genuine_a sense_n of_o this_o expression_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n will_n and_o the_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v appoint_v to_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n shall_v demean_v themselves_o so_o and_o so_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v those_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o call_v to_o suffer_v and_o this_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o like_a expression_n chap._n 3._o of_o this_o epist_n ver_fw-la 17._o for_o it_o be_v better_a if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o that_o be_v if_o god_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o and_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n than_o for_o evil-doing_a second_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n as_o to_o a_o faithful_a creator_n that_o be_v to_o deposit_v our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o a_o word_n ourselves_o into_o the_o hand_n and_o custody_n of_o his_o merciful_a care_n and_o providence_n who_o make_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o will_v faithful_o keep_v what_o we_o commit_v to_o he_o for_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n he_o be_v engage_v to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o will_v not_o abandon_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v for_o good_a man_n to_o support_v they_o in_o their_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o to_o reward_v they_o for_o it_o and_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o great_a encouragement_n in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o god_n cause_n and_o truth_n to_o commit_v our_o soul_n to_o his_o care_n and_o custody_n our_o soul_n that_o be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o a_o word_n ourselves_o for_o so_o the_o word_n soul_n be_v frequent_o use_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n psal_n 7._o 5._o let_v the_o enemy_n persecute_v my_o soul_n and_o take_v it_o that_o be_v my_o life_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n yea_o let_v he_o tread_v doâ—n_o my_o life_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o psal_n 54._o 3._o oppressor_n seek_v after_o my_o soul_n and_o psal_n 59_o 3._o they_o lie_v in_o waâ—t_n for_o my_o soul_n that_o be_v my_o life_n and_o psal_n 16._o 10._o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n my_o soul_n that_o be_v myself_o thou_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n but_o will_v raise_v i_o up_o to_o life_n again_o and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n mar._n 8._o 35._o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o same_o shall_v save_v it_o the_o same_o word_n which_o be_v here_o render_v life_n in_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n be_v render_v soul_n for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n that_o be_v his_o life_n and_o so_o likewise_o joâ—_n 12._o 25._o he_o that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n in_o the_o original_a the_o word_n signify_v soul_n he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v who_o neglect_v and_o expose_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o life_n eternal_a and_o luke_n 9_o 25._o that_o which_o the_o other_o evangelist_n render_v by_o the_o word_n soul_n or_o life_n he_o render_v himself_o for_o what_o be_v a_o man_n advantage_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v himself_o and_o so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n be_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n three_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n by_o well-doing_n be_v here_o mean_v a_o fix_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o do_v our_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o hazard_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 7._o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n it_o signify_v sometime_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o charity_n but_o in_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o chap._n 2._o 15._o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well-doing_n that_o be_v by_o a_o resolute_a constancy_n in_o a_o good_a course_n you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a men._n and_o ver_fw-la 20._o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o sâ—ffer_v for_o it_o that_o be_v if_o when_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n you_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n and_o chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 6._o as_o long_o as_o you_o do_v well_o and_o be_v not_o afraid_a with_o any_o amazement_n that_o be_v be_v resolute_a and_o constant_a in_o do_v your_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o threaten_n and_o terror_n and_o ver_fw-la 17._o for_o it_o be_v better_a if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o that_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n than_o for_o evil-doing_a that_o be_v for_o your_o religion_n and_o constancy_n in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n as_o christian_n and_o not_o as_o criminal_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n so_o that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v wherefore_o be_v forewarn_v of_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n the_o sum_n of_o my_o direction_n and_o advice_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v this_o that_o since_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v suffer_v upon_o this_o account_n commit_v yourselves_o in_o the_o constant_a discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o particular_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n as_o the_o faithful_a creator_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o particular_a point_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o first_o that_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n second_o always_o provide_v that_o we_o do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n if_o we_o step_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o god_n providence_n will_v not_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n three_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n afford_v to_o we_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n first_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n truth_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n and_o good_a assurance_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o not_o 2._o how_o far_o they_o may_v rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o these_o suffering_n 3._o what_o â—â—ound_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o more_o particular_a and_o especial_a care_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o case_n of_o such_o suffering_n 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n truth_n and_o when_o not_o in_o these_o case_n first_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o not_o renounce_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o open_o declare_v against_o it_o and_o apostatise_v from_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o all_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n about_o suffer_v for_o religion_n do_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o religion_n or_o other_o and_o among_o christian_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n
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
secure_v against_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n in_o religion_n and_o whereby_o they_o may_v discern_v truth_n from_o imposture_n and_o what_o doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n and_o what_o not_o and_o this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o here_o in_o the_o text_n namely_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o there_o be_v two_o dangerous_a mistake_n in_o religion_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o come_v from_o god_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o from_o god_n which_o do_v not_o real_o come_v from_o he_o first_o to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o come_v from_o god_n this_o mistake_v the_o jew_n frequent_o fall_v into_o when_o they_o reject_v the_o true_a prophet_n which_o god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n send_v to_o they_o slight_v their_o message_n and_o persecute_v their_o person_n but_o they_o miscarry_v most_o fatal_o and_o remarkable_o in_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n that_o great_a prophet_n who_o they_o have_v so_o long_o expect_v and_o who_o god_n send_v at_o last_o to_o bring_v salvation_n to_o they_o but_o when_o he_o come_v they_o know_v he_o not_o nor_o will_v receive_v he_o but_o use_v he_o with_o all_o the_o despite_n and_o contempt_n imaginable_a not_o as_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n but_o as_o a_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n now_o the_o danger_n of_o reject_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o god_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o high_a affront_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o reject_v a_o divine_a message_n or_o revelation_n be_v to_o oppose_v god_n and_o fight_v against_o he_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o in_o despise_v he_o they_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v he_o second_o there_o be_v also_o another_o dangerous_a mistake_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o from_o he_o and_o this_o likewise_o the_o jew_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o in_o receive_v the_o false_a prophet_n which_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v not_o send_v they_o and_o this_o be_v common_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o truth_n greedy_o to_o swallow_v error_n and_o delusion_n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o jew_n john_n 5._o 43._o i_o be_o come_v in_o my_o father_n name_n and_o you_o receive_v i_o not_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o own_o name_n him_z you_o will_v receive_v this_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o jew_n be_v full_o accomplish_v for_o after_o they_o have_v reject_v he_o who_o give_v such_o abundant_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n they_o receive_v other_o who_o real_o come_v in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o run_v after_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o be_v in_o great_a number_n destroy_v with_o they_o and_o this_o be_v very_o just_a with_o god_n that_o those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n noâ—_n these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a dangerous_a mistake_v in_o religion_n which_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o show_v how_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v a_o security_n to_o man_n against_o both_o those_o danger_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n i._o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n ii_o because_o god_n providence_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o secure_v such_o person_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n these_o shall_v be_v the_o two_o head_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n first_o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n i._o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n ii_o because_o he_o be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n first_o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n no_o man_n be_v so_o likely_a to_o have_v clear_a and_o true_a apprehension_n of_o god_n as_o a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o have_v transcribe_v the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v himself_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n what_o god_n be_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n job_n 28._o 28._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_a be_v understanding_n and_o psal_n 111._o 10._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n whereas_o the_o vice_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n darken_v their_o reason_n and_o distort_v their_o understanding_n and_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o gross_a and_o sensual_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o thereby_o render_v man_n unfit_a to_o discern_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o tendency_n and_o altogether_o indispose_v to_o receive_v they_o for_o though_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n be_v proper_o seat_v in_o their_o will_n and_o do_v not_o possess_v their_o understanding_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o bad_a influence_n upon_o they_o as_o fume_n and_o vapour_n from_o the_o stomach_n be_v wont_a to_o affect_v the_o head_n nothing_o indeed_o be_v more_o natural_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o we_o may_v abuse_v our_o faculty_n and_o render_v they_o unfit_a for_o the_o discern_a even_o of_o their_o proper_a object_n when_o man_n by_o wicked_a practice_n have_v render_v themselves_o unlike_a to_o god_n they_o will_v not_o love_v to_o retain_v the_o knowlenge_n of_o he_o in_o their_o mind_n but_o will_v become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n concern_v he_o what_o cloud_n and_o mist_n be_v to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n that_o the_o lust_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n be_v to_o the_o understanding_n they_o hinder_v it_o from_o a_o clear_a perception_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o pure_a in_o heart_n they_o be_v best_a qualify_v for_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n now_o according_a as_o a_o man_n notion_n of_o god_n be_v such_o will_v be_v his_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n all_o religion_n be_v either_o natural_a or_o reveal_v natural_a religion_n consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o in_o right_a conception_n and_o apprehension_n concern_v he_o and_o in_o a_o due_a reverence_n and_o observance_n of_o he_o and_o in_o a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o he_o have_v imprint_v upon_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o obedience_n consist_v in_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o a_o endeavour_n to_o be_v like_o he_o for_o suppose_v god_n to_o have_v make_v no_o external_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o know_v his_o will_n but_o by_o consider_v his_o nature_n and_o our_o own_o and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o that_o resemble_v god_n most_o be_v like_a to_o understand_v he_o best_o because_o he_o find_v those_o perfection_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o contemplate_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o nothing_o give_v a_o man_n so_o sure_a a_o notion_n of_o thing_n as_o practice_n and_o experience_n every_o good_a man_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o feel_v that_o in_o himself_o which_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v in_o god_n so_o that_o this_o man_n do_v experience_n what_o other_o do_v but_o talk_v of_o he_o see_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o and_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v of_o he_o from_o a_o inward_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o as_o
