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 it_o and_o such_o be_v our_o life_n it_o be_v always_o upon_o the_o wing_n it_o make_v all_o possible_a haste_n to_o be_v go_v it_o keep_v pace_n with_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n it_o be_v a_o wind_n say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o pass_v away_o 78.29_o psal_n 78.29_o and_o come_v not_o again_o our_o time_n be_v ever_o in_o motion_n and_o always_o keep_v the_o same_o speed_n what_o ever_o we_o be_v do_v the_o while_n and_o since_o we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a time_n and_o that_o little_a however_o spend_v be_v always_o lessen_v and_o draw_v to_o a_o period_n it_o can_v be_v long_o ere_o the_o whole_a stock_n be_v exhaust_v though_o we_o shall_v husband_n it_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o live_v out_o which_o perhaps_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o do_v to_o the_o utmost_a stretch_n and_o possibility_n of_o live_v 4._o the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o allusion_n to_o thing_n which_o be_v movable_a at_o pleasure_n imply_v that_o as_o short_a as_o the_o ordinary_a term_n of_o life_n be_v it_o be_v always_o subject_a to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o often_o lessen_v by_o he_o in_o who_o hand_n our_o time_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n our_o life_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o shepherd_n tent_n and_o our_o body_n to_o tabernacle_n i._n e._n extempore_o house_n or_o receptacle_n that_o be_v present_o set_v up_o and_o take_v down_o or_o remove_v at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o owner_n and_o in_o this_o language_n hezechiah_n complain_v upon_o the_o sad_a tiding_n the_o prophet_n bring_v he_o of_o his_o approach_a death_n isa_n 38._o v._n 10_o 12._o i_o be_o deprive_v
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
and_o that_o there_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v such_o a_o family_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n when_o the_o church_n be_v empale_v in_o his_o little_a family_n and_o ten_o promise_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v and_o know_v that_o they_o be_v sincere_a have_v no_o reason_n to_o value_v the_o censure_n of_o men._n it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o seek_v to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o he_o know_v their_o integrity_n for_o god_n be_v infinite_o and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a he_o can_v judge_v otherwise_o of_o we_o and_o then_o we_o be_v safe_a our_o reward_n be_v sure_a and_o will_v be_v great_a in_o heaven_n we_o need_v not_o ask_v leave_n of_o man_n to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v or_o stand_v to_o their_o courtesy_n to_o bring_v we_o into_o favour_n with_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o it_o be_v enough_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n be_v ready_a to_o acquit_v we_o 4._o last_o the_o success_n of_o this_o trial_n shall_v inspire_v we_o with_o zeal_n and_o resolution_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n in_o all_o instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n too_o hard_o for_o a_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a faith_n there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v discharge_v before_o we_o and_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o our_o great_a example_n have_v do_v and_o consider_v how_o noble_o they_o have_v acquit_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o aspire_v to_o be_v as_o brave_a and_o resolute_a as_o they_o be_v and_o to_o break_v through_o the_o discouragement_n which_o can_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o run_v and_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n do_v they_o climb_v over_o the_o high_a difficulty_n and_o may_v not_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o couch_v under_o the_o ordinary_a hardship_n in_o religion_n do_v they_o depend_v upon_o god_n when_o nothing_o but_o miracle_n can_v relieve_v their_o hope_n in_o he_o and_o shall_v we_o distrust_v his_o goodness_n and_o protection_n while_o we_o actual_o enjoy_v they_o and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o continue_v so_o many_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o concernment_n for_o we_o do_v they_o leave_v their_o country_n at_o god_n command_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o too_o much_o but_o to_o leave_v the_o vice_n of_o we_o which_o have_v long_o threaten_v to_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o possession_n of_o it_o again_o do_v they_o stick_v at_o nothing_o to_o please_v god_n not_o so_o much_o as_o at_o the_o offer_n of_o a_o only_a son_n and_o shall_v we_o that_o have_v better_a promise_n than_o they_o have_v refuse_v he_o so_o reasonable_a a_o service_n as_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o holy_a flame_n of_o devotion_n and_o love_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o indisputable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v extreme_o acceptable_a to_o he_o it_o be_v ture_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o believe_v and_o so_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o obey_v and_o please_v he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o out_o of_o the_o sacred_a annal_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n present_v we_o with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o many_o eminent_a believer_n who_o become_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n by_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o but_o that_o we_o who_o have_v the_o same_o and_o in_o some_o respect_v much_o