at_o last_o upon_o this_o as_o the_o great_a felicity_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o the_o only_a good_a use_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o a_o prosperous_a and_o plentiful_a fortune_n eccl._n 3.12_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o they_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o rejoice_v and_o do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n and_o a_o great_a and_o a_o wise_a than_o solomon_n have_v say_v that_o it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v three_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o do_v good_a be_v to_o imitate_v the_o high_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n who_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a and_o to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o that_o which_o he_o esteem_v his_o great_a glory_n and_o that_o be_v his_o goodness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o when_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o live_v in_o the_o world_n go_v about_o do_v good_a it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o great_a employment_n it_o be_v to_o be_v minister_a spirit_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o to_o be_v charitable_a and_o helpful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o be_v to_o be_v a_o good_a angel_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o god_n to_o man_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n more_o especial_o be_v the_o great_a pattern_n which_o our_o religion_n propound_v to_o we_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o it_o because_o that_o very_a goodness_n which_o it_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n be_v so_o beneficial_a to_o ourselves_o when_o we_o ourselves_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o that_o good_a which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n this_o shall_v mighty_o endear_v the_o example_n to_o we_o and_o make_v we_o forward_o to_o imitate_v that_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o which_o we_o be_v indebt_v for_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o upon_o which_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n do_v depend_v and_o there_o be_v this_o considerable_a difference_n between_o our_o saviour_n charity_n to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o other_o he_o do_v all_o pure_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o for_o our_o benefit_n whereas_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o other_o be_v a_o great_a good_n do_v to_o ourselves_o they_o indeed_o be_v behold_v to_o we_o for_o the_o kindness_n we_o do_v they_o and_o we_o to_o they_o for_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o every_o ignorant_a person_n that_o come_v in_o our_o way_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o we_o every_o sinner_n who_o we_o reclaim_v every_o poor_a and_o necessitous_a man_n who_o we_o relieve_v be_v a_o happy_a opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o we_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n by_o this_o principle_n the_o best_a and_o the_o happy_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v govern_v his_o life_n and_o action_n esteem_v it_o a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v four_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o next_o to_o the_o love_n and_o honour_n which_o we_o pay_v to_o god_n himself_o the_o most_o acceptable_a service_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v to_o he_o it_o be_v one_o half_a of_o the_o law_n and_o next_o to_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o very_o like_a unto_o it_o like_v to_o it_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o obligation_n for_o this_o commandment_n we_o have_v from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o the_o first_o commandment_n excel_v in_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o object_n but_o the_o second_o have_v the_o advantage_n in_o the_o reality_n of_o its_o effect_n for_o our_o righteousness_n extend_v not_o to_o god_n we_o can_v do_v he_o no_o real_a benefit_n but_o our_o charity_n to_o man_n be_v real_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o for_o which_o reason_n god_n be_v content_v in_o many_o case_n that_o the_o external_a honour_n and_o worship_n which_o by_o his_o positive_a command_n he_o require_v of_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o that_o natural_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o show_v how_o great_a a_o value_n he_o put_v upon_o charity_n he_o have_v make_v it_o the_o great_a testimony_n of_o our_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o reject_v all_o other_o profession_n of_o love_n to_o he_o as_o false_a and_o insincere_a if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v five_o this_o be_v that_o which_o will_v give_v we_o the_o great_a comfort_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v it_o will_v then_o be_v no_o pleasure_n to_o man_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a