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
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
a_o divine_a nature_n first_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o promise_n which_o be_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 and_o because_o the_o chief_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v here_o intend_v i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o this_o text_n to_o handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v frequent_o discourse_v of_o in_o divinity_n but_o not_o always_o so_o clear_o state_v and_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o take_v into_o consideration_n these_o four_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o promise_n be_v which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o promise_v 2._o why_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o great_a and_o precious_a exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n 3._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o tenor_n of_o these_o promise_n 4._o when_o man_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o may_v apply_v they_o to_o themselves_o these_o four_o head_n will_v comprehend_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o argument_n 1._o what_o the_o promise_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o promise_v and_o no_o doubt_n the_o apostle_n here_o intend_v those_o great_a and_o excellent_a promise_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o this_o enquiry_n we_o need_v only_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o principal_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v these_o three_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o free_a pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 2._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v our_o obedience_n 3._o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o reward_v it_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o gospel_n have_v make_v full_a and_o clear_a promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o will_v forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o amend_v our_o wicked_a life_n all_o that_o be_v past_a shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o and_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o this_o end_n to_o obtain_v for_o we_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n give_v man_n good_a hope_n that_o upon_o their_o repentance_n god_n will_v forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n from_o they_o but_o mankind_n be_v doubtful_a of_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o use_v expiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o appease_v the_o offend_a deity_n the_o jewish_a religion_n allow_v of_o no_o expiation_n but_o for_o legal_a impurity_n and_o involuntary_a transgression_n such_o as_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertency_n but_o not_o for_o sin_n of_o presumption_n and_o such_o as_o be_v commit_v with_o a_o bigh_a hand_n if_o man_n sin_v wilful_o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n appoint_v by_o the_o law_n for_o such_o sin_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n justify_v we_o from_o the_o great_a sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o sincere_a repentance_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o jew_n act_n 13._o 38_o 39_o be_v it_o know_v â—nto_o you_o therefore_o man_n and_o brethren_n that_o through_o this_o man_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v no_o general_a promise_n of_o pardon_n nor_o way_n of_o expiation_n under_o the_o law_n perfect_a remission_n of_o sin_n be_v clear_o reveal_v and_o ascertain_v to_o we_o only_o by_o the_o gospel_n 2._o another_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v our_o obedience_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n which_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v expect_v namely_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a power_n whereby_o they_o be_v qualify_v to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o give_v confirmation_n to_o it_o but_o now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v propagate_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a end_n and_o use_v of_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v cease_v but_o yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v still_o concur_v with_o the_o gospel_n and_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o excite_v and_o assist_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o though_o this_o operation_n be_v very_o secret_a so_o as_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v very_o sensible_a and_o this_o influence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n this_o proposition_n be_v universal_o true_a and_o in_o all_o age_n and_o time_n if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o now_o work_v upon_o man_n in_o that_o sudden_a and_o sensible_a manner_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n because_o then_o man_n be_v strong_o possess_v with_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o other_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o and_o therefore_o as_o more_o outward_a mean_n of_o conviction_n be_v then_o necessary_a so_o likewise_o a_o more_o powerful_a internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o conquer_v and_o bear_v down_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o subdue_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n but_o now_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o goodness_n be_v more_o gradual_o instill_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o gentle_a degree_n of_o pious_a instruction_n and_o education_n and_o with_o these_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n