upon_o his_o son_n and_o talk_v with_o he_o upon_o the_o way_n to_o moriah_n nature_n shall_v make_v a_o stand_n and_o his_o heart_n shall_v fail_v he_o to_o think_v what_o a_o sad_a uncomfortable_a errand_n he_o be_v go_v upon_o but_o we_o meet_v with_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o in_o abraham_n deportment_n during_o the_o whole_a process_n of_o his_o trial_n he_o do_v not_o make_v a_o false_a step_n in_o three_o day_n journey_n to_o moriah_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o stagger_v at_o the_o strangeness_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o go_v on_o without_o delay_n and_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o this_o great_a action_n proceed_v by_o even_o and_o constant_a step_n through_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o tedious_a duty_n 22.9_o gen._n 22.9_o even_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o mountain_n which_o god_n tell_v he_o of_o have_v build_v a_o altar_n and_o lay_v the_o wood_n in_o order_n upon_o it_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o allow_v himself_o to_o say_v must_v i_o now_o burn_v the_o staff_n of_o my_o old-age_n and_o the_o dear_a pledge_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o i_o and_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o we_o see_v he_o perfect_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n and_o surmount_v the_o discouragement_n which_o his_o way_n be_v obstruct_v with_o 2._o the_o power_n or_o principle_n by_o which_o this_o transcendent_a act_n of_o righteousness_n be_v wrought_v i._n e._n by_o which_o abraham_n prevail_v with_o himself_o and_o over_o all_o discouragement_n to_o offer_v up_o isaac_n the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o his_o faith_n now_o faith_n we_o know_v be_v sometime_o take_v for_o a_o habitual_a belief_n or_o persuasion_n of_o the_o perfection_n truth_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o sometime_o for_o a_o single_a act_n of_o this_o eminent_a grace_n and_o there_o be_v place_n of_o which_o the_o text_n be_v one_o in_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_o use_v in_o both_o sense_n 1._o first_o then_o the_o honour_n of_o this_o noble_a action_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o constant_a and_o habitual_a persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o promise_n which_o abraham_n have_v attain_v unto_o he_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o believe_v god_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n and_o concernment_n of_o all_o that_o he_o reveal_v to_o he_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o conclude_v and_o settle_v upon_o this_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o this_o persuasion_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o his_o piety_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o he_o leave_v his_o own_o country_n for_o a_o strange_a land_n and_o follow_v the_o clue_n of_o god_n providence_n whithersoever_o it_o lead_v he_o it_o direct_v his_o step_n when_o he_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o posture_n of_o undertake_v the_o hard_a trial_n and_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o his_o sincerity_n that_o god_n shall_v demand_v of_o he_o and_o according_o when_o god_n demand_v his_o son_n the_o dear_a thing_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n in_o any_o case_n but_o he_o to_o slay_v a_o innocent_a youth_n though_o it_o be_v in_o common_a esteem_n a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n which_o a_o father_n name_n carry_v in_o it_o and_o no_o less_o contrary_a to_o the_o endearment_n of_o the_o conjugal_a relation_n nay_o though_o it_o have_v all_o the_o visible_a mark_n of_o unnatural_a rage_n and_o inhumanity_n upon_o it_o and_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v a_o indelible_a blemish_n to_o religion_n though_o these_o consideration_n be_v no_o less_o obvious_a than_o weighty_a yet_o be_v abraham_n through_o the_o constancy_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n so_o naturalize_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o can_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o but_o i_o confess_v this_o do_v not_o full_o clear_v the_o main_a difficulty_n employ_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o abraham_n shall_v offer_v up_o his_o son_n by_o faith_n while_o he_o believe_v the_o promise_n concern_v his_o seed_n it_o be_v against_o common_a sense_n or_o reason_n that_o if_o isaac_n die_v without_o issue_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v bless_v after_o he_o so_o that_o abraham_n may_v be_v a_o strong_a believer_n and_o do_v great_a thing_n by_o his_o faith_n yet_o still_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v but_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o stagger_v while_o he_o shake_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n which_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n have_v rest_v upon_o as_o he_o do_v when_o he_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v the_o promise_a line_n and_o so_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o consider_v it_o as_o it_o signify_v 2._o some_o special_a and_o eminent_a act_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o such_o we_o find_v in_o the_o present_a casu_fw-la namely_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o abraham_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o this_o the_o context_n express_o ascribe_v his_o success_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n 19.1_o v._o 19.1_o etc._n etc._n account_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n by_o bring_v isaac_n to_o life_n again_o and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o rather_o than_o suffer_v the_o least_o tittle_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o die_v with_o he_o and_o now_o his_o way_n though_o hard_a be_v clear_a and_o open_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o interrupt_v his_o obedience_n but_o what_o his_o almighty_a faith_n can_v deal_v withal_o he_o have_v doubtless_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v a_o better_a interest_n in_o his_o son_n and_o all_o his_o other_o possession_n than_o any_o he_o can_v lay_v claim_n unto_o and_o the_o great_a reverence_n he_o have_v for_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n hush_v his_o natural_a affection_n and_o whereas_o god_n command_n seem_v to_o oppose_v his_o promise_n he_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n too_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o and_o bring_v back_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o give_v he_o his_o first_o be_v when_o he_o spring_v from_o one_o as_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o chapter_n that_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a that_o be_v himself_o that_o have_v outlive_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o give_v life_n to_o other_o we_o see_v then_o the_o eminency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n 12._o v._o 12._o and_o the_o support_v it_o give_v he_o all_o along_o in_o his_o trial_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o it_o he_o keep_v his_o eye_n all_o the_o while_n upon_o god_n command_n and-winked_a at_o all_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n that_o oppose_v his_o obedience_n to_o it_o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o god_n have_v power_n to_o kill_v and_o to_o make_v alive_a to_o command_v what_o he_o please_v and_o reward_v those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o short_a amid_o all_o the_o hard_a thing_n that_o bear_v upon_o abraham_n faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o appear_v so_o incredible_a to_o he_o as_o that_o god_n shall_v lie_v or_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o suspend_v his_o obedience_n while_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n faithfulness_n to_o he_o and_o according_o he_o immediate_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o light_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o faith_n without_o any_o falter_a or_o regret_n through_o all_o the_o dark_a scene_n of_o that_o cloudy_a providence_n which_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o that_o after_o a_o most_o express_a and_o emphatical_a promise_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o to_o consider_v how_o far_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o discourse_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n first_o then_o 1._o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n which_o certain_o it_o have_v never_o be_v if_o he_o have_v not_o obey_v the_o command_n which_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n if_o abraham_n then_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n which_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o lively_a and_o work_a faith_n and_o that_o no_o other_o faith_n than_o this_o can_v justify_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v more_o than_o