estate_n they_o have_v get_v and_o the_o great_a place_n they_o have_v be_v advance_v to_o because_o they_o be_v leave_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o will_v stand_v they_o in_o no_o stead_n in_o the_o other_o world_n riches_n profit_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n but_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n will_v refresh_v our_o soul_n even_o under_o the_o very_a pang_n of_o death_n with_o what_o contentment_n do_v a_o good_a man_n than_o look_v upon_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o life_n and_o with_o what_o confidence_n do_v he_o look_v over_o into_o the_o other_o world_n where_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o himself_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o for_o though_o our_o estate_n will_v not_o follow_v we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n our_o good_a work_n will_v though_o we_o can_v carry_v our_o riches_n along_o with_o we_o yet_o we_o may_v send_v they_o before_o we_o to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o reception_n into_o everlasting_a habitation_n in_o short_a work_v of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n will_v comfort_v we_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o plead_v for_o we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o procure_v for_o we_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o merciful_a god_n a_o glorious_a recompense_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o consideration_n i_o shall_v offer_v to_o you_o which_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o do_v good_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o if_o we_o believe_v god_n himself_o he_o have_v make_v more_o particular_a and_o encourage_v promise_n to_o this_o grace_n and_o virtue_n than_o to_o any_o other_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n be_v many_o and_o great_a it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o derive_v a_o last_a blessing_n upon_o our_o estate_n act_n of_o charity_n be_v the_o best_a deed_n of_o settlement_n we_o gain_v the_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n of_o those_o to_o who_o we_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n to_o have_v the_o blessing_n of_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v to_o come_v upon_o we_o for_o god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o destitute_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o their_o cry_n charity_n be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o we_o in_o time_n of_o evil_a and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o special_a promise_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v engage_v to_o preserve_v from_o want_v those_o that_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o other_o but_o likewise_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v way_n for_o its_o own_o reward_n in_o this_o world_n he_o that_o be_v charitable_a to_o other_o provide_v a_o supply_n and_o retreat_n for_o himself_o in_o the_o day_n of_o distress_n for_o he_o provoke_v mankind_n by_o his_o example_n to_o like_o tenderness_n towards_o he_o and_o prudent_o bespeak_v the_o commiseration_n of_o other_o against_o it_o come_v to_o be_v his_o turn_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n make_v a_o man_n more_o and_o sure_a friend_n than_o charity_n and_o bounty_n and_o such_o as_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o in_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o danger_n for_o a_o good_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v it_o be_v excellent_a counsel_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n lay_v up_o thy_o treasure_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o it_o shall_v bring_v thou_o more_o profit_n than_o gold_n shut_v up_o thy_o alm_n in_o thy_o store-house_n and_o it_o shall_v deliver_v thou_o from_o all_o affliction_n it_o shall_v fight_v for_o thou_o against_o thy_o enemy_n better_o than_o a_o mighty_a shield_n and_o strong_a spear_n it_o have_v sometime_o happen_v that_o the_o obligation_n that_o man_n have_v lay_v upon_o other_o by_o their_o charity_n have_v in_o case_n of_o danger_n and_o extremity_n do_v they_o more_o kindness_n than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o estate_n can_v do_v for_o they_o and_o their_o alm_n have_v literal_o deliver_v they_o from_o death_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o endless_a and_o unspeakable_a happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n where_o the_o return_n of_o do_v good_a will_v be_v vast_o great_a beyond_o what_o we_o can_v now_o expect_v or_o imagine_v for_o god_n take_v all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o other_o as_o a_o debt_n upon_o himself_o and_o he_o have_v estate_n and_o treasure_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o great_a obligation_n we_o can_v lay_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n for_o our_o security_n that_o what_o we_o scatter_v and_o sow_v in_o this_o kind_n will_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o that_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o expense_n in_o do_v good_a for_o a_o few_o day_n will_v be_v recompense_v and_o crown_v with_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o eternity_n finis_fw-la bishop_n sanderson_n juven_n vell._n patere_fw-la seneca_n seneca_n tully_n tully_n aristides_n antonin_n lib._n 10._o
