless_a be_v you_o poor_a for_o you_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o often_o enter_v there_o than_o the_o rich._n three_o covetousness_n be_v likewise_o evil_a and_o unreasonable_a because_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o insatiable_a desire_n a_o covetous_a mind_n may_v propose_v to_o itself_o some_o certain_a bound_n and_o limit_n and_o a_o man_n may_v think_v that_o when_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o estate_n and_o have_v raise_v his_o fortune_n to_o such_o a_o pitch_n that_o he_o will_v then_o sit_v down_o content_v and_o satisfy_v and_o will_v seek_v after_o no_o more_o but_o he_o deceive_v himself_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o when_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o that_o which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o he_o will_v be_v never_o the_o near_o be_v satisfy_v so_o solomon_n tell_v we_o eccles_n 5._o 10._o he_o that_o love_v silver_n shall_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o silver_n nor_o he_o that_o love_v abundance_n with_o increase_n for_o no_o degree_n of_o wealth_n can_v satisfy_v a_o covetous_a mind_n he_o may_v think_v so_o beforehand_o that_o if_o he_o have_v so_o much_o it_o will_v be_v enough_o but_o when_o he_o have_v attain_v it_o he_o will_v be_v still_o reach_v after_o more_o for_o covetousness_n be_v a_o disease_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o a_o unnatural_a thirst_n which_o be_v inflame_v by_o that_o which_o shall_v quench_v it_o every_o desire_n that_o be_v natural_a be_v satisfy_v and_o at_o rest_n when_o it_o have_v once_o obtain_v the_o thing_n it_o desire_v if_o a_o man_n be_v hungry_a he_o be_v satisfy_v when_o he_o have_v eat_v or_o if_o he_o be_v thirsty_a his_o thirst_n be_v allay_v and_o quench_v when_o he_o have_v drink_v to_o such_o a_o proportion_n as_o nature_n do_v require_v and_o if_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v beyond_o this_o measure_n nature_n be_v oppress_v and_o it_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o he_o but_o covetousness_n be_v not_o the_o thirst_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o a_o disease_a mind_n it_o be_v the_o thirst_n of_o a_o fever_n or_o of_o a_o dropsy_n the_o more_o a_o man_n drink_v the_o more_o he_o desire_v and_o the_o more_o he_o be_v inflame_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o more_o the_o covetous_a man_n increase_v his_o estate_n the_o more_o his_o desire_n be_v enlarge_v and_o extend_v and_o he_o find_v continual_o new_a occasion_n and_o new_a necessity_n and_o every_o day_n as_o he_o grow_v rich_a he_o discover_v new_a want_n and_o a_o new_a poverty_n to_o be_v provide_v against_o which_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o before_o come_v into_o his_o mind_n et_fw-la minùs_fw-la haec_fw-la optat_fw-la qui_fw-la not_o habet_fw-la and_o he_o that_o be_v without_o these_o thing_n covet_v they_o less_o than_o he_o that_o have_v they_o so_o far_o be_v a_o covetous_a man_n attain_v to_o riches_n from_o give_v he_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o who_o have_v scarce_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o be_v many_o time_n much_o near_o to_o contentment_n than_o he_o that_o have_v get_v so_o much_o nay_o so_o unreasonable_a be_v this_o appetite_n as_o to_o desire_v more_o even_o when_o the_o man_n know_v not_o how_o to_o bestow_v what_o he_o have_v already_o this_o solomon_n observe_v long_o since_o for_o the_o vice_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n be_v much_o the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n eccles_n 4._o 8._o there_o be_v one_o alone_o and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o second_o yea_o he_o have_v neither_o child_n nor_o brother_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o end_n of_o all_o his_o labour_n neither_o be_v his_o eye_n satisfy_v with_o riches_n neither_o say_v he_o for_o who_o do_v i_o labour_v
the_o lawful_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n as_o he_o that_o make_v it_o his_o only_a design_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o this_o world_n nay_o as_o to_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n and_o a_o competency_n of_o outward_a thing_n he_o have_v a_o much_o great_a and_o better_a security_n from_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n than_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v by_o all_o their_o care_n and_o pain_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o mind_v these_o thing_n only_o as_o accessory_n that_o if_o he_o miss_v of_o they_o he_o have_v something_o better_a to_o support_v he_o in_o the_o want_n of_o they_o be_v secure_a of_o a_o happiness_n which_o this_o world_n can_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v from_o he_o but_o now_o the_o worldly_a man_n if_o he_o be_v defeat_v in_o his_o design_n be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a because_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o comfort_v he_o nothing_o else_o to_o trust_v to_o he_o fail_v of_o his_o hope_n as_o to_o this_o world_n and_o have_v do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o make_v his_o case_n desperate_a as_o to_o the_o other_o upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n and_o encouragement_n you_o see_v how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o life_n our_o great_a care_n and_o business_n and_o yet_o how_o be_v these_o neglect_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o the_o best_a of_o we_o god_n know_v not_o mind_v as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o they_o deserve_v what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o