be_v say_v to_o have_v dye_v in_o faith_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o have_v embrace_v they_o many_o age_n before_o the_o time_n be_v come_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o then_o for_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o grace_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o transcendent_a thing_n it_o have_v do_v in_o ancient_a time_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o by_o which_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o great_a and_o famous_a action_n record_v of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o other_o worthy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v all_o owe_v to_o their_o faith_n by_o faith_n they_o please_v god_n bear_v up_o against_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n subdue_v kingdom_n and_o wrought_v righteousness_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o high_a discouragement_n many_o instance_n he_o give_v we_o of_o these_o noble_a flight_n of_o faith_n among_o which_o there_o be_v none_o in_o all_o 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of_o his_o faith_n and_o affiance_n in_o he_o the_o text_n call_v it_o a_o trial_n which_o imply_v that_o god_n command_v abraham_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n for_o have_v it_o be_v a_o freewill_n offer_n without_o any_o order_n or_o direction_n from_o god_n such_o as_o the_o heathen_a oblation_n be_v when_o they_o sacrifice_v their_o child_n to_o their_o idol_n it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a and_o horrid_a act_n of_o murder_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a as_o some_o have_v fancy_v to_o clear_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o abraham_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o god_n shall_v dispense_v with_o the_o six_o commandment_n when_o he_o oblige_v the_o patriarch_n to_o kill_v his_o son_n because_o it_o have_v be_v murder_n to_o kill_v he_o without_o his_o command_n for_o that_o commandment_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o case_n before_o we_o forbid_v only_o to_o kill_v without_o god_n authority_n which_o abraham_n never_o go_v about_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o need_v no_o dispensation_n for_o it_o he_o have_v a_o express_a commission_n from_o god_n who_o be_v absolute_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o never_o bar_n his_o prerogative_n by_o his_o law_n and_o may_v therefore_o use_v his_o power_n as_o he_o please_v and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a person_n as_o well_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o father_n and_o the_o fire_n upon_o the_o altar_n as_o by_o a_o infection_n in_o the_o air_n by_o lightning_n or_o tempest_n or_o any_o other_o messenger_n of_o death_n and_o thus_o moses_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n tempt_v abraham_n and_o bid_v he_o go_v and_o offer_v his_o son_n upon_o a_o certain_a mountain_n in_o moriah_n for_o a_o burn_a offer_v gen._n 22.1_o 2._o and_o herein_o lie_v the_o sharpness_n of_o abraham_n trial_n that_o either_o he_o must_v contend_v with_o god_n and_o dispute_v his_o authority_n or_o do_v the_o strange_a thing_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o please_v he_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o case_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n demand_v of_o abraham_n as_o a_o test_n of_o his_o sincerity_n towards_o he_o and_o what_o plausible_a argument_n a_o person_n in_o his_o circumstance_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o frame_v against_o it_o 1._o first_o then_o god_n command_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o surprise_v or_o unwelcome_a to_o he_o who_o ever_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o act_n of_o piety_n before_o of_o so_o hard_a a_o precept_n or_o so_o unlikely_a a_o way_n of_o please_a god_n as_o this_o what_o will_v a_o ordinary_a faith_n have_v do_v how_o will_v natural_a reason_n have_v plead_v in_o this_o case_n may_v not_o abraham_n himself_o be_v suppose_v to_o reason_n thus_o must_v i_o then_o lie_v aside_o all_o humanity_n and_o imbrue_v my_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o my_o own_o son_n must_v i_o forget_v that_o i_o be_o a_o father_n and_o destroy_v the_o life_n which_o i_o give_v do_v not_o nature_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o dutiful_a towards_o the_o offspring_n of_o our_o own_o bowel_n and_o be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n engrave_v upon_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o the_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v i_o hither_o to_o condemn_v the_o action_n which_o he_o now_o command_v and_o though_o i_o know_v he_o be_v always_o just_a and_o good_a and_o will_v do_v always_o that_o which_o i_o know_v will_v please_v he_o yet_o how_o can_v i_o hope_v to_o please_v he_o by_o destroy_v his_o image_n in_o my_o own_o child_n what_o will_v the_o world_n say_v of_o i_o who_o profess_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o pure_a manner_n shall_v i_o pollute_v his_o altar_n with_o my_o son_n blood_n and_o do_v that_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a thing_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o his_o holy_a religion_n so_o harsh_a a_o command_n as_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o put_v not_o nature_n only_o but_o faith_n itself_o upon_o the_o stretch_n and_o be_v perfect_o new_a and_o arbitrary_a to_o fright_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o this_o holy_a man_n have_v be_v the_o best_a example_n and_o the_o great_a promoter_n of_o 2._o but_o then_o god_n do_v not_o only_o command_v abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n but_o his_o belove_a and_o only_a son_n isaac_n i._n e._n his_o only_a son_n by_o sarah_n the_o freewoman_n and_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o family_n which_o be_v to_o convey_v a_o universal_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n take_v now_o thy_o son_n say_v god_n thy_o only_a son_n isaac_n 22.2_o gen._n 22.2_o who_o thou_o love_v and_o get_v thou_o into_o the_o land_n of_o moriah_n and_o offer_v he_o there_o for_o a_o burn_a offer_v and_o this_o great_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n of_o abraham_n obedience_n that_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o demand_v not_o one_o out_o of_o many_o but_o his_o only_a son_n his_o isaac_n who_o he_o entire_o love_v the_o only_a joy_n of_o his_o mother_n and_o the_o only_a hope_n of_o the_o family_n which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o best_a figure_n of_o