we_o to_o a_o vigorous_a and_o speedy_a resolution_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v engage_v too_o far_o already_o in_o a_o bad_a course_n and_o that_o every_o day_n our_o retreat_n will_v grow_v more_o dangerous_a and_o difficult_a that_o by_o our_o delay_n we_o make_v work_v for_o a_o sad_a and_o long_a repentance_n than_o that_o which_o we_o do_v now_o so_o studious_o decline_v let_v we_o consider_v likewise_o that_o our_o life_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o case_n that_o except_o we_o repent_v and_o turn_v we_o shall_v die_v and_o that_o the_o evil_a day_n may_v overtake_v we_o while_o we_o be_v deliberate_v whether_o we_o shall_v avoid_v it_o or_o not_o that_o vice_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v mortify_v by_o age_n that_o by_o every_o day_n continuance_n in_o it_o we_o increase_v the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o so_o much_o strength_n as_o we_o add_v to_o our_o disease_n we_o certain_o take_v from_o ourselves_o and_o this_o be_v a_o double_a weaken_n of_o we_o when_o we_o do_v not_o only_o lose_v our_o own_o strength_n but_o the_o enemy_n get_v it_o and_o employ_v it_o against_o we_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n appear_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o keep_v man_n off_o from_o this_o necessary_a work_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o hazard_v all_o upon_o the_o unreasonable_a hope_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o uncertain_a resolution_n of_o a_o future_a repentance_n i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o here_o but_o do_v either_o believe_v or_o at_o least_o be_v vehement_o afraid_a that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o that_o a_o wicked_a life_n without_o repentance_n must_v unavoidable_o make_v they_o miserable_a in_o another_o world_n and_o that_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o to_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n put_v thing_n upon_o a_o mighty_a hazard_n and_o they_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o think_v so_o for_o alas_o how_o unfit_a be_v most_o man_n at_o such_o a_o time_n for_o so_o great_a and_o serious_a a_o work_n as_o repentance_n be_v when_o they_o be_v unfit_a for_o the_o small_a matter_n and_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n then_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o his_o repentance_n when_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a opportunity_n to_o make_v trial_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o i_o deny_v not_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o die_a sinner_n be_v usual_o but_o like_o the_o sorrow_n of_o a_o malefactor_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v turn_v off_o he_o be_v not_o trouble_v that_o he_o have_v offend_v the_o law_n but_o he_o be_v trouble_v that_o he_o must_v die_v for_o when_o death_n be_v ready_a to_o seize_v upon_o the_o sinner_n and_o he_o feel_v himself_o drop_v into_o destruction_n no_o wonder_n if_o then_o the_o man_n stomach_n come_v down_o and_o he_o be_v content_v to_o be_v save_v and_o see_v he_o must_v stay_v no_o long_o in_o this_o world_n be_v desirous_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n rather_o than_o hell_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v some_o testimony_n of_o his_o repentance_n no_o wonder_n if_o when_o the_o rack_n be_v before_o he_o this_o extort_v confession_n from_o he_o and_o if_o in_o hope_n of_o a_o pardon_n he_o make_v many_o large_a promise_n of_o amendment_n and_o free_o declare_v his_o resolurion_n of_o a_o new_a and_o better_a life_n but_o than_o it_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o judge_n whether_o any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o that_o be_v do_v under_o so_o great_a a_o fear_n and_o force_n be_v real_a for_o a_o sick_a man_n as_o he_o have_v lose_v his_o appetite_n to_o the_o most_o pleasant_a meat_n and_o drink_n so_o likewise_o his_o sinful_a pleasure_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n nauseous_a to_o he_o and_o for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n for_o sickness_n have_v alter_v the_o temper_n of_o his_o body_n he_o have_v not_o at_o that_o time_n any_o gust_n or_o relish_v for_o these_o thing_n and_o now_o he_o be_v resolve_v against_o sin_n just_a as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o stomach_n be_v resolve_v against_o meat_n but_o if_o the_o fit_a be_v over_o and_o death_n will_v but_o raise_v his_o siege_n and_o remove_v his_o quarter_n a_o little_a far_o from_o he_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o