seduce_v he_o or_o draw_v he_o aside_o in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n he_o have_v no_o interest_n but_o to_o find_v the_o truth_n and_o follow_v it_o he_o be_v inquire_v after_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o he_o have_v the_o indifferency_n of_o a_o traveller_n which_o be_v not_o incline_v to_o go_v this_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o for_o his_o concernment_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o such_o a_o indifferency_n of_o mind_n have_v every_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o stand_v ready_a to_o receive_v truth_n when_o sufficient_a evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o it_o because_o he_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o concernment_n that_o the_o contrary_a proposition_n shall_v be_v true_a as_o in_o mathematics_n a_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n that_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v no_o inclination_n or_o affection_n to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n more_o than_o to_o the_o other_o all_o his_o design_n and_o concernment_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n on_o which_o side_n soever_o it_o lie_v and_o he_o be_v like_a to_o find_v it_o because_o he_o be_v so_o indifferent_a and_o impartial_a but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v biased_a by_o any_o lust_n and_o addict_v to_o any_o vicious_a practice_n he_o be_v then_o a_o interest_v person_n and_o concern_v to_o be_v partial_a in_o his_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v under_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o infidelity_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o because_o whatever_o the_o evidence_n for_o they_o be_v he_o can_v but_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o inclination_n and_o interest_n if_o the_o affection_n and_o interest_n of_o meâ—_n be_v as_o deep_o concern_v and_o as_o sensible_o touch_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o mathematical_a proposition_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o morality_n and_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o when_o a_o proposition_n stand_v in_o their_o way_n and_o lay_v cross_a to_o their_o interest_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_o demonstrate_v yet_o they_o will_v raise_v a_o dust_n about_o it_o and_o make_v a_o thousand_o cavil_n and_o fence_v even_o against_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o demonstration_n they_o will_v palliate_v their_o error_n with_o all_o the_o skill_n and_o art_n they_o can_v and_o though_o the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o palpable_a yet_o they_o will_v hold_v it_o fast_o against_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o face_n down_o mankind_n in_o the_o obstinate_a defence_n of_o it_o for_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o who_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v believe_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o see_v will_v if_o they_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n and_o passion_n to_o sway_v they_o in_o the_o case_n believe_v contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a mathematical_a demonstration_n for_o where_o there_o be_v a_o obstinate_a resolution_n not_o to_o be_v convince_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o world_n signify_v nothing_o whereas_o he_o that_o be_v bias_v by_o no_o passion_n or_o interest_n but_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o he_o know_v it_o be_v likely_a to_o judge_v very_o impartial_o concern_v any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o good_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deceive_v himself_o in_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o and_o if_o there_o be_v good_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a he_o have_v no_o interest_n or_o inclination_n to_o reject_v they_o for_o it_o be_v his_o great_a design_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o be_v glad_a of_o all_o opportunity_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v secure_a man_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n because_o such_o person_n be_v hereby_o better_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o divine_a thing_n both_o because_o they_o have_v true_a and_o sure_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v more_o impartial_a in_o their_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o first_o account_n second_o another_o reason_n why_o they_o who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v a_o great_a security_n in_o discern_a truth_n from_o error_n be_v because_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o preserve_v such_o person_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n when_o man_n be_v of_o a_o teachable_a temper_n god_n love_v to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o they_o and_o such_o be_v a_o humble_a and_o obedient_a frame_n of_o mind_n psal_n 25._o 9_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n the_o proper_a disposition_n of_o a_o scholar_n be_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v and_o that_o which_o in_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v be_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o for_o practice_n be_v the_o end_n of_o knowledge_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o bless_a lord_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v happy_a only_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n his_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v take_v effectual_a care_n to_o secure_v such_o a_o one_o against_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a error_n he_o that_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o know_v it_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o remain_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o to_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o in_o any_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o wonderful_a instance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kind_n he_o be_v undoubted_o a_o man_n of_o a_o very_a honest_a mind_n he_o have_v entertain_v the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n and_o be_v breed_v in_o it_o and_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a reverence_n and_o belief_n of_o his_o teacher_n who_o reject_v christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n he_o likewise_o oppose_v and_o persecute_v they_o with_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n and_o a_o honest_a intention_n be_v very_o persuade_v as_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n he_o be_v under_o a_o great_a prejudice_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o education_n and_o according_a to_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o natural_a temper_n transport_v with_o great_a passion_n but_o because_o he_o do_v what_o he_o do_v ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n god_n be_v please_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o he_o and_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n to_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o persecute_v he_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n will_v rather_o work_v a_o miracle_n for_o his_o conversion_n than_o suffer_v he_o to_o go_v on_o in_o so_o fatal_a a_o mistake_n concern_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v concern_v itself_o to_o secure_v good_a man_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o by_o a_o just_a judgement_n he_o give_v up_o those_o who_o allow_v themselves_o in_o vicious_a practice_n to_o error_n and_o infidelity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n esa_n ch._n 6._o 10._o so_o often_o cite_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o jew_n of_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o that_o people_n fat_a and_o their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o close_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o shall_v understand_v and_o be_v convert_v so_o again_o isa_n 66._o 3_o 4._o god_n threaten_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o because_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o abominable_a in_o their_o life_n he_o will_v abandon_v they_o and_o give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n they_o have_v choose_v their_o own_o way_n and_o their_o soul_n delight_v in_o their_o abomination_n i_o also_o will_v choose_v their_o delusion_n god_n be_v say_v to_o choose_v those_o thing_n for_o we_o which_o he_o permit_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o so_o rom._n 1._o 28._o
god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v over_o the_o abominable_a heathen_a to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n god_n give_v they_o over_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o injudicious_a and_o undiscerning_a mind_n when_o man_n abandon_v themselves_o to_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n god_n withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o by_o his_o secret_a and_o just_a judgement_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o faculty_n of_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o good_a and_o evil._n 2_o thes_n 2._o 10_o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v come_v with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n will_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n that_o man_n of_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o practice_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o cheat_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o vile_a impostor_n god_n providence_n be_v concern_v for_o man_n of_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_a intention_n but_o if_o man_n take_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n god_n take_v no_o further_a care_n of_o they_o but_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o be_v seduce_v into_o all_o those_o error_n into_o which_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v apt_a to_o lead_v they_o thus_o have_v i_o endeavour_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o show_v that_o a_o honest_a mind_n that_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n both_o because_o it_o dispose_v a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o because_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v for_o the_o security_n of_o such_o person_n there_o remain_v â—an_v objection_n to_o be_v answer_v to_o which_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v liable_a but_o this_o together_o with_o the_o inference_n which_o may_v be_v make_v from_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o john_n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o i_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n the_o last_o day_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a security_n and_o preservative_n against_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o now_o there_o be_v i_o tell_v you_o two_o great_a mistake_v in_o religion_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o be_v from_o god_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o from_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o propose_v from_o this_o text_n to_o show_v how_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v a_o security_n to_o man_n against_o both_o these_o danger_n namely_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n i._o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n he_o that_o resemble_v god_n most_o be_v like_a to_o understand_v he_o best_o because_o he_o find_v those_o perfection_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o contemplate_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o nothing_o give_v a_o man_n so_o sure_a a_o notion_n of_o thing_n as_o practice_n and_o experience_n ii_o because_o such_o a_o person_n be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o therefore_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v it_o and_o to_o discern_v it_o from_o error_n that_o man_n only_o stand_v fair_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o no_o vice_n or_o lust_n because_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o corrupt_v or_o bribe_v he_o to_o seduce_v he_o and_o draw_v he_o aside_o in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n he_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o concernment_n that_o the_o contrary_a proposition_n shall_v be_v true_a have_v the_o indifferency_n of_o a_o traveller_n and_o no_o other_o interest_n but_o to_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v biased_a by_o any_o lust_n and_o addict_v to_o any_o vicious_a practice_n he_o be_v then_o a_o interest_v person_n and_o concern_v to_o make_v a_o partial_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v under_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o infidelity_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o because_o whatever_o the_o evidence_n for_o they_o be_v he_o can_v but_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o inclination_n and_o interest_n second_o another_o reason_n why_o they_o who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v a_o great_a security_n in_o discern_a truth_n from_o error_n be_v because_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o preserve_v such_o person_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n when_o man_n be_v of_o a_o teachable_a temper_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o obedient_a frame_n of_o mind_n god_n love_v to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o they_o psal_n 25._o 9_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n the_o proper_a disposition_n of_o a_o scholar_n be_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v and_o that_o which_o in_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v be_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o for_o practice_n be_v the_o end_n of_o knowledge_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v only_o happy_a in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n his_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v take_v effectual_a care_n to_o secure_v such_o a_o one_o against_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a error_n he_o that_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o know_v it_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o remain_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o to_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o in_o any_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o remove_v a_o objection_n to_o which_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v liable_a and_o then_o draw_v some_o inferâ—nces_n from_o the_o whole_a after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v some_o perhaps_o may_v ask_v be_v every_o good_a man_n then_o secure_a from_o all_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a privilege_n indeed_o but_o do_v not_o we_o find_v the_o contrary_a in_o experience_n that_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o a_o weak_a head_n do_v often_o meet_v together_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o 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of_o our_o religion_n but_o by_o their_o own_o writer_n also_o nor_o be_v this_o mischief_n only_o confine_v to_o that_o order_n their_o casuist_n in_o general_a and_o even_o the_o more_o ancient_a of_o they_o who_o write_v before_o the_o order_n of_o jesuit_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n have_v give_v such_o a_o liberty_n and_o loose_a to_o great_a immorality_n in_o several_a kind_n as_o be_v infinite_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n insomuch_o that_o sir_n tho._n moor_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o great_a zealot_n for_o that_o religion_n can_v not_o forbear_v to_o make_v a_o loud_a complaint_n of_o it_o and_o to_o pass_v this_o severe_a censure_n upon_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o casuist_n that_o their_o great_a business_n seem_v to_o be_v not_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n but_o to_o teach_v they_o quam_fw-la propè_fw-la ad_fw-la pecâ—atum_fw-la liceat_fw-la accedere_fw-la sine_fw-la peccato_fw-la how_o near_o to_o sin_n they_o 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in_o the_o world_n without_o it_o five_o and_o last_o this_o provision_n which_o god_n have_v make_v be_v when_o all_o be_v do_v as_o good_a a_o security_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o religion_n as_o a_o infallible_a