repent_v time_n enough_o to_o be_v save_v at_o his_o last_o hour_n for_o if_o he_o may_v do_v so_o we_o can_v never_o convince_v he_o that_o he_o may_v not_o take_v his_o liberty_n the_o mean_a while_n or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n of_o repent_v in_o haste_n he_o may_v be_v as_o wild_a and_o frolic_a as_o he_o please_v gratify_v every_o sensual_a desire_n and_o dance_v through_o all_o the_o scene_n of_o a_o comical_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n provide_v he_o take_v care_n when_o he_o be_v glut_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_v to_o repent_v once_o for_o all_o and_o to_o do_v no_o more_o wicked_o when_o he_o have_v neither_o time_n nor_o temptation_n to_o do_v it_o and_o be_v this_o the_o true_a and_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v imagine_v why_o one_o ill_a man_n shall_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o it_o i_o rather_o think_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o understand_v it_o he_o will_v be_v perfect_o reconcile_v to_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o kind_a farewell_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o wicked_a christian_a what_o ever_o he_o think_v of_o this_o opinion_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o hearty_o wish_v it_o be_v true_a and_o will_v not_o glad_o see_v it_o confirm_v by_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n now_o certain_o this_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n but_o rather_o a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o it_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n suspect_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sound_v at_o bottom_n because_o it_o take_v so_o universal_o with_o bad_a man_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o foundation_n this_o opinion_n have_v in_o scripture_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o often_o cite_v for_o it_o concern_v the_o labourer_n that_o go_v into_o the_o vineyard_n about_o the_o eleven_o hour_n and_o yet_o receive_v as_o good_a wage_n as_o they_o that_o go_v early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o have_v bear_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o because_o i_o desire_v to_o speak_v as_o home_n and_o as_o plain_o to_o this_o matter_n as_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o require_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o parable_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o assurance_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o die_a christian_a after_o a_o whole_a life_n spend_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o obstinate_a violation_n of_o his_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o covenant_n will_v secure_v he_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o task_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n must_v be_v endless_a and_o unprofitable_a unless_o we_o agree_v upon_o proper_a and_o certain_a rule_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o and_o sure_o we_o can_v easy_o think_v of_o better_a in_o expound_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o first_o to_o be_v strict_o careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o set_v the_o gospel_n at_o variance_n with_o itself_o or_o make_v one_o parable_n clash_n and_o interfere_v with_o another_o and_o then_o if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o explain_v they_o or_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o the_o word_n be_v fair_o capable_a of_o two_o or_o more_o different_a sense_n the_o sure_a way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o occasion_n our_o saviour_n take_v to_o utter_v they_o to_o follow_v the_o thread_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o that_o occasion_n and_o if_o need_v be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o more_o plain_a and_o lightsome_a scripture_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o orthodox_n christian_n and_o by_o these_o rule_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v 1._o that_o this_o parable_n of_o the_o labourer_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n it_o be_v certain_o another_o and_o a_o very_a different_a thing_n which_o be_v intend_v by_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o calling_z of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n at_o different_a time_n and_o in_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o the_o repentance_n of_o particular_a person_n at_o this_o or_o that_o time_n of_o their_o life_n if_o this_o can_v be_v make_v out_o than_o i_o think_v it_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n have_v no_o encouragement_n from_o the_o text_n as_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o it_o to_o make_v this_o matter_n as_o clear_a as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n one_a prop._n that_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n hire_v labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n be_v mean_v god_n call_v man_n into_o the_o church_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o they_o to_o reward_v those_o that_o shall_v be_v faithful_a in_o his_o service_n the_o church_n we_o know_v be_v frequent_o compare_v to_o a_o vineyard_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o god_n be_v call_v sometime_o the_o lord_n sometime_o the_o husbandman_n or_o dresser_n of_o it_o thus_o isa_n 5.4_o what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n say_v god_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v for_o it_o and_o that_o this_o vineyard_n be_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v express_o say_v vers_fw-la 7._o for_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n his_o pleasant_a plant._n and_o in_o this_o style_n our_o saviour_n express_v himself_o john_n 15.1_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n and_o my_o father_n be_v the_o husbandman_n and_o consequent_o his_o church_n be_v the_o vineyard_n for_o since_o he_o use_v the_o same_o comparison_n which_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v be_v accustom_v to_o his_o discourse_n upon_o it_o have_v be_v lose_v upon_o the_o hearer_n if_o he_o have_v not_o use_v it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n which_o the_o prophet_n do_v and_o then_o if_o the_o vineyard_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n his_o hire_v labourer_n into_o it_o will_v very_o natural_o signify_v his_o call_a man_n out_o of_o the_o heathen_a world_n to_o his_o peculiar_a service_n and_o covenant_v with_o they_o to_o reward_v their_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o by_o consequence_n 2d_o prop._n the_o several_a hour_n of_o hire_v labourer_n into_o the_o vineyard_n do_v import_v the_o several_a general_n call_v by_o the_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o invite_v man_n into_o his_o church_n and_o service_n in_o different_a age_n according_a to_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n thus_o he_o call_v the_o jew_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n his_o friend_n betimes_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o agree_v with_o they_o for_o their_o service_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o they_o at_o mount_n sinai_n the_o mean_a while_n and_o many_o age_n after_o this_o the_o gentile_n stand_v idle_a and_o then_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o the_o day_n be_v far_o spend_v he_o call_v they_o to_o work_v in_o his_o vineyard_n upon_o the_o gracious_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o beside_o these_o we_o may_v just_o expect_v another_o solemn_a and_o general_a call_v of_o the_o jew_n who_o leave_v the_o vineyard_n when_o the_o gentile_n enter_v into_o it_o exclude_v themselves_o through_o unbelief_n and_o this_o by_o the_o best_a light_n we_o have_v from_o the_o gospel_n seem_v to_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o close_a of_o the_o day_n or_o the_o eleven_o hour_n in_o the_o parable_n i.e._n to_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n 3d._n prop._n the_o time_n of_o god_n call_v man_n into_o the_o church_n be_v it_o early_o or_o late_o make_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o reward_n they_o shall_v final_o receive_v for_o their_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a service_n to_o he_o for_o so_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o the_o labourer_n that_o be_v hire_v about_o the_o eleven_o hour_n receive_v equal_a wage_n with_o those_o that_o be_v long_o before_o they_o in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o have_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o their_o master_n business_n while_o they_o be_v wretched_o idle_a and_o unserviceable_a to_o he_o and_o hence_o how_o ready_o do_v this_o truth_n offer_v itself_o to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o every_o candid_a and_o judicious_a inquirer_n into_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o parable_n viz._n that_o the_o gentile_n who_o come_v late_o into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o comparison_n of_o