his_o former_a appetite_n will_v soon_o return_v to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v sin_v with_o the_o same_o eagerness_n he_o do_v before_o beside_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v accept_v of_o his_o repentance_n at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o do_v resolve_v to_o put_v off_o our_o repentance_n till_o we_o can_v sin_v no_o long_o can_v we_o think_v it_o fit_a for_o any_o man_n to_o say_v thus_o to_o god_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n lord_n now_o the_o world_n leave_v i_o i_o come_v to_o thou_o i_o pray_v thou_o give_v i_o eternal_a life_n who_o can_v never_o afford_v to_o give_v thou_o one_o good_a day_n of_o my_o life_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v live_v with_o thou_o and_o enjoy_v thou_o for_o ever_o who_o can_v never_o endure_v to_o think_v upon_o thou_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o can_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o leave_v my_o sin_n out_o of_o love_n to_o thou_o but_o now_o i_o repent_v of_o they_o for_o fear_n of_o thou_o i_o be_o conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o will_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o thy_o sake_n but_o yet_o i_o hope_v thy_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o thou_o will_v forgive_v all_o the_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o my_o life_n and_o accept_v of_o this_o force_a submission_n which_o i_o now_o make_v to_o thou_o i_o pray_v thou_o do_v not_o at_o last_o frustrate_v and_o disappoint_v i_o in_o this_o design_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v of_o sin_v while_o i_o live_v and_o get_v to_o heaven_n when_o i_o die_v sure_o no_o man_n can_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o say_v thus_o to_o god_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o afraid_a this_o be_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o many_o a_o man_n repentance_n who_o have_v defer_v it_o till_o he_o come_v to_o die_v i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o to_o discourage_v repentance_n even_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v always_o the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n discourage_v man_n from_o put_v off_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n till_o then_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o when_o it_o be_v come_v to_o this_o and_o a_o sinner_n find_v himself_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o have_v be_v so_o foolish_a and_o so_o cruel_a to_o himself_o as_o to_o put_v thing_n upon_o this_o last_o hazard_n repentance_n be_v now_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v leave_v for_o he_o to_o do_v this_o be_v his_o last_o remedy_n and_o the_o only_a refuge_n he_o have_v to_o fly_v to_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o minister_n in_o this_o case_n ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o put_v the_o man_n upon_o and_o earnest_o to_o persuade_v he_o to_o but_o when_o we_o speak_v to_o man_n in_o other_o circumstance_n that_o be_v well_o and_o in_o health_n we_o dare_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n encourage_v they_o to_o venture_v their_o soul_n upon_o such_o a_o uncertainty_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o best_a of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a remedy_n especial_o when_o man_n have_v design_o contrive_v to_o rob_v god_n of_o the_o service_n of_o their_o best_a day_n and_o to_o put_v he_o off_o with_o a_o few_o unprofitable_a sigh_n and_o tear_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n i_o desire_v to_o have_v as_o large_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o any_o man_n but_o withal_o i_o be_o very_o sure_a that_o he_o be_v the_o hard_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o of_o any_o one_o in_o the_o world_n and_o no_o man_n that_o have_v any_o worthy_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n can_v imagine_v he_o to_o be_v so_o easy_a as_o to_o forgive_v man_n upon_o the_o last_o word_n and_o intimation_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o to_o have_v such_o a_o fondness_n for_o offender_n as_o will_v reflect_v upon_o the_o prudence_n of_o any_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n upon_o earth_n god_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o may_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o that_o when_o i_o come_v to_o die_v and_o that_o i_o may_v never_o be_v so_o unwise_a as_o to_o venture_v all_o my_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n upon_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o those_o excellent_a say_n of_o the_o son_n of_o syrach_n eccles_n 5.6_o 7.16.11_o 12.18.21_o 22_o say_v not_o