in_o excuse_n of_o so_o intolerable_a a_o folly_n there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o man_n common_o prâ—tend_v if_o not_o in_o justification_n yet_o in_o mitigation_n and_o excuse_n of_o this_o great_a neglect_n first_o they_o pretend_v great_a difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n this_o i_o have_v already_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a so_o far_o as_o to_o awaken_v our_o care_n and_o to_o whet_v our_o industry_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o despond_v and_o give_v over_o all_o care_n of_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n because_o of_o the_o difficulty_n it_o be_v attend_v withal_o man_n who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o and_o to_o magnify_v they_o in_o their_o fancy_n beyond_o reason_n as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o canaan_n which_o be_v the_o type_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n represent_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n who_o they_o be_v to_o conquer_v more_o terrible_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v report_v to_o one_o another_o that_o the_o land_n be_v full_a of_o giant_n and_o son_n of_o anak_n man_n of_o prodigious_a stature_n which_o reach_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o this_o the_o wise_a man_n observe_v to_o be_v the_o perpetual_a excuse_n of_o the_o slothful_a when_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n they_o say_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n that_o be_v they_o fancy_n to_o themselves_o danger_n and_o terror_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o man_n who_o be_v averse_a from_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n and_o pain_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n be_v apt_a to_o complain_v of_o the_o monstrous_a and_o insuperable_a difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o mortify_v his_o lust_n and_o subdue_v his_o appetite_n and_o govern_v his_o passion_n and_o to_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n well!_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v difficult_a and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o to_o get_v a_o estate_n and_o to_o rise_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n the_o true_a pain_n which_o man_n take_v about_o these_o thing_n show_v that_o they_o be_v difficult_a only_o when_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o it_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o difficulty_n but_o buckle_v to_o it_o and_o grapple_v with_o it_o be_v religion_n difficult_a and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o that_o be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o law_n a_o difficult_a and_o crabbed_a study_n do_v it_o not_o require_v great_a labour_n and_o perpetual_a drudge_a to_o excel_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v master_n of_o any_o art_n or_o profession_n in_o a_o word_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n worthy_a the_o have_v that_o be_v to_o be_v get_v without_o pain_n and_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n the_o only_a slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o care_n and_o industry_n be_v it_o fit_a that_o so_o great_a a_o good_a shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o faint_a and_o idle_a wish_n to_o the_o cheap_a and_o lazy_a endeavour_n of_o slothful_a man_n for_o what_o reason_n nay_o with_o what_o conscience_n can_v we_o bid_v less_o for_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n than_o man_n be_v content_v to_o give_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n thing_n of_o no_o value_n in_o comparison_n not_o worthy_a the_o toil_a for_o not_o sure_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o all_o our_o endeavour_n thing_n which_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o which_o when_o we_o have_v they_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deprive_v of_o by_o a_o thousand_o accident_n one_o fit_a of_o a_o fever_n may_v shatter_v our_o understanding_n and_o confound_v all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o turn_v we_o into_o fool_n and_o idiot_n a_o inundation_n or_o a_o fire_n may_v sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v our_o estate_n a_o succession_n of_o calamity_n may_v in_o a_o few_o hour_n make_v the_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n as_o poor_a as_o job_n and_o set_v he_o upon_o a_o dunghill_n but_o be_v the_o difficulty_n what_o it_o will_v of_o attain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n they_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v at_o any_o rate_n because_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o we_o miserable_a and_o undo_v if_o we_o have_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o dissemble_v in_o the_o matter_n the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v considerable_a but_o then_o they_o be_v much_o great_a aâ—_n first_o and_o will_v every_o day_n abate_v and_o grow_v less_o and_o the_o work_n by_o degree_n will_v become_v eaâ—â—e_n and_o turn_v into_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n a_o pleasure_n so_o great_a as_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o will_v not_o exchange_v it_o for_o all_o the_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n second_o other_o pretend_v want_n of_o time_n for_o the_o mind_v of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o all_o person_n have_v not_o equal_a leisure_n for_o this_o purpose_n some_o be_v much_o more_o straighten_a than_o other_o and_o more_o take_v up_o with_o the_o