any_o other_o in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o may_v not_o abraham_n have_v say_v lord_n must_v i_o bereave_v myself_o of_o the_o child_n which_o nothing_o but_o a_o miracle_n of_o thou_o can_v raise_v out_o of_o my_o age_a loin_n must_v i_o take_v away_o a_o life_n for_o which_o i_o will_v glad_o exchange_v my_o own_o will_v not_o all_o my_o flock_n and_o herd_n afford_v a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o thou_o all_o these_o i_o will_v free_o offer_v instead_o of_o that_o innocent_a lamb_n in_o which_o all_o my_o earthly_a treasure_n and_o comfort_n lie_v let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a and_o i_o will_v speak_v this_o once_o be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o sarah_n bind_v up_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o child_n how_o shall_v i_o answer_v the_o death_n of_o isaac_n to_o she_o or_o must_v i_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o two_o such_o death_n at_o once_o and_o when_o i_o have_v slay_v the_o son_n carry_v the_o kill_v tiding_n to_o the_o unhappy_a mother_n oh_o how_o great_a a_o straight_o be_v this_o good_a man_n drive_v into_o when_o he_o must_v either_o have_v forfeit_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o bereave_v himself_o of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o strange_a act_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o it_o 3._o another_o grand_a discouragement_n to_o abraham_n obedience_n be_v that_o his_o belove_a isaac_n be_v a_o son_n of_o very_o great_a and_o glorious_a promise_n which_o his_o untimely_a death_n must_v without_o a_o miracle_n frustrate_v the_o completion_n of_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o make_v he_o the_o father_n
once_o recommend_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o exemplar_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o justify_v and_o that_o the_o great_a commendation_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o life_n and_o then_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v not_o that_o true_a and_o genuine_a faith_n which_o justify_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v but_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n we_o must_v needs_o fall_v as_o short_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o we_o do_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n for_o to_o speak_v free_o i_o can_v understand_v what_o use_v there_o be_v of_o faith_n but_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_v his_o favour_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o only_a good_a use_n of_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o 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of_o god_n that_o a_o dead_a and_o useless_a faith_n shall_v do_v he_o the_o great_a kindness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o entitle_v he_o to_o life_n eternal_a now_o if_o justify_v faith_n be_v more_o than_o a_o assent_n to_o truth_n if_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v a_o vital_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n we_o see_v what_o a_o perfect_a dream_n the_o antinomian_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n from_o eternity_n be_v for_o sure_o no_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n so_o long_o ago_o as_o from_o eternity_n and_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v from_o eternity_n our_o faith_n come_v too_o late_o to_o justify_v we_o and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o justify_v faith_n and_o this_o the_o patron_n of_o this_o opinion_n do_v not_o dissemble_v in_o their_o description_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o they_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n only_o of_o manifest_v and_o apply_v to_o themselves_o their_o personal_a justification_n from_o eternity_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o fair_a step_n to_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n for_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n what_o effect_n the_o great_a precept_n and_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_a to_o have_v upon_o those_o man_n that_o conceive_v they_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v round_o that_o they_o be_v so_o from_o eternity_n 2._o we_o be_v teach_v by_o this_o trial_n not_o to_o stagger_v or_o repine_v at_o any_o sharp_a or_o mysterious_a providence_n but_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o god_n to_o prove_v our_o sincerity_n and_o to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n in_o he_o of_o all_o the_o excellent_a man_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v honour_v with_o more_o eminent_a token_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n than_o abraham_n be_v he_o be_v style_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a seed_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n 4.13_o rom._n 4.13_o he_o be_v familiar_o visited_n by_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o dignify_v with_o many_o special_a revelation_n and_o glorious_a promise_n he_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o god_n secret_n 18.17_o gen._n 18.17_o one_o who_o he_o declare_v his_o confidence_n in_o yea_o be_v so_o high_o in_o his_o favour_n that_o god_n engage_v himself_o by_o a_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o his_o family_n in_o all_o future_a age_n and_o give_v he_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n 8.56_o joh._n 8.56_o at_o almost_o two_o thousand_o year_n distance_n from_o it_o and_o beside_o this_o instance_n it_o have_v be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o single_a out_o the_o best_a man_n for_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o to_o propose_v they_o as_o example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o their_o own_o and_o all_o succeed_a generation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o worthy_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o the_o best_a history_n of_o all_o age_n now_o shall_v we_o call_v this_o a_o error_n of_o providence_n and_o conclude_v that_o all_o these_o excellent_a man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n because_o he_o call_v they_o to_o such_o noble_a trial_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o vindication_n of_o their_o faith_n if_o not_o we_o can_v infer_v nothing_o either_o against_o ourselves_o while_o we_o study_v to_o please_v god_n or_o against_o the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n from_o the_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n how_o extraordinary_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o