the_o world_n for_o his_o sport_n and_o pastime_n nor_o set_v on_o one_o part_n of_o his_o creation_n to_o bait_v another_o for_o his_o own_o diversion_n he_o do_v not_o like_o some_o of_o the_o cruel_a roman_a emperor_n take_v pleasure_n to_o exercise_v man_n with_o danger_n and_o to_o see_v they_o play_v bloody_a prize_n before_o he_o nay_o he_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v severe_a out_o of_o humour_n and_o passion_n as_o our_o earthly_a parent_n many_o time_n do_v indeed_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o still_o to_o pity_v our_o person_n and_o when_o his_o providence_n make_v use_v of_o any_o sharp_a and_o cut_a instrument_n it_o be_v with_o this_o merciful_a design_n to_o let_v out_o our_o corruption_n if_o he_o cast_v we_o into_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v refine_v and_o purify_v we_o from_o our_o dross_n so_o that_o though_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v evil_n in_o themselves_o yet_o consider_v the_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o they_o they_o be_v no_o real_a objection_n against_o his_o goodness_n but_o rather_o argument_n for_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v proper_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o far_o great_a evil_a of_o another_o kind_n 2._o they_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o far_o great_a evil_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n 3._o they_o be_v not_o only_o proper_a to_o these_o end_n but_o in_o many_o case_n very_o necessary_a first_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v very_o proper_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o far_o great_a evil_a of_o another_o kind_n i_o mean_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n we_o take_v wrong_a measure_n of_o thing_n when_o we_o judge_v those_o to_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n which_o afflict_v our_o body_n wound_v our_o reputation_n and_o impoverish_v our_o estate_n for_o those_o certain_o be_v far_o the_o great_a which_o affect_v our_o noble_a part_n which_o vitiate_v our_o understanding_n and_o deprave_v our_o will_n and_o wound_n and_o defile_v our_o soul_n what_o corrupt_a humour_n be_v to_o the_o body_n that_o sin_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n their_o disease_n and_o their_o death_n now_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o administer_v to_o we_o whatever_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a if_o we_o make_v ourselves_o sick_a that_o be_v our_o own_o folly_n and_o no_o fault_n of_o the_o physician_n but_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o he_o if_o he_o recover_v we_o though_o it_o be_v by_o very_o bitter_a and_o unpleasing_a mean_n all_o temporal_a judgement_n which_o be_v short_a of_o death_n be_v proper_o medicinal_a and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v their_o kindly_a operation_n upon_o we_o they_o will_v work_v a_o cure_n and_o how_o grievous_a and_o distasteful_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o present_a they_o will_v prove_v mercy_n and_o blessing_n in_o the_o issue_n upon_o this_o account_n david_n reckon_v affliction_n among_o the_o happy_a blessing_n of_o his_o life_n psal_n 119.72_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o say_v he_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o psalm_n ver_fw-la 67_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o have_v i_o learn_v thy_o precept_n so_o that_o though_o all_o affliction_n be_v evil_n in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v good_a for_o we_o because_o they_o discover_v to_o we_o our_o disease_n and_o tend_v to_o our_o cure_n they_o be_v a_o sensible_a argument_n and_o conviction_n to_o we_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v common_o such_o fool_n as_o solomon_n speak_v of_o who_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n and_o like_o child_n will_v be_v play_v with_o the_o edge_n of_o it_o till_o it_o cut_v and_o wound_v we_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_o sensible_a how_o great_a a_o evil_a it_o be_v till_o we_o come_v to_o feel_v the_o dismal_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o rectify_v our_o apprehension_n concern_v it_o god_n make_v we_o to_o suffer_v by_o it_o thus_o elihu_n describe_v to_o we_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o affliction_n upon_o sinner_n job_n 36.8_o 9_o 10_o if_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o fetter_n and_o hold_v in_o cord_n of_o affliction_n than_o god_n show_v they_o their_o work_n and_o their_o transgression_n that_o they_o have_v exceed_v he_o open_v also_o their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n and_o command_v that_o they_o return_v from_o their_o iniquity_n god_n do_v but_o invite_v and_o entreat_v we_o by_o his_o mercy_n but_o his_o judgement_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a and_o commandng_a voice_n when_o he_o hold_v man_n in_o cord_n of_o affliction_n than_o he_o open_v their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n in_o our_o prosperity_n we_o be_v many_o time_n incapable_a of_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n but_o when_o we_o be_v under_o god_n correct_v hand_n then_o be_v we_o fit_a to_o be_v speak_v withal_o second_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o