necessary_a care_n of_o this_o life_n but_o god_n have_v put_v no_o man_n upon_o this_o hard_a necessity_n that_o for_o want_v of_o time_n he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o neglect_v his_o body_n and_o his_o health_n his_o family_n and_o estate_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o yet_o if_o any_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o distress_n it_o be_v well_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o secure_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o neglect_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o those_o who_o be_v most_o straighten_a for_o time_n have_v so_o much_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o require_v time_n but_o resolution_n and_o care_n not_o to_o commit_v sin_n not_o to_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v intemperate_a to_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o do_v not_o spend_v time_n but_o save_v it_o for_o better_a purpose_n so_o that_o every_o man_n have_v time_n not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o for_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o in_o the_o external_n act_v of_o religion_n no_o man_n be_v so_o distress_v but_o he_o have_v time_n to_o think_v of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n time_n to_o love_n god_n to_o esteem_v he_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o a_o man_n may_v do_v very_o frequent_o and_o very_o acceptable_o while_o he_o be_v labour_v and_o travel_v about_o his_o worldly_a affair_n while_o his_o hand_n be_v upon_o the_o blow_n his_o heart_n may_v be_v with_o god_n and_o while_o he_o converse_v here_o upon_o earth_n his_o thought_n and_o affection_n may_v be_v in_o
unexperienced_a man_n and_o those_o who_o have_v take_v no_o great_a pain_n with_o themselves_o imagine_v what_o thought_n and_o consideration_n what_o care_n and_o attention_n what_o resolution_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n what_o diligence_n and_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o true_o good_a man_n such_o a_o one_o as_o st._n paul_n describe_v that_o be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a and_o want_v nothing_o that_o follow_v god_n full_o and_o fulfil_v every_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n who_o be_v there_o among_o we_o that_o be_v either_o wise_a enough_o for_o his_o own_o direction_n or_o good_a enough_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o know_v his_o duty_n and_o to_o do_v it_o as_o to_o have_v both_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will_v to_o do_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o he_o ought_v after_o our_o best_a care_n and_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n the_o most_o of_o we_o will_v still_o find_v a_o great_a many_o defect_n in_o our_o life_n and_o can_v but_o discern_v great_a and_o manifold_a imperfection_n in_o our_o very_a best_a duty_n and_o service_n insomuch_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o make_v the_o same_o acknowledgement_n concern_v they_o which_o solomon_n do_v concern_v the_o imperfection_n of_o all_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n that_o which_o be_v crooked_a can_v be_v make_v straight_o and_o that_o which_o be_v want_v can_v be_v number_v and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o reason_n to_o say_v not_o only_o that_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v but_o have_v cause_n likewise_o with_o great_a shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o have_v be_v in_o many_o respect_v wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n and_o so_o very_o far_o from_o have_v do_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o good_a which_o the_o most_o of_o we_o have_v do_v be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o good_a which_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o instance_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v work_v more_o than_o enough_o for_o the_o best_a and_o great_a mind_n for_o the_o long_a and_o best_a order_v life_n the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o broad_a and_o a_o obedience_n in_o any_o good_a measure_n equal_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o extreme_o difficult_a and_o after_o all_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n say_v with_o tear_n to_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n mar._n 9_o 24._o so_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v say_v and_o say_v it_o with_o tear_n too_o concern_v every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n wherein_o they_o excel_v most_o lord_n i_o aspire_v i_o endeavour_v after_o it_o be_v thou_o please_v to_o assist_v my_o weakness_n and_o to_o help_v i_o by_o thy_o grace_n continual_o to_o do_v better_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o if_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v our_o best_a and_o make_v it_o the_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o our_o life_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o shall_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o for_o god_n value_v this_o more_o than_o whole_a burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n more_o than_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oâ—l_n because_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n and_o strength_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o duty_n comprehend_v in_o these_o two_o great_a commandment_n sincere_o practise_v by_o we_o though_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o imperfection_n will_v certain_o be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a bless_a