nature_n or_o circumstance_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v consider_v rather_o that_o good_a man_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o world_n submission_n to_o the_o appointment_n of_o it_o by_o their_o affliction_n and_o trial_n and_o this_o clear_v at_o once_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o thus_o train_v they_o up_o for_o those_o excessive_a height_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v prepare_v in_o heaven_n for_o they_o 3._o the_o carriage_n of_o abraham_n in_o this_o trial_n may_v serve_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o live_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v serve_v god_n without_o respect_n to_o worldly_a advantage_n nay_o in_o view_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o disappointment_n that_o can_v be_v sustain_v by_o it_o the_o loose_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v always_o very_o apt_a to_o charge_v the_o sincere_a with_o pretend_v religion_n for_o secular_a end_n be_v willing_a to_o ease_v themselves_o of_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o wicked_a and_o impious_a life_n they_o will_v feign_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a faith_n and_o piety_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o hypocrisy_n that_o give_v some_o man_n the_o reputation_n of_o be_v better_a than_o other_o and_o that_o the_o best_a love_n the_o world_n at_o their_o heart_n as_o dear_o as_o those_o that_o proclaim_v their_o passion_n for_o it_o and_o profess_o make_v their_o court_n to_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o have_v cost_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n very_o dear_a in_o their_o several_a age_n to_o undeceive_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o scoff_v and_o infidelity_n of_o men._n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o one_o special_a end_n of_o the_o trial_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o religion_n be_v a_o reality_n and_o that_o there_o be_v those_o that_o cheerful_o serve_v god_n upon_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n yea_o though_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o very_a dear_a delight_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o the_o example_n in_o the_o text_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o evasion_n or_o answer_n and_o since_o abraham_n child_n have_v the_o same_o kind_a of_o faith_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v so_o renown_v for_o i_o mean_v a_o faith_n which_o carry_v they_o through_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o pursuit_n of_o a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o a_o kingdom_n which_o have_v foundation_n this_o vindicate_v all_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n from_o the_o foul_a charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o do_v their_o work_n to_o be_v see_v of_o men._n it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o their_o family_n that_o they_o believe_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a that_o they_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o ingenuity_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o perfection_n that_o abraham_n be_v
ease_v we_o of_o they_o many_o of_o they_o be_v but_o vmbrae_fw-la malorum_fw-la 89._o sen._n ep._n 89._o as_o seneca_n call_v they_o mere_a shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o evil_a such_o as_o we_o apprehend_v in_o our_o dream_n when_o our_o fancy_n be_v trouble_v and_o when_o we_o awake_v have_v no_o real_a mischief_n or_o terror_n in_o they_o and_o such_o be_v our_o want_n of_o all_o the_o unnecessary_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n we_o fancy_v we_o shall_v live_v more_o pleasant_o if_o we_o have_v more_o estate_n or_o more_o power_n and_o applause_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o may_v be_v we_o shall_v live_v worse_o than_o we_o do_v and_o not_o so_o long_o as_o we_o may_v do_v without_o they_o for_o we_o see_v that_o few_o man_n that_o have_v they_o have_v virtue_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o estate_n and_o the_o owner_n do_v very_o often_o help_v to_o ruin_n one_o another_o and_o for_o those_o affliction_n which_o be_v real_a and_o we_o can_v 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the_o present_a occasion_n will_v allow_v i_o shall_v therefore_o confine_v myself_o to_o such_o as_o i_o think_v have_v the_o great_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o be_v best_a able_a to_o answer_v for_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v bad_a education_n which_o have_v a_o strange_a influence_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o persuasion_n of_o man_n and_o be_v able_a to_o change_v the_o sweet_a natural_a disposition_n into_o the_o bitter_a and_o fierce_a temper_n the_o great_a spring_n and_o mover_n of_o humane_a action_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o information_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o business_n of_o education_n must_v have_v a_o mighty_a stroke_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o impression_n we_o receive_v of_o thing_n while_o our_o mind_n be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n and_o prejudice_n be_v
encourage_v die_v sinner_n to_o all_o possible_a degree_n of_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n this_o be_v certain_o the_o best_a use_n they_o can_v put_v their_o last_o minute_n to_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o from_o the_o very_a centre_n and_o bottom_n of_o their_o soul_n their_o damnation_n be_v irreversible_o seal_v if_o they_o do_v we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n and_o though_o we_o can_v promise_v they_o eternal_a life_n without_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n because_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o the_o gospel_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o remind_v they_o that_o there_o be_v some_o monument_n of_o a_o miraculous_a grace_n some_o instance_n in_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v triumph_v over_o the_o utmost_a spite_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o insolent_a and_o malicious_a offender_n and_o that_o the_o great_a their_o contrition_n be_v the_o meet_a object_n they_o be_v of_o his_o infinite_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v but_o small_a comfort_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o may_v have_v enjoy_v have_v they_o live_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v and_o if_o man_n sin_n beyond_o the_o state_v