proper_a for_o the_o prevent_n of_o far_o great_a evil_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n i_o mean_v far_a punishment_n in_o send_v of_o temporal_a judgement_n upon_o sinner_n god_n usual_o proceed_v with_o they_o by_o degree_n first_o he_o le_fw-fr we_o fly_v several_a single_a shot_n at_o they_o and_o if_o upon_o these_o they_o will_v take_v warning_n and_o come_v in_o they_o may_v prevent_v the_o broadside_n and_o volley_n of_o his_o wrath_n but_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o all_o be_v that_o temporal_a judgement_n may_v prove_v to_o we_o the_o opportunity_n of_o prevent_v the_o miserable_a and_o unspeakable_a torment_n of_o a_o long_a eternity_n for_o all_o judgement_n which_o be_v not_o final_a leave_v man_n a_o space_n of_o repentance_n have_v in_o they_o the_o mercy_n of_o reprieve_n which_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o timely_a return_n to_o god_n may_v be_v improve_v into_o a_o pardon_n beside_o that_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n do_v usual_o dispose_v man_n and_o put_v they_o into_o a_o fit_a temper_n for_o repentance_n they_o fix_v our_o mind_n and_o make_v we_o serious_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o awaken_v we_o to_o consideration_n and_o suggest_v to_o we_o such_o thought_n and_o meditation_n as_o these_o if_o temporal_a evil_n be_v so_o grievous_a how_o insupportable_a then_o will_v be_v the_o extreme_a and_o endless_a torment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n if_o in_o this_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o patience_n we_o sometime_o meet_v with_o such_o severity_n what_o may_v we_o not_o look_v for_o in_o the_o day_n of_o vengeance_n if_o these_o drop_n of_o god_n wrath_n which_o now_o and_o then_o fall_v upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n fill_v they_o with_o so_o much_o anguish_n and_o affliction_n how_o deplorable_o miserable_a will_v those_o wretch_n be_v upon_o who_o the_o storm_n of_o his_o fury_n shall_v fall_v who_o will_v venture_v to_o continue_v in_o sin_n when_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o calamity_n which_o we_o feel_v in_o this_o life_n be_v but_o a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a earnest_n of_o those_o woeful_a wage_n which_o sinner_n shall_v receive_v in_o the_o day_n of_o recompense_n three_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o proper_a to_o these_o end_n but_o in_o many_o case_n very_o necessary_a our_o condition_n many_o time_n be_v such_o as_o to_o require_v this_o severe_a way_n of_o proceed_v because_o no_o other_o course_n that_o god_n have_v take_v or_o can_v take_v with_o we_o will_v probable_o do_v we_o good_a god_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o we_o put_v he_o upon_o these_o extremity_n or_o rather_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n together_o do_v prompt_a and_o direct_v he_o to_o these_o harsh_a and_o rigorous_a way_n may_v be_v we_o have_v bring_v ourselves_o into_o that_o dangerous_a state_n and_o the_o malignity_n of_o our_o distemper_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v without_o violent_a physic_n and_o that_o can_v be_v administer_v to_o we_o without_o make_v we_o deadly_a sick_a so_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v many_o time_n abroad_o in_o the_o earth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o wise_a method_n which_o the_o great_a physician_n of_o the_o world_n use_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v the_o rod_n of_o his_o school_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n may_v learn_v righteousness_n they_o be_v a_o merciful_a invention_n of_o heaven_n to_o do_v man_n that_o good_a which_o many_o time_n nothing_o else_o will_v and_o to_o work_v that_o bless_a effect_n upon_o we_o which_o neither_o the_o wise_a
to_o it_o but_o they_o hope_v hereafter_o to_o be_v in_o a_o better_a temper_n and_o disposition_n and_o then_o they_o resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o set_v about_o this_o work_n in_o good_a earnest_n and_o to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o call_v this_o a_o reason_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v the_o great_a cheat_n and_o delusion_n that_o any_o man_n can_v put_v upon_o himself_o for_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o thou_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v this_o which_o thou_o be_v convince_v be_v so_o necessary_a but_o to_o put_v it_o off_o from_o day_n to_o day_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o a_o man_n do_v not_o real_o intend_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n than_o when_o notwithstanding_o he_o ought_v upon_o all_o account_n and_o may_v in_o all_o respect_v better_a do_v it_o at_o present_a than_o hereafter_o yet_o he_o still_o put_v it_o off_o whatever_o thou_o pretend_v this_o be_v a_o mere_a shift_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o a_o present_a trouble_n it_o be_v like_o give_v good_a word_n and_o make_v fair_a promise_n to_o