eight_o sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a occasion_n by_o nathanael_n whaley_n rector_n of_o broughton_n in_o northamptonshire_n london_n print_v for_o john_n everingham_n at_o the_o star_n in_o ludgate-street_n near_o the_o west_n end_v of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1695._o imprimatur_fw-la carolus_n alstton_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc_n lond._n a_o sacris_fw-la april_n 30_o 1695._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o true_a end_n of_o print_v sermon_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n which_o must_v be_v at_o a_o low_a ebb_n while_o the_o witty_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v float_v in_o scepticism_n and_o the_o heavy_a sink_v into_o downright_a atheism_n and_o sensuality_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o good_a a_o end_n in_o itself_o that_o it_o certain_o need_v no_o excuse_n for_o i_o know_v not_o why_o any_o man_n may_v not_o venture_v upon_o do_v good_a without_o ask_v leave_n of_o the_o world_n or_o plead_v the_o importunity_n of_o friend_n or_o crave_v a_o protection_n for_o it_o all_o the_o discouragement_n lie_v in_o the_o difficulty_n there_o be_v in_o reach_v this_o excellent_a end_n especial_o in_o this_o singular_a and_o confident_a age_n in_o which_o he_o be_v no_o body_n almost_o that_o have_v not_o a_o opinion_n by_o himself_o and_o he_o be_v count_v a_o very_a easy_a man_n that_o will_v resign_v it_o to_o a_o strong_a judgement_n for_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o contradiction_n or_o two_o or_o convince_v of_o a_o few_o untoward_a consequence_n of_o it_o but_o however_o this_o be_v i_o think_v it_o become_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n to_o persuade_v man_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v wise_a and_o happy_a and_o while_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o admonish_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n and_o this_o i_o can_v true_o say_v be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a sermon_n the_o two_o first_o of_o which_o be_v frame_v to_o show_v the_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o a_o stable_n and_o wellgrounded_n faith_n and_o mere_a confidence_n and_o opinion_n or_o between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n which_o carry_v he_o through_o the_o great_a trial_n and_o difficulty_n and_o the_o presumption_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi which_o do_v as_o strange_a thing_n in_o their_o kind_n for_o as_o abraham_n by_o faith_n offer_v up_o his_o son_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n so_o saul_n by_o the_o impulse_n of_o his_o opinion_n persecute_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o very_o think_v till_o our_o saviour_n call_v to_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o be_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o christianity_n itself_o the_o design_n of_o the_o three_o and_o four_o sermon_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o extreme_a danger_n of_o impenitency_n under_o the_o powerful_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o trust_v to_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n these_o i_o fear_v be_v very_o grate_v and_o unpleasant_a subject_n but_o i_o the_o rather_o think_v they_o require_v the_o plain_a deal_n and_o must_v needs_o say_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o latter_a that_o upon_o the_o review_n i_o can_v esteem_v it_o any_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o have_v wrest_v a_o text_n perhaps_o more_o frequent_o mis-applyed_n than_o any_o other_o in_o the_o gospel_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o that_o be_v never_o fair_o in_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o be_v apt_a as_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o some_o other_o to_o wrest_v it_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n the_o five_o be_v deliver_v at_o a_o time_n when_o great_a endeavour_n be_v use_v to_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o show_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o protestant_a faith_n and_o the_o great_a advantage_n it_o have_v above_o the_o romish_a in_o point_n of_o certainty_n how_o much_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o church_n and_o to_o adorn_v it_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o example_n and_o the_o way_n to_o do_v this_o be_v describe_v and_o recommend_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n concern_v our_o improvement_n in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o be_v we_o once_o persuade_v to_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o may_v just_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v they_o more_o and_o perhaps_o much_o long_o than_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v think_v it_o no_o dishonour_n to_o suffer_v those_o that_o affront_v and_o despiteful_o use_v we_o to_o live_v out_o the_o short_a term_n of_o life_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v set_v they_o and_o make_v better_a use_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o own_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o which_o happy_a temper_n be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o two_o last_o sermon_n as_o to_o the_o composure_n of_o these_o few_o discourse_n the_o reader_n will_v find_v enough_o to_o exercise_v his_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n all_o i_o can_v hope_v for_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v serviceable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o lover_n of_o truth_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v publish_v &_o that_o the_o venture_n will_v be_v the_o more_o pardonable_a because_o my_o infirmity_n at_o present_a be_v such_o as_o hinder_v the_o discharge_n of_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o my_o function_n god_n grant_v his_o blessing_n to_o all_o faithful_a endeavour_n to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n and_o promote_v peace_n and_o piety_n the_o content_n sermon_n i._n the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n heb._n 11.17_o 18._o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v sermon_n ii_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o misinform_v conscience_n or_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n act_n 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n sermon_n iii_o of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o impenitency_n under_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o salvation_n matth._n 11.21.22_o wo_n unto_o thou_o chorazin_n woe_n unto_o thou_o bethsaida_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o you_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o you_o sermon_n iv_o the_o case_n of_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n matth._n 20.9_o and_o when_o they_o come_v that_o be_v hire_v about_o the_o eleven_o hour_n they_o receive_v every_o man_n a_o penny_n sermon_n v._n the_o straight_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n hebr._n 12.13_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n sermon_n vi._n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n sermon_n vii_o of_o murder_n particular_o duel_v and_o self-murder_n matth._n 5.21_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v sermon_n viii_o of_o the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o humane_a life_n james_n 4.14_o for_o what_o be_v your_o life_n it_o be_v even_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o sermon_n i._o concern_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n hebr._n 11.17_o 18._o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v rerceive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n discourse_v in_o this_o chapter_n of_o two_o eminent_a point_n of_o knowledge_n the_o nature_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o ground_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o conviction_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v etc._n ver_fw-la 3.5_o etc._n etc._n such_o as_o the_o creation_n of_o this_o and_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o better_a world_n and_o this_o show_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o lie_v in_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o truth_n and_o promise_n ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o and_o according_o the_o holy_a man_n who_o faith_n be_v so_o much_o magnify_v in_o this_o chapter_n 13._o ver_fw-la 13._o