be_v they_o say_v st._n john_n very_o plain_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o obscure_a book_n of_o his_o revelation_n bless_v be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n rev._n 22._o 14._o i_o speak_v now_o to_o a_o great_a many_o who_o be_v at_o the_o upper_a end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o command_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o but_o the_o time_n be_v come_v and_o whether_o we_o think_v of_o it_o or_o not_o be_v very_o near_o at_o hand_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v desirable_a upon_o earth_n and_o upon_o which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o value_v themselves_o so_o much_o in_o this_o world_n and_o then_o nothing_o but_o religion_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n and_o yield_v true_a comfort_n to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n how_o shall_v we_o then_o wish_v that_o we_o have_v make_v religion_n the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o life_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n have_v exercise_v repentance_n and_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o another_o world_n that_o after_o our_o departure_n hence_o we_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n where_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o let_v no_o man_n therefore_o of_o what_o rank_n or_o condition_n soever_o he_o be_v in_o this_o world_n think_v himself_o too_o great_a to_o be_v good_a and_o too_o wise_a to_o be_v religious_a and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o immortal_a soul_n and_o his_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n since_o nothing_o but_o this_o will_v approve_v itself_o it_o to_o be_v true_a wisdom_n at_o the_o last_o all_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v a_o end_n with_o this_o life_n but_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a extent_n and_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o whole_a duration_n and_o after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o life_n be_v end_v will_v put_v we_o into_o the_o secure_a possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n which_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o those_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v â—e_n if_o you_o do_v they_o which_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o eternal_a spring_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v all_o know_v and_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jefus_fw-la christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o 2_o peter_n i_o 4._o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o connection_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o foâ—mer_n be_v somewhat_o obscure_a but_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o say_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n have_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n that_o be_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o advantage_n which_o conduce_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a in_o the_o next_o life_n and_o religious_a in_o this_o and_o than_o it_o follow_v whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o â—s_n exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n whereâ—â—_n this_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o forego_n verse_n as_o if_o it_o have_v beeâ—â—â—id_v christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v to_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o all_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o good_a or_o else_o life_n and_o godliness_n be_v by_o a_o hebraism_n frequent_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n put_v for_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o then_o among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o conduce_v to_o a_o godly_a life_n the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v so_o direct_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o promise_v here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n second_o the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o
we_o and_o when_o man_n find_v the_o condition_n in_o themselves_o they_o will_v without_o any_o great_a persuasion_n take_v comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o themselves_o but_o till_o they_o discern_v the_o condition_n in_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n to_o himself_o for_o till_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v he_o have_v no_o more_o right_a to_o the_o promise_n than_o if_o such_o a_o promise_n have_v never_o be_v make_v and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o such_o a_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o a_o promise_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o no_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o do_v otherwise_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a trouble_n which_o perplex_v many_o people_n that_o they_o can_v apply_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o themselves_o whereas_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o their_o trouble_n shall_v be_v this_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o promise_n which_o they_o will_v apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o other_o be_v a_o endless_a trouble_n let_v they_o but_o look_v to_o the_o condition_n and_o the_o promise_n will_v apply_v itself_o i_o speak_v all_o this_o on_o purpose_n to_o free_a man_n from_o those_o perplexity_n wherewith_o many_o have_v entangle_v themselves_o by_o false_a apprehension_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n