great_a advantage_n than_o they_o have_v shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o same_o greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o invincible_a resolution_n in_o god_n service_n to_o conclude_v we_o have_v a_o incomparable_a pattern_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o text_n abraham_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n lay_v himself_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o his_o son_n upon_o his_o altar_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o at_o god_n command_n sacrifice_n our_o darling_n lust_n that_o will_v destroy_v our_o soul_n since_o one_o of_o the_o two_o must_v die_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n much_o cheap_a and_o no_o less_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o abraham_n oblation_n be_v 8._o micah_n 6.7_o 8._o more_o grateful_a to_o he_o than_o thouthousand_n of_o ram_n or_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n than_o if_o thou_o give_v thy_o first-born_a for_o thy_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o soul_n offer_v this_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o thy_o faith_n without_o which_o thy_o very_a prayer_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n then_o shall_v thou_o have_v favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n through_o the_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o by_o walk_v before_o he_o as_o abraham_n do_v may_v assure_o hope_v after_o a_o short_a trial_n of_o thy_o faith_n and_o patience_n in_o this_o world_n to_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n ii_o on_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o misinformed_a 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 these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o a_o eminent_a convert_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n that_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o of_o great_a natural_a endowment_n and_o that_o make_v a_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a figure_n both_o in_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o former_a he_o be_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n a_o sect_n which_o perhaps_o till_o the_o day_n of_o ignatius_n loyola_n never_o have_v its_o equal_a in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o pharisee_n of_o any_o party_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o keen_a against_o the_o christian_n so_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v as_o errant_a a_o pharisee_fw-mi as_o hearty_a and_o as_o eager_a a_o persecutor_n as_o any_o of_o his_o order_n 10.11_o ver_fw-la 10.11_o he_o be_v the_o man_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n that_o shut_v up_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o their_o religion_n he_o give_v his_o voice_n against_o they_o other_o he_o punish_v often_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_n i.e._n to_o renounce_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n christian_a plin._n ep._n tra._n the_o christian_a and_o to_o curse_v he_o use_v the_o same_o cruelty_n towards_o they_o which_o the_o heathen_a governor_n afterward_o do_v and_o those_o that_o refuse_v this_o horrid_a treachery_n to_o their_o lord_n he_o persecute_v into_o strange_a that_o be_v heathen_a city_n these_o thing_n be_v contracy_n in_o deed_n and_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v always_o so_o esteem_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o st._n paul_n confession_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v strange_a than_o all_o this_o and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n that_o make_v he_o thus_o severe_a to_o the_o christian_n and_o his_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o raise_v the_o persecution_n against_o they_o it_o be_v it_o seem_v the_o prevail_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n a_o case_n he_o have_v determine_v within_o himself_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o run_v down_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n so_o he_o tell_v the_o king_n and_o court_n in_o these_o word_n 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 a_o hearty_a champion_n you_o see_v he_o have_v be_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o how_o come_v he_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o opinion_n and_o to_o espouse_v a_o principle_n that_o the_o worst_a religion_n may_v well_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o true_a account_n of_o it_o be_v st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o right-bred_n pharisee_fw-mi 23.6_o act_n 23.6_o have_v suck_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o superstitious_a
consider_v these_o easy_a and_o obvious_a thing_n and_o they_o will_v assure_o find_v but_o small_a reason_n to_o build_v their_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n upon_o any_o struggle_n or_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n at_o their_o death_n which_o few_o bad_a man_n that_o have_v any_o tolerable_a sense_n of_o another_o world_n be_v and_o even_o judas_n himself_o be_v not_o exempt_v from_o four_o prop._n the_o four_o and_o last_o proposition_n be_v be_v we_o sure_a that_o the_o hire_v of_o labourer_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n do_v signify_v the_o late_a call_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o reach_v the_o case_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n there_o be_v a_o manifest_a disparity_n between_o they_o in_o several_a respect_n for_o 1._o they_o that_o be_v call_v so_o late_o as_o the_o eleven_o hour_n be_v guilty_a of_o no_o delay_n but_o embrace_v the_o first_o opportunity_n they_o have_v of_o labour_v