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 separate_v faith_n from_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n it_o lose_v all_o the_o virtue_n which_o it_o have_v to_o justify_v we_o and_o then_o if_o we_o be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n what_o do_v it_o profit_n my_o brethren_n can_v that_o faith_n save_v we_o which_o can_v procure_v our_o accptance_n with_o god_n have_v not_o all_o wicked_a man_n that_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o same_o 2.19_o jam._n 2.19_o nay_o the_o devil_n as_o st._n james_n observe_v tremble_v under_o as_o good_a a_o faith_n as_o this_o it_o be_v strange_a therefore_o that_o any_o man_n of_o competent_a reason_n shall_v think_v that_o a_o dry_a and_o barren_a faith_n a_o volatile_a notion_n in_o the_o head_n that_o never_o reach_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n shall_v put_v he_o into_o the_o happy_a state_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n or_o that_o which_o make_v he_o never_o the_o better_a man_n shall_v yet_o make_v he_o the_o favourite_n 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
common_o the_o deep_a most_o lasting_a and_o indelible_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v general_o very_o apt_a to_o stick_v to_o their_o first_o principle_n be_v they_o true_a or_o false_a and_o for_o want_v of_o due_a enquiry_n how_o they_o come_v by_o they_o to_o take_v they_o for_o divine_a impression_n and_o eternal_a truth_n and_o thus_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n usurp_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o guide_n the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o which_o be_v a_o zealous_a opposition_n against_o all_o that_o standin_fw-mi its_o way_n or_o presume_v to_o check_v and_o disturb_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o for_o what_o ever_o ought_v to_o be_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o man_n present_a thought_n and_o principle_n be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n and_o that_o the_o worse_a any_o principle_n be_v and_o the_o early_o they_o be_v instil_v into_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o more_o strong_o they_o impregnate_n their_o mind_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o pursue_v the_o tendency_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o much_o wonder_n at_o those_o who_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o religion_n contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o to_o his_o commandment_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o unity_n who_o be_v teach_v from_o their_o cradle_n to_o call_v we_o heretic_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o bitter_a thing_n against_o we_o to_o break_v their_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o to_o mark_v we_o out_o for_o destruction_n if_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o grow_v expert_a in_o all_o the_o art_n of_o confusion_n and_o with_o undaunted_a courage_n undertake_v the_o bold_a crime_n which_o their_o party_n and_o principle_n do_v countenance_n the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v true_a the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n be_v not_o invincible_a if_o man_n will_v take_v a_o right_a course_n to_o overcome_v they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o rare_a case_n and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o choose_v to_o enjoy_v their_o error_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v a_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o when_o our_o green_a and_o tender_a mind_n be_v once_o warp_a by_o false_a and_o pernicious_a principle_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o bring_v they_o straight_o and_o to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o right_a posture_n again_o it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o consideration_n and_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o bottom_n of_o thing_n which_o some_o man_n want_v ability_n of_o mind_n other_o leisure_n humility_n patience_n and_o integrity_n to_o carry_v they_o through_o and_o the_o want_n of_o any_o of_o these_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v for_o their_o obstinate_a persist_v in_o their_o first_o error_n and_o unreasonable_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n 2._o affect_a ignorance_n of_o the_o truth_n natural_o harden_v man_n in_o their_o evil_a principle_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o approve_v of_o any_o rugged_a and_o violent_a course_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o reputation_n of_o they_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n have_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o ever_o man_n enjoy_v of_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o chain_n and_o fetter_n of_o a_o ill_a education_n 1.18_o i_o pet._n 1.18_o or_o as_o st._n peter_n call_v it_o from_o their_o vain_a conversation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n they_o have_v the_o bright_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n that_o ever_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o those_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o their_o own_o messiah_n who_o they_o have_v long_o expect_v in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_v concern_v that_o infinite_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n be_v exact_o fulfil_v who_o wrought_v the_o great_a and_o most_o astonish_a miracle_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n behold_v who_o give_v they_o a_o perfect_a comment_n on_o the_o law_n which_o have_v be_v miserable_o corrupt_v by_o the_o gloss_n of_o their_o scribe_n and_o doctor_n and_o lay_v open_v their_o hypocrisy_n to_o themselves_o and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o so_o blind_a and_o sottish_a be_v they_o as_o to_o reject_v all_o his_o admonition_n with_o spite_n and_o scorn_n to_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n to_o admire_v their_o deluder_n and_o to_o crucify_v their_o guide_n to_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n our_o saviour_n himself_o testify_v of_o they_o in_o the_o height_n of_o their_o rage_n and_o malice_n against_o he_o 23.34_o luke_n 23.34_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v they_o have_v be_v teach_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o glorious_a king_n and_o conqueror_n and_o such_o a_o one_o they_o must_v have_v or_o none_o they_o have_v be_v long_o wont_v to_o a_o pompous_a and_o ceremonious_a service_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o bear_v the_o thought_n of_o have_v the_o stately_a fabric_n of_o their_o religion_n erect_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o support_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n take_v down_o by_o the_o carpenter_n son_n as_o they_o style_v our_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o fatal_a chain_n that_o hold_v they_o fast_o in_o that_o dungeon_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o paradise_n itself_o can_v not_o tempt_v they_o nor_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v not_o redeem_v they_o from_o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o wilful_a and_o affect_a ignorance_n still_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n some_o think_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a and_o universal_a head_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o such_o a_o one_o they_o will_v have_v what_o ever_o it_o cost_v they_o other_o that_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o christ_n personal_a reign_n upon_o earth_n think_v they_o ought_v to_o fight_v for_o king_n jesus_n against_o all_o opposer_n and_o why_o be_v ignorance_n so_o much_o cherish_v and_o applaud_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o that_o it_o give_v the_o guide_n of_o that_o church_n a_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o mislead_v the_o people_n and_o embolden_v they_o to_o act_v any_o illth_v they_o be_v please_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a use_n they_o make_v of_o it_o they_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n to_o invert_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o fix_v the_o cross_a name_n they_o can_v devise_v upon_o they_o and_o then_o prosecute_v they_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o intrinsic_a merit_n just_o as_o the_o heathen_n clothe_v the_o christian_n in_o beast_n skin_n and_o then_o expose_v they_o to_o be_v worry_v by_o wild_a beast_n to_o death_n they_o first_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v our_o religion_n on_o heresy_n which_o natural_o create_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n of_o it_o and_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o they_o easy_o persuade_v they_o they_o can_v be_v too_o zealous_a to_o suppress_v it_o the_o next_o step_n to_o