church_n can_v give_v if_o there_o be_v one_o and_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o way_n to_o prevent_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n in_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v prevent_v and_o have_v a_o end_n put_v to_o they_o and_o these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a reason_n why_o a_o infallible_a judge_n be_v so_o importunate_o demand_v and_o insist_v upon_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o these_o distinct_o and_o several_o but_o because_o they_o will_v require_v a_o long_a discourse_n than_o the_o time_n will_v allow_v i_o shall_v not_o enter_v upon_o they_o at_o present_a but_o refer_v they_o to_o another_o opportunity_n the_o three_o sermon_n on_o john_n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o when_o i_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o wâ—â—ds_n i_o propose_v from_o this_o text_n first_o to_o show_v that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a security_n and_o best_a preservative_n against_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o proceed_v to_o remove_v a_o objection_n to_o which_o my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n may_v seem_v liable_a some_o perhaps_o may_v ask_v be_v every_o good_a man_n then_o secure_a from_o all_o error_n and_o mistaâ—e_n in_o maâ—ters_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a privilege_n indeed_o but_o do_v we_o not_o find_v the_o contrary_a in_o experience_n that_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o a_o weak_a head_n do_v often_o meet_v together_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o lay_v down_o 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care_n of_o a_o good_a life_n god_n goodness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o man_n judgement_n to_o be_v betray_v into_o a_o damnable_a error_n without_o some_o vice_n and_o fault_n of_o his_o will._n the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v bear_v with_o we_o and_o imprint_v upon_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o nor_o need_v to_o be_v mistake_v about_o they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o accompany_v they_o with_o so_o much_o evidence_n that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n may_v easy_o discern_v they_o from_o error_n and_o imposture_n so_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o see_v any_o oppose_v the_o clear_a truth_n or_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o to_o embrace_v gross_a error_n and_o delusion_n we_o may_v almost_o certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v some_o worldly_a interest_n or_o lust_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o so_o our_o saviour_n have_v likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n be_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o st._n peter_n exhortation_n the_o 2_o d_o of_o pet._n 3._o 17_o 18._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_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 among_o all_o the_o irregular_a appetite_n of_o man_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v more_o common_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o of_o a_o more_o universal_a bad_a influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n than_o this_o of_o covetousness_n and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v of_o this_o vice_n i_o shall_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o a_o great_a many_o other_o even_o of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n truth_n and_o religion_n of_o which_o covetousness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o common_a cause_n so_o that_o if_o i_o can_v contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o this_o great_a distemper_n of_o man_n mind_n i_o shall_v in_o so_o do_v remove_n that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o his_o hearer_n 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 in_o which_o word_n be_v these_o threâ—_n 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 he_o double_v it_o to_o show_v the_o great_a need_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o caution_n or_o the_o vice_n which_o our_o
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
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
other_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v subordinate_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o great_a design_n and_o be_v no_o further_o mind_v by_o we_o than_o they_o real_o be_v so_o for_o that_o which_o be_v our_o great_a end_n will_v subdue_v all_o other_o thing_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o subjection_n to_o it_o and_o will_v reject_v they_o and_o throw_v they_o aside_o if_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o if_o heaven_n be_v our_o utmost_a aim_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o it_o be_v our_o great_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a this_o resolution_n and_o design_n sincere_o entertain_v will_v over-rule_v all_o other_o consideration_n and_o make_v all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o stoop_v and_o give_v way_n to_o that_o which_o be_v our_o chief_a end_n the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o what_o by_o seek_v they_o first_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o plain_a rule_n for_o our_o direction_n and_o furtherance_n in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n first_o let_v we_o always_o live_v under_o a_o lively_a and_o powerful_a sense_n of_o another_o world_n that_o we_o be_v place_v here_o in_o this_o world_n but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o that_o whole_o in_o order_n to_o our_o preparation_n for_o a_o better_a and_o a_o happy_a life_n let_v this_o thought_n be_v often_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o eternity_n be_v the_o most_o considerable_a duration_n and_o the_o next_o world_n the_o place_n of_o our_o everlasting_a abode_n where_o we_o must_v dwell_v and_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o our_o present_a state_n be_v but_o of_o little_a moment_n and_o consideration_n to_o we_o but_o only_o in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a and_o everlasting_a condition_n we_o may_v please_v ourselves_o here_o for_o a_o little_a while_n with_o toy_n and_o trifle_n with_o dream_n and_o shadow_n of_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n and_o may_v be_v exercise_v with_o some_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n for_o a_o short_a space_n for_o a_o moment_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o all_o eternity_n but_o the_o substantial_a and_o durable_a happiness_n or_o misery_n remain_v for_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v their_o portion_n according_a as_o they_o have_v demean_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n now_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o can_v fail_v to_o put_v we_o upon_o vigorous_a preparation_n for_o another_o world_n and_o to_o make_v we_o whole_o intent_n upon_o our_o eternal_a concernment_n and_o to_o resolve_v whatever_o become_v of_o we_o in_o this_o world_n to_o take_v effectual_a care_n that_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a for_o ever_o he_o that_o firm_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o a_o life_n after_o death_n which_o will_v never_o have_v a_o end_n must_v needs_o take_v into_o consideration_n his_o whole_a duration_n and_o bend_v all_o his_o care_n and_o thought_n how_o he_o may_v avoid_v the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a misery_n and_o secure_a to_o himself_o a_o immortality_n of_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n second_o let_v we_o be_v always_o under_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v and_o that_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v the_o one_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n and_o qualification_n for_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o man_n to_o hope_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n without_o endeavour_v after_o his_o righteousness_n there_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o connexion_n between_o they_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o be_v well_o and_o at_o ease_n without_o health_n as_o to_o be_v happy_a without_o holiness_n for_o this_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n and_o our_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n to_o god_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n in_o order_n to_o our_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a blessedness_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o will_v effectual_o engage_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n three_o let_v we_o always_o remember_v that_o righteousness_n be_v of_o a_o great_a extent_n and_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o goodness_n it_o take_v in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o all_o the_o part_n and_o ingredient_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o a_o good_a man._n to_o denominate_v a_o man_n righteous_a all_o cause_n must_v concur_v all_o the_o essential_a principle_n and_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o goodness_n must_v meet_v together_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n faith_n and_o good_a work_n right_a opinion_n and_o real_a virtue_n a_o orthodox_n profession_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n abstain_v from_o sin_n and_o do_v of_o righteousness_n purity_n of_o heart_n and_o unspotted_a manner_n godliness_n and_o honesty_n the_o bridle_v of_o our_o tongue_n and_o the_o government_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n charity_n which_o be_v the_o band_n of_o perfection_n for_o righteousness_n be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o unrighteousness_n and_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o it_o now_o this_o if_o it_o be_v real_a and_o sincere_a will_v be_v uniform_a and_o universal_a equal_o respect_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o every_o part_n of_o our_o know_a duty_n and_o will_v not_o content_v itself_o with_o a_o especial_a regard_n to_o one_o or_o two_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n though_o never_o so_o considerable_a and_o then_o allow_v itself_o in_o the_o neglect_n and_o violation_n of_o the_o rest_n no_o nor_o with_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o table_n of_o the_o law_n if_o it_o overlook_v the_o other_o no_o nor_o with_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n one_o only_o except_v st._n james_n have_v put_v this_o very_a case_n and_o determine_v it_o that_o he_o that_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n save_v only_o that_o he_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o sincere_a in_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n our_o righteousness_n must_v be_v universal_a as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a so_o must_v we_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n in_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o action_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o any_o one_o reign_v sin_n and_o vice_n any_o gross_a and_o notorious_a defect_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n will_v spoil_v all_o our_o righteousness_n and_o will_v effectual_o shut_v we_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n four_o let_v we_o wise_o subordinate_a the_o several_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o intrinsical_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v mind_v every_o part_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o signify_v nothing_o unless_o they_o produce_v that_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o prayer_n and_o fast_v diligent_a read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reverent_a and_o devout_a receive_v of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n be_v of_o less_o account_n and_o value_n than_o that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o these_o which_o be_v to_o make_v we_o inward_o and_o real_o good_a and_o fruitful_a in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o use_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o these_o end_n without_o which_o they_o be_v mere_a formalility_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o instead_o of_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n they_o be_v a_o
final_o by_o his_o mercy_n we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n three_o another_o powerful_a argument_n to_o care_n and_o diligence_n be_v the_o fatal_a danger_n of_o miscarriage_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n we_o may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o the_o rich_a young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o he_o break_v with_o our_o saviour_n only_o upon_o one_o point_n he_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o world_n and_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o his_o great_a possession_n and_o distribute_v they_o in_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o thereupon_o he_o leave_v our_o saviour_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o find_v never_o return_v to_o he_o again_o if_o the_o world_n govern_v and_o bear_v sway_n in_o our_o heart_n if_o we_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n first_o and_o make_v these_o our_o chief_a care_n and_o design_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v add_v unto_o we_o iâ—_n we_o will_v not_o mind_v they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v accessory_n and_o if_o upon_o any_o one_o point_n we_o miscarry_v either_o out_o of_o love_n to_o the_o world_n or_o affection_n to_o any_o other_o lust_n or_o vice_n that_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v withal_o our_o miscarriage_n be_v fatal_a and_o the_o ruin_n which_o we_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o irreparable_a for_o the_o soul_n once_o lose_v be_v lose_v for_o ever_o if_o we_o have_v neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n it_o will_v never_o return_v into_o our_o power_n again_o death_n will_v shut_v the_o door_n against_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n four_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o we_o sincere_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o fair_a probability_n of_o obtain_v they_o but_o all_o the_o security_n we_o can_v desire_v man_n may_v be_v in_o good_a earnest_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n may_v love_v they_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n as_o we_o see_v too_o many_o do_v and_o seek_v they_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o strength_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n may_v be_v shameful_o frustrate_v and_o disappoint_v of_o their_o end_n there_o be_v many_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n daily_o before_o our_o eye_n and_o yet_o man_n be_v not_o discourage_v from_o seek_v these_o thing_n a_o fair_a probability_n nay_o almost_o a_o possibility_n of_o attain_v they_o be_v enough_o to_o a_o worldly-minded_n man_n to_o drudge_n and_o toil_n for_o they_o why_o the_o same_o â—_z the_o â—ame_n zeal_n the_o same_o unwearied_a endeavour_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n will_v infallible_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a but_o true_a say_v of_o cardinal_n wolsey_n when_o he_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n have_v i_o be_v but_o as_o careful_a to_o please_v god_n as_o i_o have_v be_v to_o serve_v my_o prince_n he_o will_v not_o have_v forsake_v i_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o my_o gray_a hair_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o less_o diligence_n and_o care_n about_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o another_o life_n than_o many_o man_n use_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n