in_o the_o vineyard_n the_o reason_n they_o give_v why_o they_o stand_v so_o long_o idle_a in_o the_o market_n viz._n because_o no_o man_n have_v hire_v they_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v employ_v 7._o v._o 7._o and_o that_o they_o cheerful_o close_v with_o the_o first_o invitation_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o and_o so_o do_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v that_o they_o be_v not_o early_o at_o work_n for_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n or_o the_o apostle_n the_o first_o labourer_n in_o the_o christian_a do_v they_o come_v as_o soon_o as_o their_o lord_n call_v they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o vineyard_n till_o the_o middle_a age_n of_o their_o life_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o if_o a_o poor_a indian_a that_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n till_o he_o enter_v upon_o the_o last_o stage_n of_o his_o life_n shall_v then_o become_v a_o serious_a and_o faithful_a christian_a but_o that_o his_o reward_n will_v be_v great_a in_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o be_v devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o their_o infancy_n who_o have_v live_v many_o year_n under_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o sacred_a word_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n who_o have_v resist_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n and_o the_o admonition_n of_o parent_n and_o friend_n never_o harken_v unto_o any_o till_o the_o rough_a messenger_n of_o death_n come_v and_o tell_v they_o roundly_o in_o their_o ear_n that_o now_o they_o must_v die_v and_o away_o to_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o be_v then_o sorry_a that_o they_o spend_v their_o time_n so_o ill_o while_o hell_n and_o destruction_n look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n but_o they_o can_v but_o say_v they_o have_v fair_a and_o frequent_a warning_n to_o have_v use_v it_o better_o 2._o they_o who_o come_v so_o late_o into_o the_o vineyard_n have_v yet_o one_o hour_n of_o trial_n and_o this_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o day_n which_o god_n allow_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n in_o be_v the_o twelve_o part_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v but_o a_o short_a time_n consider_v what_o engagement_n we_o be_v under_o of_o serve_v our_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n but_o still_o it_o be_v much_o long_o than_o a_o sinner_n who_o defer_v his_o repentance_n to_o his_o death_n allow_v himself_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o religion_n to_o break_v the_o habit_n of_o vice_n to_o exercise_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o to_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o posture_n for_o eternity_n he_o vow_v perhaps_o and_o declare_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o a_o dying-man_n what_o great_a thing_n he_o will_v do_v but_o alas_o his_o breath_n go_v away_o with_o his_o vow_n and_o give_v he_o not_o a_o minute_n to_o prove_v his_o sincerity_n in_o 3._o the_o last_o comer_n into_o the_o vineyard_n wrought_v a_o hour_n and_o therein_o perform_v the_o whole_a duty_n they_o contract_v for_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o man_n that_o work_v not_o at_o all_o for_o sure_o to_o ask_v pardon_n for_o what_o they_o have_v not_o do_v to_o be_v sorry_a for_o what_o they_o have_v or_o to_o resolve_v to_o do_v better_a if_o they_o have_v opportunity_n will_v not_o bring_v they_o within_o the_o notion_n of_o labourer_n and_o then_o it_o can_v entitle_v they_o to_o the_o reward_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o die_v penitent_n their_o whole_a work_n lie_v upon_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o their_o sorrow_n and_o resolution_n to_o work_v if_o it_o be_v not_o too_o late_a which_o therefore_o be_v not_o work_v and_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o master_n of_o the_o vineyard_n who_o be_v all_o the_o day_n hire_v labourer_n into_o it_o be_v very_o indifferent_a what_o they_o do_v there_o and_o will_v sure_o have_v be_v as_o bountiful_a if_o there_o have_v be_v occasion_n to_o those_o that_o do_v he_o no_o service_n as_o to_o they_o that_o do_v the_o most_o provide_v they_o be_v but_o sorry_a they_o have_v not_o serve_v he_o at_o all_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o work_v just_a when_o night_n come_v and_o forbid_v they_o and_o thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v 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 which_o be_v the_o first_o general_n propound_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o second_o be_v 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 that_o the_o gospel_n give_v no_o such_o encouragement_n to_o man_n that_o trifle_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v as_o sure_o as_o we_o can_v be_v that_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o contradict_v itself_o and_o that_o not_o in_o trivial_a instance_n but_o in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o design_n of_o its_o be_v reveal_v to_o man_n and_o the_o condition_n it_o require_v of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n for_o 1._o do_v the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o die_v vow_n and_o sorrow_n instead_o of_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n it_o will_v show_v we_o a_o notable_a way_n to_o evade_v and_o overthrow_v its_o own_o great_a and_o admirable_a design_n the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o it_o appear_v unto_o man_n which_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o lead_v holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n