which_o persuasion_n be_v to_o think_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v lawful_a that_o will_v do_v it_o or_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v it_o shall_v be_v meritorious_a and_o then_o to_o destroy_v heretic_n follow_v of_o course_n to_o be_v a_o glorious_a work_n but_o sure_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o think_v so_o when_o he_o confess_v the_o contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n nor_o do_v our_o saviour_n think_v so_o when_o he_o reprove_v the_o rash_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o will_v have_v consume_v the_o samaritan_n by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o and_o after_o this_o 9.55_o luke_n 9.55_o shall_v i_o presume_v to_o say_v that_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v manage_v with_o invincible_a strength_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o our_o side_n or_o shall_v i_o say_v that_o no_o cause_n since_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o that_o of_o our_o common_a christianity_n be_v ever_o better_a defend_v than_o our_o departure_n from_o that_o church_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o confidence_n of_o boast_v 3._o secular_a interest_n have_v great_a power_n to_o distort_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n and_o to_o inflame_v their_o passion_n against_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v they_o place_v their_o chief_a satisfaction_n in_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v for_o the_o port_n of_o gain_n or_o honour_n or_o liberty_n we_o common_o find_v they_o make_v all_o the_o sail_n that_o ever_o they_o can_v to_o come_v speedy_o to_o it_o if_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v their_o end_n be_v to_o appear_v stout_o for_o this_o or_o that_o party_n or_o persuasion_n they_o will_v ready_o do_v it_o and_o serve_v the_o cause_n to_o the_o utmost_a if_o they_o happen_v to_o thrive_v by_o it_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a
he_o a_o numerous_a offspring_n train_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n instruct_v in_o all_o the_o minute_n instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o preserve_v by_o wonderful_a providence_n against_o all_o the_o malice_n and_o fury_n of_o all_o the_o fierce_a and_o mighty_a nation_n that_o be_v round_o about_o they_o the_o jew_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v the_o very_a darling_n of_o providence_n they_o live_v in_o a_o land_n of_o light_n when_o darkness_n cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n a_o land_n who_o least_o happiness_n be_v that_o it_o flow_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n there_o be_v no_o nation_n as_o moses_n tell_v they_o 8._o deut._n 4.7_o 8._o when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o inhabit_v that_o have_v god_n so_o nigh_o unto_o they_o in_o all_o that_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o or_o that_o have_v statute_n and_o judgement_n so_o righteous_a as_o all_o the_o law_n which_o he_o set_v before_o they_o for_o a_o lamp_n to_o their_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o their_o path_n and_o which_o if_o they_o careful_o follow_v they_o will_v assure_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o celestial_a canaan_n to_o they_o say_v st._n paul_n speak_v of_o god_n distinguish_a grace_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o jew_n be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 9.4_o rom._n 3.2_o rom._n 9.4_o to_o they_o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n or_o divine_a presence_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o as_o the_o jew_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n stand_v the_o fair_a for_o eternal_a life_n so_o those_o of_o they_o that_o live_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n have_v fair_a opportunity_n of_o be_v happy_a than_o all_o that_o live_v before_o they_o in_o expectation_n of_o his_o come_v and_o of_o all_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o age_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o great_a city_n of_o galilee_n such_o as_o corazin_n bethsaida_n and_o capernaum_n live_v in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o neighbourhood_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v have_v the_o great_a advantage_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n they_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o fame_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o echo_n of_o his_o doctrine_n from_o distant_a place_n but_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v they_o in_o the_o most_o affect_v and_o immediate_a manner_n they_o behold_v the_o son_n of_o god_n clothe_v with_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o hear_v he_o preach_v in_o their_o street_n many_o of_o they_o that_o never_o see_v or_o hear_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o life_n before_o he_o they_o hear_v his_o divine_a say_n even_o the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n from_o he_o they_o feast_v on_o his_o miracle_n be_v feed_v heal_v and_o enlighten_v by_o they_o and_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o his_o divinity_n in_o their_o rescue_n from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o evil_a spirit_n thus_o salvation_n come_v home_o to_o the_o jew_n throw_v itself_o as_o it_o be_v into_o their_o arm_n and_o without_o wait_v for_o their_o entreaty_n urge_v and_o obtrude_v itself_o upon_o they_o 17._o mat._n 1â—_n 16_o 17._o and_o bless_v be_v the_o eye_n which_o see_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v and_o the_o ear_n which_o hear_v the_o word_n that_o they_o hear_v it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o such_o person_n to_o enter_v into_o life_n as_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o ear_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o instruction_n they_o receive_v from_o they_o so_o that_o the_o jew_n of_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o especial_o those_o of_o his_o own_o province_n and_o acquaintance_n have_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o salvation_n of_o any_o people_n upon_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_v of_o his_o to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n john_n 4.22_o that_o salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v true_a after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_a world_n all_o those_o nation_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n come_v stand_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o the_o jew_n i_o mean_v have_v as_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o embrace_v the_o tender_v of_o it_o as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o have_v those_o only_o except_v that_o see_v our_o saviour_n when_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o some_o nation_n have_v never_o yet_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o myriad_o there_o be_v of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o never_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n or_o the_o holy_a bible_n other_o that_o once_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v a_o considerable_a figure_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v by_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o corrupt_v themselves_o with_o lewd_a error_n and_o practice_n lose_v all_o the_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o of_o this_o number_n be_v the_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n from_o who_o christ_n have_v recall_v his_o angel_n and_o fetchr_n away_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o leave_v they_o in_o a_o dark_a night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o this_o show_v that_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n be_v not_o entail_v upon_o particular_a nation_n and_o that_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n may_v stand_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o which_o be_v once_o the_o most_o orthodox_n and_o flourish_a church_n in_o short_a if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n at_o this_o day_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n of_o grace_n in_o several_a church_n of_o the_o great_a name_n and_o the_o high_a pretence_n to_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o there_o be_v one_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n where_o the_o scripture_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v wrest_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v discern_v the_o wrong_n that_o be_v do_v they_o in_o deny_v they_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n see_v the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n now_o by_o all_o these_o instance_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a