a_o clamorous_a and_o importunate_a creditor_n and_o appoint_v he_o to_o come_v another_o day_n when_o the_o man_n know_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o intend_v not_o to_o pay_v he_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v less_o able_a to_o discharge_v the_o debt_n then_o than_o he_o be_v at_o present_a whatever_o reason_n thou_o have_v against_o reform_v thy_o life_n now_o will_v still_o remain_v and_o be_v in_o as_o full_a force_n hereafter_o nay_o probable_o strong_a than_o they_o be_v at_o present_a thou_o be_v unwilling_a now_o and_o so_o thou_o will_v be_v hereafter_o and_o in_o all_o likelihood_n much_o more_o unwilling_a so_o that_o this_o reason_n will_v every_o day_n improve_v upon_o thy_o hand_n and_o have_v so_o much_o the_o more_o strength_n by_o how_o much_o the_o long_o thou_o continue_v in_o thy_o sin_n thou_o have_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n against_o the_o present_a time_n but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v present_a why_o when_o hereafter_o come_v to_o be_v present_a the_o reason_n will_v be_v just_o the_o same_o so_o that_o thy_o present_a unwillingness_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n the_o other_o way_n because_o thou_o be_v unwilling_a now_o and_o like_a to_o be_v so_o nay_o more_o so_o hereafter_o if_o thou_o intenden_a to_o do_v it_o at_o all_o thou_o shall_v set_v about_o it_o immediate_o and_o without_o delay_n 2._o another_o reason_n which_o man_n pretend_v for_o the_o delay_n of_o this_o work_n be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n of_o it_o and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v some_o bitterness_n and_o uneasiness_n in_o it_o proportionable_o to_o the_o growth_n of_o evil_a habit_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o our_o great_a or_o less_o progress_n and_o continuance_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n so_o that_o we_o must_v make_v account_n of_o a_o sharp_a conflict_n of_o some_o pain_n and_o trouble_v in_o the_o make_n of_o this_o change_n that_o it_o will_v cost_v we_o some_o pang_n and_o throw_n before_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o for_o when_o nature_n have_v be_v long_o bend_v another_o way_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v reduce_v and_o bring_v back_o to_o its_o first_o strenghtness_n without_o pain_n and_o violence_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o how_o difficult_a and_o painful_a soever_o this_o work_n be_v it_o be_v necessary_a and_o that_o shall_v over-rule_v all_o other_o consideration_n whatsoever_o that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v at_o this_o pain_n and_o trouble_n we_o must_v one_o time_n or_o other_o endure_v far_o great_a than_o those_o which_o we_o now_o seek_v to_o avoid_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a as_o we_o imagine_v but_o our_o fear_n of_o it_o be_v great_a than_o the_o trouble_n will_v prove_v if_o we_o be_v but_o once_o resolve_v upon_o the_o work_n and_o serious_o engage_v in_o it_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o trouble_n be_v over_o it_o be_v like_o the_o fear_n of_o child_n to_o go_v into_o the_o cold_a water_n a_o faint_a trial_n increase_v their_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v plunge_v into_o it_o the_o trouble_n be_v over_o and_o then_o they_o wonder_v why_o they_o be_v so_o much_o afraid_a the_o main_a difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n be_v in_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n it_o present_o grow_v tolerable_a and_o soon_o after_o easy_a and_o after_o that_o by_o degree_n so_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a that_o the_o man_n will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n return_v to_o his_o former_a evil_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n we_o shall_v consider_v likewise_o what_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o this_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n it_o be_v our_o long_a continuance_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n that_o have_v make_v we_o so_o loath_a to_o leave_v it_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o sin_v that_o render_v it_o so_o troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o man_n to_o do_v otherwise_o it_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o our_o guilt_n heighten_v and_o inflame_v by_o many_o and_o repeat_v provocation_n that_o do_v so_o gall_v our_o conscience_n and_o fill_v our_o soul_n with_o so_o much_o terror_n it_o be_v because_o we_o have_v go_v so_o far_o in_o a_o evil_a way_n that_o our_o retreat_n be_v become_v so_o difficult_a and_o because_o we_o have_v delay_v this_o work_n so_o long_o that_o we_o be_v now_o so_o unwilling_a to_o go_v about_o it_o and_o consequent_o the_o long_o we_o delay_v it_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o a_o change_n will_v increase_v daily_o upon_o we_o and_o all_o these_o consideration_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n for_o more_o delay_n that_o