measure_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o must_v thank_v themselves_o if_o it_o will_v not_o afford_v they_o better_o but_o they_o must_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n and_o have_v more_o kindness_n for_o they_o than_o to_o flatter_v they_o into_o eternal_a torment_n now_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o that_o know_v the_o fallacy_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n we_o shall_v hence_o learn_v the_o wisdom_n of_o apply_v ourselves_o betimes_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o 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torture_n which_o they_o endure_v we_o have_v at_o most_o but_o a_o short_a time_n to_o be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o every_o day_n we_o delay_v our_o repentance_n beside_o the_o hazard_n we_o run_v by_o it_o we_o certain_o make_v our_o work_n so_o much_o the_o heavy_a the_o day_n after_o for_o still_o we_o have_v the_o more_o sin_n to_o repent_v of_o and_o we_o have_v a_o worse_a nature_n to_o struggle_v with_o and_o shall_v we_o delay_v on_o to_o our_o die_a day_n what_o a_o world_n of_o distraction_n shall_v we_o treasure_n up_o for_o ourselves_o against_o our_o last_o hour_n when_o of_o all_o other_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o able_a to_o hear_v it_o and_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v we_o can_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o god_n will_v regard_v our_o sorrow_n any_o more_o than_o we_o have_v do_v his_o call_n to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n will_v we_o consider_v thing_n as_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v they_o certain_o we_o shall_v not_o choose_v to_o leave_v they_o at_o this_o pass_n and_o to_o have_v no_o better_a hope_n than_o a_o condemn_a malefactor_n have_v viz._n that_o though_o by_o law_n he_o be_v to_o die_v yet_o he_o may_v possible_o be_v save_v by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o prince_n who_o crown_n and_o dignity_n till_o he_o fall_v into_o his_o hand_n he_o be_v always_o a_o utter_a and_o declare_a enemy_n to_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v hazard_v his_o life_n upon_o such_o a_o contingency_n and_o can_v there_o be_v starke_a madness_n than_o to_o venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o the_o like_a issue_n by_o continue_v in_o a_o impenitent_a state_n till_o we_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n in_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v be_v better_o than_o his_o covenant_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v we_o save_v we_o by_o a_o reserve_n of_o prerogative_n grace_n let_v we_o therefore_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n while_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o pardon_n for_o they_o and_o not_o stay_v till_o it_o be_v too_o late_o which_o will_v be_v a_o repentance_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o a_o dismal_a thing_n it_o will_v be_v when_o we_o be_v die_v to_o have_v our_o conscience_n fly_v in_o our_o face_n and_o accuse_v we_o at_o once_o of_o a_o whole_a life_n spend_v in_o wickedness_n and_o contradiction_n to_o our_o christian_a profession_n and_o since_o we_o can_v see_v god_n without_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v die_v with_o any_o true_a peace_n and_o comfort_n without_o it_o let_v we_o resolve_v without_o any_o further_a delay_n to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o grace_n let_v we_o every_o day_n as_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o eternity_n mind_n the_o concernment_n of_o it_o with_o that_o zeal_n and_o sincerity_n that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o wish_v we_o have_v do_v when_o we_o lie_v pant_v and_o breathe_v out_o our_o soul_n into_o a_o state_n of_o immortality_n in_o short_a let_v we_o make_v our_o deathbed_n as_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o we_o can_v i_o mean_v by_o do_v our_o great_a work_n beforehand_o and_o leave_v ourselves_o nothing_o to_o do_v there_o but_o to_o die_v this_o be_v the_o way_n when_o we_o be_v tire_v out_o with_o the_o care_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o toilsome_a life_n to_o find_v the_o sweet_a repose_n upon_o they_o to_o die_v in_o peace_n and_o to_o finish_v our_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o then_o our_o rest_n will_v be_v glorious_a i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v 8._o cal._n 6.7_o 8._o for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a which_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v through_o the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n v._o the_o straight_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n heb._n 12.13_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o many_o passage_n in_o this_o epistle_n that_o the_o christian_a jew_n to_o who_o it_o be_v write_v begin_v to_o falter_v in_o the_o brofession_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o revolt_a to_o their_o old_a religion_n hereupon_o the_o apostle_n who_o it_o be_v probable_a have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o their_o change_n endeavour_n to_o settle_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o and_o whereas_o the_o fear_n of_o suffer_a persecution_n be_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o stagger_v the_o hebrew_n christian_n he_o show_v they_o at_o large_a in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a do_v use_v to_o raise_v they_o above_o any_o such_o discouragement_n and_o then_o propose_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o great_a sufferer_n and_o the_o most_o absolute_a pattern_n of_o fortitude_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n after_o this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o deject_a hebrew_n and_o reconcile_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n by_o remind_v they_o that_o affliction_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o god_n hatred_n or_o desertion_n of_o his_o child_n 10._o verse_n 5_o to_o 10._o but_o rather_o of_o his_o paternal_a love_n and_o peculiar_a tenderness_n towards_o they_o 11._o verse_n 11._o and_o though_o they_o seem_v harsh_a and_o grievous_a for_o the_o present_a yet_o in_o their_o effect_n they_o be_v very_o kind_a and_o grateful_a as_o yield_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n pleasure_n