will_v secure_v our_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o but_o very_o few_o will_v be_v save_v and_o who_o will_v not_o place_v his_o industry_n and_o endeavour_n upon_o a_o design_n in_o which_o he_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o miscarry_v if_o he_o do_v but_o hearty_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n pursue_v it_o especial_o when_o it_o will_v be_v of_o infinite_a great_a advantage_n to_o he_o than_o any_o design_n he_o can_v propound_v to_o himself_o for_o this_o world_n if_o a_o man_n may_v be_v certain_o happy_a for_o ever_o upon_o the_o same_o or_o easy_a term_n than_o he_o can_v ordinary_o compass_v any_o of_o those_o little_a design_n which_o man_n propose_v to_o themselves_o in_o this_o world_n who_o will_v not_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v most_o worthy_a the_o have_v and_o which_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v five_o and_o last_o the_o encouragement_n here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v not_o inconsiderable_a that_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o this_o certain_o be_v a_o very_a tempt_a consideration_n for_o who_o will_v not_o be_v glad_a to_o reconcile_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o man_n do_v not_o general_o like_o our_o saviour_n method_n they_o will_v seek_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o get_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o they_o will_v be_v content_a to_o seek_v the_o one_o and_o have_v the_o other_o cast_v in_o and_o confer_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o seek_n but_o this_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v this_o way_n will_v not_o do_v and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n have_v go_v as_o far_o as_o one_o will_v think_v can_v in_o reason_n be_v desire_v he_o have_v promise_v that_o if_o we_o will_v make_v religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o so_o that_o the_o design_n of_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o a_o competent_a portion_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n godliness_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o a_o man_n thrive_a in_o his_o temporal_a estate_n nay_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o be_v apt_a to_o promote_v and_o advance_v it_o by_o engage_v we_o to_o diligence_n in_o our_o call_v and_o by_o derive_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o honest_a and_o lawful_a endeavour_n by_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o strict_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n and_o fidelity_n in_o all_o our_o deal_n and_o commerce_n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o establish_v a_o clear_a and_o solid_a reputation_n and_o good_a esteem_n among_o man_n which_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o business_n and_o at_o the_o long_o run_v one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o last_a instrument_n of_o prosperity_n and_o success_n beside_o that_o religion_n free_v a_o man_n from_o those_o passion_n and_o vice_n which_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o dissipate_v and_o ruin_v man_n estate_n as_o intemperance_n and_o lewdness_n which_o be_v every_o way_n chargeable_a vice_n and_o do_v not_o only_o take_v man_n off_o from_o business_n and_o render_v they_o unfit_a for_o it_o but_o waste_v their_o estate_n and_o bring_v many_o other_o inconvenience_n upon_o their_o person_n and_o family_n religion_n make_v man_n meek_a and_o peaceable_a and_o inoffensive_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n which_o be_v a_o great_a security_n against_o chargeable_a suit_n and_o contention_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o injury_n and_o affront_v from_o other_o among_o all_o the_o beatitude_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o only_o promise_v temporal_a happiness_n to_o meekness_n bless_a be_v the_o meek_a for_o they_o shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n they_o who_o provoke_v and_o offend_v no_o body_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v least_o disturb_a and_o disquiet_v by_o other_o in_o their_o possession_n and_o enjoment_n who_o will_v harm_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 13._o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a some_o may_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o persecute_v a_o man_n for_o his_o goodness_n but_o it_o rare_o happen_v most_o man_n have_v not_o only_o a_o kindness_n but_o a_o veneration_n for_o true_a goodness_n by_o all_o these_o way_n religion_n natural_o tend_v to_o the_o temporal_a prosperity_n of_o man_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o their_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n beside_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v very_o peculiar_o concern_v for_o good_a man_n and_o a_o special_a blessing_n attend_v they_o in_o all_o their_o undertake_n so_o that_o except_v the_o case_n of_o persecution_n which_o god_n will_v particular_o consider_v and_o reward_v in_o another_o world_n the_o religious_a and_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n stand_v as_o fair_a and_o be_v upon_o as_o good_a term_n for_o all_o
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
poetical_a number_n and_o skill_n in_o it_o than_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o time_n and_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v we_o can_v easy_o understand_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o iâ—_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a namely_o to_o magnify_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o precept_n as_o that_o wherein_o true_a religion_n do_v main_o consist_v and_o indeed_o if_o we_o attentive_o read_v and_o consider_v it_o every_o part_n of_o this_o psalm_n do_v with_o great_a variety_n of_o expression_n and_o yet_o very_o little_a difference_n of_o the_o sense_n descant_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n viz._n the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n aâ—d_a tâ—â—_n worâ—â—_n of_o tâ—â—_n teâ—t_v seem_v to_o be_v as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a psalm_n as_o any_o one_o sentence_n in_o it_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a these_o word_n be_v various_o render_v and_o understand_v by_o interpreter_n who_o yet_o in_o this_o variety_n do_v very_o much_o conspire_v and_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o sensâ—â—_n the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n render_v the_o word_n thus_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n about_o which_o i_o have_v employ_v my_o care_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v very_o large_a the_o syriac_a version_n thus_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o region_n and_o country_n that_o be_v i_o have_v find_v the_o compass_n of_o this_o habitable_a world_n to_o be_v â—iniâ—e_n and_o limit_v but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a extent_n other_o explain_v it_o thus_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n that_o be_v of_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o man_n value_v and_o esteem_v at_o so_o high_a a_o rateâ—_n of_o all_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o wealth_n and_o honour_n and_o greatness_n which_o do_v all_o perish_v and_o pass_v away_o but_o thy_o law_n be_v eternal_a and_o still_o abide_v the_o same_o or_o as_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o express_v it_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o thy_o law_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n natural_a and_o reveal_v or_o in_o a_o word_n religion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n of_o godâ—_n be_v of_o great_a perfection_n than_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o high_o value_v in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o be_v infinite_a and_o of_o a_o vast_a influence_n and_o extent_n it_o reach_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o our_o whole_a duration_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o this_o will_v clear_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o law_n first_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o very_a good_a account_n of_o itself_o because_o it_o settle_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n upon_o a_o firm_a basis_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o roll_a in_o perpetual_a uncertainty_n whereas_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n want_v a_o stable_a foundation_n â—t_a centre_n no_o where_o but_o in_o the_o denial_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o substitute_n no_o principle_n no_o tenable_a and_o constituent_a scheme_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o place_n of_o they_o its_o whole_a business_n be_v to_o unravel_v all_o thing_n to_o unsettle_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o shake_v all_o the_o common_a notion_n and_o receive_v principle_n of_o mankind_n it_o bend_v its_o whole_a force_n to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v but_o lay_v no_o foundation_n to_o build_v any_o thing_n upon_o in_o the_o stead_n of_o that_o which_o it_o pull_v down_o it_o run_v upon_o that_o great_a absurdity_n which_o aristotle_n who_o be_v always_o think_v a_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n do_v every_o where_o decry_v as_o a_o principle_n unworthy_a of_o a_o philosopher_n namely_o a_o progress_n of_o cause_n in_o inâ—initum_fw-la and_o without_o end_n that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o and_o a_o three_o thing_n of_o that_o and_o so_o on_o without_o end_n which_o amount_v to_o just_a nothing_o and_o final_o resolve_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o effect_n into_o no_o first_o cause_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unskilful_a and_o bungle_a and_o less_o worthy_a of_o a_o philosopher_n but_o this_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v at_o present_a to_o insist_v upon_o have_v treat_v large_o on_o the_o same_o subject_n upon_o another_o author_n occasion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v wisdom_n so_o say_v the_o psalmist_n it_o be_v true_a wisdom_n indeed_o it_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n caput_fw-la sapientiae_fw-la the_o top_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o wisdom_n here_o true_a wisdom_n begin_v and_o upon_o this_o foundation_n it_o be_v raise_v and_o carry_v on_o to_o perfection_n and_o i_o shall_v in_o my_o follow_a discourse_n endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o true_a wisdom_n begin_v and_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n without_o this_o nor_o beyond_o it_o first_o true_a wisdom_n begin_v and_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o regard_v to_o his_o law_n this_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o our_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v build_v this_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v suppose_v and_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n in_o all_o the_o design_n and_o action_n of_o man_n this_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o whole_a life_n and_o to_o have_v a_o main_a influence_n upon_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o be_v the_o public_a good_a this_o be_v always_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n and_o to_o give_v law_n to_o all_o law_n and_o constitution_n about_o it_o so_o religion_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n by_o which_o all_o our_o action_n be_v to_o be_v conduct_v and_o govern_v and_o all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o begin_v here_o and_o lay_v religion_n for_o its_o foundation_n be_v preposterous_a and_o begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n and_o be_v just_a as_o if_o in_o the_o form_n of_o humane_a society_n every_o one_o in_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o law_n shall_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o his_o own_o private_a and_o particular_a advantage_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a good_a which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o society_n and_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o government_n and_o law_n and_o in_o the_o last_o issue_n and_o result_v of_o thing_n the_o only_a way_n to_o procure_v the_o settle_a welfare_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o last_a interest_n of_o particular_a person_n so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o public_a good_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a policy_n to_o go_v about_o to_o found_v humane_a society_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n and_o will_v certain_o end_v in_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o true_a happiness_n which_o do_v not_o bâ—gin_v with_o religion_n and_o lay_v its_o foundation_n there_o which_o do_v not_o take_v into_o consideration_n god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o not_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o principle_n will_v certain_o end_v in_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n in_o misery_n and_o ruin_n because_o it_o build_v a_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v by_o stress_n of_o weather_n and_o assault_v by_o violent_a storm_n will_v undoubted_o fall_v and_o the_o fall_n of_o it_o will_v be_v great_a and_o this_o error_n every_o man_n commit_v who_o pursue_v happiness_n by_o follow_v his_o own_o inclination_n and_o gratify_v his_o irregular_a desire_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o restraint_n which_o his_o law_n have_v lay_v upon_o we_o not_o for_o his_o own_o pleasure_n but_o for_o our_o good_a for_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v