inequality_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v they_o to_o all_o man_n or_o in_o all_o age_n alike_o but_o to_o some_o he_o give_v more_o and_o to_o other_o less_o according_a to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n etc._n mat._n 25.14_o 15._o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v very_o plain_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n which_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v travel_v into_o a_o far_a country_n distribute_v to_o his_o servant_n to_o one_o he_o give_v five_o to_o another_o two_o and_o to_o a_o three_o but_o a_o single_a talon_n with_o this_o general_n charge_n that_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o shall_v employ_v to_o his_o advantage_n till_o his_o occasion_n shall_v permit_v his_o return_n to_o they_o 2._o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a dispensation_n of_o it_o by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o injustice_n in_o the_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o happiness_n to_o clear_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o desire_v its_o own_o happiness_n may_v expect_v from_o a_o just_a and_o faithful_a creator_n and_o sure_o he_o may_v expect_v that_o the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v and_o of_o his_o desire_n of_o be_v happy_a hold_v once_o at_o least_o put_v it_o into_o his_o power_n to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o not_o improve_n any_o advantage_n for_o it_o which_o he_o never_o enjoy_v these_o two_o thing_n i_o say_v he_o may_v promise_v himself_o because_o a_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o just_a as_o god_n be_v can_v not_o make_v he_o only_o to_o make_v he_o miserable_a as_o he_o must_v have_v do_v shall_v he_o either_o deny_v he_o all_o power_n to_o be_v happy_a or_o punish_v he_o eternal_o for_o not_o improve_n the_o power_n which_o he_o never_o give_v he_o but_o then_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o justice_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o man_n than_o this_o because_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v he_o happy_a if_o he_o be_v not_o want_v
to_o premise_v 1._o that_o by_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n i_o understand_v as_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v the_o way_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o gospel_n the_o same_o which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n 10.20_o mat._n 7.14.22.16_o act._n 16.17_o 2_o pet._n 2.15_o heb._n 10.20_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n the_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o right_a way_n the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o christ_n have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o that_o be_v the_o method_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o incarnation_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v put_v we_o into_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n 2._o by_o the_o sure_a find_v of_o this_o way_n upon_o a_o due_a and_o careful_a enquiry_n i_o mean_v that_o ordinary_a christian_n by_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o sacred_a record_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o honest_a intention_n by_o implore_v the_o divine_a asssistance_n and_o make_v that_o use_n they_o ought_v of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n may_v certain_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n that_o be_v sincere_o inquisitive_a after_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n can_v desire_v for_o who_o that_o be_v so_o can_v desire_v to_o be_v more_o than_o certain_a of_o his_o way_n thither_o or_o to_o have_v a_o better_a foundation_n for_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n than_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o infallibility_n in_o man_n must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o that_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o direct_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o in_o this_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v even_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o allow_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n though_o they_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o usefulness_n or_o perfection_n of_o it_o but_o still_o we_o have_v a_o great_a authority_n than_o this_o i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v write_v ult_n joh._n 10._o ult_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n i._n e._n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n and_o that_o believe_v we_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o that_o they_o teach_v we_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o hence_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o the_o first_o general_n council_n appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o true_a standard_n of_o christianity_n and_o condemn_v the_o ancient_a heretic_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o in_o those_o day_n the_o manner_n be_v to_o set_v the_o holy_a oracle_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o council_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v consult_v in_o all_o their_o debate_n and_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n or_o decree_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v so_o determine_v by_o that_o infallible_a rule_n 2._o christ_n have_v leave_v such_o a_o rule_n to_o his_o church_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v intelligible_a i._n e._n capable_a of_o be_v understand_v and_o apply_v by_o those_o that_o be_v to_o use_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n otherwise_o it_o can_v never_o serve_v the_o great_a end_v it_o be_v give_v for_o to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o high_a reflection_n that_o can_v be_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o he_o that_o give_v it_o the_o gospel_n pretend_v to_o show_v we_o a_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n if_o we_o can_v never_o find_v it_o by_o its_o direction_n if_o we_o must_v use_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n we_o must_v learn_v from_o it_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v and_o if_o we_o must_v do_v so_o i_o think_v that_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o unanswerable_a argument_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o for_o assure_o god_n will_v never_o make_v a_o show_n of_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n by_o a_o mean_n which_o he_o certain_o know_v will_v fail_v we_o if_o we_o trust_v to_o it_o 3._o the_o institution_n of_o pastor_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o private_a person_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o rule_n undeniable_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v that_o all_o christian_n shall_v understand_v it_o themselves_o and_o then_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o may_v do_v it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v and_o be_v qualify_v to_o judge_v in_o other_o matter_n for_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o teacher_n but_o to_o assist_v and_o inform_v our_o understanding_n and_o help_v we_o to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o thing_n or_o what_o benefit_n be_v there_o of_o be_v teach_v if_o we_o may_v not_o use_v our_o judgement_n when_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o be_v permit_v to_o know_v when_o it_o be_v and_o when_o not_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o mankind_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v one_o natural_a right_n that_o our_o saviour_n by_o any_o institution_n of_o he_o deprive_v we_o of_o and_o certain_o of_o all_o other_o he_o will_v never_o bar_v we_o of_o this_o because_o his_o doctrine_n will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o we_o without_o it_o for_o what_o sway_n be_v the_o gospel_n like_v to_o bear_v upon_o our_o mind_n or_o which_o way_n can_v it_o influence_n our_o life_n till_o we_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o use_v of_o it_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v unless_o we_o may_v exercise_v our_o own_o judgement_n upon_o they_o let_v my_o guide_n be_v never_o so_o know_v or_o infallible_a it_o be_v not_o he_o without_o my_o own_o knowledge_n that_o can_v make_v i_o sure_o of_o my_o way_n and_o therefore_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o way_n to_o convey_v his_o great_a knowledge_n into_o i_o and_o if_o he_o have_v it_o be_v sure_o through_o my_o understanding_n i_o be_o but_o just_a where_o i_o be_v without_o he_o and_o never_o like_a to_o make_v any_o spiritual_a improvement_n by_o he_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n i_o confess_v of_o some_o teacher_n that_o their_o disciple_n shall_v not_o see_v which_o way_n they_o lead_v they_o but_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v ordain_v to_o this_o office_n be_v send_v to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v see_v the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n 4._o christian_n without_o distinction_n be_v express_o require_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o they_o as_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o imply_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o treasure_n in_o the_o scripture_n a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n so_o it_o may_v be_v certain_o find_v by_o those_o that_o due_o search_v for_o it_o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o direct_v his_o disciple_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n we_o shall_v despair_v of_o find_v it_o in_o the_o new_a be_v infallible_o assure_v 1.10_o 2_o tim._n 1.10_o that_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n i.e._n be_v more_o emphatical_o discover_v be_v set_v in_o a_o better_a light_n to_o we_o christian_n by_o the_o new_a and_o bright_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o they_o be_v of_o old_a to_o the_o jew_n by_o all_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o then_o if_o we_o seek_v for_o life_n and_o immortality_n and_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o this_o