and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n in_o this_o world_n and_o eternal_a rest_n and_o glory_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v then_o follow_v the_o exhortation_n of_o which_o the_o text_n be_v part_n wherefore_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n which_o hang_v down_o and_o the_o feeble_a knee_n and_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n by_o path_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o general_n course_n of_o our_o action_n which_o be_v then_o straight_o when_o they_o lie_v even_o with_o the_o rule_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o frame_n and_o govern_v they_o by_o for_o straightness_n have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o a_o rule_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o evenness_n or_o adequate_a conformity_n to_o it_o and_o then_o we_o do_v make_v our_o path_n straight_o when_o we_o take_v due_a care_n to_o understand_v our_o rule_n and_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o rectitude_n of_o it_o to_o order_v our_o action_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o answerable_a to_o it_o and_o when_o we_o 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with_o due_a care_n and_o enquiry_n 3._o that_o have_v find_v the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o exact_a in_o walk_v in_o it_o and_o not_o yield_v to_o any_o temptation_n to_o forsake_v it_o one_a observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o straight_a and_o direct_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n this_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o text_n which_o exhort_v the_o hebrew_n to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o way_n and_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v already_o in_o some_o measure_n acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o well_o may_v the_o apostle_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o way_n without_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o prove_v it_o when_o it_o be_v universal_o own_a by_o all_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o world_n but_o the_o atheist_n that_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n very_o many_o indeed_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o straight_a and_o certain_a way_n thither_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o any_o religion_n for_o they_o all_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n how_o wide_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n from_o one_o another_o all_o the_o controversy_n be_v which_o of_o those_o several_a path_n which_o man_n take_v to_o be_v the_o straight_a and_o plain_a way_n to_o heaven_n be_v true_o so_o and_o certain_o to_o know_v this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a concernment_n and_o deserve_v a_o very_a serious_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n for_o though_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o right_a way_n by_o chance_n that_o never_o inquire_v after_o it_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o from_o their_o infancy_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o virtue_n in_o such_o a_o man_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n nay_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v that_o he_o be_v and_o so_o long_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v toss_v about_o and_o carry_v off_o from_o one_o church_n and_o religion_n to_o another_o according_a as_o the_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n sit_v and_o the_o tide_n of_o preferment_n turn_v he_o that_o take_v his_o religion_n upon_o trust_n and_o never_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v obstinate_a in_o it_o especial_o when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v a_o loser_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o be_v fair_o offer_v another_o that_o promise_v the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o pretend_v to_o give_v infallible_a security_n for_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o hence_o st._n peter_n admonish_v the_o christian_n that_o flee_v out_o of_o judea_n for_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o religion_n 3.15_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o shall_v ask_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o i._n e._n to_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v their_o religion_n and_o themselves_o by_o declare_v as_o often_o as_o their_o adversary_n urge_v they_o to_o it_o what_o certain_a ground_n and_o reason_n they_o have_v for_o it_o and_o in_o truth_n a_o religion_n without_o rational_a ground_n and_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o suffering_n or_o contend_v for_o but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v allow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o straight_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o happiness_n yet_o there_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o differ_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n about_o it_o that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o be_v certain_a where_o it_o be_v or_o when_o we_o have_v find_v it_o there_o be_v so_o many_o several_a path_n each_o of_o which_o be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o right_n by_o those_o that_o be_v accustom_v to_o they_o which_o yet_o can_v never_o be_v because_o they_o apparent_o cross_v one_o another_o that_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o confident_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o way_n there_o be_v other_o who_o be_v no_o less_o confident_a that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a path_n and_o must_v come_v over_o to_o they_o if_o he_o will_v set_v himself_o right_a and_o timely_o prevent_v his_o eternal_a error_n and_o since_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o diversity_n of_o method_n in_o religion_n and_o so_o great_a a_o confidence_n on_o both_o side_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o plain_a man_n that_o will_v fain_o go_v the_o near_a and_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n to_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o thus_o the_o sceptic_a argue_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o the_o romanist_n think_v there_o be_v no_o argument_n like_o this_o to_o confound_v the_o protestant_n and_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n but_o still_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o great_a hurt_n in_o this_o argument_n and_o that_o a_o plain_a man_n may_v be_v sure_a of_o find_v his_o way_n to_o heaven_n after_o all_o the_o mistake_v and_o controversy_n that_o there_o be_v about_o it_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o infallible_a guide_n on_o earth_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o second_o