either_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o make_v to_o we_o upon_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o or_o as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v comfortable_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v perform_v those_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v make_v such_o promise_n for_o if_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a or_o expect_v thing_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v they_o may_v trouble_v themselves_o eternal_o and_o all_o the_o world_n can_v help_v it_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o thing_n viz._n what_o influence_n these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o 2_o peter_n i_o 4._o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n the_o last_o day_n in_o the_o handle_n whereof_o i_o propose_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o consider_v the_o promise_n here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n second_o the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v do_v with_o and_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n not_o that_o we_o can_v partake_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o some_o have_v blasphemous_o affirm_v pretend_v in_o their_o cant_a and_o senseless_a language_n to_o be_v god_v with_o god_n and_o chri_v with_o christ_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o this_o will_v be_v for_o man_n to_o become_v god_n and_o to_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o state_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n signify_v a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n and_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o have_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n rectify_v and_o purge_v from_o all_o sinful_a lust_n and_o irregular_a passion_n and_o from_o all_o vicious_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o text_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n 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 and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly-kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly-kindness_n charity_n so_o that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o explain_v it_o these_o two_o way_n by_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o corruption_n or_o defilement_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o by_o a_o diligent_a endeavour_n after_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n faith_n and_o temperance_n and_o patience_n a_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o a_o universal_a charity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o all_o men._n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n full_o declare_v to_o we_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o uncleanness_n and_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n such_o as_o wrath_n envy_n malice_n hatred_n strife_n revenge_n cruelty_n pride_n and_o the_o like_a perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o be_v continual_o aspire_v still_o more_o and_o more_o after_o further_a degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o thus_o by_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o impurity_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o by_o practise_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n we_o shall_v by_o degree_n raise_v and_o advance_v ourselves_o to_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n imitate_v in_o all_o our_o action_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o other_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o term_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v partake_v of_o a_o divine_a nature_n or_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n express_v it_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a this_o the_o gospel_n design_n to_o raise_v we_o to_o and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a instrument_n whereby_o this_o be_v effect_v be_v those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o and_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o effect_v it_o these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o way_n of_o internal_a efficacy_n and_o assistance_n and_o second_o by_o way_n of_o external_a motive_n and_o argument_n both_o these_o way_n some_o or_o other_o of_o these_o promise_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o to_o raise_v we_o to_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v to_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n first_o by_o way_n of_o internal_a efficacy_n and_o assistance_n and_o this_o influence_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o of_o the_o gracious_a help_n and_o assistance_n thereof_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n incline_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o consideration_n and_o commiseration_n of_o that_o impotency_n and_o weakness_n which_o we_o have_v contract_v in_o that_o degenerate_a and_o deprave_a condition_n into_o which_o mankind_n be_v sink_v to_o help_v we_o who_o be_v without_o strength_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o out_o of_o that_o evil_a and_o miserable_a state_n into_o which_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n we_o be_v fall_v to_o quicken_v we_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_v the_o condition_n of_o unregenerate_a person_n to_o raise_v â—s_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o cherish_v this_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v common_o weak_a at_o first_o and_o to_o carry_v it_o through_o alldiscouragement_n and_o opposition_n to_o