they_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a because_o the_o work_n be_v difficult_a now_o therefore_o do_v not_o make_v it_o more_o so_o and_o because_o your_o delay_n have_v increase_v the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o will_v do_v more_o and_o more_o therefore_o delay_v no_o long_o 3._o another_o pretend_a encouragement_n to_o these_o delay_n be_v the_o great_a mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n he_o common_o bear_v long_o with_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o absolute_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n man_n have_v not_o the_o face_n to_o give_v this_o for_o a_o reason_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o many_o man_n heart_n so_o solomon_n tell_v we_o eccles_n 8.11_o because_o sentence_n against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a but_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o there_o be_v few_o of_o we_o but_o have_v see_v several_a instance_n of_o god_n 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to_o go_v on_o and_o fortify_v their_o good_a resolution_n to_o be_v more_o vigilant_a and_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o to_o strive_v against_o sin_n and_o to_o resist_v it_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o according_a to_o the_o success_n of_o their_o endeavour_n in_o this_o conflict_n the_o evidence_n of_o their_o good_a condition_n will_v every_o day_n clear_v up_o and_o become_v more_o manifest_a the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o seldomer_n we_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o even_a and_o constant_a our_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o our_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n for_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o i_o shall_v only_o make_v 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distinct_a mark_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n as_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a illumination_n for_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n whether_o we_o sincere_o love_v god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o whether_o god_n love_v we_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o upright_a whether_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o as_o many_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n whether_o we_o belong_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o or_o not_o for_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n belong_v to_o we_o for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o you_o see_v at_o last_o the_o scripture_n bring_v all_o to_o this_o one_o mark_n viz._n holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o a_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a life_n in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n let_v we_o then_o deal_v impartial_o with_o ourselves_o and_o bring_v our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o this_o trial_n and_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v to_o some_o issue_n and_o we_o have_v make_v a_o deliberate_a judgement_n of_o our_o condition_n whether_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o if_o upon_o a_o full_a and_o fair_a examination_n our_o conscience_n give_v we_o this_o testimony_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n we_o may_v take_v joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o it_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o if_o upon_o the_o search_n and_o trial_n of_o our_o way_n our_o case_n appear_v clear_o to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o if_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o let_v we_o not_o venture_v to_o continue_v one_o moment_n long_o in_o so_o uncertain_a and_o dangerous_a a_o condition_n and_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n the_o scripture_n have_v set_v it_o plain_o before_o we_o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v though_o our_o case_n be_v very_o bad_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o desperate_a this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o man_n to_o be_v embrace_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o he_o be_v still_o willing_a to_o save_v we_o if_o we_o be_v but_o willing_a to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o our_o life_n we_o may_v yet_o be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n we_o who_o have_v venture_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o ruin_n may_v yet_o by_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v rescue_v from_o the_o base_a and_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o our_o lust_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v to_o represent_v every_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o let_v he_o clear_o see_v what_o his_o condition_n be_v towards_o god_n and_o how_o the_o case_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n stand_v and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n