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
but_o a_o solid_a and_o expereienced_a truth_n and_o how_o shall_v this_o animate_v our_o endeavour_n and_o enliven_v we_o in_o our_o spiritual_a course_n that_o the_o better_a speed_n we_o make_v the_o less_o weary_a we_o shall_v be_v with_o our_o journey_n and_o that_o have_v past_o the_o first_o stage_n of_o it_o if_o we_o do_v not_o loiter_v by_o the_o way_n we_o shall_v gather_v strength_n all_o along_o as_o we_o go_v and_o be_v less_o tire_v than_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v by_o sit_v still_o the_o while_n every_o step_n will_v yield_v we_o a_o new_a refreshment_n as_o it_o bring_v we_o near_o the_o glorious_a end_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o shorten_v the_o distance_n betwixt_o we_o and_o heaven_n 7._o last_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o better_a we_o grow_v the_o fit_a we_o shall_v be_v to_o die_v and_o the_o ripe_a for_o eternity_n every_o degree_n of_o grace_n will_v help_v to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o last_o agony_n when_o of_o all_o the_o hour_n we_o have_v to_o live_v we_o will_v choose_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n easy_a and_o cheerful_a to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o our_o future_a state_n and_o to_o have_v nothing_o upon_o our_o spirit_n that_o may_v occasion_v any_o bitter_a reflection_n upon_o the_o live_v we_o have_v lead_v or_o any_o misgive_a thought_n of_o our_o approach_a eternity_n when_o our_o last_o and_o determine_a hour_n come_v we_o shall_v need_v all_o the_o succour_n which_o a_o strong_a faith_n a_o vigorous_a hope_n and_o a_o perefect_a patience_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n can_v afford_v we_o to_o vanquish_v the_o fear_n and_o support_v we_o under_o the_o pang_n and_o struggle_n of_o death_n to_o make_v our_o passage_n easy_a and_o our_o dissolution_n desirable_a we_o be_v general_o apt_a when_o we_o perceive_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o immortality_n to_o stand_v shiver_v at_o the_o amaze_a prospect_n of_o the_o boundless_a ocean_n before_o we_o be_v natural_o very_o loath_a to_o put_v off_o from_o this_o belove_a world_n and_o common_o very_o fearful_a of_o our_o land_n upon_o the_o next_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v perfect_o cure_v we_o of_o this_o fear_n but_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n after_o this_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n i._n e._n our_o improvement_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o talent_n he_o have_v entrust_v we_o with_o such_o a_o hope_n as_o this_o will_v charm_v our_o natural_a fear_n disarm_v death_n of_o its_o terror_n and_o make_v we_o even_o glad_a to_o die_v and_o desirous_a to_o see_v that_o happy_a world_n we_o have_v so_o long_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o the_o expectation_n of_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o give_v up_o our_o account_n if_o we_o have_v be_v good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n but_o rejoice_v that_o our_o audit_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v be_v do_v the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o god_n it_o will_v be_v a_o unexpressible_a comfort_n to_o we_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v walk_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o his_o sight_n 38.3_o isa_n 38.3_o and_o what_o great_a happiness_n can_v we_o imagine_v or_o choose_v for_o ourselves_o than_o to_o sail_v with_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o full_a tide_n of_o joy_n into_o a_o bless_a eternity_n if_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n as_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n plain_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o best_a man_n in_o this_o world_n will_v certain_o be_v the_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o and_o since_o there_o be_v glory_n enough_o there_o to_o crown_v all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o improvement_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o aim_v at_o as_o great_a a_o share_n of_o it_o and_o to_o rise_v as_o high_a in_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o we_o can_v possible_o attain_v unto_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v bestow_v our_o time_n better_o than_o in_o lay_v up_o all_o the_o treasure_n that_o we_o can_v in_o heaven_n where_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v be_v safe_a and_o will_v be_v always_o in_o a_o thrive_a and_o grow_v state_n and_o where_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o after_o a_o few_o day_n improve_v into_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o let_v we_o therefore_o have_v these_o mighty_a reason_n to_o quicken_v our_o spiritual_a growth_n aspire_v every_o day_n to_o exceed_v ourselves_o and_o to_o mend_v our_o progress_n in_o religion_n they_o that_o be_v but_o in_o a_o infant-state_n of_o grace_n have_v many_o stage_n and_o degree_n to_o pass_v through_o before_o they_o can_v arrive_v at_o any_o great_a perfection_n and_o so_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v press_v on_o lest_o time_n and_o death_n shall_v be_v too_o hasty_a for_o they_o and_o not_o allow_v they_o space_n to_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o for_o those_o that_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o great_a strength_n and_o maturity_n as_o better_a fruit_n will_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o than_o other_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o real_a shame_n and_o prejudice_n to_o they_o to_o come_v behind_o themsleve_n and_o that_o their_o last_o work_n shall_v be_v worse_o than_o their_o first_o when_o all_o be_v say_v to_o satisfy_v man_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o their_o spiritual_a state_n assure_o the_o most_o comfortable_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o growth_n and_o flourish_a of_o it_o i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherefore_o belove_v see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o 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 sermon_n vii_o of_o murder_v particular_o duel_v and_o self-murder_n matth._n 5.21_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v the_o precept_n in_o the_o text_n be_v no_o modern_a say_n no_o positive_a command_n of_o christ_n but_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o stand_a rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o be_v at_o first_o engrave_v in_o the_o deep_a character_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o creator_n the_o write_a law_n be_v only_o a_o transcript_n or_o copy_n of_o that_o original_a but_o even_o this_o as_o it_o be_v no_o less_o authentic_a be_v very_o ancient_a too_o you_o have_v hear_v say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o jew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o ancient_n or_o to_o they_o of_o old_a time_n for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v most_o natural_o render_v thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v that_o be_v this_o precept_n be_v deliver_v to_o their_o father_n at_o mount_n sinai_n under_o the_o hand-writing_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v often_o repeat_v in_o after_o age_n by_o his_o priest_n and_o prophet_n but_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v not_o thorough_o understand_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o jew_n apprehend_v themselves_o clear_a of_o this_o commandment_n if_o they_o do_v not_o kill_v and_o murder_n one_o another_o to_o rectify_v this_o great_a mistake_n our_o saviour_n be_v about_o to_o give_v they_o a_o large_a and_o more_o perfect_a exposition_n of_o the_o law_n than_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o famous_a expositor_n of_o the_o age_n general_o do_v express_o tell_v they_o that_o causeless_a and_o reproachful_a anger_n be_v forbid_v under_o the_o great_a penalty_n of_o this_o commandment_n v._o 22._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o whoseover_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v to_o his_o brother_n racha_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o counsel_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v thou_o fool_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o hell_n fire_n viz._n because_o this_o quarrelsome_a and_o provoke_a passion_n of_o anger_n be_v as_o aristotle_n observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ordinary_a principle_n and_o cause_n of_o murder_n and_o therefore_o very_o sinful_a in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n at_o this_o time_n to_o insist_v upon_o our_o saviour_n improvement_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o law_n otherwise_o than_o the_o state_v of_o particular_a case_n may_v lead_v i_o to_o it_o