concur_v in_o a_o more_o humane_a way_n which_o be_v more_o suit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o men._n so_o that_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v now_o make_v good_a to_o we_o as_o the_o necessity_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o present_a state_n do_v require_v god_n do_v not_o use_v such_o extraordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o effect_n which_o may_v be_v accomplish_v in_o a_o more_o ordinary_a way_n the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v still_o necessary_a to_o man_n to_o incline_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o not_o in_o that_o manner_n and_o degree_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a at_o first_o because_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n be_v not_o now_o so_o great_a and_o many_o of_o those_o advantage_n which_o be_v necessary_o want_v at_o first_o be_v now_o supply_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a now_o to_o expect_v the_o same_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n 3._o there_o be_v likewise_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o reward_n and_o crown_v our_o obedience_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o as_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o job_n 2._o 25._o this_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v prefer_v before_o the_o old_a covenant_n of_o the_o law_n because_o it_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n all_o the_o special_a and_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o law_n be_v of_o temporal_a good_a thing_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a encouragement_n that_o be_v give_v to_o obedience_n under_o that_o imimperfect_a dispensation_n but_o now_o godliness_n have_v not_o only_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o the_o gospel_n have_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o a_o happy_a state_n of_o immortality_n after_o this_o life_n of_o which_o man_n have_v but_o very_o obscure_a and_o doubtful_a apprehension_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 10._o that_o it_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a by_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n jâ—sus_n christ_n who_o have_v abâ—lisbed_v death_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n
this_o precious_a treasure_n to_o every_o body_n rapine_n and_o extortion_n and_o can_v quiet_o look_v on_o whilst_o man_n thrust_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o take_v it_o out_o by_o whole_a handful_n as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a value_n than_o silver_n be_v in_o solomon_n day_n no_o more_o than_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o street_n and_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v go_v all_o the_o silver_n and_o gold_n in_o the_o world_n can_v purchase_v and_o fetch_v back_o the_o least_o moment_n of_o it_o when_o perhaps_o we_o will_v give_v all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o that_o time_n which_o we_o part_v with_o upon_o such_o cheap_a and_o easy_a term_n good_a god_n what_o a_o stupid_a and_o senseless_a prodigality_n be_v this_o do_v we_o consider_v what_o we_o do_v when_o we_o give_v away_o such_o large_a portion_n of_o our_o time_n to_o our_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n to_o diversion_n and_o idleness_n to_o trifle_v and_o unprofitable_a conversation_n to_o the_o make_n and_o receive_v of_o impertinent_a visit_n and_o the_o usual_a and_o almost_o inseparable_a attendant_n thereof_o spiteful_a observation_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v present_a and_o slander_v and_o backbiting_a those_o that_o be_v absent_a for_o the_o great_a design_n of_o most_o people_n in_o visit_n be_v not_o to_o better_v one_o another_o but_o to_o spy_v and_o make_v fault_n and_o not_o to_o mend_v they_o to_o get_v time_n off_o their_o hand_n to_o show_v their_o fine_a clothes_n and_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o mutual_a contempt_n of_o one_o another_o by_o a_o plentiful_a impertinence_n when_o we_o part_v with_o it_o by_o wholesale_n in_o sleep_n and_o dress_n and_o can_v spend_v whole_a morning_n between_o the_o comb_n and_o the_o glass_n and_o the_o afternoon_n at_o play_n and_o whole_a night_n in_o game_n or_o in_o riot_n and_o lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n in_o all_o which_o people_n common_o waste_v their_o money_n and_o their_o time_n together_o nay_o how_o do_v even_o the_o best_a of_o we_o misplace_v this_o precious_a treasure_n and_o though_o we_o do_v not_o employ_v it_o to_o wicked_a purpose_n and_o in_o work_n of_o iniquity_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a use_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o man_n by_o thus_o lay_v out_o this_o treasure_n we_o may_v lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o help_v other_o on_o in_o the_o way_n thither_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n employ_v his_o precious_a time_n in_o go_v about_o do_v good_a in_o all_o kind_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n heal_v the_o body_n and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o be_v his_o business_n and_o this_o be_v his_o delight_n it_o be_v his_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o his_o very_a life_n he_o spend_v himself_o in_o it_o and_o sacrifice_v his_o ease_n and_o his_o safety_n and_o his_o life_n to_o these_o great_a end_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o consider_v the_o goodness_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n and_o the_o little_a time_n he_o have_v to_o do_v it_o in_o which_o make_v he_o incessant_o industrious_a in_o it_o and_o to_o run_v the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o