matter_n have_v be_v right_o state_v than_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v and_o take_v along_o with_o we_o in_o all_o the_o design_n and_o action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o begin_v here_o be_v preposterous_a and_o will_v prove_v folly_n in_o the_o issue_n second_o as_o religion_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n so_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o high_a point_n of_o wisdom_n in_o which_o we_o can_v be_v instruct_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 15._o 33._o be_v the_o instruction_n of_o wisdom_n a_o good_a understanding_n say_v david_n psal_n 111._o 10._o have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n and_o he_o understand_v himself_o best_a who_o live_v most_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o i_o may_v show_v by_o instance_v in_o particular_a virtue_n the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v much_o wise_a and_o every_o way_n more_o for_o our_o interest_n than_o the_o contrary_a vice_n but_o this_o be_v too_o large_a a_o argument_n to_o engage_v in_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o at_o present_a brief_o to_o show_v that_o the_o chief_a character_n and_o property_n of_o wisdom_n do_v all_o meet_v in_o religion_n and_o agree_v to_o it_o the_o first_o point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o understand_v our_o true_a interest_n and_o to_o be_v right_a in_o our_o main_a end_n and_o in_o this_o religion_n will_v best_o instruct_v and_o direct_v we_o and_o if_o we_o be_v right_a in_o our_o main_a end_n and_o true_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o we_o can_v miscarry_v but_o if_o a_o man_n mistake_v in_o this_o he_o err_v fatal_o and_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v vanity_n and_o folly_n another_o property_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v steady_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o our_o main_a end_n to_o oblige_v we_o hereto_o religion_n give_v we_o the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n the_o glorious_a happiness_n and_o the_o dismal_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n the_o next_o point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o make_v all_o thing_n stoop_v and_o become_v subservient_fw-fr to_o our_o main_n end_n and_o wherever_o religion_n bear_v sway_v it_o will_v make_v all_o other_o thing_n subordinate_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n as_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n make_v every_o thing_n to_o submit_v and_o give_v way_n to_o their_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a and_o sensual_a design_n another_o part_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o consider_v the_o future_a and_o to_o look_v to_o the_o last_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o common_a folly_n among_o man_n to_o be_v so_o intent_n upon_o the_o present_a as_o to_o have_v little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o the_o future_a to_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o man_n design_n and_o labour_n for_o this_o present_a life_n and_o their_o short_a continuance_n here_o in_o this_o world_n without_o take_v into_o serious_a consideration_n their_o main_a duration_n and_o their_o eternal_a abide_v in_o another_o world_n but_o religion_n give_v we_o a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o a_o life_n after_o death_n and_o overlook_v time_n and_o make_v eternity_n always_o present_a to_o we_o and_o mind_n we_o of_o make_v timely_a provision_n and_o preparation_n for_o it_o it_o take_v into_o consideration_n our_o whole_a duration_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o wisdom_n to_o look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o be_v present_a it_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a property_n of_o wisdom_n to_o secure_v the_o main_a chance_n and_o to_o run_v no_o hazard_n in_o that_o and_o this_o religion_n direct_v we_o to_o take_v care_n of_o because_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v prove_v fatal_a another_o mark_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o lay_v hold_n of_o opportunity_n those_o especial_o which_o when_o they_o be_v once_o past_a will_v never_o return_v again_o there_o be_v some_o season_n wherein_o great_a thing_n may_v be_v do_v which_o if_o they_o be_v let_v slip_n be_v never_o to_o be_v retrieve_v a_o wise_a man_n will_v lay_v hold_n of_o these_o and_o improve_v they_o and_o religion_n inculcate_n this_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n upon_o we_o that_o this_o life_n be_v the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v great_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o of_o make_v ourselves_o for_o ever_o this_o very_a day_n and_o hour_n may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v the_o last_o and_o only_a opportunity_n of_o repentance_n and_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n therefore_o to_o day_n whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n let_v we_o set_v about_o this_o necessary_a work_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n to_o morrow_n it_o may_v be_v too_o late_o to_o begin_v it_o and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n may_v cut_v we_o off_o whilst_o we_o be_v wilful_o delay_v it_o and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o save_v our_o immortal_a soul_n may_v vanish_v and_o be_v for_o ever_o hide_v from_o our_o eye_n the_o next_o property_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o foresee_v danger_n and_o to_o take_v timely_a care_n to_o prevent_v they_o the_o prudent_a man_n say_v solomon_n forsee_v the_o evil_a and_o hide_v himself_o that_o be_v shelter_n and_o secure_v himself_o against_o it_o but_o the_o simple_a pass_n on_o and_o be_v punish_v that_o be_v the_o evil_a overtake_v they_o and_o their_o folly_n be_v punish_v in_o their_o fatal_a ruin_n now_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n even_o from_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v i_o will_v tell_v you_o say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n again_o another_o main_a point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o do_v as_o little_a as_o we_o can_v to_o be_v repent_v of_o trust_v rather_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o prevention_n than_o to_o that_o of_o remedy_n religion_n first_o teach_v man_n innocency_n and_o not_o to_o offend_v but_o in_o case_n we_o do_v as_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o it_o then_o direct_v we_o to_o repentance_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n but_o this_o certain_o be_v folly_n to_o sin_n in_o hope_n of_o repentance_n that_o be_v first_o to_o make_v work_n for_o repentance_n and_o then_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o it_o for_o we_o may_v certain_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o we_o shall_v repent_v and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n to_o lay_v in_o before_o hand_n and_o to_o make_v work_n for_o trouble_n ne_fw-la tu_fw-la stultus_fw-la homuncio_fw-la es_fw-la qui_fw-la malis_fw-la veniam_fw-la precari_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la peccare_fw-la be_v a_o wise_a say_v of_o old_a cato_n thou_o be_v say_v he_o a_o silly_a man_n indeed_o who_o choose_v rather_o to_o ask_v forgiveness_n than_o not_o to_o offend_v if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o best_a remedy_n in_o the_o world_n he_o will_v not_o make_v himself_o sick_a to_o try_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o know_a comparison_n and_o a_o very_a fit_a one_o that_o repentance_n be_v tabula_fw-la post_fw-la naâ—fragium_fw-la a_o plank_n after_o shipwreck_n but_o i_o be_o great_o afraid_a that_o thousand_o of_o soul_n who_o have_v trust_v to_o it_o have_v perish_v before_o they_o can_v get_v to_o land_n with_o this_o plank_n in_o their_o arm_n the_o last_o character_n of_o wisdom_n i_o shall_v mention_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o consult_v the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n without_o which_o nothing_o else_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o this_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v natural_o procure_v great_a peace_n have_v they_o say_v david_n that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n say_v the_o prophet_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 the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o terrify_a apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o whosoever_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o prevent_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o discontent_n and_o lay_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o a_o perpetual_a satisfaction_n of_o mind_n a_o jewel_n of_o inestimable_a price_n which_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 know_v the_o value_n of_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
in_o well-doing_n the_o assurance_n of_o enjoy_v unspeakable_a and_o endless_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n and_o of_o escape_v extreme_a and_o eternal_a misery_n be_v a_o consideration_n of_o that_o weight_n as_o one_o will_v think_v can_v not_o fail_v of_o its_o efficacy_n upon_o we_o to_o put_v all_o temptation_n to_o sin_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o to_o bear_v down_o before_o we_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o if_o this_o make_v no_o impression_n upon_o we_o if_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n with_o we_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o use_v any_o other_o argument_n which_o in_o comparison_n of_o this_o be_v but_o as_o the_o very_a small_a dust_n upon_o the_o balance_n for_o if_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o hope_n of_o perfect_a comfort_n and_o joy_n and_o felicity_n perpetual_a in_o duration_n and_o vast_a beyond_o all_o imagination_n such_o as_o â—ye_z have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o dread_a of_o the_o terrible_a wrath_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n together_o with_o the_o insupportable_a torment_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o perpetual_a sting_n of_o bitter_a remorse_n and_o anguish_n for_o the_o wilful_a folly_n of_o our_o wicked_a life_n and_o the_o rage_n of_o horrible_a despair_n of_o ever_o get_v out_o of_o so_o miserable_a a_o state_n if_o neither_o of_o these_o consideration_n if_o both_o of_o they_o will_v not_o prevail_v upon_o we_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o to_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v obtain_v one_o of_o these_o condition_n and_o may_v escape_v the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n that_o any_o word_n that_o can_v be_v use_v any_o argument_n and_o consideration_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v shall_v work_v upon_o we_o or_o take_v place_n with_o we_o he_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tempt_v by_o such_o hope_n nor_o to_o be_v terrify_v by_o such_o fear_n be_v proof_n against_o all_o the_o force_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v from_o these_o word_n the_o nature_n of_o these_o promise_n and_o the_o influence_n they_o be_v apt_a and_o aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o to_o raise_v we_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v our_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o useful_a reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n first_o of_o all_o if_o we_o expect_v the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o be_v indispensable_o require_v on_o our_o part_n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n and_o of_o very_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n and_o that_o our_o part_n be_v only_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o rely_v upon_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o good_a though_o we_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o only_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v only_o a_o declaration_n of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o we_o without_o any_o expectation_n of_o duty_n from_o we_o this_o be_v a_o error_n which_o one_o can_v hardly_o think_v can_v ever_o enter_v into_o any_o who_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o do_v attend_v to_o what_o they_o read_v and_o find_v there_o the_o three_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o very_o express_o contain_v in_o our_o saviour_n first_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n there_o we_o find_v the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n often_o repeat_v but_o never_o absolute_o make_v but_o upon_o certain_a condition_n and_o plain_o require_v on_o our_o part_n as_o repentance_n humility_n righteousness_n mercy_n peaceableness_n meekness_n patience_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v likewise_o promise_v but_o only_o to_o those_o that_o make_v a_o penitent_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o and_o ask_v forgiveness_n for_o they_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o grant_v that_o forgiveness_n to_o other_o which_o they_o beg_v of_o god_n for_o themselves_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v likewise_o there_o promise_v but_o it_o be_v upon_o condition_n of_o our_o earnest_n and_o importunate_a prayer_n to_o god_n the_o gospel_n be_v every_o where_o full_a of_o precept_n enjoin_v duty_n and_o obedience_n on_o our_o part_n as_o well_o as_o of_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n assure_v blessing_n to_o we_o nay_o of_o terrible_a threaten_n also_o if_o we_o disobey_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n st._n paul_n give_v we_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o very_a few_o and_o plain_a word_n declare_v upon_o what_o term_n we_o may_v expect_v that_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n offer_v to_o all_o man_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purisie_n unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o then_o he_o add_v these_o thing_n speak_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n intimate_v that_o though_o man_n be_v very_o averse_a to_o this_o doctrine_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v inculcate_v with_o great_a authority_n and_o earnestness_n and_o those_o who_o oppose_v and_o despise_v it_o to_o be_v severe_o rebuke_v and_o with_o great_a reason_n because_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n do_v most_o effectual_o undermine_v and_o defeat_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n second_o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o if_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n and_o because_o we_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o do_v his_o part_n if_o we_o do_v not_o fail_v in_o we_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n go_v along_o with_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n where_o they_o put_v no_o bar_n and_o obstacle_n to_o it_o but_o if_o man_n will_v resist_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n bless_a spirit_n and_o quench_v the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o obstinate_o hold_v out_o against_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n god_n will_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n from_o they_o the_o gospel_n will_v raise_v we_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o relieve_v the_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o renew_v we_o after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o to_o allure_v we_o to_o goodness_n and_o to_o assist_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o gracious_a design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o suffer_v these_o promise_n to_o have_v their_o due_a influence_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o we_o we_o wilful_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o we_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o ourselves_o and_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o and_o by_o reject_v and_o despise_v his_o promise_n we_o provoke_v he_o to_o execute_v his_o threaten_n upon_o we_o three_o and_o last_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o work_v this_o great_a effect_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o so_o near_o a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o make_v we_o good_a and_o just_o and_o merciful_a and_o patient_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o purge_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o make_v we_o a_o peculiar_a and_o excellent_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o how_o do_v this_o