proposition_n evident_o imply_v in_o the_o text_n which_o be_v this_o 2d_o observe_v that_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n may_v be_v certain_o find_v with_o due_a care_n and_o enquiry_n i_o mean_v by_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n sincere_o use_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v they_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o earthly_a infallible_a guide_n otherwise_o in_o vain_a do_v the_o apostle_n admonish_v the_o hebrew_n to_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o their_o foot_n for_o suppose_v they_o uncapable_a of_o discern_v between_o straight_a and_o crooked_a path_n either_o for_o want_v of_o a_o rule_n to_o guide_v they_o or_o a_o faculty_n to_o apply_v their_o rule_n to_o the_o several_a way_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o give_v they_o any_o advice_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o that_o must_v judge_v of_o their_o guide_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n as_o all_o christian_n be_v require_v to_o do_v must_v judge_v of_o their_o rule_n first_o and_o they_o that_o can_v judge_v of_o a_o straight_a rule_n when_o it_o lie_v before_o they_o can_v judge_v of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n as_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o wit_n to_o know_v when_o a_o line_n be_v straight_o can_v be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o a_o perfect_a mathematician_n for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o truth_n it_o may_v be_v proper_a
and_o die_v in_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o material_a what_o church_n we_o live_v or_o dye_v in_o communion_n with_o while_o we_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o our_o lust_n all_o the_o absolution_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v we_o not_o good_n if_o we_o study_v to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n we_o need_v not_o any_o indulgency_n from_o man_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n i_o can_v see_v the_o least_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o change_v our_o religion_n to_o leave_v the_o straight_a path_n we_o be_v in_o and_o to_o go_v about_o by_o the_o saint_n to_o our_o redeemer_n and_o by_o purgatory_n to_o heaven_n to_o leave_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o to_o turn_v to_o legend_n and_o story_n of_o saint_n which_o a_o serious_a man_n will_v think_v be_v compose_v only_o for_o merriment_n and_o diversion_n but_o though_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o change_v our_o religion_n yet_o sure_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o many_o of_o we_o to_o make_v considerable_a alteration_n in_o our_o life_n to_o change_v almost_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o tenor_n of_o they_o and_o to_o reform_v ourselves_o who_o call_v ourselves_o the_o reform_a it_o be_v not_o only_a for_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o profession_n that_o our_o life_n be_v uniform_a to_o it_o but_o our_o immortal_a honour_n and_o interest_n depend_v upon_o it_o we_o lose_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n if_o we_o faint_v in_o the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o escape_v everlasting_a death_n than_o to_o persist_v in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n eternal_a if_o a_o man_n shall_v tempt_v you_o to_o renounce_v your_o faith_n i_o very_o hope_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o to_o your_o eternal_a salvation_n will_v hinder_v you_o from_o harken_v to_o he_o but_o then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o danger_n in_o a_o profane_a and_o vicious_a life_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n to_o deny_v every_o sinful_a appetite_n and_o worldly_a lust_n to_o be_v cautious_a of_o our_o step_n and_o have_v find_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n to_o keep_v a_o straight_a and_o even_a course_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v it_o not_o a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o no_o unrighteous_a man_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a jar_n and_o contradiction_n to_o ourselves_o to_o conclude_v we_o have_v as_o good_a pin_n our_o faith_n upon_o the_o sleeve_n of_o other_o man_n or_o bestow_v it_o upon_o any_o body_n that_o will_v take_v it_o off_o our_o hand_n as_o keep_v it_o only_o to_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o sermon_n vi_o of_o growth_n in_o grace_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o name_v any_o of_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o christian_a piety_n without_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sensible_a decay_n of_o it_o in_o the_o present_a age_n a_o age_n much_o addict_v to_o talk_v and_o wrangle_v about_o religion_n very_o stout_a and_o zealous_a in_o oppose_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n which_o divide_v the_o christian_a world_n but_o very_o cold_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o practice_n without_o which_o the_o best_a religion_n degenerate_v into_o two_o of_o the_o worst_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n hypocrisy_n and_o superstition_n this_o be_v our_o present_a case_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o look_v well_o to_o ourselves_o and_o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n to_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a the_o bad_a opinion_n and_o ill_a example_n of_o man_n fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n to_o which_o he_o add_v this_o excellent_a advice_n as_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o so_o fatal_a a_o apostasy_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n grace_n be_v a_o term_n of_o various_a sense_n and_o acceptation_n in_o scripture_n be_v frequent_o take_v for_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o divine_a assistance_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o those_o good_a disposition_n and_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o genuine_a effect_n and_o product_n of_o it_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o be_v most_o proper_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v whenever_o as_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v the_o matter_n or_o subject_a of_o a_o exhortation_n now_o in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v plain_o imply_v 1._o a_o root_n or_o principle_n of_o holiness_n actual_o implant_v in_o we_o we_o must_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n before_o we_o can_v make_v any_o progress_n or_o proficiency_n