while_o we_o be_v resident_a here_o and_o capable_a of_o do_v service_n to_o god_n and_o men._n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o of_o our_o baptism_n by_o which_o we_o be_v amit_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o therefore_o say_v st._n paul_n we_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n 6.4_o rom._n 6.4_o even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n i._n e._n from_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o christianity_n till_o we_o have_v finish_v our_o course_n and_o be_v get_v beyond_o the_o danger_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o sinful_a world_n but_o where_o be_v this_o new_a life_n when_o we_o be_v just_o a_o die_v do_v we_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o our_o baptism_n though_o we_o never_o set_v a_o step_n in_o our_o christian_a race_n till_o our_o life_n be_v run_v out_o or_o do_v the_o gospel_n whatever_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o do_v dispense_v with_o we_o for_o not_o do_v it_o this_o perhaps_o in_o some_o man_n opinion_n will_v advance_v the_o grace_n but_o sure_o no_o man_n will_v say_v it_o commend_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o design_n of_o make_v we_o holy_a be_v lose_v shall_v the_o gospel_n once_o declare_v that_o we_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o not_o be_v holy_a or_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o secure_v we_o of_o heaven_n to_o be_v true_o sorry_a at_o the_o last_o that_o we_o have_v live_v wicked_o all_o our_o day_n and_o be_v this_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v see_v what_o answer_n
and_o our_o heart_n warm_v with_o fervent_a and_o divine_a affection_n to_o converse_v entire_o with_o he_o who_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n to_o have_v free_a access_n to_o his_o infinite_a treasure_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n a_o freedom_n to_o ask_v all_o that_o we_o want_v and_o a_o promise_n to_o receive_v all_o that_o we_o ask_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o solemn_a praise_n of_o god_n the_o great_a employment_n of_o heaven_n and_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a delight_n of_o eternity_n to_o hear_v his_o sacred_a oracle_n expound_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n unfold_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o explain_v the_o motive_n to_o it_o inforce_v the_o sin_n against_o it_o detect_v and_o remove_v and_o the_o concernment_n of_o all_o digest_v into_o plain_a lesson_n and_o rule_n of_o practice_n how_o just_o may_v we_o expect_v the_o sweet_a illapse_n and_o cherish_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n when_o we_o meet_v together_o for_o these_o bless_a end_n and_o be_v engage_v in_o these_o holy_a exercise_n especial_o when_o to_o these_o we_o add_v the_o frequent_a receive_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o institution_n peculiar_o adapt_v to_o coufirmation_n and_o improvement_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n in_o this_o solemnity_n we_o have_v the_o tender_a and_o most_o engage_v representation_n of_o infinite_a obligation_n which_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o mortify_v our_o sin_n which_o crucify_a he_o to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a life_n and_o to_o become_v his_o peculiar_a people_n be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n beside_o this_o sacrament_n be_v a_o federal_n rite_n in_o which_o we_o solemn_o renew_v our_o former_a vow_n and_o oblige_v ourselves_o by_o the_o sacred_a pledge_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n to_o remember_v what_o he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o as_o well_o as_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o entire_o to_o his_o service_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o covenant_n we_o enter_v into_o when_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o his_o name_n and_o what_o can_v be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o bind_v we_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n than_o such_o a_o solemn_a vow_n and_o profession_n as_o this_o if_o the_o holy_a band_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v not_o hold_v we_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o nothing_o will_v ever_o do_v it_o now_o if_o we_o frequent_o engage_v in_o these_o duty_n and_o exercise_v the_o grace_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o this_o in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v turn_v to_o a_o mighty_a account_n every_o good_a act_n will_v strengthen_v the_o habit_n and_o invigorate_v the_o principle_n it_o flow_v from_o and_o we_o shall_v certain_o experience_n the_o truth_n of_o that_o promise_n psal_n 92.13_o 14._o those_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v flourish_n in_o the_o court_n of_o our_o god_n they_o shall_v still_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o old_a age_n they_o shall_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a 3._o private_a devotion_n be_v another_o help_n to_o the_o growth_n of_o grace_n and_o piety_n our_o heart_n be_v of_o that_o temper_n in_o the_o best_a frame_n that_o ever_o they_o be_v in_o so_o sudden_o cool_v and_o so_o apt_a to_o return_v to_o their_o natural_a hardness_n that_o we_o can_v never_o thrive_v long_o in_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n without_o the_o constant_a influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o since_o these_o depend_v upon_o our_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o the_o interval_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v general_o much_o long_a than_o those_o between_o