be_v take_v for_o grant_v where_o ever_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n suffer_v persecution_n for_o it_o and_o the_o plain_a case_n among_o christian_n be_v when_o they_o be_v persecute_v because_o they_o will_v not_o open_o deny_v and_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v general_o the_o case_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n they_o be_v threaten_v with_o torture_n and_o death_n because_o they_o will_v not_o renounce_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o give_v demonstration_n thereof_o by_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o heathen-god_n second_o man_n do_v true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o be_v persecute_v only_o for_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o join_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o urge_v to_o deny_v and_o disclaim_v it_o but_o only_o to_o conceal_v and_o dissemble_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o forbear_v the_o maintenance_n and_o defence_n of_o it_o upon_o fit_a occasion_n against_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o be_v adversary_n of_o it_o for_o to_o conceal_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o decline_v the_o defence_n of_o it_o when_o just_a occasion_n be_v offer_v be_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o which_o our_o saviour_n interpret_v to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o denial_n of_o it_o and_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o confess_v of_o he_o before_o man_n mat._n 10._o 32_o 33._o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o by_o st._n mark_n be_v express_v by_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n that_o be_v afraid_a and_o ashamed_a to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n mark_v 8._o 38._o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o finful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o this_o likewise_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o the_o moderate_a emperor_n when_o the_o persecution_n of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o hot_a as_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o a_o denial_n of_o christ_n provide_v they_o will_v be_v content_v to_o conceal_v and_o dissemble_v their_o religion_n in_o that_o case_n they_o do_v not_o hunt_v they_o out_o nor_o prosecute_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o religion_n if_o they_o make_v no_o discovery_n of_o themselves_o but_o yet_o they_o who_o suffer_v because_o they_o will_v not_o conceal_v their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n three_o man_n do_v likewise_o true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o 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observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o after_o the_o heathen_a persecution_n be_v cease_v persecution_n be_v first_o begin_v among_o christian_n by_o heretic_n and_o have_v since_o be_v take_v up_o and_o carry_v much_o beyond_o that_o bad_a pattern_n by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o beside_o a_o stand_a inquisition_n in_o all_o country_n which_o be_v entire_o of_o that_o religion_n a_o court_n the_o like_a whereto_o for_o the_o clancular_a and_o secret_a manner_n of_o proceed_v for_o the_o unjust_a and_o arbitrary_a rule_n of_o it_o for_o the_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o man_n person_n and_o the_o cruelty_n of_o its_o torment_n to_o extort_v confession_n from_o they_o the_o sun_n never_o see_v erect_v under_o any_o government_n in_o the_o world_n by_o man_n of_o any_o religion_n whatsoever_o i_o say_v which_o beside_o this_o court_n have_v by_o frequent_a croisadoe_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n and_o by_o many_o bloody_a massacre_n in_o france_n and_o ireland_n and_o several_a other_o place_n destroy_v far_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o all_o the_o ten_o heathen_a persecution_n and_o have_v of_o late_o revive_v and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n continue_v the_o same_o or_o great_a cruelty_n and_o a_o fierce_a persecution_n of_o protestant_n if_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v consider_v than_o be_v ever_o yet_o practise_v upon_o they_o and_o yet_o whilst_o this_o be_v do_v almost_o before_o our_o eye_n in_o one_o of_o our_o next_o neighbour_n nation_n they_o have_v the_o face_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o cannibal_n law_n and_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o confidence_n to_o set_v up_o for_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o enemy_n of_o all_o compulsion_n and_o force_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n five_o man_n do_v true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o assert_v and_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o for_o oppose_v and_o not_o comply_v with_o those_o gross_a error_n and_o corruption_n which_o superstition_n and_o ignorance_n have_v in_o a_o long_a course_n of_o time_n bring_v into_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o this_o account_n many_o good_a people_n suffer_v in_o many_o past_a age_n for_o resist_v the_o grow_a error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o at_o first_o creep_v in_o by_o degree_n but_o at_o last_o break_v in_o like_o a_o mighty_a flood_n which_o carry_v down_o all_o before_o it_o and_o threaten_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n to_o all_o that_o oppose_v they_o upon_o this_o account_n also_o infinite_a number_n suffer_v among_o the_o waldenses_n and_o albigenses_n in_o bohemia_n and_o in_o england_n and_o in_o most_o other_o country_n in_o this_o western_a part_n of_o christendom_n and_o they_o who_o suffer_v upon_o this_o account_n suffer_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n six_o and_o last_o man_n do_v true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o not_o disclaim_v and_o renounce_v any_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o yea_o though_o it_o be_v not_o a_o fundamental_a point_n and_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o many_o thousand_o who_o ever_o since_o the_o iv._o council_n of_o lateran_n which_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1215_o when_o transubstantiation_n be_v first_o define_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v persecute_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n for_o not_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o iâ—_n my_o body_n which_o be_v so_o easy_o capable_a of_o a_o reasonable_a sense_n in_o the_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a sense_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o though_o this_o disow_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v
violent_a degree_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v which_o will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o good_a man_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o final_a miscarriage_n after_o all_o their_o labour_n and_o pain_n and_o suffering_n in_o a_o religious_a course_n by_o be_v overbear_v at_o last_o by_o the_o assault_n of_o a_o very_a violent_a and_o powerful_a temptation_n not_o but_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o have_v a_o prudent_a distrust_n of_o themselves_o so_o as_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o security_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n caution_n and_o counsel_n be_v not_o high_a mind_v but_o fear_v and_o let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v because_o till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v out_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o possibility_n of_o fall_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o we_o may_v hope_v by_o the_o sincerity_n and_o firmness_n of_o our_o resolution_n under_o the_o usual_a influence_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o acquit_v ourselves_o like_o man_n in_o ordinary_a case_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o shall_v represent_v to_o ourselves_o those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o good_a man_n and_o his_o merciful_a providence_n which_o continual_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o steer_v their_o course_n for_o they_o in_o this_o world_n among_o those_o many_o rock_n which_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o split_v upon_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o fall_v and_o to_o present_v we_o faultless_a before_o the_o presence_n of_o hâ—s_n glory_n with_o exceed_a joy_n and_o to_o preserve_v we_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o forsake_v he_o and_o forfeit_v his_o care_n and_o protection_n he_o will_v keep_v we_o by_o his_o mighty_a power_n through_o faith_n 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remarkable_a in_o secuâ—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d â—rom_n those_o temptation_n which_o 〈◊〉_d â—oo_o strong_a for_o they_o to_o grapple_v wiâ—â—al_a like_o a_o kind_n and_o tender_a father_n who_o if_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o dutiful_a disposition_n of_o his_o child_n towards_o he_o will_v not_o try_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o utmost_a nor_o permit_v too_o strong_a a_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o come_v in_o his_o way_n so_o the_o psalmist_n represent_v god_n tender_a regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o his_o child_n psal_n 103._o 13_o 14._o like_a as_o a_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n so_o the_o lord_n pity_v they_o that_o fear_v he_o for_o he_o know_v our_o frame_n he_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v dust_n that_o be_v he_o consider_v we_o as_o man_n and_o deal_v with_o we_o according_o provide_v we_o be_v sincere_a he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v set_v upon_o by_o temptation_n that_o be_v too_o big_a for_o we_o andtherefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o petition_n of_o that_o excellent_a prayer_n which_o he_o have_v recommend_v to_o we_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n that_o be_v we_o shall_v every_o day_n beg_v of_o god_n that_o his_o providence_n will_v keep_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o great_a and_o dangerous_a temptation_n as_o know_v that_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o we_o than_o any_o strength_n and_o resolution_n of_o our_o own_o second_o or_o in_o case_n of_o such_o violent_a and_o extraordinary_a temptation_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o give_v we_o the_o extraordinary_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o bear_v we_o up_o under_o they_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v take_v care_n of_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o do_v afford_v comfort_n to_o they_o under_o great_a trial_n and_o suffering_n but_o god_n never_o make_v so_o express_v and_o general_a a_o promise_n of_o this_o to_o all_o good_a man_n as_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n never_o be_v so_o constant_a a_o presence_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n vouchsafe_v and_o assure_v to_o man_n under_o any_o dispensation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v promise_v to_o all_o that_o sincere_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o reside_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o not_o only_o to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n but_o of_o support_n and_o comfort_n under_o the_o heavy_a pressure_n and_o suffering_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n say_v to_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o any_o other_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v ever_o make_v to_o mankind_n we_o be_v natural_o apt_a to_o be_v very_o much_o dishearten_v and_o cast_v down_o at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o great_a suffering_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o frailty_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o the_o same_o glorious_a power_n which_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a work_v mighty_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v st._n paul_n use_v very_o high_a expression_n about_o this_o matter_n eph._n 1._o 19_o that_o you_o may_v know_v say_v he_o speak_v to_o all_o christian_n what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v accord_v to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n so_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v endow_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o omnipotence_n be_v able_a as_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o to_o do_v and_o to_o endure_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v he_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o powerful_a but_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n reside_v in_o every_o true_a christian_a that_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v we_o up_o against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o all_o its_o temptation_n whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n say_v st._n john_n overcome_v the_o world_n for_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v a_o more_o powerful_a principle_n of_o resolution_n and_o courage_n and_o patience_n under_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o suffering_n than_o that_o evil_a spirit_n which_o rule_v in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o stir_v up_o and_o set_v on_o the_o malice_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o world_n against_o we_o you_o be_v of_o god_n little_a child_n he_o speak_v this_o to_o the_o young_a and_o weak_a christian_n you_o be_v of_o god_n little_a child_n and_o have_v overcome_v because_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o malice_n and_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o great_a but_o the_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o therefore_o in_o case_n of_o extraordinary_a temptation_n good_a man_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n may_v expect_v to_o be_v bear_v up_o and_o comfort_v in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a manner_n under_o the_o great_a tribulation_n and_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o this_o be_v in_o a_o very_a signal_n and_o remarkable_a manner_n afford_v to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o those_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a persecution_n to_o which_o they_o be_v expose_v and_o this_o may_v still_o be_v expect_v in_o like_a case_n of_o extraordinary_a suffering_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n truth_n if_o you_o be_v reproach_v say_v st._n peter_n in_o this_o four_o
support_v you_o under_o suffering_n and_o to_o reward_v they_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n namely_o that_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o more_o peculiar_a care_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o 1_o peter_n iu_o 19_o wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n from_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o three_o point_n first_o that_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o peculiar_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n second_o this_o we_o may_v do_v always_o provide_v that_o we_o be_v careful_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o do_v what_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o that_o neither_o to_o avoid_v suffering_n nor_o to_o rescue_v ourselves_o out_z of_o they_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n three_o to_o show_v what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o faithful_a creator_n do_v afford_v to_o we_o under_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o first_o of_o these_o point_n i_o have_v treat_v on_o at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o namely_o when_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n we_o may_v with_o confidence_n and_o good_a assurance_n commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o peculiar_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o god_n providenceâ—_n this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v always_o provide_v that_o we_o be_v careful_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o do_v what_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o that_o neither_o to_o avoid_v suffering_n nor_o to_o rescue_v ourselves_o out_o of_o they_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o this_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n for_o if_o we_o either_o neglect_v our_o duty_n or_o step_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o it_o by_o do_v thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v concern_v to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n so_o that_o in_o our_o suffering_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n may_v reasonable_o comprehend_v in_o it_o these_o follow_v particular_n 1._o provide_v always_o that_o we_o neglect_v no_o lawful_a mean_n of_o our_o preservation_n from_o suffering_n or_o our_o deliverance_n out_o of_o they_o in_o this_o case_n man_n do_v not_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o cast_v themselves_o out_o of_o his_o care_n and_o protection_n they_o do_v not_o trust_v god_n but_o tempt_v