in_o it_o there_o must_v be_v a_o stock_n before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o increase_n a_o quickness_n in_o the_o root_n before_o the_o branch_n will_v sprout_v or_o flourish_v a_o spring_a of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n before_o a_o abound_a in_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o this_o show_v to_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n belong_v namely_o to_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n and_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a 2._o it_o be_v here_o imply_v that_o good_a man_n be_v nor_o mere_o passive_a in_o grow_v better_a but_o may_v and_o must_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o themselves_o nay_o the_o text_n suppose_v they_o must_v do_v enough_o to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o act_n and_o that_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n must_v cease_v if_o they_o refuse_v their_o endeavour_n to_o far_o and_o promote_v it_o do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v do_v signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o make_v we_o better_a there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n for_o our_o endeavour_n and_o consequent_o no_o reason_n for_o all_o the_o counsel_n admonition_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o use_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n but_o than_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n both_o in_o order_n to_o the_o birth_n and_o growth_n of_o it_o he_o know_v therefore_o that_o by_o his_o assistance_n which_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o afford_v we_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o growth_n and_o perfection_n in_o grace_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o by_o his_o direction_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v frequent_o move_v and_o excite_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o piety_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o our_o endeavour_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o this_o end_n and_o that_o as_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a as_o they_o be_v our_o proficiency_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n depend_v upon_o they_o now_o to_o make_v this_o exhortation_n as_o useful_a and_o effectual_a as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v aim_v at_o these_o four_o thing_n 1._o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o promote_v it_o 3._o to_o warn_v you_o of_o the_o great_a hindrance_n and_o impediment_n of_o it_o 4._o to_o enforce_v the_o apostle_n exhortation_n by_o show_v what_o weighty_a reason_n and_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n 1._o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v neither_o begin_v nor_o carry_v on_o by_o natural_a principle_n without_o the_o mighty_a aid_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o inable_v we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n nor_o do_v a_o christian_a grow_v like_o a_o plant_n mere_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n but_o by_o improve_n the_o assistance_n he_o receive_v from_o thence_o and_o use_v the_o mean_n prescribe_v to_o he_o for_o obtain_v new_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v both_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o grow_v in_o it_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o it_o be_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_n and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o subordinate_a to_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n dispose_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n by_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v already_o obtain_v and_o excite_v to_o great_a measure_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o
excite_v to_o amend_v they_o and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o more_o humble_a more_o sensible_a of_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o more_o importunate_a with_o he_o for_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o like_a miscarriage_n for_o the_o future_a this_o will_v send_v we_o to_o his_o mercy-seat_n cover_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o bitterness_n of_o they_o will_v call_v to_o mind_v the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n we_o former_o enjoy_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o favour_n through_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o this_o will_v fire_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o holy_a indignation_n against_o ourselves_o for_o the_o dishonour_n we_o have_v do_v to_o god_n and_o our_o redeemer_n the_o waste_n we_o have_v make_v of_o our_o inward_a peace_n and_o the_o opportunity_n we_o have_v lose_v of_o do_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o of_o establish_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o insure_v our_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n all_o which_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o provoke_v we_o to_o the_o great_a care_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v which_o be_v a_o steady_a and_o universal_a principle_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n 7._o last_o serious_a and_o frequent_a contemplation_n upon_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n will_v sure_o cast_v our_o mind_n into_o a_o more_o spiritual_a frame_n refine_v our_o conversation_n and_o improve_v our_o grace_n it_o be_v true_a a_o exact_a idea_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v at_o this_o distance_n from_o it_o but_o do_v we_o often_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v read_v and_o believe_v of_o that_o glorious_a place_n we_o shall_v certain_o feel_v ourselves_o inspire_v with_o noble_a thought_n and_o brisk_a resolution_n in_o relation_n to_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o sant_a up_o and_o down_o after_o earthly_a vanity_n nor_o give_v way_n to_o every_o petty_a discouragement_n and_o mean_a temptation_n and_o so_o make_v our_o journey_n more_o heavy_a and_o tedious_a than_o we_o need_v as_o if_o we_o be_v afraid_a of_o come_v too_o soon_o to_o our_o happiness_n the_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o be_v we_o better_a acquaint_v with_o they_o will_v darken_v all_o these_o inferior_a beauty_n which_o captivate_v our_o soul_n the_o smile_n of_o pleasure_n the_o shine_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lustre_n of_o honour_n do_v we_o six_o our_o mind_n where_o true_a joy_n and_o felicity_n be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o