and_o we_o all_o pretend_v to_o know_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o memory_n be_v short_a too_o and_o that_o our_o fondness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v such_o that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v where_o we_o be_v upon_o what_o term_n we_o be_v here_o how_o sudden_o we_o must_v remove_v and_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o procure_v we_o a_o safe_a and_o easy_a passage_n into_o that_o eternal_a world_n where_o we_o must_v dwell_v in_o perfect_a bliss_n or_o anguish_n for_o ever_o we_o be_v so_o much_o enamour_a with_o this_o present_a world_n that_o like_o passionate_a lover_n we_o seem_v not_o to_o remember_v what_o we_o say_v or_o do_v while_o we_o be_v converse_v with_o it_o it_o fetter_n our_o memory_n while_o it_o captivate_v our_o affection_n and_o while_o it_o subdue_v our_o heart_n it_o bereave_v we_o of_o the_o best_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n which_o certain_o be_v to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o where_o we_o hope_v ever_o long_o to_o be_v and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n where_o be_v it_o worth_a our_o while_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o can_v stay_v long_o to_o enjoy_v they_o this_o be_v our_o great_a unhappiness_n it_o be_v the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o this_o world_n that_o make_v we_o forget_v ourselves_o and_o the_o design_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o send_v we_o hither_o and_o the_o proper_a remedy_n against_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v our_o mind_n as_o much_o awake_a as_o we_o can_v with_o frequent_a and_o serious_a thought_n on_o the_o suddenness_n of_o our_o departure_n hence_o for_o it_o be_v not_o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o our_o life_n be_v short_a when_o we_o hear_v a_o discourse_n about_o it_o or_o follow_v a_o hearty_a man_n to_o his_o grave_n that_o will_v cure_v we_o of_o our_o dotage_n on_o present_a thing_n nothing_o less_o will_v do_v this_o than_o a_o quick_a and_o last_a sense_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n the_o power_n of_o conviction_n last_v no_o long_o than_o it_o be_v present_a to_o the_o mind_n or_o become_v habitual_a and_o familiar_a to_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o vanish_v of_o those_o solemn_a vow_n which_o man_n common_o make_v in_o their_o sickness_n and_o which_o nothing_o else_o can_v extort_v from_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o danger_n be_v over_o and_o they_o begin_v to_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o new_a hope_n of_o a_o long_a and_o pleasant_a life_n and_o therefore_o as_o melancholy_a a_o thought_n as_o it_o be_v that_o our_o life_n be_v short_a beside_o that_o it_o be_v never_o unseasonable_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o useful_a thought_n that_o we_o can_v carry_v about_o we_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v never_o over_o come_v this_o flatter_a and_o enchant_a world_n without_o it_o and_o then_o we_o can_v never_o arrive_v to_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o that_o to_o come_v as_o cold_a a_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v short_o die_v and_o leave_v this_o delicious_a world_n it_o will_v mighty_o help_v to_o quicken_v our_o devotion_n and_o inflame_v our_o affection_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n it_o will_v thereby_o prevent_v a_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n it_o will_v excite_v we_o to_o hasten_v our_o repentance_n to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o our_o little_a life_n and_o improve_v all_o advantage_n we_o hold_v by_o it_o for_o a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o for_o these_o reason_n the_o scripture_n often_o recommend_v this_o serious_a meditation_n to_o we_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o fresh_a in_o our_o memory_n present_v we_o with_o great_a variety_n of_o affect_v emblem_n and_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o humane_a life_n such_o as_o be_v most_o obvious_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o apt_a to_o raise_v a_o new_a passion_n in_o our_o mind_n every_o time_n we_o think_v of_o they_o for_o instance_n 1._o our_o life_n be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n to_o thing_n of_o the_o most_o transitory_a and_o fade_a nature_n st._n james_n call_v it_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o such_o be_v the_o life_n of_o mortal_a man_n even_o the_o great_a and_o gallant_a of_o they_o it_o be_v up_o &_o down_o in_o a_o moment_n it_o be_v a_o vapour_n very_o often_o in_o the_o civil_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a sense_n and_o common_o the_o great_a ostentation_n it_o make_v the_o soon_o it_o disappear_v and_o be_v go_v and_o the_o eye_n that_o see_v it_o see_v it_o not_o more_o and_o on_o the_o same_o account_v it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o shadow_n 1_o chron._n 29.15_o and_o to_o the_o grass_n and_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n for_o its_o weak_a and_o fade_a nature_n psalm_n 103.15_o 16._o verse_n as_o for_o man_n his_o day_n be_v as_o grass_n as_o a_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n so_o he_o flourish_v for_o the_o wind_n pass_v over_o it_o and_o it_o be_v go_v and_o the_o place_n thereof_o shall_v know_v it_o no_o more_o so_o job_n 14.1_o 2._o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n be_v of_o few_o day_n and_o full_a of_o trouble_n he_o come_v forth_o like_o a_o flower_n and_o be_v cut_v down_o he_o flee_v also_o as_o a_o shadow_n and_o continue_v not_o 2._o the_o shortness_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v represent_v by_o thing_n that_o be_v small_a in_o number_n and_o extension_n in_o their_o kind_n thus_o the_o day_n of_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o the_o day_n of_o a_o hireling_n 7.1_o job_n 7.1_o which_o be_v few_o and_o precarious_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o which_o the_o child_n of_o the_o family_n enjoy_v in_o their_o father_n house_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o observe_v 8.35_o john_n 8.35_o the_o servant_n abide_v not_o in_o the_o house_n for_o ever_o but_o the_o son_n abide_v for_o ever_o and_o so_o the_o psalmist_n measure_v the_o life_n of_o man_n by_o the_o breadth_n of_o his_o hand_n which_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o vast_a circumference_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o heaven_n behold_v say_v he_o thou_o have_v make_v my_o day_n as_o a_o handbreath_n 6._o psal_n 39_o 6._o thou_o have_v enclose_v my_o life_n in_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n and_o then_o he_o add_v as_o if_o he_o have_v speak_v too_o lavish_o of_o it_o and_o my_o age_n be_v as_o nothing_o before_o thou_o a_o mere_a cypher_n or_o nullity_n if_o compare_v to_o thy_o eternal_a duration_n whereupon_o he_o conclude_v very_o every_o man_n at_o his_o best_a estate_n be_v altogether_o vanity_n 3._o our_o life_n be_v also_o compare_v to_o thing_n of_o the_o speedy_a and_o swiste_v motion_n to_o remind_v we_o that_o it_o be_v hasten_v away_o apace_o and_o will_v be_v too_o nimble_a for_o we_o if_o we_o delay_v the_o proper_a work_n and_o business_n which_o god_n have_v assign_v we_o in_o this_o world_n my_o day_n say_v job_n be_v swister_n than_o a_o weaver_n shuttle_n 7._o job_n 7.6_o 7._o oh_o remember_v that_o my_o life_n be_v wind._n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n which_o denote_v the_o wonderful_a swiftness_n of_o 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