he_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v try_v whether_o he_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o when_o wâ—_n desert_n ourselves_o and_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o trouble_n when_o we_o will_v take_v no_o care_n will_v use_v no_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v it_o if_o we_o will_v needless_o provoke_v trouble_n and_o run_v ourselves_o upon_o suffering_n if_o we_o will_v neglect_v ourselves_o and_o the_o lawful_a mean_n of_o our_o preservation_n if_o we_o will_v give_v up_o and_o part_n with_o those_o security_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o our_o country_n have_v give_v we_o if_o we_o ourselves_o will_v help_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o fence_n which_o be_v about_o we_o if_o we_o will_v disarm_v ourselves_o and_o by_o our_o own_o act_n expose_v ourselves_o naked_a and_o open_a to_o danger_n and_o suffering_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v in_o this_o case_n that_o god_n will_v help_v we_o when_o we_o will_v not_o help_v ourselves_o by_o those_o lawful_a way_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n all_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o dependence_n upon_o his_o providence_n do_v imply_v that_o we_o join_v prayer_n and_o endeavour_n together_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o a_o prudent_a and_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n if_o we_o lazy_o trust_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o so_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o he_o as_o to_o take_v none_o at_o all_o ourselves_o god_n will_v take_v no_o care_n of_o we_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o rely_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a do_v we_o importune_v and_o tire_v heaven_n with_o our_o prayer_n to_o help_v we_o against_o our_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n if_o we_o ourselves_o will_v do_v nothing_o for_o ourselves_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v maintain_v and_o defend_v our_o religion_n against_o all_o the_o secret_a contrivance_n and_o open_a assault_n of_o our_o enemy_n if_o we_o who_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o in_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n will_v for_o some_o small_a difference_n in_o lesser_a matter_n which_o be_v of_o no_o moment_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v agree_v i_o say_v if_o for_o such_o slight_a matter_n we_o will_v divide_v and_o fall_v out_o among_o ourselves_o if_o when_o the_o enemy_n be_v at_o the_o gate_n we_o will_v still_o pursue_v our_o heat_n and_o animosity_n and_o will_v mad_o keep_v open_a those_o breach_n which_o be_v foolish_o make_v at_o first_o what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o the_o common_a enemy_n shall_v take_v the_o advantage_n and_o enter_v in_o at_o they_o and_o whilst_o we_o be_v so_o unreasonable_o and_o senseless_o contend_v with_o one_o another_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v the_o opportunity_n which_o we_o give_v they_o to_o destroy_v we_o all_o 2._o provide_v likewise_o that_o we_o do_v not_o attempt_v our_o own_o preservation_n or_o deliverance_n from_o suffer_v by_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a mean_n we_o must_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o a_o good_a conscience_n nor_o comply_v with_o any_o thing_n or_o lend_v our_o help_a hand_n thereto_o that_o apparent_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o religion_n neither_o to_o divert_v and_o put_v off_o suffering_n for_o the_o present_a not_o to_o rescue_v ourselves_o from_o under_o they_o because_o we_o can_v with_o confidence_n commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o in_o welldoing_a this_o be_v a_o eternal_a rule_n from_o whence_o we_o must_v in_o no_o case_n depart_v that_o man_n must_v do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o religion_n no_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n itself_o we_o must_v not_o break_v any_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o disobey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o any_o suffering_n whatsoever_o because_o the_o goodness_n of_o no_o end_n can_v sanctify_v evil_a mean_n and_o make_v they_o lawful_a we_o must_v not_o speak_v deceitful_o for_o god_n nor_o lie_v no_o not_o for_o the_o truth_n nor_o kill_v man_n though_o we_o can_v thereby_o do_v god_n and_o religion_n the_o great_a service_n and_o though_o all_o the_o casuist_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v teach_v the_o contrary_a doctrine_n as_o they_o general_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o oppose_v to_o all_o those_o the_o single_a authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o express_o condemn_v this_o principle_n and_o brand_v it_o for_o a_o damnable_a doctrine_n that_o evil_a may_v be_v do_v by_o we_o that_o good_a may_v come_v rom._n 3._o 8._o and_o not_o as_o we_o be_v slanderous_o report_v and_o as_o some_o affirm_v thas_o we_o say_v let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v who_o damnation_n be_v just_a st._n paul_n it_o seem_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o most_o devilish_a calumny_n to_o insinuate_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v the_o least_o countenance_n to_o such_o damnable_a doctrine_n and_o do_n as_o these_o and_o pronounce_v their_o damnation_n to_o be_v just_a who_o either_o teach_v any_o such_o principle_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n or_o practice_v according_a to_o it_o let_v those_o look_n to_o it_o who_o teach_v that_o a_o right_a intention_n and_o a_o good_a end_n will_v render_v thing_n which_o be_v otherwise_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a not_o only_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o but_o in_o many_o case_n meritorious_a especial_o where_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o
time_n of_o the_o general_a suspension_n of_o trade_n and_o business_n from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o approach_a trouble_n by_o reason_n whereof_o both_o the_o number_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v great_o and_o daily_o increase_v among_o we_o and_o beside_o the_o poor_a of_o our_o own_o nation_n god_n have_v send_v we_o great_a number_n from_o abroad_o i_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v flee_v hither_o for_o shelter_n from_o that_o violent_a storm_n of_o persecution_n which_o have_v late_o fall_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o common_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o compassion_n we_o show_v to_o they_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o god_n will_v either_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o like_a suffering_n or_o gracious_o support_v we_o under_o they_o what_o do_v we_o know_v but_o that_o god_n be_v now_o try_v we_o and_o have_v purposely_o put_v this_o opportunity_n into_o our_o hand_n of_o prevent_v or_o mitigate_a or_o shorten_v our_o own_o suffering_n according_a as_o we_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o pity_n to_o those_o who_o have_v suffer_v so_o deep_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n seven_o provide_v in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o above_o all_o that_o we_o be_v sincere_a in_o our_o religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v universal_o good_a and_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o large_a sense_n of_o well-doing_n and_o the_o most_o necessary_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o prepare_v we_o for_o suffering_n and_o to_o give_v we_o courage_n and_o constancy_n under_o they_o and_o likewise_o to_o engage_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o a_o tender_a care_n of_o we_o and_o concernment_n for_o we_o if_o he_o shall_v â—ee_n it_o fit_a to_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o suffer_v but_o if_o we_o live_v in_o open_a contempt_n and_o violation_n of_o god_n law_n if_o we_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o our_o way_n and_o action_n we_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o well_o ground_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o his_o providence_n set_v itself_o against_o they_o for_o evil_a bad_a man_n draw_v many_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n upon_o themselves_o as_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o their_o action_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n haunt_v and_o pursue_v evil-doer_n and_o his_o just_a providence_n many_o time_n involve_v they_o in_o many_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n beside_o and_o beyond_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o thing_n upon_o the_o wicked_a say_v david_n he_o will_v rain_v snare_n so_o that_o as_o ever_o we_o expect_v the_o comfortable_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n we_o must_v live_v in_o a_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o god_n holy_a will_n and_o law_n bad_a man_n may_v make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v it_o though_o they_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o it_o and_o yet_o perhaps_o for_o all_o this_o out_o of_o mere_a generosity_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n they_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v threaten_v and_o terrify_v out_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o will_v endure_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n before_o they_o will_v renounce_v it_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n that_o they_o stand_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o hope_v perhaps_o thereby_o to_o make_v some_o amends_o for_o their_o bad_a practice_n but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v nothing_o give_v a_o man_n true_a courage_n and_o resolution_n like_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n concern_v our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o resolution_n and_o patience_n to_o mortify_v his_o lust_n and_o to_o restrain_v his_o appetite_n and_o to_o subdue_v his_o irregular_a passion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n will_v not_o easy_o bring_v himself_o to_o submit_v to_o great_a suffering_n upon_o that_o account_n there_o be_v considerable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o resolute_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a to_o live_v as_o religion_n require_v we_o shall_v do_v than_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o it_o and_o as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o upon_o another_o occasion_n he_o that_o can_v prevail_v with_o himself_o to_o live_v like_o a_o saint_n will_v much_o more_o hardly_o be_v persuade_v to_o die_v a_o martyr_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o point_n namely_o what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o faithful_a creator_n do_v afford_v to_o we_o under_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a censcience_n and_o a_o good_a cause_n let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n and_o in_o this_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a and_o this_o be_v a_o firm_a ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o under_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o god_n to_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n one_o that_o be_v not_o fickle_a and_o inconstant_a in_o his_o affection_n and_o kindness_n to_o his_o creature_n but_o be_v true_a to_o his_o own_o design_n and_o will_v not_o abandon_v and_o forsake_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n so_o great_a a_o benefit_n as_o that_o of_o our_o being_n free_o confer_v upon_o we_o be_v but_o a_o earnest_n of_o god_n further_a kindness_n to_o we_o and_o future_a care_n of_o we_o if_o by_o our_o ill_a carriage_n towards_o he_o we_o do_v not_o render_v ourselves_o unworthy_a and_o incapable_a of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v god_n creature_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o have_v kindness_n for_o we_o if_o he_o have_v not_o he_o will_v never_o have_v make_v we_o as_o it_o be_v excellent_o say_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n cap._n 11._o 23._o 24._o thou_o have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o for_o thou_o love_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o abhor_v nothing_o which_o thou_o have_v make_v for_o never_o will_v thou_o have_v make_v any_o thing_n if_o thou_o have_v hate_v it_o and_o ver_fw-la 26._o thou_o spare_v all_o for_o they_o be_v thou_o o_o lord_n thou_o lover_n of_o soul_n to_o who_o then_o may_v be_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n commit_v ourselves_o as_o to_o he_o who_o free_o give_v we_o our_o be_v from_o who_o may_v we_o expect_v so_o tender_a a_o regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o case_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o from_o this_o great_a founder_n and_o benefactor_n for_o he_o that_o make_v we_o know_v our_o frame_n and_o whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o how_o much_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v he_o consider_v our_o strength_n or_o rather_o our_o weakness_n and_o what_o courage_n and_o resolution_n he_o have_v endue_v we_o withal_o and_o what_o comfort_n and_o support_v we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o in_o the_o day_n of_o tribulation_n and_o as_o they_o who_o make_v armour_n be_v wont_a to_o try_v that_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v good_a and_o well_o temper_v with_o a_o strong_a charge_n not_o to_o break_v and_o hurt_v it_o but_o to_o prove_v and_o praise_v it_o so_o god_n exercise_v those_o who_o he_o have_v fit_v and_o tâ—mpered_v for_o it_o with_o manifold_a temptation_n that_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 7._o be_v much_o more_o precious_a thâ—n_n of_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o firâ—_n may_v be_v find_v unto_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v god_n creature_n do_v as_o i_o may_v say_v oblige_v he_o in_o faithfulness_n to_o his_o own_o act_n and_o in_o consequence_n of_o his_o bring_v we_o into_o be_v at_o first_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o afterward_o so_o as_o never_o to_o abandon_v we_o nor_o quite_o to_o take_v away_o his_o lovingkindness_n and_o mercy_n from_o we_o till_o we_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o and_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n cease_v to_o be_v what_o he_o make_v we_o that_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n a_o person_n or_o people_n must_v have_v proceed_v to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o degeneracy_n when_o god_n will_v consider_v they_o no_o long_o as_o his_o creature_n nor_o show_v any_o pity_n or_o favour_n to_o they_o thing_n must_v be_v come_v to_o extremity_n when_o god_n deal_v