he_o with_o great_a speed_n and_o to_o work_v while_o it_o be_v day_n because_o he_o know_v the_o night_n will_v come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o observe_v from_o the_o text_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o limit_a time_n for_o every_o man_n to_o do_v this_o work_n in_o while_o it_o be_v day_n i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o whilst_o it_o be_v day_n and_o this_o day_n comprehend_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o our_o life_n which_o will_v soon_o be_v over_o and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v well_o spend_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o life_n be_v past_a before_o the_o season_n of_o work_v begin_v it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n begin_v and_o we_o come_v to_o have_v our_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a beâ—ore_o our_o understanding_n be_v ripe_a for_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n so_o that_o this_o first_o part_n of_o our_o life_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n useless_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o we_o in_o regard_n to_o our_o great_a design_n for_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n be_v but_o the_o dawning_n of_o this_o day_n and_o no_o fit_a time_n to_o work_v in_o and_o youth_n which_o be_v as_o the_o morning_n of_o this_o day_n though_o it_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o our_o time_n and_o the_o most_o proper_a season_n of_o all_o other_o for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o impression_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v usual_o possess_v by_o vanity_n and_o vice_n the_o common_a custom_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n have_v devote_v this_o best_a part_n of_o our_o age_n to_o the_o worst_a employment_n to_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o our_o lust_n how_o very_o few_o be_v there_o that_o lie_v hold_v of_o this_o opportunity_n and_o employ_v it_o to_o the_o best_a purpose_n and_o yet_o the_o follow_a course_n of_o our_o life_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o most_o person_n do_v continue_v and_o hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n in_o which_o they_o set_v out_o at_o first_o whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a and_o those_o who_o neglect_v to_o improve_v this_o first_o opportunity_n of_o their_o life_n do_v seldom_o recover_v themselves_o afterward_o god_n grace_n may_v seize_v upon_o man_n in_o any_o part_n of_o their_o life_n but_o according_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a method_n of_o it_o the_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v most_o common_o lay_v in_o a_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n this_o be_v the_o great_a opportunity_n of_o our_o life_n which_o settle_v and_o fix_v most_o man_n either_o in_o a_o good_a or_o bad_a course_n and_o the_o fortune_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n do_v usual_o follow_v it_o and_o depend_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o our_o day_n continue_v many_o time_n a_o great_a while_n long_o and_o we_o be_v to_o work_v while_o it_o continue_v and_o it_o be_v never_o too_o late_o to_o begin_v to_o do_v well_o and_o to_o enter_v upon_o a_o good_a course_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o proper_a and_o advantageous_a season_n for_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o work_n as_o in_o our_o youth_n and_o tender_a year_n this_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n god_n grace_n be_v then_o most_o forward_o and_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o and_o we_o be_v then_o least_o of_o all_o indispose_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o impression_n of_o it_o and_o the_o impression_n of_o it_o do_v then_o go_v deep_a into_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v most_o last_a and_o durable_a but_o if_o we_o neglect_v this_o opportunity_n we_o provoke_v god_n by_o degree_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o to_o take_v away_o his_o holy_a spirit_n from_o we_o and_o by_o degree_n we_o settle_v in_o vicious_a habit_n and_o be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o harden_a through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v never_o too_o late_o to_o work_v while_o the_o day_n last_v but_o the_o soon_o we_o begin_v this_o work_n and_o set_v about_o it_o in_o good_a earnest_n the_o easy_a we_o shall_v find_v it_o if_o we_o defer_v it_o late_o every_o step_n will_v be_v up_o the_o hill_n and_o against_o the_o grain_n three_o after_o this_o season_n be_v expire_v there_o will_v be_v no_o â—urther_o opportunity_n of_o work_v when_o this_o day_n be_v once_o at_o a_o end_n then_o come_v the_o night_n when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v the_o night_n be_v a_o time_n unfit_a for_o work_v when_o we_o can_v hardly_o do_v any_o thing_n if_o we_o have_v never_o so_o great_a mind_n to_o it_o and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o night_n come_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o we_o and_o woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v our_o work_n to_o do_v when_o the_o night_n overtake_v we_o there_o be_v usual_o a_o evening_n before_o this_o night_n when_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a for_o we_o and_o next_o to_o impossible_a to_o do_v this_o work_n and_o this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n in_o which_o man_n be_v common_o unfit_a for_o any_o work_n but_o most_o of_o all_o that_o which_o require_v the_o whole_a force_n and_o vigour_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o business_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o attempt_v this_o work_n