gloss_n of_o worldly_a excellency_n will_v vanish_v and_o disappear_v as_o lesser_a light_n lose_v their_o brightness_n at_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o great_a there_o will_v be_v little_a danger_n of_o loiter_v in_o the_o way_n or_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n if_o we_o will_v but_o keep_v our_o eye_n upon_o those_o happy_a region_n above_o and_o consider_v what_o mighty_a joy_n be_v there_o what_o massy_a crown_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o the_o lover_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n we_o shall_v be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n even_o in_o those_o very_a duty_n which_o now_o go_v off_o so_o heavy_o with_o we_o we_o shall_v cut_v through_o all_o difficulty_n and_o soar_v above_o all_o temptation_n from_o this_o low_a world_n if_o the_o other_o be_v always_o in_o our_o view_n and_o our_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o this_o will_v raise_v our_o spirit_n and_o elevate_v our_o soul_n till_o we_o shall_v even_o touch_v and_o feel_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o indeed_o the_o only_a way_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o languish_a state_n of_o grace_n to_o recover_v into_o a_o healthful_a and_o thrive_a temper_n be_v to_o strengthen_v their_o appetite_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n by_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o by_o this_o they_o will_v quick_o come_v to_o loathe_v the_o husk_n and_o trash_n of_o this_o world_n and_o retrieve_v the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n they_o have_v lose_v by_o their_o eagerness_n after_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o thing_n propound_v be_v to_o warn_v you_o of_o the_o great_a hindrance_n and_o obstruction_n to_o your_o spiritual_a growth_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o remissness_n in_o any_o of_o the_o former_a duty_n will_v defeat_v the_o design_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o every_o neglect_n and_o error_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v careful_o avoid_v as_o a_o obstruction_n to_o the_o end_n of_o grow_v better_o beside_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o remind_v you_o of_o these_o three_o impediment_n 1._o false_a and_o mistake_v notion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n some_o think_v they_o be_v reprobate_v from_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o never_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o think_v of_o grow_v in_o it_o other_o that_o they_o can_v fall_v from_o grace_n because_o they_o be_v absolute_o elect_v and_o the_o same_o person_n be_v common_o of_o opinion_n that_o every_o degree_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o they_o free_o acknowledge_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n because_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o they_o ought_v to_o use_v mean_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_o against_o themselves_o when_o they_o speak_v against_o the_o immediate_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o i_o the_o rather_o think_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v not_o true_a because_o they_o manifest_o tend_v to_o check_v and_o stifle_v their_o endeavour_n after_o grace_n and_o holiness_n though_o i_o very_o believe_v they_o have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o some_o very_a serious_a person_n through_o their_o happy_a ignorance_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v absolute_o elect_v to_o eternal_a life_n 2.12_o phil._n 2.12_o i_o can_v see_v why_o we_o shall_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o fear_n that_o a_o absolute_a decree_n shall_v fail_v and_o then_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mean_n if_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v immediate_o produce_v their_o effect_n for_o if_o they_o do_v so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n unless_o there_o can_v be_v a_o immediate_a cause_n that_o work_v its_o effect_n by_o mean_n i._n e._n that_o do_v not_o work_v it_o immediate_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o render_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o increase_v holiness_n in_o we_o utter_o vain_a and_o ineffectual_a 2._o want_v of_o vigilancy_n over_o the_o fault_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o natural_a temper_n when_o man_n first_o turn_v their_o thought_n to_o religion_n and_o their_o eye_n inward_o they_o be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o their_o more_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a sin_n and_o extreme_o cautious_a of_o any_o temptation_n to_o they_o but_o be_v seldom_o very_o watchful_a over_o the_o lesser_a fault_n and_o error_n which_o be_v deep_o root_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o grow_v up_o from_o their_o infancy_n with_o they_o these_o they_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o overlook_v and_o indulge_v as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o right_n of_o protection_n from_o they_o till_o they_o suffer_v they_o to_o shade_n and_o overtop_v their_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o so_o clear_a a_o disposition_n but_o he_o have_v some_o flaw_n and_o infirmity_n with_o his_o excellent_a temper_n and_o some_o nature_n be_v so_o very_o bad_a that_o without_o a_o mighty_a care_n to_o manage_v and_o improve_v they_o nothing_o that_o be_v good_a will_v ever_o come_v to_o any_o ripeness_n or_o perfection_n in_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v right_o consider_v the_o want_n of_o this_o care_n be_v the_o manifest_a reason_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n otherwise_o virtuous_a and_o good_a who_o be_v often_o transport_v into_o great_a disorder_n and_o indecence_n by_o a_o unguarded_a humour_n or_o unhappy_a disposition_n which_o they_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n with_o they_o and_o without_o long_a care_n and_o watchsulness_n be_v like_a to_o send_v they_o halt_v to_o their_o grave_n 3._o spiritual_a pride_n i_o mean_v pride_n of_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o over_o ween_a conceit_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a attainment_n in_o holiness_n this_o alone_a be_v enough_o to_o blast_v the_o most_o hopeful_a beginning_n in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v root_n of_o every_o new_a sect_n which_o bring_v forth_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o selfwill_a schism_n error_n envy_n and_o animosity_n and_o i_o be_v go_v to_o say_v whatever_o obstruct_v