thus_o with_o we_o as_o he_o threaten_v the_o people_n of_o issrâ—el_n isa_n 27._o 11._o when_o the_o bough_n be_v wither_v they_o shall_v be_v break_v off_o and_o set_v on_o fire_n for_o it_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v show_v they_o no_o favour_n and_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o point_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o handle_v from_o this_o text_n and_o the_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o they_o do_v all_o along_o apply_v itself_o by_o direct_v we_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o all_o case_n of_o danger_n and_o suffer_v especial_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n viz._n in_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o by_o a_o firm_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o dâ—vine_a providence_n not_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o who_o make_v we_o and_o know_v our_o frame_n will_v have_v a_o tender_a care_n of_o we_o and_o not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a and_o as_o to_o our_o present_a danger_n and_o that_o terrible_a storm_n which_o threaten_v we_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o divert_v it_o but_o if_o otherwise_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o fit_a and_o prepare_v we_o for_o it_o and_o let_v we_o be_v fervent_a and_o earnest_a in_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o not_o that_o he_o be_v move_v by_o our_o importunity_n but_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v qualify_v and_o make_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o mercy_n which_o we_o beg_v of_o he_o and_o let_v we_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v do_v without_o it_o to_o breaâ—_n off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o to_o turn_v every_o one_o of_o we_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o waysâ—_n that_o hereby_o we_o may_v render_v god_n propitious_a to_o we_o and_o put_v ourselves_o under_o the_o more_o immediate_a care_n and_o protection_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o we_o may_v prevent_v his_o judgement_n and_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n from_o we_o as_o he_o do_v once_o from_o a_o great_a and_o sinful_a city_n and_o people_n upon_o their_o sincere_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n jonah_n 3._o 10._o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o people_n of_o niniveh_n that_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o above_o all_o let_v we_o be_v sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o nothing_o will_v bear_v we_o up_o under_o great_a trial_n and_o suffering_n like_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o those_o apostolical_a blessing_n and_o prayer_n colos_n 1._o 10_o 11._o that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n strengthen_v with_o all_o might_n according_a to_o his_o glorious_a power_n unto_o all_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a with_o joyfulness_n and_o 2_o thes_n 2._o 16_o 17._o now_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o god_n even_o our_o father_n who_o have_v love_v we_o and_o have_v give_v we_o everlasting_a consolation_n and_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n comfort_v your_o heart_n and_o establish_v you_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_v to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o john_n ix_o 4._o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v these_o word_n our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v of_o himself_o whilst_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n in_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n into_o the_o world_n and_o have_v a_o certain_a work_n and_o employment_n appoint_v he_o during_o he_o abide_v in_o it_o a_o great_a work_n indeed_o to_o instruct_v and_o reform_v and_o save_v mankind_n a_o work_n of_o great_a labour_n and_o pain_n and_o patience_n not_o to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o yet_o the_o time_n for_o do_v it_o be_v not_o long_o after_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o good_a while_n before_o he_o begin_v it_o and_o after_o he_o begin_v it_o the_o time_n of_o work_v be_v not_o long_o before_o the_o night_n come_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v but_o this_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v of_o himself_o and_o which_o proper_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o no_o other_o may_v yeâ—_n be_v accommodate_v to_o every_o man_n with_o some_o allowance_n for_o the_o difference_n and_o disproportion_n for_o though_o every_o man_n be_v not_o send_v by_o god_n into_o the_o world_n after_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n and_o upon_o so_o particular_a and_o vast_a a_o design_n yet_o upon_o a_o general_a account_n every_o man_n be_v send_v by_o god_n into_o this_o world_n and_o have_v a_o work_n give_v he_o to_o do_v in_o it_o which_o he_o be_v concern_v vigorous_o to_o mind_n and_o to_o prosecute_v with_o all_o his_o may_v and_o though_o every_o man_n be_v not_o send_v to_o save_v the_o whole_a world_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o every_o man_n be_v send_v by_o god_n into_o the_o world_n to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o then_o to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v in_o a_o very_a good_a sense_n accommodate_v these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o himself_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o this_o time_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o handle_v these_o word_n according_a to_o this_o moral_a accommodation_n of_o they_o and_o apply_v what_o our_o saviour_n here_o say_v of_o himself_o to_o every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o show_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o every_o man_n have_v a_o work_n assign_v he_o to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n by_o he_o that_o send_v he_o into_o it_o and_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n say_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v of_o himself_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o second_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 three_o that_o after_o this_o season_n be_v expire_v theâ—e_n will_v be_v no_o further_o opportunity_n of_o work_v the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v first_o every_o man_n have_v a_o work_n assign_v he_o to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n by_o he_o that_o send_v he_o into_o it_o and_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n say_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v of_o himself_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o â—ent_v i_o god_n who_o make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o have_v endow_v he_o with_o faculty_n whereby_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o serve_v he_o have_v appoint_v he_o a_o work_n and_o service_n suitable_a to_o these_o faculty_n and_o have_v infuse_v a_o immortal_a soul_n into_o this_o earthy_a body_n have_v certain_o design_v he_o for_o a_o state_n beyond_o this_o life_n in_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o happy_a or_o miserable_a according_a as_o he_o use_v and_o demean_v himself_o in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o the_o work_n which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o prepare_v and_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o that_o eternal_a duration_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o after_o death_n for_o the_o life_n which_o we_o live_v now_o in_o this_o world_n be_v a_o time_n of_o exercise_n a_o short_a state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n in_o order_n to_o a_o durable_a and_o endless_a state_n in_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v immutable_o â—ixt_v in_o another_o world_n this_o world_n into_o which_o we_o be_v now_o send_v for_o a_o little_a while_n be_v as_o it_o be_v god_n school_n in_o which_o immortal_a spirit_n clothe_v with_o flesh_n be_v train_v and_o breed_v up_o for_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a
the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o be_v so_o to_o improve_v the_o short_a and_o uncertain_a time_n of_o this_o life_n that_o we_o may_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o enjoy_v he_o in_o the_o next_o or_o as_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o that_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n and_o this_o work_n consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n second_o in_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o three_o and_o in_o order_n to_o both_o these_o in_o the_o careful_a improvement_n and_o good_a husbandry_n of_o our_o time_n first_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n 2._o in_o the_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o holy_a law_n 1._o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n consist_v in_o the_o pious_a and_o devout_a worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o we_o honour_v he_o and_o pay_v he_o that_o homage_n and_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a from_o creature_n to_o he_o that_o make_v they_o and_o be_v the_o great_a sovereign_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o have_v a_o inward_a reverence_n and_o esteem_n of_o he_o and_o that_o we_o express_v this_o by_o all_o solemn_a externalacknowledgment_n of_o he_o as_o by_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n by_o praise_v he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v at_o his_o hand_n and_o that_o we_o set_v apart_o constant_a and_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o that_o when_o we_o be_v employ_v in_o they_o we_o be_v serious_a and_o hearty_a and_o attentive_a to_o what_o we_o be_v about_o and_o perform_v every_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o those_o circumstance_n of_o reverence_n and_o respect_n which_o may_v testify_v our_o awful_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o our_o inward_a and_o profound_a veneration_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o and_o proper_o religion_n 2._o this_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n do_v consist_v likewise_o in_o the_o conscientious_a and_o constant_a obedience_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o god_n holy_a law_n in_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o whether_o they_o be_v natural_a or_o write_v upon_o our_o heart_n or_o make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o word_n that_o we_o govern_v our_o passion_n by_o reason_n and_o moderate_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o sensual_a delight_n so_o as_o not_o to_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n that_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o other_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o with_o justice_n and_o fidelity_n with_o kindness_n and_o charity_n these_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o the_o head_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o ourselves_o and_o other_o all_o which_o be_v more_o powerful_o enforce_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o plain_a promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o it_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o firm_a and_o effectual_a principle_n both_o of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o particular_a command_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n which_o god_n have_v send_v we_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n so_o the_o wise_a man_n sum_v up_o our_o duty_n eccl._n 12._o 13._o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v the_o great_a foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o obedience_n to_o god_n law_n be_v the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o god_n do_v not_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v spend_v the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o time_n in_o the_o immediate_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n but_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v allot_v a_o fit_a proportion_n of_o our_o time_n to_o these_o according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n that_o be_v in_o the_o like_a circumstance_n with_o ourselves_o for_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o allow_v we_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n but_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o bishop_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o inculcate_v frequent_o upon_o christian_n that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n shall_v be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n that_o be_v to_o employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o work_n of_o a_o honest_a call_v for_o necessary_a use_n that_o be_v for_o the_o support_n of_o their_o family_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o the_o apostle_n lay_v great_a weight_n and_o stress_n upon_o this_o as_o a_o very_a great_a duty_n tit._n 3._o 8._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n may_v be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n these_o thing_n be_v good_a and_o profitable_a unto_o man_n that_o be_v of_o general_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o mankind_n so_o that_o no_o man_n call_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o religion_n but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o by_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o their_o proper_a season_n and_o spend_v the_o rest_n of_o our_o time_n in_o any_o honest_a and_o useful_a employment_n we_o may_v make_v our_o whole_a life_n a_o perpetual_a serve_v of_o god_n we_o may_v glorify_v god_n in_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v and_o in_o all_o other_o lawful_a and_o useful_a action_n of_o life_n in_o serve_v the_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n of_o life_n with_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o in_o manage_v our_o worldly_a commerce_n with_o justice_n and_o integrity_n we_o may_v serve_v god_n and_o perform_v considerable_a duty_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o provide_v we_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v sinful_a and_o manage_v the_o action_n and_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n with_o a_o due_a regard_n and_o subserviency_n to_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o eternity_n we_o may_v do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n all_o the_o while_o we_o be_v provide_v for_o ourselves_o and_o employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o a_o honest_a call_v for_o god_n who_o have_v design_v this_o life_n in_o order_n to_o the_o other_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o allow_v we_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o there_o be_v some_o person_n indeed_o who_o birth_n and_o condition_n set_v they_o above_o the_o common_a employment_n of_o life_n and_o the_o work_n of_o a_o ordinary_a call_v but_o these_o also_o have_v a_o work_n give_v they_o to_o do_v for_o god_n have_v send_v no_o man_n into_o the_o world_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o only_o to_o take_v his_o pastime_n therein_o neque_fw-la enim_fw-la ita_fw-la generati_fw-la sumus_fw-la à _fw-la natura_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la ludum_fw-la &_o jocum_fw-la facti_fw-la esse_fw-la videamur_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la severitatem_fw-la potius_fw-la &_o quaedam_fw-la studia_fw-la graviora_fw-la atque_fw-la majora_fw-la for_o â—e_n be_v not_o say_v tully_n de_fw-fr off._n lib._n 1._o so_o frame_v by_o nature_n as_o if_o we_o be_v make_v for_o sport_n and_o jest_n but_o for_o more_o serious_a employment_n and_o for_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n and_o those_o who_o be_v tie_v to_o no_o particular_a call_v may_v allow_v so_o much_o large_a portion_n of_o their_o time_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o god_n likewise_o expect_v from_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v useful_a to_o mankind_n in_o some_o high_a and_o noble_a way_n according_a to_o the_o publickness_n of_o their_o station_n and_o influence_n such_o person_n may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o their_o country_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o government_n and_o in_o the_o care_n of_o public_a justice_n and_o may_v employ_v their_o time_n in_o prepare_v and_o render_v themselves_o more_o fit_a for_o this_o service_n they_o may_v find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o good_a government_n of_o their_o family_n and_o in_o the_o prudent_a care_n and_o management_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o in_o reconcile_a difference_n among_o their_o neighbour_n and_o in_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o provide_v for_o their_o supply_n so_o
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