our_o temptation_n it_o concern_v we_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o recruit_v ourselves_o by_o our_o private_a and_o serious_a application_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o wear_v encourage_v by_o very_o gracious_a and_o engage_v promise_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o observe_v certain_a and_o state_v time_n of_o retire_v to_o our_o closet_n and_o pray_v to_o our_o father_n in_o secret_n and_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o any_o interruption_n to_o make_v they_o up_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v either_o by_o fall_v into_o some_o pious_a discourse_n or_o by_o short_a petition_n and_o praise_n which_o the_o busy_a hour_n of_o our_o life_n can_v hardly_o unless_o we_o will_v deprive_v we_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o course_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v enumerate_v the_o breathe_v out_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o holy_a fervour_n and_o supplication_n when_o there_o be_v no_o eye_n or_o ear_n but_o he_o to_o regard_v we_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a token_n of_o our_o sincerity_n towards_o he_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n we_o can_v have_v that_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v hear_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o want_v grace_n to_o help_v we_o in_o time_n of_o need_n beside_o it_o raise_v our_o mind_n into_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n it_o keep_v up_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o dispose_v we_o to_o do_v he_o more_o cheerful_a and_o faithful_a service_n it_o enlarge_v our_o capacity_n and_o widen_v our_o soul_n and_o fit_v we_o for_o full_a communication_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o goodness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o cherish_v all_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o we_o 4._o to_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n eye_n be_v continual_o upon_o we_o the_o reverence_n every_o good_a man_n have_v for_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a god_n when_o it_o be_v awaken_v with_o a_o actual_a apprehension_n of_o his_o inspection_n over_o he_o must_v have_v a_o mighty_a power_n over_o his_o spirit_n and_o effectual_o excite_v he_o to_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o manner_n he_o know_v to_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o he_o we_o see_v the_o force_n of_o this_o incentive_a in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o influence_n which_o a_o father_n eye_n or_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a man_n have_v upon_o the_o virtue_n and_o behaviour_n of_o his_o child_n or_o inferior_n the_o sight_n of_o such_o a_o witness_n of_o their_o action_n command_v their_o reverence_n and_o inflame_v their_o ambition_n to_o demean_v themselves_o suitable_o to_o the_o regard_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o presence_n they_o be_v in_o much_o more_o be_v our_o mind_n possess_v with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n all-discovering_a eye_n that_o he_o be_v wheresoever_o we_o be_v and_o observe_v whatsoever_o we_o do_v shall_v we_o find_v ourselves_o move_v to_o do_v the_o best_a that_o we_o can_v to_o please_v he_o and_o this_o desire_n will_v quicken_v our_o endeavour_n and_o our_o endeavour_n will_v improve_v our_o grace_n the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v much_o great_a than_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o therefore_o the_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o a_o invisible_a object_n and_o especial_o of_o he_o in_o who_o we_o be_v infinite_o more_o concern_v than_o in_o all_o heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o powerful_a than_o the_o clear_a sensible_a perception_n and_o this_o be_v apparent_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o rule_n of_o perfection_n which_o god_n give_v to_o abraham_n gen._n 17.1_o walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a 5._o due_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o especial_o of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v like_a to_o determine_v the_o main_a course_n of_o our_o life_n before_o we_o actual_o engage_v in_o they_o the_o want_n of_o this_o care_n have_v occasion_v many_o serious_a and_o hopeful_a person_n to_o run_v themselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o temptation_n which_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o future_a caution_n have_v prove_v a_o mighty_a clog_n and_o hindrance_n to_o their_o progress_n in_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n perhaps_o ever_o after_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o timely_a inspection_n into_o any_o state_n of_o life_n which_o fall_v under_o our_o choice_n may_v prevent_v a_o thousand_o snare_n into_o which_o we_o often_o betray_v ourselves_o by_o our_o rashness_n and_o folly_n we_o see_v many_o cast_n away_o at_o their_o first_o launch_v out_o into_o the_o world_n mere_o by_o carry_v more_o sail_n than_o ballast_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o visible_a than_o that_o right_a judgement_n at_o the_o first_o in_o choose_v our_o calling_n and_o contract_v our_o friendship_n and_o alliance_n conduce_v very_o much_o to_o secure_v our_o virtue_n and_o make_v our_o proficiency_n in_o it_o by_o many_o degree_n more_o easy_a and_o considerable_a 6._o it_o will_v likewise_o contribute_v to_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n to_o take_v a_o frequent_a view_n of_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o observe_v and_o bewail_v our_o defect_n and_o fail_n we_o shall_v be_v strong_o